Author: Akin Naphtal

Illinois Institute of Technology has received a substantial grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to launch a pioneering education program in sensory technology aimed at underrepresented groups—particularly veterans. The initiative, funded through NSF’s Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) program, underscores Illinois Tech’s commitment to critical future technologies and expanding education to groups that have historically faced barriers. The new program, Sensor Technology for Experiential Learning, has received over $875,000 in NSF funding and aims to prepare students for industries such as healthcare, defense, space, and environmental control. The nine-credit certificate program combines mentorship and hands-on training…

South Africa’s Energy Minister, Gwede Mantashe, has recently unveiled the country’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which outlines strategies for a stable electricity supply from 2023 to 2050, and aims to end power cuts and meet growing energy demands. South Africa has grappled with worsening load-shedding since 2007, with the country experiencing half of 2023 without electricity. Approximately 4,000 hours of blackouts. Ending Load-Shedding The IRP focuses on two key timeframes, the first being 2023 to 2030, which aims at stabilising South Africa’s power supply and ending load-shedding. The second timeframe, 2031 to 2050, will seek to generate sufficient power for…

Kenyan startup, Octavia Carbon has obtained funding to enhance its innovative Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology, specifically designed to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from the atmosphere. Founder and CEO of Octavia Carbon, Martin Freimüller, noted the pivotal role of carbon capture technologies in the fight against climate change. Confident in the capabilities of the startup’s DAC technology, Freimüller stated that it would play a significant role in reducing global carbon emissions, contributing to the goal of achieving a net-zero future. Octavia Carbon stands out as a trailblazer in technological solutions, providing a platform for individuals and companies to purchase…

The company announced this week that its mixed reality Vision Pro headset will be available online and at US Apple Store retail locations starting February 2. Pre-orders for the device, which starts at $3,499 with 256 GB of storage, will begin Friday, January 19 at 8 a.m. ET. The product uses virtual and augmented reality, running on what Apple calls “the world’s first spatial operating system,” with a 3D interface that is controlled by the user’s voice and eye and hand movements. No controller comes with it. By blending the wearer’s physical surroundings with their digital experience, Apple says the…

Pan-African operator MTN’s exit from West Africa looks underway after Guinea’s Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARPT) closed the operator’s headquarters, according to local media reports. The regulator has accused the mobile operator of non-payment of taxes, fees, and license fees. The closure of MTN’s headquarters in Guinea comes as MTN Group plans to sell its Guinean subsidiary as part of a strategy to optimise its portfolio in Africa. The South African company has already received an offer from Axian Telecom and the proposed transaction also involves MTN’s subsidiaries in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. The South Africa-based company has 291 million…

Akshay Grover has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of Cellulant, the Kenyan-based payments company due to personal reasons. His departure from the firm is effective January 2024. “Grover has decided to leave to focus on personal matters,” the board shares in a statement. No further details about his departure have been revealed at the time of writing. Grover, who initially joined the payments company in 2021 as the Chief Financial Officer, was appointed CEO in the same year. He has held the CEO position for nearly three years. “Under his leadership, Cellulant has strengthened its position both on the…

Orbex has announced the appointment of Phillip Chambers as new CEO and Miguel Belló Mora as its executive chair, as it prepares to launch the first vertical rocket from the UK mainland. Phillip Chambers brings more than two decades of experience scaling technology companies – including Gumtree and Peakon – to the Orbex CEO role. Miguel Belló Mora joins Orbex as executive chair from the Spanish Space Agency, where he was director general. The appointments come at the beginning of a pivotal year for Orbex and the UK’s space sector. Private space companies including Orbex and Skyrora are planning to…

In a significant move to accelerate adoption of digitalized public services and increase the number of persons with a unique ID that facilitates inclusive access to public services, the Government of Gabon and the World Bank has signed $68.5 million loan for the Digital Gabon Project. The agreement was signed by Mays Mouissi, Gabon Minister of Economy and Participations, and Cheick Kante, World Bank Country Director for Gabon. The operation focuses on creating the enabling environment to accelerate digital transformation, by enhancing legal, regulatory, and technological foundations for data protection, cybersecurity, and securing data exchange within the public sector. It…

Pioneering Cameroonian startup, Koree, has successfully secured a pre-seed investment of $200,000, which Koree’s founder, Magalie Gauze-Sanga says would be used in expanding its merchant network, customer base, and achieving product-market fit. Backers of the investment include Tunde Akinnuwa, co-founder at Duplo, the Cameroon Angels Network, Catalytic Africa, Digital Africa, and several private investors. Koree’s innovative service seeks to address the challenge of handling spare change in cash-centric economies. The fintech company provides a solution through a card and digital wallet system, allowing merchants to issue digital change seamlessly. Additionally, Koree’s platform facilitates loyalty programs, enabling customers to accumulate cashback…

Japanese automaker, Honda Motor Co, has begun planning to build an electric vehicle (EV) plant in Canada to bolster its electric vehicle (EV) presence, according to reports from Japan’s Nikkei news group. The project, valued at nearly 2 trillion yen ($13.83 billion), could potentially incorporate in-house production of batteries, making it one of Honda’s most significant investments to date. While Honda has not officially commented on the reports, Canada’s industry minister’s office has acknowledged the potential investment, highlighting it as a testament to the country’s skilled workforce and robust industrial sector. The statement lauded Canada’s reputation as a preferred green…