Author: Kaluka wanjala

G42 and France’s Mistral AI have announced a strategic partnership to co-develop next-generation artificial intelligence platforms and infrastructure. The collaboration is part of a broader trend that could soon ripple across the continent. This is especially so as African markets, including Kenya, continue to scale up their AI ambitions. Announced during the Choose France business summit, this partnership is more than a diplomatic handshake. It’s a signal of intent: two innovation powerhouses coming together to develop open, secure, and interoperable AI models that can scale across regions, including the Global South. Kenya stands to benefit from such alliances with its…

A team of students from The African Leadership University, Machakos University, Technical University of Mombasa, and the United States International University – Africa, have been recognized as one of the top three finalists of the prestigious Microsoft Imagine Cup finals. The winner was announced at an event during Microsoft Build this week. Now in its 23rd year, the Imagine Cup is the premier global technology competition for student founders leveraging AI to push the boundaries of innovation. Since the first Imagine Cup, over 2 million students have participated from over 160 countries across the globe. In 2025, more than 15,000…

Vertiv has announced its strategic alignment with NVIDIA’s AI roadmap. Vertiv will introduce its 800V Direct Current (DC) power portfolio in the second half of 2026. This move is aimed at supporting the next generation of AI-centric data centres, including those built on NVIDIA’s upcoming Kyber and Rubin Ultra platforms. By getting ahead of the curve, Vertiv is preparing to deliver infrastructure that can keep pace with the exponential demands of AI development. One of the biggest shifts happening in AI data centres is the skyrocketing power demand. AI workloads are pushing rack power requirements beyond 300 kilowatts. These are…

The Government of Kenya has partnered with Veridos to roll out a new generation of ePassports. This will hopefully speed up issuance times and incorporate advanced security features and design elements that reflect Kenya’s cultural identity. “We wanted a passport that tells the Kenyan story, one that is inclusive, secure, and built to last,” said Evelyn Chegulet, Director General at the Directorate of Immigration Services. The new ePassport will include full-color photos printed directly onto polycarbonate. This detail alone significantly increases the document’s durability and security. The design will celebrate the country’s economy, heritage, wildlife, and history. “It’s not just…

Airtel Kenya has quietly upgraded its 5G Smart Connect home internet plans. These 5G unlimited speeds can be accessed through the Airtel 5G router. The move comes as the demand for reliable and affordable home internet continues to grow across Kenya. Previously, Airtel customers could access: With the new upgrade, Airtel has changed its packages to offer: This represents a 50% increase in speed and a slight drop in pricing. This is particularly so for users who were previously paying Ksh 3,500 for just 10 Mbps. Even the most expensive plan now delivers faster speeds at a significantly lower cost.…

Africa Data Centres, a business of Cassava Technologies, has announced the successful deployment of a self-cooling rack system at its CPT1 facility in Cape Town. The deployment introduces a smarter, more sustainable approach to data centre operations in Africa. This is important with AI, big data and enterprise workloads driving up demand for power and cooling. “This is more than just an upgrade, it’s a rethinking of how we manage high-performance infrastructure in energy-constrained environments,” said Adil El Youssefi, CEO of Africa Data Centres. “By adopting Gold Synergy’s cutting-edge cooling solution, we’re increasing capacity and demonstrating that Africa can lead…

By Phyllis Migwi, Microsoft Country Manager, Kenya. Kenya is rapidly emerging as a digital powerhouse in Africa, with internet and mobile phone usage consistently on the rise. By 2028, the country’s digital economy is expected to contribute KSh 662 billion to the GDP. Yet, this impressive growth brings with it significant challenges, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity. Microsoft’s latest research reveals a troubling trend: AI-powered fraud attacks are escalating worldwide. As Kenya’s digital marketplace expands, the risk of cyber threats grows proportionally, underscoring the urgent need for robust security measures to keep pace with the accelerated pace of digital…

MaxAB-Wasoko has announced the acquisition of Fatura, a Cairo-based B2B e-marketplace. The deal also sees EFG Finance (a subsidiary of EFG Holding) join MaxAB-Wasoko as a major shareholder. The acquisition follows the merger between MaxAB and Wasoko last year. That merger marked the creation of one of the largest tech-driven retail platforms on the continent, with operations now spanning Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Egypt, and Morocco. “This is more than just growth — it’s about realizing our vision to be the go-to digital partner for retailers across Africa,” said Belal El-Megharbel, CEO of MaxAB-Wasoko. “By adding Fatura’s network and marketplace model…

South African emergency response tech company AURA has raised €13.5 million in a Series B funding round, setting the stage for its expansion into the United States and the creation of a global dispatch network for emergency services. The round was co-led by Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund (CAIF) and Partech, and brings AURA’s total funding to €21 million. The company says this will help make access to security and medical emergency response faster, smarter, and more accessible. Founded in 2017 by Warren Myers, Ryan Green, and Adam Pantanowitz, AURA began as a response to one big question: What if getting…

A new study by Visa and the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has revealed how passengers pay for their flights. The report also showed how airlines manage those payments behind the scenes. The report is part of the Airline Payment Maturity Index survey. It looks at how African airlines can improve their financial performance by upgrading payment systems, reducing fraud and improving passenger experience. Visa and AFRAA surveyed African carriers across the continent (including but not limited to AFRAA members) to assess how mature and efficient their payment systems are. The survey discovered that most airlines comply with key industry standards,…