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MTN and Airtel Move to Bring Starlink Satellite Connectivity to Uganda

Lindsay Eke
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MTN and Airtel Move to Bring Starlink Satellite Connectivity to Uganda

Uganda’s two biggest telecom operators, MTN Group and Airtel Africa, are both moving to integrate Starlink satellite technology into their networks after Ugandan regulators granted provisional approval to the service earlier this month.

The development follows a provisional licence issued by the Uganda Communications Commission on May 14 to Starlink, the satellite internet company owned by SpaceX.

Industry analysts say the move could reshape digital connectivity across East Africa, especially in rural and hard-to-reach communities where traditional mobile infrastructure remains difficult and expensive to build.

MTN Group confirmed it is in talks with Starlink to support last-mile internet connectivity in Uganda and Zambia. MTN Uganda chairman Charles Mbire said the partnership could help telecom operators extend coverage to underserved regions while lowering infrastructure costs and helping operators meet national coverage obligations.

At the same time, Airtel Uganda has already entered the technical testing phase for Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology. The system allows ordinary mobile phones to connect directly to satellites without requiring special devices, satellite phones or external antennas.

Airtel Uganda chief executive Soumendra Sahu described the technology as a major breakthrough for connectivity in remote areas. He identified locations such as the Buvuma Islands and Murchison Falls National Park as key areas where the service could improve communication access.

The Uganda rollout is part of a wider partnership agreement signed in December 2025 between Airtel Africa and Starlink. The agreement covers all 14 African countries where Airtel Africa operates and could eventually serve more than 174 million customers across the continent.

The growing cooperation between African telecom companies and Starlink marks a noticeable shift in the industry’s attitude toward satellite internet providers. When Starlink first entered African markets, many mobile operators viewed the company as a competitive threat that could weaken their customer base.

However, MTN’s leadership now appears more focused on ensuring fair regulation rather than blocking competition. Mbire said Starlink should operate under the same tax and regulatory conditions as licensed telecom operators in Uganda.

Before receiving formal approval, some Ugandan users had already been accessing Starlink services through roaming subscriptions linked to neighbouring countries where the company was licensed. Ugandan authorities suspended those arrangements earlier this year ahead of the country’s January general elections.

Under the new provisional licence, Starlink must establish a physical presence in Uganda, register customer devices locally, and maintain technical and legal support operations inside the country.

Despite the excitement around the technology, concerns remain within government and security circles. Telecom experts note that while standard GSM mobile phones can often be traced within a few metres, Starlink satellite terminals are harder to pinpoint accurately, which could raise national security concerns.

Cost is another challenge. In many African markets, Starlink hardware currently costs more than $300, while monthly subscriptions are around $50, making the service too expensive for many households. Telecom partnerships with operators such as Airtel and MTN could reduce those barriers by integrating satellite connectivity into existing mobile plans instead of requiring separate subscriptions.

Competition in the satellite-to-mobile market is also increasing. Rival projects involving AST SpaceMobile, working alongside Vodafone and Vodacom, are developing similar low-earth orbit satellite services aimed at expanding mobile coverage across Africa.

Microsoft and YES Expand AI and Digital Skills Training for Young South Africans

Lindsay Eke
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Microsoft and YES Expand AI and Digital Skills Training for Young South Africans

Microsoft South Africa and Youth Employment Service (YES) are strengthening efforts to equip young people in South Africa with digital and artificial intelligence skills needed for the modern economy.

The organisations are advancing the YES × Microsoft AI Skills Initiative, a programme designed to help young South Africans build practical digital knowledge and improve their chances of finding employment in a technology-driven job market.

The initiative offers tailored learning materials developed by Microsoft and YES, with courses designed for different levels of experience in artificial intelligence and computer science. The programme guides participants from beginner level to more advanced training, helping them gain skills that can support further education, career growth, and long-term employment opportunities.

One year after the programme launched, more than 70,000 young people have already participated in digital learning pathways, while over 140,000 certification opportunities have been made available through the initiative.

The partnership aims to address a growing challenge facing many African economies. While businesses increasingly require workers with digital and technical skills, many young people still struggle to access relevant training or employment opportunities. Microsoft and YES say the programme is focused on narrowing that gap by providing practical and industry-relevant skills.

The training programme also focuses on employability by helping participants understand how AI and digital tools can improve workplace productivity and create new career opportunities across industries.

