Tag Archives: Technology

Why Africa’s Students Need Their Phones: A Personal Take on the Smartphone Debate

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By Paul Ndiho| Ndihoi Media

When Australia’s government announced plans to ban smartphones for kids under 16, I couldn’t help but think about how different our reality is here in Africa. The news sparked heated debates across our continent about whether smartphones belong in our classrooms. Trust me, this isn’t just another policy discussion – it’s about the future of an entire generation.

I found myself speaking with journalist Sheila Ndikumana on SABC’s “African Diaries” radio show.  I was miles away, but the studio felt charged with energy as we tackled the question that’s dividing parents, teachers, and policymakers: Should we ban smartphones in schools?

Here’s what I told Sheila and her global audience: Africa can’t afford to fall behind while the world moves forward. While critics worry about distractions and mental health – valid concerns, I admit – they’re missing a crucial point. For millions of African students, smartphones are more than just luxury gadgets or toys. They’re the only computers these kids will ever own.

Think about it. A teenager in rural Uganda or Ghana holding a smartphone has the same access to information as a student in New York or Tokyo. That’s not an exaggeration – it’s the reality that could transform our continent. Access to technology and smartphones has become an opportunity for employers.

The Digital Bridge

Let me paint you a picture. Across Africa, I’ve met young innovators who taught themselves coding on secondhand Android phones. In Lagos, I watched a 19-year-old create a mobile app that helps local farmers check market prices.  In Nairobi, a group of students built a platform connecting tutors with struggling classmates. In Uganda, the SchoolPay platform has changed the way parents and students pay for their tuition. These aren’t isolated success stories – they’re glimpses of what’s possible when we embrace technology instead of fearing it.

The numbers back this up. Recent data shows that 65% of online learners in Sub-Saharan Africa access their courses through smartphones and tablets – the highest percentage globally. In Nigeria alone, 76% of learners use mobile devices for education. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about necessity.

Critics often point to studies from countries like Norway and Finland showing improved academic performance after banning phones. But here’s what they’re missing: those countries already have computers in every classroom, reliable internet, and well-trained teachers. Their students aren’t relying on phones as their primary source of knowledge.

Africa’s Tech Leap

We’ve seen this story before. Africa skipped landlines and went straight to mobile phones. We pioneered mobile money while other continents were still writing checks. Now, we’re poised to leapfrog traditional education models, too.

The smartphone represents our chance to democratize learning. It can be a library for villages without books, a science lab for schools without equipment, and a creative studio for budding artists who can’t afford expensive software.

Of course, we need to address the real concerns. Cyberbullying, distraction, and mental health issues aren’t trivial. But banning phones? That’s like banning books because some people read inappropriate content. The solution isn’t prohibition – it’s education.

Teaching Digital Wisdom

What we need is digital discipline. Schools should establish clear guidelines for responsible phone use instead of imposing outright bans. Parents and teachers must work together to set boundaries. Most importantly, we need to teach digital ethics, media literacy, and online safety as core parts of our curriculum.

I shared a story with Sheila that still resonates with me. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, once told students that if he had kids, he’d prioritize teaching them to code over multiple languages. That stuck with me. When I got home, I introduced my two daughters to technology early – not for endless scrolling, but for creation and learning. Today, they navigate digital tools confidently and even write simple code. They’re growing up in a world where tech fluency is as essential as reading or math.

The Stakes Are High

Here’s the truth: Africa cannot afford to lock away the tools that could shape our future. Smartphones connect young Africans to global conversations, provide access to online education, and equip them with skills for tomorrow’s job market. Removing them from schools would widen the digital divide, not close it.

As I told the SABC audience, our goal shouldn’t be controlling technology but empowering students to use it wisely. If we deny them access now, we risk raising a generation that’s digitally illiterate in a world run by code and connectivity.

Africa’s young people deserve the same opportunities to innovate, compete, and contribute globally. The future is already digital – and it’s already in their hands. The question isn’t whether we should take it away, but how we can help them use it to build the Africa we all want to see.

The future isn’t something that happens to us – it’s something we create. And right now, that future is sitting in our students’ pockets, waiting to be unlocked.

