Tech Trends

  • - Epson has unveiled its latest power management IC, the S1A00210B, designed for hearing aids and other compact electronic devices.  Advancements in Power Management for Hearing Aids Power management integrated circuits [PMICs] play a crucial role in managing power within electronic devices,…
  • - Meme coins have gained big across the continent but recently have had many homegrown tokens sprouting in Africa. Such meme coins are probably not going to last long because of regulatory uncertainties. As Kenya joins the rest of Africa in establishing a substantive legal framework around the newly…
  • - African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Kenyan government have ratified a series of initiatives designed to support the country’s industrialisation and export-led development agenda.  Under the terms of the initiatives, formalised at a signing ceremony with the Kenyan authorities in…
  • - As of 2025, 39 out of 55 African nations have enacted data protection laws, with 34  out of these having additionally established data protection authorities.  This is according to the 2025 Report on Data Protection in Africa by Yellow Card, a leading stable-coin infrastructure platform in Africa…
  • - As we gear up for the TechTrends Pulse tech forum this June, TechTrends Media is conducting a survey to explore how businesses are leveraging smart technologies to enhance efficiency, productivity, and overall performance. This study aims to assess the adoption of smart solutions such as artificial…
  • - Odibets, Kenya’s leading sports gaming platform, has commended the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) for appointing Benni McCarthy as the new Harambee Stars head coach. The move, seen as a turning point for Kenyan football, has been widely welcomed by fans and stakeholders alike. Odibets has been a…
  • - Digital payments company Visa has released a new report detailing growth opportunities for digital payments, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya. According to the report, 40% of SMEs have adopted digital payments in the last two years.  This momentum according to…
  • - Join us on The TechTrends Podcast as we sit down with Samsung’s ⁠Ryan Mule⁠ for an exclusive deep dive into AI—the Samsung way. Ryan is the B2B Key Account Manager-Mobile Experience (Smartphones, Tablets, Wearables & MDM solutions) at Samsung Electronics East Africa. With his extensive…
  • - AI development has accelerated with phenomenal speed recently, and tech giants like Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic, along with a host of emerging startups, are churning out powerful new models at breakneck speed. Keeping up with the latest releases may feel pretty overwhelming, mainly when AI…
  • - In boardrooms, conflicts and rivalries seem to be the norm. However, not many rivalries in the tech arena have created as much dust as the one between Apple and Qualcomm. For over 15 years, the two giants- Apple, the consumer electronics brand, and Qualcomm, the leading force in wireless chip…
  • - The Samsung Galaxy A56, a mid-range smartphone based on the proven Galaxy A55, has been officially launched with upgrades in display size, processor, charging speeds, and connectivity. Display: A Slightly Larger and Brighter Panel The Galaxy A56 features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz…
  • - Samsung has officially launched its much-anticipated Galaxy A36, featuring several upgrades from the previous version, the Galaxy A35. The latest member of the Galaxy A series is designed to be attractive and comes with improved performance and camera capabilities with longer software support. This…
  • - A whole underworld exists for people who want to watch over and spy on their families. Several app creators sell the software—sometimes termed as stalkerware—directly to jealous partners who can use it to control access to their victims’ phones remotely. Still these companies are losing the…
  • - With Donald Trump back as president, change is already affecting global industries with ripples; Africa’s fast-growing technology sector feels the backlash quite hard. From reorganization of foreign aid to adjusting trade policies and implementing tough immigration controls, the changes are…
  • - On May 5, 2025, Microsoft will stop supporting Skype, the pioneering Internet call service. This essentially marks an end to the platform after 23 years of operation as the company now shifts its focus towards Microsoft Teams. A Declining Skype User Base The decline in user engagement over the…
  • - OPPO officially launched the Reno13 F series, introducing the OPPO Reno13 5G and Reno13 F 4G. These incredible smartphones combine cutting-edge technologies, stunning designs, and powerful performance under one roof. Design and Display: Premium Aesthetics with High Refresh Rates The Reno13 F 5G and…
  • - Maersk, a global leader in integrated container logistics, and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) have today announced the launch of a comprehensive maritime training programme.  The programme will provide fully funded, 12-month sea-time training opportunities aboard Maersk vessels for 10 Kenyan cadets. …
  • - Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is reportedly working on a standalone AI chatbot app, reopening the competition against giants OpenAI and Google. This decision testifies to Meta’s increasing desire to consolidate its position in the fast-evolving AI ecosystem, where…
  • - Reels, the short video format launched by Instagram, is now one of the most widely used tools on the platform itself. With this, it is reported that Meta has considered making Reels a separate app to cement its position in the short-form video market. Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, reportedly…
  • - With the introduction of searchable transcripts, Google is today making significant strides in enhancing video accessibility and usability within Google Drive.  Last year the tech giant announced that users can automatically generate captions for any video uploaded to Google Drive.  The aim was to…
  • - The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has rolled out major upgrades to its Electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS) KRA says the upgrade will directly benefit taxpayers by simplifying compliance, increasing efficiency, and providing greater flexibility in tax invoice management. Why This…
  • - KCB Group has joined the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to enhance cross-border trade and financial integration across the continent. As the first bank in East Africa to integrate PAPSS, KCB customers will benefit from faster settlements, lower currency conversion costs, and…
  • - iXAfrica Data Centres,  East Africa’s largest hyperscale data centre facility, has unveiled the first phase of its data centre in Nairobi. Named NBOX1, the 4.5MW facility houses 780 racks and offers hyperscale, carrier-neutral, and AI-ready capabilities. According to iXAfrica , the facility expands…
  • - Tunisia achieved a major tech milestone as three leading telecom operators; Orange Tunisie, Ooredoo Tunisie, and Tunisie Télécom; simultaneously launched 5G services nationwide.  The rollout came shortly after the operators secured their licenses, marking a swift implementation of the next-…
  • - A Mano River Union (MRU) delegation recently concluded a successful study tour of the Busia One Stop Border Post (OSBP) between Kenya and Uganda, gaining valuable insights into efficient cross-border trade systems that benefit women traders.  The tour brought together women traders and border…
  • - Microsoft has announced a significant investment of $1 million aimed at training one million Nigerians in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital skills over the next two years.  The training program is expected to be implemented through partnerships with local organisations including Tech4Dev and…
  • - Ride-hailing company Bolt has announced a significant milestone in Kenya with its electric bikes fleet surpassing 500 vehicles. This achievement made possible through a strategic partnership with financial technology firm M-KOPA, accounts for nearly 50% of all electric vehicles in Kenya, marking…
  • - The global online trading platform market size was worth USD 10.86 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach an expected value of USD 11.45 billion in 2025 to USD 17.42 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.39% during the forecast period (2025-2033). This is according to the latest report…
  • - In this episode of The TechTrends Podcast, we sit down with ⁠Andrew Fassnid⁠ge, the Founder & Director of Africa Tech Summit. Andrew takes us behind the scenes of the Summit’s incredible journey to becoming one of Africa’s premier tech events. He also shares insights into the continent’s…
  • - VFS Global has rolled out a new Generative AI-powered chatbot to enhance customer support for travellers to the UK. The AI-powered chatbot utilises advanced Generative AI technology to offer human-like, conversational support. It does so through both voice and text commands, as a result, customers…
  • - NCBA announced the allocation of KES 12 million in annual scholarships to over 150 students through various partners. The allocation is part of its KES 100 million annual pledge that is designated to positively impact communities throughout the country. The funds have been disbursed and implemented…
  • - The LOOP app has undergone significant upgrades, donning a modern and stylish design that fits in perfectly with its brand values.  This update brings a fresh look and feel, raising ease of use and making sure that users have a better, more natural experience. Improved  Navigation The LOOP app’s…
  • - TikTok, has launched the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) feed in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In the same way that TikTok curates a following and friends feed, it now also offers content specifically covering STEM topics. The feed is currently live and is available over 20…
