Author: Akin Naphtal

Ten years ago, IBM Research launched its first lab in Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. Just three years later, we opened a second location at the University of the Witwatersrand, in South Africa’s Johannesburg. Over the decade, our labs have become the epicentre for IBM research in Africa, and an integral part of our mission to invent and build what’s next in computing. And today, we’re celebrating our first decade in Africa, the work we’ve achieved, and all that lies ahead. At an event at our Nairobi lab, leaders from across IBM Research, including Darío Gil, IBM senior vice president and…

Kenya’s Information, Communication & Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary, Eliud Owalo, has announced the plans of the Kenyan government to provide technological infrastructure and inclusive connectivity for all. At the 14th Annual ICT Management and Leadership Conference of the Computer Society of Kenya, Owalo announced that the government is implementing market interventions to make Kenya a constant net user of ICT equipment and software. He announced that the ministry is collaborating with tech companies and the private sector to launch locally made smart phones, which will cost around Sh6, 000 per unit according to the ministry’s feasibility studies. “We are rolling…

A new service that caters to the needs of people with special needs was launched by MTN Uganda on Saturday, October 21st, 2023, at their Service Centre in Lugogo Forest Mall, marking a milestone in digital inclusion.  With this initiative, MTN Uganda, a leading provider of telecommunications and digital solutions, is taking a huge step towards making digital access more inclusive and equitable for everyone, no matter what their abilities or situations are. As this aligned with MTN’s Ambition 2025 strategy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10 (UNSDG 10), the  event was graced by various stakeholders, such as representatives…

In a series of impactful engagements, newly instated CEO of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Jane Egerton-Idehen, has engaged key NIGCOMSAT stakeholders as she seeks to efficiently deliver NIGCOMSAT’s mission. The discussions focused on creating an effective and innovative working environment to enhance the execution of NIGCOMSAT’s mandate, which is to provide ubiquitous high-speed coverage over areas that terrestrial network operators cannot reach. This follows the tone set by Nigeria’s Minister for Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, who has highlighted the importance of NIGCOMSAT’s role in the nation’s telecommunications and technology landscape. There were further meetings…

Music streaming platform, Spotify Technology, has released its quarterly report, showcasing growth in all regions, and exceeding expectations. Additionally, the company projected that it would reach 601 million monthly listeners by the end of 2023. Notably, Spotify achieved a quarterly profit of €32 million, its first since 2021, due to improved gross margin and reduced marketing and personnel expenses. During the July-September period, Spotify experienced a significant increase in its gross margin, reaching 26.4%, which was 166 basis points higher than the previous year. Despite investing over €1 billion in its podcast business, the company has been focused on cost…

KCB Bank Kenya has partnered with Mastercard to launch the World Elite Exclusive Credit Card, catering to high-end and private banking customers. This collaboration is a significant step for the bank in providing a top-tier offering for its high net-worth clientele. The Mastercard-branded cards will be available in two categories: World Elite KES Credit for transactions in Kenyan Shillings, and World Elite USD Credit for frequent international transactions in US Dollars. In addition, the Kenyan bank has introduced the World Debit card, offering exclusive benefits and a personalized banking experience. Managing Director of KCB Bank Kenya, Annastacia Kimtai, highlighted the…

South African mobile operator, Vodacom, has been fined R1 million by the National Consumer Tribunal for its contract cancellation policy, following an investigation by the commission into 21 complaints against the company. The complaints referred to Vodacom’s contract cancellation policy, and how customers were treated when they sought to cancel their contracts. The complaints under investigation all relate to the 2021 and 2022 financial years. The tribunal found that in some instances, customers were charged for periods after they had requested the cancellation of their contract due to a delay in the timeous cancellation of the contracts upon request by…

Oppo has unveiled its latest flagship device, the Find N3 foldable smartphone, which boasts a taller and longer design. The device features a 6.31-inch AMOLED panel with a 20:9 aspect ratio and a dynamic 10-120 Hz refresh rate, offering up to 2,800 nits of peak brightness. When unfolded, the device reveals a 7.82-inch display with a 1-120 Hz dynamic refresh rate and the same maximum brightness. The Find N3 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. The device has a 4,805mAh battery with 67W SuperVOOC charging, which Oppo says can…

The 2023 Digital Nigeria Conference, which begins on Tuesday, 24th October, is set to be major event for technology enthusiasts in the Nigerian startup ecosystem. The conference will provide support, education, and solutions to the challenges faced by startup founders, while also highlighting the role of the government, particularly the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in supporting Nigerian startups. The conference will focus on emerging technologies such as blockchain, Web3, IoT, startup ecosystem, investors, AI, XR, and the metaverse, providing an ideal platform for brands to showcase themselves to industry peers, international technology experts, the press, and a wider…

Nigerian company, Mowana International, has launched a digital marketplace designed to enable Nigerian and African manufacturers reach international markets, while facilitating payments in foreign currencies. The company lauched the Mowana Mobile app to drive its efforts. The app teems with features to support African manufacturers, including a marketplace connecting African vendors with global buyers and multicurrency capabilities. The platform offers a vibrant marketplace which seamlessly connects African vendors and global buyers. The Mowana Mobile app which has been designated a download site, is set to be a game-changer for African manufacturers seeking to expand their horizons across international borders. CEO…