Tech Trends

  • - Human Mobile Devices (HMD), the European mobile innovator and manufacturer of Nokia phones, has announced the comeback of the iconic Nokia 3210. This mobile phone was a defining piece of technology for an entire generation, and now, 25 years later, users will have the opportunity to experience the…
  • - The Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) celebrated over 15 years of advancing innovation and entrepreneurship by unveiling its 15-Year Impact Report. The report was unveiled at the “Innovation in Global Growth Markets: Prosperity…
  • - The season of soccer thrills is drawing to a close, with K’Ogalo, as Gor Mahia FC is fondly called by its diehard supporters, already asserting its authority as the winner of the Kenya Premier League (KPL) 2023/2024 season – marking its 21st KPL triumph. Kenyan soccer has its share of excitement,…
  • - OPPO Reno11F 5G Review: OPPO has recently introduced the Reno11F 5G to the Kenyan market. This phone is an addition to the phones in the Reno11 series which were unveiled back in January this year. For just Ksh.50,000, the Reno11F 5G is the most affordable option in this lineup boasting the same…
  • - Epson is set to participate in the second edition of GITEX AFRICA Morocco, the continent’s premier technology event. This year, the company will highlight its commitment to sustainable development by showcasing a comprehensive range of solutions aimed at supporting regional industries. Additionally…
  • - Cybersecurity threats loom large in Africa, with a Normalized Risk Index of 95.4. This is according to the latest April analysis of cybersecurity threats across the continent by Check Point. Zimbabwe leads the pack – ranking 2nd as the most attacked country globally, followed closely by Ethiopia at…
  • - Samsung has announced that it’s extending Galaxy AI features to a select number of Galaxy devices through a new One UI 6.1 update. Engineered to advance the democratisation of mobile AI, Samsung says this update sets a new standard for users’ mobile AI experience. Rolling out from the end of March…
  • - Africa is often hailed as the birthplace of some of the world’s most exciting tech startups. From Cape to Cairo, small businesses across the continent have become catalysts for change, helping to drive economic prosperity and leaving their mark on local society.  Having produced several industry…
  • - According to the recent Kaspersky study, more than 40% of companies worldwide are facing a shortfall of qualified cybersecurity professionals. Most understaffing can be found among Malware analysts and Information security researchers. This problem is even more sensitive for the META region, with…
  • - Seamfix, the Nigeria digital identity solutions provider, has secured $4.5 million from Alitheia IDF, a gender lens investing fund, in a private equity funding round. The firm plans to use the new capital injection to scale its technology infrastructure that underpins its solutions, improve data…
  • - Bolt, the ride-hailing platform, is partnering with the Kenya Red Cross to support Kenyans affected by floods through a new category on its app, “Flood Assist”. Bolt’s initial contribution is KES 5 million, with a total goal of raising KES 10 million through this category. 5% of each ride’s revenue…
  • - Avanti, the global multi-orbit satellite technology provider, today announces the launch of Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity services in South Africa. Avanti has partnered with Q-KON, a leading satellite engineering enterprise for southern Africa, to deliver seamless LEO connectivity…
  • - As of now, we are all aware that several countries in East Africa are currently experiencing internet disruptions following a sub-sea cable cut. The outage was reported on Sunday morning and seems to have extended to Monday. As of Monday evening, users in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda were…
  • - Samsung Medison, a medical device unit of Samsung Electronics that specializes in diagnostic imaging devices said on Monday it is acquiring 100% of Sonio SAS, a French-based fetal ultrasound AI software startup for for about $92.7 million Established in 2020 to enhance women’s and children’s health…
  • - Several internet service providers across East and South Africa have suffered outages following a submarine cable cut on Sunday. According to reports, all sub-sea capacity between the two regions have severely been affected.  Details about the fibre cut are still unclear but according to Ben…
  • - In the world of international development, the traditional approach relies heavily on donor funding and non-profit organisations to drive change. However, my personal journey, spanning over 15 years working with organisations like the World Bank, various UN agencies, and international. NGOs and…
  • - VFS Global is partnering with the Responsible AI Institute (RAI Institute) to integrate ethical AI practices in the development of AI solutions for visa processing. The partnership will enable continuous technological innovation, ensuring VFS Global provides more convenience for customers while…
