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Elon Musk Eyes Liberia for Starlink Expansion

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In a move poised to revolutionize Liberia’s technological landscape, the government of Liberia is considering the introduction of Starlink satellite Internet service, developed by SpaceX.

This follows a recent virtual discussion between President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. and Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of SpaceX.

During their conversation, both leaders underscored the transformative potential of advanced technology, particularly in enhancing access to critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and economic development in rural areas of Liberia.

Recognizing the potential impact, President Boakai extended an invitation for Musk and his team to visit Liberia, signifying a commitment to ongoing dialogue and potential collaboration.

Concurrently, Liberia is undergoing significant reforms in its telecommunications sector.

“New regulations are being introduced to support fintech companies, aiming to foster innovation and competition in a market historically dominated by a few major players. These reforms are designed to level the playing field, enabling smaller startups to enter and thrive in the mobile and Internet services arena,” reports indicates.

The regulatory shift is expected to empower Liberian entrepreneurs, particularly those developing mobile financial solutions, by providing fair access to essential telecom resources. This marks a pivotal moment in Liberia’s tech evolution, coinciding with Musk’s interest in expanding Starlink across Africa.

Together, these developments promise a dynamic transformation in Liberia’s tech and telecom landscape, paving the way for broader connectivity and innovative services. The potential introduction of Starlink, alongside progressive regulatory changes, heralds a new era of technological advancement and economic opportunity for Liberia.

As of mid-2024, Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, has actively been expanding its presence across Africa. The service is already live in several African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia, Benin, and Eswatini. Starlink aims to further extend its reach to additional countries by the end of 2024. Upcoming launches are planned for Gambia, Lesotho, Senegal, Tanzania, Angola, Botswana, Madagascar, and Zimbabwe, among others.

This expansion aligns with Starlink’s goal to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access to underserved regions, particularly in rural areas where traditional broadband services are lacking​.

Building effective Startups: The Role of Culture

The culture of an organization, the way that things are done, will develop whether there’s intention or not. By defining what it should be, you can influence the behavior. If you don’t define it, it’ll develop organically and you might not like the results. 

Josh Sephton, Via LinkedIn.

Culture is “the way we do things around here.” When you join a new team, you will quickly be humbled. Everybody knows everybody, everyone has a circle – or not. They know the bosses’ good and bad times -read, when to ask for favors and when not to. There’s clearly a formula on how business runs, and everybody knows it, except you. The newbie. Always saying hi to those that prefer quiet mornings, inviting to lunch the project manager that eats sandwiches at his desk, or running every step of your project by your supervisor who really prefers to just oversee and give feedback. Or, the opposite- when you meet the micromanager. Most times, teams have held on to their beliefs, rituals and behaviors for far too long, and will immediately sideline anyone who dares question “the way of doing things.”

All these things, added together, really define how teams work. And, ultimately, decide whether a team will build something great, or will jeopardize the productivity of an organization. In this article, we’ll explore the profound impact of startup culture on team dynamics and why getting it right can be the difference between success and failure.

So what then, is Culture, and Why is it so Important?

Culture isn’t just about Ping-Pong tables, free snacks and beer Fridays; it’s the underlying DNA that shapes how a team works together, innovates, and ultimately thrives. A strong culture provides a shared sense of purpose and identity, aligns team members around common goals, and fosters trust, collaboration, and resilience.

With the right culture within an organization, team members feel aligned, valued and empowered to put their best foot forward. This ultimately manifests into productivity, as there is a common and shared sense of purpose. No one is sidelined, there is no deadweight on the team, or walking on eggshells when it’s time to put a point across. And, it’s not just about productivity.

When you think of startups, the thought of challenges and tough days surely must cross your mind. The beauty of a strong and positive culture is that it carries a startup –and really any organization, through the dark days. When the product launch is a flop, or the expected funding didn’t pan out. Delayed salaries and the dreaded PR disasters that are a daily dose for most startups. A trusting, aligned, resilient and optimistic team- all *aspects* cultivated by a positive organizational culture will more often than not be willing and able to endure the tough times without backing out, cutting corners or sabotaging the organization.

Conversely, a toxic or dysfunctional culture can erode morale, hinder productivity, and drive talented team members away, ultimately spelling doom for the startup.

Cultivating a Positive Startup Culture:

Building a positive startup culture requires intentional effort and a commitment from leadership to prioritize values, behaviors, and norms that support the company’s mission and vision. Elements that define a positive culture are many. Today we discuss 3 key elements of a positive startup culture, and how Core values are the foundation on which a culture is built.

