Access to social media platforms in Mozambique was restricted for the second time in a week, as confirmed by Surfshark’s Research Hub in an email to Innovation Village. This latest shutdown comes amidst calls for strikes by the opposition, who are contesting the results of the recent presidential election. “We…
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.
The Innovation and Leadership Series recently featured Norman Moyo, CEO of Grid Africa, who shared his unique journey from telecommunications to renewable energy. His story embodies pan-African leadership, dedication to lifelong learning, and a vision for a brighter future for the continent. Norman Moyo, a passionate advocate for pan-African progress,…
Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued a stark warning about a new breed of malware targeting unsuspecting job seekers on LinkedIn. Dubbed “CovertCatch,” this insidious software poses a significant threat to individuals and organizations across various sectors, including defense, media, technology, and academia. Cybercriminals are exploiting the…
MoMo PSB, the fintech subsidiary of MTN Nigeria, has launched outbound and inbound remittance services, enabling users to send and receive money instantly across 19 African countries. This expansion marks a significant step towards greater financial inclusion and seamless cross-border transactions within the continent. Nigerian users can now send money…
The growing misuse of AI for criminal purposes is highlighted in a case where a 27-year-old man was sentenced to 18 years for creating and selling child sexual abuse images. Hugh Nelson, from Bolton, England, pleaded guilty to 16 charges related to child sexual abuse offenses, including encouraging the rape…
Standard Bank, Africa’s largest bank by assets, has partnered with Volante Technologies, a global leader in Payments as a Service (PaaS), to modernise its payment infrastructure across the continent. This agreement represents one of the most ambitious PaaS deals in history, aiming to transform payment processing and enhance the customer…
National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has partnered with Imose Technologies Ltd to launch a new line of laptops and tablets manufactured in Nigeria. This initiative aims to provide affordable and accessible computing solutions for Nigerian consumers while strengthening the country’s digital landscape and promoting technological self-sufficiency. The…
UBA Kenya has been fined by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) for failing to meet the minimum capital requirements for commercial banks. The lender fell short of the mandatory 8% core capital-to-deposit ratio, a key indicator of a bank’s financial health and ability to absorb losses, according to reports.…
Mozambique has joined the growing list of African countries resorting to internet censorship to stifle dissent and control the flow of information during politically sensitive periods. This unprecedented move by the Mozambican government has drawn sharp criticism from media organisations and human rights groups, who denounce it as an infringement…
Google is deepening its commitment to Africa’s digital transformation with a $5.8 million investment in AI skilling initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa. This funding will support organizations working to equip individuals, businesses, and communities with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-powered world. The announcement, made by Matt Brittin, President…
The Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) is calling on the Lagos State Government to leverage technology in its fight against building collapses. Nairametrics reports that BCPG Ikeja Cell Coordinator Mr. Gbolahan Oyelakin recently urged the Lagos State Government to utilise technology for building performance monitoring, in an interview with NAN.…
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…
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…