Safaricom has moved to restore sanity within the Premium Rate Subscription Services operations in its fold after a flood of comments from bitter customers dominated online conversation yesterday, insisting that the company was stealing their airtime. Quite a number of them expressed dissatisfaction with how the company was handling the matter with some calling for the immediate deportation of Bob Collymore. According to some customers, their airtime disappeared mere seconds after loading their phones. For a long time, Safaricom has been blaming this on premium rate subscription services that their subscribers had agreed to but this was not the case…
Author: Susan Mwenesi
Susan Mwenesi
Interested in business, technology and all things startups in Africa!
founder of the Pad Heaven Initiative bagged the Young Entrepreneur and Innovation Competition sponsored by The Netherlands Embassy and the Directorate of Youth Affairs. Ms. Kamaitha was merged the best among 10 other contestants and was awarded a trophy by the Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kaiuki (right). The Pad Heaven Initiative is a community based organisation that manufactures sanitary pads and undergarments from agricultural by-products (banana fiber) for girls in primary schools with an aim of reducing absenteeism from school during their menses. Florence has also published the first Menstruation Management booklet to be distributed to girls going through puberty that…
Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman, Bharti Enterprises is the new chairman of GSMA while Mari-Noëlle Jego-Laveissiere, Innovation, Orange Group bagged the Deputy Chair position. This is after the GSMA announced that it had elected new members to its board. The new members of the GSMA Board will be in office for the two-year period from January 2017 through December 2018 and will oversee the strategic direction of the organisation, which represents nearly 800 of the world’s mobile operators, as well as more than 300 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem. “I am delighted to be elected as Chairman of the…
Heritiaina Randriamananatahina, 22 year old agriculture entrepreneur from Madagascar, is this year’s winner of the $25,000 Anzisha Grand Prize in the sixth annual edition of Africa’s premier award for youth entrepreneurship. Heritiaina is the founder of Fiombonana, an agro-processing enterprise that manufactures dairy products and confectioneries using only Malagasy raw materials, employing farmers and providing local job opportunities. Heritiaina was selected from a competitive pool of diverse entrepreneurs from all over Africa. He is the first from Madagascar to win the competition. Last year, Nigeria’s Slatecube which offers a job-relevant skills learning platform and job placement services has been named the…
Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda will no longer have to contend with tax evasion or dumping of goods in the Kenyan market as the three countries will start monitoring cargo movement in real time from the port of Mombasa. The Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) will be implemented by Malaysian firm, BSmart. After a successful pilot by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), the system will be implanted in January and not June as a result of delayed negotiations. It is expected that the system will seal loopholes that lead to revenue loss because of under-declaration of the exact value of…
The 4th Angel Fair Africa is set to have its first all-female “Investors Panel” on the first day of the 4th Angel Fair Africa from the 10th to 11th November 2016 at the Intercontinental Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya. Laila Macharia, Angel Investor; Kanini Mutooni, Director of Investments at USAID East Africa Trade and Investment Hub; Lexi Novistske, Principal Investment Officer, Singularity Investments and Sapna Shah, Investment Director, Novastar Ventures will be in the panel. The investors will discuss how they are backing Africa’s leading entrepreneurs to build great companies. The conversation would also focus on empowering more female investors and entrepreneurs. …
The Kenya Commercial Bank has moved to allay fears of data breach in one of their banking systems. In a statement posted on the bank’s Facebook Page on Friday 21st October, the lender dismissed the claims acknowledging that they were aware of the data breach allegations but an investigation revealed malicious misinformation as the cause of the concern from customers. There were allegations of data infringement made in an online news report based on claims by a Burundian hacker named Chris Irakoze. Mr Irakoze, said that KCB may have suffered a massive data breach as a file with the details of more than 500,000…