1. Aligning with the core values of your organization.

Core values are the foundation on which a culture is built. By definition, core values are “ideals you believe that determine your behavior and decisions.” They do not change with every turn or dynamics of the economy, society or organizational disruption. The point of values and mission in an organization is to define a pathway and create a guide for the team to follow in the process of executing the set goals.

When hiring, it is important to look out for people who align with your core values. If, for instance, your core value as a startup is boldness, it is crucial to be on the lookout for hires that share this core value. This means people who are not afraid of leaping on new ideas, even without full knowledge. People who don’t wait for conditions to align to act. People that are ready to try, fail and then try again.

When your core value is perseverance, team members that don’t back out when the going gets tough, that stay objective as opposed to emotional or panicked in less than favorable circumstances, are your best bet. As a startup, it is crucial to realize that a hire can have the right skills and be the best on the job, but when their core values are misaligned with yours, any attempt to “be on the same page” or “share a culture” will be futile.

Every organization explicitly outlines their mission, vision and values on their websites and walls, but it is just that- words. They do not integrate their values into their daily operations- hiring, crisis management, milestone conversations.

Deciding what values will help you achieve your goals, then integrating them in your day to day running will set a good foundation for a positive culture, even for people that join in later on, or through the dynamics that are bound to happen.

2. Empowerment and Ownership.

An empowered team isn’t just an asset; they’re the heart and soul of a productive workforce. When individuals feel empowered to take ownership of their work, supported to innovate, and encouraged to voice their ideas, they not only thrive personally, they also become catalysts for positive change and contribute to a vibrant and collaborative environment where creativity, productivity and success becomes a collective journey. And that is exactly what the goal of a positive culture should be – To be on a collective journey.

Autonomy is one of the guaranteed ways to empower a team. The degree to which a team or individual has freedom to make their own decisions and take actions independently, without excessive external control or micromanagement is consistent with the level of responsibility and ownership they have towards their work. Autonomy can manifest in various forms, such as setting their own schedules, choosing how to approach tasks, making decisions about resource allocation, and having input into strategic planning and goal-setting –as long as the goal is met.  When individuals have a sense of control over their work and are trusted to make decisions, they tend to feel more invested in their jobs and more motivated to perform at their best.

Empowering employees, however, goes beyond simply granting them autonomy; it is about unleashing their full potential to drive innovation, creativity, and productivity.

Implementing your team’s good ideas and giving them credit for it, ensuring employee satisfaction and engagement in brainstorming sessions, promoting and supporting their personal growth and development can create a culture where individuals thrive and contribute to the collective success of the company.

3. Diversity and Inclusion.

If you are a startup founder, I hate to break it to you, diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords that corporates use to sound fancy. They are fundamental principles that drive innovation, creativity, and ultimately, the success of the company. When you talk of a positive organizational culture, diversity and inclusion must be among your to-do.

Diversity by definition is “the presence of a variety of different demographic and cultural characteristics within a group.” Most startup founders will be tempted to include their sister, a cousin, someone that looks like them, or with similar characters in the team. When it’s one or two, that might be okay. But at the very beginning stages of a startup, pulling all or most of your team members from your closest circle is as close to sabotage as you can get. Not only are boundaries shaky and blurred, but whenever a new team member from outside your circle or different from the team joins, they immediately are the outsider.

Diversity includes both visible differences, such as physical appearance, as well as invisible differences, such as cognitive styles, personality traits, and life experiences.

Embracing diversity means recognizing and valuing the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that individuals from diverse backgrounds bring to the table. It involves creating an environment where people feel respected, included, and empowered to be their authentic selves, regardless of their differences.

 Inclusion on the other hand, means appreciating and empowering all team members to achieve the set goals, regardless of their differences in identity and background. This means actively having inclusive practices like training and education, implementation of ideas from different team members and equity in terms of pay.

Basically, diversity and inclusion are about creating environments where individuals from all backgrounds feel welcomed, respected, and valued, and where their unique perspectives and contributions are recognized and celebrated.

5 African Women Founders: Trailblazers in a Woman’s World

In the pulsating heart of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where innovation meets opportunity, Africa stands at the forefront of technological advancement. And in the midst of all the exciting changes happening, although not talked about as much, women have fast risen to the call of technology and become bold trailblazers who have broken through barriers, challenged norms, and transformed the tech scene in Africa.

From coding geniuses to visionary entrepreneurs, these pioneers have not only harnessed the power of technology to change lives but have also become beacons of inspiration and hope for generations of women and young girls to come.

In this article, we honor the stories of 5 remarkable African women whose indomitable spirit, ingenuity, and vision have not only transformed the tech industry but have also left an indelible mark on the very essence of African innovation.

