Nigeria’s push to become a leading force in the global development and responsible deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) has gained significant momentum. The “Developing the High-Level Strategy and Implementation Plan for a National AI Strategy for Nigeria” workshop, convened by the Federal Government, signals a commitment to shaping the future…
Author: Smart Megwai
The recent suspension of Starlink’s roaming internet services in Zimbabwe, at the behest of the country’s telecom regulator POTRAZ, throws the spotlight on the nuanced regulatory environment facing satellite-based internet providers in Africa. Starlink’s ambitious goal of bringing high-speed connectivity to underserved regions clashes with the need for national authorities…
MTN MoMo, the popular mobile money platform, today announced a significant expansion of its international remittance capabilities. The service now boasts 25 new wallet corridors across 10 African countries, allowing users to send money to over 200 million wallets maintained by various partners in 24 nations. This latest expansion specifically…
Artificial intelligence research leader, OpenAI, has unveiled a major upgrade to their popular ChatGPT conversational AI. Powered by the groundbreaking GPT-4 Turbo language model, this latest iteration blends enhanced language prowess with the ability to analyse and generate responses based on visual content. This fusion of language fluency and image…
The lines between traditional messaging and AI-enhanced experiences continue to blur. Meta’s recent introduction of ‘Meta AI’, a powerful conversational AI chatbot, into WhatsApp in India and parts of Africa echoes a broader strategic shift as the company ramps up AI deployment across several of its key platforms. The move…
Apple’s recent alert to iPhone users across 92 countries about potential “mercenary spyware attacks” sheds light on an alarming trend in cybersecurity. These highly sophisticated attacks break from traditional malware strategies, selectively targeting individuals to gain access to their iPhones and the wealth of sensitive data they hold. Unlike common…
South Korea is staking its claim as a future AI powerhouse, announcing a significant $7 billion investment in artificial intelligence research and development by 2027. This move aims to propel the nation to the forefront of the global semiconductor industry, with a particular focus on cutting-edge AI chip design and…
Sudan’s prolonged communications blackout continues to plague large parts of the country, leaving millions cut off from vital information and economic lifelines for over two months. While some mobile network providers are gradually restoring partial services, the disruption remains severe, causing hardship for civilians already grappling with the fallout of…
TNM Plc, Malawi’s leading mobile network and ICT services provider, is making significant strides to combat mobile money fraud through the introduction of its new ‘SIM Swap Exemption’ security initiative. This feature gives TNM customers the ability to block any unauthorized SIM swaps on their mobile accounts, a common tactic…
Microsoft is set to face a formal complaint from South African competition regulators over allegations of anti-competitive practices related to its Azure cloud computing services. The South African Competition Commission (CompCom) is poised to accuse Microsoft of excessively high fees when businesses seek to switch their cloud licenses to Azure’s…
YouScribe, a leading digital library platform, is expanding its reach to Ghana in collaboration with Digital Virgo and MTN Ghana. This launch brings a wealth of educational resources to the West African nation, ushering in a potential revolution in learning accessibility and empowerment. Ghana’s robust digital subscription market, coupled with…
The ongoing saga between Nigeria and cryptocurrency exchange Binance took a new turn this week as a detained executive faced money laundering charges. Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s head of financial crime compliance, appeared in court for the first time since his arrest in February but did not enter a plea. Gambaryan’s…
A recent report by Microsoft sheds light on the immense potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionise Africa’s economic landscape. The study projects that AI could contribute a staggering $1.2 trillion to the continent’s GDP by 2030, representing a significant 5.6% boost. This AI-driven growth is expected to impact various…
Ghanaian healthtech startup Rivia is making waves in the digital healthcare space with its recent acquisition of Waffle, a Ghanaian software company specializing in solutions for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This strategic move strengthens Rivia’s position as a key player in transforming primary care delivery in Ghana. The acquisition…
Google Cloud has signaled its commitment to shoring up cybersecurity defenses across the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (META) region with the appointment of Noor Al-Sulaiti as the new Head of Security Business Development and Government Relations. Al-Sulaiti, a seasoned telecommunications executive with a reputation for innovation, brings a wealth…
Explosive allegations have emerged suggesting Facebook (now Meta) granted Netflix access to users’ private messages in exchange for data and a hefty sum of money. This revelation comes from an ongoing antitrust lawsuit against Meta, raising serious concerns about user privacy and potential anti-competitive practices. The accusations paint a picture…
South Africa has officially launched its digital nomad visa program, a move met with both optimism and apprehension. The program aims to attract skilled remote workers by offering visas for up to three years, potentially boosting the economy and tech scene. However, concerns linger about rising living costs, potential tax…
The ongoing saga between Nigeria and cryptocurrency exchange Binance reaches a new chapter as Nigerian authorities escalate their efforts to capture Nadeem Anjarwalla, a Binance executive who escaped custody in March. This dramatic development adds another layer to the already tense situation and raises questions about the future of cryptocurrency…
Nigerians might have to contend with another internet disruption as the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) gears up for an indefinite strike starting April 4, 2024. The union, representing senior staff in the telecom sector, accuses subcontractors linked to Huawei Technologies Nigeria Limited of unfair…
Ride-hailing giant Uber’s attempt to mend fences with drivers in Lagos, Nigeria, has hit a rough patch. The company’s recent announcement of a 10% increase in driver earnings fails to appease the disgruntled workforce caught in the crossfire between Uber and the Lagos State government. On April 2nd, Uber implemented…