The African tech scene is booming, with an increasing demand for skilled software developers, web developers, data scientists, and other tech professionals. Coding bootcamps have emerged as a popular alternative to traditional university education, offering intensive, short-term training programs designed to equip students with practical skills for the job market.…
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 recent rebranding of South African fintech Ukheshe to EFT Corporation, following the latter’s acquisition in January 2024, represents a significant strategic move in the African fintech landscape. This move is not merely a change of name but a carefully calculated maneuver aimed at consolidating market presence, expanding reach, and…
Meta’s Threads, the Twitter competitor that launched last summer, has finally rolled out its much-anticipated API (Application Programming Interface). Mark Zuckerberg also confirm this in a post on Threads saying, “The Threads API is now widely available, and coming to more of you soon.” This move signifies a major step…
Tired of projects that drag on endlessly, budgets that balloon out of control, and that nagging feeling that there must be a better way? Well, there is. It’s called Scrum, and it’s not just for software developers anymore. Whether you’re dreaming of launching a tech startup, managing a community project,…
Venturing into the African tech scene can be a thrilling adventure. The possibilities are vast, the growth potential immense. But let’s be real – it’s not always easy. Whether you’re a coding newbie trying to grasp the basics or a seasoned pro looking to pivot your career, the journey can…
This is the story of how Apple, a company known for its sleek design and user-friendly interfaces, embarked on a daring quest to challenge the very foundation of personal computing. It’s a story that spans decades, involving hidden clues, bold decisions, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It began in…
Football, the world’s most popular sport, has always been a captivating blend of skill, passion, and strategy. But behind the scenes, a silent revolution is transforming the beautiful game at Euro 2024. A revolution powered by cutting-edge technology that’s changing everything from how matches are officiated to how fans experience…
Smartphones have become an integral part of modern life, revolutionising communication, information access, and entertainment. Yet, concerns about their impact on our brains and well-being have grown louder. Are smartphones a brilliant invention that enhances our lives or a double-edged sword with hidden dangers? Recent research suggests that excessive smartphone…
LinkedIn is making waves in the job market with its new suite of AI-powered tools. These tools are not just hype; they’re practical solutions designed to empower professionals at every stage of their career journey. Here’s how you can harness them to your advantage: Job Search Reimagined: Gone are the…
A group of eight former SpaceX engineers have filed a lawsuit against the aerospace company and its CEO, Elon Musk, accusing them of wrongful termination and fostering a pervasively sexist work environment. The lawsuit, filed in a Los Angeles state court, alleges that the engineers were fired in retaliation for…
Africa’s startup ecosystem is booming, brimming with innovative solutions tailored for the continent’s unique challenges. However, for these burgeoning ventures to truly thrive and scale, a pan-African approach is increasingly becoming a necessity, not just an option. The rationale behind launching in multiple African countries is multifaceted, encompassing strategic, financial,…
Standard Bank, Africa’s largest lender, has announced its decision to finance the controversial $5 billion East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, sparking outrage from environmental groups and local communities. The 1,443-kilometer pipeline, set to run from Uganda’s oil fields to Tanzania’s Tanga port, has been mired in controversy due…
In a long-awaited victory for ride-hailing companies, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reportedly signed an amendment to the National Land Transport Act, finally allowing platforms like Uber and Bolt to obtain operating licenses. This landmark decision, ending a 13-year regulatory limbo, is set to reshape the country’s transportation sector…
Rwanda is set to launch its national digital currency, the “digital franc,” by 2026, making it a trailblazer in Africa’s digital finance landscape. The initiative, spearheaded by the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), aims to provide a secure, accessible, and cost-effective alternative to physical cash, driving financial inclusion and modernising…
German software firm, SAP SE, has announced its acquisition of WalkMe Ltd., a Saas company headquartered in Tel Aviv. The deal, valued at approximately $1.5 billion, signals SAP’s commitment to enhancing user experience, accelerating business transformation, and boosting employee productivity across its vast customer base. Digital adoption platforms like WalkMe…
South Africa’s ambitious broadband initiatives have stumbled, leaving taxpayers burdened and connectivity goals unmet. Despite billions of rand being poured into various projects—including Stellenbosch’s 2012 Wi-Fi town plan, Tshwane’s free Wi-Fi, and the Johannesburg Broadband Network Project—the digital divide remains stubbornly wide. Crippling corruption, maladministration, and poor service delivery have…
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is facing yet another legal battle as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a lawsuit alleging that the company lied about its motives behind the acquisitions of WhatsApp and Instagram. The FTC claims that Facebook’s actions were aimed at neutralizing competitive threats and maintaining…
VGS, a leading payment tokenization firm, has solidified its strategic partnership with Onafriq, Africa’s largest payments network, to elevate security and foster innovation for fintech companies across the region. This collaboration builds upon a longstanding relationship between the two entities, where VGS has been a trusted partner in ensuring PCI…
Kenya’s proactive approach to digital inclusion is yielding promising results, with the widespread adoption of locally-assembled, low-cost smartphones transforming the nation’s digital landscape. The East Africa Device Assembly Kenya (EADAK) plant, a public-private partnership, has produced over 490,000 4G-enabled handsets since its establishment late last year, with a significant portion…
Kenya’s ambitious Konza Technopolis project is set for a major transformation into a cutting-edge film and creative hub thanks to a Ksh30.8 billion (USD 238 million) loan secured from Korea Exim Bank. The agreement, finalised during the Korea-Africa Summit on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, marks a significant step in Kenya’s…