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Twiga Foods picks Jumia Kenya CEO Charles Ballard as its new Chief Executive Officer

Twiga Foods has appointed Charles Ballard as its new Chief Executive Officer, after the unceremonious exit of its co-founder and CEO Peter Njonjo who took a voluntary six-month sabbatical to focus on personal matters.

Twiga Food’s Chief Operating Officer Laurent Gouault took charge of the firm’s operational and commercial functions while Chief Financial Officer Zuber Momoniata took charge of the firm’s finance & legal functions.

Most recently, Ballard was CEO of Jumia Kenya, a leading e-commerce company, where he led the transformation of the business toward profitability. Ballard has a career spanning over 15 years, of which 9 years in the Kenyan market, Ballard brings a wealth of experience in e-commerce, retail, and financial services.

According to Hein Pretorius, Chairman of Twiga’s board of directors: “We are delighted to welcome Charles as our new Chief Executive. His deep understanding of the Kenyan e-commerce and retail landscape, his proven operational grip, his entrepreneurial drive, and his passion for the Twiga Foods opportunity make him the ideal leader to steer Twiga into its next phase of growth and success.”

Twiga had a bad 2023 with a near liquidation due to an outstanding debt of $263,691 and job cuts of approximately one-third of its permanent workforce, totaling 283 employees out of their existing 850. The firm also saw the transfer of the 20,000 acre Galana Kulalu Food Security Project to Selu Limited, a company privately owned by Twiga’s Group CEO, Peter Njonjo which raised concerns of conflict of interest among its board members leading to the final exit of Njonjo.

Welcoming his new appointment as Twiga CEO, Charles, expressed optimism for the opportunity:” I am honoured to lead such a talented team at Twiga Foods during this pivotal time. With our unique value proposition, we are ideally positioned to seize key market opportunities.”

He observed that Twiga Foods was in a good position to enhance its operations, technology, and user experience to create significant value for all stakeholders and the ecosystem. “I am deeply committed to developing our team and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence that will drive us into our next phase of growth.”, he concluded.

Charles Ballard was named new Jumia Kenya CEO in April 2023, replacing Juan Seco who left the firm to join fintech player Mukuru. Charles Ballard had been with Jumia Kenya since 2019, when he joined as Head of Performance and Planning, in 2021 he became the Chief Operating Officer overseeing the expansion and deployment of Jumia activities in Kenya. In 2022, he was named Senior Vice President  – Commercials.  

Before joining Jumia, Charles worked as a Retail consultant at Sagaci Research in Kenya from 2015 to 2019, and before as Deputy CFO at ACTED (international humanitarian NGO) from 2012 to 2015. Charles holds a Master’s degree from the ESSEC Business School (France) and a Bsc in International Development from the London School of Economics – UoL/LSE (UK).

Ballard will oversee all aspects of Twiga’s business supported by the other senior leaders – Chief Operating Officer Anjan Dasgupta, Chief Technology Officer Paul Bombo, Chief People Officer Susan Kiama, and Chief Financial Officer Zuber Momoniat. The appointment of a new CEO will bolster Twiga Foods’ ambition to continue to deliver on its mission to transform food supply chains in Africa.

Ballard will compete former Jumia Group executives who raised $8 million to launch Kapu, a new B2C e-commerce startup set to allow customers in Kenyan cities to shop & save on their weekly grocery baskets.

Nigeria’s Chowdeck raises $2.5 million from YCombinator & others to expand into more cities across the country

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Chowdeck, Nigeria’s on-demand delivery service, has secured $2.5 million in seed funding to optimize its operations and support expansion into more cities across the country. 

Chowdeck serves more than 500,000 users and more than 3,000 riders across 8 Nigerian cities (Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Port-Harcourt, Ilorin, Benin City, Abeokuta and Asaba). The firm will use this new funding to double down on its market leadership in these cities and further expand into new ones.

The seed funding round included investment from YCombinator, Goodwater Capital, FounderX Ventures, Hoaq Fund, Levare Ventures, True Culture Funds and Haleakala Ventures.

Simon Borrero and Juan Pablo Ortega (co-founders of Rappi – Latin America’s online delivery platform), Shola Akinlade and Ezra Olubi (co-founders of Paystack), Sudeep Ramani (Sportybet), Ayo Arikawe (Thrive Agric) and Karthik Ramakrishnan (Amazon) also participated as angels.

According to Femi Aluko, CEO and co-founder of Chowdeck, “We are pleased with the success we have achieved to date and excited to have raised these funds that will enable us to replicate that success in more parts of Nigeria, and add value to our customers, vendors, and riders in as many ways as we can.” 

Launched in October 2021 after the COVID-19 lockdown in Lagos, Chowdeck delivers food in 30 minutes, on average and has built an effective ordering and logistics operation that both restaurant customers and food vendors can leverage. Some of the restaurants using Chowdeck include Chicken Republic, Burger King, Bukka Hut and more. Other partnerships include Shoprite, KFC, among others.

“Chowdeck has quickly become a household name across Nigeria, priding itself on very high standards of execution. They are addressing a large and complicated problem, especially in Africa, delivering goods at record speed. I am excited that they have proven that the opportunity is there beyond restaurants and supermarkets,” concluded June Angelides, Partner at Levare Ventures.

Zakhaa, a Buy Now Pay Later Platform Launches to Empower SMEs in SA

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Teboho Twala, a chemical engineering graduate from the University of Johannesburg, an honours degree in business administration from Milpark Business School with an ongoing Masters in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation at Wits Business School in Park town has launched Zakhaa to help empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Originally from Qwaqwa and based in Rustenberg, Teboho noticed a pervasive challenge among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) around his community – an overwhelming number of mechanics, plumbers, electricians, vendors, butchery and shop owners and many other small business owners were grappling with an effective mechanism to address customer debt and tracking outstanding payments, which in turn hampered their small businesses from making money or growing.

He therefore launched Zakhaa, a buy now, pay later platform to empower SMEs, enabling them to conduct business more efficiently and effectively. The platform provides tools and resources tailored to overcome the complexities of managing customer debt for small businesses to thrive and expand.

SME customers would ask for services or products and promise to pay part of or all the money due by end of the month which they never do and there is no collateral that a small business owner can rely on. This lack of trust and payment records costing small business owners to lose money because they lack a tracking system that monitors their incoming payments and customers end up not paying. Teboho Twala saw a need to formalise this relationship between small business owners and customers through a seamlessly cost effective way for all parties involved.

“We understand the unique needs of Small businesses, and our solutions are designed to help you manage your finances more effectively. Our services include: financial inclusivity for unbanked businesses an lower SMEs, helping small business owners run their own banking operations without having to join any big banks and pay additional bank charges” says Teboho.

Through this app, he hopes to help small businesses resolve their cash flow challenges. We believe that at the back of us digitalising and enabling small businesses to have credible trading track records, they will be able to receive short-term funding in the form of loans from traditional lenders. This will help small businesses with much needed cash flow for both day to day running and their growth and subsequently, job creation.

“Zakhaa differs in a sense that there is nothing like it in the market for small business at the moment. No mobile payment machine/device currently does what we do. Even with similar application and business model, they are mainly for online payments, for customers already having credit cards and are not administered by small businesses. In our case, the power is given to small businesses. It’s the decision and prerogative of a small business owner to enter into a flexible payment arrangement with a customer, we are providing seem-less fintech to enable this to happen” says Teboho.

Teboho hopes to expand Zakhaa services across South Africa and also expand their service offering and digital inclusion in rural areas, previously disadvantaged areas such  as townships and to markets beyond South Africa.  Some of the testimonials they have received during the testing phase was a handful of merchants who gave them great feedback. They have been on the road engaging clients and customers on the streets about how the app is helping their day to day business.

In May they will be launching a beta program with 100 merchants to test the other features followed by a mass launch around fourth quarter of the year which will be a national campaign to reach small businesses owners in areas where they lack digital inclusion. 

A great example of how Zakhaa works is if your car breaks down in the middle of the month, you need a mechanic to fix it, they say it will cost you R2000 but you don’t have R2000 you have R500 you can pay now and you will pay the remaining balance of R1500 over three months. The mechanic can capture this arrangement on our card payment machine, first processing the R500 deposit using the card payment capability on the machine and then the deferred payment is captured separately on the same machine.

Zakhaa affords users the chance to make a purchase and pay for it when they can afford it. Having  realised that small businesses lose billions of rands yearly in unpaid deferred payments for goods and services. People always ask for services or products and promise to pay part of or all the money due by the end of the month, which they never do and there is no collateral that a small business owner can rely on. Their earnings are based purely on trust with no records. This is how he saw a need to formalise this relationship but do it seamlessly in a cost-effective way for all parties involved.

Kenya’s BuuPass Acquires Nigeria’s QuickBus, to Become Africa’s Largest Intercity Transport Booking Platform

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BuuPass, Kenya’s bus booking platform has acquired Nigeria’s QuickBus, a bus ticketing service industry in Nigeria and South Africa in an expansion move.

The acquisition brings BuuPass’s active user accounts to 650,000 monthly users, solidifying BuuPass’s position as the largest intercity transport booking platform in Africa.The B2B2C mobility marketplace enables users to search, compare, and book their tickets across different channels, including websites, apps, and USSD.

In a statement, BuuPass Co-Founder Sonia Kabra said, “We are excited to expand our footprint in Africa as we actively look for more opportunities to bring our platform to new African markets. BuuPass aims to create a comprehensive, continent-wide network of interconnected transport options for seamless global and continental travel, and this acquisition is a significant milestone toward that goal.”

Founded in 2016, BuuPass has sold over 6 million travel tickets and generated over $100 million in GMV. Its platform covers national and cross-border routes in East and Southern Africa and has served over 16 million passengers.

The strategic expansion into South Africa and Nigeria is set to add over 5,000 new routes to BuuPass’s platform, significantly enriching the network and service offerings for African consumers. BuuPass will also onboard over 100 bus operators and several high-profile online distribution partnerships, including FNB, Voda, and MTN. The BuuPass platform enables transport operators to digitize their operations, minimize cash leakages, access data-driven business analytics, and convert more sales from online bookings.

Quickbus operates on 5,200 intercity routes. Starting today, BuuPass users can access international routes across 16 African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Malawi, Nigeria, and Ghana. Major routes, such as Johannesburg to Cape Town and Durban to Capetown, can be found on the platform today, with more to be added by the end of Q2.

BuuPass is planning continued innovation on its platform, including new features such as multi-modal travel options that integrate bus, train, and flight bookings into one platform. Additionally, BuuPass is rolling out enhanced travel analytics for personalized journey planning and a loyalty program that rewards frequent travelers with discounts and special offers.

In February 2023, BuuPass secured $1.3 million for its expansion and growth across East Africa, with a focus on Kenya and Uganda. With the cash, the firm hired a team to build systems for scale to help become a pan-African infrastructure for long distance transportation. A year later, the firm received an investment from Tim Draper, of Draper Associates, DFJ and the Draper Venture Network, with previous investments in firms such as Coinbase, Baidu, Tesla, Skype, SpaceX, Twitch, and Hotmail.

“BuuPass has shown incredible promise in transforming the transportation industry in Africa. I am excited to be part of this journey and look forward to seeing BuuPass drive innovation and connectivity across the continent.” said Draper at the time of the raise.

Earlier, the firm had partnered with Kenya’s largest telco Safaricom to allow travelers in the country book and purchase bus tickets online or via their feature phones. The service was launched with five bus operators including Easy Coach, Modern Coast, Greenline, Palmers and East African Shuttles, and was to onboard more than 20 additional operators. Customers can access the service by dialing *877# and at buupass.com with payments accepted through M-PESA.

Other partners include MTN, Vodacom and FNB.

