In a significant development for AI transparency and accountability, OpenAI has announced that ChatGPT, its groundbreaking chatbot, will now cite sources for all responses it generates. This move aims to provide users with greater context and verifiability regarding the information provided by the AI model. The decision comes amid growing…
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 world of technology mourns the loss of Dr. Thomas Mensah, a pioneering figure in fiber optics technology, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on global communications networks. Dr. Mensah passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at the age of 74, succumbing to a brief illness at the…
Nigerian mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) Zegtel is making a big bet on improving mobile connectivity in the country. The company has announced a planned investment of $21.8 million over the next five years to expand mobile network access, particularly for underserved populations. This move comes as Nigeria, along with…
Nigerian fintech leader Aella Credit has shed its former name, announcing a strategic rebrand as Aella Microfinance Bank. This move signifies the company’s commitment to expanding its offerings and becoming a one-stop shop for financial services tailored to the needs of the average Nigerian. Aella, boasting over 2 million users…
In its annual Ads Safety Report, Google revealed a significant increase in its efforts to combat deceptive advertising. The report highlights the company’s success in blocking malicious content, with a staggering 206.5 million ads flagged for violating its misrepresentation policy in 2023. This figure represents a crucial step forward in…
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has taken decisive action to address concerns surrounding a data breach, leading to the restriction of access to the National Identification Number (NIN) database for licensed agents. The move follows revelations of unauthorized access by a third-party entity, expressverify.com, prompting investigations by regulatory bodies.…
Ride-hailing giant Uber has reached an agreement with the Lagos State Government to share trip data, following a period of tension that included impounding of drivers’ vehicles and threats of sanctions. The crux of the issue was the type of data Uber would share. Riders were concerned that their personal…
Two senior executives from Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, have taken legal action against Nigerian authorities, alleging violations of their fundamental rights. Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s head of financial crime compliance, and Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s regional manager for Africa, have filed a lawsuit against Nigeria’s national security adviser’s office and…
Venture capital firm Satgana has announced the successful closure of its first fund, aimed at supporting early-stage climate-tech startups in Africa and Europe. With commitments totaling €8 million ($8.6 million), Satgana plans to back up to 30 startups working on climate change mitigation and resilience solutions. Romain Diaz, Founder and…
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revoked the mobile money licence of Cellulant Nigeria, a subsidiary of Cellulant Corporation, one of Africa’s pioneering fintech companies. The revocation, effective from December 6, 2023, marks Cellulant’s exit from the consumer-facing mobile money market as it shifts focus to providing payment services…
Gemini, Google’s evolving AI assistant, has taken a significant leap forward in its navigation capabilities with the introduction of automatic Google Maps integration. This latest update streamlines the process of accessing directions, offering users a seamless and hands-free experience. Previously, when users requested directions through Gemini, they would receive a…
YouTube is rolling out a groundbreaking feature that enables creators to share exclusive Shorts with their paying subscribers, marking a significant expansion in monetisation options for content creators on the platform. This move allows creators to offer short-form videos exclusively to their paid viewers, adding another layer of value to…
Patrice Motsepe, South Africa’s billionaire, is reportedly engaging in discussions with Vivendi SE’s Canal+ to bolster its bid for MultiChoice Group, South Africa’s leading pay-TV provider. These discussions come as Canal+ approaches the April 8 deadline to submit a formal buy offer for MultiChoice. Canal+ has been steadily increasing its…
MTN Group, a leading telecommunications company, has announced the appointment of Mike Silber as Group Executive Regulatory, effective from April 1, 2024. Silber, a well-known figure in the ICT industry and a specialist attorney, joins MTN Group from Liquid Intelligent Technologies, where he served as Group Chief Regulatory Officer for…
Telecel Group, an Africa-focused telecommunications company, has made significant strides in expanding its operations by acquiring two West African units from MTN Group Ltd., Africa’s largest wireless company. This strategic move comes as Telecel gears up for an initial public offering (IPO) within the next three years. The acquired assets…
In today’s digital age, we entrust a vast amount of personal information to our online accounts. This convenience, however, comes with a risk: cyberattacks. Hackers are constantly devising new methods to steal passwords, access sensitive data, and even take control of your devices. But don’t panic! By staying vigilant and…
Nigeria’s digital lending market, known for its easy access to loans through mobile apps, is under fire for breaching customer privacy. The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) is currently investigating over 400 cases where lenders accessed borrowers’ contacts, pictures, and messages without permission. These practices violate the Nigeria Data Protection…
Hormuud Telecom, a prominent telecommunications company based in Somalia, has launched the 5G network in eight strategic locations across the nation. Commencing on March 21, 2024, Hormuud Telecom is offering complimentary upgrades to its existing 4G customers. Additionally, subscribers in Mogadishu, Kismayo, Galkayo, Baidoa, Dhusamareeb, Beledwayne, Afgoye, Merca, and Dhobley…
Float, a South African fintech startup, has announced a significant milestone in its journey towards transforming the payments landscape with the procurement of an $11 million funding facility from Standard Bank. This strategic partnership is poised to propel Float’s growth trajectory over the next four years as it introduces its…
Telecom Egypt and EXA Infrastructure have announced a strategic partnership aimed at reshaping East-to-West traffic flows entering the Mediterranean and reinforcing Egypt’s pivotal role as a global telecommunications hub. This collaboration signifies a significant step forward in bolstering digital infrastructure initiatives and expanding connectivity options in the region. Telecom Egypt,…