South African grocery retailer Pick n Pay is exiting the Nigerian market, selling its 51% share in a joint venture less than five years after entering the market. This strategic move, announced by CEO Sean Summers, is part of a broader restructuring plan aimed at addressing the company’s financial challenges…
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.
To boost Nigeria’s private sector, the the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and the Central Bank of Nigeria have signed a major agreement to increase funding in local currency. This partnership will enable the IFC to better manage currency risks and significantly scale up…
To help Nigerians adopt cleaner energy alternatives, the government has launched the Credit Access for Light and Mobility (CALM) Fund, offering consumer credit for CNG vehicle conversions and solar home systems. Announced via the X platform by Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, the CALM…
Google is reportedly developing advanced AI technology with the potential to change how you and I interact with our computers. According to a recent report by The Information, this ambitious project aims to create AI agents capable of taking over various tasks, such as conducting research, making online purchases, and…
Checkers Sixty60, the South African grocery delivery service that promises deliveries in 60 minutes, has become a household name, lauded for its convenience and efficiency. The service, which has experienced remarkable growth since its launch, recently took to the skies with a branded airplane in partnership with Lift Airlines, showcasing…
Starlink has suspended its previously announced increase in monthly internet subscription fees for Nigerian users. This reversal comes just weeks after the company, owned by Elon Musk, sparked controversy by hiking prices by a staggering 97%, citing “excessive inflation.” In a message to subscribers, Starlink stated that the price increase…
The saga surrounding StarSat’s forced shutdown in South Africa continues, with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) stating that it remains unaware of any legal action taken by the pay-TV provider. This follows ICASA’s raid on StarSat’s offices on October 2nd, 2024, which resulted in the seizure of…
Mastercard is accelerating the pace of fintech innovation with the global expansion of its Product Express platform. After a successful launch in Latin America earlier this year, Product Express is now available in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and North America, enabling fintechs to launch new card programs and payment…
Uganda is taking a major step towards embracing electric mobility with the launch of the Uganda Electric Mobility Association (UEMA) and the introduction of significant government incentives to support the rapidly growing EV industry. This move signals the country’s commitment to not just adopting electric vehicles, but also becoming a…
Emmanuel Afemikhe, better known as King E, is not just a voiceover artist; he’s a pioneer shaping the future of the industry in Africa. With over a decade of experience, King E has built Voiceover Workshop and Media into a thriving, tech-enabled platform that empowers aspiring voice actors and drives…
The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) is tackling Nigeria’s chronic power shortages head-on with a solar mini-grid initiative. Backed by the Rockefeller Foundation and the Bezos Earth Fund, GEAPP is driving the development of renewable energy infrastructure to bring electricity to millions of Nigerians currently living without…
Zimbabwe’s Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) is cracking down on businesses refusing to offer card payment options, declaring it a violation of consumer rights and national law. The commission is launching an enforcement blitz, targeting fuel retailers first, to ensure businesses provide Point-of-Sale (POS) machines that accept cards in both Zimbabwean…
South Sudan’s leading telecom providers, MTN, Digitel, and Zain, have jointly announced an impending increase in tariffs for their services. This decision, driven by the Central Bank’s recent adjustment of the foreign exchange rate, aims to align telecom pricing with the prevailing economic realities in the country. The National Communications…
MTN Rwanda has announced the appointment of Somdev Sen as its new Chief Consumer and Digital Officer. Effective November 1st, 2024, Mr. Sen brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success from his previous role at MTN Uganda, where he served as Chief Marketing Officer for…
Telecom Namibia has launched “The Jiva Tip-Off Hotline,” a confidential and secure platform where employees, stakeholders, and the public can report misconduct, violations of company policies, or unethical practices like fraud and corruption without fear of retaliation. This initiative comes six years after a major scandal rocked the company, involving…
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has officially declared Egypt malaria-free, marking a significant victory in the global fight against the disease. This certification recognises Egypt’s successful efforts in interrupting indigenous malaria transmission for at least three consecutive years, a feat achieved through decades of dedicated public health interventions. The WHO…
Yango, owned by Russian tech giant Yandex, has been suspended in Togo just months after its launch. The Togolese Ministry of Transport announced the suspension, stating that Yango began operations “in violation of all required administrative procedures and authorizations.” This move raises concerns about the company’s compliance with local regulations…
The Nigerian government has partnered with Ericsson, a global leader in 5G technology, to explore and develop the potential of 5G connectivity in the country. This strategic partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during a recent delegation visit to Ericsson’s headquarters in Sweden, aims to leverage the…
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is spearheading Nigeria’s foray into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with a two-fold approach emphasising both adoption and ethical implementation. This strategy was outlined by Kashifu Inuwa, NITDA’s Director General, at the recent Technovate Fest 2024, themed “AI for Africa: Addressing Continental…
OmniRetail, a Nigerian B2B eCommerce startup making waves in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, has acquired Traction Apps, a fintech company that provides payment solutions for small businesses. This acquisition, for an undisclosed amount, will boost OmniRetail’s existing payment platform, OmniPay, and further solidify its position as a comprehensive…