Co-founder Wyclife Omondi added, “We are thrilled to integrate QuickBus’s routes in Nigeria and South Africa and onboard major partners such as MTN, Voda, and FNB. These partnerships will help us reach new customers and enhance connectivity and convenience for millions.”

“As an early investor and backer, Founders Factory Africa is proud to see BuuPass expand to Nigeria and South Africa. BuuPass is already changing the daily lives of its customers as it moves closer to fulfilling its vision of being a pan-African travel booking platform. We look forward to supporting BuuPass in achieving future milestones,” says Eunice Wambui, Investment Principal at Founders Factory Africa.

Open Startup Concludes First BRAIN DeepTech Pan African Bootcamp

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Open Startup, a non-governmental organization that fosters innovation and capacity building through entrepreneurship, education, and cross-cultural exchange, creating communities and connecting ecosystems across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) has concluded its first Pan-African Deeptech Bootcamp under the BRAIN 3.0 initiative. 

BRAIN (Bridging Research and Innovation) is an innovative program dedicated to empowering scientist-entrepreneurs who are tackling fundamental challenges by offering them access to top-tier opportunities.

“Bridging the gap between scientific discovery and real-world application is critical for Africa’s development,” says Yesmine Mansar, Program Manager at Open Startup. “The BRAIN 3.0 Pan-African Bootcamp aims to unlock a new era of innovation and progress across Africa while supporting science-entrepreneurs to immerse themselves in an advanced ecosystem, network with experts and fellow entrepreneurs, and develop the necessary knowledge to run their ventures on an international scale.”

The bootcamp, held in Cairo, brought together 20 innovative DeepTech startups from across 9 countries (Morocco, Tunisia, Uganda, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Senegal, Rwanda, and Kenya) and diverse sectors – Agritech, Cleantech, Biotech, Healthtech, Energytech, Fintech, and Comtech- for a 6-day intensive training, aiming to boost cross-continental collaboration and innovation in Africa’s DeepTech landscape.

Throughout the program, participating entrepreneurs embarked on a dynamic journey of learning, networking, and refining their pitches. An international team of experts from the US, Europe, and Africa led them through a comprehensive curriculum. Educational sessions focused on translating scientific breakthroughs into successful businesses, mastering customer discovery techniques, integrating AI into business models, developing effective team management strategies, honing DeepTech-specific pitching skills, and navigating various technical and business challenges.

Entrepreneurs also benefited from personalized mentorship and coaching sessions with MIT Executive MBAs and industry experts. These sessions provided them with tailored guidance to strengthen their projects and refine their strategies. Additionally, VC Clinics equipped entrepreneurs with the opportunity to pitch their ventures to esteemed investors, gain valuable feedback, and sharpen their pitching skills, propelling them towards excellence.

Jennifer Miles-Thomas, President and CEO of Urology of Virginia, expressed her gratitude, saying, ‘I’m here today at BRAIN 3.0, and it has been an amazing experience. I must say that the partnership between Open Startup, The Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT, and MIT Sloan School of Management has been life-altering. We’ve met people from seven different African countries, speaking multiple languages, and have worked with startups at various stages of their development.’

Beyond education and mentorship, the bootcamp fostered a spirit of collaboration and immersion within the African DeepTech ecosystem. Entrepreneurs actively engaged in discussions with government representatives and industry leaders. They also participated in insightful panels exploring Open Innovation, DeepTech investment in Africa, and other relevant topics. Thought-provoking events such as the AUC Roundtable on AI offered further insights, broadening participants’ horizons and providing a comprehensive perspective of the entrepreneurial landscape.

The program culminated in a final pitching session at The GrEEK Campus. All 20 DeepTech startups showcased their innovations before a judging panel. Nine startups – Reme-D.Inc, NextAV, ToumAI Analytics, APISentry, Fluorobiotech (PTY) Ltd, Doktorconnect, MSCAN Uganda, DeepLeaf, Viventis healthcare – were selected to advance to the next phase of additional training and focused mentorship, international Immersion experiences, access to an international talents pool, linkages with investors and soft-landing opportunities, and a chance to compete for a 50K USD grant.

The success of the BRAIN Bootcamp hinged on a collaborative effort. Renowned academic institutions, including the Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT, MIT Sloan School of Management’s Executive MBA Program, and Material Impact, partnered with Open Startup to deliver the program.

Financial backing was provided by AfricaGrow, Digital Africa, and AfricInvest Group. The city of Cairo served as the host location, with invaluable support from local partners Cultiv Ventures, CULTARK, Kamelizer Spaces, The American University in Cairo (AUC), The Greek Campus, 500 Startups, Tatweer Misr, and the Climate Resilient Africa fund. Their collective contributions were instrumental, underscoring a unified commitment to fostering innovation across the African continent.

Beyond the bootcamp, the BRAIN program has also rolled out essential resources to the DeepTech community, in collaboration with esteemed partners.

Crown Agents Bank and Invest Africa launch campaign to drive insight on the role of FX and payments in economic transformation

Crown Agents Bank , the specialist provider of foreign exchange (FX) and cross-border payments for hard-to-reach markets, and Invest Africa, a leading platform for business and investment opportunities in Africa, have  partnered to launch The Payments Exchange, a campaign aimed to drive new insight and understanding around the role of FX and payments in the economic transformation of Africa.

 The campaign  will  comprise a programme of events and content across 2024, that explores the integral role that payments and FX will play in realising the ambitions of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and future trade and investment.

“In partnership with Invest Africa, Crown Agents Bank is proud to launch The Payments Exchange Series, catalysing dialogue and action to empower Africa’s economic evolution through optimised payments infrastructure. Together, we will pave the way for inclusive growth, facilitating financial access and fostering investment opportunities across the continent.” said Chris Partridge, Head of Banks & NBFIs at Crown Agents Bank.

Africa’s global importance is rising, with permanent G20 membership and expanded BRICS involvement. Its growing population, vast resources, and fast-growing economies make it a major player on the global stage. Yet, challenges like political discord and insufficient investment remain.

As a result, The Payments Exchange will bring together African central bankers, finance ministries, fintechs, development finance institutions, pan-African banks, and other pertinent stakeholders with a shared goal to discuss solutions to facilitate greater access to improve the flow of money across the continent.

As part of the initiative, Crown Agents Bank and Invest Africa will also host a special breakfast roundtable on 5th June as part of the programme for Invest Africa’s flagship event, The Africa Debate, on 6th June 2024 in London. The 10th edition of The Africa Debate will focus on advancing trade and investment between Africa and the rest of the world and plans to attract 500+ investors, market leaders and senior decision makers across a variety of sectors and verticals. The collaboration will also see the publication of a series of articles and podcasts and an event in the margins of the World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington DC.

Chantelé Carrington, CEO of Invest Africa Ltd, said, “At Invest Africa, we recognise the pivotal role that payments infrastructure plays in driving economic growth and investment across the continent. Through our collaboration with Crown Agents Bank, we are committed to amplifying the conversation around payments, fostering collaboration, and championing initiatives that will enhance financial inclusion and enable businesses to thrive in Africa.”

Capria Ventures Closes India Opportunity Fund at USD 19 M After Successful Sale of Awign  

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 Capria Ventures, a Global South specialist venture capital firm, has announced the completion of fundraising for its India Opportunity Fund at USD 19M or ( INR 153 crore. This comes on the heels of a full-cash exit from its portfolio company Awign.

Founded in 2016, Awign helps over 175 enterprises run their businesses at scale through end-to-end management and outcome-based execution of core business functions. The company has seen 20x growth in revenue since Capria first led its Seed round investment in 2018. With its asset-light and easy-to-configure tech platform, Awign has also improved the lives of 1.5 million gig workers.

Surya Mantha, Managing Partner at Capria, said, “Awign has the winning combination of a large market, healthy gross margins, and a robust tech platform. Mynavi’s acquisition of Awign not only opens untapped markets and opportunities for the company but is also a great exit for our India Fund II, where we will return more than 50% of the invested capital through this one exit. The multiple on invested capital for Awign for our India Fund II is >7x. Additionally, our now closed India Opportunity Fund, which also invested in Awign in February 2023, will return more than 20% of the invested capital to its LPs.”

Capria and other investors in Awign, India’s largest tech-led, on-demand work fulfillment platform, have sold their stake in the company in a buyout by Japanese conglomerate Mynavi Corporation.

In February 2023, Capria achieved the first close of its India Opportunity Fund at INR 75 crore (announced originally as Unitus Ventures India Opportunity Fund before Capria and Unitus joined forces to operate as a single brand, Capria, in September 2023). Capital from the first close of this fund was invested in the breakout leaders of its early-stage funds (Capria India Fund I and Capria India Fund II), such as Awign, BetterPlace, Cuemath, Eduvanz, and Masai.

Dave Richards, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Capria, said, “Awign’s growth trajectory is an example of the disruptive innovation in job creation and income generation for Bharat, which is core to our investment philosophy. We’re incredibly proud to have played a role in Awign’s journey from its early days. This rewarding exit reinforces our confidence in our ability to unlock significant value for our investors. We are optimistic that this acquisition will prove to be a milestone for the Indian startup ecosystem and establish acquisitions as a viable exit strategy for early-stage investors.”

Capria Ventures invests in early and early-growth stage startups in the Global South (India, Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia) across a range of sectors, including Fintech, Jobtech, Edtech, Agtech, Climate, and SaaS.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses Get Smarter with Real-Time AI and Video Calling

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Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are getting a major upgrade with the addition of real-time Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities and video calling functionality.

In a recent blog post, meta explains that you can now get instant information about what you see in the world around you, all hands-free, and even get real-time advice from friends and family through video calls.

Meta AI, an intelligent assistant built into the glasses for users in the US and Canada, can now understand what you’re seeing.

“Meta AI features will be available in the US in beta only at launch,” Meta confirmed.

Users can simply ask “Hey Meta” a question about something they’re looking at, and the glasses will use their built-in camera to analyze the scene and provide helpful information.

For those struggling to translate a menu while traveling, the Meta AI can translate text in real-time, eliminating the need to pull out your phone or fumble with translation apps.

Meta notes that the smart glasses now allow for completely hands-free video calls through WhatsApp and Messenger.

They also have a new ultra-wide 12 MP camera that allows one to shoot stunning 1080p videos at up to 60 frames per second.

“Also, sharing the photos and videos is easy- use voice command and say “send a photo”.

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are available in Matte Black and Shiny Black.

Meta is also introducing three new transparent frame colors in Jeans, Rebel Black, and Caramel that celebrate the tech inside.

“With over 150 different custom frame and lens combinations on the Ray-Ban Remix platform, you can mix and match to make the glasses your own on ray-ban.com. We’ve also made them prescription-lens compatible.”

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are powered by the all-new Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen1 Platform, which enables higher quality photo and video processing and even faster compute.

They also come with a redesigned and sleek charging case, which holds up to eight additional charges (for a total of 36 hours of use) while being slimmer and even smaller.

The glasses are lighter and more comfortable. Also, they re now water-resistant (IPX4).

Meta notes it has also improved the touchpad and added interaction earcons so the glasses respond much faster and more reliably to users’ commands. 

These glasses made a debut in September last year.

Flutterwave and Acquired.com partner for outward remittance transactions for UK and EU cardholders

Flutterwave, Africa’s payments technology firm, has partnered with payment firm, Acquired.com, to help users process domestic card payments on Send App, Flutterwave’s flagship remittance product.

Leveraging Acquired.com’s payment processing expertise, Send App will offer faster and more secure outward remittance transactions for UK and EU cardholders sending money to their business partners or loved ones in Africa.

“We are dedicated to enhancing the customer experience by working with the best partners to improve speed, transparency, and facilitating hassle-free money transfers. To achieve this, we have partnered with the industry’s leading platform to support our business goals. Acquired.com’s expertise and highly consultative approach makes them an ideal partner for us,” said James Hardy, Senior Vice President, Consumer Business.