According to Tiara Pathon, AI Skills Director for Microsoft Elevate South Africa, the initiative is intended to improve access to opportunities in the digital economy.

She said the programme is not only equipping 50,000 young South Africans with globally recognised digital skills and international certifications, but is also helping reshape access to employment opportunities in the technology sector.

The collaboration forms part of Microsoft’s broader efforts to support digital transformation and workforce development in South Africa. Both organisations say partnerships between the private sector and youth employment initiatives can play an important role in improving economic inclusion and preparing young people for future jobs.

They added that the programme could also serve as a model for future public-private partnerships focused on digital education, employability, and economic growth across Africa.

Telecom Egypt and Huawei Launch New FTTR Broadband Service for Faster Home Internet

Lindsay Eke
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Telecom Egypt and Huawei Launch New FTTR Broadband Service for Faster Home Internet

Telecom Egypt, operating under the WE brand, has partnered with Huawei to launch a new Fiber-to-the-Room (FTTR) broadband service in Egypt, introducing a next-generation home internet solution designed to improve speed, stability, and wireless coverage across homes.

The companies said the new FTTR technology aims to solve common home internet problems such as weak Wi-Fi signals, slow speeds in certain rooms, and network congestion caused by multiple connected devices. The service is especially designed for large homes with several rooms or floors where traditional Wi-Fi routers often struggle to provide strong and stable coverage.

Huawei’s FTTR system uses fibre optic cables throughout the home instead of relying mainly on traditional wireless extenders. This allows internet connectivity to remain fast and stable in every room while reducing latency and improving overall performance.

According to the companies, the service is intended to support growing digital demands, including smart home systems, online gaming, remote work, online learning, and ultra-high-definition video streaming in 4K and 8K resolutions. The technology can also support many connected devices at the same time without significantly affecting internet quality.

The companies explained that installation has been designed to minimise disruption inside homes. Fibre cables can either pass through existing home ducts or use transparent adhesive fibre cables that do not damage interior decoration.

Mohamed Eltouny, Vice President and Chief Consumer Officer at Telecom Egypt, described the launch as an important step in the company’s digital transformation strategy.

He said the service goes beyond improving internet speed by helping create a fully integrated digital home infrastructure capable of supporting future technologies and rising customer demand for digital services.

Eltouny added that the partnership with Huawei would help Telecom Egypt introduce more advanced technologies into the Egyptian market for both individuals and small businesses.

Louis Lu, Deputy CEO Carrier at Huawei Egypt, said the project reflects the two companies’ shared goal of supporting Egypt’s digital transformation agenda under Egypt Vision 2030.

He noted that Huawei has operated in Egypt for more than 25 years and remains focused on building advanced connectivity infrastructure that can support both households and businesses through faster speeds, stronger reliability, and improved user experience.

Telecom Egypt also confirmed that customers subscribing to the FTTR service will receive professional installation support from trained technicians alongside 24-hour technical assistance.

Branch International cuts staff in Nigeria and Kenya despite reporting $30 million profit

Lindsay Eke
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0
Branch International cuts staff in Nigeria and Kenya despite reporting $30 million profit

Branch International, a digital lending company backed by Visa, has laid off employees in Nigeria and Kenya even though it says the business made a global profit of about $30 million in 2025.

The San Francisco-based fintech is one of Africa’s biggest app-based lenders. It confirmed that jobs were reduced in parts of its operations, but said the decision was not due to money problems. Instead, it described the move as part of wider changes to how the company runs its business.

For many staff, the layoffs came as a shock. Several workers said they were told during a global company meeting on 17 April. Soon after the meeting, affected employees were sent termination notices that took effect immediately. Some also lost access to company systems and email accounts shortly afterwards.

One former employee said staff knew about the meeting but did not expect job losses to be announced. The sudden nature of the cuts has raised concern among workers.

Branch said both its Nigeria and Kenya operations were profitable in the last financial year. It also said the group as a whole recorded around $30 million in profit for 2025 and held strong cash reserves with no debt.

Despite this, the company said it had to make “difficult decisions” as part of operational adjustments. It denied any link between the layoffs and fundraising plans. Some employees had believed the company was preparing to raise new funding, which made the job cuts even more unexpected.

The company also said it would support affected staff with what it described as generous severance packages. These include at least four months of pay, notice pay, and payment for unused leave days. Health insurance cover will continue for some workers until the end of 2026.

