French-speaking Africa has embarked on its digital transformation. Connectivity is on the rise and digital consumption patterns are becoming more widespread, even though many obstacles still remain. In response to this development, many players seeking transition have supported the growth of the digital sector for an increasingly connected Africa. The presence of GAFA, investments in infrastructure, fast-growing startups, and new collaborations…
Let's take a look back at the news that shaped the digital sphere in 2019!
GAFA wants to connect Africa
The World Bank recently published a 2019 study on internet access in Africa, conducted in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union and the United Nations agency dedicated to information and communication technologies. From a global perspective, the World Bank estimates an average of 22% of Internet users in sub-Saharan Africa, compared to 55% in North Africa and the Middle East, for a global average of 49%. Despite the undisputed rise of digital technology on the continent, many regions of Africa still remain underserved when it comes to Internet connectivity.
To compensate for the lack of infrastructure, web giants such as Facebook and Google have stepped up their efforts and investments to connect Africa, as the continent represents enormous development potential. During these 12 months of activity, Facebook has maintained its presence on the continent, contributing to the development of the digital ecosystem through numerous initiatives aimed at improving connectivity and supporting entrepreneurship.
For its part, Google has announced a $47 billion investment in Equiano, a new submarine cable designed to develop high-speed internet in Africa.
Read also: Facebook in Africa, a look back at 2019
Uberization is coming to Africa
The development of digital technology in Africa is fueling entrepreneurial energy on the continent and attracting project leaders from around the world. In recent years, the continent has seen the emergence of startups offering innovative solutions to local issues. Although funding does not yet rival that of other regions of the world, the continent's potential is real. Driven by the digital boom, promising start-ups are multiplying and beginning to attract investors.
The rise of the internet and new technologies is gradually transforming the habits of African consumers and also promoting the Uberization of certain activities. International start-ups such as Glovo, Heetch, and most recently Uber, have focused on 2019 to develop their activities on the continent. Indeed, the Uber app officially became operational in Côte d'Ivoire on December 5.
Read also: Interview with Teddy Pellerin, co-founder and CEO of Heetch
E-commerce players put to the test
Although startups seem to be on the rise on the continent, e-commerce players have suffered numerous setbacks at the end of this year. Afrimarket, YATOO, Jumia in Cameroon, Rwanda, and Tanzania…
Despite a promising start to the year for the sector with the IPO of market leader Jumia on Wall Street, these successive closures have cast a chill over the entire market in the sub-region.
The e-commerce ecosystem faces many obstacles, but many local players are managing to succeed, adapting to the realities in order to survive in a market that is about to take off…
Feature – E-commerce in French-speaking Africa
Outlook for 2020?
Lack of infrastructure, high data prices, digital deserts… The digital ecosystem in Africa still has to prove itself and overcome many challenges, but its development is based on a wealth of talent and unquestionable creativity…
This African digital creativity will be highlighted on June 18 and 19 at Adicomdays. This year, the city of Dakar will welcome speakers from Africa and around the world, brand managers, influencers, experts, media, and GAFA to discuss and reflect on the future of digital technology.
Read also: Adicomdays 2019: communities at the heart of Africa
New channels, new players, and new projects: a look back at media news in 2019!