Send App empowers customers to send money quickly and reliably to local bank accounts and mobile money wallets. Collaborating with Acquired.com for processing ensures a seamless customer experience. Flutterwave announced Send App’s rebrand earlier in August 2023, improving its experience and introducing new features like in-app customer support, voucher codes, and expanding geographies.

A pivotal aspect of this partnership involves Acquired.com’s work with Flutterwave on payments optimisation. This entails tailored analysis, presenting results, and offering recommendations to further enhance Flutterwave’s processing capabilities and streamline the customer journey. These recommendations, combined with the introduction of intelligent BIN routing through Acquired.com’s multiple acquiring connections, have resulted in a frictionless customer experience.

Commenting on the announcement, Mark Johnson, Commercial Director at Acquired.com, commented, “We have thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with Flutterwave, tailoring our solution to meet the specific needs and address the challenges of the most trusted payments infrastructure providers on the African continent. Our customised analysis and recommendations have helped Flutterwave build on its success rates, increase collections, and enhance the customer experience – which is at the core of our service. We look forward to supporting Flutterwave as they continue to thrive in their business.”

ThinkYoung and Boeing empower 62 Tanzanian youth with digital skills to make them ready for their future careers

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Sixty two teenagers aged 12-17 have successfully completed the Coding School in Dar es Salaam, a program delivered by ThinkYoung and Boeing. The classes, held in April 2024, have empowered Tanzanian youth with advanced digital skills, creating new opportunities for their future careers.

The Coding School is an enabler to Tanzania’s economic transformation. By providing internet connectivity to its young population and promoting STEM education, Tanzania is investing in its emerging digital economy.

As part of the program, ThinkYoung and Boeing connected the students with professionals from the tech and aviation industries, providing the youth with free of charge training in programming, robotics, and drone technologies. In addition to digital skills, the participants also honed their communication and presentation abilities.

Kuljit Ghata-Aura, Boeing President in the Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia, said: “Coding is regarded as a key skill for the 21st century and one of the pathways into a fulfilling career in aerospace. It’s also incredibly exciting and powerful to learn. We hope that this inaugural Coding School will contribute to Tanzania’s efforts to provide even more kids with the tools, resources, and inspiration they need to build the future they imagine is possible.”

“We are confident that the ThinkYoung Coding School in Tanzania will pave the way for even more initiatives across the African continent,” said Delila Kidanu, Director of ThinkYoung Africa. “Each year, we witness a growing number of applications, indicating the strong foundation our program has established in Africa and the readiness for further expansion. Since 2016, we have partnered with Boeing to support young people worldwide with essential STEM skills.”

Since 2019, ThinkYoung and Boeing have co-hosted coding schools in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, with a total of 640 students participating in the program in Africa.
More than 60% of the participants of the Coding School are girls. By breaking stigmas, the program provides them with role models, early exposure to computer science, and a supportive environment.
Boeing has partnered with over 40 organizations and invested more than $22 million since 2008 to drive systemic improvements in education and economic transformation in Africa. In Tanzania, Boeing’s community projects prioritize STEM education, digital literacy, and women’s empowerment.

M-PESA Foundation launches Uzazi Salama, a KES 225M project to support reproductive, maternal, neonatal & child health

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M-PESA Foundation, in partnership with Amref Health Africa and the County Government of Kilifi, has launched a KES 225 Million programme, called Uzazi Salama, which is set to impact 500,000 people in Kilifi County.

The three year programme aims to improve access to maternal health services. This includes setting up medical infrastructure and building the capacity of health workers to enhance service delivery.

Uzazi Salama is a maternal health programme set to  strengthen Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child, and Adolescent health outcomes (RMNCAH) for mothers and children. The programme was launched at Junju Dispensary in Kilifi South Constituency, where the Foundation is set to invest KES 10 million towards the construction and equipping of a maternity unit.

“Health is one of our key pillars at M-PESA Foundation, with a major focus on maternal and child healthcare. Through Uzazi Salama, we have been able to impact the lives of over 350,000 people in Samburu and Homa Bay counties, and we hope to impact even more here in Kilifi. We seek to ensure that mothers and children receive quality healthcare, from prenatal care through the delivery room and into postnatal care,” said Patricia Ithau, Trustee, M-PESA Foundation.

During her address, Anne Gitimu, Family and Reproductive Health Director at Amref Health Africa in Kenya, lauded the Kilifi County government for investing in Maternal and newborn health initiatives and expressed her optimism towards the county’s ambition to achieve zero maternal and neonatal deaths by leveraging on partnerships, innovation, technology and data driven approaches.

The three-year programme which aims to increase the demand for quality reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health services high-impact interventions by the year 2027 will largely focus on strengthening governance and leadership in the county.

Meanwhile in Kwale County, M-PESA Foundation broke ground on a KES 32 million maternal newborn and child health complex at Msambweni County Referral Hospital. The newborn unit is expected to improve delivery with a range of services that will reduce infant mortality rates. 

Ethiopian tech startup Kubik secures $5.2 million to  grow its team and market presence

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 Kubik, the Ethiopian  sustainable tech startup has secured $5.2 million seed funding round from East African venture capital firm African Renaissance Partners; net-zero focused; Endgame Capital, investor in technologies addressing climate change; and climate and extreme poverty investor King Philanthropies.

The seed round makes Kubik the first Ethiopian company to raise a multi-million dollar investment in climate and sustainability solutions.

Kidus Asfaw, Co-founder and CEO of Kubik, said:“We are thrilled to close our $5.2 million seed funding round and welcome our stellar new investors. They have seen Kubik’s compelling market opportunity, our delivery against our strategy to date, and share our purpose-driven vision – to build sustainably and affordably to a brighter, greener future.

Kubik is an environmental technology company using plastic waste to make low-carbon, durable, and affordable buildings, removing plastic waste from the environment and promoting greener, cleaner development across Africa. Kubik’s products cost at least 40% less per square metre than traditional cement-based development, and their low-carbon qualities yield 5x less greenhouse gas emissions.

As Kubik pursues its pan-African growth strategy, the proceeds will be used to scale production; grow its team and market presence in Ethiopia; strengthen its technology to trace waste and track environmental impact; and deepen its reach to empower female waste collectors.

The latest fund raise follows an exciting growth period for Kubik during which it has launched a new plastic upcycling factory in Ethiopia’s state-of-the-art Adama Industrial Park, Ethiopia; begun to source plastic at scale in collaboration with the City of Addis Ababa and various social enterprises in the waste management sector; and secured several stellar clients including Pharo Ventures and Cornerstone Development Group.

 Kubik was also honoured as the ‘Global Startup of the Year’ at the 2023 Global Startup Awards and ‘Africa’s leading ClimateTech startup’ at VivaTech, the annual technology conference.

Market drivers for Kubik’s investment case are compelling. Affordable housing is a $2.2 trillion global business in its own right, with a deficit of over 300 million units considered affordable to the most poor. With 40%+ of cost in housing development attributable to materials, Kubik’s business model of turning hard-to-recycle plastic waste into affordable building materials is ideally positioned.

Kubik has also sent waves around businesses taking initiative to be responsible for their plastic waste. Through its “Net Zero Plastic” programmes, pledges from the hospitality and services industry have come to partner with Kubik and curb their waste into Kubik products. Kubik sees massive potential in Africa’s most rapidly urbanizing countries and is receiving significant inbound enquiries from new potential markets.

The fund raise will allow the company  keep up with the escalating demand  , scale its  operations further with enhanced technology, empower more female waste collectors and turbo-charge its pan-African growth ambitions.

Jinna Li and John Mairlot, partners at Endgame Capital, said:‘’We are extremely excited to be supporting Kubik in the next phase of its growth. Led by an outstanding team, the technology the company is developing is enabling more affordable and better housing conditions for millions of people. From a climate perspective, cement is responsible for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Finding an alternative that is not only more sustainable but also significantly cheaper is an outstanding achievement.’’

Kartick Kumar, Managing Director at King Philanthropies, commented: “Kubik’s vision to build safe and affordable living for all speaks directly to King Philanthropies’ mission to catalyze solutions at the intersection of climate and livelihoods. Kubik is at the forefront of innovation in Ethiopia and across the African market, and we’re proud to support the tremendous impact they’re making combatting plastic waste and providing safe, durable, and affordable housing.”

According to Bethel Tsegaye, Managing Director, Pharo Ventures, Ethiopia“This partnership exemplifies our dedication to launching ventures that positively impact communities and promote environmental stewardship. We anticipate furthering our collaboration through additional projects that contribute substantially to societal and environmental well-being.”

Seasonal Swaps: Refreshing Your Decor with Artificial Trees Through the Year

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With the change of seasons, so do our tastes in decorations. The plus point of artificial trees and plants is that they give the chance to update your home or office decor with the season without the effort and care needed for real plants. This guide discusses how you can make use of outdoor artificial plants wholesale to maintain your environments lively and in sync with nature, regardless of the season.

Spring: Bright and Fresh

Spring is a time of renewal and the best season to spruce up your decor with bright green and flowering fake trees. Imagine the feeling of bringing delicate cherry blossoms, magnolia, or forsythia branches that remind you of spring inside your home. Wholesalers of outdoor artificial plants give a variety of plants to imitate the fresh blossoms of the season.

Summer: Lush and Tropical

With the advent of summer, make your space look as green as the nature around with fake tropical trees. Palms, birds of paradise, and other tropical selections can turn any corner of the yard into a summery getaway. One of the ways to achieve summer chic is to create a full, green look that resembles a tropical paradise. Outdoor artificial plants wholesale present choices that are not only realistic but also UV resistant, hence they will remain vibrant throughout the season even under direct sunshine.

Autumn: Rich and Earthy

Autumn decorations are inspired by the palette of warm tones and rich textures. Change the bright greens of summer for deep reds, oranges, yellows of the artificial maple trees, aspens, or oaks. These trees can instantly add life to a room, mirroring the seasonal transition of a landscape. Placing artificial succulents in combination with earthy colors and textures is a great way to add a fall theme to your decor, as they provide a nice depth to your seasonal decor.

Winter: Cool and Festive

Wintertime is a time for décor that brings to mind a warm and festive feeling. Artificial pine trees, flocked trees, or even bare-branched trees covered with snow can transform your home into a wintery fairyland. Wholesale suppliers of outdoor artificial plants frequently provide festive ornaments that can be decorated with lights and ornaments for holiday purposes. To achieve the icy and magical winter vibe, you can add these to the frost-kissed artificial succulents wholesale.

Year-Round Versatility

Though switching to seasonal accessories is a wonderful way to keep your decor updated, some artificial trees and plants can be used throughout the year without problems. Evergreen trees, boxwoods, and a range of succulents can be utilized to create a consistent background for your seasonal changes that harmonize with any kind of decoration. By selecting the most versatile items from outdoor artificial plants wholesale, you will be able to always have a trace of nature in your place, regardless of the season.

In sum, the ability to experiment and change seasonally with artificial trees and plants is offered by this process. This method does not only reduce money and time but also keeps your decorations fresh and consistent with the natural cycles of the year while avoiding the effort of taking care of real plants.

Konza, Business Process Outsourcing Association Partner to Attract BPO Investors

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 Konza Technopolis has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Business Process Outsourcing Association of Kenya (BPOAK) to market Kenya as a business outsourcing destination.

The two will also develop favourable policies to attract BPOs and enhancement of digital skills among the youth making them employable.

“This MOU heralds a new dawn for the business process outsourcing as it will allow us to leverage on our strength and make Kenya the preferred investment destination,” John Paul Okwiri said during the signing ceremony.

The Association brings together organizations involved in business process outsourcing in the country with a vision of making Kenya a preferred and the largest BPO destination in Africa.  Business process outsourcing (BPO) is a method of subcontracting various business-related operations to third-party vendors. 

