Author: Kaluka wanjala

Small businesses in Livingstone, the country’s top tourism destination, can now benefit from the ITC ecomConnect Learning Programme’s suite of digital tools and training. The programme, a collaboration between the International Trade Centre (ITC) and Absa Bank Zambia Plc, aims to unlock the potential of online business for growing trade. ‘The initiative represents a significant milestone in our efforts to foster economic development and empower our local entrepreneurs,’ Livingstone Mayor Constance Muleabai said at the launch on 14 March. ‘Our city is also home to a vibrant community of small and medium enterprises striving to succeed in an increasingly digital…

Dimension Data is set to rebrand to NTT Data effective this April, following regulatory approval by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA). The transition is expected to usher in a new era for the company, introducing NTT DATA’s renowned global services to not only in Kenya but in East Africa. Through a comprehensive array of services and innovation spanning consulting, applications, infrastructure, connectivity, and operations, the companies’ clients will benefit from the assurance of partnering with a globally recognized and respected technology provider. Announcing the rebrand, Dimension Data Managing Director for East and West Africa Richard Hechle expressed excitement about…

Check Point has announced a collaboration with Microsoft that utilises the Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to enhance Check Point Infinity AI Copilot, marking a significant advancement in cyber security AI applications. Infinity AI Copilot is a generative AI service that uses automation to accelerate security administration up to 90% and increase security effectiveness through faster incident mitigation and response. In today’s digital landscape, businesses moving to cloud environments face two major challenges: increasing cyber threats and a shortage of cyber security professionals. This situation puts organisations at greater risk of advanced cyber attacks, often without enough resources to respond effectively.…

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…