Author: Tapiwa Matthew Mutisi

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has recently made it clear that it has no intention of interrupting internet services or degrading the quality of online connectivity, despite ongoing protests against the Finance Bill 2024. The authority emphasized that such measures would be in direct conflict with the nation’s constitution,…

Apple Inc. is actively seeking collaborations to enhance its newly unveiled Apple Intelligence platform by incorporating generative artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. A report from the Wall Street Journal, which draws on information from individuals familiar with the ongoing discussions, indicates that Apple has engaged in conversations with Meta Platforms Inc.…

Nvidia, the tech giant known for its AI-focused semiconductor technology, experienced a significant downturn in its stock value on Monday, with shares plunging into correction territory amid a broader market selloff. The company’s stock tumbled by 6.7%, marking its largest single-day percentage decline since April and the third consecutive session…

The National Transport Act in South Africa has recently been amended, granting the Transport Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, the authority to regulate ride-hailing prices. This marks a significant shift from the previous model where pricing was determined solely by the ride-hailing platforms themselves. Melithemba Mnguni, the secretary of the E-Hailing Partners…

Despite presenting a set of annual results that appeared more optimistic last week, Telkom, the South African telecommunications giant, is still grappling with significant financial challenges. The company’s net debt has continued its upward trajectory, now surpassing the R16.9 billion mark. In a bid to manage its financial situation, Telkom…

Naspers, a global internet group and one of the largest technology investors in the world, has disclosed its financial outcomes for the fiscal year concluding on March 31, 2024. The company reported a trading loss of $14 million (R252 million) for its Takealot Group, which includes prominent South African e-commerce…

Launch Africa Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm, has been actively investing in promising startups across Africa. As part of its second funding round, the firm has committed a total of $4.3 million to 16 different startups situated throughout the continent. This follows the firm’s first fund, through which it…

Nigerian banks are currently indebted to the tune of ₦200 billion to telecom companies for utilizing Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) for banking services. This substantial debt has been a contentious issue, causing disputes between the financial and telecommunications sectors for the past six years. The situation has escalated to…

Starlink, the satellite internet division of SpaceX, is actively advancing its project to provide direct-to-cell connectivity, aiming to enable mobile phone usage in even the most remote corners of the globe. Recently, SpaceX has made significant strides in this endeavor by launching a series of satellites specifically designed to support…

A comprehensive report by the cybersecurity intelligence organization Recorded Future has revealed that Kenyan government agencies were among the victims of cyber espionage activities carried out by an alleged Chinese hacking group known as RedJulliett. The report documented a series of cyber attacks that occurred from November 2023 to April…

Network International, a prominent facilitator of digital commerce throughout the Middle East and Africa, has expanded its collaboration with the renowned J.P. Morgan Payments to enhance ecommerce transaction capabilities for their clientele in South Africa. This expansion will be realized through the utilization of Payfast, Network International’s online payment platform…

Tigran Gambaryan, a high-ranking official at Binance, has formally petitioned the Federal High Court in Abuja to direct the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to compensate him for the extended duration of his custody in Nigeria. This plea is encapsulated…

Inspired Evolution, a Pan-African private equity firm, has successfully completed the second closing of its Evolution III fund, securing additional capital to bolster clean energy initiatives across Africa. The fund has garnered the interest of ten new investors, with the Mauritius Investment Corporation (MIC) making a notable commitment of $20…

Swiss-based clean energy enterprise Candi Solar has successfully raised $38 million to boost its solar energy offerings for commercial and industrial (C&I) clients across Africa and India. The investment round was predominantly financed by Norwegian investment entity Norfund, contributing $20 million. Additional support came from STOA Infra & Energy, a…

Immobazyme, a South African biotech enterprise established in 2019 as an entrepreneurial venture emerging from Stellenbosch University, has successfully raised $1.3 million in a recent investment round. The infusion of capital was spearheaded by the University Technology Fund (UTF) alongside University of Stellenbosch Enterprises. The company specializes in utilizing cutting-edge…

Two United States Congress representatives are currently in Nigeria, advocating for the liberation of Tigran Gambaryan, an employee of the cryptocurrency exchange Binance, who has been incarcerated for the past four months at Kuje prison in Abuja. The Congress members have expressed their concern, stating that Gambaryan is effectively being…

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is currently inviting applications for its 2024-25 Foundry Fellowship program, which is specifically tailored for distinguished entrepreneurs who are dedicated to driving the rapid expansion and integration of innovation and entrepreneurial networks throughout the African continent. This fellowship program at MIT is crafted with…

WIOCC Group, an African internet connectivity provider, has successfully raised over $50 million from a consortium of global investors to propel its growth initiatives in key African markets, including Nigeria, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This strategic funding is aimed at narrowing the digital divide and…

Worldcoin is poised to recommence its activities in Kenya following the discontinuation of a police inquiry into accusations that the company was involved in the unauthorized gathering and exportation of user data. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenya has issued a letter to Worldcoin’s legal representatives, stating that…

Cadana, a fintech startup with a focus on emerging markets, has successfully completed a seed funding round, securing $7.1 million to enhance and expedite the process of remittances for African professionals. This financial injection is aimed at improving Cadana’s payroll services, which cater to international hiring platforms and financial institutions.…