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The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) recently unveiled its Digitalisation and IT Strategy 2023/24-2027/28.
This five-year strategy aims, among other things, to improve services to taxpayers, modernize URA systems, streamline online services, and develop a high-performance, diverse workforce, all thanks to cutting-edge technologies. It also aims to create a reliable, secure, and interoperable digital environment that makes it easier for taxpayers to meet their tax obligations.
The Chamber of Information Technology and Telecommunications (CIT), the sponsor of Egypt's digital industry, is currently participating in GITEX Global 2023 with 19 Egyptian tech companies.
The said companies are currently showcasing their expertise to other participants in Dubai. The aim is to establish partnerships with international companies and explore the latest trends and innovations in the communications and information technology sector.
iiDENTIFii, a startup that developed facial authentication technology for smartphones and computers, announced last week the signing of a partnership with Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO). The partnership aims to roll out the startup’s ID solutions in Zambia. "In Zambia, we aim to address challenges related to digital exclusion, limited access to services, and identity fraud. Many individuals across the continent lack recognized identification, which hampers their access to banking, healthcare, and government services,” explained Gur Sheva, founder of iiDENTIFii.
Last week, French development agency AFD announced the ten African startups that won the 2023 edition of the AFD Digital Challenge. They are Adinkra (Cameroon), Colorfol (Cameroon), Vortex (Nigeria), Aflamin (Morocco), IAMNATIV (Uganda), SkanTicket (Ivory Coast), ShazaCin (South Africa), SongBoost (Kenya), AkooBooks (Ghana) and Oroko Radio (Ghana).
Cue, a South African startup developing AI-enabled customer service solutions, announced on Thursday, October 12 the successful completion of a $500,000 funding round. The funds will help enhance its technology, now providing companies with faster customer service thanks to next-generation AI models.
Egyptian insurtech company Amenli announced on Monday, October 9 the successful completion of a $1 million financing round. The deal was led by Alter Global, a venture capital fund focused on emerging markets, with the participation of Qatar Insurance Group and Digital Ventures Partners. The funds will be used to develop its technology and accelerate growth.
Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a subsidiary of pan-African technology group Cassava Technologies, announced on Tuesday, October 10 its partnership with wingu.africa, a pioneering provider of carrier-neutral data center services in Tanzania.
The new partnership aims to launch a second Azure Stack in Tanzania, offering local businesses access to cutting-edge cloud solutions and the means to thrive in the digital age.
On Tuesday, September 26, P1 Ventures, a venture capital firm investing in high-potential African companies with a regional or even global client base, announced the first close, at $25 million, of its second investment fund.
P1 Ventures, which has been in operation for 3 years and has backed some 20 African companies, intends to continue its financing activity, focusing more specifically on startups that rely on AI to develop their businesses.
Pan-African firm Cassava Technologies announced on Thursday, September 28 its partnership with Atlas AI, a US platform using artificial intelligence to analyze data. "AI and data analytics are a core part of our digital transformation journey across all Cassava Technologies business units. Our clients across Africa will benefit from access to quality data and analytics that will help them better serve their customers," said Hardy Pemhiwa (photo, right) president and CEO of Cassava Technologies Group.
South African fintech startup Revio announced, Tuesday (September 29), the successful completion of a $5.2 million funding round. The deal was led by QED Investors and Partech, with the participation of former fintech investors such as Speedinvest, RaliCap, and Everywhere VC. Founded in 2020 by Ruaan Botha, the fintech startup wants to use the funds to, among other things, improve its technology, broaden its offerings, and expand into new markets on the continent.
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Africa CEO Forum, in partnership with Ecobank Côte d'Ivoire, will organize the forum “Invest in Côte d’Ivoire’s Digital Economy” (Invest in Côte d’Ivoire – Economie numérique) next October 5 in Abidjan.
According to an official press release, the event aims to highlight the investment opportunities offered by the country’s digital sector.
Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet) is due to receive its data center, built by a Chinese company, in October, according to the Chinese news agency Xinhua.
Called the Digital Delta Data Center (DDDC), it is located in the Gaborone-based Botswana Innovation Hub. The Tier 3 data center spans over 1,000 square meters with the ability to house around 400 bays. It will enable Botswana to assume data sovereignty and facilitate its ongoing socio-economic transformation.
Electronic payment solutions provider Visa Inc. has officially inaugurated its new office in the Egyptian city of Cairo.
According to the company's press release, this further expansion demonstrates Visa’s commitment to supporting the company's financial institution and merchant clients, local government partners, investments, and local communities in ongoing efforts to drive the digitization of the payments landscape.
Last week, AI company Flapmax announced the twelve startups selected for its Fast Accelerator program focused on artificial intelligence. Supported by Microsoft, the program aims to strengthen and advance the African tech ecosystem. "Participation in the FAST Accelerator program will help these entrepreneurs capture growth opportunities and expand their market reach," explained Mame-Fatou Gueye, SME Program Manager, Microsoft Africa Transformation Office.