By Hannah Clifford,Director Nairobi Garage As the innovation ecosystem in Nairobi – Africa’s Silicon Savannah – grows, each of us needs to take a step back and consider our role within the community. At Nairobi Garage we may well be the largest co-working space in the city, but is offering office infrastructure, and an inviting networking space, enough? The answer is no: we need to add more value. If Kenya’s entrepreneurship ecosystem is to continue to show itself capable of innovating and creating for the world, all of us active in the sector need to increase the value we offer,…
Ecobank (Ecobank.com) has launched the Ecobank Mobile App, an instant and convenient way of banking via the mobile phone. It is the first unified app delivered by any institution for use in 33 countries. Group CEO, Ade Ayeyemi unveiled the new App at a large product launch in Lagos, which brought together a wide range of customers, including students, various professionals, traders and transporters. Ecobank board members, shareholders, staff and media were also present at the event. The Ecobank Mobile App uniquely leverages the power of digital to deliver real convenience to customers. The App gives Ecobank the scale…
Equitel has grown to become Kenya’s second biggest mover of mobile money as theplatform now accounts for 14 per cent of all mobile money transactions. This has been achieved slightly over a year since its launch in July 2015. Data from the Communications Authority (CA) for the three months to June shows that a total of Sh138.5 billion was transacted through Equitel against a total of Sh957 billion that passed through all the six mobile money transfer service providers. The data further revealed that Equitel recorded total voice traffic of 47.4 million minutes during the quarter up from 39.4 million…
The East Africa Data Centre (EADC) has today launched a new dedicated $5m Kenya Power substation, reporting that Kenya’s moves to renewable energy have emerged as a competitive advantage for energy-intensive businesses. Data centres house critical data for clients, including cloud services and data back-up, on servers that are heavy energy users. Consolidating data into a single premise is far more energy efficient than multiple individual on-site data servers, but data centres are still heavy energy users. Kenya last year consumed 7,800,000 MwH of electricity, of which 4,000,000 MwH was consumed by large and medium commercial and industrial users. EADC…
Organisations are embracing video to help them communicate more effectively with their workers, according to new independent research commissioned by BT and Cisco. Coupled with the proliferation of cloud computing and mobile, these developments are helping to prevent ‘digital dislocation’ between organisations and their employees. The study, which included respondents from South Africa, found that technologies such as video, cloud and mobile are becoming critical platforms for communication across large businesses – from executives through to employees. Eight-five percent (85%) of local respondents thought desktop video would really add value and be useful, while eighty-one percent (81%) of local…
Zuku’s Fiber’s media campaign dubbed #unstoppable attracted a bevy of media and entertainment personalities grace the event set to revolutionize internet access. Social media influencer Xtian Dela in company of Neomi Ng’ang’a, Tv reporter Willis Raburu and Social media influencer Joe Muchiri, noted the need of accessing the internet without fear of limited bundles. During the discourse it was noted that while, the internet is unlimited in terms of information; it would not be fair for users to be subject to limited bundles. In the closed event held at the Sarova, Zuku Fibre Sales and Marketing Director Michael Dalby said…
Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) and Liquid Telecom have agreed to enter into a joint venture. The agreement will see BPC lease excess optical fibres from its network to Liquid Telecom, creating a new telecoms network provider with extensive reach across Botswana. The agreement was signed by Jacob Raleru, CEO at BPC, and Nic Rudnick, CEO at Liquid Telecom, at a ceremony held in Gaborone. The joint venture, which will operate under the name Liquid Telecom Botswana, will enable BPC to make more effective use of its existing assets, while allowing Liquid Telecom to better serve the network needs of its…
Tigo Tanzania, in partnership with the non-profit organization, Reach for Change (Africa.ReachforChange.org), has launched its 5th annual ‘Tigo Digital Changemakers’ Award competition. The competition aims at identifying and supporting social entrepreneurs who use digital tools and technology to improve communities and impact future generations. This year, Tigo is looking for innovations that focus on education, entrepreneurship and broadening digital inclusion. Two winning ideas will receive a cash prize of up to USD 20,000 each and get access to Reach for Change incubator, business training and a global network of other social entrepreneurs. The application period for the competition is now open…