“As an association we are delighted to have this collaboration with Konza Technopolis because our members will enjoy numerous and tremendous benefits derived from Konza being a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and also with a ready infrastructure that allows plug and play for our members,” Roselyn Maundu Chairperson of BPOAK said.

Kenya is increasingly preferred as a BPO destination because of a number of factors such as, hosting 6 submarines fiber cables which provides reliable internet services, a well-educated human resource and higher English proficiency.

“Kenya has 2 million digital workers, we produce over 10,000 graduates per year, we are the second country in Africa on English proficiency and our labour cost is competitive hence a preferred destination,” Maundu added.

Konza Technopolis is a key flagship project of Kenya’s Vision 2030 economic development blue print that aims to transform Kenya into a middle-income country with higher standards of living for Kenyans. It’s tasked with developing a thriving sustainable smart city and a vibrant innovation ecosystem contributing to Kenya’s knowledge economy and contributing to the transformation of the Kenyan economy into a digitally driven economy.  

“We have a ready infrastructure for BPO investors to come plug and play. We have sufficient power through our green 400Kv substation and a ready pool of digitally skilled workforce through our Jitume Hubs,” Okwiri said.

The global BPO industry is estimated at $1 trillion and employing over 42 million people. However, Africa accounts for less than 2 million jobs due to low physical infrastructure development, less penetration of digital infrastructure, uncoordinated marketing and business sourcing and lack of enabling policies.

“This partnership with Konza Technopolis is expected to addressing some of these emerging challenges especially the availability of physical and digital infrastructure, reliable power supply and riding on the Jitume digital program where we will have access to ready skilled human resource,” Maundu added.

What Is It That Makes Cryptocurrencies So Attractive to Be Targeted by Hackers?

Why do cybercriminals target digital currencies?

TechMoran examines the reasons behind the persistence of cyberattacks on cryptocurrency investors.

Let’s examine the reasons for and methods used by hackers to target crypto investors.

The digital currency sector is expanding quickly, with over 420 million users, over 12,000 cryptocurrencies globally, and an expected value of US$2.2 billion by 2026. But because of its quick expansion, cybercriminals now target it in an attempt to trick unsuspecting victims.

In this article, TechMoran examines the attack vectors and vulnerabilities unique to cryptocurrency-based cybercrime that hackers use.

Why Do Cybercriminals Target Cryptocurrencies?

Attacks on Cryptocurrencies Can Pay Off Handsomely

With market values of $330.6 billion, $152.6 billion, and $68.2 billion for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether, respectively, traders in digital currencies and wallets may be a tempting target for cybercriminals. So much so that, in 2022, cryptocurrency hackers stole $3.8 billion in value. It was almost double the sum of what was siphoned by hackers last year, which was $2 billion in cryptos.

Malicious criminals broke into leading cryptocurrency-focused algorithmic trading firm for digital assets Wintermute’s hot wallet in September 2022 with the intention of stealing $162.5 million.

Note: A cryptocurrency wallet that’s readily accessible online and allows for transactions between its owner’s wallet and other people’s wallets is referred to as a “hot wallet”. These wallets are connected by public and private keys, which serve as both security and transactional aids.

The hackers used a flaw in the private keys produced by the Profanity app to accomplish this. A cryptocurrency wallet’s private key is a secure code that identifies the wallet’s owner and permits transactions. On the other hand, malevolent actors may be able to access a crypto wallet if these keys are dangerous.

Even the gambling industry hasn’t been bypassed when it comes to crypto attacks. Over $40 million in digital assets has been taken by hackers from what is purported to be the top betting site in the world, Stake. Based in Curaçao, the gambling platform allows users to wager on sports and casinos with cryptocurrencies. It reported in September of last year that its Ethereum (ETH) and Binance Smart Chain (BSC) hot wallets have been used to make illicit transactions. Fortunately for the business, the hackers spared themselves an effort to hack any other wallets. Blockchain security firm Cyvers initially reported the problem, pointing out that $16 million worth of Ethereum coin had been taken out of Stake. After that, the pilfered cryptocurrency was moved to more external wallets. ZachXBT, a blockchain investigator, conducted additional research and found that $25.6 million in BSC and Polygon (MATIC) had been taken out of the hot wallets. This all affected the Stake’s reputation and made clients turn to other crypto gambling operators, preferably Monero betting sites, which proved to be more confident and more anonymous crypto, highly suitable for gaming.

Blockchain Enterprises Might Be More Susceptible to Cyberattacks

Even though Digicash produced the first digital currency, eCash, in 1990, it wasn’t until 2009 that cryptocurrencies gained popularity thanks to the release of Bitcoin. Since there are about 100 new cryptocurrencies launched every day, the desire to get into the market could lead to so-called “cryptopreneurs” putting more emphasis on starting and growing their venture than safeguarding their company.

The eagerness to launch can result in security flaws that are a major attraction for hackers. Because it isn’t necessary to invest a significant sum of money to launch a startup in the cryptocurrency area, people may choose to concentrate their investments on building an eye-catching website or other front-end features rather than safeguarding the back end of their organization. They are hence open to cyberattacks.

It’s likely that not even some of the bigger cryptocurrency companies have advanced enough cyber security to keep hackers at bay. It makes sense that keeping up with the rapidly expanding crypto business would be challenging. Deploying a robust cyber defense plan and infrastructure would require a full-time employee given the rate of intelligence growth of both hackers and technology.

It was discovered in January of last year that $415 million worth of cryptocurrencies had been taken by hackers from the defunct exchange FTX. The theft was uncovered after FTX attorneys and consultants found $5.5 billion in assets that needed to be found, of which the pilfered cryptocurrency accounted for around a 10th. Prosecutors said that over $370 million in bitcoin had vanished from the exchange, and it was speculated that the stolen coin may have been connected to a cyberattack that happened just hours after FTX filed for bankruptcy.

This, however, can’t compare to what stands as the largest incident in history – the breach of the Ronin network (an Ethereum-based sidechain made for the popular play-to-earn game Axie Infinity) in 2022, where North Korean state-backed hacking group Lazarus stole more than $600 million in cryptos.

Transfers of Cryptocurrency Can’t Be Undone

Transfers of cryptocurrency occur on a network that’s decentralized, which means that once money is sent, it can’t be stopped or reversed—the recipient can only recover their money back. This is because no data on the network can be altered due to the irrevocable nature of the blockchain. In addition to preventing chargebacks, digital currency methods implemented by cryptocurrency organizations shield merchants from having their funds reversed or canceled.

This implies that there’s very little chance that victims will be able to retrieve the money after hackers are able to access and move from a victim’s crypto wallets.

The complete digital livelihood of NFT God was breached on January 15, 2023, when hackers obtained access to and took a substantial amount of money and NFTs from their digital wallet, altering their entire net worth.

NFT God clarified that malware that they thought was video streaming software had been downloaded by mistake, giving hackers access to their computer and digital wallet. Every digital asset owned by NFT God was taken by the hackers. According to blockchain data, these assets comprised multiple NFTs, a Mutant Ape Yacht Club (MAYC) NFT with a current floor price of 16 ETH ($25,000), and at least 19 ETH, which was valued at about $27,000 at the time.

Hackers profit from the desire of those who lose their digital goods to get them back. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has warned cryptocurrency owners not to trust people or businesses that offer cryptocurrency recovery services due to the prevalence of hackers taking advantage of this desperation. Malicious actors will persuade victims in these scams that they can get their money and assets back, but in order to do so, they will either charge them a fee or require their financial details. This results in additional deception of the victim.

How Do Fraudsters Target Businesses and Users of Cryptocurrencies?

Attacks Using Social Engineering to Deceive Unwary Investors

Malicious individuals take advantage of this pressure on those who are interested in investing in cryptocurrency to purchase at the best possible time by attacking using social engineering. This was demonstrated in July 2022 when the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) alerted investors to the fact that fraudulent cryptocurrency applications had resulted in $42.7 million in losses in just six months.

The FBI documented 244 victims who lost from $900,000 and $5.5 million each to fraudulent digital currency apps between November 1, 2021, and May 13, 2022. Scammers pretended to be authorized US investment services in the schemes, and they targeted people with an interest in mobile banking and cryptocurrencies in particular. The hackers utilized the names and logos of the aforementioned investment businesses in their conversations with the victims in order to look more trustworthy. The investors were duped by the hackers when they used these strategies to persuade them to download mobile apps.

The two businesses for which the con artists made fictitious websites were Supayos, an Australian currency exchange company, and YitBit, the name of a formerly reputable crypto service. According to the FBI, this was a strategy to give the fraud apps a more authentic appearance. By patiently awaiting traders to put money into the fictitious accounts and then informing them through the mobile application that they must pay taxes before they can withdraw any money, the thieves, acting as YitBit, were able to scam no fewer than four victims out of $5.5 million. As a result, those harmed were powerless to take their money out of the fake program.

According to research conducted by the cyber security reference site Privacy Affairs, in 2022, malevolent actors initiated 15 cryptocurrency-related scams each hour, resulting in hackers taking $4.3 billion in cryptocurrencies between January and November.

Breaking into Token Bridges in Order to Extract Money

Users of cryptocurrencies utilize blockchain bridges to move coins across various blockchains. The assets are deposited over the bridge as “wrapped” tokens in order for the bridges to function. The tokens can operate on the blockchain to which they are being moved if they are wrapped. Sadly, because bridges have weaknesses at both ends of the transfer, they become more vulnerable to attacks.

The US-based cryptocurrency company Nomad said in August 2022 that the breach of the Nomad token bridge had resulted in the theft of $190 million worth of cryptocurrencies. 

The money was taken after malevolent actors were able to substitute the intended destination wallet with their own account due to a vulnerability in the bridge’s implementation.

The hackers stole enormous amounts of money from multiple token bridges in July 2023, moving over $126 million between networks like Fantom, Moonriver, and Dogecoin. The ensuing event not only highlighted multichain’s weaknesses but also threw other ecosystems that depended on it into disarray.

Attacks Using Phishing Techniques to Access Digital Wallets

Hackers will impersonate cryptocurrency companies in a manner akin to that of phony companies used to deceive investors in order to obtain access to cryptocurrency users’ wallets through phishing attacks.

Phishing assaults were employed by a hacker known as Monkey Drainer in October 2022 to take $1 million in Ethereum and NFTs in a single day. The hacker group known as Monkey Drainer is well-known for using phishing-based tactics to defraud users by creating phony NFT and cryptocurrency websites. Monkey Drainer has been observed to impersonate reputable blockchain websites, such as RTFKT and Aptos, in order to provide credibility to these fraudulent sites. Victims grant Monkey Drainer access to their wallets and money by providing critical information concerning their digital currency wallets and approving transactions after logging into the phony websites.

In the October 2022 attack, the two most well-known victims were solely identified as 0x02a and 0x626. Through malicious phishing websites run by Monkey Drainer, the two lost a total of $370,000, with 0x02a losing 12 NFTs valued at about $15,000. At the time, 0x626 had about $2.2 million in their cryptocurrency wallet. Nevertheless, the network the wallet was on rejected some of the transactions that Monkey Drainer had pushed because they were deemed suspicious. This indicated that $220,000 worth of crypto had actually been lost in total.

In 2023, there was a surge in cryptocurrency phishing operations. Scammers used malware called Wallet Drainer to steal around $300 million from their victims. Over the course of the previous year, wallet drainers took $295.5 million in cryptocurrency assets from over 324,000 victims; the most money taken from a single user was $24 million.

Conclusion

Hackers plundered billions of dollars worth of cryptocurrency for another year. It’s 2023 we’re talking about. However, according to crypto security firms, the trend is declining for the first time since 2020. Even though it’s spread among multiple occurrences, this sum highlights the ongoing weaknesses and difficulties in the DeFi ecosystem. Even if the prolonged bear market in the early half of the year somewhat dampened interest in the industry, 2023 served as an indicator of both the persistent vulnerabilities and the progress achieved in resolving them.

