At the 2024 World Economic Forum in Davos, the United Nations partnered with African countries to launch the Timbuktoo initiative. The goal is to support the ongoing digital transformation across the continent.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and telecommunications operator Africell announced last week a partnership to improve internet access in University Innovation Pods (UniPods), innovation hubs for young entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone and The Gambia. This initiative is part of Timbuktoo, a UNDP-led program to boost innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in African startups.

Specifically, Africell will provide UniPods with essential connectivity services, including broadband internet, 4G MiFi devices, and connected devices (IoT), to enable young innovators to access the digital tools needed to develop, test, and scale their ideas commercially. This digital infrastructure will complement the training and acceleration programs already offered in these spaces.

“ This collaboration leverages the strengths of each partner by combining Africell’s connectivity expertise with UNDP’s innovation network. By equipping UniPods in Sierra Leone and The Gambia with Africell’s flagship internet services, we are investing in African youth and helping to transform raw talent into successful businesses ,” said Ziad Dalloul, CEO of the Africell Group.

This partnership leverages Africell’s connectivity expertise and UNDP’s innovation ecosystem to reduce the technical barriers that often hinder the transition from idea to viable product. Complementary programs include training in robotics, entrepreneurship, and digital skills, further enhancing the long-term social impact of these initiatives.

Timbuktoo is a fund that aims to mobilize $1 billion to transform 100 million livelihoods and create 10 million new, decent jobs. It focuses on African startups and aims to enable them to support their growth and develop their technologies.

Source: Agence Ecofin