Author: Tapiwa Matthew Mutisi

President-elect Donald Trump has formally requested the Supreme Court to postpone the implementation of a law that could potentially ban TikTok until after his inauguration. In an amicus brief, Trump’s attorney, D. John Sauer, stated that the future president seeks the opportunity to address the issue “through political means.” The…

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted MTN Nigeria the authority to disconnect Exchange Telecommunications Limited from its network. In a public notice issued by the telecom regulator on Friday, it was revealed that the disconnection notice was a result of Exchange Telecoms’ failure to settle its interconnect charges. Exchange…

Ajé, a Nigerian startup that operates a blockchain-powered social commerce platform, has reached a significant milestone by onboarding over 7,500 users within just 12 months. This achievement underscores the platform’s growing influence in transforming trust in digital trade. Ajé leverages blockchain technology to offer a secure and transparent environment for…

Starlink, the satellite internet service provider, has notified its Nigerian customers of an impending increase in monthly subscription prices. This price adjustment will take effect on January 27, 2025. New subscribers will be required to pay the updated rates immediately, while existing customers will see the changes reflected in their…

OpenAI has announced that it will be evolving its corporate structure to better align with its mission of ensuring that artificial general intelligence (AGI)—AI capable of performing most tasks that humans can—benefits all of humanity. Currently, OpenAI operates as a for-profit organization controlled by a nonprofit, with a “capped profit”…

Mafab Communications, a Nigerian telecommunications company that secured a 5G license in 2021, is set to commence operations by the end of the first quarter of 2025. This launch will mark the first time Mafab’s services will be commercially available, nearly three years after the company entered the 5G market.…

The Bank of Tanzania (BOT), the nation’s central bank, has recently announced that payments made using debit, credit, or prepaid cards at point-of-sale (POS) machines will no longer incur any charges. This directive is part of BOT’s broader strategy to encourage the adoption of digital payments across the country. Merchants…

Bluesky, the innovative social media platform, has recently introduced its much-anticipated Trending Topics feature into beta, as announced in a post on its platform. This new feature caters to one of the most eagerly requested functionalities by its user base, aligning Bluesky with similar offerings on competing platforms. Notably, the…

The Russian government has imposed a ban on cryptocurrency mining in ten of its regions for a duration of six years. This decision, reported by the state-owned news agency Tass, cites the high power consumption rates of the crypto mining industry as the primary catalyst for this prohibition. It is…

Rui Faria, an esteemed member of the executive board and the Chief Commercial Officer at Angola Cables, has been appointed to the newly established International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience, which consists of 42 distinguished members. This significant development was recently announced by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a…

Prosus is set to acquire the online travel agency Despegar.com for a substantial sum of US$1.7 billion (approximately R32 billion). This strategic move aims to bolster Prosus’s online commerce footprint in the Latin American market. Despegar’s board has given the green light to the acquisition offer of $19.50 per share,…

Around the world, government organizations are increasingly scrutinizing Google for its monopolistic practices. The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) is reportedly set to announce that Google has violated the country’s antitrust laws concerning its search engine and Chrome browser. According to Nikkei Asia, the JFTC will issue a cease and…

Mukuru, a next-generation financial services company, has achieved a significant milestone by securing a deposit-taking microfinance institution (DTMFI) license in Zimbabwe. This development marks a crucial step in the company’s mission to enhance financial inclusion across the country, particularly among disadvantaged populations such as small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), individuals…

Kenya’s Communication Authority (CA) has introduced a proposal for new licensing rules aimed at cybercafés. These proposed regulations require cybercafés to collect detailed user records, including identification documents, install CCTV systems on their premises, and implement login software on all devices. The proposed changes, outlined in a notice dated December…

Stanford Seed, in collaboration with the African Management Institute, is set to offer a comprehensive six-month business growth programme designed for entrepreneurs and their senior leaders across Africa. This initiative aims to equip participants with the necessary skills, tools, and strategies to enhance their business operations and drive sustainable growth.…

Egyptian fintech startup oliv has achieved a significant milestone by securing the country’s first digital factoring license from the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA). This landmark achievement positions oliv at the forefront of digital financial services in Egypt. oliv specializes in digital invoice financing, catering to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).…

Moroccan fintech startup Talaty, which is revolutionizing financing for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with its innovative AI-driven solutions, has successfully secured an undisclosed amount of funding to support its expansion both within Morocco and into international markets. Founded in 2022 by Soulaimane Lahrech, Simo Bernoussi, Ilyas Oudghiri, and Zakaria…

After a prolonged hiatus of four years, Facebook, now rebranded as Meta, is on the verge of making a significant return to Uganda. The Ugandan government is currently engaged in discussions to lift the ban that was imposed on the social media giant back in 2021. The ban on Facebook…

MTN Group has unveiled significant leadership changes aimed at addressing succession planning, enhancing operational execution, and advancing its Ambition 2025 strategy. These changes will impact MTN Group’s operating companies and its fiber business. Effective January 1, 2025, Mazen Mroue, the current MTN Group Chief Technology and Information Officer (GCTIO), will…

Vodacom South Africa has announced the commencement of an operational review and cost-cutting process that may impact at least 80 jobs. This decision is part of the telecom operator’s ongoing efforts to adapt and optimize its business operations to meet the evolving demands of the industry and its customers. Byron…