One can’t foresee what may occur in 2024. However, considering the lax security measures taken by many web3 and cryptocurrency initiatives and the enormous financial worth they possess—discussed at TechCrunch Disrupt earlier this year—we may anticipate hackers to stay persistent in targeting the industry that’s clearly growing.

The Phenomenon of Cloud Mining in the World of Cryptocurrencies: A Closer Look

Let’s investigate the intricacies of cloud mining and the cryptocurrency space as a whole. This piece intends to provide a step-by-step explanation of the principles of cloud mining, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned investor or just inquiring about the industry. It covers how it operates, potential risks, and advantages. In summary, we aim to unveil cloud mining in cryptocurrency.

Users can hire the processing power of a data center remotely through cloud mining or cloud hashing, eliminating the requirement for hardware ownership. Reputable businesses like HashFlare and Genesis Mining give customers the chance to participate in mining without having to worry about managing equipment.

Consider the benefits, drawbacks, and evolving field of cloud mining you’ll see in this article to ensure you’re making the best decision in the current cryptocurrency market.

For Starters: An Understanding of Cloud Mining

A crucial function of the blockchain system is mining cryptocurrencies, which verifies and logs transactions into the openly accessible database. The more traditional method of mining involves lone miners equipped with heavy machinery, while cloud mining is a relatively recent concept.

When users have access to distant computing resources housed in these data centers, they can employ an alternate technique known as cloud mining or cloud hashing. In contrast to traditional mining, which requires using personal gear, cloud mining allows a large number of individuals to participate in mining activities without having to purchase and maintain the necessary hardware. These service providers, sometimes referred to as cloud mining firms, oversee expansive mining infrastructures that they rent out to clients in order to generate revenue.

Mechanisms of Operation

Selecting a Provider for Cloud Mining

What’s cryptocurrency cloud mining, and how does it operate?

You can generate cryptocurrency using cloud mining without needing to purchase or maintain any hardware. It entails leasing processing capacity from an organization that manages the mining apparatus on your behalf.

Finding a reputable provider through research and selection is the first step in cloud mining. Selecting the best cloud mining firm should be done with greater caution because there are many companies available. Reputable suppliers need to be transparent about their practices, have a solid track record of reliability, and offer simple terms.

  • Researching & Comparing

These users typically conduct extensive research to compare the reputations of various suppliers, costs, conditions of contracts, and public opinion. Nonetheless, when customers choose a supplier whose goals align with their own, this phase is critical.

  • Well-known cloud mining vendors

The most well-known cloud mining service providers are HashFlare, Eobot, Genesis Mining, and so on. Typically, users look for a supplier who has received good feedback and testimonials from other users in the community.

Choosing a Mining Strategy

After selecting a supplier, users must select a mining policy that best suits their requirements and financial capabilities. There are several configurations for mining programs that offer different hash power, time spans, and fee-for-service options.

  • Considerations for hash power

The hash rate dictates the mining efficiency. After that, users must choose a hash rate that’s appropriate for their capital and gains; more costly with bigger payouts, but hash power plans cost more.

  • Duration of the contract

Contracts for cloud mining can range in duration from instantaneous execution to ongoing agreements. As a result, users’ contract lengths ought to correspond with their risk tolerance and financial goals.

  • Models of pricing

In this situation, service providers might give several pricing structures, including set rates, or variable fees that change based on changes in the market. It’s anticipated that users will understand the arrangement of prices and how it impacts their potential returns.

Putting a Signature on a Mining Contract

After that, users enter into contractual agreements with the mining plan they have chosen. Important details including the quantity of hash power allotted, the duration of the contract, and associated fees are also covered in the agreement between the parties.

  • Ts & Cs

Users must carefully read the terms and conditions of the mining contract before finalizing it in order to prevent disputes after signing it. During this phase, it’s critical to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is aware of their roles.

  • Compliance with laws and regulations

Because the mining contract is governed by the laws and regulations of the jurisdiction in which the provider conducts business, users should be aware of these provisions. Respecting the nation’s legal obligations lessens the possibility of fines or other legal repercussions.

Getting Paid for Mining

As long as the mining process is active, users will be paid in cryptos based on the quantity of hash power they have allocated. The generation of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other alternative digital currencies then receives a portion of these benefits.

Speaking of other cryptos and their mining, especially, cloud mining, the “case” of Monero is particularly interesting. In comparison to your preconceived notions about the typical cryptocurrency mining process, Monero operates quite differently. Monero’s emphasis on complete decentralization is evident in its mining strategy, which is frequently marketed as being more “democratic” than that of, say, Bitcoin. The CryptoNight hashing method, which Monero implemented and uses to mine its XMR currency (the untraceable coin, perfect for anonymity in transactions, hence popular for people who want to conceal their online habits, such as gambling on best Monero casino sites in 2024, from close ones) is the cause of this. Because it can be computed by CPUs and GPUs, this memory-intensive technique is meant to promote a more equitable approach to mining. Mining Monero via cloud-based services gets you into an agreement with a cloud mining platform, typically centered around a data center, which will mine Monero for you in return for a regular payment. For individuals who find owning a mining rig to be an unnecessary nuisance and who don’t want to dig into the specifics of mining, this option is more affordable and more accessible.

  • A consideration for mining pools

Some utilize pooled or cloud hashing agreements, which are similar in that they enable groups of strangers to boost the likelihood of winning by contributing hashing techniques for mining blocks together. Members of a mining pool receive payment for the hash power they contribute.

  • Withdrawing and conversions

Nonetheless, users typically have the option to exchange their mining rewards for Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies or to withdraw them altogether. Everything is dependent upon personal preferences and the state of the market.

Benefits of Cloud Mining

Availability

Fair usage of mining activities by all is made possible by cloud mining.

Cloud mining makes it possible for people with limited financial resources and no technical experience to mine cryptocurrency on other people’s hardware.

Economy of Cost

Traditional mining requires capital expenditures for cooling systems, energy, and hardware.

With cloud mining, these charges are eliminated, allowing users to begin mining for less money than they would typically.

Adaptability

The length of time that users may work under a cloud mining contract is likewise flexible.

Depending on their investing goals and risk tolerance, investors can also choose to enter into a long-term or short-term contract.

Diversifying

People don’t need to manage many miners when mining different kinds of cryptocurrencies at the same time thanks to cloud mining.

This makes it easier to diversify a crypto portfolio.

Challenges & Risks

Issues with Profitability

  • Volatility of the market

However, it’s possible that a key component that drives fluctuations in virtual currency pricing may determine how profitable cloud mining becomes. The possibility of making money through cloud mining is dependent on changes in the value of different cryptocurrencies, such as Ethereum and Bitcoin.

  • Difficulties of mining

The amount of cryptocurrency awarded to miners may be influenced by mining levels of difficulty that automatically adjust in response to variations in hash rates. However, while one’s hash power is constant, increasing mine difficulty might make mining more challenging and profit may no longer be profitable.

Reliance on Providers

  • Dependence on infrastructure

Users using cloud mining, however, are reliant on how well the chosen provider operates. Customers of these services could encounter disruptions as a result of difficulties such as hardware malfunctions, service outages, or other technical problems that arise at the providers’ end.

  • Reputation of provider

It’s crucial that the cloud miner offers to be trustworthy and dependable. To avoid falling victim to untrustworthy providers who are prone to disruptions, customers should exercise due diligence in finding credible organizations that are recognized for their dependability, transparency, and uninterrupted reward plans.

No Control

  • Restricted hardware control

Few rights exist for the owners of Cloud Mine’s actual hardware over how the provider uses it. On the other hand, consumers who are used to controlling their hardware directly may find lack of control concerning.

  • Authority to make decisions

The supplier has the authority to make decisions about things like hash function modifications and equipment improvements. However, consumers may be at the mercy of the provider’s whims and caprices, which could lead to unpredictably changing mining activity and earnings.

Risks of Scams

Malicious Activities

Unfortunately, there have been a few cases of dishonest cloud mining operations in the cryptocurrency space.

Some con artists promise large sums of money that they will quickly refund. Examine each cloud mining contract you are going to sign very carefully.

Warning and Red Flag Signs

Users should therefore exercise caution when doing business with providers who make excessively large returns without providing comprehensive explanations of their Ts & Cs, or who make excessively grand promises.

This will help uncover potential scams by examining customer evaluations, the reputation of the industry, and the provider’s reaction to queries.

Regulatory and Legal Risks

Uncertainty in Regulations

Nonetheless, laws governing cloud mining vary throughout the world, and shifting laws may have an impact on the practice’s legality or viability.

It’s imperative that consumers understand that neglecting to stay up to date with the current regulatory environment in their jurisdiction leaves them vulnerable to any legal consequences.

Compliance with Contracts

Users should confirm that a cloud mining provider complies with all applicable laws and terms before selecting one.

There will be numerous financial and legal issues if there’s any inadequacy in these agreements.

The Changing Cloud Mining Environment

Technological Progress

For mining optimization, cloud mining offers ongoing acquisitions of cutting-edge machinery and technology.

Performance improvements benefit users without requiring them to update their own gear.

Market Rivalry

The recent surge in the popularity of cloud mining has led to intense competition among businesses in this industry.

There is fierce competition in the market as service providers strive to improve service delivery and pricing models by adding more features to their packages.

Regulatory Aspects to Take into Account

This is contingent upon the legal framework of cloud mining that exists in different nations.

There are regions where mining cryptocurrencies is permitted, and there are others where it’s strictly prohibited. Users therefore need to be aware of local legislation.

Final Thoughts

Because of this, cloud mining offers a minimal entrance barrier into the world of cryptocurrency mining. Nevertheless, before choosing a cloud miner, one must conduct extensive study on a number of topics.

Cloud mining could be the future of cryptocurrencies, providing a wide range of choices for those looking to participate in the decentralized economy.

Zipline Soars to One Million Deliveries, Revolutionizing Medical Logistics

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Pioneering drone delivery company Zipline has achieved a remarkable feat by completing one million commercial deliveries.

This milestone marks a significant leap forward in the medical supply chain, particularly in Africa, where Zipline has become a leader in life-saving deliveries, reports state.

In 2014, Keller Rinaudo and Will Hetzler launched Zipline, a company with a mission to revolutionize access to medical care in remote and underserved areas, hence the unveiling of the network of self-flying drones for medical deliveries.

“Zipline’s signature electric drones, known for their quiet operation and long range, act as flying pharmacies, transporting critical medical supplies directly to healthcare facilities.”

Rwanda became Zipline’s first home in 2016. Since then, the company has expanded its reach beyond Africa, operating distribution centers in seven countries: Rwanda, Ghana, Japan, the United States, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, and Kenya (as of April 2024).

These countries share challenges like vast distances, limited infrastructure and difficulty maintaining consistent medical supplies in remote areas.

Zipline’s drones bridge these gaps, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of essential medical supplies, including: delivering lifesaving blood to hospitals and clinics within minutes of a request, significantly reducing response times compared to traditional methods.

These drones ensure consistent vaccine availability, even in remote locations, contributing to improved vaccination coverage. Also, they deliver a wide range of medications for various illnesses, ensuring patients in remote areas have access to the treatment they need.

Celebrating the one-millionth delivery milestone, Ryan Oksenhorn, Zipline Co-Founder and Head of Software, stated his belief that this is just the beginning.

He envisions a future where millions of deliveries happen in a year, a month, or even a day. Ultimately, Mr Oksenhorn sees,”A world where clean, reliable autonomous delivery is available to everyone.

The company’s reach extends beyond Africa. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Federal Aviation Administration granted a waiver to Zipline’s partner, Novant Health, for medical supply and PPE deliveries in North Carolina.

