The Futures_Past project, initiated by the French Institute of South Africa in partnership with Electric South, empowers archival and cultural institutions in Southern Africa to reimagine heritage using immersive technologies. Through VR, AR, and interactive storytelling, six selected institutions will collaborate with digital artists to bring archival collections to life and deepen public engagement with memory and history.
Category: Innovation
Innovation, technology, startups, and digital transformation shaping Africa’s business future.
Unleashing Possibilities: How Meta AI Empowers Everyday Life in Nigeria
In Nigeria, “I dey make am” is more than a catchphrase — it encapsulates the spirit of resilience and creativity that drives everyday people to overcome obstacles and chase their dreams. Meta’s new campaign, Make Am with Meta AI, highlights how Nigerians are leveraging Meta AI to unlock new possibilities in their daily lives. From students using AI to conduct research, to entrepreneurs generating marketing ideas, to creators transforming their visions into reality, Meta AI has become an indispensable tool. Available for free on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger, Meta AI empowers users to learn, create, and innovate, driving progress in both individual lives and communities.
Digital Cooperation Organization Launches AI Ethics Evaluator Tool to Promote Ethical AI Worldwide
The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) has launched the DCO AI Ethics Evaluator, a policy tool designed to help governments, organizations, and developers assess and mitigate ethical and human rights risks in AI systems. Introduced at the AI for Good Summit 2025 and WSIS+20 in Geneva, the tool operationalizes the DCO’s Principles for Ethical AI through a structured self-assessment, offering tailored recommendations for ethical AI implementation.
Driving Economic Transformation: The Role of ICT in Empowering Emerging Markets
The article explores the transformative role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in driving economic growth in emerging markets, with a particular focus on the AfTIAS 2.0 program in Algeria. Through targeted initiatives, AfTIAS 2.0 supports startups and SMEs by improving competitiveness, providing training, and enabling global participation. The program emphasizes the role of digital transformation in fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and empowering women and youth in the ICT sector. Despite challenges, AfTIAS 2.0 is helping Algeria and other Arab states leverage ICT to fuel sustainable economic development.
Trapped by tech? Avoid the CRM that costs more than money
Many South African companies find themselves trapped in a digital quicksand due to poorly executed CRM implementations that lead to costly, underperforming systems. Eldon Bothma and Hayley Blane from Braintree discuss the risks of choosing complex, feature-heavy CRM solutions without aligning them with business needs, leading to frustration and lost growth opportunities. Instead of focusing solely on technology, businesses should consider a strategic approach that prioritizes long-term scalability, clear objectives, and a phased implementation. By doing so, companies can unlock the true value of CRM systems, drive growth, and better position themselves for future advancements like AI and automation.
Weaponising the threat: The changing face of cybercrime
The landscape of cybercrime is evolving, with companies and high-profile individuals increasingly weaponizing cyber-attacks to disrupt competitors, spread misinformation, and tarnish reputations. In this article, Richard Frost from Armata Cyber Security delves into how cybercrime tactics have shifted from mere data theft to sophisticated strategies aimed at discrediting or misdirecting rivals. These malicious activities, which include false accusations and corporate espionage, introduce complex new challenges for businesses trying to protect their reputation and data. Frost emphasizes the importance of strategic defense mechanisms, strong security support, and heightened awareness to combat these growing threats.
The digital dial tone of 2025: Less a beep, more a click
Business communication has evolved dramatically from wires and hardware to cloud-based, digital-first collaboration tools. Doug Morrison, VP of Modern Workplace at Braintree, explains how solutions like Microsoft Teams and Operator Connect are driving this transformation. In 2025, companies are replacing traditional telephony systems with cloud-powered platforms that integrate voice, video, chat, and AI tools—improving productivity, reducing costs, and enabling remote work. The future of communication lies in mobility, security, and intelligent technologies that enhance customer service, automate workflows, and deliver actionable insights.
Five ways AI is creating everyday risks for African businesses
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the cyber risk landscape for African businesses. Emmanuel Tzingakis, Technical Lead at Trend Micro, highlights five key AI-driven threats: hyper-personalised phishing, deepfakes, data governance gaps, malicious code in open-source repositories, and AI hallucinations. These risks demand urgent attention as attackers increasingly exploit AI tools for fraud, social engineering, and data breaches. The article explores how businesses can strengthen cybersecurity through better visibility, improved data governance, and proactive AI monitoring to stay ahead in this evolving digital battlefield.
Africa accelerates its digital transition: 17.5% growth expected in the data centre sector
Africa’s data centre sector is set to grow by 17.5% in 2025, driven by accelerating digital demand and strategic investments, according to the latest ADCA INSIDER SURVEY presented at the Data Centres in Africa conference. With 93.6% of industry leaders expecting continued growth, the sector is increasingly seen as foundational to the continent’s digital sovereignty, economic development, and regional integration. However, challenges such as energy access, financing, and talent development persist. ESG priorities are shifting toward energy efficiency, and digital sovereignty is gaining traction as a continental goal.
Africa Blockchain Report 2025: Blockchain’s Multifaceted Role in Economic Development
In Africa Blockchain Report 2025, Rob Downes of Absa CIB explores the diverse and transformative role of blockchain technology across Africa’s economic sectors. From powering cross-border trade and supply chains to enabling financial inclusion and sustainable agriculture, blockchain is being integrated with AI and embedded finance to reshape infrastructure, transparency, and trust. As Africa prepares for its first G20 summit, the report underscores blockchain’s relevance in inclusive digital development and its potential to revolutionize financial systems, regulation, and economic growth across the continent.