Nigerian School Shines at Global Robotics Championship

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By Paul Ndiho – Ndiho Media AI & Robotics Series

In a world where technology is redefining education, one Nigerian school is making waves. Glisten International Academy, based in Abuja, has established itself as a model for integrating STEM and robotics into everyday learning. Earlier this year, the school proudly represented Nigeria at the VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas — the world’s largest robotics competition, featuring over 24,000 students from more than 60 countries.

For Abba Saidu, the Executive Director of Glisten International Academy, this journey has been about much more than building robots. “We’ve been running the school for 17 years, and technology has always been at the heart of what we do,” Saidu told Ndiho Media. “From the start, we wanted our students to have the skills and mindset for the future — to think, create, and solve problems.”

Saidu, who describes himself as a mentor and basketball enthusiast, says his motivation stems from a deep desire to see young Nigerians thrive in the technology sector. “When I see a four or five-year-old light up while building something, it melts my heart,” he said. “We’re not just teaching; we’re nurturing problem solvers.”

At the Dallas competition, Glisten’s students competed in multiple categories, representing Nigeria with three teams — from elementary to high school. “It was a life-changing experience,” Saidu recalled. “Imagine the Olympics, but for robots — countries from around the world, cheering, collaborating, and learning from one another. It showed our students that innovation has no borders.”

Saidu believes that robotics education is the key to unlocking Africa’s technological future. “We focus on robotics because we’ve seen its power,” he explained. “It teaches teamwork, coding, and creativity. These students are building robots today, but they’re really building confidence for tomorrow.”

Looking ahead, Saidu says the academy is investing heavily in makerspaces — hands-on innovation labs that let students design, test, and build. “We’ve changed the way students think,” he said. “From coding to AI to drones, they’re exploring technologies that will shape Nigeria’s future.”

For Glisten International Academy, it’s not just about winning medals — it’s about inspiring a generation. As Saidu put it, “Even if we take baby steps, every small effort helps close the gap between Africa and the rest of the world.”

A Young African Angel Investor on a Mission to Fund African Startups

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By Paul Ndiho|Ndiho Media

Imagine spotting the next great African entrepreneur before the world takes notice. That’s precisely what 27-year-old Moroccan investor Aya Zaghnin is doing — channeling her capital, time, and passion into early-stage startups that are tackling some of Africa’s toughest challenges. In an exclusive conversation with Ndiho Media, she reflected on her path from founder to investor, and why she believes Africa’s future rests on the shoulders of its boldest innovators.
Zaghnin’s journey into investing began with her own entrepreneurial leap. At just 18, she launched her first startup. It didn’t last, but instead of discouraging her, the experience lit a new fire. “The startup is no more because of some issues that I had with early-stage investors,” she explained. “But that encouraged me more to be on the investor side.” Determined to learn the ropes, she worked at a venture capital fund that focused on the Middle East and Africa before branching out independently. Today, she manages a personal portfolio of six companies, each carefully chosen not only for their financial benefits, but also for their ability to drive meaningful impact.


What often surprises people is how a woman in her twenties can finance investments that typically range from $10,000 to $50,000. For Aya, the answer is relentless determination. “Investment for me is a goal. It’s a financial goal. So, what I do is get a job whenever I want to invest. I work plus hours and I work on the weekends in order to finance my investments.” Her sweet spot is between $20,000 and $30,000, but she insists that money alone doesn’t drive her choices. She looks for real entrepreneurs with a genuine commitment to solving real problems at the bottom of the pyramid, focusing on sectors she knows best: fintech, agri-tech, health tech, and supply chain.
One of her proudest investments is in Village Farms, a Nigerian agri-tech startup. After advising its founders for a year, she invested and helped them secure an additional $500,000 in funding. The impact has been tangible. Beyond growing its business, the company has also supported healthcare and education initiatives for smallholder farmers, demonstrating that the right investment can have a far-reaching impact that extends far beyond financial returns.
For Zaghnin, angel investing is also about collaboration. She strongly believes in the power of African youth to pool their resources and make a greater impact together, especially as millennials and Gen Z increasingly seek ways to shape the continent’s future. “It takes a lot of commitment. It takes a lot of hard work, and it also requires a lot of patience, as you will be immersed in their problems. Whenever they’re happy, you’re happy. Whenever they’re really sad, a lot of problems would be your problems as well.”
Her long-term vision is as ambitious as it is inspiring: to visit all 54 countries in Africa and invest in at least one startup in each of them. “I truly believe in the potential of all the 54 countries,” she said with conviction. It’s this belief — that Africa’s future lies in its innovators — that drives her every move.
At just 27, Aya Zaghnin isn’t simply writing checks. She’s building a legacy of trust, mentorship, and belief in African talent, one startup at a time.

