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…
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.
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…
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and Mastercard have teamed up to launch the Mobilising Access to the Digital Economy (MADE) Alliance Africa, an initiative aimed at connecting 100 million Africans and businesses to essential digital services over the next decade. This collaborative effort seeks to bridge the digital divide…
Intelsat, a leading provider of satellite and terrestrial network solutions, has launched a new cellular backhaul platform in Nigeria, aiming to accelerate mobile network expansion and bridge the connectivity gap in the region. Dubbed Intelsat CellBackhaul Nigeria, the fully managed service will leverage Intelsat’s extensive satellite and terrestrial infrastructure to…
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has issued a stern warning to all individuals and businesses involved in the sale and distribution of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment. The regulatory body insists that all devices, including mobile phones, tablets, computers, and other internet-enabled gadgets, must undergo a mandatory registration…
Obiageli’s path to product management wasn’t a straight line. It began with a yearning for something more, a desire to find a career that resonated with her values and made a real-world impact. “My journey began with a quest to find purpose and value,” she shares. Like many career changers,…
What if technology could ensure that life-saving medicines reach even the most remote corners of Africa? That’s the question driving Field Intelligence, a company co-founded by Peter Bunor Jr. Innovation Village spoke with Bunor to explore how his company is transforming healthcare delivery across the continent, with a particular focus…
Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service may soon be beaming down to South Africa, as Communications Minister Solly Malatsi announced a plan to pave the way for its launch. Malatsi revealed his intention to issue a policy direction to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) concerning equity equivalent…
Ghana is stepping up its fight against cybercrime with the launch of a comprehensive National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS). Communications and Digitalisation Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful unveiled the policy, emphasising its critical role in safeguarding the nation’s digital infrastructure and citizens in an increasingly interconnected world. This comes as recent…
Fincra, a leading payment infrastructure provider focused on simplifying online transactions across Africa, has received a significant boost to its expansion plans. The company has been granted a Third Party Payment Provider (TPPP) license by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), allowing it to extend its comprehensive payment solutions to…
Capitec, South Africa’s second-largest retail bank, is deepening its foray into the entertainment sector through a new partnership with MultiChoice, the parent company of DStv. This collaboration will provide Capitec’s 12 million active app users with access to discounted DStv Stream plans, further enhancing the bank’s value proposition and solidifying…
Nigerian agritech startup Winich Farms has secured $3 million in pre-Series A funding to further its mission of empowering smallholder farmers and optimising agricultural processes across Nigeria. This injection of capital will be instrumental in enhancing the company’s technology and expanding its reach, ultimately boosting earnings for farmers and improving…
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has taken decisive action against StarSAT, a pay-TV provider, conducting a search and seizure operation at their offices. This follows StarSAT’s blatant disregard for a cease-and-desist order issued by ICASA in September 2024, demanding the company halt broadcasting activities after the expiration…
Kenya is making a bold move to attract digital nomads and boost tourism with the introduction of a new Digital Nomad Work Permit and relaxed transit visa regulations. President William Ruto announced these initiatives on Wednesday, aiming to position Kenya as a prime destination for remote workers and travelers seeking…
TECNO, a major player in Africa’s smartphone market, has launched an ambitious AI-powered ecosystem in Kenya, signaling its commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology on the continent. This news comes hot on the heels of other AI-driven advancements in the region, such as the use of AI-powered surveillance to…
Carry1st, the prominent South African mobile games publisher and consumer payment provider, is expanding its reach beyond gaming with a strategic partnership with Audiomack, a leading music streaming platform boasting over 30 million monthly users. This collaboration aims to streamline music subscription payments across Africa by leveraging Carry1st’s localized payment…
Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet constellation, has announced a significant price increase for its services in Nigeria, raising monthly subscription fees by a staggering 97%. This move comes as a surprise to many, especially considering the company’s recent price reduction for its hardware in the country just last year, and…
The popular Netflix documentary ‘Free Money’, which explores a universal basic income experiment in a Kenyan village, has landed the streaming giant in hot water. “Four Kenyans have filed a lawsuit,” Business Daily reports, “against the producers, alleging that their poverty was commercially exploited without their informed consent.” The plaintiffs…
Uber ventures into the wild, launching Uber Safari in South Africa, where the thrill of a safari adventure is now just a tap away for tourists and locals alike. Starting October 1st, 2024, users in Cape Town will be able to book a full-day safari experience directly through the Uber…
Anticipation is building as vivo, a leading global smartphone brand, gears up to launch its latest flagship device, the V40, in Kenya on October 14th, 2024. This highly anticipated release marks a significant milestone as vivo deepens its strategic partnership with ZEISS, the renowned optics pioneer. With this collaboration, the…