Author: Akin Naphtal

MTN South Africa has announced the expansion of its innovative eSIM functionality to prepaid customers, a game-changing feature that enhances the way customers connect and communicate. The eSIM, which is a digital version of the physical SIM card, is now available to all customers and will provide seamless connectivity and linkability to a range of devices. With the expansion of the eSIM functionality, MTN is reinforcing its commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences and staying at the forefront of digital innovation in the telecommunications industry. This advanced technology eliminates the need for physical SIM cards and unlocks a host of…

Google has launched the “Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First” accelerator program aimed at supporting African startups to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to solve local challenges. According to Google, the program recognizes the transformative role AI is playing across different industries. The 10-week equity-free program is open to startups up to series A stage based in Africa or building Africa-centered solutions with AI and machine learning. Participants will benefit from access to Google’s AI expertise, technical resources including up to $350k Google Cloud Credits, mentorship from seasoned AI professionals, and networking opportunities with fellow African startups and potential investors. Speaking…

According to a report by the Financial Institution Training Centre (FITC), fraudulent loans with a value of N5.46 billion accounted for 94.35% of total losses associated with fraudulent activities recorded by commercial banks in the second quarter (Q2) of 2023. Per the FITC Fraud and Forgeries report, 24 commercial banks in Nigeria lost a total of N5.79 billion to fraud activities representing a 1,125.03% increase in losses compared with the N472 million lost in Q1 2023. The total figure – N5.79 billion, showed a significant increase in the total amount involved in fraud cases during Q2 2023 compared to Q1.…

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has shared that Nigeria accounts for 82% of the total telecom subscriptions in Africa. This indicates that a significant portion of the continent’s telecommunications users are based in Nigeria, showcasing the country’s substantial presence in the African telecom market. This was revealed by the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Umar Danbatta during the Emerging Technology Forum’s report for the Telecommunications Industry in Abuja. The EVC also revealed that Nigeria accounts for 29% of the continent’s internet consumption. These figures position Nigeria as the 11th country worldwide in terms of…

Nigerian logistics startup, Kobo360, has announced the appointment of Cikü Mugambi as the new CEO of the company. This is coming after the resignation of Obi Ozor as CEO. Obi Ozor, who is also a Co-founder of Kobo360, was appointed as the new Commissioner of Transportation in Enugu State. Ayo Fashina was also named the company’s new Chief Operations Officer (COO), while Founder of Guaranty Trust Bank, Fola Adeola was appointed the new Chairman of the Board of Directors. Cikü Mugambi previously held the position of Chief Operating Officer at Kobo360 since joining the company in 2021. Before then she…

QuantGate Systems Inc the pioneering Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) fintech solution company, is delighted to announce the appointment of Allan Bezanson as its new Chief Executive Officer from September 1, 2023. With an outstanding history of driving businesses to success in equities, private equity, investment, and AI, Bezanson’s appointment signifies a turning point for QuantGate. His wealth of experience and significant impact underscore his pivotal role in revolutionizing market decision-making through cutting-edge AI and big-data processing. Bezanson’s track record exemplifies his impact on the financial realm. Notably, as an early investor and Board member at the A.I.…

FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation, a leading provider of diagnostic imaging and medical informatics solutions, announced FDA 510(k) clearance of its new 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, the ECHELON Synergy. The system employs Synergy DLR, Fujifilm’s proprietary Deep Learning Reconstruction (DLR) technology powered by artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance the sharpness of images and acquire scans faster, contributing to higher throughput, image quality and patient satisfaction. A recent study conducted by NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Meta AI Research indicates that reconstructing MRI images with AI delivers scans four times faster than standard scans, which could expand MRI…

Sony has just unveiled some exciting updates in the world of gaming. They’re introducing a new device called the PlayStation Portal remote player, which will be available later this year for $199.99(roughly Rs 16,500). According to the announcement by the company, as the name suggests, this device lets you play your PS5 games remotely on an 8-inch LCD screen with HD visuals, adaptive triggers, and haptic feedback. It’s great for gaming on the go or when you want to use a different screen. The new Sony PlayStation Portal gets an 8-inch LCD screen that is capable of 1080p resolution at…

Every year Apple holds an event in September where it usually announces a new set of iPhones. Here’s what to expect including when the Apple event will start and what will launch. Apple is expected to take the wraps off the new iPhone 15 range at an event in September 2023. At the same time, we will likely see new Apple Watches and possibly other new products as well. Here’s everything you need to know and be expecting?? Recall, last year, the event was held on Wednesday, September 7. This is an earlier date than the annual iPhone event has…

Telecommunications stakeholders, especially mobile network operators (MNOs), have said the current pricing regime, including for calls, short message service (SMS) and data, is unsustainable under current cost scheme in the country. Under the aegis of Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the MNOs said the matter requires urgent review, given importance of the sector to the economy. During a recent interview, the ALTON chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, said: “Current pricing regime is not sustainable under the current cost scheme. What we are charging, today, is certainly not sustainable. It is actually only a matter of time; either it will…