“Hello and welcome to Different Perspectives, where we explore bold ideas and the individuals behind them. I’m Paul Ndiho. In a world filled with constant headlines and quick takes, it’s easy to believe we have the complete picture. But what if we’re only seeing one side of the story?

Today, we are highlighting Aya Zaghnin, a 27-year-old Moroccan angel investor who is investing in Africa’s future by supporting startups before they attract global attention. From launching her own company at 18 to investing her time and money in emerging founders across the continent, Aya is part of a new generation transforming how innovation is funded in Africa. Her journey exemplifies grit, resilience, and vision—proof that you don’t have to wait until you’re wealthy or established to make a difference.”

Should AI Be Regulated in Africa?

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By Ndiho Media

The rise of artificial intelligence is sparking debates worldwide, and Africa is no exception. Governments, businesses, and citizens are asking whether AI should be regulated—and if so, how it should be regulated. For Gbenga Sesan, executive director of Paradigm Initiative in Lagos, the answer is clear: regulation is necessary, but it must not come from fear or ignorance.
“Regulation has always been a tool to create standards so that society can benefit from any new thing,” Sesan told Ndiho Media. “But you can never regulate something before it starts. If you regulate something before it starts, then you kill it.”
Across the continent, many governments have taken a reactionary approach to new technologies. Nigeria’s ban on cryptocurrency is one example. Citizens quickly found ways around it, and the government eventually introduced its own digital currency. Sesan argues that this approach shows a lack of understanding. “The people who are deploying emerging technologies are still learning. Regulators cannot just come in and ban something they don’t understand.”
Instead, he suggests a four-step process: first, ask what the technology is; second, ask how it benefits people and the economy; third, create standards that build trust instead of seeking control; and finally, provide ways for citizens to seek redress if harm occurs. “If something goes wrong, how do people seek redress? That’s how you build trust,” he said.


Governments often legislate out of fear, using regulations to silence opposition or control citizens. Sesan warns that this approach is dangerous. “Whatever standards you create now to punish others, when you lose elections, those tools will be turned against you. That’s the law of reciprocity.” He believes the solution is openness—public hearings, consultation with experts, and engaging stakeholders, including young people who are already driving innovation.
Africa’s youth are using technology to build startups, create jobs, and attract investment. “Young people are solving the unemployment problem of Africa by using new technology,” Sesan explained. “It’s high time governments listen to them and use regulation to support innovation instead of killing it.”
While fears about AI taking jobs are real, Sesan says history shows the benefits outweigh the losses. Typists lost their jobs when computers arrived, but new opportunities emerged for those who adapted to the latest technology. The same principle applies to AI. “It is true AI will end some jobs, but it will create new ones. The net gain is what matters. Governments must work with citizens to reskill and prepare for this future.”
From precision agriculture to telemedicine and digital classrooms, AI presents Africa with an opportunity to leapfrog into a new era. Sesan believes the continent must embrace this moment with wisdom. “This is a brilliant and bright future. We must learn, embrace, and adapt to change. Regulation should support innovation, not stifle it.”

CAN AI AND BIG DATA DRIVE GROWTH IN AFRICA

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By Ndiho Media

Artificial Intelligence and Big Data are no longer buzzwords reserved for Silicon Valley. They’re reshaping industries everywhere—from healthcare and finance to education and agriculture. For the continent of Africa, they represent more than just new technology; they are an opportunity to leapfrog development hurdles and carve out a competitive niche in the global economy. Few people understand this potential better than Dr. Momar Dieng, Dean of the School of Business at the African Leadership University in Kigali, Rwanda. A mathematician by training, with a PhD from the University of California at Davis, Dieng also spends summers lecturing at Harvard University on African politics, election statistics, and quantitative methods. His passion lies in helping Africa harness data and technology to address its most pressing challenges.

Speaking to Ndiho Media, Dieng explained how generative AI is already changing the world. “The emergence of generative AI tools like Bard, from Google, and ChatGPT from OpenAI, backed by companies like Microsoft, has changed the way we think about AI in many ways,” he said. “These tools, especially for young people, are essential to master, as they are going to revolutionize the world and the way we work.”

