Author: Smart Megwai

South African payment platform Stitch has introduced “Pay With Crypto,” enabling customers to make payments with cryptocurrency while businesses receive settlements in rand. Users can send bitcoin or ether directly, or utilise crypto balances from their Valr or Binance wallets. Stitch developed this functionality through the Valr Pay API, a…

Bloc Microfinance Bank, a subsidiary of the pioneering fintech startup Bloc, has been granted Approval-in-Principle (AIP) by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This move paves the way for Bloc to launch its innovative banking services in Lagos, the country’s commercial capital. The AIP, issued by the CBN, is a…

London-based fintech startup Zazuu, dedicated to the African market, has officially ceased operations due to its inability to secure additional funding. The closure was announced through a LinkedIn post, citing the challenging funding climate as the primary reason for the decision. Despite raising $2 million in June 2022 to enhance…

Bolt, the ride-hailing service, has unveiled its final 20 contenders for the Den accelerator program’s coveted Bootcamp phase. These drivers, hailing from Abuja, Lagos, Rivers, Kaduna, and Kwara, will present their innovative ideas on November 20, 2023, to a diverse panel of judges representing various sectors such as technology, banking,…

So, you know how life can get a bit chaotic with emails, right? I mean, between catching up with pals, dealing with work stuff, and keeping track of orders, it’s like a constant email marathon. But hey, not all emails are worth your time, especially those from folks you’d rather…

Kaspersky, a renowned global cybersecurity company, announced it has opened its inaugural Transparency Center in Africa. The new facility, situated in Kigali, Rwanda, is part of Kaspersky’s broader Global Transparency Initiative, aimed at emphasising the reliability of the company’s solutions and advocating for increased transparency within the cybersecurity industry. The…

Fintech giant Cellulant has recently received initial approval to function as a Payment Service Provider and Payment Facilitator in Egypt, marking a pivotal step in its global expansion strategy. With a footprint in 35 markets and operational licenses along with physical offices in 19 countries, Cellulant boasts the most extensive…

Chimoney, a global payment solutions provider backed by Techstars and based in Canada, has successfully acquired Scrim, a socially-driven payment app tailored for the digital generation. This acquisition holds particular significance given the challenges posed by PayPal’s current restrictions in African markets. The acquisition, as announced in a press release,…

Showmax, a leading streaming service in Africa, is gearing up for a major relaunch in February 2024, celebrating its eighth year in the African streaming market. The announcement follows a recent notice on its website, indicating that access to Showmax outside of Africa will cease from December 1, 2023. The…

WiCrypt, the pioneering African Web3 startup known for its blockchain-based WiFi sharing network, has taken a significant step by appointing Onega Ventures as the exclusive distributor of its devices in China, marking the company’s foray into the Asian market. Established in 2018, WiCrypt transforms how people access WiFi. You can…

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…