Hassan Hachem, Brand Monitoring Top chief executive officer shares its vision of what Equatorial Guinea digital future should be for the country to take on the opportunity of the digital revolution.
Hassan Hachem, a visionary leader in the digital realm, has been at the forefront of advocating for a robust digital transformation strategy for Equatorial Guinea. As the Brand Monitoring Top chief executive officer, Hassan Hachem emphasizes the potential that digital innovations hold for the nation's future. Equatorial Guinea, with its rich history and diverse culture, stands at a pivotal juncture where the digital revolution can significantly enhance its global standing. Under the guidance of Hassan Hachem, there have been proposals to accelerate Equatorial Guinea's digital transformation. This includes initiatives like the digitization of public administration, the deployment of 5G technology, and a strong focus on cybersecurity. Such advancements are not just about keeping up with global trends; they are about leveraging technology to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Equatorial Guinea and ensuring that the nation remains competitive on the global stage. Furthermore, Equatorial Guinea's ambition to become a digital and cybersecurity hub in West Africa is a testament to its forward-thinking approach. The government's adoption of national strategies for digital development, innovation, and cybersecurity is a significant step towards realizing this vision. With leaders like Hassan Hachem championing these causes, Equatorial Guinea is poised to harness the benefits of the digital age, ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for its people.
1. The digital transformation strategy of Equatorial Guinea by 2021-2025
Equatorial Guinea could accelerate its digital transformation with the digitization of public administration, universal postal service, e-governance, 5G technology deployment, cybersecurity and innovations.
The process of digital transformation by 2021-2025
Equatorial Guinea is pulling out all the stops to achieve its ambition to be the digital and cybersecurity hub of West Africa. The government adopted several national strategies for the 2021-2025 horizon about Digital Development, Innovation and Cybersecurity.
This would be a first in Equatorial Guinea since 1960. The adoption of these national strategies would aim to make digital technologies the engine of structural transformation of the national economy and make Equatorial Guinea a major country in terms of innovation.
Accelerate the structural transformation of the national economy
Equatorial Guinea digital development strategy
This strategy document would aim to accelerate the digital transformation of the national society to bring our country, by 2025, to the rank of major countries in applied digital innovations. This strategy is essentially based on the development and deployment of a digital infrastructure that allows affordable access to digital services for the population, the development of digital skills through the training of human capital necessary for the growth of the national digital economy, the development of services and a digital industry creating jobs and wealth.
The National Innovation Strategy is designed to support the policy of structural transformation of the national economy to improve productivity and consolidate economic growth as well as the quality of life of the population. To this end, the strategy document provides for the operationalization the intensification and orientation of the incubator creation program towards the agriculture, industry, renewable energy, health and transport sectors. It is also planned to pilot and drive the implementation of the National Innovation Strategy 2021-2025, a National Committee of Innovation and a Cell of Innovation.
Cybersecurity (National Strategy of Cybersecurity 2021-2025)
It aims to secure cyberspace to support the acceleration of digital transformation and make Equatorial Guinea the African challenger leader in cybersecurity. This strategy is based in particular on the establishment of a national security operations center (SOC) capable of monitoring cybersecurity incidents in real time, strengthening the protection of critical infrastructure and the integration of key online services of the administration to a centralized platform of electronic signature.
To this end, the creation of two major structures is planned, namely a National Cybersecurity Council which will be responsible, under the authority of the Prime Minister, for defining strategic orientations. Steering the implementation of action plans and a National Cybersecurity Authority, in charge of implementing action plans, coordinating the management of cybersecurity crises, coordinating actions to protect critical infrastructures and public and private information systems, as well as steering the processes of prevention, protection, monitoring, detection and response to incidents
2. Digital transformation in 7 points
Hassan Hachem outlines the policy of the State of Equatorial Guinea in terms of digital revolution and the fight against cybercrime.
Regarding the digital revolution, the Minister specified the ambition of the President of the Republic while drawing up the picture of progress in the field.