Branch was founded in 2015 and has grown into a major digital lender in Africa and other markets including Tanzania and India. It offers quick loans through its mobile app and says it has served more than 13 million customers and issued over 54 million loans worth more than $1.8 billion.

The company has raised more than $274 million from investors, including Visa. In 2022, it expanded further in Africa by acquiring a controlling stake in Kenya’s Century Microfinance Bank.

The layoffs highlight a wider shift in Africa’s fintech sector, where many fast-growing companies are now focusing more on efficiency and profitability after years of rapid expansion driven by investor funding.

NITDA Urges Nigerian Youths to Build Local AI Solutions for National Challenges

Lindsay Eke
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NITDA Urges Nigerian Youths to Build Local AI Solutions for National Challenges

National Information Technology Development Agency has called on young Nigerians to develop home-grown artificial intelligence solutions capable of solving the country’s social and economic problems.

The appeal was made during an AI Hackathon organised by NITDA in partnership with VibeCode Africa in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa, represented by Acting Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Ahmed Tambuwal through Mrs. Udoka Mannie, said Nigeria’s large youth population gives the country a strong opportunity to drive innovation and digital transformation.

According to Inuwa, more than 60 percent of Nigerians are under the age of 25, making the country one of the youngest populations in the world and placing it in a strong position to benefit from emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

He described the hackathon as an important platform for young innovators from different backgrounds to collaborate and create practical AI solutions designed specifically for Nigerian realities.

“As you can see, this room is filled with young people, this represents a powerful opportunity for innovation and digital skills development,” he said.

Inuwa noted that artificial intelligence is already transforming economies, governance, and societies around the world. He said the major question for Nigeria is whether the country will actively shape AI for development or remain only a consumer of foreign technology.

He explained that NITDA’s role is not only to regulate information technology but also to ensure technology drives national growth and development.

The agency’s Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department, he said, is focused on creating a digitally skilled population that can participate fully in the global digital economy.

Inuwa highlighted NITDA’s Digital Literacy for All initiative, known as DL4ALL, as one of the agency’s major programmes aimed at equipping millions of Nigerians with digital skills. The initiative supports the Federal Government’s target of achieving 95 percent digital literacy by 2030.

He stressed that digital literacy alone is no longer enough, adding that Nigerians must move from simply using technology to building technology solutions.

“Beyond literacy, we are now moving into capability. It is one thing to use technology, but another thing entirely to build with it. Today, we are challenging you to build,” he said.

The NITDA chief encouraged participants to focus on creating solutions with real impact rather than only competing for prizes.

He identified sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, financial inclusion, public service delivery, and misinformation as areas where artificial intelligence could provide major improvements.

Inuwa also warned that AI development must be guided by ethics, inclusion, and strong data protection practices.

“As we explore AI, we must be mindful of ethics, data protection and inclusion. Building responsibly is just as important as building brilliantly,” he added.

He praised VibeCode Africa for partnering with NITDA to organise the event, describing such collaborations as important for expanding innovation across the country.

Meanwhile, founder of VibeCode Africa, Lola Adey, urged participants to use artificial intelligence to address challenges they experience in their communities.

She said this year’s hackathon was designed differently from previous editions, as teams were not assigned sectors such as healthcare or agriculture. Instead, participants were asked to identify real problems around them and build solutions based on those experiences.

“We want you to dig deep into yourselves. What are the problems you are facing? What are the problems your brothers and sisters are facing?” she said.

Adey pointed to issues such as electricity shortages, insecurity, and poor social services as examples of areas where technology could help create change.

She added that the programme aims to create pathways for entrepreneurship, employment, and international opportunities for young Africans.

“With artificial intelligence, you now have something in your hand that you can use to actually solve problems. You don’t have to wait for anybody anymore,” she said.

She also encouraged participants to stay collaborative and open-minded, noting that the event could help them meet future business partners, employers, investors, or co-founders.

Former OpenAI Researcher’s Startup Periodic Labs Seeks $500 Million for AI-Driven Scientific Discovery

Lindsay Eke
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0
Former OpenAI Researcher’s Startup Periodic Labs Seeks $500 Million for AI-Driven Scientific Discovery

Periodic Labs is reportedly in advanced talks to raise at least $500 million in a new funding round that could value the company at $7.5 billion.

The fundraising effort marks a sharp rise for the San Francisco-based startup, which was founded less than a year ago and focuses on using artificial intelligence and automated laboratories to accelerate scientific discovery in physics and chemistry.

