Author: Kaluka wanjala

Morocco-based Hypeo Ai has raised funding from Renew Capital to accelerate its mission of transforming how brands and creators collaborate across Africa and the Middle East. The startup is streamlining influencer campaigns that have traditionally been slow and fragmented by blending human creators with AI avatars,  Hypeo Ai enables brands to connect with influencers, both human and AI-powered, in under 15 minutes. It offers an end-to-end workflow that includes smart matching, pricing insights, and real-time performance tracking. The company was co-founded by Meriam Bessa (CEO), together with Oussama Sekkat and Salah Eddine Mimouni. Their vision was to simplify digital influence…

Finnfund, the Finnish development financier, has announced a $4 million debt investment in Poa Internet. The investment will expand Poa’s network capacity. Poa Internet has positioned itself as a low-cost broadband provider serving areas where connectivity remains out of reach for many households. According to the company, the financing will help extend coverage to new communities and strengthen its existing infrastructure. Nokia, which serves as Poa’s preferred fibre technology partner, will support the rollout. “We are excited to support Poa Internet in expanding its provision of high-speed internet to lower income areas in Kenya,” said Kelvin Kiiru, Investment Associate at…

The Africa Broadband Mapping Systems Project (BPMAPS) was recently launched in Nairobi. The initiative, backed by the European Union (EU), the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA). It seeks to close Africa’s digital divide by using data-driven mapping to guide investment in broadband infrastructure. Speaking at the launch, Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke emphasized that broadband connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity that drives education, healthcare, innovation, and economic inclusion. “The government has placed broadband connectivity at the core of the National Digital Masterplan and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.…

Vertiv has announced the acquisition of Waylay NV, a Belgian startup specialising in hyperautomation and generative AI software platforms.  Founded in 2014, Waylay was founded in 2014 and has developed a platform that uses artificial intelligence to orchestrate workflows, integrate systems and automate processes across connected assets, enterprise applications, and cloud services. Its software enables rapid data analytics and orchestration and this helps cut the costs associated with integration and deployment while improving uptime and performance. “With the addition of Waylay’s technology and software-focused team, Vertiv will accelerate its vision of intelligent infrastructure, data-driven, proactive, and optimised for the world’s…

Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming apps globally and in Kenya too. Kenyan users can get Spotify Premium plans that are tailored to different needs. Below is a look at the different Spotify Premium packages in Kenya from September 2025. Spotify Premium Individual – Ksh 370/month This package is designed for individual listeners. New users can get a free trial for three months (until 22 September 2025). After the trial is over, they will be required to pay Ksh 370 per month. This package offers all the Premium features including ad-free music, offline downloads, unlimited skips and…

Westcon-Comstor has partnered with Microsoft to launch a new summit series designed to fast-track partner transformation across Africa. The Westcon-Comstor | Microsoft Partner Summit: Transformation that Builds Tomorrow will convene select Microsoft partners in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Kenya. The aim will be to explore how to scale through cloud, AI and security. The series begins in Johannesburg on 28 August 2025, followed by Cape Town on 17 September and Kenya on 9 October. According to Westcon-Comstor, the invite-only format will give participants direct access to tools, strategies, and expert guidance aligned with Microsoft’s FY26 partner priorities. “We’re not just…

NTT DATA and Google Cloud have partnered to drive the adoption of agentic AI for enterprises as well as cloud modernization. The two companies will co-develop industry-focused solutions and co-invest in go-to-market strategies to simplify adoption for enterprise clients. A dedicated global Google Cloud Business Group has been created within NTT DATA. This comprises thousands of engineers, architects, and consultants. This group will collaborate closely with Google Cloud teams to accelerate deployment and client support. NTT DATA has also committed to certifying 5,000 engineers in Google Cloud technologies to strengthen delivery capabilities. Global spending on public cloud services is expected…

Yesterday, Britam Insurance introduced its first Electric Vehicle (EV) insurance cover in Kenya. Britam joins GA Insurance which launched Electic Vehicle insurance covers in Kenya back in 2023.  Some of the biggest concerns EV owners have, such as the high cost of batteries and limited repair infrastructure, are addressed by this new cover. The Battery Protect Cover Extension makes this cover stand out. This safeguards the battery and electric motor system. These are some of the most expensive and critical components of an EV. Other benefits include coverage for personal charging equipment and an out-of-charge recovery service, which tows vehicles…

NBA Africa has launched the second edition of its Triple-Double Accelerator program to build up on the inaugural program that concluded in 2024. This program aims to support African startups developing solutions in the sports and creative industries. If you have a startup you want featured on TechArena, let us know through this contact form here. The initiative was unveiled on August 4, 2025 and will be operated by ALX Ventures. NBA Africa also confirmed ServiceNow as an official partner for this year’s cohort. Applications are open from August 4 through August 29 at tripledoubleaccelerator.nba.com. After the deadline, submissions will be narrowed down…

Premier Bank Kenya has today introduced a new wearable payment solution in Kenya. With this wristband, customers can make secure transactions with just a tap of the wrist. The tech behind this is not new but it is not widely adopted in Kenya just yet. The Smart Wristband offers a fast, secure and convenient way to pay and eliminates the need to carry cash, cards or even a phone ro make payments. This is a lightweight, waterproof and durable wristband that is designed with contactless NFC technology. This makes it is suitable for everyday use as well as active lifestyles.…