Eswatini, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, has embarked on a significant partnership with Google. The aim is to leverage technology to modernise government services and boost economic growth. This collaboration, officially launched under the theme “Innovating Together: Strategic Partnerships for Eswatini’s Digital Transformation and Economic Prosperity,” seeks to integrate…
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.
Ahmad Farroukh, the newly appointed CEO of Nigerian telecommunications giant Globacom, has resigned after just one month in the role, sending shockwaves through the industry. While Globacom has yet to officially comment, reports suggest internal challenges may have contributed to his abrupt departure. Farroukh, a seasoned telecom executive with a…
Meta, Google, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) have each pledged to intensify efforts to combat illegal hate speech on their platforms. This commitment comes as part of the European Commission’s revised “Code of Conduct on Countering Illegal Hate Speech Online Plus,” which was integrated into the Digital Services Act (DSA)…
Instagram has officially rolled out a significant change to its platform: the iconic square grid format is no more. The social media giant has transitioned to a new, taller grid preview that prioritises vertical content, reflecting the growing dominance of video and mobile-first content consumption. This shift has been in…
In a move towards digitalisation and improved service delivery, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has launched new digital payment platforms for the collection of Business Operating Permits (BOPs) and Property Rates. Residents and businesses can now conveniently pay for these services via the short codes *222*33# and *222*55#, respectively. This…
We live in a world where our phones and computers are always buzzing. Emails, messages, and social media notifications constantly pull us away from our work. This constant distraction makes it hard to concentrate and get things done. Imagine you’re trying to write a report. You’re finally getting into a…
ChatGPT has evolved beyond simple conversations. It now possesses the capability to become your personal digital assistant, seamlessly integrating into your daily routine with a suite of powerful scheduling and reminder features. Relying solely on digital calendars or fleeting notes is no longer necessary. ChatGPT, with its unparalleled personalisation, can…
MTN Group, Africa’s largest telecom operator, has finalised the sale of its Guinea operations to the State of Guinea, concluding its presence in the West African nation. The transaction was completed on December 30, 2024, aligning with MTN’s Ambition 2025 strategy, which emphasises portfolio optimisation and simplification. Ralph Mupita, MTN…
As holiday shopping heats up, so does the rise in online scams. To tackle this seasonal surge in phishing, spam, and malware, Google has unveiled cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to shield Gmail’s 2.5 billion users. The announcement, made via a company blog post on Wednesday, highlights the tech giant’s…
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced a draft regulatory framework designed to tackle the challenges plaguing the Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging sector, including fraud, spam, and data privacy concerns. This strategic move aims to enhance the integrity of A2P messaging—a critical tool for businesses, government communication, and consumer engagement. A2P…
The Nasarawa State chapter of the Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN) has launched a six-member Joint Task Force to combat escalating fraud cases in the state. This initiative aims to restore public confidence in Point of Sale (PoS) transactions across the state’s 13 local government…
The Federal Government has launched a free Artificial Intelligence (AI) Academy. Inaugurated by Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, on December 19, 2024, in Abuja, this initiative is a collaborative effort with the Commonwealth Secretariat and Intel Corporation. The AI Academy is designed to provide Nigerians,…
Payaza, a rising player in the African fintech space, said it has obtained approval for a ₦50 billion Commercial Paper issuance program from FMDQ (Financial Markets Dealers Quotation) Exchange. This move is part of the fintech startup’s commitment to revolutionising digital payments and financial solutions across the continent. Payaza announced…
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has, through its Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), committed $10 million to the Persistent Africa Climate Venture Builder Fund (ACV Fund). This strategic investment, according to publication on the bank’s website, is expected to mobilise an additional $70 million in funding for climate-focused ventures…
In the late 19th century, rubber was the lifeblood of a rapidly industrialising world. With bicycles, automobiles, and industrial machines becoming staples of daily life, demand for rubber skyrocketed. At the heart of this boom was Brazil, home to the Amazon rainforest, where latex-rich trees thrived. The country controlled 90%…
Apple has ceased development of its anticipated iPhone hardware subscription service, which aimed to transform iPhone ownership into a model akin to app subscriptions. The initiative intended to allow consumers to pay a monthly fee and receive a new iPhone each year. However, after encountering delays attributed to software issues…
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) of Nigeria has reported that its official website has been compromised by hackers. The breach was announced via the bureau’s X (formerly Twitter) handle on December 18, 2024, with a message stating: “This is to inform the public that the NBS Website has been…
Kenya’s digital transformation received a significant boost as the government announced plans to deploy 52,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable nationwide. This initiative, unveiled by Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, Permanent Secretary of the State Department of ICT and Digital Economy, is part of a broader strategy under the Kenya Digital…
Ethiopia’s parliament has enacted a law permitting foreign banks to operate within its borders, marking a significant shift in the nation’s economic landscape. This legislation, passed on December 17, 2024, is a cornerstone of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s broader strategy to liberalise Ethiopia’s economy and attract foreign investment. Key Provisions…
Spending too much time deciding what to wear? Whether it’s for a crucial business meeting, a casual weekend outing, or even figuring out how to arrange your home office, making the right style choices can be time-consuming. Now, imagine an AI-powered tool that helps you effortlessly curate outfits and even…