Naadiya Moosajee

Founder of Women in Engineering (WomEng), an organization dedicated to nurturing the talents of girls and women in engineering and technology, Moosajee is best known for her commitment to gender parity, spearheading a transformative movement to bridge the gender gap.

 In 2014, Forbes recognized her as one of Africa’s Top 20 Young Power Women in Africa, while the Government of China honored her at the BRICS Summit for her outstanding contributions to STEM education for African girls. Passionate about fostering STEM education and gender equality, Moosajee is committed to shaping prosperous and equitable societies in emerging economies.

Alongside Hema Vallabh, she co-founded WomHub, further expanding their impact on the industry.

According to Moosajee, “Engineers design our world and our society, and if we don’t have women at the design table, we exclude 50% of the population.”  

Betelhem Dessie

“As a young woman, coding made me feel independent and free, and that’s something I want to give other people.”

At the age of 7, Dessie fell in love with computers. And by the tender age of 20, this visionary Ethiopian technologist had six software programs patented in her name, and was involved in the development of the world-famous Sophia the robot. Dessie founded iCog-Anyone Can Code at the age of 24, an Ethiopian-based social enterprise that offers kids and youth an opportunity at a future through coding.

Through iCog, the futures of over 30,000 youths have been positively impacted, making them more employable and skilled for entrepreneurship.

Maya Horgan Famodu

Maya believes that if you want to support women, you put them in positions to do it themselves. And she lives by her words, having founded Ingressive capital and Ingressive for Good, one a venture capital that supports early-stage African tech startups, and the other a nonprofit providing micro-scholarships, technical skills training and talent placement to African tech talents in need, respectively.

Being the youngest Black woman to launch a tech fund, Maya Horgan has been honored by Forbes before in their “Under 30 Technology” list, in 2018.

Mary Mwangi

Mary Mwangi knows too well that being a pioneer, and especially in the tech space, is no bed of roses.

Founder and CEO of Data Integrated, this Kenyan powerhouse is a pioneer in the fintech logistics space in Africa, with her company leveraging on tech to offer financial solutions to African SMEs, with a greater focus on Kenya’s public transport system.

Being a pioneer, the challenges are there, she admits, but insists that “You can do it. You have to get up.” 

Charity Wanjiku

Charity Wanjiku describes herself as a shining star and a work-in-progress all at the same time. And a shining star she is indeed, having made patented solar panels and powered the most rural parts of Kenya before solar tiles were a thing. Recognized by both Forbes and the World Economic Forum as a top woman in tech globally, Charity is the founder Strauss Energy Ltd, an off-grid solar energy startup based in Nairobi, Kenya. She lights up the lives of Kenyans in rural areas – Literally.

The uniqueness of Strauss’ solar systems lies in their special meters that can feed unused electricity back to the national grid, generating income for households. 

She is passionate about breaking STEM barriers for women and girls, as in her words, “It’s important that girls are at the forefront of this digital age, because nobody will hire you if you do not have tech skills.”  

Strategic Survival: Unveiling the Path for African Startups Amidst Funding Challenges in 2024

African startup funding has seen a significant fall from the highs of 2021 and 2022, with investments in the startup scene in Africa dropping by around 27% in 2023

Disrupt Africa’s African Tech Startups Funding Report.

Would you start a startup if there was no funding for it? African startup funding has seen a significant fall from the highs of 2021 and 2022, with investments in the startup scene in Africa in terms of funding dropping by around 27% in 2023, according to Disrupt Africa’s African Tech Startups Funding Report. The number of investors during this time, according to the same report fell by half.

Does this inform the direction that startups might take in the future, or is it an indicator that starting a startup might not be a worthy cause in 2024? In the recent live podcast hosted by Founders Factory Africa on the good and bad of funding, experts in the startup ecosystem in Nairobi came together to discuss the importance of choosing the right capital in 2024, and how to navigate the tight belt fastened by investors.

In the panel for the live podcast episode were Rology CFO Jason Musyoka; Bruce Nsereko-Lule, co-founder and general partner at Seedstars; and June Odongo, founder and CEO of Senga Technologies.

One thing from the conversation was clear; in the fight for a win, and with the current lack of sufficient funding, startup founders might feel the need to scramble for every funding opportunity that presents itself, in the process hurting their business and perhaps themselves. Therefore despite these funding challenges, the panelists unanimously agreed that it’s still critical for startups to be reasonable and careful in choosing the investors they approach for funding.

So, what are these critical play points to be addressed in the race for funding, and how to understand good and bad funding?

