Block Inc. has officially launched Bitkey, a self-custody Bitcoin wallet designed to offer individuals greater control over their Bitcoin holdings. Bitkey comprises a mobile app, a hardware device, and recovery tools, providing users with a comprehensive solution for secure Bitcoin ownership. Available in over 95 countries, Bitkey aims to simplify…
Author: Smart Megwai
On Thursday, Google witnessed a notable 5% surge in its shares, marking the most favorable day for the tech giant since August 29. The surge came in the wake of Google’s announcement of its latest artificial intelligence model, Project Gemini, positioning the company to compete with AI models from industry…
Nigerian fintech firm, Kippa, supported by investors including Saison Capital and Horizone, has executed a significant operational transfer of its agency banking product, KippaPay, to Bloc, a fellow Nigerian fintech poised to introduce banking services. Although described as a handshake deal by Kippa’s co-founder, this move comes after Kippa ceased…
Nigerian on-demand food delivery giant, Chowdeck, renowned for achieving an impressive monthly gross merchandise value (GMV) of ₦1 billion ($1.2 million) in November, has unveiled a significant strategic move. The company has officially partnered with the retail giant Shoprite to expand its reach and redefine the grocery industry landscape. Kennedy…
Moove, a prominent mobility fintech company, has welcomed Miguel Rodrigues as its first Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Rodrigues brings a wealth of administrative experience from esteemed companies such as Creditas, The Kraft Heinz Company, and Goldman Sachs, positioning him as a key driver in Moove’s ambitious scale-up journey. As a…
AppsFlyer, a global leader in marketing measurement, attribution, and data analytics, has recently announced its acquisition of oolo, a prominent AI-powered user acquisition and monetisation decision-making platform based in Ra’anana, Israel. The strategic move is aimed at revolutionizing AI-driven decision-making for marketing, growth, and monetization teams. The acquisition strengthens AppsFlyer’s…
The Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) has expressed concern over unlicensed financial service entities assuming the role of deposit-taking institutions, signaling an enhanced regulatory focus in response to increased instances of fraud and customer verification challenges within the payment sector. “Unlicensed financial service entities” refer to companies or entities that…
Bolt has announced its strategic initiatives for 2024, aiming to bolster safety and security measures for both riders and drivers. Country Manager, Yahaya Mohammed, shared these plans during a media briefing at the new Bolt office and Driver Engagement Centre in Lagos. The key highlights of Bolt’s upcoming safety measures…
President William Ruto has announced the imminent signing of the Kenyan Startup Bill into law, scheduled for April 2024, marking the culmination of a comprehensive two-year legislative process. Disclosed during the Kenya Innovation Week, President Ruto highlighted the significance of the Startup Bill in de-risking innovations and fostering a conducive…
Nigerian artist Burna Boy has clinched the title of the most streamed African artist in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) on Spotify for the year 2023, as reported in Spotify’s latest Wrapped review. This achievement mirrors his global recognition as the most streamed artist from the region in the previous year. Burna…
Sam Altman has been reinstated to his position as CEO at OpenAI, returning within a fortnight following his removal by the board of the artificial intelligence startup. Notably, Microsoft, holding a 49% stake in OpenAI, has secured a non-voting seat on the company’s board. The confirmation of Altman’s return follows…
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has entered into a strategic collaboration with the U.S. Commercial Service, solidifying their commitment to advancing technological innovation across the African continent. This milestone partnership, announced during the Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town, South Africa, underscores a mutual commitment to fostering development through enhanced…
Covalensedigital and inq. Digital Nigeria have strategically joined forces in a transformative partnership aimed at transforming digital services for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Nigeria. The collaboration introduces a bespoke Software as a Service (SaaS) platform, known as the Digital Service Enablement Platform (DSEP), poised to redefine the landscape…
Kenya’s government has launched a formal investigation into Huawei Technologies (Kenya) Ltd., focusing on a tax waiver amounting to Ksh1.92 billion ($12.57 million). The parliamentary members are currently conducting inquiries to understand how the Chinese corporation secured this significant tax relief from the National Treasury. This inquiry has led to…
Kenya’s GIZ Digital Transformation Centre (DTC) has unveiled The Green and Digital Innovation Hub Kenya (gDIH) during the annual Kenya Innovation Week (KIW). This initiative, slated to commence operations next month, aims to bolster micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across Kenya, providing them with widespread access to technology and…
Idris Dayo Mustapha, a United Kingdom citizen, faces federal charges in Brooklyn, including computer intrusion, securities fraud, money laundering, bank fraud, and wire fraud. The allegations span from 2011 to 2018, during which Mustapha purportedly accessed U.S.-based computers, including those of financial institutions, engaging in activities such as stealing funds…
GOtv Nigeria has recently launched the GOtv Stream App, a significant development in the pay TV sector. As a prominent Digital Terrestrial Television service provider, GOtv has introduced this free value-added service, signaling a substantial change in how Nigerians engage with pay TV. With its roots dating back to 2011,…
On November 16, 2023, ZojaPay, an innovative payment application dedicated to streamlining financial transactions, officially entered the Nigerian market. Functioning as a peer-to-peer financial inclusion platform, ZojaPay focuses on simplifying payments and ensuring easy access to cash for the retail market. The comprehensive digital financial app supports both contactless and…
Nigeria is on the brink of introducing an automated passport application process, as stated by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, the minister assured that the automated system would be operational “in the next one week.” Tunji-Ojo emphasised that the technology behind the…
YouTube has launched “The Voices of Africa,” a social campaign to celebrate the continent’s unique and traditional expressions. Developed in collaboration with a curated group of African creators, this campaign is poised to honor and showcase the diverse and unique cultural expressions prevalent across the continent. Creators originating from Sub-Saharan…