Author: Smart Megwai

Pick n Pay, one of South Africa’s leading retail chains, has announced plans to close or rebrand around 100 stores as part of a broader restructuring strategy. The decision comes amidst a period of stagnant growth and declining profitability for the retailer. In a recent trading statement covering the 21…

The Kenyan telecommunications landscape continues to heat up as Elon Musk’s Starlink expands its services and poses a significant challenge to incumbent providers like Safaricom. Starlink’s recent announcement that mobile phone users will soon be able to access its satellite internet directly, without the need for hardware kits, has intensified…

Elon Musk’s Starlink shakes up the internet service provider (ISP) market once again, this time with plans to equip its satellites with advanced technology that allows mobile phones to connect directly to satellite internet. This ambitious move bypasses the need for traditional hardware routers and could significantly disrupt the existing…

After months of negotiations and setbacks, Wasoko and MaxAB, two leading African e-commerce platforms, have successfully completed their long-awaited merger. The deal, which was announced in December 2023, is being hailed as the largest tech merger on the African continent. The merger, initially planned as a “merger of equals,” faced…

Konga, a leading online marketplace in Nigeria, has announced a strategic partnership with Starlink to provide satellite internet services to underserved areas across the country. This collaboration aims to bridge the digital divide by offering reliable, high-speed internet connectivity to individuals and businesses in regions with limited or no terrestrial…

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to commence the rollout of a 90,000-kilometer fibre optic cable network across the country in February 2025. This ambitious project aims to significantly expand Nigeria’s broadband infrastructure, increasing its backbone network from 35,000 kilometers to 125,000 kilometers. The Minister of Communications, Innovation,…

Vodacom and Huawei have joined forces to launch the DigiTruck, a mobile classroom designed to bring digital education to remote communities in Tanzania. The innovative project is part of the broader DigiTruck initiative, which aims to bridge the digital divide and provide access to technology and education in underserved areas.…

A recent survey conducted by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has revealed that South Africa is among the world’s top users of ChatGPT and other AI technologies. This significant finding underscores the country’s growing embrace of artificial intelligence and its potential to drive innovation and economic growth. The BCG Global…

Bolt Kenya, mirroring a recent decision by its main competitor Uber, has announced a 10% fare increase. This move comes in response to growing concerns from drivers demanding better compensation and working conditions. The fare hike, which is effective immediately, is intended to address the rising cost of living and…

iColo, a leading data center and interconnection platform provider in Africa, has taken a significant step towards its sustainability goals by commissioning over 650 kilowatts (kW) of new solar installations at its two data centers in Nairobi and Mombasa. This expansion of renewable energy capacity underscores iColo’s commitment to contributing…

The Kenyan betting industry is experiencing a period of upheaval as 10 betting firms have exited the market since the beginning of 2024. This significant decline in the number of licensed operators is a stark indication of the challenges facing the sector, which has been under increased scrutiny in recent…

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to adopt Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), marking a significant step towards digital modernisation. This transition is expected to revolutionise how internet users and their devices are identified, numbered, and tracked within the country. The announcement was made at the IPv6 Driven…

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…