Shifting investor expectations

In the best way to approach investors in these tight times, the panelists highlighted that times have changed in the ecosystem, and investors are now prioritizing fundamentals and sustainability over pure potential, advising that founders should be aware of investors’ shifting priorities and adapt their fundraising strategies accordingly. This requires founders to have a clear roadmap with achievable milestones (pilot, funding rounds) and contingency plans.

“As investors, we’re looking for a plan but you also need to model in variation,” says Nsero- Luke. “Aim to go with the plan but let’s model it if we need to spend a little bit more, for example.”

Additionally, investors are emphasizing due diligence and seeking ventures with strong fundamentals and realistic growth plans, moving away from solely chasing high-growth potential. That makes it important that they do everything they can to impress in the due diligence process.

“From an investor perspective, it’s important that you do your due diligence very well whilst you’re investing in a company so that, when you’re putting in the money, you don’t get unexpected surprises,” he adds.

Choosing the right investor

Even within this shifting environment, the panelists agree that it’s still important for startup founders to be discerning in the investors they approach for funding. More particularly, they say, founders must consider whether choosing local investors makes more sense than international ones. While international investors might have deeper pockets, local investors often have a greater contextual understanding of local environments and may therefore be better positioned to guide founders to success.

“The beauty about local investors is that we understand context,” says Musyoka. “And not just context but we also have networks. There are doors that the senior-level executives and CEOs that they introduce you to can open for you or businesses that they can enable for you that they can enable for that you wouldn’t be able to open for yourself.”

Another strategic considerations when choosing which investors to approach is your business goals. Founders should define their business goals (lifestyle vs. scaling) and align their investment strategy accordingly, potentially utilizing local angel investors and then seeking international capital for further growth.

Even with these considerations in mind, it’s still important that founders pay attention to the investment offers in front of them. “If you’ve got two competing term sheets in front of you, always go for the one that offers the least dilution,” says Musyoka, who has a unique perspective as an investor turned operator. “It gives you flexibility and allows you to operate in your known business framework.”  That may mean accepting a smaller investment but, Musyoka believes that this isn’t always a bad thing.

“A small amount is not necessarily bad for you,” he says. “You just have to recalibrate and work with what you have.”

According to Odongo, getting to the right investor also means knowing when to pause, when to move and when to stop, as Senga has had to do a couple of times over the past few years.

“At one point, we were going to raise money when we had validated our idea and it was growing well. Then we got a lot of competition that was emulating some of what we were doing and they were raising tones of money, so I decided not to raise because it was clear to me that things were not going to turn out well. So we retreated and pivoted to a new niche.”

Planning for an exit (or not)

In the long run, more and more startups taking this approach may also change how we think about exits on the continent.

“Exit opportunities exist in Africa,” says Nsereko-Lule. “We have local exchanges, we have big corporations, etc. The effective exit opportunities exist here, but the types of companies that local players want to buy are very different to the ones internationals want to buy.”

“As we contextualize venture capital to the local market, it will help,” he adds. “Then we can build businesses where founders have the necessary skill sets and build businesses capable of achieving exits on the continent.”

In conclusion, depending on how a founder goes about it, funding can be one of two; a blessing or a bad thing for a startup.  Even with the funding drought that the African startup system is facing, it is important for a startup to be wisely selective with choosing the right investor, lest they risk losing their soul and business in the fight.

Ory Okolloh Joins GSMA Foundation Board

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Ory Okolloh, Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo and Frehiwot Tamiru have been appointed to the GSMA Foundation Board to support digital technology for those in underserved communities in low- and middle-income countries.

Ory Okolloh is a Partner at Verod-Kepple Africa Ventures and is a powerful figure in the Kenyan tech circles having co-founded iHub, Mzalendo, Baraza Media Lab among others. Ory resigned from the Safaricom Board in July 2024 to pursue her other interests. She empowers visionary founders to create transformative businesses that redefine industries and communities. A celebrated figure, Ory has been recognised by Time 100 and Forbes as one of Africa’s most influential women.

Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo is the Group Chief Executive Officer of Ooredoo, where he spearheads the company’s operations across 10 countries in the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia. Since his appointment in 2020, Aziz has driven Ooredoo’s evolution into a leader in digital innovation and connectivity.

Frehiwot Tamiru is the Chief Executive Officer of Ethio Telecom. Frehiwot is an influential, result-oriented leader who is known for her consistency and determination, bringing profound changes and a track record of success within the organisation.

