Brief (434)
Stakeholders from government, civil society, donors, academia, and private industry are in Nairobi, Kenya, for DataFest Africa 2024, held from July 17-19. Organized by Aga Khan University and Pollicy, the event is themed "Opportunities for All: Harnessing Data & Technology for Africa’s Transformation."
Since 2019, DataFest Africa has celebrated data science's impact on the continent. This year's conference aims to foster discussions and innovations to help Africa harness data and technology for development.
d.light, a global provider of affordable household products and finance for low-income households, has secured a $176 million securitization facility to purchase receivables in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Announced on July 17, this financing from African Frontier Capital will help d.light expand its PayGo consumer finance offering, making solar-powered products accessible to more low-income households and communities without electricity.
Over the next three years, the facility will provide reliable, renewable energy to an estimated six million people across the three countries.
The African Union (AU) will assess the Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the African Digital Compact on July 18–19, 2024, in Accra, Ghana. This follows the roadmap's endorsement by African ICT and Communications Ministers in June.
The Continental AI Strategy and the African Digital Compact aim to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation through new technologies for sustainable development, economic growth, and societal well-being. It will position Africa as a leader in the global digital economy, promoting homegrown digital solutions through a strong talent pool and public-private partnerships.
Liquid C2, a subsidiary of Liquid Intelligent Technologies has expanded its Cloudmania business into Egypt, the leading pan-African technology group announced on July 16.
Cloudmania is an award-winning distribution unit for cloud and cyber security solutions. It operates in 35 countries across the Middle East and Africa.
The company provides innovative cloud technology, enabling businesses to deliver superior solutions to customers.
Tech services provider TD Africa and Cisco recently launched a month-long training program under the TD Academy banner to tackle Africa's technology skills gap.
The program, “Introduction to Cisco Networking Solutions and Workplace Professional Skills,” aims to tackle Africa’s technology skills gap. It combines technical training with vital soft skills, providing participants with a well-rounded skill set for today’s job market.
TurnStay.com, a South African travel fintech, has secured $300,000 in funding from DFS Lab and DCG, based in Silicon Valley and New York. The company plans to use this investment to expand across Africa and build on its existing momentum.
Founded by Alon Stern of Slide Financial and James Hedley of Quicket, TurnStay aims to reduce payment costs for African travel merchants by employing strategies used by major global booking companies to lower international payment fees without compromising safety or efficiency.
Mastercard has partnered with Kalabash54, the fintech subsidiary of Wakanow Group, to launch a travel card for customers in Nigeria and Ghana, the company announced on July 15.
This initiative aims to provide a secure and convenient payment solution tailored for regional travelers. Users can fund their trips directly through the Kalabash54 app using physical or virtual cards, with options to use local currency or USD.
With the launch of these travel cards, Mastercard and Kalabash54 aim to redefine travel payments in West Africa, simplifying financial management for travelers.
The Nigerian Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT) has reported a surge in ransomware attacks by the Phobos ransomware group targeting critical cloud service providers in Nigeria.
Phobos attackers gain access through phishing emails and exploiting the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) weaknesses. At-risk entities include providers serving government agencies, financial institutions, telecommunications, education, healthcare, and NGOs.
Zimbabwean financial firm BARD Santner Incorporated launched TX Money Transfer on July 10. The new platform is designed to enhance reliability and transparency in the remittance sector.
BARD aims to improve transparency regarding charges to avoid hidden costs and foster collaboration to eliminate process bottlenecks.
With the launch of TX Money Transfer, BARD Santner aims to set a new standard in Zimbabwe's remittance sector, ensuring better service for clients and strong business returns.
Nigeria-based NeuRaL AI has introduced REACTOR, an AI platform designed to help businesses integrate Generative AI into their operations.
NeuRaL AI is a company that offers Artificial Intelligence solutions to businesses, from setup to maintenance and training.
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Visa has opened applications for the third cohort of its Accelerator Program in Africa. This initiative aims to support innovative startups by providing resources and guidance for scaling their solutions.
The Program offers mentorship, access to Visa’s network, and partnership opportunities to pilot solutions. It aims to help startups scale their operations and impact across Africa.
Applications close on August 11.
Innovate Africa has launched with an initial $2.5 million to support early-stage startups tackling Africa’s challenges.
The fund aims to back up to 20 startups in its first year, focusing on solving complex problems such as insecurity, unemployment, and poverty through purpose-driven technology.
Nala, a Tanzanian payments company headquartered in Kenya, has raised $40 million in Series A funding, Founder and CEO Benjamin Fernandes announced on July 9, on X. The fund will support the company’s global expansion and enhance its payment systems in Africa.
Nala allows users to transfer money from the UK, US, and EU to Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ghana.
The Offshore Lab, a Nigerian company focused on Project delivery, capacity building, education, technology and innovation, has announced the completion of the ICT and Innovation Centre at Sa’adu Zungur University in Bauchi State, Nigeria.
The project, funded by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and NNPC Limited, was inaugurated on July 4. It aims to address both local and global challenges through advanced technology by bridging infrastructure gaps and equipping young people with digital skills.