This marked Zipline’s entry into the North American market, demonstrating its technology’s potential in developed countries.

Another significant expansion came in 2021 with Zipline’s entry into Asia with operations in Japan. Here, the company focuses on delivering medical supplies to a remote island chain, showcasing its adaptability to diverse geographical challenges.

As Zipline celebrates its millionth delivery, the company is actively pursuing further growth and innovation: The company is exploring opportunities to extend its services to other developing countries and remote regions facing similar healthcare delivery challenges.

The firm noted it is continuously working to extend the range and capacity of its drones, allowing them to reach even more remote areas and serve larger populations. Beyond medical supplies, the company is exploring the possibility of delivering life-saving equipment, diagnostic tools, and even essential non-medical supplies in disaster zones.

In addition, the firm claims it is working to seamlessly integrate its drone delivery system with existing healthcare infrastructure for improved efficiency, data-driven decision making, and automated inventory management.

IZI Electric, a pioneer in e-mobility launches its fleet of electric buses in Kigali

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IZI Rwanda, a pioneer in e-mobility, has delivered five electric buses to Kigali which will be trialled in the fleets of Kigali Bus Services (KBS) and other local operators, in a pilot project aimed at the electrification of public transport in Kigali for a fraction of previous cost estimates.

Kigali’s population has grown 50% since 2013, while the number of operational buses has decreased significantly. This decline is largely attributed to rising diesel costs and capped ticket prices, which in many cases drive a requirement for 80% occupancy just to cover fuel costs.  As Public Transport Operators (PTOs) fleets have shrunk, some commuters often endure waits of up to two hours, impacting their quality of life and productivity. Additionally, vehicle emissions account for 13% of Rwanda’s greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating an urgent shift to clean transport.

The Government of Rwanda has implemented numerous progressive policy initiatives to drive electrification of public transport, but PTOs have been wary of purchasing electric vehicles because of the high initial capex, unknown resale value and absence of local maintenance facilities. In response, IZI has launched its e-mobility-as-a-service model to overcome these challenges and provide a frictionless way to migrate bus fleets of all sizes to electric. For low per kilometre fee, bus operators can enjoy IZI’s innovative ‘Pay As You Go’ service and are provided access to: a fully electric vehicle, the required charging infrastructure, full vehicle servicing and training. In short without any upfront cost transport providers can realise an average 40% saving on operational costs, transforming their profitability, and allowing them to meet the needs of a rapidly growing urban population.

A key enabler of IZI’s low-cost solution is a proprietary platform that significantly extends the life of EV batteries, thus lowering overall vehicle costs by extending their useful lifespan. The IZI Connect fleet management system, which currently manages more than 9,000 vehicles in China, monitors the battery health and supports predictive maintenance which is facilitated by a Battery Laboratory for on-site battery cell repair and replacement.

The IZI Battery Laboratory will be the first facility of its kind in Africa, and beyond supporting the IZI fleet, this state-of-the-art lab will extend service to third-party EV users, offering localized battery analysis, repair, and maintenance services. Strategically located in Kigali, the lab is poised to be a significant driver of specialized job creation and accelerate the adoption and growth of EVs across Rwanda and the broader East African region.

Charles Ngarambe, CEO of Kigali Bus Services (one of the largest public transport operators in Rwanda) commented “We believe the IZI model service can be transformative to the profitability of our business and drive our expansion”.

IZI has received orders for over 200 buses to be deployed in Rwanda over the course of 2024. Alex Wilson, IZI Chief Executive Officer commented ‘We are delighted to be able to contribute to the Rwandan Governments progressive target of electrifying 20% of their public transport network by 2030. Kigali faces the same challenges as many other rapidly growing African cities and the Rwandan Government’s progressive policy initiatives and investment incentives electrification ambitions and support make Rwanda it an ideal country to pilot IZI’s pioneering e-mobility model.’

UberEats Expands to Kisumu

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Uber Eats has launched in Kisumu, bringing the total number of cities in Kenya where it is present to six, namely, Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, Naivasha. This move is intended to bring city residents a variety of selection options for food, grocery and retail- all at the tap of a button.

The expansion of Uber Eats to Kisumu signals multi-level value addition across the value chain, including restaurants, retailers and delivery people, who will be able to access flexible and independent earning opportunities..

Commenting on the launch, Kui Mbugua, General Manager, Uber Eats Kenya, said: “Our expansion into Kisumu is a key moment for us as we bring our unique offering of on-demand commerce, selection and affordable offering to the residents of Kisumu. Through Uber Eats, we seek to enhance the overall delivery experience and contribute to the local economy by supporting restaurants and retailers in Kisumu.”

As an on-demand marketplace, Uber Eats seamlessly connects businesses and consumers, providing an ever-expanding array of goods and services available on the app. One can find a wide spectrum of goods on the Uber Eats app that cut across diverse consumer needs and price points where it continues to expand the categories it offers including Convenience, Liquor, Pharmacy & Wellness and Everyday Essentials.

Kisumu County Executive Member (CEC)  for Trade, Tourism, Industry and Marketing Hon. Farida Salim, commented on the launch: “We are pleased to welcome Uber Eats to Kisumu County and anticipate significant value being created for restaurants and small businesses. This is a great example of a collaboration between the private and public sector, which yields benefits for individuals, businesses and the community at large.

Uber Eats, which has been present in Kenya for six years now, has expanded its platform since launch to align with consumers’ evolving needs including restaurant selections that range from local favourites to large enterprise partners and well known retail and grocery merchants.

160 Tech Startups to Showcase at the Inaugural African Tech Startup Forum 2024

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African Tech Startup Forum (ATSF) 2024 is set to showcase its first cohort of 160 Tech Startups from 8 African countries; trained by industry leaders, networked with other startups, successful established businesses, and investors.

From the 160, a smaller cohort of just 20 stand-out firms  will head out on a study tour to South Korea and attend the COME UP KOREA event in December 2024.

ATSF is a pilot collaboration of Ndarama Works, Catalyze and Korea Startup Forum, supported by leading tech incubation training partner, UVU Africa. It is funded by the Korea Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) Trust Fund through the African Development Bank (AfDB)’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab.

ATSF is a Market Access and Acceleration Program designed to prepare, train, expose, and connect African tech ventures with local and international opportunities. The program takes place virtually and in-person, aiming to showcase the exceptional tech innovations emerging from Africa and provide them with the platform to thrive. Collaborating with experts from Africa and around the globe, will create an ecosystem that nurtures and boosts tech ventures.

One of the key objectives of the Forum is to seek out and highlight women-owned tech companies, with a goal to have at least 50% of the cohort be strong African women showing their incredible range of tech skills.

The incubation program, a cornerstone of the Forum, provides a nurturing environment for early-stage tech startups to gain access to specialised resources, mentorship, and collaborative workspaces. The B2B matchmaking platform within the Forum facilitates strategic connections between startups and established businesses while Investor Sourcing facet connects promising startups with potential investors eager to support groundbreaking ventures.

ATSF is currently in the intake stage, accepting applications for the inaugural cohort, comprising 160 outstanding entrepreneurs, including startups and Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs). Applications close on 10 May 2024. The second cohort of 20 businesses will be chosen from the first cohort and will advance their growth through a study tour to South Korea and attend the COME UP KOREA event in December 2024.

ATSF are still looking for applications from tech innovators from Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Morocco, Rwanda, and South Africa, in AGTech, FinTech, HealthTech, GameTech, EdTech, RetailTech, GovTech, BioTech, OceanTech, ServiceTech/IOT, CleanTech, E-ComTech and CyberTech.

You can apply here: https://africatechstartupforum.com/apply/

Dynamics of Mobility Transition in Kenya

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By Ashay Abbhi, Manager, Climate Change, Intellecap

George, a delivery executive, lives in a modest home on the outskirts of Nairobi. He unplugs the wire that charges his shiny new electric bike, presses a tiny switch bringing the quiet engine to life, and rides off to deliver happiness in the form of food. George is part of a large cohort of gig-economy workers who swears by this innovation. They feel that while it has a relatively high upfront cost, various leasing and pay-as-you-go models make ownership easier. Moreover, the e-bike saves time otherwise wasted in queues at petrol stations since the ‘e-juice’ is now available at home, which means an increased take-home pay. A few also take pride in the fact that it is good for the environment. While there are multiple transitional challenges, most giggers seem happy with Kenya’s mobility transition.

Kenya is rapidly emerging as the East African e-mobility leader amid the bourgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market in the continent. With President Ruto’s endorsement during the Africa Climate Summit 2023, where he drove an EV to the venue, the Kenyan EV ecosystem has made rapid strides. The government has been making the right moves to increase EV adoption in Kenya, especially in the gig-economy and commercial fleet segment.

The government has taken a multitude of initiatives over time to encourage EV adoption and to bring private sector companies to Kenya. The country has set a target for 2025, aiming for 5% of all new vehicle sales to be EVs. Further, as Kenya is currently dependent on imports for EVs, the government has reduced the excise duty rate from 20% to 10% for fully electric vehicles. A preferential retail electricity tariff of 17 KShs/kWh for charging EVs has been proposed while plans have been put in place for commercial buildings to allocate at least 5% of parking space to EVs. In August 2023, the Kenyan government also set up a 15-member team to develop a dedicated e-mobility policy, the draft of which has now been opened to the public for opinions. A key highlight of the policy is to transform Kenya into an e-mobility manufacturing hub.

The Kenyan EV market, however, has multiple challenges. The opening of the market has led to heavy competition. According to latest estimates, upwards of 40 2W EV companies are operating in Kenya, leaving little breathing space. This also ties in to the less than ambitious target for EVs, which does not provide enough ‘skin in the game’ for EV companies. The government support, therefore, must be greater than only reduction in import duties to make the EV economics viable for customers. A more ambitious target will provide enough scale for private companies to achieve better profit margins, ensuring their longevity in the market.

Currently, the market is in strong overdrive, typical of the growth stage. The government has also responded positively with the introduction of the policy framework, thereby exhibiting a constructive intent. As the market will inevitably begin to plateau in the next five years, especially in the 2W EV segment, we will see the market evolve within multiple tangents and consequences. We can expect an interesting supply-side consolidation as the current targets, the given scale, and number of market participants do not align. The market will correct the number of players, bringing it down significantly from the present 40 plus companies, until those with deeper pockets and sheer resilience survive.

Further, there will be a strict EV economics correction. At present, the product prices are arbitrary with a perception of being higher for the customers and haphazard consequent margins for companies. Moving forward, the market forces will find a way to stabilise the economics, in favour of the demand-side.

As the EV market grows, it will move from being a supplier’s dream (small market with fewer options) to a heavy demand orientation. With all the different supply options available, ultimately the consumers will decide which of these will stay and which will perish. The demand will mostly focus on customer needs and value-added services, determining the supply-side survivors.

The Kenyan EV space has become extremely dynamic. Moving forward, policies, capital, and demand will act as the engine, battery, and accelerator, respectively, of the vehicle of mobility transformation. George and his cohort are already happy. And incoming policies, market evolutions, and market-led economic corrections, will eventually put more money into their pockets and bigger smiles on their faces.

Safeguarding the rights of energy and petroleum products consumers is good for the economy

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By Anne Kiprotich

Kenya is experiencing an energy revolution, with 9.5 million Kenyans now connected to electricity. A further 5,000 public schools, public institutions, private hospitality establishments and hundreds of homes are also on course to acquire LPG reticulation kits thereby reducing their reliance on polluting fuel. 

Even though in its nascent stages, electric mobility has experienced an upsurge with 2,694 new units registered between July and December 2023, bringing the total electric buses, trucks, motorcycles, salon cars and bikes to 3,753. Kenya is also experimenting with hydrogen energy with six firms registered in the past year to explore the green energy product for scaling across Kenya.

