Author: Akin Naphtal

In a statement released on Tuesday, September 19, Swedish vehicle manufacturer, Volvo Cars has announced that it intends to end production of its diesel models by early 2024, in its bid to become an all-electric carmaker. While Volvo has only now officially announced a time frame to end the production of diesel-powered vehicles, 2022 statistics showed that diesel-powered vehicles only made up 8.9% of the company’s sales in Europe. Electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid models made up 33% of Volvo’s sales in August this year. The rising EV sales and climate change concerns are among the reasons Volvo wants to…

New York-based blockchain research firm, Chainalysis, has, on Tuesday, reported a growth in cryptocurrency usage in Nigeria in light of to the country’s weakening currency and rising inflation. Nigeria barred its banks and financial institutions from dealing in or facilitating transactions in cryptocurrencies in 2021, however this did little to stop the use of cryptocurrencies in the country. The volume of crypto transactions in the West African country grew from 9% between July 2022 and June 2023, amounting to $56.7 billion in nearly a year. The report stated that crypto tokens like Bitcoin and stablecoins became more popular when the…

In the ever-evolving digital age, online payments have become the cornerstone of modern financial transactions. Whether shopping online from the comfort of your home or making in-person purchases, the convenience of online payments cannot be overstated. However, with the rise of cybercrime and identity theft, safeguarding your financial information is paramount. In 2021 alone, combined identity fraud scam losses reached a staggering $28 billion, making it one of the fastest-growing criminal enterprises, according to a 2022 study by Javelin Strategy & Research. To help you protect your hard-earned money, here’s a comprehensive guide to the safest online payment methods available:…

UK’s competition regulator, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), put forward a set of principles to govern the use of artificial intelligence (AI) models. These principles, which include accountability, access, and transparency, aim to support competitive growth in the rapidly advancing field of AI. The CMA began examining the impact of generative AI applications like ChatGPT in May, with the goal of ensuring that businesses and consumers benefit from this technology. Sarah Cardell, the CEO of the CMA, emphasized the potential of AI to enhance productivity and simplify daily tasks but stressed the need for proactive measures to ensure a…

Kenya-based EV startup Roam has introduced a new shuttle bus model called Move, as the country aims to promote the use of electric vehicles. Roam, previously known as Opibus, plans to increase production of the Move bus and expand its charging infrastructure in response to the growing demand for EV buses in Kenya. This demand is driven by rising fuel prices and the need for sustainable transportation options. By February 2023, Roam aims to deliver 50 Move buses and achieve a monthly production capacity of 40 units. The buses, which can seat 42 or 52 people and have a range…

Global consulting firm Ernst and Young (EY) has launched a new artificial intelligence platform EY.ai. This solution leverages the company’s technology platform and capabilities with expertise in strategy, transactions, transformation, and risk assurance. EY has said that after an initial pilot of 4,200 team members, the company will be releasing a large language model called EY.ai EYQ, along with rolling AI learning and development programs. For EY.ai, AI solutions have been embedded into proprietary technologies like EY Fabric. The $1.4 billion investment has been directed to build this solution and to secure a series of EY technology acquisitions with supporting…

Bob van Dijk has stepped down as chief executive officer of JSE-listed Naspers and its Prosus unit. Naspers made the announcement recently, saying Van Dijk will be replaced by chief investment officer Ervin Tu on an interim basis. In a statement, the companies say they have mutually agreed that Van Dijk will, effective 18 September, step down as chief executive, as well as his position on the boards of both companies. According to the organisations, Van Dijk has agreed to assist with the transition after this date and will remain as a consultant to the group until 30 September 2024.…

MTN South Africa has announced a new partnership with Eseye, a global provider of IoT services. The partnership will see Eseye’s IoT solutions deployed in South Africa, with the aim of expanding the solution to eighteen MTN operating companies across Africa.  This involves integration with MTN’s current infrastructure, utilising Eseye’s deep engineering expertise and experience in deploying rapid IoT solutions to meet MTN’s global needs, and supporting customers with IoT deployments pan-Africa. Lawrence Juku, Head of IoT Solutions at MTN Business, said: “Our partnership with Eseye is a major milestone in our journey to become Africa’s leading digital platform. Eseye’s…

Dell Technologies has announced the appointment of Alexandre Brousse as EMEA Channel Lead, effective October 1. Brousse will work with the EMEA Channel team to deliver a customer-centric and partner-empowered ecosystem that drives growth and innovation in the region. “With today’s leadership announcements we demonstrate our commitment to growth and creating market opportunities for both our customers and partners.,” said Diego Majdalani, President, Global Channel Sales, Dell Technologies. “Brousse is a highly experienced, respected leader and will be an asset to my leadership team and our broader EMEA partner ecosystem, while Anwar brings a great channel perspective, relationships, and a…

Global technology company IBM has announced the expansion of its collaboration with biscuit brand Parle Products for digital transformation services. In the latest phase of engagement, IBM Consulting is collaborating with Microsoft to implement Azure Databricks Lakehouse, an AI engine for Auto Replenishment, SAP Ariba solutions at Parle for better operational resilience, agility, and scalability. The two organisations first collaborated in 2014 to solve Parle’s complexities in the supply and distribution network due to non-differentiated strategies across products as well as channel and fulfilment approaches. Since then, Parle has been able to reduce sourcing costs, better sales forecast accuracy, and…