Author: Akin Naphtal

Microsoft has introduced a small language artificial intelligence (AI) model, Phi-3-mini, designed to perform tasks such as content creation and social media post generation while utilizing smaller amounts of data. With this move, Microsoft aims to offer companies with limited resources the opportunity to harness the power of AI to drive innovation, optimise processes, and achieve their digital objectives. Reuters reports that a statement published by the tech giant stated that Phi-3-mini surpasses models twice its size across various benchmarks in assessing language proficiency, coding, and mathematical capabilities. The smaller AI model’s compact design enables it to execute simpler tasks…

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced plans to implement a tax on Ghanaians who earn foreign income, including content creators and digital workers using global platforms like YouTube, X, TikTok, Fiverr, and Upwork. This tax is to address a revenue gap resulting from the Ministry of Finance’s suspension of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity in February, which left a deficit of approximately GHC 1.8 billion ($134 million). The new tax, set at 1.5%, will apply to Ghanaians who generate income from online content creation and remote work, and who also reside in the country for at least…

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani has unveiled the country’s inaugural multilingual Large Language Model (LLM), following a four-day National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Co-Creation Workshop held in Abuja, The AI tool, developed through a collaborative effort between Nigerian AI firm Awarritech, global tech giant DataDotOrg, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the relaunched National Centre for AI and Robotics (NCAIR), represents a leap forward in Nigeria’s AI capabilities. Designed to process and respond to queries in multiple languages, the LLM will be trained in five low-resource languages in addition to English, ensuring inclusive…

Ride-hailing company, Bolt, has rolled out its latest safety feature, rider verification, which is aimed at increasing the safety of its drivers in Ghana. The new in-app feature requires riders to submit a selfie before requesting a trip via Bolt. The selfie must depict a physically present individual with a clearly visible face for validation. If the selfie fails to meet these criteria, the rider will be unable to proceed with their order. The verification process typically takes only a few seconds to a couple of minutes, with riders required to complete it only once during their initial booking. Rider…

Meta Platforms has unveiled the early versions of its latest large language artificial intelligence (AI) model, Llama 3, and an accompanying real-time image generator, as part of its efforts to beat rivals like OpenAI in the generative AI market. Llama 3 boasts enhanced capabilities, including computer coding and image processing, with plans for future versions to support multimodal outputs. Meta’s Chief Product Officer, Chris Cox, noted that the company’s long-term goal has always been to streamline users’ tasks, from interacting with businesses to planning trips. Meta plans to integrate these models into its Meta AI virtual assistant, which CEO, Mark…

MTN Group and Huawei have officially launched the Technology Innovation Lab in South Africa, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both parties in February at MWC 2024. The partnership aims to reduce the time it takes for MTN’s products and services to reach the market. It also aims to improve rural network coverage, increase energy efficiency, and make it more affordable. The innovation lab will conduct research and development in areas such as 5G and 5G-A technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, cloud computing, FTTH, automation, and digital finance. The Technology Innovation Lab is expected to foster…

CEO of SpaceX and owner of X (formerly Twitter), Elon Musk, has unveiled plans to implement a small fee for new users signing up on the social media platform in a bid to address the issue of bots infiltrating the platform. Responding to a post by an X account regarding changes on the platform’s website, Musk stressed that charging a nominal fee to new accounts was the “only way” to counter the “onslaught of bots.” “Current AI (and troll farms) can pass ‘are you a bot’ with ease,” Musk stated, speaking on the challenges posed by automated tools like CAPTCHA.…

YouTube has ramped up its efforts to combat mobile ad blockers, warning users accessing videos through third-party ad blocking apps that they may experience buffering issues or encounter an error message stating that the content they seek is unavailable. Last year, YouTube initiated a global campaign urging users to either allow ads while watching videos or upgrade to its ad-free subscription service, YouTube Premium. The online video platform also began disabling videos for users employing ad blocking extensions. According to The Verge, YouTube stated that its policies prohibit “third-party apps from turning off ads because that prevents the creator from…

One of the most important ways a fintech can listen to its customers is to gauge how they engage with its products. All around the world businesses are pulling out the stops to achieve growth in what can best be described as challenging economic conditions. Africa is no exception. The continent has long been recognised for its immense potential, and as such businesses across sectors are investing heavily into the continent. Advancements in technology make serving the unbanked and underserved populations in Africa more viable than ever before. However, that does not mean growth comes easily. It is a hyper…

Cellulant, a pioneering force in payments in Africa, is proud to announce the appointment of several leading executives from esteemed global payment companies into its management team, marking a significant step in its growth plans. Bolstering its leadership team with top-tier talent in technology, compliance, finance and audit, underscores Cellulant’s commitment to operational excellence and growing its service offerings to enterprise businesses. Andy O’Sullivan, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), joins Cellulant on the back of a distinguished two-decade career in technology leadership in payment companies in the EMEA. His expertise lies in leading high-performing multicultural technology teams to scale agile delivery,…