TikTok, the social media giant renowned for its short-form video content, is testing the waters of long-form video with a new feature allowing select users to upload videos up to 60 minutes in length. This strategic move marks a significant shift from the platform’s signature bite-sized videos and positions it…
Author: Smart Megwai
Smart Megwai
Smart is an experienced writer with an analytical edge. 10,000+ articles published since 2015, specialising in leadership, finance, and technology.
Internet services across East Africa are back online after a four-day outage triggered by damage to two crucial undersea cables, EASSy and SEACOM. The disruption, affecting Kenya, Uganda, and other nations, was confirmed resolved on May 16th by major providers like Safaricom and Airtel Uganda. However, the return of connectivity…
The recent suspension of Nigeria’s cybersecurity levy has sparked a nationwide conversation about the best way to fund and strengthen the country’s digital defenses. While the levy aimed to raise funds for cybersecurity initiatives, its abrupt halt leaves us pondering: was it the right solution? The levy, which imposed a…
Flutterwave, Africa’s renowned fintech unicorn, has confirmed a security breach that resulted in the unauthorised transfer of ₦11 billion ($7 million) to several accounts in April 2024. However, the company vehemently asserts that no customer funds or data were compromised during the incident. The breach, the fourth reported in the…
As the digital landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is taking proactive steps to ensure a safer and more responsible online environment. In a recent meeting with representatives from TikTok, the popular social media platform, discussions centered on the crucial role of content…
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is embracing digital transformation to streamline business registration in Nigeria. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), the agency aims to slash registration times from days or weeks to mere minutes, making it significantly easier for entrepreneurs to launch their ventures. This ambitious move,…
At the recent Nigerian International Book Fair in Ibadan, Accessible Publishers Ltd. unveiled their groundbreaking e-learning platform, StudyBase, poised to transform education across Nigeria. Designed to empower students, teachers, and schools, StudyBase offers a comprehensive suite of features aimed at enhancing the learning experience and addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s…
Following recent directives from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) mandating PoS agent registration, the National Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN) is escalating its opposition. The association is preparing to take legal action against the CAC, arguing that the…
MTN Rwanda has taken a significant step towards environmental responsibility by launching the nation’s first-ever paper-based biodegradable SIM cards, known as “bioSIMs.” This initiative is a significant addition to the telecom provider’s sustainability portfolio and aligns with both Rwanda’s Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy and the MTN Group’s broader…
The Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is poised to unveil a series of stringent regulatory measures aimed at curbing the crypto market within the country. A key component of this crackdown, according to SEC Director General Emomotimi Agama, will be the delisting of the Nigerian naira from peer-to-peer (P2P)…
Prominent civil society organization Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu, demanding the immediate revocation of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) controversial cybersecurity levy and threatened legal action if the order is not rescinded. SERAP strongly condemns the 0.5% levy on…
The democratic process faces a new breed of adversary – not foreign powers or shadowy groups, but sophisticated AI algorithms capable of generating highly convincing deepfakes. Amidst a looming ‘disinformation arms race’ with potentially dire consequences for elections worldwide, Microsoft and OpenAI are taking action. The tech giants announced a…
CMC Networks, a leading global data communications provider, has unveiled a powerful new cloud solution tailored for the African market. CMC Cloud, an Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) offering, is designed to bring lightning-fast edge computing to businesses across the continent, enhancing user experience and accelerating the growth of Africa’s digital economy. CMC…
South Africa has taken a bold step forward in the global AI arena with the launch of the Defence Artificial Intelligence Research Unit (DAIRU). Announced on May 3rd, 2024, the military-focused initiative underscores the nation’s growing technological ambitions and its focus on employing AI for defense and broader national development.…
In a move that signals a bold step towards modernizing air travel, the Federal Government of Nigeria is embracing the power of satellite technology for the aviation industry. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Technology, Mr. Festus Keyamo, recently declared that the nation is committed to sustainable air travel by…
In a move to increase transparency and reduce fraud, the Nigerian federal government has mandated that all Point of Sale (PoS) agents must register as businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). This directive aligns with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) guidelines and existing legal requirements. Fintech companies and…
IBM has announced a major expansion of its software portfolio on AWS Marketplace, now reaching 92 countries globally, including 18 across Africa. This move streamlines procurement, simplifies purchasing, and drives greater efficiencies for African businesses to access IBM’s cutting-edge technology solutions on the cloud. African enterprises can now seamlessly purchase…
Google, the African Union (AU), and YouTube are joining forces to launch #DiscoverMyAfrica, a month-long celebration of African creativity, innovation, and heritage. Throughout Africa Month, creators are invited to share their unique perspectives on the continent through YouTube Shorts, while special events and resources will highlight Africa’s vibrant creative industries.…
A Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria has postponed the trial of Tigran Gambaryan, an executive at cryptocurrency exchange Binance, until May 17th. Gambaryan, along with his company Binance Holdings Limited and another executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, face charges of money laundering exceeding $35 million. The delay comes after Gambaryan’s defense…
When discussing the intersection of Africa and blockchain technology, the conversation often centers around cryptocurrency and its role in remittances. While this is an important area, overlooking the transformative potential of blockchain for Africa’s complex supply chains would be a mistake. From agriculture to manufacturing, outdated and fragmented supply chains…