Author: Smart Megwai

Congratulations on launching your startup! As your business scales and you leverage technology to reach new customers, it’s critical to prioritise cybersecurity. Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and unfortunately, small businesses and startups are often seen as easy targets.   Here’s why cybersecurity should be at the forefront of your…

Flutterwave is embroiled in a complex legal battle as it grapples with the aftermath of a significant security breach that occurred in October 2023. The latest development in the saga saw a federal High Court in Abuja reject a police request to freeze and reverse billions of naira allegedly stolen…

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has been reported to initiate a public consultation process to develop a new licensing framework for satellite services. The regulator is inviting stakeholders to provide input on the proposed regulations, which will shape the future of satellite communications in the country. This…

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has marked a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey with the launch of its first Tier III certified, carrier-neutral, open-access data center. The facility, a joint venture between Open Access Data Centres (OADC) and TEXAF, known as OADC Texaf Digital, is now operational…

Kenya is set to dramatically accelerate its digital infrastructure development by connecting over 180 national institutions to a high-speed fibre optic network. The ambitious project will utilise existing electricity power lines, a departure from the traditional and time-consuming trenching method. The southwestern counties of Kisii and Nyamira are earmarked as…

LinkedIn is more than a social platform for Product Managers (PMs); it’s a strategic tool for career advancement. By understanding how to leverage this platform effectively, you can unlock new opportunities, expand your network, and enhance your skill set. One of the most powerful aspects of LinkedIn is the ability…

MEDITECH, a global leader in healthcare information technology, is set to collaborate with the data science community to drive innovation and improve healthcare outcomes across Africa. This strategic move was unveiled by Dr. Sushanth Pillai, Managing Director of MEDITECH South Africa, during his keynote address at the DataFest Africa 24…

Magnom Properties, a Saudi-controlled real estate firm, is set to construct a hydrogen-powered skyscraper in Egypt’s burgeoning New Administrative Capital (NAC). This project, as outlined in the partnership announcement, is a big step forward in building green cities. It shows Egypt is working to become a leader in clean energy…

The European Union (EU) has announced a €3.5 million funding allocation to bolster mpox diagnostic capabilities across Africa. This significant investment comes as the continent grapples with a persistent mpox outbreak that has posed significant public health challenges. The funding will be channeled towards enhancing laboratories, training healthcare workers, and…

Nigeria’s telecom sector is on the brink of a crisis as operators grapple with mounting financial pressures. At the recently held ‘Telecom Industry 2.0: The Next Investment Frontier in Nigeria’ event, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), dropped a bombshell: the industry…

Capitec and Showmax have joined forces to offer South African consumers a game-changing deal. The two giants have announced a partnership that will see the bank’s 12 million active app users enjoy significantly reduced subscription fees for the MultiChoice-owned platform. Starting this week, Capitec customers can purchase Showmax streaming vouchers…

Lagos State Government is set to disrupt the real estate sector with a new initiative involving blockchain technology and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). This innovative approach seeks to digitise property records, streamline transactions, and enhance transparency within the industry. The proposed system will involve tokenising real estate properties, converting physical assets…

South African energy tech startup, Open Access Energy (OAE), has secured a $750,000 investment from Factor E Ventures, marking the first tranche of its $1.5 million seed round. The funding will be instrumental in the company’s mission to address South Africa’s persistent energy challenges through innovative software solutions. OAE specialises…

South African enterprise resource planning (ERP) software stalwart, Syspro, has been acquired by global private equity firm Advent International. While financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, the acquisition marks a significant milestone for the company, founded in 1978 by Phil Duff, who will retire as chairman at the end…

A Chinese consortium led by China Harbour Engineering Company has won the contract to construct a 100-megawatt solar power plant in Botswana. The project aligns with the country’s goal of achieving a 50% renewable energy share by 2036, as outlined in its revised Integrated Resource Programme. Scheduled for completion in…

The abrupt closure of PrivPay, a Kenyan fintech that promised anonymous M-Pesa transactions, serves as a stark reminder of the complex regulatory landscape for financial technology startups in the region. The company’s demise, following the termination of its M-Pesa API access by Safaricom, underscores the critical importance of compliance in…

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have underscored their commitment to positioning Nigeria as a global tech hub through the successful culmination of the third cohort of the iHatch Startup Incubation Program. The program, designed to cultivate a vibrant tech ecosystem, has…

The ongoing detention of Tigran Gambaryan, a senior executive at Binance, has reached a critical juncture as his health continues to deteriorate rapidly. Arrested in February on charges of financial misconduct—charges that were later dropped in June—Gambaryan remains in custody under conditions that have sparked international outrage. Mondo-Advisory, the communications…

Technology giant Cisco is poised to undertake a second wave of significant job cuts this year, with thousands of employees expected to be affected. The networking equipment maker is reportedly shifting its focus towards higher-growth sectors, including cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. According to multiple sources familiar with the matter, the…

TikTok has initiated layoffs affecting its African workforce as part of a broader company restructuring. The popular short-video platform, owned by ByteDance, is streamlining operations amid economic challenges and increased regulatory scrutiny. This development follows previous announcements of global job cuts. While specific details about the extent of the job…