Author: Smart Megwai

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has stated that the Federal Government’s 3 million Technical Talent (3MTT) program has the potential to elevate the digital and technical skills of young Nigerians to 70% by the conclusion of 2027. Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, conveyed this during…

YouTube has revealed its plan to begin the removal of AI-generated video content imitating well-known individuals starting in 2024. This decision, outlined in a Tuesday policy update, aims to protect musicians whose songs are recreated with AI. The removal process won’t be automatic; affected individuals or artists will need to…

OpenAI has halted new registrations for the premium version of ChatGPT, ChatGPT Plus, citing capacity constraints. CEO Sam Altman made the announcement, attributing the pause to increased usage after the recent devday event where new APIs were unveiled. Altman emphasised the decision is to ensure a quality user experience and…

Samsung Electronics has disclosed plans to integrate advanced artificial intelligence (AI) software into its Galaxy smartphones starting early next year. This includes the incorporation of a tool within the Galaxy AI suite that facilitates real-time translation of call conversations in various languages. While Samsung hasn’t provided extensive details, it hints…

Fintech company Paycorp has introduced a novel app, CryptoExpress, enabling users in South Africa to convert their cryptocurrency into cash at approximately 3,000 ATMs nationwide. This Android and iOS-compatible app seamlessly integrates with various crypto wallets, allowing withdrawals at Cash Express ATMs operated by Paycorp’s subsidiary, ATM Solutions. The app,…

Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) is set to significantly boost the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in the country by partnering with Tibco’s Chargify to install 127 new EV charging stations. The move is part of Mercedes-Benz’s sustainability strategy and aims to support the growing demand for EVs in South Africa. In…

Google Cloud is set to inaugurate its new cloud region in Saudi Arabia, marking a notable development in the company’s commitment to fostering digital transformation in the Kingdom. Anthony Cirot, Google Cloud’s EMEA South VP, expressed enthusiasm for the launch, emphasising the region’s role in empowering businesses, supporting innovation, and…

Teraco, a digital realty-owned company, is set to expand its CT2 hyperscale data center in Cape Town, South Africa. The 30MW expansion, known as CT2 Phase 2, will be completed by early 2025 and aims to meet the rising demand from both enterprise clients and hyperscale cloud providers. Teraco emphasises…

Nigerian home service platform, Eden Life is venturing into the broader retail market with the introduction of Eden Marketplace, an e-commerce platform. The move aims to diversify its offerings and capture a larger market share beyond its initial subscription-based model. Eden Marketplace will host vendors and small businesses in categories…

Uganda is positioning itself as East Africa’s premier tech hub, evident in a recent investor summit led by Dr. Monica Musenero, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation. President Yoweri Museveni’s announcement of a $150 million science and technology fund and a ten-year tax break for innovative firms underscores the…

Herbert Wigwe, co-founder of Nigeria’s Access Bank, is making a substantial investment of $500 million to establish a new university, named Wigwe University. This initiative aims to address the skills gap in the finance and technology sectors within Nigeria. The university plans to commence undergraduate admissions next year. Wigwe University…

Google has filed lawsuits against unidentified scammers who leveraged the popularity of the company’s AI chatbot, Bard, to deceive users into downloading malware onto their devices. This marks the first legal action of its kind by a major tech company, shedding light on the emerging legal challenges associated with the…

Nigeria is expressing concerns about the involvement of students in cyber fraud. The country’s anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is seeking cooperation from university leaders to tackle this issue. In recent actions, the EFCC faced criticism for conducting a night raid at Obafemi Awolowo University. They…

Kenya is on track to lead in shaping cryptocurrency regulations, with the Blockchain Association of Kenya (BAK) tasked by the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning to create a “Virtual Asset Service Provider’s Bill.” This significant development comes after BAK’s recent legal challenge against Kenya’s digital asset…

Knit Technologies Limited, a Nigerian startup, has recently launched “Knit,” an event discovery and event listing app, different from just a platform for promoting events. According to Fela Bank-Olemoh, the Co-founder and Team Lead of the company, this app is set to transform the way people approach events not only…

The United Kingdom, today, kicked off the world’s first major summit on artificial intelligence (AI) safety, where political and technology leaders gathered to address the societal impact of this transformative technology. Notable attendees included UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, US Vice President Kamala Harris, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen,…

A British software company, Threads Software Limited, has issued a 30-day ultimatum to Meta’s Instagram, demanding that they stop using the name “Threads” in the UK, asserting ownership of the trademark. The company contends that it sent a formal notice to Meta on Monday, insisting on the discontinuation of the…

MFS Africa, a Pan-African fintech company, has today, announced it is rebranding and will now be known as Onafriq. This change is part of the company’s evolution and was necessitated by trademark issues in the United States. According to Dare Okoudjou, the founder and CEO, “The trademark MFS actually belongs…

Kenyan President William Ruto has declared plans to abolish visa requirements for all African visitors by the year’s end. During an international conference, President Ruto stressed the urgency of eliminating visa restrictions within Africa, deeming them counterproductive. The African Union (AU) has long pursued the goal of promoting visa-free travel…

Rights organisation, Amnesty International, has raised concerns about Facebook’s alleged role in exacerbating violence during the two-year conflict in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region. In a critical report, Amnesty accuses the social media giant of significantly amplifying the spread of harmful content through its algorithms, asserting that the company inadequately addressed…