Author: Kaluka wanjala

Airtel Africa has partnered with Cisco to introduce a new Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) offering. This partnership is set to change how businesses in Africa approach their digital transformation journey, providing a seamless and secure solution that empowers organizations to accelerate operations without the burden of managing traditional network infrastructure. The NaaS solutions offered by the telecom giant comprises of a range of services, including enhanced security, surveillance, connectivity, and cloud solutions—all delivered through a secure cloud platform. Airtel Africa’s NaaS offerings, powered by Cisco’s Catalyst and Meraki cloud-based platforms, eliminate the need for businesses to own, build, or maintain physical network…

Summary IFC today announced the names of 100 women-led startup owners selected to participate in the She Wins Africa program, an IFC-led initiative that aims to accelerate access to capital for women-led startups across sub-Saharan Africa. The selected women will participate in comprehensive interventions that will strengthen their companies’ investment readiness, include advice and mentorship, and provide access to potential investors, industry leaders, and peers through matchmaking and pitching opportunities across Africa. The initiative is a part of IFC’s broader commitment to promote gender equality and empower women entrepreneurs in emerging markets. The 100 participants announced today were drawn from…

Summary Equitel has today announced the launch of its 5G services in partnership with their host mobile network operator-Airtel. This makes Equitel the first mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) to offer 5G services in Africa.  The introduction of Equitel 5G brings the total number of 5G providers to 3 in Kenya. Safaricom was the first to roll out 5G in the country back in October 2022 followed by Airtel in July 2023. Since Equitel is an MVNO and does not own the network infrastructure, it relies on its host operator, Airtel in this case. This means that the roll out…

Summary SEACOM has faced a significant service outage on its subsea cable system. The disruption, which occurred on the 24th of February 2024, affects the segment running from Mombasa, Kenya, to Zafarana, Egypt. Initial assessments suggest that the disruption is situated in the Red Sea. This is impacting not only SEACOM’s cable but also affecting other cables in the region. The location of the cable break, within the vicinity of the Red Sea, is not a surprise due to its geopolitical sensitivity and ongoing tensions in the area. This poses challenges for the maintenance and repair operations. There have been…

Summary Endeavor Kenya has today revealed the 10 start-up entrepreneurs who will be part of its inaugural Endeavor ScaleUp Program. This program seeks to support high-growth start-up ventures with the networks and resources to gain clarity on their journey to scale. The program targets start-ups that are already operational with and existing product and helps them grow even further. The 10 chosen entrepreneurs will have access to the Endeavor ScaleUp methodology. This methodology involves the use of expert mentors, immersive business development training, fundraising support, and a strong peer network of high-impact entrepreneurs who have built and run successful businesses.…

Equity Bank is offering convenience and accessibility for its customers through the seamless integration of Western Union services into its digital channels. Launched in early 2023, this collaboration has empowered Equity Bank customers to send and receive funds globally with unparalleled ease. With the integration of Western Union services into Equity Mobile App and Equity Online, customers can now initiate transactions from virtually anywhere. Customers can send money directly to recipients’ bank accounts worldwide or opt for a cash pick-up transaction, with recipients able to collect the money from any Western Union Agent spanning more than 200 countries and territories.…

Summary Safaricom hosted its second Investor Day in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, showcasing progress in the implementation of its strategic priorities and the expansion of its operations in the Ethiopian market. The event, themed “Scaling Operations for Ethiopia’s Digital Future,” brought together key stakeholders, including analysts, regulators, government representatives, and Safaricom board members and senior management. Adil Khawaja, Board Chairman of Safaricom PLC, reiterated the company’s long-term commitment to Ethiopia, emphasizing the nation as a key growth market for Safaricom. He is confident in Safaricom’s ability to drive digital innovation and deliver exceptional value to customers, shareholders, and the communities they…

Summary Techstars recently hosted its second pan-African Demo Day in collaboration with ARM Labs. The ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator Demo Day took place on the 20th of February in Nigeria, featuring presentations from the second cohort of startups that participated in a three-month accelerator program. The event brought together players in the African tech and Venture Capital ecosystems. Notable panelists, including Olumide Soyombo, Biola Alabi, and Ovo Emorhokpor, engaged in a lively discussion exploring the current state of VC funding and innovation in Africa. With over 480 industry leaders and investors in attendance, the event also attracted a virtual…

The OPPO Reno 11 was recently unveiled in Kenya as the successor to the Reno 10. I reviewed the Reno 10 last year and loved it and I am still using the phone till now. Today, I will be comparing the OPPO Reno 10 and the recently unveiled OPPO Reno 11. The recommended retail price is Ksh 67,999 for the Reno11 5G and Ksh 85,999 for the Reno11 Pro 5G. You can get both phones through OPPO branded shops and through online retailers. Design and Build The OPPO Reno 11 was launched in Kenya this year. It has a sleek profile,…

Summary Hohm Energy has secured a $8 million in a Seed round led by E3 Capital and 4DX Ventures. This funding is set to propel Hohm Energy’s mission to scale the adoption of rooftop solar across the region, addressing not only the growing energy crisis but also revolutionizing the entire solar journey through innovative climate fintech strategies. With E3 Capital and 4DX Ventures as the leading investors, the investment also attracted participation from Breega, E4E Africa, TO.org, Tekton Ventures, Sunu Capital, Musha Ventures, and Climate Capital Ventures. Thi backing reflects the confidence these investors have in Hohm Energy’s vision and…