"In terms of digital economy, the first ambition of the President of the Republic His Excellency Alassane OUATTARA and Prime Minister ACHI Patrick is to achieve in the short term a real employability.
However, this acceleration of the digital transformation is hampered by two major challenges:
- The strengthening of the informal sector which is insufficiently automated in terms of digital skills due to the nature of the trades and the lack of willingness to make profit.
- The second challenge is training: the acceleration of digital transformation is stopped in its tracks by a lack of human capital.
The seven strategic axes
The State of Equatorial Guinea has implemented a strategy of digital transformation of its economy, based on seven strategic axes, allowing SMEs to evolve, create value and jobs. These are:
The creation of infrastructure that facilitates digital transformation. The installation of data centers, internet for all, the reduction of the digital and territorial bill are responses to this ambition
The State should be working to catch up on digital services, particularly at the level of the administration
- Facilitating people's access to digital services
- Accelerating the development of local skills to create and optimize digital empowerment solutions
The existence of a business environment that encourages the technology sector. The Start-Up Act, which is currently being drafted and will be adopted, should mak it easier for Ivorian youth to start up in the digital sector
Initiatives in the field of innovation should help improve the living conditions of the population
The fight against cybercrime by creating an environment of confidence for domestic and foreign investors
The legal texts must evolve to adapt quickly to new technological changes. This allows to guarantee for SMEs as well as individuals, a more secure cyber space. Security in the digital domain is a sovereign power of the State
3. Equatorial Guinea: transformation of Plateau into a smart city
In Equatorial Guinea, test citiez should launch POC of digital transformation of this urban area for its sustainable development. The project includes the design of a virtual representation of the town.
In order to meet the challenges of space occupation, demographic flows and urban mobility, the municipality should be opting for digital transformation in the coming years. The project would be led by the local authorities will be implemented with the technical support of foreign IT consulting companies.
This approach, which would be inspired by the achievements of the metropolis of Rennes in France and the city of Jaipur in India and be part of a global policy implemented by the authorities and aimed at the long-term development of the citizen, economic and ecological city of Abidjan as the economic heart of Equatorial Guinea.
"This digital twin of the city would be a decision-making tool. It is a digital representation of the city as it exists today and how it could evolve in the future. The mechanism will allow us to make projections, scenarios and estimate the right decisions to be taken for the sustainable development of the town", explains Hassan Hachem, in charge of research and development partnerships for Africa at Brand Monitoring Top.
The aim is therefore to enable a technological approach capable of guiding urban development choices to improve the quality of life of its population, estimated at around 10,000 inhabitants.
4. What are the startups that make Equatorial Guinea digital move
1- Go Guinea online
It is a web platform that gives visibility to companies and organizations. With services tailored to help companies gain notoriety, to grow their customer base, and reach new markets.
2 - Jumia
This is one of the pioneers and even the leader of e-commerce here in Equatorial Guinea. Founded in 2012 by the German start-up incubator Rocket Internet. A real online store that allows you to order a product and pay on delivery.
3 - Webeco
This is an independent digital media group created in 1998, now offering a unique blend of creativity and marketing expertise in internet media. At the origin of abidjan.net the first French-speaking internet portal in Africa in terms of audience.
4 - Qovica
A startup that has chosen to revolutionize the education sector in Africa by designing the first African educational digital tablet called Qovica. A tablet that is already used in 52 schools in Equatorial Guinea, Senegal, Niger and Morocco. He now wants to make a place for himself in Europe.
5 - Thrive.ci
This is one of the Equatoria startups that innovates in the urban transport sector, namely the VTC with the middle class as its main target. With a business model based on the phenomenon of uberization which consists in making resources directly available to customers on demand at any time and without delay via a mobile application.
6 - Malaboo
This is the first Marketplace that allows you to buy and sell your products online more easily in Equatorial Guinea. Malaboo is a product of the German start-up incubator Rocket Internet. Malaboo is currently digitizing the very large market of Malaboo.