  • - Paradigm Initiative (PIN) has announced that the 2025 edition of Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF2025) registration is now open.  The bilingual global gathering will convene hundreds of delegates in Lusaka, Zambia from April 29 to May 1, 2025.  In a press statement, PIN noted that this year…
  • - Airbus has signed a 7-year Flight Hour Services (FHS) contract with Ethiopian Airlines to provide comprehensive maintenance of its fleet of 24 Airbus A350 aircraft. This includes both the A350-900 and A350-1000 models.  This agreement provides Ethiopian Airlines with dedicated on-site stock in…
  • - Last year, the world witnessed an alarming rise in government-imposed internet shutdowns – at least 296 cases from 54 different countries. This is according to a new report by popular digital rights movement watchdog Access Now. These internet blackouts are frequently high during public protests,…
  • - Epson a global technology company, has appointed Junkichi Yoshida as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1. Consequently, he will succeed Yasunori Ogawa, who will assume the role of Chairman of the Board. Junkichi Yoshida, a seasoned leader with extensive experience in…
  • - Leading ride-hailing platform, Bolt has made safety its top priority with its Emergency Assist SOS button feature under the Bolt Safety Toolkit that’s designed to ensure safe rides for both passengers and drivers. A Simple Yet Powerful Safety Tool The Emergency Assist feature has been seamlessly…
  • - Infinix will launch the Note 50 series later next month, succeeding last year’s Note 40 lineup. While the company has been tight-lipped about the specifications of the Infinix Note 50 series, it has confirmed that the devices will feature Infinix AI. The Note 50 series will include DeepSeek R1 AI…
  • - Infinix will launch the Note 50 series later next month, succeeding last year’s Note 40 lineup. While the company has been tight-lipped about the specifications of the Infinix Note 50 series, it has confirmed that the devices will feature Infinix AI. The Note 50 series will include DeepSeek R1 AI…
  • - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a Worldwide Olympic Partnership with TCL, lasting until 2032. TCL will become an official Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner in the Home Audiovisual Equipment and Home Appliances categories. TCL will support fans and athletes by…
  • - Rwanda has announced a strategic partnership to develop a Rwanda Food Innovation Hub, which aims to catalyze sustainable food systems across Africa. The Food Innovation Hub seeks to empower smallholder farmers, develop inclusive markets and finance, and strengthen agricultural systems. As a result…
  • - LOOP App New UI: If you’re a LOOP user you have probably noticed that the app has taken a significant step forward by introducing a brand-new user interface (UI), designed to enhance the digital banking experience.  While the look and feel have been revamped, it’s important to note that the core…
  • - MANSA, a global fintech innovator in cross-border payments, has announced the successful close of its $10 million funding round. This marks a significant milestone for the company in its mission to alleviate liquidity challenges for payment companies worldwide. MANSA’s stablecoin-based solution…
  • - AppsFlyer and Google have launched their 2024 “The State of App Marketing in Sub-Saharan Africa” report, analyzing overall performance of finance apps in Sub-Saharan Africa. Drawing on a sample of 1.1 billion app downloads and 20,000 apps, the report reveals a growing trend in finance app installs…
  • - Odibets, a top sports betting platform in Kenya, has reintroduced its enhanced Cashout feature, giving users more flexibility and control over their bets. With the Cashout option, bettors can choose to settle their wagers before an event concludes, either securing a portion of their potential…
  • - Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. has posted its fastest revenue growth in over a year, signaling a strong recovery. The Chinese tech giant reported e-commerce gains and higher-than-expected cloud revenues, reflecting a rebound in consumer spending and its ability to fight outside competitors ByteDance…
  • - OpenAI has claimed a historic milestone of reaching 400 million active weekly users. The AI creator powering ChatGPT is showing rapid growth, with the last reported figure of 300 million users recorded in December 2024. OpenAI has so far withheld the number of paid subscribers to ChatGPT Plus or…
  • - In this episode of the TechTrends Podcast, we sit down with Victor Alade, CEO and co-founder of Raenest, to explore how the fintech startup is revolutionizing cross-border payments for African freelancers, remote workers, and businesses. Victor shares insights on the challenges of global…
  • - Cybersecurity firm Sophos has announced a strategic partnership with Pax8, the leading cloud commerce marketplace. Through this collaboration, Pax8’s network of more than 40,000 managed service providers (MSPs) gains access to the most comprehensive portfolio of cybersecurity solutions. MSPs can…