Ethiopia
- Home to over 300 start-ups.
- The IT services industry is expected to reach USD 2.44 billion by 2025, dominated by the BPO sector.
- Government initiatives for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and a burgeoning tech start-up scene will drive innovation.
- Addis Ababa is the tech hub of the country.
Nigeria
- One of the largest IT markets in the subcontinent, with an estimated projected IT services revenue of USD 2.56 billion in 2025.
- IT outsourcing will be the dominant segment in the industry.
- The Nigerian government plans to introduce digital hubs in 200 rural communities. The expansion of communications and education services is one of its top priorities.
- The Ministry of Information, Communications, and Digital Economy has started promoting paperless correspondence and digital communication.
- Over 3000 start-ups dominate the tech scene, with Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Nsukka, Kano, and Kaduna as the top IT centers.
- The ROAR Nigeria Hub in Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), is the first university-based technology hub in West Africa.
South Africa
- South Africa is among the largest ICT markets in Africa, with an expected revenue of USD 6.5 billion in 2025.
- IT services and outsourcing dominate the sector as a regional hub for neighboring countries.
- There is an increasing demand for banking solutions and cybersecurity expertise.
- Cape Town and Johannesburg are the key centers for IT, driven by Fin-Tech demand; these host over 60% of the start-up scene.
- AI adoption has increased to 51% among local tech-developers.
Egypt
- Information and communications technology has led to growth of over 16% in recent years.
- The government’s ‘Digital Egypt’ strategy aims to improve digital connectivity, content, and communications.
- Major tech companies are enhancing their talent capabilities, especially in Cairo and Alexandria.
- The IT services market is projected to reach USD 1.82 billion, led by outsourcing and offshoring domains.
- Egypt’s startup ecosystem ranks number one in Northern Africa.
Tanzania
- A young population, internet access, and the government’s drive to build fintech and e-commerce have led to a surge in IT business.
- From 6% in 2012 to 37% in 2022, there has been an upward trend in the tech sector.
- Dar es Salaam leads as the IT hub.
- Tanzania attracted over USD 53 million in investments in 2021.
- The IT services market is expected to reach over USD 617 million, led by IT outsourcing.
- The government is attracting global talent by implementing tax benefits and easy visa processes.
DR Congo
- The e-commerce revenue is expected to reach
USD 59.35 million. - Digital payments and mobile communications are hot areas for investment and info-tech development.
- Kinshasa, Goma, and Lubumbashi are centers for digital transformation with over 300 start-ups.
- Silikin Village in Kinshasa is the largest IT innovation and entrepreneurship hub in DR Congo.
Kenya
- Driven by low-cost, high-impact technological innovation, the IT services market is poised to generate USD 856 million in revenue.
- Nairobi is the leading tech hub, with government initiatives like i-Hub, Nailab, and Konza Tech City to attract global investments.
- Fin-tech, agri-tech, and health-tech are major players with high demand for AI and Machine learning, cyber security, cloud computing, robotics, and DevOps.
- MPesa, Twiga Foods, and BRCK are major tech start-ups.
- Digital Kenya 2030 by the government aims to drive the digital economy, e-commerce, and job creation.
Rwanda
- IT services and aoutsourcing are to contribute USD 97.7 million.
- Investment in ICT and space technology is increasing, with a projected consumer spending on ICT equipment of USD 98.26 million in 2025.
- Under the Rwanda Smart City Master Plan, the Kigali Innovation Centre (KIC) is a USD 2 billion investment to establish a thriving IT ecosystem. Kigali is home to over 250 IT hubs.
- The Rwanda Innovation Ecosystem Map aims to connect entrepreneurs, businesses, investors, and entrepreneurial support organizations.
- Zipline and SafeMotos are among the most popular start-ups.
Ghana
- Ghana’s vibrant start-up scene with over 500 companies is leading digital growth in Africa.
- Accra/Tema, Kumasi, Takoradi, iSpace Foundation, and Kosmos Innovation Hub are hubs for digital innovation and talent.
- IT services and outsourcing are expected to generate over USD 675.13 million.
- Ghana Startup & Innovation Bill, the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), and the YouStart program by the Ghana Enterprise Agency are government interventions for promoting the digital revolution.
- Companies like MTN, Vodafone, and Tigo are capitalizing on the growing demand for mobile payments and financial services.
- The country Ranks 4th in the digital ecosystem in Western Africa and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is an enabler of enterprise and talent development.
Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire)
- The smartphone market and services lead the IT sector with over USD 1 billion in revenue.
- Software development, e-commerce, and telecom, driven by digital and internet connectivity, are key to scaling up opportunities.
- The government is investing in a 7000 km fibre optic network named ‘Information Superhighway’ to empower citizens with digital connectivity and improve public service.
- Abidjan leads the start-up scene; notable examples are ZEBOX Innovation Hub, CinetPay, Anka, and Africa Works.
- Agritech is positioned to be a high-growth sector.
