Author: Tapiwa Matthew Mutisi

The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) of South Africa, which provides government-run diagnostic pathology services, is currently recuperating from a ransomware cyberattack. This security breach resulted in significant disruptions to its systems and the deletion of backup data. The cyberattack exploited existing vulnerabilities within the NHLS’s digital infrastructure, leading to…

Shoprite has ventured into the realm of eCommerce with the launch of a new online shopping and delivery service tailored for small businesses, including spaza and tuck shops, in South Africa. This initiative marks the entry of Shoprite-owned Cash & Carry, traditionally a wholesaler, into the digital marketplace. The service…

Octoco, a burgeoning conglomerate of tech enterprises headquartered in Stellenbosch, has recently expanded its portfolio by acquiring Polymorph, a distinguished software product development consultancy renowned in South Africa. Polymorph boasts a comprehensive suite of services that encompasses the entire product development lifecycle, from initial concept and exploratory research to ideation,…

On Wednesday, Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, made a public announcement that the company’s messaging app, Threads, has surpassed the milestone of 175 million monthly active users. This significant user base has been amassed just shy of a year since the app’s launch, with its first anniversary approaching in…

The Kenyan startup Peleza, specializing in identity management, has combined forces with the Y Combinator-supported Prembly to establish the Prembly Group. The specifics of the financial terms involved in the merger have not been disclosed by either company. Peleza, known for conducting background checks for businesses, has established significant partnerships…

A select group of fintech companies from Latin America have been extending their reach into Africa, drawn by the continent’s burgeoning digital payments sector. Among the latest to venture into this space is Minka, a Colombian fintech firm that has received backing from the investment giant Tiger Global. Minka specializes…

NCBA Group, a prominent financial institution in Kenya, has successfully completed the acquisition of AIG Kenya, thereby taking full ownership of the insurance company. The specifics of the transaction amount remain confidential. The purchase of AIG Kenya from American International Group Inc. has received the green light from several regulatory…

The South African startup Shesha is poised to challenge the status quo in the e-hailing market, which is currently dominated by global powerhouses such as Uber and Bolt. Shesha’s strategy hinges on leveraging its deep understanding of the unique local dynamics to offer a homegrown alternative. Launched in the current…

The Ministry of Communication Technologies in Tunisia has officially opened a tender process, inviting telecommunications companies to participate in a competitive bidding for the rights to establish and manage a public telecommunications network capable of delivering fifth-generation (5G) mobile services throughout the country. This initiative is a critical component of…

Chinyere ‘Chi’ Nnadi, the Co-founder and CEO of Mara, a Pan-African cryptocurrency exchange, has reportedly initiated a new crypto venture named Jara. This move comes as a strategic pivot from the previous Mara Wallet, which the company is replacing due to financial challenges. Mara made headlines when it announced a…

Despite receiving notifications from SpaceX’s satellite internet service, Starlink, about the potential discontinuation of its roaming service in territories where it lacks official authorization, the service has continued to operate in South Africa, as reported by MyBroadband. This situation persists even after two months since Starlink notified its roaming customers…

Finnfund, the Finnish development finance institution, has committed to a $5 million mezzanine loan to Communication & Renewable Energy Infrastructure (CREI), aimed at bolstering the telecom infrastructure in South Sudan through the adoption of hybrid power solutions. This initiative is poised to substantially enhance the utilization of solar energy while…

Angolan-origin grocery delivery startup Mano has made a strategic foray into the bustling food delivery sector of Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria. The company has rolled out a novel service model that allows customers to actively monitor their delivery process, promising efficient delivery services within a 10-kilometer radius from its affiliated…

After an 11-year gap in its national identity card program, Gabon has introduced the National Electronic Identity Card (CNIE), marking a significant step forward in the country’s digital infrastructure. Gabonese citizens are now eligible to apply for and receive the new digital ID card, which, for the time being, will…

The Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited (NigComSat), which operates under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has recently announced a strategic alliance with Hotspot Network Limited. This collaboration is aimed at bolstering Internet connectivity in numerous rural communities throughout Nigeria that currently lack such access. As part of…

The Innovate2PREVENT Innovation Contest is calling for submissions from African startups that are eager to bring forth groundbreaking, inclusive, and data-centric circular business models. This contest is orchestrated by the Yunus Environment Hub, acting on behalf of the PREVENT Waste Alliance, and aims to galvanize inventive thinkers from all corners…

The Nigerian startup Blueroomcare, which offers a digital therapy service covered by insurance, has successfully secured an undisclosed amount of pre-seed investment. This financial boost is aimed at propelling the company’s vision of making therapy services both affordable and widely accessible to the African population. Mental health support has long…

The global eCommerce and technology leader Amazon is actively recruiting in South Africa, seeking candidates to fill a variety of roles that span marketing, support, and technical fields. Amazon’s roots in South Africa can be traced back two decades. The company, which Jeff Bezos founded in 1994 as an online…

Madhouse, a premier African innovation center for creative talents, successfully wrapped up its groundbreaking Lens-Based Incubation Programme on June 28th. The programme culminated in a Demo Day pitch competition, where the most promising creative venture was awarded $10,000 in seed funding. Collaborating with the University of Lagos, Madhouse crafted this…

The Two Rivers International & Innovation Centre (TRIFIC SEZ), a premier service-centric business hub located in Nairobi’s diplomatic area, has recently received a substantial investment of $47.5 million from Vantage Capital, the largest mezzanine fund manager in Africa. This significant financial boost is set to propel the expansion of TRIFIC…