As part of its continued expansion, Ringier Africa Digital Publishing (RADP), Ringier Africa’s publishing company, will work with Kenya’s top entertainment website ‘Ghafla’ (www.Ghafla.co.ke/). The partnership sees Kenya’s leading entertainment platform relaunch and enhance its editorial output, by diversifying Ghafla’s content to include current affairs, news and analysis. With this partnership and relaunch, Ghafla will now also become a regional publisher aimed at providing innovative, insightful and entertaining content targeting the wider East African market, and will have footprints in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia. Since it first launched in 2009, Ghafla has led the way in publishing up to…
Uber Nigeria has announced that it is now making low-interest, used-vehicle loans available to its top-rated driver-partners. The pioneering move is the result of partnerships entered into between Uber Nigeria and First Bank of Nigeria Limited, as well as smaller financiers. This means that, for the first time, Uber driver-partners in Nigeria will be able to apply for finance for used vehicles based on their driver performance records. According to Ebi Atawodi, General Manager for Uber in Nigeria, the used vehicle finance offering is the first of its kind to be made available to Uber driver-partners in the country and this…
With over 2000 + entrepreneur in attendance , 40 +events featuring the bigwigs of the Nigerian entrepreneurial ecosystems The Grand finale of the Lagos Startupweek ended with 6 amazing startups launching several products . It ended with a high note session of a Startup Launchpad, a program that makes it easy for the very best startups to launch, market, and showcase their products to potential customers. The program is geared towards helping startups successfully launch their innovations and share their stories. Giving startups the opportunity to validate ideas, connect to early stage investors, create awareness and drive impact. Amongst…
Wutiko, a professional network for Africa that lets anyone find jobs and jobseekers with their innovative machine learning technology, is Seedstars World winner in Dakar Senegal. Seedstars World, the global seed-stage startup competition for emerging markets and fast-growing startup scenes brought its Senegal round to a successful close during Seedstars Dakar. The event took place this Friday at Jokkolabs, and 9 selected startups were invited to present their ideas in front of the local jury panel. Other winners were Sharek (Solutions Makers) An application that let’s anyone transfer anything they wish fast and easily, came second and Weebi, a hardware/software…
Charles Muhuko is the new Pre and Post Sales Specialist for East Africa. Epson Kenya announced the appointment yesterday adding that in his new role, Muhuko will be responsible for high-level technical pre-sales support to the local sales teams, customers and channel partners. He will be tasked with understanding customer requirements with the aim of aligning and putting them in scope with Epson’s product portfolio to provide solutions that meet and exceed the customer needs. Furthermore, his role will involve planning, coordinating and controlling the Post Sales and Customer Service activities of the Kenyan business. Charles will also work with third party service…
One Africa Media-backed real estate platform Buyrentkenya.com which has remained at top position despite Rocket Internet’s Lamudi (Jumia House) marketing spent has gone premium allowing serious property owners and agents get their properties verified. The first to launch personally inspected verified listings in Kenya’s property scene, the firm says the feature aims to protect potential property seekers and as well make the firm extra bucks to get users more leads and faster conversion. Jamie Pujara, the firm’s co-founder and CEO says this is stamp of verification of not only the availability of the property but also the honesty of the seller…
Mozilla has launched its global Equal Rating Innovation Challenge, a competition that invites contributions on ways to provide unfettered access to the open Internet for anyone across the globe. As part of its initiative, Mozilla is asking entrepreneurs, designers, researchers and innovators to propose creative and scalable ideas for connecting more people to the Internet, built on local knowledge and expertise. The Equal Rating Innovation Challenge will support promising solutions through expert mentorship and funding of US$250,000 in prize monies split into three categories – Best Overall (based on scalability), Best Overall Runner-up and Most Novel Solution (based on experiment with…
