Author: Kaluka wanjala

Google is now accepting applications for the 2025 Google for Startups Accelerator program. This is a three-month program designed to support early-stage startups that are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address Africa’s pressing challenges. The Accelerator is open to Seed to Series A startups based in Africa that are building AI-first solutions. To take part, startups need to have at least one founder of African descent, have a live product and a clear vision for responsible AI innovation. The selected startups will receive:  “Startups are Africa’s problem solvers. With the right resources, they can scale their impact far beyond local…

OPPO has announced an Easter Sale campaign in collaboration with LOOP, offering deals on select OPPO devices, including the OPPO A38, Reno11 F, and Reno12 F. The star of the season is the OPPO A5 Pro. Designed to thrive & experience everyday life with its users, this device redefines durability and value in its price segment. Featuring the same precision craftsmanship used in military-grade watches, the phone guarantees unrivaled resistance to drops and scratches from the inside out. Screen damage, one of the most common and costly smartphone mishaps, is greatly minimized in the A5 Pro thanks to an upgraded…

The Kenyan police have arrested a suspect linked to the hacking of JamboPay’s payment platform, resulting in the loss of over Ksh 49 million. The suspect, Joseph Momanyi, is accused of penetrating the systems of Web Tribe, the company behind JamboPay, between July 19 and 24, 2024. Momanyi was arrested on April 12 at his residence in Kahawa West, where police recovered multiple mobile phones, laptops, and SIM cards registered under various identities. He is being held at Muthaiga Police Station for seven days as investigators dig deeper into what is being described as part of a wider cybercrime syndicate.…

Twiga Holdings, the parent company of Twiga Foods, has announced the acquisition of three regional food distributors in Kenya. These are Jumra (serving Nairobi and Central), Sojpar (Western) and Raisons (Coastal). This is part of the company’s expansion strategy and to streamline food distribution across Kenya. The acquisition is part of Twiga’s ongoing transformation strategy. It also marks a significant change in how the company operates across the country. The three distributors will be integrated into Twiga’s supply chain systems and also gain access to institutional capital to help with their growth. In return, they will take on select operational…

PalmPay has announced the launch of the PalmPay Debit Card in Nigeria in partnership with Verve. The new PalmPay Debit Card brings advanced features such as savings yield on deposits and merchant rewards within reach for mass market users in Nigeria. With zero maintenance fees, a simple in-app application process, and nationwide delivery, PalmPay aims to convert millions of its 35 million users to become cardholders this year. The card is accepted at all merchants in the Verve network, and supports both debit and contactless transactions. “This launch is another step forward in our mission to deliver accessible, reliable and…

Cross-border payments are still a big challenge as African countries deepen their economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Effective trade cannot take place if money cannot be moved between countries in record time. If you have ever tried making payments between African countries, you know this process can be complicated, expensive and time-consuming. Transactions are often routed through international banks, requiring currency conversion into dollars or euros and can take several days to settle. This is where the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) comes in. This platform enables fast, secure and cost-effective payments across African…

Absa Bank has unveiled an enhanced home loan solution offering 110% financing to help Kenyans step confidently onto the property ladder. The new facility is available at competitive interest rates, with a repayment period of up to 25 years. The 110% financing is available for both direct purchase and remortgaging and is open to salaried individuals, SME owners, and Kenyans in the diaspora. By covering not only the cost of the property but also associated fees such as stamp duty, legal fees and valuation charges, this solution reduces the financial pressure often associated with buying a home. “Based on insights…

Vertiv has announced a strategic restructuring of its operations across Africa to enhance and expand its market presence and customer engagement. Under this new structure, the organisation streamlined its focus on Africa into four distinct regions, led by regional directors as follows: The regional directors report directly to Vertiv’s managing director for Africa, Wojtek Piorko,each with careers in leading roles and responsibilities in their years with the company, building a wealth of knowledge and experience across the African continent and beyond. The new assignments and strategic structuring enable Vertiv to get closer to its partners and customers alike, foster deeper relationships and collaboration,…

Hayo has been granted the Content Service Provider (CSP) and Applications Service Provider (ASP) licences by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA). These licences enable Hayo to deliver digital solutions and communications services in Kenya, enabling local businesses and government authorities to benefit from world-leading technologies delivered with on-the-ground support. Kenya is a thriving hub for technology and innovation, nicknamed “The Silicon Savannah.” The CSP licence enables Hayo to develop, distribute and manage digital content to enhance user experiences across Kenya. The ASP licence enables the delivery of innovative software-based solutions to accelerate the country’s digital growth. According to the GSMA, Kenya’s digital…

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has unveiled an Electronic Rental Income Tax System (eRITS) to foster voluntary compliance among landlords and property owners. The system built on KRA’s Enterprise Integration Platform Gava Connect is set to streamline compliance for the real estate sector from a technology perspective. Speaking during the launch, the Principal Secretary to The National Treasury, Dr. Chris Kiptoo, hailed the launch of the new system as a significant milestone in the Government’s commitment to ensuring a fair and efficient tax system that will contribute to national development. “The government is committed to ensuring that the tax system remains…