Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service is now offering a new plan for about $9 per month in Australia in a move expected to encourage inactive customers and sign up new ones. The firm has been notifying inactive users in Australia about its new “backup connectivity” plan for $15 Australian dollars capped at 5GM monthly data. Users are also encouraged to ”buy additional Roam data in your account for $3 per GB,” if their primary internet fails or in case they get into an emergency. Starlink adds that users can use the ”Roam data on the go, in-motion, internationally, and in…
Author: Ronald Bwire
TACo, a South African SaaS Startup has raised $1.6 million in seed funding to transform how organisations address critical challenges by turning data into powerful, actionable insights. The funding round was led by a group of investors, including NEXT176, Catalyst Fund, Holocene, E Squared, Aions, and Jozi Angels to help create a scalable, impactful solutions that serve people, planet, and profit. “This funding marks a significant milestone for us as we continue to innovate in the operational sustainability space,” said Priaash Ramadeen, Co-founder and CEO of TACo. “With our new investors, our support has grown, and belief in our vision…
Faro, a South African recommerce startup helping global fashion houses sell their surplus inventory has raised $6 million for expansion. Founded in 2023 by co-founder and co-CEO David Torr, Will McCarren, Chris Makhanya, and Amber Penney-Young, FARO stocks excess inventory from global brands such as Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and Zara and sells the through its South African branches to meet the high demand for authentic fashion products in Africa where these fashion brands have no stores. “In 2016, while living in Nairobi, I saw a significant problem in Africa’s fashion supply chain—waste, inefficiency, and poor-quality products were the norm.…
ICT Cabinet Secretary nominee William Kabogo has been approved as the ICT CS by the Committee on Appointments of the National Assembly. Kabogo says he will focus on working with Kenyan youth on responsible social media and Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage after a series of social media exchanges between the youth and political class in the country on alleged corruption, poor leadership, abductions among others. Though he promises to positively engage the youth, a cross-section of social media users see his plan to curtail the use of social media in Kenya and probably ban some social media platforms or individuals…
MassChallenge Switzerland opens the call for applications today until March 5 to the 10th edition of its Early-Stage Startup Accelerator program, for startups providing solutions in any sector, with a focus on 3 Tracks: Sustainable Food, Sustainable & Efficient Industry and HealthTech. Participating startups will be mentored by some 15 corporate partners, including Bühler, dsm-firmenich, Eisberg, Givaudan, Louis Dreyfus Company, Novonesis, Omya, PMI, SMC and Südzucker, and will benefit from the advice of over 400 experts. Participants will compete for over CHF 500,000 in non-dilutive cash prizes and other in-kind awards, without any equity investment in return. On this same…
Samsung Galaxy S25, is set to be unveiled on January 22, 2025 by Samsung, the South Korean electronics giant, according to this media invite and the tech world is buzzing with excitement. Samsung Galaxy S25, Samsung’s latest flagship device, after S24 Series, is expected to push the boundaries of innovation, delivering cutting-edge features and improvements over its predecessor especially around AI and functionality. At TechMoran, we are expecting the Samsung Galaxy S25 to have some exciting AI-powered features. Design: Sleek and Sophisticated Samsung has always been known for its premium design language, and the Galaxy S25 is expected to be…
LemFi, a remittance startup serving African immigrants, and formerly known as Lemonade Finance, has raised $53 million to accelerate its European expansion. LemFi will also use he funds to offer more product offerings, scale its payment network licenses and provide hyper-localized services through partnerships, and as well recruit new talent to its 300 plus staff. According to Ridwan Olalere, co-founder and CEO of LemFi: “When we started building LemFi, we were told remittance had already been solved. But for too many people, it is still too slow, cumbersome and expensive with customers telling us that in some instances it was…
Purple Elephant Ventures (PEV), a Nairobi-based venture studio,has raised $4.5 million in seed financing, one of the largest tourism-tech rounds in Africa, to accelerate its mission to transform the continent’s tourism industry into a global leader. By building cutting-edge travel technology in Africa, PEV aims to create a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable tourism sector. “This funding is a testament to the untapped potential in African tourism innovation,” said Ben Peterson, Co-Founder and CEO of Purple Elephant Ventures. “With this support, we’re poised to revolutionize the industry through groundbreaking travel technology in Africa, fostering economic growth while preserving the continent’s…