According to reports, the funding round is expected to be led by AMP, an investment vehicle created by former Andreessen Horowitz general partner Anjney Midha.

Sources familiar with the deal said investor demand has been extremely strong, with the round reportedly oversubscribed and discussions already taking place around an additional funding round at an even higher valuation.

If completed at the reported valuation, Periodic Labs’ value would rise nearly six times from the $1.3 billion valuation it received during its $300 million seed round announced in September 2025.

The company was founded by Liam Fedus, previously vice president of research at OpenAI, alongside Ekin Dogus Cubuk, a former research scientist at Google DeepMind.

Periodic Labs is developing what it describes as an AI scientist capable of conducting scientific experiments through autonomous robotic laboratories.

The company’s technology combines artificial intelligence models with automated lab systems designed to run thousands of experiments in areas such as chemistry and physics. The goal is to generate new scientific data and speed up the discovery of advanced materials.

One of the company’s current research areas involves searching for new superconductors capable of operating at higher temperatures. Such materials could eventually improve energy systems, electronics, and industrial technologies.

Periodic Labs is also working with companies in the semiconductor industry, where its AI-driven research tools are being used to support product development and scientific testing.

The startup has already attracted high-profile talent from major AI companies. Reports indicate the company has hired more than 20 researchers from firms including Meta, OpenAI, and DeepMind, with some employees reportedly leaving large compensation packages to join the venture.

The rise of Periodic Labs reflects a growing trend in the global artificial intelligence industry, where researchers are increasingly focusing on AI systems capable of scientific reasoning and autonomous discovery rather than only consumer chatbots.

Sam Altman, chief executive of OpenAI, has repeatedly described scientific discovery as one of AI’s most important long-term uses.

Similarly, Demis Hassabis has argued that solving intelligence through AI could help solve major scientific and societal challenges, pointing to breakthroughs such as AlphaFold’s protein-folding research, which contributed to his Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2024.

As investment in AI infrastructure and research accelerates globally, startups like Periodic Labs are attracting increasing attention from investors seeking to back technologies capable of transforming scientific research and industrial innovation.

Cameroon Orders Telcos to Block Unregistered Mobile Devices

Habeeb Ajala
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Cameroon Orders Telcos to Block Unregistered Mobile Devices

New Cameroon Device Registration Rules Target Smuggled Phones

The Cameroon mobile device registration policy officially entered enforcement on May 25, 2026, after the government ordered telecom operators to block unregistered digital devices from accessing local mobile networks.

The government directed telecom companies MTN, Orange, and Camtel to disconnect phones and other digital terminals that were not properly cleared through the country’s customs system.

The order was issued by Cameroon Customs Director General Fongod Edwin Nuvaga in a letter sent to telecom operators on April 1, 2026.

Under the new system, mobile devices must complete customs registration before they can connect to telecom networks inside Cameroon.

How Cameroon’s Device Verification System Works

The Cameroon mobile device registration process uses a centralized digital platform linked to import records, device identifiers, and telecom network activation systems.

Every phone or digital device must be verified through its International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number before gaining network access.

According to the government, only three categories of devices can connect to local networks:

  • Devices that completed customs clearance
  • Phones operating under roaming arrangements
  • Devices covered by a government tax amnesty programme

Authorities say the policy aims to reduce smuggling, improve customs revenue collection, and stop tax evasion linked to illegally imported smartphones and electronics.

The measure also enforces provisions introduced under a 2023 law that created the electronic customs clearance system through the Cameroon Customs Information System.

Telecom Operators Face Liability for Uncleared Devices

The government warned telecom operators that they could become financially responsible for unpaid customs duties if they allow unregistered devices to access their networks.

Officials say the policy places pressure on telecom providers to monitor the entire device activation process more closely.

According to Cameroun24, the government introduced the policy after discovering that a large number of imported devices entered the country without proper customs processing.

Cameroon’s Finance Minister Louis-Paul Motazé reportedly disclosed that nearly 700,000 phones connected to local networks between April 1 and April 25, 2026, without customs clearance.

That figure raised concerns among government officials over lost tax revenue and the growing volume of irregularly imported smartphones entering the country.

Why the New Policy Matters

The Cameroon mobile device registration policy reflects a broader trend across Africa where governments are tightening controls over imported digital devices, telecom infrastructure, and electronic tax systems.

As smartphone adoption continues to grow across the continent, authorities are increasingly looking for ways to improve customs compliance and strengthen digital tracking systems.

