Africa Tech News
Launch Africa Mezzanine Impact fund targets tech expansion in Africa and GCC
Early-stage venture capital firm Launch Africa Ventures has introduced the Launch Africa Mezzanine Impact Fund, designed to provide growth capital to African and GCC-based technology companies. This new initiative aims to support businesses that uphold strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, driving sustainable growth across the continent. Launch Africa Ventures has already made waves […]
Ibukunoluwa Josephine BankoleDR Congo stops $1.2 billion biometric ID system amid overpricing allegations
The Democratic Republic of Congo has abruptly cancelled a $1.2 billion project to establish a national biometric ID system. This decision comes just months after a government watchdog highlighted severe concerns about cost overruns and potential funding irregularities within the project. Background and Financial Concerns of Congo’s ID System The initiative, set to be executed […]
Ibukunoluwa Josephine Bankole11th Africa Fintech Summit kicks off in Kenya
The 11th Africa Fintech Summit (AFTS) kicks off at the GTC JW Marriott in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 4 to September 6, 2024. The Africa Fintech Summit is the most significant Pan-African endeavour that brings together investors, regulators, innovators, and senior decision-makers in Africa’s fintech sector to shape the future of this quickly expanding industry. […]
Staff WriterDakar’s electric BRT network marks a milestone for Sub-Saharan Africa
Dakar, the capital of Senegal, has achieved a significant milestone by introducing Sub-Saharan Africa’s first electric Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network. This pioneering approach in transport geography is set to revolutionise the urban transport landscape, offering a reliable, affordable, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional public transport models. Read also: Kenya electric vehicles receive special green […]
Olanrewaju AdeniyiSouth African e-commerce giant Takealot divests Superbalist
Takealot, Naspers’s e-commerce division in South Africa, has successfully sold Superbalist to a group of retail and private equity investors led by Blank Canvas Capital. The company said on the next day that Takealot sold the online clothing store over the weekend. The Takealot Group will be able to focus on growing Takealot and Mr. […]
Modupeoluwa OlalereLeadership crisis brews at MTN over favoritism and poor performance
MTN is in disarray due to senior officials leaving the company’s South African operations and internal conflicts among executives at the highest levels. A media report revealed dissatisfaction with the company’s strategy under new CEO Ralph Mupita, who assumed leadership on September 1, 2020. Accusations of favouritism and lack of accountability It was reported in […]
Staff WriterBotswana welcomes Starlink, boosting African internet access
Botswana has joined the communication revolution as SpaceX’s Starlink internet service expands its operation worldwide. Such a launch means the extension of Starlink’s network to all African countries, and such a service can trigger a complete overhaul of the African continent’s internet service provision in regions that were initially unconnected. Starlink is a satellite Internet […]
Olanrewaju AdeniyiKenya ride-hailing companies increase fare amidst drivers’ agitation
According to Bolt Kenya, all of its ride categories now have basic charges that are up to 10% more expensive. This action comes after a week-long protest by drivers calling for increased pay. The firm argues that the action demonstrates its dedication to attending to the issues raised by its drivers, who are crucial to […]
Staff WriterAgritech startups can apply for the $50,000 MEST Africa Challenge 2024
The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa) and the Norwegian Embassy are hosting the 2024 MEST Africa Challenge to find and support exceptional AgriTech entrepreneurs solving West African agricultural problems. AgriTech startups from Benin, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mali, and Togo are welcome to […]
Modupeoluwa OlalereNIS explain reasons for international passport fee hike
The recent increase in the cost of a Nigerian passport has been deemed “unavoidable” by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), which cited several factors in its assessment. The Service stated that a number of factors led to the necessity of the increase in a statement posted on the NIS’s official X account on Saturday. The […]
Staff WriterNigeria govt raises international passport fees
With effect from September 1, 2024, the Federal Government has approved an increase in the fees for the Nigerian passport. The Nigeria Immigration Service’s spokesman, Kenneth Udo, revealed this in a statement posted on the NIS’s X handle on Wednesday. According to Udo, the increase aims to guarantee the integrity and quality of the Nigerian […]
Staff WriterNigerian Uber, Bolt drivers reject price cuts, threaten boycott
The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), which represents e-hailing drivers, has rejected the recent rate reduction agreement that several app companies and the Presidential Committee on the National Gas Initiative announced. In a statement released by its state chairman, Jaiyesimi Azeez, on Wednesday, the union—representing over 120,000 drivers in Lagos and 300,000 […]
Staff WriterNigerians and South Africans clash in new Bolt ordering war
A new battle is brewing between Nigerians and South Africans. This time, it’s all about who can outdo the other in placing orders on Bolt, the popular ride-hailing app. The rivalry, which started as a lighthearted challenge, has quickly gained momentum on social media. Users from both countries turn to Bolt in droves, determined to […]
Staff WriterBolt offers driver vehicle financing with Hakki Africa
Bolt and Hakki Africa, a microfinance provider, have launched a strategic relationship to provide financing for Bolt users’ vehicles. Over the following 18 months, the collaboration plans to distribute 1,500 automobiles to Bolt platform drivers who fulfil specific requirements. Driver-partners who fulfil the requirements will be eligible for loans with lower down payments and will […]
Staff WriterWomen to lead the charge on innovation at African Energy Week 2024
African Energy Week (AEW) 2024, the continent’s premier energy event, will take place from November 4 to 8 in Cape Town, South Africa. Organised under the theme “Invest in African Energy,” this event aims to eradicate energy poverty across Africa by 2030. It will serve as a critical platform for driving investment across the energy […]
Ibukunoluwa Josephine BankoleTSION unveils innovative strategies to boost business growth
TSION Corporation, a newly established conglomerate, has embarked on a mission to transform Africa’s financial, transportation, and logistics sectors. The company’s objective is to deliver exceptional services, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the lives of individuals across the continent. TSION is dedicated to establishing a strong presence and leadership in the essential sectors that impact […]
Staff WriterIHS Nigeria and UNICEF launch a digital impact initiative
UNICEF and IHS Nigeria have a successful relationship that enhances Nigerians’ lives, especially children’s. Through teamwork, they advance education, healthcare, and child protection. IHS Nigeria, a renowned telecoms infrastructure provider, and UNICEF, a global humanitarian organisation, have collaborated to boost Nigeria’s sustainable development. Through cooperation, programmes to improve education, healthcare, and children’s rights have been […]
Staff WriterStandard Chartered Bank’s long-standing dedication to supporting Zambia’s energy sector
Standard Chartered Bank is in charge of addressing Zambia’s pressing energy challenges. Emmy Kumwenda, the Head of Banking and Coverage Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Chartered, recently emphasised the bank’s crucial role in providing extensive support to the energy industry. As Zambia’s energy sector grapples with significant challenges, the bank’s commitment is a beacon […]
Staff WriterUganda’s UTel receives a $225 million boost from a Dubai-based investor
The $225 million investment from Dubai-based Rowad Capital Commercial (RCC) LLC, which will also purchase a 60% majority stake in Uganda Telecommunication Corp. (UTel), will go towards Uganda’s state-run telecom. The investment has been discussed since the beginning of the year and is the result of a meeting that President Yoweri Museveni and representatives of […]
Staff WriterZoho boosts tech-upskilling across Africa with new strategic partners
Global technology company Zoho has expanded its tech upskilling initiatives across Africa, announcing new partnerships and programs in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. This announcement was made during its annual Zoholics South Africa conference, showcasing the company’s dedication to empowering Africa’s youth and women through technology education. Read also: EMTECH unveils new product, ‘Beyond Compliance’ […]
Ibukunoluwa Josephine Bankole