Google Maps has recently introduced a new feature designed to address the challenges users face while traversing tunnels. This is an effort to improve the navigation experience within these underground passages. The typical confusion experienced when exiting a tunnel, particularly with GPS directions, has been a long-standing issue. A notable…
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.
Health Minister Benjamin Hounkpatin officially announced the arrival of 215,900 doses of the RTS.S malaria vaccine at Cotonou airport. This pivotal development underscores Benin Republic’s commitment to addressing malaria, a prevalent health challenge in the region. The upcoming vaccination campaign, scheduled to commence in the coming months, will predominantly focus…
Paycorp, a leading South African fintech company, has announced a strategic partnership with Triple-A, a digital currency payment company. This partnership will serve as a processing partner, enabling South Africans to withdraw cryptocurrency as cash from ATMs. This collaboration follows the successful launch of Paycorp’s CryptoExpress app, which allows users…
Multichoice Group, a leading entertainment company in Africa, has announced the appointment of Andrea Zappia, a top executive from Sky, as the new Chairman of its streaming platform, Showmax. This strategic move is a result of MultiChoice’s recent partnership with Comcast, as it aims to compete with industry giants like…
Showmax, the streaming video-on-demand service under the MultiChoice umbrella, is set to redefine its offerings with the launch of Showmax 2.0 in February. The company aims to drive subscriptions through an affordable pricing strategy and a dedicated mobile-first focus. During a press conference held in Lagos on Monday, the company…
The Ghanaian Government has implemented stringent measures, barring Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSPs), Cybersecurity Establishments (CEs), and Cybersecurity Professionals (CPs) without a valid license or accreditation from operating in the country. The regulation, effective from January 1, 2024, follows a deadline set on December 31, 2023, for entities in this sector…
Bolt, the ride-hailing giant, has rolled out a new feature in its app designed to discourage users from engaging in offline trips and making payments outside the app. This move, effective as of January 10th, introduces a cancellation option for riders facing situations where drivers suggest offline trips and request…
Yellow Card, a prominent player in the fintech space, has joined forces with Coinbase, the leading U.S. cryptocurrency exchange. The partnership aims to simplify and expand access to USDC (USD Coin) and other digital assets across the African continent. Coinbase has seamlessly integrated the newly unveiled Yellow Card Widget, providing…
AROPSAID Technology Limited has entered into a strategic partnership with Space Universe, a leading technology company and venture lab. The collaboration aims to harness the vast technical expertise and resources within the Diaspora community for innovative product development and economic gain on the African continent. AROPSAID Technology Limited, spearheaded by…
WhatsApp is diligently working on a groundbreaking feature set to enhance user privacy and communication on its platform. As part of an upcoming update for the web app, WhatsApp users will soon have the capability to create a unique username for their profiles. This notable development enables users to connect…
The business landscape in Nigeria encountered substantial adversity throughout 2023, emerging as one of the most challenging periods for both local and multinational enterprises. A confluence of factors, notably the uncertainties associated with an election year and an artificial cash scarcity, set the tone for a tumultuous year, creating an…
WhatsApp is actively engaged in developing a new dark interface for its web client. This initiative includes introducing a fresh background colour tailored specifically for the dark theme, accompanied by a redesigned sidebar. The objective is to not only enhance the visual aesthetics of the web client but also to…
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has introduced new guidelines for Nigerians seeking to change their date of birth on the National Identification Number (NIN) database. According to the recent directive released by the commission, applicants will now be required to submit an electronic civil registration and vital statistics system…
In a notable decrease from the previous year’s all-time high of $3.8 billion, hackers managed to compromise approximately $2 billion in cryptocurrencies during 2023. Among the significant incidents was a data breach in September that led to the theft of $200 million from the Hong Kong-based crypto company Mixin. Another…
The transition from traditional combustion engine vehicles to electric cars is encountering a significant challenge that could have substantial financial implications for the automotive industry. The reluctance of consumers to purchase used electric vehicles (EVs) is contributing to a decline in the overall market for new EVs. In the $1.2…
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has introduced the Integrated Market Revenue Management System (IMRMS), a digital platform designed to integrate the informal sector, particularly market traders, into the federal government’s tax framework. This move aligns with the VAT Direct Initiative (VDI), a joint effort with the Market Traders Association…
Dozy Mmobuosi, the founder of Tingo, has issued a statement in response to the fraud allegations brought against him and his affiliated companies by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Mmobuosi categorically denies the accusations, describing them as untrue and baseless. In his official statement released on Friday,…
In an Alimosho branch of First Bank, Nigeria’s oldest bank, customers face frustration and long queues at Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) as they attempt to withdraw cash in preparation for the upcoming holidays. The scene echoes a reminiscent period earlier in the year when a currency redesign by the Central…
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has successfully curtailed harassment and defamatory messages by digital money lenders, resulting in an 80% reduction, according to Babatunde Irukera, the Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC. This achievement was highlighted during a strategic media engagement organised by the Commission in Abuja. Irukera…
After two years of operation, Nigerian delivery startup DropX has ceased operations, joining the ranks of startups facing closure in 2023 amid challenging economic conditions. Founded in 2021 by Praise Alli-Johnson and Oluwatope Liasu, DropX aimed to revolutionise local deliveries in Abuja by connecting businesses and individuals with efficient services.…