However, the move could also create concerns among consumers and informal phone traders, especially if legitimate users experience network disruptions due to registration issues.

Industry analysts say the success of the system will depend on how efficiently customs authorities, telecom operators, and importers manage device verification and public awareness.

CIL Academy AI Training Program Opens for Students Across Africa

Habeeb Ajala
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0
CIL Academy AI Training Program Opens for Students Across Africa

Free Foundational AI Training Will Equip 100 Students With Digital Skills

The CIL Academy AI Training Program has opened applications for its 2026 cohort, offering free foundational artificial intelligence training to students interested in building digital and technology skills.

The programme, supported by the Google Developer Group, will provide fully sponsored AI training for 100 selected participants. Organisers say the initiative aims to prepare students for opportunities in artificial intelligence, software development, and digital innovation.

The training is designed for beginners and young technology enthusiasts who want to start learning about AI and emerging technologies without needing advanced technical experience.

What Students Will Learn During the AI Programme

Participants in the CIL Academy AI Training Program will receive introductory lessons in several important technology areas.

According to the organisers, students will learn:

  • Artificial intelligence fundamentals
  • Basic machine learning concepts
  • Prompt engineering techniques
  • AI productivity tools
  • Data and digital literacy
  • Emerging technology trends
  • Introductory programming concepts

The programme also aims to help learners understand how AI technologies are shaping industries such as education, finance, healthcare, media, and business.

Organisers said the training will focus on practical understanding and digital readiness rather than advanced technical theory.

Benefits of the CIL Academy AI Training Program

Selected participants will receive 100 percent free access to the training programme, including mentorship and support from technology communities and facilitators.

Students will also gain networking opportunities with developers, learners, and professionals within the African technology ecosystem.

The organisers believe the programme will help young Africans improve skills that are becoming increasingly important in today’s digital economy.

Artificial intelligence continues to influence industries worldwide, creating demand for workers with digital and technical knowledge. Programmes focused on AI literacy are becoming more important as companies and organisations adopt automation, machine learning, and data-driven technologies.

Who Can Apply for the Programme?

The CIL Academy AI Training Program is open to:

  • Students
  • Young technology enthusiasts
  • Beginners interested in artificial intelligence
  • Learners seeking foundational AI knowledge

Applicants with strong interest in technology, innovation, and digital skills development are encouraged to apply.

The organisers said the initiative forms part of wider efforts to improve digital inclusion and AI readiness among young Africans preparing for the future workforce.

How To Apply

Interested students can apply through the official application form below:

Apply Here

Orange Via Africa Subsea Cable Project Could Strengthen Nigeria’s Digital Economy

Habeeb Ajala
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0
Orange Via Africa Subsea Cable Project Could Strengthen Nigeria’s Digital Economy

Repeated Internet Outages Push Orange Into New Africa-Europe Cable Plan

Africa’s digital economy is entering a new infrastructure race, and the Orange Via Africa subsea cable project could place Nigeria at the centre of that transformation.

French telecom company Orange and its partners are developing a 20,000-kilometre subsea cable that will connect several African countries directly to Europe through the Atlantic corridor. The project aims to improve internet reliability across Africa as demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, fintech services, and streaming platforms continues to grow.

The new system, called Via Africa, is expected to become one of the continent’s largest internet infrastructure projects. Nigeria is likely to serve as one of its most important landing points because of its large internet population and growing role in Africa’s digital economy.

Nigeria’s Role in Africa’s Internet Expansion

Nigeria already hosts eight submarine internet cables, more than any other country in West Africa. These include major systems like Google’s Google Equiano cable and the Meta-backed Meta 2Africa network.

Despite these investments, internet outages still happen regularly across West Africa. Cable cuts and technical faults have disrupted banking services, fintech platforms, telecom operations, and international communications in several countries over the past few years.

Michaël Trabbia, CEO of Orange Wholesale, said cable failures remain a global problem.

“Every two days somewhere in the world you have a cable cut or failure,” he said during an interview with TechCabal.

The Via Africa system aims to reduce those risks by creating an alternative route between Africa and Europe. Orange says the project will help avoid “single points of failure” that can cause major internet disruptions when existing cables are damaged.

Why the Via Africa Cable Matters

The Orange Via Africa subsea cable project arrives at a time when African economies are becoming more digital. Banks, fintech startups, AI companies, cloud providers, streaming platforms, and government services now depend heavily on stable internet infrastructure.