  • - Google has opened applications for the 2024 cohort of its Hustle Academy, a program dedicated to accelerating the growth of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Sub-Saharan Africa. This year, the program introduces a significant upgrade: business-focused AI training integrated directly into…
  • - African streaming platform Showmax has officially relaunched in Kenya as it also drops four new Original titles in May. Talking to journalists at the press junket that held at Radisson Blu, Nairobi, Showmax GM in East Africa, Emma Gichonge, acknowledged the strategic investment between MultiChoice…
  • - Safaricom PLC recorded Ksh.139.9 billion in earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) in the period ending March 31, 2024. The company’s Full Year 2023/2024 results released on Thursday show. At a group level, incorporating the startup costs and investments in Safaricom Ethiopia, the group closed at…
  • - E-commerce platform Jumia today announced the appointment of Vinod Goel, as Regional CEO East Africa.  Vinod previously served as the CEO for Uganda but will now manage Jumia operations in the country as well as Kenya as direct CEO.  He takes over the mantle from Charles Ballard for Kenya business…
  • - Looking to open a new online brokerage account? When choosing an online broker, it’s easy to be tempted by low fees and commission-free trading. While these perks can certainly keep the bottom line looking healthy, the best online brokers go above and beyond when it comes to user-friendly features…
  • - You can now pay for your Showmax subscription with M-Pesa directly in-app. Showmax announced on Wednesday that M-Pesa has now been fully integrated as a payment option for Kenyan subscribers.  The payment option which was available in the previous version of the app has been unavailable on the new-…
  • - HMD finally released their new HMD-branded devices and we have all been eagerly anticipating what they had in store for us. Following the company’s announcement of its multi-brand strategy, there was a lot to be excited about. We have previously discussed the company’s strategy in detail, which you…
  • - 97% of organisations hit by ransomware over the past year engaged with law enforcement and/or official government bodies for help with the attack. This is according to “State of Ransomware 2024” survey released by cybersecurity firm Sophos.  The survey further notes that more than half (59%) of…
  • - Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will now collaborate with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) to sensitize Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) to enhance tax compliance. The partnership signifies a significant step towards fostering a culture of tax compliance…
  • - In this episode, we sit down with Dan Kwach . Managing Director – East Africa Region at Africa Data Centres to discuss connectivity in Africa. We also talk about some of the initiatives Africa Data Centres is running including its plans for the region. This podcast was recorded on the sidelines of…
  • - The Office of The African Union Chairperson’s Youth Envoy and Google have announced the launch of the #DiscoverMyAfrica Shorts Challenge. The challenge is a month-long initiative to celebrate the rich diversity, heritage, and vibrant spirit of the African continent. Throughout May, YouTube creators…
  • - Mastercard and I&M Bank have extended their strategic collaboration with an 8-year strategic alliance. Under this alliance, I&M bank clients will enjoy competitive premium customer value propositions through a range of debit and credit cards. “We are delighted to extend our collaboration…
  • - IBM has announced that its software portfolio is now available in 92 countries worldwide including Kenya thanks to a partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) Marketplace. The expansion announced today also includes 18 other countries across the African continent. AWS Marketplace is a digital…
  • - Beverage company Coca-Cola has pledged to collaborate with the government and other private sectors in the country to propel the economic metamorphosis of the region. Speaking during the 4th American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) business summit, the president of Coca-Cola Africa, Luisa Ortega, said…
  • - Xiaomi has announced some amazing deals in Kenya running throughout May.  Running from the 6th to the 31st of May, this campaign offers incredible discounts and exclusive deals on a range of Xiaomi smartphones. The smartphones include the Redmi A3, Redmi 12, and Redmi Note 13 Series and will be…
  • - Moya Money, the South African fintech startup founded in 2021 has rebranded to Bloo Money effective May 2024. The company said in a statement that this rebranding mirrors its continuous development since revising its branding assets in early this year. It adds that the decision to change the name…
