Author: Akin Naphtal

Safaricom has announced a relief initiative for individuals who lost their phones during recent protests. The telecom giant will provide smartphones and airtime to those affected, alongside further support for those in extreme conditions. The company pledged to support impacted individuals with three months’ worth of food and one year’s rent. In addition, Safaricom has donated KES 15 million ($116,279) to Kenyatta National Hospital to aid victims of the protests. Of this amount, KES 10 million will go to the hospital’s Disaster Response Centre, and KES 5 million ($38,759) will fund assistive devices for injured victims. The announcement follows scrutiny…

Foldable technology has rapidly become a milestone in mobile innovation, with Samsung leading the way with its Galaxy Z Fold series. Featuring a large screen experience through a central hinge and folding sides, the South Korea tech company’s advancements in hinge mechanisms and device thickness have made these foldables increasingly practical for everyday use. In 2019, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Fold, the first phone to offer a big-screen experience when unfolded and a compact, portable design when folded. The Galaxy Z Fold2, launched in 2020, featured the Hideaway Hinge, which provided flexible use and enhanced durability, supporting features like Flex…

Google has disclosed a significant increase in its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for 2023, reporting a 48% rise compared to 2019 levels. The company’s latest Environmental Report reveals that total GHG emissions for the year reached 14.3 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. The tech giant attributes this surge to the escalating energy demands of its data centers, driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and supply chain emissions. Google anticipates that emissions will continue to rise before they eventually start to decline. AI-powered services require substantially more computing power and electricity than standard online activities, raising concerns about…

The Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation (MoCD) has concluded its two-day tour of ICT training centres established in basic schools in the Greater Accra region, to assist with the Girls-in-ICT programme. The tour, which began on Tuesday, 2nd July, is part of a week-long exercise to furnish these ICT training centres with laptops, and familiarise students, especially girls, to computer programming, animation, website design, and cybersecurity, among others. The project is supported by GIFEC, GI-KACE, the NCA, MTN, GES, ATC Ghana, and GIZ. Led by the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the MoCD visited eight ICT training centres…

Shoprite Holdings has introduced an online shopping and bulk delivery service aimed at small businesses, including spaza shops. This marks the first move by Shoprite-owned Cash & Carry, a wholesaler, into e-commerce, offering competitive prices and free delivery within a 50km radius. The new Cash & Carry digital platform provides reliable stock access and addresses challenges such as high transportation costs and overstocking for small retailers. Mark Cotton, head of B2B e-commerce for Shoprite, highlighted that the platform frees up cash flow and allows business owners to focus on growth. A statement made by the company said: “Bulk-buying customers can…

Swedish multinational, Ericsson has announced the appointment of Patrick Johansson as the new Head of Market Area Middle East & Africa (MMEA) and Senior Vice President. Johansson, who currently holds the position of Head of Business Control & Operations at Ericsson’s Business Area Cloud Software & Services, will succeed Fadi Pharaon, who announced his departure in May 2024. Johansson will assume his new role on August 1, 2024, and will be based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Johansson’s career with Ericsson began in 1997 and has included roles across multiple Business Areas and Market Areas in Sweden, Korea, India, Austria, China,…

In the quest to design seamless digital payment solutions for the African continent and beyond, emerging company Onafriq has expanded its reach to over 30 nations, creating access to borderless and domestic digital payments for millions of Africans and African businesses. Reflecting its commitment to African culture, the company recently rebranded from MFS Africa, founded in 2009, to Onafriq. The new name derives from “Ona,” a Yoruba word meaning “road” or “path,” and a variation of “Afrique,” the French word for Africa, combined with “IQ” to signify the innovative solutions and talented team driving the company forward. Founder and Chief…

Tunisia is positioning 5G as a key driver for accelerating digital transformation across various sectors of its economy. According to the country’s roadmap, the issuance of licenses and the commercial launch of ultra-high-speed internet are scheduled for September and November 2024, respectively. The Ministry of Communication Technologies has announced the launch of a tender for 5G operating licenses. Telecom operators interested in deploying fifth-generation technology in Tunisia must submit their applications to the ministry between July 3 and September 2. This tender follows the government’s approval of the 5G launch roadmap on June 13. Under this plan, each Tunisian telecom…

Nigeria’s Bamboo has extended its services to South Africa, enabling customers to invest in US stocks through their smartphones. The new development was followed by the company’s acquisition of a financial services provider license from the South African Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). The Nigeria-based online stock platform, which already operates in Nigeria and Ghana, was founded in 2019 by Richmond Bassey and Yanmo Omoregbe. In 2024, Bamboo added Nigerian stocks, broadening its investment options. Its growth was significantly bolstered by a $15 million Series A funding round in January 2022, led by Greycroft and Tiger Global. Despite challenges, including…

The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has visited three ICT labs within the Kotobabi 2 & 3’ Basic School, the Our Lady of Assumption R/C Basic School, and the St Joseph Anglican Basic School in the Greater Accra region, to encourage girls to partake in ICT. The tour, which will end on Wednesday, 3rd July, is part of a week-long exercise to furnish these ICT centres with laptops, and introduce students, especially girls, to computer programming, animation, website design, and cybersecurity, among others. The project is being supported by GIFEC, GI-KACE, the NCA, MTN, GES, ATC Ghana, and…