However, while these tools offer enormous promise, Dieng cautioned that Africa has considerable ground to make up, as most AI systems rely on vast amounts of data. Most of what’s available online originates from Western sources. That leaves African languages, cultures, and knowledge poorly represented. “One of the things where Africa will have to really invest more energy is to make sure that we have more content online,” he noted. “Most African languages are not well represented, which creates a natural bias. We need to document and catalog our indigenous knowledge so it can contribute to the global corpus of knowledge that’s going to find its way into these generative models.”

The challenge, in his view, is not only technical but cultural. Many African societies rely heavily on oral traditions, meaning that vital knowledge in areas such as medicine, agriculture, and history often goes unrecorded. For AI to work for Africa, that must change. Digitizing local languages, encouraging research and publishing, and investing in content creation across disciplines are all crucial steps.

At the same time, the rise of AI is expected to shake up the job market. Some professions may vanish, while others will be completely redefined. Dieng says we should not be worried but prepared. “AI will free people from repetitive tasks so they can focus on higher-level, creative work. The key is retraining and upskilling our workforce.” He pointed out that tasks like summarizing information or drafting basic reports—once standard training exercises in schools—are quickly being taken over by machines. The question for African educators is straightforward: what should young people be taught instead?

For Dieng, the answer lies in creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. “We are going into a world where being average is not going to cut it anymore,” he said. “AI models will be able to do everything average before. That’s why innovation and excellence must become the standard.” At the African Leadership University, he and his colleagues are developing programs to prepare students for careers in data science, programming, and AI—fields that will remain essential even as technology continues to evolve.

Policy and regulation, Dieng added, are just as important as education. He pointed to elections as one area where AI could be both transformative and dangerous. Chatbots, for example, can help political parties stay connected to voters at a fraction of the cost of traditional campaigning. But the same tools can also spread misinformation and create realistic deepfakes that threaten democracy. “AI tools are going to revolutionize how politics is done—not just in Africa, but everywhere,” he said. “But we must also guard against risks like disinformation and deepfakes, which could inflame conflicts in fragile societies. Regulation is not optional—it’s essential.”

That regulation, he argued, cannot be left to individual countries alone. Most African states are too small to influence global technology companies independently. “Individual countries are still small markets with limited bargaining power,” he said. “To influence global platforms and technology providers, Africa must speak with one voice through regional or continental frameworks.”

Despite the challenges, Dieng is profoundly optimistic. Africa has the world’s youngest population, a growing talent pool, and an opportunity to leapfrog into the future. “With this fourth industrial revolution, we have a chance to reset the clock,” he said. “Young Africans no longer need to leave the continent to access world-class knowledge. With focus, ambition, and investment in education, we can leapfrog and compete globally. The next 20 to 30 years will be critical—and I strongly believe this century can be Africa’s century.”

Shaping the Narrative: Africa’s Debate on AI and Democracy

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Halfway through 2025, it is another critical election year in Africa. At least ten countries, such as Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Malawi, and Tanzania, are scheduled to conduct presidential or general elections. Gabon held its elections in April. While the calendar is lighter than in 2024, when nineteen countries went to the polls, this year will test how new technologies, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), are reshaping African democracy.

Across the continent, AI is quietly making its way into election management and political campaigns. It is being used to register voters, verify identities, analyze data, and detect cyber threats. At the same time, political actors are experimenting with AI to push targeted messages, generate disinformation, and even create deepfakes. The result is a double-edged sword: AI could help elections become more efficient and credible—or undermine trust in already fragile systems.

How AI Is Being Used

There is no single record of how many African countries employ AI in elections, since most adoption happens quietly and varies in scope. But recent studies and reports, including work by Yiaga Africa and International IDEA, point to several notable cases:

  • Nigeria used Automated Fingerprint Identification in 2023 to prevent duplicate registrations and now applies AI to counter cyber threats and misinformation.
  • Ghana introduced facial recognition technology for voter verification in its 2024 elections.
  • Kenya utilized natural language processing under the Umati project in 2022 to monitor online hate speech, while its electoral commission launched WhatsApp chatbots for voter education.
  • South Africa relied on AI for voter verification in the 2024 elections, but campaigns also used it to spread disinformation and deepfakes.
  • Eswatini and Madagascar reported using AI tools for voter authentication and automated chatbots.
  • Senegal sparked controversy after deploying AI in its “parrainage” system to screen presidential aspirants’ endorsements.