  • - Internet Computer (ICP) has announced its ambitious plans for global adoption. The decentralized blockchain network designed to host the next generation of software and services on the internet revealed these plans 24 hours / 12 segments ICP Global Community Townhall hosted on “X”. The town hall…
  • - The average ransom payment has increased 500% in the last year. This is according to the “State of Ransomware 2024” survey report released by Sophos.  The report notes that organizations that paid the ransom reported an average payment of $2 million, up from $400,000 in 2023. However, ransoms are…
  • - Google has opened applications for the 8th cohort of its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program. Google said in a statement that this cohort will have a strong focus on startups leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to address critical challenges and unlock new…
  • - Glovo recently hosted the third cohort of its Learning and Development Training as part of the Glovo Academy program for partners in Kenya. This initiative, organized in collaboration with the Ongoza Institute—an accelerator for early-stage, high-growth young entrepreneurs in Kenya—aims to equip…
  • - Payless Africa, the fintech firm building digital financial solutions has launched in Kenya. With its mobile app and digital platforms, the firm offers a comprehensive suite of financial services targeting young people.  From banking and payments to savings and investments, the company said in a…
  • - Selina Wawuda overcame challenges in Mvita, Kenya, where financial constraints threatened her education and life prospects. The Ajira Digital program at Swahilipot Hub transformed her life, leading to a successful career as a transcriber and virtual assistant, with a recent promotion.   Selina…
  • - Ride-hailing platform Bolt has today announced the selection of the top 120 participants for its Accelerator Program in Kenya. Following a rigorous evaluation process, these individuals have distinguished themselves with their innovative ideas and commitment to shaping sustainable transportation…
  • - In observance of World Password Day, it’s crucial to spotlight the ongoing threat of data theft that impacts small and medium-sized enterprises [SMEs] worldwide. With increasing digitalization, cybersecurity threats are becoming more sophisticated, posing significant risks to business stability and…
  • - BuuPass, the Kenyan-based travel booking platform has announced the acquisition of QuickBus, a significant player in the bus ticketing service sector in Nigeria and South Africa for an undisclosed amount. BuuPass is a B2B2C mobility marketplace that enables users to search, compare, and book their…
  • - Twiga Foods on Tuesday announced the appointment of Charles Ballard as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Charles takes over from Peter Njonjo who left the agri-tech firm in December last year. Njonjo had served as the CEO for a decade before his resignation. “We are delighted to welcome…
  • - IZI Rwanda, a pioneer in e-mobility has announced the delivery of five electric buses to Kigali. These buses, which will be trialled in the fleets of Kigali Bus Services (KBS) and other local operators, initiate a pilot project aimed at the electrification of public transport in Kigali for a…
  • - ​​Infinix Note 40 Pro specs: Infinix Mobile recently introduced the Note 40 series in Kenya. The series comprises the NOTE 40, NOTE 40 Pro, and the most advanced model, the NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G. Infinix says the NOTE 40 Series represents a significant advancement in Infinix’s All-Round FastCharge 2.0…
  • - Kenya will host the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) Annual General Meeting (AGM). Established in Ouagadougou in September 2016, NADPA serves as a unifying platform for African privacy and data protection authorities from different regions. The organization aims to facilitate…
  • - Kubik, the African sustainable tech startup has raised $5.2 million seed funding round. The seed round makes it the first Ethiopian company to raise a multi-million dollar investment in climate and sustainability solutions. Investors in the round include leading East African venture capital firm…
  • - Qualcomm Incorporated has announced the shortlisted startups for its Make in Africa 2024. The equity-free mentorship program identifies promising early-stage startups keen on applying advanced connectivity and processing technologies to innovative end-to-end systems solutions, including hardware.…
  • - Drone logistics delivery firm Zipline has reached a monumental achievement with its one-millionth delivery to customers. This milestone was marked by the delivery of two bags of IV fluid from a Zipline distribution center in Ghana to a local health facility. Renowned for its innovative approach to…
  • - Infinix NOTE 40 PRO Unboxing: Infinix has officially announced the latest addition to its NOTE series in Kenya, the Infinix NOTE 40. Launched last week, the series comprises the NOTE 40, NOTE 40 Pro, and the most advanced model, the NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G. In this video, we unbox and give the first…