Industry experts say Africa’s next phase of digital growth will depend on stronger infrastructure that can support data-heavy technologies such as AI systems, cloud services, online payments, and video streaming.

Orange says the cable may connect countries including Nigeria, Senegal, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mauritania, with possible expansion further south toward South Africa.

The company believes the project could also attract more hyperscalers and global cloud companies looking to expand in Africa.

“We see hyperscalers investing more and more in Africa,” Trabbia said. “This cable may attract hyperscalers because it is one of the very big and important infrastructure projects to connect Africa.”

Competition for Africa’s Digital Infrastructure Is Growing

Global technology companies are investing billions of dollars into Africa’s digital infrastructure market. The continent has become one of the fastest-growing internet regions in the world.

The 45,000-kilometre 2Africa cable remains the world’s largest submarine cable system, while Google’s Equiano cable significantly increased internet capacity between Europe and West Africa after landing in Nigeria.

According to telecom research company TeleGeography, Africa currently has 77 active or planned subsea cable systems. However, most international internet bandwidth remains concentrated in countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, and Kenya.

Orange and its partners say Via Africa will operate through a consortium model that allows telecom operators to co-invest in the project and participate in governance decisions.

Current partners include Canalink, GUILAB, International Mauritania Telecom, Orange Côte d’Ivoire, Sonatel, and Silverlinks.

Orange Expands Africa Digital Skills Training

The Via Africa cable project was officially unveiled during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi. The event was attended by African leaders, French President Emmanuel Macron, and business executives.

At the summit, Orange also announced plans to train more than three million young Africans in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and digital entrepreneurship by 2030.

Construction timelines for the subsea cable have not been finalised yet. Orange estimates the project could take between three and four years to complete after route studies and consortium agreements are concluded.

The company also said the cable will include additional protection systems designed to reduce damage from ship anchors and marine activity, which remain among the biggest causes of subsea cable failures worldwide.

Morocco’s Beauty Industry Combines Traditional Care with AI-Powered Innovation

Lindsay Eke
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0
Morocco’s Beauty Industry Combines Traditional Care with AI-Powered Innovation

Cosmetista Expo North and West Africa 2026 is highlighting how Morocco’s beauty industry is evolving through a mix of natural skincare, wellness services, and artificial intelligence-driven technology.

Held in Casablanca, the event has brought together beauty professionals, cosmetic brands, and technology companies to showcase new trends shaping the future of the sector across North and West Africa.

Industry players at the expo said consumer preferences are changing rapidly. While organic beauty products once dominated demand, customers are now increasingly looking for vegan formulas, safer ingredients, and products designed to protect both skin and hair without harsh chemicals.

According to exhibitors, modern consumers are paying closer attention to product safety, sustainability, and long-term health effects. This shift reflects broader global changes in the cosmetics industry, where buyers want products that combine effectiveness with cleaner ingredients.

Beauty brands are responding by developing formulations that avoid aggressive chemicals while still delivering strong performance. Companies say this has become an important factor in staying competitive in both local and international markets.

The event also showed how beauty services are expanding beyond appearance alone and becoming more connected to wellness and emotional confidence.

Specialists demonstrated procedures such as microblading, which can help people restore facial features like eyebrows after medical treatments. These services are increasingly being positioned as part of personal recovery and self-confidence support.

Technology emerged as one of the biggest themes at the exhibition.

Several Moroccan companies presented artificial intelligence tools capable of analysing skin conditions within seconds. The systems assess factors including wrinkles, pores, skin texture, and overall condition to help professionals recommend more personalised treatments.

The growing use of AI in beauty reflects a wider industry shift toward data-driven personalisation, where technology is used to improve customer experiences and treatment accuracy.

The expo also highlighted Morocco’s unique role in blending traditional beauty culture with modern innovation.

Local beauty traditions inspired by hammam rituals and natural care practices continue to exist alongside international trends such as Korean skincare products and advanced cosmetic technologies.

This combination of heritage and innovation is helping Morocco strengthen its position as both a cultural and commercial centre for the regional beauty industry.

As African consumer markets continue expanding, sectors such as beauty are becoming important spaces for entrepreneurship, technology adoption, and product innovation.

Younger consumers across the continent are increasingly demanding smarter, safer, and more personalised beauty solutions, pushing companies to modernise while still maintaining strong cultural identity.

The developments seen at the Casablanca expo reflect a broader transformation happening across African industries, where traditional knowledge and modern technology are increasingly working side by side.

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