Yiaga Africa’s 2024 survey of 22 electoral commissions shows that only a handful are actively experimenting with AI. Most remain cautious, citing high costs, weak regulation, and fears of bias or misuse.

Promise and Risk

AI’s role in elections generally falls into two areas. On one hand, it helps electoral management bodies with voter registration, biometric verification, and detecting fraud or irregularities. On the other hand, political campaigns utilize it to target voters with customized messages—sometimes crossing the line into misinformation or manipulation.

International IDEA notes that AI can make elections more inclusive and transparent, but warns it is not a cure-all. Through its AI for Electoral Actors program, IDEA is collaborating with election officials, civil society organizations, and the media in cities such as Dakar and Johannesburg to enhance literacy and capacity in the use of AI in politics.

Expert Perspectives

For Zeph Shamba, Chairman of the International Political Campaigns Expo, Africa cannot afford to ignore AI.

“Africa doesn’t want to be left out … it’s a wave that’s coming. We can’t avoid it. Gone are the days when a leader was limited in reaching out to voters—AI speeds up processes. But it also poses risks. That’s why we need open, informed debate.”

Cape Town-based campaign strategist Glen Mpani agrees that AI is transforming politics, but highlights the dangers of its misuse.

“Technology is now at the center of all political campaigns. With mobile penetration, citizens can be reached directly on their phones. That changes everything. But if these tools fall into the wrong hands, they spread disinformation. Every tool is both an opportunity and a threat.” Mpani argues that regulation must reflect African realities.”We can’t just copy rules from the West.

Challenges Ahead  

The integration of advanced technologies presents a range of challenges, despite its significant advantages. Throughout Africa, the implementation of these technologies remains quite limited. Several electoral bodies lack sufficient funding to support these systems. Furthermore, there are growing concerns among citizens regarding issues such as privacy breaches, surveillance, and biases in algorithms..Few countries have established regulatory frameworks for AI in elections, and the opacity of some tools raises additional concerns.

Civil society networks, such as Yiaga Africa, AfEONet, and ELOG, are pushing for broader conversations. Supported by the Luminate Group, they convened election officials and observers from 22 countries to weigh opportunities and risks. The consensus is that AI can improve elections, but without transparency and accountability, it may actually deepen mistrust.

Analysts say AI is not a silver bullet. It may help close gaps in voter verification or fraud detection, but it will not solve the structural and political challenges facing African elections. What matters most is how the technology is introduced—fairly, inclusively, and transparently.

Africa and the A.I Revolution: An Interview with Dr. Atif Mohammad

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By Ndiho Media

For more than ten years, I have traveled across Africa showcasing stories on innovation and entrepreneurship. Since 2013, I have interviewed over 300 startup founders and CEOs—from emerging founders of small innovation hubs to CEOs of Africa’s maiden unicorn, Jumia. I have, in the process, noticed how life at the grassroots has been revolutionized by digital technologies: digital payments in FinTech, digital platforms in EduTech, HealthTech interventions, and now rising generative AI.

It has provided me with a front-row seat to Africa’s tech revolution. Every interview has been distinct, and every CEO has had something to impart about resilience, creativity, or problem-solving that I had not known prior. Different Perspectives is a companion project in which I publish some of those memorable interviews. These interviews speak to me and, I hope, to audiences seeking insight into the future of tech.

One of those interviews was with Dr. Atif Farid Mohammad, Global Head of GenAI and Chief Data Officer at Global Technology Solutions Inc. Dr. Mohammad is among today’s leading spokespeople for artificial intelligence, and he described the subject in a manner both uncomplicated and powerful.

“When you talk about artificial intelligence, you are technically about machines that are making an effort to speak back with us,” he explained to me. “You and I are holding a two-way discussion. A machine, however, learns from information and provides us with a response in a language we could understand.”

He made a distinct line between AI and generative AI:

“If data are the passengers in a train, then generative AI is the engine. Big language models, like ChatGPT, take in data, create something new, and output it in a human-consumable format.”

Where others are concerned about the dangers of AI, Dr. Mohammad feels much of that is misplaced worry.

“The real worry is fear of missing out,” he added. “Ethical standards and regulations are called for, but the tech in itself holds tremendous potential, ranging from accelerated vaccine development to novel prospects in healthcare.”