According to the latest 2023/2024 Bi-annual Energy and Petroleum statistics report, significant developments have been made with renewable energy sources holding an 84.93 percent of the total energy generation mix.

While the numbers are impressive, it is important that consumer rights are protected as we aim to fulfil the commitment of a 100 percent clean energy transition by 2030. Embracing a rights-based strategy, which ensures safety, access to quality goods and services, and fair compensation for losses or injuries, is important. It is crucial for advancing consumer protection within the energy and petroleum sectors, both in policy formulation and implementation phases, proactively.

Firstly, while access is key to promoting the uptake of energy products, safety and quality assurances must guide all activities by private dealers to ensure that no harmful product is sold. To achieve this, it is incumbent on the consumers to purchase products from licensed vendors only. Licensing protects consumers by ensuring that safety standards are adhered to. 

Secondly, Kenya being a liberalised economy, regulations exist to protect customers from exploitation and exposure to unfair business practices. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s (EPRA) mandate of undertaking economic and technical regulation also includes determining maximum pump prices for petroleum products, released on the 14th of every month. This is in addition to reviewing electricity tariffs and determining pass-through costs cushions consumers from arbitrary pricing and exploitation. 

The recently gazetted Draft Energy (Electricity Market, Bulk Supply and Open Access) Regulations 2024 are under ongoing public participation across the Country. They aim to promote fair competition by allowing investors to generate, transmit, distribute and sell electricity to retail consumers. They will also establish a transparent and efficient electricity market for reliable bulk supply while holding licensees accountable for the services they offer to consumers.

To ensure that safety standards are adhered to when purchasing an LPG gas cylinder, a consumer should check its weight and confirm that the seal is not tampered with to avoid leakages that could lead to explosions. Details of the weight are clearly labelled on the gas cylinder to safeguard the consumers from being exploited concerning quality and measurement. A cylinder ought to be requalified or revalidated within eight years of use. 

Thirdly, when installing electrical works such as wiring, consumers are expected to engage the services of a licensed electrician to offer electrical/solar photovoltaic installation works. The objective of regulating the electrical contractors, electricians and solar photovoltaic workers is to protect the consumer from electrocution and dangerous accidents. 

Consumers’ right to protection from consuming sub-standard petroleum and LPG products requires continuous LPG compliance inspections and fuel marking monitoring programmes, which are done through multi stakeholder collaboration. Such programmes assess compliance with regulatory requirements, operational safety standards and risk management. For instance, monitoring in partnership with local country and law enforcement officials curbs illegal refilling of unauthorised LPG brands while fuel marking ensures the quality and safety of fuel for local and export markets. Fuel marking uses a unique identifier in the form of a bio-chemical liquid to detect the presence of adulterants or export-bound products in the domestic market.

Consumers of energy and petroleum products cannot fully enjoy these inalienable rights without an effective complaints and dispute-handling mechanism. They have the responsibility to ensure that their rights are met by reporting any malpractices and non-conformities to EPRA, whose mandate is to ensure that consumers, investors and stakeholders are protected from unfair practices. 

To promote consumer proactiveness, EPRA has been carrying out public education and advocacy to augment the aforementioned consumer protection efforts while promoting responsible and informed consumer behaviour and compliance with the laws and regulations governing the sector. Continuous engagement, consultation and empowerment of the consumers within the energy and petroleum sub-sectors effectively contribute to informed consumer choices. 

Consumers and sector players must be at the forefront of championing consumer rights through proactive and preventive approaches. The regulator then investigates complaints, accidents and incidents to deter non-compliance and protect the consumers within the sector. As we ponder about protecting consumers and balancing stakeholder interests, it should not be lost on us that prevention is better than cure! 

Ms. Anne Kiprotich is the Deputy Director of Public Education and Advocacy at the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and a Public Sector Governance Educationist.  

Cisco launches new cybersecurity center to strengthen Kenya’s cyber defenses

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Last year, Kenya detected over 1.2 billion cyber threat events, which represented a 943.01% increase from the 123 million threat events detected in the previous period (July to September 2023).

According to the report by the Communications Authority during the three month period between October and December 2023, the exponential increase is attributed to the increased exploitation of “system vulnerabilities” aligned to global trends, and relates to the global surge in the deployment and use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices which are inherently insecure.

In a move to help detect, prevent and respond to cyber threats, Cisco today launched a new Cybersecurity Technology Experience Centre at the Information and Communication Technology Authority (ICT Authority) and the University Of Nairobi (UON) to offer cybersecurity training and awareness, including courses from Cisco Networking Academy.

The center will also serve as a space for customers and partners to deepen their understanding of cybersecurity and learn more about Cisco’s technology and solutions. These include innovations using AI and machine learning to alert security teams of potential issues streamline the investigation process and improve response time to cyber threats and attacks.

Speaking at the launch, Francine Katsoudas, Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy, and Purpose Officer at Cisco, noted that with AI increasing the pace of change in our work and our lives, there is need to ensure that communities are connected and have the skills to participate and respond to threats. “This partnership between CDA and Cisco Networking Academy allows us to equip more people with the skills needed for the future and strengthen the country’s cyber defences. We look forward to working with Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy and ICTA on advancing the goals they’ve set in Kenya’s Development Plan.”

The unprecedented surge in cyberattacks in 2023 was a global phenomenon as countries around the globe, including Kenya, are facing a major skills gap. According to the latest Cisco Cybersecurity Readiness Index, 86 percent of organizations globally are impacted by a shortage of cybersecurity talent.

The Experience Centre is part of Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) programme in Kenya, founded in 2023. CDA works hand-in-hand with Cisco’s Networking Academy, which has been active in Kenya for more than 20 years, training over 130,000 learners in networking, cybersecurity, programing and other digital skills. Aligned to Cisco’s commitment to power an inclusive future for all, the CDA and Networking Academy programmes empower communities worldwide through technology and education. All, the CDA and Networking Academy programmes empower communities worldwide through technology and education.

“Protecting citizens against cybercrime requires collaboration. Cisco and ICTA invite government, educational institutions, private sector organisations and entities committed to Kenya’s cybersecurity infrastructure and digital transformation to engage in this landmark initiative,” said Shain Rahim, Country Leader for Cisco Kenya. “We believe we can make an important and tangible difference in the industry and help accelerate the country’s digital transformation.”

Stanley Kamanguya, Chief Executive Officer at the ICT Authority highlighted that the collaboration was timely adding that the escalation of cyber threats demands significant investments to build resiliency and strengthen defences. “We are proud to collaborate with technology leaders like Cisco, to support our efforts in building a secure digital economy. With the help of the newly inaugurated Cybersecurity Technology Experience Centre, we can better support organizations in training people and securing digital assets and infrastructure,” said Kamanguya.

In addition, Principal Secretary, State Department for ICT and Digital Economy Eng. John Tanui, MBS announced that the Government is in the process of coming up with an agency that will deal specifically with Cybersecurity as such the Cisco Center will be of great help in this endeavour.

Nigeria’s edtech platform Dexude gets funding from Business Finland TEMPO

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Dexude, an edtech platform with operations in Nigeria has been awarded the prestigious Business Finland TEMPO funding marking a pivotal moment in Dexude’s journey towards transforming education through its AI-powered platform.

The Business Finland TEMPO funding is specifically designed to support startups and SMEs aiming for international growth by building their expertise and solutions into international success stories in innovative ways. Tempo funding is intended for under 5 years old startup companies with a new product or service idea.

According to Charles Emembolu, Founder of Dexude, “We are incredibly honored and excited to receive the Business Finland TEMPO funding. This funding is not only a validation of Dexude’s mission to reinvent education but also a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. With this support, we are poised to accelerate our efforts in democratizing access to quality education and empowering learners across Nigeria and beyond.”

The maximum amount of Tempo funding is EUR 60,000. Funding from Business Finland covers 75 per cent of project costs that can be at most EUR 80,000. The funding constitutes a grant that does not have to be paid back. Tempo pays 70 per cent of the funding after the funding decision, and the remainder in conjunction with the project’s final report.

To be part of Tempo, one needs a concrete idea for an innovative product, service or business concept that differs from the solutions currently offered on the international market. Your company has a realistic follow-up plan for research and development and at least EUR 30,000 in equity financing and confirmed self-financing during the project. Tempo also needs a committed team of at least 2 people working in Finland.

Dexude’s commitment to innovation, coupled with its vision to enable a billion learners worldwide, aligns perfectly with the objectives of the TEMPO funding.

Kelvin Chikezie, Co-founder of Dexude, added, “Securing the Business Finland TEMPO funding is a significant milestone for Dexude. It underscores our commitment to leveraging technology and innovation to revolutionize the way people learn and grow. We are grateful to Business Finland for believing in our vision, and we are excited to embark on this next chapter of Dexude’s journey.”

Dexude is on a mission to redefine education by providing learners with access to influential experts and thought leaders, live interactions, and a vibrant community-driven learning experience. Through its platform, Dexude aims to break down barriers to learning and empower individuals to pursue their passions and unlock their full potential.

Rock Crushers: Crushing It with Rock-Busting Superheroes in the Sphere of Mining

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Rock crushers, or britadores de pedra, are essential tools in the mining industry, which they are used to generate smaller particles from the large ones or even dust. These mighty machines are the unrecognized heroes of the mining sector that make it possible to process mineral ores efficiently. This post will discuss the operation, types, and advantages of rock crushers, and how they are vital to the mining industry.

Definition

A britador de pedra (a rock crusher) is a massive machine that breaks down large rocks into smaller pieces with the help of mechanical pressure or impact. These devices play a vital role in the mining operations for comminution of raw materials into sizes that can be handled and processed. They also find application in other industries such as the construction and demolition where the ability to break large materials is of equal importance.

Types of Rock Crushers

  1. Jaw crushers function by squeezing rocks between two hardened plates—one that is stationary and one that is moving.
  2. Cone crushers adopt a rotating cone in a bowl to break rock into smaller pieces.
  3. The impact crushers achieve the breaking down of rocks through high speed impact, and thus, they are very suitable for softer materials.
  4. In gyratory crushers, the head is similar to that of jaw crushers, but it rotates inside a larger cone.

Various Applications  

The main use of a britador de pedra in mining is to make the extraction and processing of ores simpler. Crushers are able to make the material smaller in size by reducing the rock and ore. This makes the materials easier to handle and treat whether it is for further size reduction, beneficiation, or transport. They are invaluable in both open pit and underground mining works.

Advantages  

  • Increased efficiency: The small size of materials makes the load on the other processing equipment, like conveyors and mills, less.
  • Improved extraction rates: Properly sized materials are a vital component of other mine processes like heap leaching.
  • Cost-effectiveness: Efficient material handling contributes to operating costs reduction through the decrease in energy consumption and the equipment wear.
  • Environmental impact: Mining operations’ environmental footprint can be significantly reduced by optimizing the size reduction process through rock crushers.

Challenges and Innovations

However, though they are durable, rock crushers are accompanied by the high energy consumption and the severe wear and tear caused by abrasive materials. Innovations in the crusher technology aim to increase the durability and the efficiency of the devices. Advances include automation elements which improve performance, new materials which increase life span of the components and designs that cut energy usage.

In short, rock crushers, or britadores de pedra, are the basic equipment in the mining industry, who are responsible for the breaking of rocks into the sizes that can be used for mining purposes. As the technology keeps on advancing, the rate of production of the rock crushers will be at an all-time high, hence the high status of the stone-smashing superheroes in the mining industry.

Ivhu Africa and Semiconductors Technologies (STL) enter Sh54bn deal for development of semiconductor & microchip fabrication facilities

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Ivhu Africa, an Australian company specializing in eco-friendly supply chain infrastructure, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding with Semiconductors Technologies LLC (STL) to construct tailored facilities for semiconductor and microchip development in Africa, starting with Kenya.

The agreement entails a direct investment of $400 million (Sh54 billion) in infrastructure and real estate across Sub-Saharan Africa over six years.

