Author: Kaluka wanjala

DStv is about to adjust its monthly subscription fees yet again. This is expected to affect all packages and will take effect in April. This annual price hike by DStv will push the most expensive package to Ksh 10,500 up from Ksh 9,900. Some subscribers have received the notification of the changes. DStv has always claimed the price hikes are due to the rising costs of doing business in Africa. The changes will not sit well with some subscribers who argue that DStv keeps hiking its rates but does not add more channels they want to watch. Competition from streaming…

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) announced today that the application window for the first cycle of the ICANN Grant Program is officially open. This initial phase of the global program will include the distribution of up to $10 million in funding to develop selected projects that support the growth of an open, resilient, and globally interoperable Internet. The World Economic Forum estimates that 70% of new value created in the economy over the next decade will be based on digital platform business models. However, 3.2 billion people are unable to access the Internet, meaning that nearly one-third of the world…

A new collaboration aimed at broadening access to remittances across Africa has been forged among Coronation Group, Access Holdings Plc, Safaricom Plc and M-PESA Africa (the parties) as the parties come together in a strategic alliance dedicated to propelling financial inclusion and nurturing economic prosperity for millions across the continent.  The parties aim to explore solutions that will provide a remittance corridor between East and West Africa, connecting some of the continent’s largest economies. The collaboration will see the convergence of Access Holdings’ robust Pan-African banking infrastructure, spanning 14 African countries, with Coronation Group’s comprehensive array of technology-infused financial services…

Absa has partnered with Visa to introduce a new Corporate Card solution for members affiliated with the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA). This will allow them to enjoy the benefits of automation, flexibility and better cash flow management. Under this partnership, travel agents under KATA will enjoy the ease of smarter payment solutions for business to business (B2B) transactions, managing working capital, achieving operational efficiency, and better supplier management. With the newly launched Visa Commercial Choice Travel Programme, Absa Bank can now support travel agents by offering them the convenience of payments in Kenyan Shillings or US Dollars, empowering…

BasiGo today announced it has secured a $3 Million equity investment from CFAO Kenya and Mobility 54. CFAO is Africa’s largest automotive distributor network operating in 40 countries across the continent. It is a subsidiary of Toyota Tsusho Corporation. Mobility54 is was founded in October 2019 under a group joint venture between Toyota Tsusho Corporation and CFAO. This latest funding round comes a little over 3 months after BasiGo raised $5 million in debt from British International Investment. This was to help scale local production of its electric buses. Mobility54 has invested in BasiGo before as they participated in a…

Summary MEST Africa has announced Koa Academy as the grand prize winner of the 2023 MEST Africa Challenge (MAC), securing a $50,000 equity investment after a competitive pitch battle among Africa’s tech innovators. Koa Academy from South Africa stood out at the MEST Africa Challenge finale in Accra, Ghana, surpassing contenders from across the continent. This startup competition, known for identifying and nurturing tech talent, saw Koa Academy clinch the top spot with its groundbreaking solution, poised to transform the Edtech industry. The Kenyan startup that took part in the competition is Letaji which is revolutionising the construction industry. Letaji…

The Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ was recently announced the winner at the prestigious Platinum MUSE Design Award 2024 in the “Product Design – Digital & Electronic Devices” category. This follows its recent French Design Award success. The MUSE Design Award, often dubbed the “Oscars of the design industry”, is held by the International Awards Association (IAA) and is esteemed as one of the most influential international awards in the creative design realm. With 51 expert judges from diverse creative disciplines, MUSE Design Awards is known for its rigorous judging system and high quality standards, with the Platinum Award being the highest…

Egypt’s healthtech startup, InCurA, has raised an undisclosed amount in a pre-seed round led by regional investors including Tiye Angels, Kaust Innovation Ventures (KIV), UI Investments, Pharos Holding, and AUC Angels. The startup was founded in 2021 by Wessam Sarhan and Moussa Salem. It specializes in the manufacture of medical products aimed at bleeding control. The funding will be used to advance InCurA’s mission of improving access to healthcare and to power its expansion. This funding round marks Tiye Angels’, Egypt angel investment network, inaugural investment. It demonstrates Tiye Angels’ commitment to Gender Lens Investing (GLI), highlights the potential of…

The United States Government is pressuring Kenya to lift the suspension of WorldCoin in the country. This is according to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki who revealed this to the National Assembly’s committee on Public Petitions. The ban on WorldCoin was imposed in August 2023 due to data privacy concerns. The US government did not comment on this but it is now clear that they have been working behind the scenes to have the ban lifted. WorldCoin is an American company but funny enough, Americans can’t use, buy or access the Worldcoin token (WLD). This includes US citizens, residents, anyone…

Back in December, the National Communication Authority of Ghana warned Ghanaians to avoid using any Starlink equipment or its services. It also directed those who were involved in the sales and service operations to cease doing so immediately. The authority cited Section 3(1) of the Electronic Communications Act 2008, Act 775 that stipulates “Except as otherwise provided under this Act, a person shall not operate a public electronic communications service or network or provide a voice telephony service without a licence granted by the Authority, any entity that offers electronic communication in Ghana without licence or authorisation from the Authority…