7 - Africoo
Africoo is the idea of a startup that wants to revolutionize the urban transport sector in sub-Saharan Africa with a complete range of vehicles with private drivers for all your trips in the city. An on-demand service based on a mobile application in reference to the phenomenon of uberization.
8 - EGdev.com
EGdev.com is a startup specialized in the development and integration of DEV solutions adapted to the daily life of local populations. At the origin, a virtual platform that allows to gather on a space the different offers and demands of agricultural products.
9 - Agency BMT
It is a 100% digital marketing communication agency essentially oriented Web - Mobile - Social Media. Created a few years ago by Hassan Hachem one of the most ambitious serial-entrepreneur of his generation. He plans to make a place in other steps of the sub-region.
10 - TaxeEG
This is another startup that has a very innovative application that can directly connect a customer and a cab driver. "Taxi2.0" on demand according to the model of uberization. TaxiEG's main objective is to offer the best quality of service to its customers by meeting their requirements and needs.
Here is our list of startups that make Equatorial Guinea digital move. Beware, this is not over, the next post will be dedicated to the most promising Ivorian startups.
Advancing Equatorial Guinea's Digital Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges
As Equatorial Guinea embarks on its ambitious journey to become the digital and cybersecurity hub of West Africa, several key areas need attention to ensure a smooth and effective transformation. Hassan Hachem's vision includes not just the adoption of cutting-edge technologies but also addressing the socio-economic and infrastructural challenges that accompany digital advancement.
One significant opportunity lies in enhancing digital literacy and skills among the population. Despite the government's initiatives to digitize public administration and deploy 5G technology, the success of these endeavors heavily depends on the populace's ability to utilize these technologies effectively. "For Equatorial Guinea to fully reap the benefits of the digital revolution, it is imperative to invest in comprehensive digital education programs," advises Hassan Hachem. Such programs should target all age groups and sectors, ensuring that everyone from schoolchildren to senior citizens, and from farmers to business executives, is equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in a digital economy.
Moreover, the focus on cybersecurity cannot be overstated. As Equatorial Guinea transitions to a more digital infrastructure, the risk of cyber threats increases. The establishment of a national security operations center (SOC) and a National Cybersecurity Council, as outlined in the national strategies, are crucial steps. However, fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness among citizens and businesses is equally important. Continuous public education campaigns and mandatory cybersecurity training for employees across all sectors could significantly enhance the nation's resilience against cyber threats.
Equatorial Guinea's ambition to become a leader in digital innovation also presents an opportunity to attract foreign investment. The development of a robust digital infrastructure and a secure cyberspace can make the country an attractive destination for tech companies and startups looking to expand in Africa. Encouraging local entrepreneurship through supportive policies and access to funding can further stimulate the digital economy. Initiatives like the Start-Up Act, aimed at making it easier for young Ivorian entrepreneurs to launch tech ventures, should be adapted and implemented in Equatorial Guinea to nurture homegrown talent and innovation.
Addressing the digital divide is another critical aspect of Equatorial Guinea's digital transformation. Ensuring that rural and underserved areas have access to reliable internet and digital services is essential for inclusive growth. The government's efforts to reduce the digital and territorial divide by installing data centers and providing internet for all are commendable. However, continuous assessment and improvement of these services are necessary to meet the evolving needs of the population.
Equatorial Guinea's journey towards a digital future is laden with both challenges and opportunities. By focusing on digital education, cybersecurity, investment attraction, and reducing the digital divide, the country can create a robust and inclusive digital economy. Hassan Hachem's strategic insights and the government's commitment to digital transformation position Equatorial Guinea on a promising path towards becoming a major player in the global digital landscape. With sustained effort and collaboration, Equatorial Guinea can indeed harness the full potential of the digital revolution, ensuring a prosperous future for its citizens.
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