Author: Kaluka wanjala

 Westcon-Comstor has signed a distribution agreement with 1Password that creates margin-rich revenue opportunities for channel partners and enhances the distributor’s identity security portfolio.  The collaboration will see Westcon-Comstor deploy its value-added services spanning training, technical enablement and data to empower partners to scale end-user enterprise adoption of 1Password Extended Access Management, as the vendor doubles down on its channel strategy and emphasises partner-led growth.  Partners across Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) can capitalise on the short sales cycles and quick route to revenue offered by 1Password Extended Access Management, while meeting surging enterprise demand for secure, scalable and simplified access management in…

Cairo-based Munify has closed a $3 million seed round led by Y Combinator. This round also saw the participation of BYLD, Digital Currency Group and other strategic investors. Munify was founded in 2024 by Khalid Ashmawy and is building a cross-border digital bank specifically designed for Egyptians living abroad. What Munify Offers Munify’s platform enables instant, low-cost remittances into Egypt while providing users access to U.S. bank accounts, debit cards, and tools to manage currency risk. Its services are currently available in the U.S., U.K., Europe, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The startup targets freelancers, small and medium enterprises…

Back in August, MultiChoice once again hiked the subscription fees for DStv subscribers in Kenya and across Africa. The company said these changes were as a result of foreign exchange pressures and rising operational costs. This follows similar hikes in previous years. But this latest move has once again reignited a familiar debate. Are some African countries paying more than others for the same service? We compared DStv subscription rates in across key African markets including South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda and Zambia to see where subscribers are paying the most and try to understand why. DStv Subscription Prices…

Bolt Market has reported a 300% increase in orders since launching in Kenya in December 2024. In case you haven’t heard about it, Bolt Market is the grocery delivery arm of Bolt. Customers are using the platform to order fresh produce, pantry essentials and household goods using the Bolt app. This service competes with Glovo and a few other lesser-known grocery delivery services. Some of the factors that have led to Bolt Market’s rapid adoption in Kenya include the growing preference for doorstep delivery. This became popular during the pandemic and has continued since then. Bolt also offers over 3,500…

Owning a premium smartphone in Kenya is still a major financial stretch for many people, even though these devices have become central to how we work, transact, and stay connected. Global insurtech Bolttech has teamed up with LOOP (the fintech arm of NCBA Group) to change that.  The two have announced LOOP FLEX, a Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) solution with embedded protection. Launching this October, the programme aims to make devices more affordable while safeguarding them against everyday risks like theft, screen cracks, or water damage. How LOOP FLEX works Unlike traditional BNPL or device loan schemes, LOOP FLEX…

Infinix has officially pulled the wraps off the GT 30 Pro, the third generation in its GT Series. For under KES 40,000, you’re looking at a phone that promises all-day high frame rate gaming, a 144Hz AMOLED display, and a bundle of gamer-friendly accessories that make it stand out in the crowded mid-range market. Key Specifications Built for Gamers First The GT 30 Pro isn’t shy about who it’s made for: gamers who want smooth, lag-free performance without the flagship price tag. The GT Trigger shoulder buttons give you console-style control right on the frame, while the optional Gaming Master…

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…