Sistema.bio, a Kenyan-based biogas technology, financing, and services for family farmers worldwide, has raised $3.5 million to accelerate its expansion into new African markets, new agricultural and energy products and its overall growth. The investment was from Novastar Ventures as its newest investor. Novastar has joined Sistema.bio’s recent internal financing round of USD 7.75 million with a USD 3.5 million investment. “Novastar Ventures’ investment strengthens Sistema.bio’s mission to empower low-resourced farmers with sustainable solutions that drive economic growth, climate resilience, and regenerative agriculture. Together, we are scaling impactful technologies that benefit both people and the planet,” said Joyce Cacho, Board…
In a surprising move, Lyca Mobile, the popular mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), seems to be shifting its focus away from its UK operations and setting its sights on the African market. This decision has raised eyebrows in the telecom industry, especially considering Lyca Mobile’s long-standing presence in the UK. But what exactly is prompting this shift, and what does it mean for consumers and the global telecom landscape? The End of an Era in the UK? Lyca Mobile made a name for itself in the UK as an affordable alternative to traditional mobile providers, offering low-cost international calling plans…
Sonos CEO Patrick Spense has stepped down in a surprising move that has sent ripples through the tech and audio industries. Patrick Spence announced his resignation as CEO of Sonos, the renowned audio technology company, following a high-profile failure of the company’s latest app launch. Spence, who had led Sonos through significant innovation and growth in the smart speaker and home audio space, leaves behind a mixed legacy as the company grapples with the aftermath of the failed product rollout. The Failed App Launch Sonos recently released an app designed to integrate its audio products more seamlessly with smart home…
OnePlus has launched the OnePlus 13 globally, as it continues its tradition of offering high-performance devices at competitive prices. OnePlus always been known for pushing the boundaries of smartphone technology, and with the launch of the OnePlus 13, it has gone a notch higher. A Bold New Look: Design & Build OnePlus has always prioritized premium build quality, and the OnePlus 13 is no exception. Sporting an updated design language, the OnePlus 13 has refined its sleek, modern aesthetic with even slimmer bezels and more premium materials. The glass back and aluminum frame give it that flagship feel, while new…
The timbuktoo MineTech Accelerator Programme, an initiative of the timbuktoo MineTech Hub designed to drive innovation in mining technology, empower start-ups, and scale transformative technologies in the African mining sector has announced a call for applications. The timbuktoo MineTech Accelerator Programme is held in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation, and National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR). According to James Wakiaga, Resident Representative of UNDP Zambia,“The timbuktoo MineTech Accelerator Programme reflects our dedication to addressing critical challenges in Africa’s mining sector while empowering local talent. This initiative not only fosters innovation but…
Xiaomi has announced the launch of Redmi Note 14 Series in the global market. The series comes with Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G, Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G, Redmi Note 14 Pro, Redmi Note 14 5G, and Redmi Note 14. The Redmi Note 14 and Redmi Note 14 5G are equipped with a 108MP AI camera system that delivers vibrant colors and sharp detail. The Redmi Note 14 Series’ front cameras have at least 20MP while the Redmi Note 14 Pro packs a 32MP front camera. The Redmi Pro variants feature a powerful 200MP pro-grade AI camera system with advanced…
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Africa’s leading champion of entrepreneurship, is pleased to announce that applications for its 2025 Entrepreneurship Programmes are now open. The applicants from across Africa are invited to apply for a chance to receive world-class training, expert mentoring, and non-refundable seed capital funding of $5000 to scale their businesses. Programmes Open for Application: 1. Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme: the flagship TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is open to all entrepreneurs across Africa with innovative business ideas or existing businesses not older than five years. This year, there is a special emphasis on businesses leveraging Artificial Intelligence…
