Author: Staff Writer

Google Play users can now pay for their favourite apps and digital services using Airtel Money, a move that marks a deeper push into localized fintech solutions for global platforms. Behind this upgrade is dLocal, a cross-border payments firm that specializes in bridging the gap between global tech giants and…

Verve International, Africa’s pioneering and largest domestic payment card scheme, has hit another major milestone in its global expansion journey. The company has officially announced that Verve cards are now fully accepted on Temu, one of the fastest-growing e-commerce platforms globally. Temu, which has rapidly grown to become a dominant…

Cassava Technologies has announced plans to build Africa’s first AI Factory, a cutting-edge, secure data centre powered by NVIDIA’s advanced AI computing technology. The facility will be powered by NVIDIA’s advanced AI computing platform, with plans to go live in South Africa by June 2025. The AI Factory will serve…

TechCrunch, one of the tech world’s most influential news platforms, has officially been sold by Yahoo to investment firm Regent, marking the end of a long chapter and the beginning of a new era. The deal, announced jointly by Yahoo and Regent, sees TechCrunch joining a growing roster of tech-focused…

Michael Seibel, a central figure in Y Combinator’s rise over the past decade, is stepping into a Partner Emeritus role after 12+ years at the accelerator. Seibel, who joined YC as a founder before rising to Managing Director and CEO of the accelerator program, announced the move via X (formerly…

Google is expanding the capabilities of its Gemini AI platform with the introduction of two innovative features: Canvas and Audio Overview. According to Dave Citron, Senior Director, Product Management, Gemini app in a blog post, both are designed to make content creation and consumption more intuitive and efficient. Canvas offers…

Nigerian eCommerce startup, Bumpa, has announced the passing away of its co-founder and CTO, Adetunji Opayele. According to reports, TeeJay, as he was fondly called, was involved in a car accident. Adetunji Opayele and Kelvin Umechukwu launched Bumpa in 2021 to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across Africa manage their…

MTN Group is taking bold steps to transform its fast-growing fintech division, with plans to spin off its operations in Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda during the first half of 2025. This move, announced by CEO Ralph Mupita in an interview with Bloomberg, is a critical milestone in MTN’s strategy to…

In a significant development within Lagos State’s transportation sector, CIG Motors Co. Ltd., the Nigerian representative of the Chinese state-owned automaker GAC Motors, has assumed operational management of LagRide, the state’s government-backed ride-hailing platform. This transition marks the conclusion of a five-year technical partnership between the Lagos State Government and…

In a bold step to enhance financial resilience among low-income earners, M-KOPA Kenya and Turaco Insurance Agency have provided over 1 million Kenyans with Hospital Cash insurance—at no extra cost—through M-KOPA smartphones. This initiative, part of M-KOPA’s “More Than a Phone” offering, is making healthcare protection more accessible to everyday…

The Pan-African Payments and Settlement System (PAPSS) announced that it is gearing up to launch “The Africa Currency Marketplace”, an innovative currency exchange platform that will enable African businesses to trade directly using local currencies. The marketplace is expected to go live later this year, offering a sustainable solution to…

In a landmark move toward digital transformation, MTN Nigeria and the Lagos State Government have launched the ‘My Lagos App’, a cutting-edge platform designed to revolutionize urban living in Africa’s most dynamic metropolis. Unveiled at the MTN Plaza in Ikoyi, Lagos, the app aims to enhance how residents, businesses, and…

In a decisive move to enhance digital security, Airtel Nigeria has launched an innovative AI-powered Spam Alert Service, designed to protect subscribers from the growing menace of spam messages and SMS fraud. This first-of-its-kind solution in Africa is set to revolutionize the way mobile users tackle fraudulent SMS schemes. The…

In a bid to increase digital accessibility, the South African government has proposed removing the luxury tax on budget-friendly smartphones—a move that could significantly impact low-income households. The proposal, set to take effect from April 1, 2025, will eliminate the 9% ad valorem excise duty on smartphones priced below 2,500…

The Nigerian government is taking a major step toward revolutionizing the construction industry with a new digital platform designed to connect skilled artisans with job opportunities. Dubbed “Uber for Artisans,” this app aims to serve as an online marketplace that makes certified professionals more visible, accessible, and efficient in delivering…

Kazyon, one of the largest discount grocery chains in Africa and the Arab world, has secured a $30 million loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This investment is set to boost Kazyon’s presence in Morocco, expand its retail and storage operations, and create thousands of new jobs—a significant win…

As social media continues to shape the way young people connect, learn, and express themselves, TikTok is taking further steps to ensure a safe and balanced experience for teens. The platform has announced a series of new Family Pairing features that provide parents with more control over their teens’ screen…

Users in the US, Canada, the UK, and other nations were impacted by Monday’s global outages on the well-known social media site X, formerly known as Twitter. Over 40,000 users reported having trouble using the platform on Monday; the issues began at 5:30 a.m. Eastern Time and continued all day.…

The Trump administration has introduced a new digital tool aimed at expediting the voluntary departure process for undocumented immigrants in the United States. The CBP Home app, launched on Monday, allows individuals to self-report their intent to leave the country, marking a significant shift in immigration enforcement tactics. A Digital…

Bluesky, the decentralized social media platform, has introduced new features aimed at enhancing user experience while reinforcing its commitment to an open and user-controlled ecosystem. The latest update introduces improved video capabilities, inbox management tools, and a strategic shift towards sustainable monetization and AI integration. In January, the platform introduced…