Author: Tapiwa Matthew Mutisi

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) in collaboration with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has successfully completed the inaugural proof of concept for Project DESFT (Digital Economy Semi-Fungible Token). This groundbreaking project showcases the potential for leveraging digital credentials in the realm of international commerce and in the facilitation of…

Seven innovative African startups have been chosen as finalists for the 2024 edition of the ASME Innovation Showcase (ISHOW), a highly regarded international accelerator program focused on hardware-led social innovation. The ASME, or American Society of Mechanical Engineers, hosts this annual event, which is set to take place in Nairobi,…

The social media platform previously recognized as Twitter has introduced a significant update to its privacy settings, particularly concerning the visibility of users’ “likes.” This move comes after several instances where politicians and public figures were embroiled in controversies due to their engagement with provocative and controversial content on the…

In a recent legal development, a Kenyan court has delivered an unexpected verdict that impacts Wasoko, a B2B e-commerce startup preparing for a merger with Egyptian counterpart MaxAB. The backdrop of this legal challenge involves Wasoko’s decision to lay off several employees in January 2024. This action led to a…

eMsika, a pioneering agri-tech enterprise based in Zambia, has been making waves in the agricultural sector with its specialized digital platform designed to cater to the unique requirements of poultry farmers. This innovative company, which also operates a brick-and-mortar store, has announced plans to broaden its reach into four additional…

In South Africa, drivers and operators affiliated with Bolt, the e-hailing service, have voiced their discontent regarding the company’s practice of suspending drivers, which they perceive as an unwarranted action. They argue that these suspensions are being used as a publicity stunt that unfairly targets drivers. Kenny Moretsele, who operates…

Zimbabwe has embarked on a public consultation initiative focused on cryptocurrencies, inviting input from crypto service providers. The objective of this exercise is to gather insights and recommendations that will inform the development of an appropriate regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and their service providers. To facilitate a comprehensive national evaluation,…

MultiChoice Group, a prominent broadcasting media company based in South Africa, has disclosed its operational results for the financial year that concluded in March 2024 (FY24). The report indicates a 9% reduction in the total number of active subscribers across its services. In particular, the company experienced a significant 13%…

TymeBank, a pioneering digital bank in South Africa, has embarked on a significant fundraising venture, seeking $150 million (approximately R2.79 billion) to enhance its growth and lay the groundwork for a future initial public offering (IPO), according to Coenraad Jonker, the bank’s co-founder and CEO. In a recent interview conducted…

The Republic of Guinea is making strides to fast-track the development of its e-commerce sector by exploring a strategic partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). This initiative reflects Guinea’s commitment to leveraging global expertise to unlock the potential of its growing digital economy. Discussions around…

In a significant development for cybersecurity, Moroccan startup Defendis has introduced an innovative AI-powered platform designed to bolster cyber threat intelligence. This cutting-edge solution empowers organizations to proactively address potential data breaches and effectively thwart cyberattacks before they occur. Established in 2023, Defendis leverages artificial intelligence to meticulously scan for…

On Monday, June 10, the stock price of Jumia, the prominent e-commerce platform in Africa, experienced a significant surge, reaching $8.67. This uptick is part of a surprising upward trend that began following the market’s favorable reception to the company’s financial outcomes for the first quarter of 2024. This price…

In an unforeseen turn of events, Elon Musk has instructed his legal team to request a California court to retract a lawsuit he had initiated against OpenAI and its chief executive, Sam Altman. The litigation had originally been filed on the grounds that OpenAI, a company Musk had a hand…

The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, a program dedicated to accelerating the growth of African educational technology ventures, has extended its reach to Egypt after successful implementations in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. Since its inception in 2019, the fellowship has been instrumental in nurturing ed-tech startups across Africa by providing…

Ethiopia has taken a significant step towards sustainable transportation with the inauguration of its largest electric vehicle (EV) factory in the city of Debre Berhan, located in the Amhara region. The facility is projected to have an annual production capacity of approximately 1,000 electric cars, signaling a noteworthy advancement in…

Starlink, the satellite internet service by SpaceX, has officially commenced operations in Sierra Leone, marking a significant milestone as the country becomes the 100th nation worldwide to gain access to Starlink’s connectivity. This achievement also places Sierra Leone as the 10th African nation to welcome the service, highlighting Starlink’s expanding…

IMC Communications, the entity that has secured the exclusive distribution rights for Starlink’s services in Zimbabwe, has recently announced the appointment of seasoned technology executive Denny Marandure as its Managing Director (MD). This strategic move comes as the company gears up for the launch of its Starlink kit distribution operations,…

In a comprehensive report, Maxime Saada, the chairman and chief executive officer of Canal+, the French media conglomerate, has delineated the strategic direction for MultiChoice post-acquisition. Saada has articulated a clear vision for the future of MultiChoice’s well-known brands, including DStv and Showmax. He underscored the intrinsic value of these…

Microsoft has refuted rumors that it plans to shut down its Nigerian operations, following last month’s speculations that the tech giant was contemplating closing its Lagos innovation center due to concerns over the country’s business climate. The rumored shutdown was believed to potentially impact around 200 employees. Olatomiwa Williams, Microsoft’s…

The African Development Bank has joined forces with Intel to transform Africa’s digital landscape, aiming to train 3 million Africans and 30,000 government officials in artificial intelligence (AI). This collaboration, which was formalized during the African Development Bank Annual Meetings in Nairobi, Kenya, is set to build a substantial pool…