Author: Smart Megwai

Africa’s startup ecosystem is booming, brimming with innovative solutions tailored for the continent’s unique challenges. However, for these burgeoning ventures to truly thrive and scale, a pan-African approach is increasingly becoming a necessity, not just an option. The rationale behind launching in multiple African countries is multifaceted, encompassing strategic, financial,…

Standard Bank, Africa’s largest lender, has announced its decision to finance the controversial $5 billion East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, sparking outrage from environmental groups and local communities. The 1,443-kilometer pipeline, set to run from Uganda’s oil fields to Tanzania’s Tanga port, has been mired in controversy due…

In a long-awaited victory for ride-hailing companies, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reportedly signed an amendment to the National Land Transport Act, finally allowing platforms like Uber and Bolt to obtain operating licenses. This landmark decision, ending a 13-year regulatory limbo, is set to reshape the country’s transportation sector…

Rwanda is set to launch its national digital currency, the “digital franc,” by 2026, making it a trailblazer in Africa’s digital finance landscape. The initiative, spearheaded by the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), aims to provide a secure, accessible, and cost-effective alternative to physical cash, driving financial inclusion and modernising…

German software firm, SAP SE, has announced its acquisition of WalkMe Ltd., a Saas company headquartered in Tel Aviv. The deal, valued at approximately $1.5 billion, signals SAP’s commitment to enhancing user experience, accelerating business transformation, and boosting employee productivity across its vast customer base. Digital adoption platforms like WalkMe…

South Africa’s ambitious broadband initiatives have stumbled, leaving taxpayers burdened and connectivity goals unmet. Despite billions of rand being poured into various projects—including Stellenbosch’s 2012 Wi-Fi town plan, Tshwane’s free Wi-Fi, and the Johannesburg Broadband Network Project—the digital divide remains stubbornly wide. Crippling corruption, maladministration, and poor service delivery have…

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is facing yet another legal battle as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a lawsuit alleging that the company lied about its motives behind the acquisitions of WhatsApp and Instagram. The FTC claims that Facebook’s actions were aimed at neutralizing competitive threats and maintaining…

VGS, a leading payment tokenization firm, has solidified its strategic partnership with Onafriq, Africa’s largest payments network, to elevate security and foster innovation for fintech companies across the region. This collaboration builds upon a longstanding relationship between the two entities, where VGS has been a trusted partner in ensuring PCI…

Kenya’s proactive approach to digital inclusion is yielding promising results, with the widespread adoption of locally-assembled, low-cost smartphones transforming the nation’s digital landscape. The East Africa Device Assembly Kenya (EADAK) plant, a public-private partnership, has produced over 490,000 4G-enabled handsets since its establishment late last year, with a significant portion…

Kenya’s ambitious Konza Technopolis project is set for a major transformation into a cutting-edge film and creative hub thanks to a Ksh30.8 billion (USD 238 million) loan secured from Korea Exim Bank. The agreement, finalised during the Korea-Africa Summit on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, marks a significant step in Kenya’s…

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has begun the process of paying insured depositors of Heritage Bank following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) revocation of the bank’s license. The NDIC assures customers that their deposits are protected, with a guaranteed payment of up to N5 million per depositor. This…

Google has rolled out a significant update to its messaging capabilities, introducing text message editing and other enhancements to its Rich Communication Services (RCS) platform. This upgrade brings Android closer to parity with Apple’s iMessage, intensifying the competition between the two tech giants in the messaging arena. For years, iPhone…

Nollywood, known for its diverse storytelling, has seen a surge in the popularity of thrillers on streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video. These suspenseful tales, often rooted in social issues and cultural nuances, are captivating audiences worldwide. The rise of Nollywood thrillers on streaming platforms isn’t merely a trend;…

Nigeria is on the brink of a digital revolution, with an ambitious goal to digitise 70% of its government services by 2025. This transformative initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, promises to reshape the way citizens interact with government, making services faster, more convenient, and…

Have questions about the NELFUND student loan application? You’re not alone! The newly launched application portal has generated a lot of interest, but it’s also raised some questions and concerns for potential applicants. This FAQ aims to address common inquiries and provide clear guidance to help you navigate the process…

Nigeria’s vibrant technology ecosystem is set to take center stage in 2025 as the country hosts GITEX Africa, the premier tech event on the continent. This landmark event follows a successful 2024 edition in Marrakech, Morocco, where a number of Nigerian startups made their mark, highlighting the country’s burgeoning tech…

Oracle’s planned cloud regions in Casablanca and Settat represent a significant leap forward for Morocco’s digital landscape. This strategic investment promises to deliver a wide array of benefits for local businesses and government agencies, bolstering their ability to modernize, innovate, and compete in the global digital economy. For Moroccan businesses,…

As Europe prepares for pivotal elections that will shape the continent’s future, the messaging app Telegram has emerged as a major concern for policymakers and democracy advocates alike. The platform, known for its encrypted messaging and lax content moderation, has become a hotbed of disinformation, conspiracy theories, and propaganda, raising…

Leading African fintech company Flutterwave continues its ambitious expansion across the continent, securing a preliminary payment aggregator license in Mozambique. This strategic move strengthens Flutterwave’s position as a dominant player in the African digital payments landscape. The Bank of Mozambique’s decision to grant Flutterwave this license marks a significant milestone…

Rising petrol prices and increasing operational costs have become significant challenges for businesses across Nigeria, and the food delivery sector is no exception. Glovo, a prominent player in the Lagos food delivery market, has taken a bold step towards tackling these challenges head-on by partnering with local electric vehicle (EV)…