Author: Akin Naphtal

Airtel Money, Centenary Bank and gnuGrid have launched Kwaata Sente, a digital lending service designed to improve access to short-term credit for eligible Airtel Money customers. The service allows users to apply for loans without conventional collateral or visiting a bank branch, subject to approval. Speaking at the launch, Centenary Bank Managing Director Godfrey Byekwaso said the partnership would extend the bank’s reach beyond its existing customer base, building on its digital banking services to serve more Ugandans. He explained, “You don’t have to be a Centenary Bank customer to access these services.” The partnership aims to make credit available…

Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology, H.E. Frehiwot Tamru, has called on the Space Science and Geospatial Institute to align its next five-year strategic plan with national development priorities, strengthen geospatial data infrastructure and accelerate digital transformation. The directive followed a review of the Institute’s capacity, performance and progress towards fulfilling its national mandate. During the session, Director General Dr. Abdissa Yilma presented an assessment of the Institute’s organisational structure, workforce, technical capabilities, infrastructure, ongoing projects and achievements and challenges over the past five years. The review was intended to identify institutional strengths and gaps, establish priorities and provide an…

Moniepoint is restructuring its product and engineering departments as part of a strategic shift aimed at improving efficiency, accelerating product development and supporting its next phase of growth. The changes will make some existing positions redundant while creating new roles within the company. The fintech plans to adopt a platform-group model comprising smaller, specialized teams responsible for specific product areas. Under this structure, each team will oversee its products throughout the entire process, from development to deployment and ongoing operations. “As part of Moniepoint’s regular strategic review of operations, the management is restructuring the Engineering and Product functions for the…

Mastercard and Beast Industries are joining forces to help creators and young people turn digital influence into business opportunities, combining financial tools, exclusive experiences and practical education to support their growth in the digital economy. As the creator economy continues to reshape how people build businesses, connect with audiences and generate income, the partnership aims to bridge the gap between online popularity and long-term financial success. Through co-branded consumer and creator card programmes, tools and educational initiatives, the organisations intend to equip the next generation with resources to develop their ideas, strengthen their financial knowledge and build sustainable futures. Founded…

Spotify has introduced audiobooks in Nigeria, allowing users to explore books alongside music and podcasts on its platform. The rollout began on 14 October, offering Nigerians another way to enjoy books while commuting, exercising or carrying out household activities. Through its Audiobooks+ subscription, users can access 15 hours of listening each month for ₦2,300. According to Spotify’s Nigerian website, the service is an add-on billed separately from eligible Premium subscriptions. Unused listening hours expire at the end of each month, while users can purchase extra hours or individual audiobook titles. The launch forms part of Spotify’s broader expansion of its…

Cassava Technologies, an African technology company, has strengthened its artificial intelligence infrastructure by adding NVIDIA’s Nemotron AI models to its AI Factory. The step is meant to widen access to advanced AI tools for businesses and developers across the continent. The Nemotron models are now available on the Cassava AI Multi-Model Exchange (CAIMEx), a platform where organisations can tap into a range of AI models through application programming interfaces (APIs). This gives businesses more choice when building and deploying AI-driven applications, without necessarily having to spend on large-scale computing infrastructure of their own. NVIDIA’s Nemotron models are built for advanced…

Airtel Africa Plc, a telecommunications and mobile money services provider, has announced that it will publish its financial results for the six-month period ended 30 September 2026, on Friday, 30 October 2026. Operating in 14 markets across sub-Saharan Africa, the company continues to navigate changing business conditions, driven by growing demand for mobile data, investments in network expansion and developments in its mobile financial services business. The upcoming results will be released amid changing macroeconomic conditions across Airtel Africa’s key markets, including Nigeria, with investors monitoring the company’s recent performance and its ability to sustain growth. Airtel Africa’s strategy continues…

The World Bank Group has launched its first digital strategy, combining its public- and private-sector capabilities to help developing countries improve affordable digital access, strengthen public services and generate employment opportunities. The strategy focuses on four priorities: expanding reliable connectivity, making smartphones and internet data more affordable, strengthening digital services and skills, and helping countries prepare to benefit from artificial intelligence (AI). “Digital technology can help countries create jobs and make scarce resources go further. Realizing that potential requires a comprehensive approach—from reliable connectivity and affordable devices to digital skills and useful services,” said World Bank Group President Ajay Banga.…

Mastercard has unveiled a redesigned Mastercard Experience Centre in Dubai, reaffirming its investment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as it celebrates 40 years of operations in the country. Located at the company’s regional headquarters in Dubai Internet City, the centre serves as a flagship customer engagement hub for 81 markets across Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EEMEA). The upgraded facility offers customers, regulators, industry stakeholders and student delegations an enhanced visitor experience through immersive demonstrations, redesigned collaboration spaces and digital installations showcasing Mastercard’s work. It is designed to help partners understand how the company supports the movement…

Digital Economy Live opened its 2026 edition at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City under the theme “Building Africa’s Digital Future: Inclusion, Infrastructure & Intelligent Growth,” drawing policymakers, regulators, technology leaders and industry executives for two days of high-level exchange. The programme began with ceremonial opening remarks Akin Naphtal, Group Chief Executive Officer of InstinctWave and Group Publisher of Digital Economy Magazine, observed that “Digital Economy Live and the accompanying awards serve as mechanisms for converting dialogue into institutional standards. He noted that the presence of ministers, regulators, ambassadors and enterprise leaders in Accra demonstrated growing recognition that digital infrastructure,…