Building a benefits program that meets the unique needs of today’s workforce is more than a necessity—it’s a strategic advantage. These programs aren’t just a line item in the budget; they’re vital to employee satisfaction, retention, and overall organizational success. Tailoring benefits to align with employee expectations and company values helps businesses foster an engaged and motivated workplace, where employees feel supported and valued in achieving both personal and organizational goals. Whether through listening to employee feedback, embracing flexible options, or leveraging cutting-edge technology, refining a benefits program requires deliberate effort. Companies that prioritize communication and partner with an employee…
When former US President Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election race, the media reported it as a win for the cryptocurrency community. Crypto investors, inspired by the election of a candidate who espoused a commitment to make the US “the biggest and the best” in the crypto space, drove Bitcoin prices to record highs in the days after the election. As election excitement subsided, however, investors’ enthusiasm became a bit more tempered. Trading in late November cooled, triggering a slide in Bitcoin prices. The shift, which pulled the leading crypto token back as it crept toward the $100,000 mark,…
Samsung has sent out invites for its 2025 Galaxy Unpacked event in San Jose, California set for January 22nd where it will announce its new flagship phones and Galaxy AI features. The 10AM PT / 1PM ET event, expected to unveil the Galaxy S25 will also stream live on its YouTube, its Facebook and its website as the South Korean electronics giant launch its latest flagship smartphones, smart watches and AI features. “Get ready for AI that is more natural and intuitive,” Samsung announced on its website. “The next evolution of Galaxy AI is coming and it’s going to change…
Starlink Bypass Mode-Explained in detail. Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, has revolutionized internet access in remote and underserved regions by offering high-speed connections via low Earth orbit satellites. However, Starlink isn’t just for regular users; advanced users and tech enthusiasts may find a special feature—Bypass Mode—particularly useful. In this post, we’ll dive deep into what Bypass Mode is, when to use it, how to enable it, and any potential challenges. What is Starlink Bypass Mode? Starlink Bypass Mode is a feature designed to optimize your connection by bypassing the Starlink router’s default network management. In simpler terms, it gives you…
MicroStrategy is a software company that’s become famous for investing billions of dollars in Bitcoin. Instead of just sticking to its core business of data and analytics, MicroStrategy has gone all-in and now holds more Bitcoin than any other public company. Right now, it owns over 2% of all the Bitcoin in the world, which is worth billions of dollars. The business’s bold approach has made waves, which raises the question: why would a company shift so much focus to Bitcoin? There’s always something you could put your money on, whether it’s investing in Bitcoin or trying your luck with…
Large focus rooms offer the ideal space for teams to collaborate on research. These rooms support different groups working on research projects, encouraging creativity and problem-solving. As more organizations see the value of teamwork, the design of spaces that help collaboration has become more important. The layout and features of these rooms are flexible, adapting to the needs of various teams and supporting work that requires constant interaction and sharing ideas. Unlike traditional meeting rooms, a large focus room is designed to promote communication and flexibility. The furniture arrangement, use of technology, and overall layout play a key role in…
If you’re new to the world of video poker, you may have heard the game described as a combination of poker rules and slot machine formatting. So, let’s take a look at the key differences between video poker and slot machines, so you can see which style of game best suits you. Video Poker There are many digital alternatives to traditional poker – a form of entertainment that was perhaps once dominated by live stream online poker. However, the benefit of video poker is that it allows players to try their hand at poker on-demand, without having to wait for scheduled online…
William Kabogo, the former Kiambu Governor has been nominated as the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy replacing Margaret Nyambura, who has been appointed as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana. Kabogo, 63, who has no notable achievements as a long serving Juja legislature and Kiambu governor, is seen as a political heavyweight unlike Nyambura and can deliver the Kiambu votes needed as President William Ruto courts the region again. State House Chief of Staff Felix Koskei said the move is to realign ministries, state departments, and foreign service positions for enhanced service delivery under Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic…
