Author: Tapiwa Matthew Mutisi

After discontinuing its private messaging feature in 2019, YouTube is bringing back the functionality—at least for a select group of users. The platform has begun testing a new in-app messaging experience that allows users to share videos and chat directly within the YouTube mobile app. Participants in the test can:…

WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature that brings back a familiar concept with a modern twist: short, temporary status updates similar to Instagram Notes. The Meta-owned messaging platform now allows users to share brief text updates that appear prominently for their contacts. What the Feature Offers The new “About”…

AI-powered search startup Perplexity has officially launched its Comet browser for Android, bringing its AI-centric browsing experience to mobile users. The move follows the browser’s initial debut on desktop in July, where it introduced advanced AI-driven search capabilities. Key Features on Android The Android version of Comet mirrors most of…

JSE-listed electrical, electronics, and technology group Reunert has announced that long-serving CEO Alan Dickson will step down from his role at the end of February 2026, marking the end of an era for the company. The announcement was made on Thursday alongside the release of Reunert’s annual financial results for…

Following what appears to have been a successful pilot program, OpenAI has announced the global rollout of group chats in ChatGPT. This feature will become available to all logged-in users across Free, Go, Plus, and Pro plans over the next few days. The company initially began testing collaborative chat functionality…

The Spanish Agency for Development Cooperation (AECID) has approved an investment of up to $10 million in the Novastar Ventures Africa People and Planet Fund III (NVIII), reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth across the continent. Managed by Novastar Ventures, NVIII targets high-impact sectors that are critical…

Nigerian open-finance startup Zeeh Africa has reintroduced its Direct Debit feature as part of a broader push into payments infrastructure, aiming to solve one of the most persistent challenges in the country’s fast-growing digital lending sector: ensuring borrowers repay their loans. The relaunch comes against a backdrop of weakening loan…

Kenyan electric mobility pioneer Roam has unveiled the country’s first universal fast-charging station for light electric vehicles (LEVs), capable of delivering 10–20 kilometers of range in just five minutes. This milestone marks a significant step toward accelerating the adoption of electric mobility across Africa. Founded in 2017 and rebranded earlier…

Adobe announced on Wednesday that it will acquire Semrush, a leading digital marketing and SEO platform, in a transaction valued at approximately $1.9 billion. According to the company’s press release, the acquisition is designed to give marketers deeper insights into how their brands are represented across the web, enhancing Adobe’s…

Verizon is set to eliminate more than 13,000 jobs—roughly 13% of its workforce—in a major restructuring effort aimed at reducing costs and streamlining operations. The layoffs were announced in an internal memo from CEO Dan Schulman, who described the move as part of a broader plan to “reorient” the company…

South Africa’s Ata Capital has announced the successful sale of its 26% stake in Novare Holdings to the company’s management team—a significant step in Novare’s ongoing transformation and growth strategy. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval. Lelo Rantloane, CEO of Ata Capital, commented: We believe services businesses thrive under…

Development Partners International (DPI), a leading Africa-focused investment firm, has announced the successful initial public offering (IPO) of its portfolio company Optasia on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The IPO generated strong interest from a diverse base of investors, raising approximately R6.3 billion (around $375 million). Optasia debuted at R19.00…

Fresh from restructuring its partnership with OpenAI, Microsoft is broadening its AI investment strategy with a massive bet on Anthropic. The tech giant announced plans to invest up to $10 billion in the Claude developer, while NVIDIA has committed up to $5 billion. This three-way alliance—complete with additional strategic commitments—underscores…

South Africa’s banking landscape is heating up as OM Bank and Pep Bank prepare to take on Capitec by offering affordable, accessible, and tech-driven financial services aimed at the country’s lower- and middle-income segments. This week, reports emerged that Pepkor Holdings Ltd., a retail giant known for its dominance in…

Africa’s largest retailer of clothing and mobile phones is preparing to enter the banking sector in South Africa by launching zero-fee banking services. The initiative will leverage Pepkor Holdings Ltd.’s extensive network of 6,000 stores across the country to provide financial access to millions of lower-income customers, according to people…

Nigerian broadband infrastructure provider Legend Internet is embarking on a major diversification strategy that will see it enter both the telecommunications and financial services sectors. At its recent second Annual General Meeting (AGM), shareholders approved a series of transformative resolutions aimed at positioning the company as a full-service digital infrastructure…

Apple’s iPhone accounted for one in every four smartphones sold in China during October, marking a significant 37% year-over-year sales increase, according to data from Counterpoint Research. The surge was driven by strong demand for the newly launched iPhone 17 series. This milestone represents Apple’s highest market share in China…

Standard Bank proudly partnered with Transnet as joint lead arranger in a landmark R5 billion (approximately $292 million) debt capital market transaction. This issuance achieved exceptional results, attracting a record-breaking R42 billion (around $2.5 billion) in investor interest from more than 44 investors. Standard Bank played a pivotal role by…

Zimbabwe’s state-owned telecommunications provider TelOne has unveiled TelOne Connect, a new product designed to maximize the company’s existing infrastructure and unlock new revenue streams. The launch marks a strategic move to modernize voice communication and expand accessibility in an increasingly digital era. TelOne currently serves over 500,000 landline customers, though…

Super Money, a new venture by Super Group, has announced the launch of ZAR Supercoin, an innovative stablecoin designed specifically for South Africa and the broader African market. Alongside the coin, Super Money is introducing a digital wallet, creating a comprehensive blockchain-based payment ecosystem aimed at transforming everyday transactions. The…