After an intense evaluation process by a panel of over 10 investors, 25 exceptional startups from across the region will compete to win market recognition and investor interest during the PIVOT East pitching competition and conference. The 25 finalists, 5 from each category were selected from the 50 semifinalists announced two weeks ago. Out of the 25 startups that made it to the finalists, 15 are from Kenya. 5 of the startups are from Uganda and 3 from Tanzania. Ethiopia and Rwanda are represented in the list by one startup each. This year’s edition of PIVOT East promises to be…
Equity Investment Bank/Exotix Partners has been named as the best performing broker in Africa. The announcement was made during this year’s 9th Africa Investor CEO International Investment Summit in New York, USA. The Awards, which celebrate institutions that have helped mobilize investments in Africa, saw a number of high level individuals as well as institutions get recognition for their invaluable role in stimulating Africa’s growth and helping strengthen US-Africa ties. Equity Investment Bank is a one-stop shop for financial and investment services. They have been at the forefront in providing brokerage services that have helped their diverse portfolio of local…
At least 240 people from eight regions across the country are set to benefit from a series of free ear surgeries supported by the Safaricom Foundation. The surgeries to be conducted in partnership with Operation Ear Drop will particularly target needy children with hearing impairment that require surgery. Adults will also benefit from this exercise. Speaking at Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital where the second of the Safaricom Foundation funded surgical outreach took place, Safaricom Foundation Trustee Stephen Chege said the foundation had committed Kshs. 3,356,000 towards screening, surgeries and after care for ENT patients in eight regions across…
Unites States Singer Akons Africa lighting project has received $1 billion backing from Chinese investors. Akon, who is mostly known for churning out hits as a producer and songwriter as well revealed this in an interview with Vlad TV. “So I went to China. I met up with some friends out there, some manufacturers, and aligned myself with one of the biggest companies in China that’s owned by the Chinese Government, that manufactures Solar,” Akon said. The musician revealed that the money has gone a long way into boosting the Akon Lighting Africa project that boasts various solar…
Patrick Masambu, a Uganda citizen and former chairman of the Council of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) has been elected director-general of the US-based International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO). Mr Masambu was the only Commonwealth candidate for the position. A former communications regulator for Uganda, he brings to the role over 30 years of experience, including over six years as ITSO’s current deputy director-general and director of technical affairs. He is the first sub-Saharan African to be elected to the position. During his time as chairman of the CTO Council on behalf of Uganda, Mr Masambu presided over important transformations…
African online retailer Cloud 9 is set to disrupt the Kenyan, and by extension African shopper experience with its high on life moments. The retailer offers High On Life merchandise and experiences; across apparel, consumer electronics, lifestyle and adrenaline rush experiences. Awarded top IT enterprise in the 25 under 25 Entrepreneurship Awards 2015 in Nairobi, Kenya, the platform boasts 150 merchants, 1000 members, 400 products and 100 experiences. The latter involve various categories such as flying, adventure, motor, indoor, extreme and water. The activities are targeted at making people live to the fullest while living on the edge and pushing…
After having to contend with the effects of industrial farming such as a cycle of reliance on harmful and expensive chemicals and seeds, Kenyan farmers are now turning to ecological farming which is more sustainable and environmentally-friendly. According to farmers for the future organisation, ecological farming combines modern science and innovation with respect for nature and biodiversity. Additionally, it ensures healthy farming and food while protecting the soil, water and climate. This mode of farming also preserves the environment and does not use genetically engineered crops. Eager to spread the message and convert other framers to this method of farming , farmers drawn…
Following the success of the Oracle (Oracle.com) Day and Oracle Cloud Day event series, Oracle Digital Days provide a unique opportunity to discover how to adopt the cloud more quickly, take advantage of the opportunities it presents, and stay in control. This interactive event will explore how cloud ecosystems can drive digital transformation and make data-driven innovation a reality in your organization. Taking place in 3 major African cities during the month of November – Lagos, , Johannesburg, South Africa on the 9th and Nairobi, Kenya on the 11th. The Oracle Digital Day will cover: Cloud Infrastructure – hardware and software…