Hydrobox, a renewable energy company specializing in small-scale, run-of-river hydropower mini-grids tailored for rural and underserved communities in Africa, has raised $9 million financing to support eight small hydro projects across four mini-grids in Kenya, providing over 10,000 people and local businesses with reliable, affordable electricity. The $9 million debt investment from FMO, the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank, and ElectriFI, an EU impact investment facility focused on clean energy access in developing countries, managed by EDFI Management Company (EDFI MC). According to Thomas Poelmans, CEO and Co-Founder of Hydrobox: “Our partnership with reference investors FMO and ElectriFI serves as a…
Cisco and NTT DATA have expanded their partnership to transform how global enterprises access wireless connectivity. Cisco and NTT DATA’s expanded partnership will leverage Cisco’s eSIM technology, initially embedded into Cisco infrastructure solutions. The eSIM will connect to NTT DATA’s Transatel network, enabling customers to activate, provision, and configure Cisco solutions ‘out of the box’ and launch secure mobile branches anywhere, on-demand with ongoing enhanced network device management. “Together with Cisco, NTT DATA is setting a new standard for enterprise connectivity and customer experiences,” said Shahid Ahmed, Group Executive Vice President of Edge Services at NTT DATA. “This partnership will deliver…
Ethio Telecom, Djibouti Telecom, and Sudatel Telecom Group for the Horizon Fiber Initiative Establishing a Multi-Terabit Terrestrial Fiber Optic Link Connecting Africa to Europe and Asia Dubbed Horizon Fiber, the initiative is expected to revolutionize digital connectivity across Africa, creating seamless communication links from the Horn of Africa to Europe and Asia. According to Ethio telecom: “The Horizon Fiber Initiative is a transformative project aligned with Africa’s Digital Transformation Strategy 2030. It advances Ethiopia’s digital journey and strengthens Africa’s integration into the global digital economy.” The firms are developing a Multi-Terabit, redundant terrestrial fiber optic network to deliver faster, more reliable,…
Gemini 2.0 has launched an experimental version of Gemini 2.0 Flash its workhorse model with low latency and enhanced performance as the global AI wars rage on. Gemini 2.0 Flash Gemini 2.0 Flash builds on the success of 1.5 Flash but Gemini 2.0 Flash outperforms 1.5 Pro on key benchmarks, at twice the speed. Apart from supporting multimodal inputs like images, video and audio, 2.0 Flash now supports multimodal output like natively generated images mixed with text and steerable text-to-speech (TTS) multilingual audio. It can also natively call tools like Google Search, code execution as well as third-party user-defined functions.…
Tranglo, a cross-border payment hub, continues its expansion across Africa with the addition of 10 new payout countries: Benin, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Malawi, Rwanda, and Tanzania. With the latest expansion, Tranglo now supports payouts to 25 African countries. Remittances are a lifeline for many African families, helping them tackle pressing challenges such as food insecurity, drought, supply chain disruptions, floods, and debt servicing. According to World Bank data, remittance flows to Sub-Saharan Africa reached USD 54 billion in 2023, with a projected growth of 1.5% in 2024. In countries like Gambia,…
MTN Group, Africa’s largest telecom operator by subscriber base and geographical reach, is set to launch a digital bank, according to local press reports. MTN, with over 290 million subscribers across 19 markets, already has a fintech arm which runs its MoMo (mobile money) platforms. The plans to launch its very own bank will help it grow its fintech arms faster and develop more banking and telco products for the new generation of users without the need of third-party banks. MTN MoMo recorded over 73 million active users in Q3 2023, and the new bank will help it offer payments,…
Cauris Finance, an Africa-focused impact credit fund, has closed $40 million to expand its efforts to support socially impactful African fintechs that provide essential credit access to financially underserved small businesses and entrepreneurs, the economic engines of every African economy. Cauris specializes in bridging the critical funding gap for financially underserved African businesses and entrepreneurs. By financing innovative companies that deliver high-quality credit, Cauris drives financial inclusion, supports job creation (particularly for youth), and empowers women-led businesses. With a commitment to gender equity, climate action, and sustainable development, Cauris aligns its work with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This…