Author: Tapiwa Matthew Mutisi

African startups tackling pressing issues are invited to participate in the 10k2Startup program, which offers financial backing ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, along with additional support measures. The initiative, conceived by Julius Nkansah Owusu-Kyerematen, Google’s head of multi-channel mid-market skills, acknowledges the critical role of funding and strategic mentorship in…

The operator of DStv and GOtv has had to revert to its previous subscription rates following a court order. Initially, the company increased its subscription fees in May, citing economic pressures. However, the court later ruled that the price hike was unwarranted. It has been reported that the increased prices…

In its latest annual report, Vodacom Group disclosed the termination of 631 employees and contractors due to fraud-related activities in the fiscal year 2024, which also saw 15 individuals being apprehended for their involvement in these incidents. The report shed light on the extent of misconduct within the company, with…

Paystack, a leading fintech firm based in Nigeria, has recently expanded its innovative payment solutions to four additional African countries: Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. This expansion is marked by the introduction of the company’s Virtual Terminal, a cutting-edge feature that streamlines the payment process for merchants and…

Safaricom, the leading mobile network operator in Kenya, has strategically partnered with Pezesha, a fintech company specializing in digital lending, to offer a new credit solution, Mkopo wa Pochi, aimed at supporting small business owners. This initiative is set to enhance Safaricom’s portfolio of loan products, which currently includes popular…

Airtel Africa has recently declared the successful commissioning of the 2Africa submarine cable system, a significant milestone that establishes direct connectivity between the nations of Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. The 2Africa cable is recognized as one of the world’s most expansive underwater cable projects, with a design that aims…

Africa Data Centres, a prominent player in the data centre sector, has successfully obtained a substantial investment of approximately $108.9 million. This infusion of capital is earmarked for the enhancement of its data centre capabilities, with the aim of catering to the surging demand for cloud computing services within South…

Mercedes-Benz South Africa Limited (MBSA) has announced the initiation of a consultation process aimed at restructuring its manufacturing operations at the East London Manufacturing Plant, a move that could potentially affect 700 jobs. The restructuring involves a shift from the current three-shift operation to a two-shift model. In a statement…

South African tech startup MobileGPT, founded by Bertha Khokong, has introduced KaraboAI, an innovative platform designed to streamline the creation of smart, feature-rich chatbots. This “chatbot-as-a-service” offering builds on the company’s initial success with a WhatsApp application that leverages the sophisticated GPT-4 engine, allowing users to access a personal AI…

Egyptian fintech startup Bokra is poised to transform the wealth management landscape in the MENA region with its innovative platform. As the first to introduce goal-based investment and saving solutions through asset-backed securities, Bokra is gearing up for a rapid expansion into Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)…

Acer, a leading global technology company, has announced the initiation of monitor production within South Africa, marking a significant step in its commitment to local manufacturing. The production process is set to commence in the coming months, with the company’s consumer monitor range expected to roll out in August 2024.…

Sanlam has announced its intention to acquire a 60% shareholding in MultiChoice’s insurance subsidiary, NMS Insurance Services Limited (NMSIS), for an initial sum of R1.2 billion. The deal has the potential to escalate to a total of R2.7 billion. In the financial year that concluded on March 31, 2024, NMSIS…

Amidst a tough economic environment in South Africa, Telkom has reported a significant surge in profits for the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2024. The company attributes this success to its strategic focus on data services, which has driven a 6.8% increase in mobile service revenue, reaching R19 billion.…

In a detailed account of the recent financial challenges faced by MultiChoice, the South African media conglomerate, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Calvo Mawela, has made a public statement in the wake of the fiscal year ending March 2024. MultiChoice experienced a downturn in both revenue and the number of…

Google has introduced a new feature for Chrome on Android devices called “Listen to this page,” which was recently highlighted in a help document that caught the attention of 9to5Google. This eagerly anticipated functionality is designed to enhance the accessibility of the Chrome app by providing users with the convenience…

AfriLabs, an expansive network dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa, has joined forces with UM6P Ventures, an investment entity associated with Morocco’s University Mohammed VI Polytechnic, in a one-year partnership aimed at nurturing African entrepreneurship. AfriLabs, known for its commitment to propelling innovation across the continent, has recently…

The Kenyan government has earmarked a substantial sum of $125.3 million to bolster initiatives within the Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) sector for the fiscal year 2024/2025. This financial commitment was disclosed by Kenya’s Minister for the National Treasury, Njuguna Ndung’u, during a parliamentary session held on Thursday. The allocation…

Vault Hill, a company specializing in blockchain, immersive technology, and artificial intelligence (AI), has formed a strategic alliance with NigComSat (Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited), Nigeria’s government-operated satellite service provider, with the aim of enhancing its customer support capabilities. To align with NigComSat’s unique brand identity, Vault Hill has tailored its…

Digitel has marked a significant milestone in South Sudan’s telecommunications history by being the first operator in the country to introduce a 5G network. The company announced the launch of the new network, promising users an experience characterized by exceptionally fast speeds and unparalleled connectivity. This development positions Digitel as…

AgDevCo, an investment firm with a focus on the agricultural sector in Africa, has recently made a significant financial commitment to Cashew Coast, a prominent cashew nut processing company based in Côte d’Ivoire. This investment is designed to boost local processing capabilities and support cashew farmers in the region. Cashew…