Initial projects include two facilities at Kenya’s Dedan Kimathi Science and Technology Park in Nyeri County, costing $110 million (Sh14.85 billion).

During the AmCham Business Summit, convened by the American Chamber of Commerce Kenya and its partners at Windsor Hotel, Founder and Managing Director of Ivhu Africa, Maruza Chikwanha emphasized the significance of the project in advancing Africa’s green industrialization objectives, enhancing supply chain diversity, job creation, and positioning Kenya as Africa’s Silicon Savannah.

Mr Chikwanha highlighted, “The potential to boost Kenya’s foreign direct investment by contributing $10 million (Sh1.35 billion) and creating over 300 jobs during construction, with 80% benefiting the local community. Construction of the first building is expected to conclude in Q3 of 2025, followed by a second facility in Nyeri costing $100 million (Sh13.5 billion).

Beyond Kenya, the collaboration will extend to Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, and Botswana, where nanofabrication plants and science centers will be established to support workforce development and promote technological literacy among Africans.

Founder and Managing Director of Semiconductors Technologies Limited, Dr. Anthony Githinji stressed the importance of enhancing Africa’s technological capabilities through improved infrastructure and human resources.

Dr Githinji emphasized the complexity and costliness of semiconductor development facilities and anticipated a significant increase in staff, from 100 to 1,000, upon full operation of Ivhu’s first location.

“The partnership integrates Ivhu’s expertise in green-certified infrastructure with STL’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, aligning with their commitment to eco-friendly, cost-effective supply chain solutions.”

Amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution, prioritizing green industrialization and technology adoption is vital for Africa’s economic growth.

Establishing robust science and technology ecosystems, exemplified by DeST-Park in Nyeri, will drive industrialization and foster economic development.

STL and Ivhu envision a future where exponential technology is accessible to all, rewriting Africa’s narrative one semiconductor at a time.

Ivhu Africa specializes in developing and leasing eco-friendly industrial real estate properties across the COMESA free trade area, supporting businesses in various sectors including e-commerce, technology, food production, retail, and healthcare.

Their expertise in green building aligns with their commitment to sustainable, resilient supply chain solutions.

Overcoming Obstacles in Custom Plastic Injection Moulding: A Troubleshooter’s Guide

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Obstacle is a part of daily routine in the world of custom plastic injection molding. This complex procedure requires not only a thorough knowledge of materials and equipment but also the capacity to solve many problems that may occur during production. The purpose of this guide is to provide information on the most common challenges in this field and their solutions, in order to make the transition from the custom injection mold to the final product as seamless as possible.

Material Behavior

The success of custom plastic injection molding is largely determined by the choice of materials. Various polymers have different responses to the stress of injection molding processes. For example, warping or shrinkage may happen with the materials that are not suitable for the particular design of a custom injection mold. The knowledge of material properties such as melting temperature, flow rate, and cooling time is critical for mold makers to anticipate and prevent these problems.

Precision in Mold Design

The mold design and manufacturing accuracy are the main factors that influence the quality of the final product. Inaccuracies in the mold cause the part to have defects like improper fit, surface imperfections, or structural weaknesses. With the help of advanced CAD software and CNC machining, mold makers are able to attain the level of precision needed for the effective custom plastic injection molding.

Injection Molding Parameters 

The parameters of the injection molding machine, including temperature, pressure, and injection speed, must be adjusted precisely to the material and the mold design. Improper settings can cause a range of problems, starting with incomplete filling of the mold and ending with excessive internal stresses in the final part. These parameters need to be monitored and adjusted on a regular basis for the sake of high-quality production.

Ensuring Adequate Cooling 

Cooling is crucial for avoiding deformations and guaranteeing the dimensional accuracy of the injected parts. In the same way, a properly developed ejection system is vital to remove the part from the mold without any harm. To avoid these obstacles, mold manufacturers should carefully design cooling and ejection systems suitable for the particular custom injection mold and the part being produced.

Training and Expertise

The skill of the people running the injection molding machines is not to be underestimated. Technology, no matter how advanced, still requires human supervision to detect and solve problems as they occur. Continuous investment in training and development of operators is a must for mold manufacturers to have their teams capable of dealing with the intricacies of custom plastic injection molding.

Conclusion

Custom plastic injection molding is a discipline that requires accuracy, knowledge, and a continuous dedication to quality. Recognizing the critical contribution of human expertise in troubleshooting and problem-solving makes it possible to produce perfect custom injection mold parts. By faithfully applying these principles, mold manufacturers can remain at the forefront of the demanding yet satisfying field of custom plastic injection molding, transforming creative concepts into high-quality reality.

Kenya’s GoBeba, Ghana’s Kola Market & SA’s NewForm Foods raise $200K each from Madica, a Flourish Ventures-backed pre-seed fund

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Kenya’s GoBeba, Ghana’s Kola Market & South Africa’s NewForm Foods have raised $200,000 each from Madica, a Flourish Ventures-backed pre-seed fund for startups in Africa.

The three will also join Madica’s comprehensive investment program which includes 18 months of hands-on mentorship, week-long founder immersion trips, executive coaching opportunities, and access to madica’s global network of investors for follow-on funding.

According to Emmanuel Adegboye, Head of Madica, “We’re excited to announce our first set of investments, which showcase the remarkable talent and innovation in the African tech ecosystem. Each one of these startups represents the untapped potential of African founders who lack the support they direly need because they are too often perceived as risky by global investors. This year, our goal is to support more of these founders and integrate them into the global startup ecosystem. 

Above: Marie-Reine Seshie and Francis

Launched in 2022 and affiliated with Flourish Ventures, Madica is a sector-agnostic investment program designed to address structural gaps in Africa’s startup ecosystem. The program tackles key challenges such as limited access to capital, a scarcity of investors, insufficient mentorship, and the lack of structured support necessary for startups to resolve critical issues and foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and wealth creation across the continent.

Kola Market, founded by Marie-Reine Seshie, assists SMEs in enhancing sales, optimising inventory, and securing financing via a comprehensive B2B platform that simplifies business operations and improves efficiency while Kenya’s GoBEBA, co-founded by Lesley Mbogo and Peter Ndiang’ui, offers a direct-to-customer e-commerce platform that streamlines the purchase and delivery of bulky essential utilities, ensuring safe, quick, and reliable doorstep service in urban areas.

Above: GoBEBA, co-founded by Lesley Mbogo and Peter Ndiang’ui

South Africa’s NewForm Foods founded by Brett Thompson and Tasneem Karodia, enables food producers and retailers to rapidly develop and scale cultivated meat products at a cost well below industry standards. 

Madica employs an open application process, allowing founders to apply without an introduction. The program collaborates with local ecosystem players like incubators, accelerators, and angel networks to discover and support entrepreneurs. All applicants undergo the same evaluation process, with investments made on a rolling basis throughout the year. The program intends to invest in up to an additional 10 startups this year. Interested founders can learn more and apply by visiting Madica’s website.

Above: Brett Thompson and Tasneem Karodia

Adegboye added that the glaring imbalance in venture funding in Africa is a big concern, and Madica aims to support founders who are often overlooked by investors.

“We aim to be a catalyst and inspire other investors to join our goal of broadening the reach of venture capital and founder mentorship,” he said.

TECNO launches the new CAMON 30 Series in Kenya

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TECNO has launched the new CAMON 30 Series in Kenya with memory options of up to 512GB+24GB, and a powerful 70W Ultra Charge 5000mAh battery, the CAMON 30 Series.

The CAMON 30 Series boasts a stylish Classic Side-axis Camera Design, reminiscent of classic rangefinder cameras, designed to make every user feel like a professional photographer.

TECNO has announced that the CAMON 30 Series is the first to debut with the highly anticipated Android 14 operating system-delivering enhanced performance, security, and user experience, thereby elevating the CAMON 30 Series to unprecedented heights of mobile excellence.

The CAMON 30 Series introduces advanced imaging capabilities, including a 50MP Eye-tracking Autofocus Front Camera, powered by pioneering AI technology. The CAMON 30 Premier 5G and the CAMON 30 Pro 5G enhance this feature with a Sony IMX890 50MP OIS Main Camera. The 50MP OIS also supports Steady Night Portrait with optical image stabilization for ultra-steady shots.

Furthermore, the CAMON 30 Series pioneers innovative AI functionalities, such as Social App Turbo and AIGC Portrait functions bring a new perspective to imaging. The Social App Turbo which revolutionizes video calling experiences, and AI Erase, which enables users to rescue perfect shots from unexpected interruptions while the AIGC Portrait function, removes the hassle of third-party apps.

In terms of design, the CAMON 30 Series combines classic flair with contemporary aesthetic taste, featuring an elegant Classic Side-axis Camera Design and industry-first suede Tech-Art Leather, which adds a luxurious touch to the device. With a wide range of appealing colors, including Iceland Basaltic Dark, Sahara Sand Brown and Emerald Lake Green, the CAMON 30 Series offers a personalized experience for every user.

The CAMON 30 Series also delivers an immersive audiovisual experience, featuring Dolby Atmos technology for enhanced audio quality and upgraded visuals for gaming, videos, and music. Additionally, the series incorporates Wet Hand Touch technology ensuring functionality and durability in various environmental conditions.

The CAMON 30 Pro 5G, the CAMON 30 5G and the CAMON 30 are now available across Kenya, with the CAMON 30 Premier 5G scheduled for release later this year.

Airtel Kenya revamps its Tubonge AllNet and Tubonge On Net plans in line with Revised MTRs

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After reduction of the Mobile Termination Rates (MTR) from KES 0.58 per minute to KES 0.41 per minute, effective March 1, 2024 by the Communications Authority, Airtel Kenya has followed suit to reduce its rates for the benefit of all Kenyan consumers.

Mr. Ashish Malhotra, Managing Director of Airtel Kenya, commented, “We welcome and endorse the reduction of the Mobile Termination Rates, and as a result I am happy to announce reduction in the price points of Weekly and monthly Voice bundles.”

The move also brings in the convenience of having to buy one bundle for a longer duration where customers can Talk/Text bila worries to any Network. From Dec 2023 till now, Airtel has deployed over 300 new sites, bringing its total tally of sites across the country to over 3700.

With the revised MTR and network expansion, Airtel has revamped its Tubonge AllNet and Tubonge On Net plans. The pricing of their Weekly and Monthly Tubonge plans has been reduced, and SMS has been introduced as part of the packages to enable customers to talk and text more for less.

Commenting on the new plans, Prisca Murigu, Marketing Director of Airtel Kenya, said “We are delighted to introduce Airtel’s revamped Tubonge AllNet and Tubonge On Net plans, designed to deliver more affordability, flexibility and value to our customers in light of the reduced MTRs. Our weekly Tubonge AllNet bundle is now KES 80 for 100 minutes and 100 SMS across networks, while the monthly bundle is KES 250 for 300 minutes and 300 SMS. For Tubonge On Net, the weekly bundle is KES 50 for 100 daily minutes and SMS, and the monthly is KES 150 for 100 daily minutes and SMS”.

See below breakdown of plans:

New Tubonge AllNet plans:

BundleNew PriceValidityMinutes Across Networks SMS Across Networks
Tubonge All Net Daily201 Day20 
Tubonge AllNet Weekly807 Days100100
Tubonge AllNet Monthly25030 Days300300

*The Tubonge AllNet Plans also come with Free Airtel to Airtel calls, with a fair usage policy of 50 minutes per day. *The PAYG rates for customers not using a bundle shall be KES 2.2+taxes per minute

New Tubonge On Net plans:

BundleNew PriceValidityOn net Minutes Per DayOn net SMS Per Day
Tubonge On net Daily101 Day40 
Tubonge On Net Weekly507 Days100100
Tubonge On Net Monthly15030 Days100100