In the late 19th century, rubber was the lifeblood of a rapidly industrialising world. With bicycles, automobiles, and industrial machines becoming staples of daily life, demand for rubber skyrocketed. At the heart of this boom was Brazil, home to the Amazon rainforest, where latex-rich trees thrived. The country controlled 90%…
Author: Smart Megwai
Smart Megwai
Smart is a technology journalist covering innovation, digital culture, and the business of emerging tech. His reporting for Innovation Village explores how technology shapes everyday life in Africa and beyond.
Apple has ceased development of its anticipated iPhone hardware subscription service, which aimed to transform iPhone ownership into a model akin to app subscriptions. The initiative intended to allow consumers to pay a monthly fee and receive a new iPhone each year. However, after encountering delays attributed to software issues…
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) of Nigeria has reported that its official website has been compromised by hackers. The breach was announced via the bureau’s X (formerly Twitter) handle on December 18, 2024, with a message stating: “This is to inform the public that the NBS Website has been…
Kenya’s digital transformation received a significant boost as the government announced plans to deploy 52,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable nationwide. This initiative, unveiled by Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, Permanent Secretary of the State Department of ICT and Digital Economy, is part of a broader strategy under the Kenya Digital…
Ethiopia’s parliament has enacted a law permitting foreign banks to operate within its borders, marking a significant shift in the nation’s economic landscape. This legislation, passed on December 17, 2024, is a cornerstone of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s broader strategy to liberalise Ethiopia’s economy and attract foreign investment. Key Provisions…
Spending too much time deciding what to wear? Whether it’s for a crucial business meeting, a casual weekend outing, or even figuring out how to arrange your home office, making the right style choices can be time-consuming. Now, imagine an AI-powered tool that helps you effortlessly curate outfits and even…
Google Maps has become an indispensable tool for over 2 billion users worldwide, yet many are unaware of its full capabilities. From finding the nearest mobile money vendor in rural Kenya to navigating complex city layouts in Johannesburg, Google Maps offers a suite of features that can enhance your travel…
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), in collaboration with Rolling Energy, has unveiled an initiative to convert 100,000 vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) within 18 months. This initiative aims to reduce operating costs for SMEs and accelerate Nigeria’s shift toward cleaner energy solutions. The announcement…
Audiomack, the popular music streaming platform, has marked its fifth year in Africa, a milestone that underscores its significant impact on the continent’s music industry. Since launching its African presence in 2019 with a Lagos office, Audiomack has become a vital platform for showcasing emerging artists and genres like Afrobeats,…
The Bank of Tanzania (BOT) has launched a new program called a “fintech regulatory sandbox.” This program allows banks and other financial institutions to test innovative financial products and services in a safe, controlled environment, without the full weight of traditional regulations. The sandbox, which will open for applications in…
Talk360, a renowned international calling app, has unveiled its latest initiative, NjiaPay, a dedicated payment platform designed to address the unique challenges of African merchants. Operating as a separate entity, NjiaPay aims to streamline transactions across the continent, leveraging AI and machine learning to enhance payment success rates, particularly for…
TikTok, one of the most popular social media platforms in Ghana, has announced significant measures to counter misinformation in the lead-up to the nation’s December 2024 general elections. The platform emphasised its commitment to fostering a safe digital environment by proactively addressing misinformation and safeguarding election integrity. TikTok’s election strategy…
Temu, the e-commerce giant known for dirt-cheap prices, has finally launched in Nigeria. The Chinese company, which spent days aggressively marketing itself through ads flooding social media feeds, has sparked curiosity and raised questions. Launched in 2022, Temu boasts a direct-from-manufacturer model, cutting out middlemen and offering factory-direct pricing. This…
Airtel Kenya has announced a strategic partnership with Naivas Supermarkets, enabling customers to deposit and withdraw cash at all 109 Naivas outlets nationwide. This collaboration will contribute to Airtel Money’s mission to increasing accessibility and convenience for its users. Speaking at the launch, Anne Kinuthia Otieno, Airtel Money’s Managing Director,…
MTN South Africa has launched the MTN Icon 5G, its first self-branded 5G smartphone, priced at R2,500. The device promises to bring the benefits of 5G technology—faster speeds, lower latency, and enhanced user experiences—within reach of more South Africans. The Icon 5G boasts a 6.6-inch touchscreen, a 50MP rear camera,…
Jay Y. Lee, the de facto leader of Samsung Electronics, is facing a potential five-year prison sentence and a fine of $375,000 due to charges related to a 2015 merger between two of the company’s subsidiaries. South Korean prosecutors have long pursued Lee, alleging that the merger was manipulated to…
The case involving Binance Holdings Ltd and one of its executives, Nadeem Anjarwalla, has recently undergone significant developments. Initially, Binance was accused of money laundering involving a staggering $35.4 million, allegedly generated through the company’s operations in Nigeria. The charges also implicated Anjarwalla, who is accused of working without a…
MultiChoice is currently appealing a ruling from South Africa’s Competition Commission, which stated that its 2013 agreement with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) constituted an unreported merger. The deal, which centered around the distribution of television content between the two companies, has sparked controversy due to its involvement in…
The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has officially unveiled “The People’s Regulations,” a set of consumer protection rules aimed at addressing long-standing concerns in the country’s telecommunications sector. The regulations, signed during a ceremony in Gompa City, Nimba County, are designed to improve service quality, ensure fair pricing, and promote accountability…
MTN Nigeria, on November 22nd, launched its commercial 5G service in Benin state. This marks a significant milestone as the first telecom operator to roll out this advanced technology in the country. The move reinforces MTN’s position as a leader in digital transformation within West Africa, where it has been…