To boost innovation and digital progress in Nigeria, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has introduced the “Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme.” This initiative is designed to provide financial support to startups and researchers, aiming to create a vibrant and sustainable artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem…
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.
Microsoft has unveiled the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.2483 (KB5031451), marking an update to the Beta Channel, as stated in a recent announcement on the Windows Insider Blog. This release carries a significant reminder for all Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel. “The Beta Channel is the place…
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged $30 million to establish a new artificial intelligence (A.I.)-powered research and development platform in Africa. This initiative aligns with the foundation’s recent focus on funding technological innovation, particularly in the field of AI, in low- and middle-income regions around the world. The…
Treepz, Africa’s leading car-sharing marketplace, has entered into a strategic partnership with Octamile, a pioneer in African insurtech solutions, to introduce Treepz Care—a comprehensive insurance program designed to offer peace of mind and extensive coverage to Treepz’s community of guests and hosts. The partnership promises to improve the standards of…
Bolt South Africa has reportedly launched a physical driver engagement center in Randburg, Johannesburg, to enhance relations with its drivers and address their concerns. Until now, most of the communication between the company and drivers primarily occurred within the app or through the contact center. This newly established center, available…
Koree, a Cameroonian fintech company, emerged as the winner of the 2023 Ecobank Fintech Challenge, marking the first time a female-led fintech has claimed the top prize. The competition featured eight finalists who presented their innovative fintech solutions to a panel of judges. Koree’s card wallet payment solution, which digitises…
The UK Government and the Nigerian Government are teaming up to address safety and security concerns related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) models, as announced during the Nigeria Innovation Summit (NIS) in Lagos, held in October 2023. The NIS event, supported by key players in the innovation ecosystem, brought together a…
SecondSTAX, a Ghanaian fintech, has announced a new partnership with the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX). The strategic alliance was officially announced at a product launch event held at the exchange. This marks a significant achievement in the company’s mission to promote economic growth and investment opportunities in Nigeria and across…
In a big step to fight HIV, South Africa plans to use Dapivirine Vaginal Rings (DVR) to prevent the disease. This important effort comes from a partnership between three organisations in South Africa dedicated to HIV prevention and response: the AIDS Foundation of South Africa, Beyond Zero, and Networking HIV…
The management of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Plc (IBEDC), has once again affirmed its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted power supply during and after the 63rd independence anniversary celebration. This dedication to serving the public interest was encapsulated in a statement released by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer…
Enza Capital, a venture firm based in Kenya, said it has successfully closed two funds, raising a total of $58 million in funding to support startups across Africa. Alongside this significant funding achievement, the firm has introduced its innovative Founder Partner program. This initiative invites founders of portfolio companies the…
54gene, a genomics startup, is reportedly shutting down after raising $45 million in funding over four years. Founded in 2019, the company aimed to bridge the genetic research gap in Africa, where less than 3% of genetic material used in global pharmaceutical research originates. However, it has faced internal turmoil,…
OpenAI, the developer of the popular ChatGPT, has announced its chatbot can browse the internet to provide users with the latest and reliable information. This expands its capabilities beyond data from before September 2021, OpenAI claims in a Twitter update today. Since it introduced browsing in May, the company said…
WhatsApp is working on redesigning its application to conform with Material Design 3 guidelines and has plans to enhance certain existing features to improve the user experience. One of these features is the “about” section, which may be rebranded as “Status” in the future. In an upcoming WhatsApp beta for…
Twiga Foods, the Kenyan agritech startup, has found itself under the looming threat of liquidation due to an outstanding debt amounting to KES 39 million (equivalent to $263,691). The debt has been contested by Incentro Africa, a Kenyan Google Premier partner, who provided Google Cloud Services and Partner Service Funds…
U.S. President Joe Biden has chosen Ham Serunjogi, the CEO of Chipper Cash, to be part of the Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement. This appointment, along with eleven others, shows a strong commitment to building a strong partnership between the United States and Africa. A White House statement, released…
Last week, China implemented a ban on Apple iPhones and foreign-branded devices for government officials due to escalating concerns about data security. In a similar move, French regulators have now taken a significant step by prohibiting the sale of Apple’s iPhone 12 within their country. France’s decision is grounded in…
Yellow Card, Africa’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has teamed up with Moonpay to facilitate straightforward cryptocurrency transactions in Nigeria through local bank transfers. In simpler terms, this partnership with Moonpay via Yellow Card opens up greater cryptocurrency access for Nigerians. Yellow Card is a well-established cryptocurrency company with a strong presence…
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has introduced a new mobile app aimed at tracking power outages across the country. This development reaffirms a statement made by NERC’s Vice Chairman, Musiliu Oseni, during the inauguration ceremony of the commission’s forum office in Abeokuta, Ogun State last year. The official launch…
WhatsApp, in its Android beta version 2.23.19.8 seen by WABetaInfo, introduced a feature called “Third-party chats.” This development follows the European Commission’s confirmation that Meta, the owner of the instant messaging platform, is considered a “gatekeeper” under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). DMA requires communication apps like WhatsApp to…