Author: Akin Naphtal

Uber has begun raising concerns about an agreement struck between ride-hailing platforms and Nigeria’s Lagos State Government (LASG), which calls for the ride-haling platforms to share user data with the LASG. According to a source familiar with the matter, while rival platform, Bolt, has agreed to the LASG’s terms, Uber has been reluctant to comply with the agreement. The agreement, which was part of ride-hailing regulations introduced in 2020, mandated ride-hailing companies to grant backend access to user trips and location data for planning, revenue, and security purposes. Recently, the LASG escalated the situation by demanding real-time trip details from…

In the heart of Africa’s growing digital landscape, data centers have become pivotal pillars, propelling economies forward and driving innovation across the continent. At the forefront of this transformative journey stands the Regional Executive for West Africa at Africa Data Centres, Dr. Krishnan Ranganath. With a vision that extends far beyond mere technological advancement, Dr. Krishnan champions not only the growth of the industry but also the nurturing and empowerment of Africa’s vibrant youth. In this exclusive interview with Digital Economy magazine Dr Krishnan share insights on data centers, and impact of Africa Data Centres in shaping Africa’s digital economy…

Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA) has announced the reinstatement of the Digital Television Receiver Conformance Regime, which mandates that all Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) and Digital Satellite Television (DTH) receivers, must undergo a conformance test and acquire certification before being sold in the country. Consumers are advised to look for specific conformance logos on all receivers, including set-top boxes and integrated digital TV sets, sold in Ghana. These logos come in two types: standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD), providing clarity on the quality of the receiver. Additionally, the NCA stressed that the logos must be attached to…

M-Pesa Safaricom has collaboated with Onafriq, Africa’s largest digital payments network, to streamline remittance flows into Ethiopia. The agreement will enable Ethiopians to receive money from abroad directly through M-Pesa, the popular mobile financial service that doesn’t require a traditional bank account. This development comes as remittances to sub-Saharan Africa reached $54bn in 2023, an increase from the previous year, according to the World Bank. Ethiopia has seen particularly strong growth in remittance inflows. While remittances play a vital role in poverty reduction and bolstering GDP, Ethiopia’s share remains relatively low. Ethiopian diaspora director general Mohammed Endris has stressed that…

Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payments technology company, has been ranked No. 1 in Fast Company’s Most Innovative Company for Europe, Middle East, and Africa 2024, joining others like Nvidia, Open AI, or YouTube on the list. This year’s list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations. These organizations are setting new standards and achieving remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy. Alongside the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies, Fast Company recognizes 606 organizations across 58 sectors and regions. “We’re thrilled to be recognized as No. 1 in the Most Innovative Company Europe, Middle…

Leading Ghanaian ecommerce company, Hubtel, has unveiled its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab, becoming the first company to launch an AI lab in Ghana. The Lab is expected to help reshape user engagement, strengthen security measures, and stimulate economic growth through innovative AI solutions. Head of Engineering at Hubtel, Augustine Gyawu Adjei, spoke on the company’s commitment to using AI technology to enhance user experience and drive sustainable growth. He stated, “Hubtel’s vision is to become Africa’s most useful company. The AI Lab represents a significant step towards achieving this vision by harnessing the transformative potential of AI.” The Hubtel…

In today’s digital landscape, there is a very high chance that people can face attempted hacks from cybercriminals. As cybercriminal tactics grow more sophisticated, individuals must remain vigilant to protect themselves from potential threats. To this end, Russian cybersecurity firm, Kaspersky, has provided a roadmap of seven steps for preventive measures, outlining crucial steps to safeguard against malicious activities. Kapersky’s Seven Steps By following these seven steps, individuals can fortify their defences and lessen the risks posed by evolving cyber threats. Source: APO Group

Chinese short video platform, TikTok, has partnered with the African Union Commission’s (AUC) Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate (WGYD) to enhance online safety awareness among Africa’s youth, parents, teachers, and guardians. Digital connectivity has become vital in daily life, particularly in Africa, where concerns over digital safety are mounting amidst the continent’s rapid digital transformation. The partnership aims to address these concerns through the launch of the Africa-wide #SaferTogether Campaign, aimed at educating and engaging various stakeholders on digital safety. The campaign, launched at the TikTok Safer Internet Summit in Accra, Ghana, covers in-app and on-ground activities designed to educate…

Meta Platforms, formerly Facebook, has proposed a reduction in its monthly subscription fee for Facebook and Instagram, slashing it from 9.99 euros to 5.99 euros in an effort to ease concerns raised by privacy and antitrust regulators. The move comes amidst mounting criticism from privacy activists and consumer groups regarding Meta’s subscription service in Europe, which requires users to pay a fee to ensure their privacy. The subscription service was launched by Meta in November to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which restricts the company’s ability to personalise advertisements for users without their explicit consent, thus impacting its…

Apple has reportedly begun discussions to integrate Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) engine into the iPhone, according to Bloomberg News, with sources saying the negotiations centre around licensing Gemini for upcoming features in the iPhone software slated for release later this year. While the specifics of the agreement, including terms and branding, remain undecided, the prospect has already generated significant market reactions. Alphabet, which owns Google, has seen its shares surge over 6% in early U.S. trading, while Apple saw a 2.5% increase. Although any potential deal is unlikely to be finalised before Apple’s annual developer conference in June, the…