These three new members join Kaan Terzioğlu, Group CEO, Veon Group and Chair, GSMA Foundation, John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMA and President, GSMA Foundation,  Akinwale Goodluck, Deputy CEO, AfricaNenda, Lisa Hehenberger, Associate Professor, ESADE; Director, Esade Center for Social Impact, Louise Easterbrook, Chief Financial Officer, GSMA and Treasurer, GSMA Foundation and Mats Granryd, Director General, GSMA, on the Board.

“We’re delighted to welcome Frehiwot, Ory and Aziz to the GSMA Foundation Board, where their broad vision, talent and expertise will fuel our direction and growth in new and exciting ways. The Board is committed to delivering on our mission, driving sustainable, impactful change through innovation and digital technology.” Kaan Terzioğlu, Group Chief Executive Officer of VEON Group and Chair of the GSMA Foundation Board

The GSMA Foundation, primarily through funding from its donor partners and the GSMA, researches, supports and demonstrates the transformative effects of digital technology for those in underserved communities in low- and middle-income countries. Mobile for Development, as part of the Foundation, embodies this mission by working with mobile operators, the development community, investors, governments and the private sector to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital world.

The GSMA’s incoming Director General, Vivek Badrinath, will join the GSMA Foundation Board in April 2025.

Ory Okolloh has served on Omidyar Group’s Board, the boards of Thomson Reuters Founders Share Company, Twiga Foods, Endeavor Kenya and Stanbic Holdings.

Flutterwave Prioritizing Profitability Before IPO

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Flutterwave, will not proceed with its highly anticipated initial public offering (IPO) until it achieves profitability, CEO Olugbenga Agboola told Bloomberg in a recent interview.

“For a company operating in Africa, that’s a no-brainer; profitability is very important,” Agboola said. “Right now, the focus is: ‘how do we build a profitable, resilient, and scalable business?’” While he declined to provide a specific timeline, he emphasized that the IPO would only happen when the company is financially sustainable.

Flutterwave first announced plans for a Nasdaq listing in 2022 but opted to strategically delay the move to further strengthen corporate governance and regulatory readiness. Speaking with Bloomberg, Agboola emphasized that this approach is focused on ensuring long-term value for stakeholders, positioning the company for a successful public offering at the right time.

Since its founding in 2016, the Lagos and San Francisco-based fintech has expanded to 35 African countries and processed more than 630 million transactions worth $31 billion. In 2023 alone, Flutterwave secured over 30 new licenses in the U.S. to strengthen its remittance business.

Despite its rapid growth, the company is taking a measured approach to public markets. “The timing of the IPO is not just about paper readiness; it’s also about ensuring that we’re delivering long-term sustainable value,” Agboola told Bloomberg.

today released its 2024 end of the year report, highlighting growth, global expansion, and technological advancements that have solidified its position as a key player in the global fintech landscape.

Founded in 2016, the firm has processed over 630 million transactions worth $31 billion and globally, 48% of businesses using Flutterwave received payments from new geographic locations, a 12% increase from 2023 and the firm extended operations to Rwanda, Ghana, Uganda, Zambia, and Mozambique, now operating in over 35 countries and supporting 150+ currencies.

In the U.S, the firm acquired 31 additional money transfer licenses in the USA and launched the Send App in 49 American states and improved card velocity by 5x, enhancing fraud detection and saving hundreds of thousands in card processing fees. The firm also launched Debit in Nigeria, signaling a shift from card to account payments expected in 2025 and partnered with OPay, giving businesses access to over 40 million OPay users.

Looking ahead to 2025, Flutterwave will continue its relentless focus on sustainable growth and delivering seamless solutions for global and local enterprises. This will be underpinned by the launch of Flutterwave’s next-generation API in H1 2025, which will set a new benchmark for payment infrastructure in Africa. It will mean smoother payment experience, easier integrations, and greater customer control over API integrations.

Airtel Lite By Airtel Kenya is a Zero-Rated Version of its Self-Care Portal My Airtel App

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Airtel Lite, launched by Airtel Kenya is a lighter, faster, and more accessible selfcare portal than the My Airtel self-care app targeted at users with smartphones characterised of low storage and processing power.

Airtel Lite is designed to ensure it requires zero storage space on phones. Customers will enjoy zero data usage while using Airtel Lite, just like with the My Airtel app, since it offers offline access to key services without needing data bundles.

The telco also announced zero-rating the My Airtel App, Airtel’s self-care app to help smartphone users conscious of data consumption and highly accustomed to USSD services.

Airtel Lite’s quick loading interface allows users to conveniently access core features of an application without waiting for the loading of a large amount of data. The Progressive Web App will cover all the key customer services accessed through USSD – check balance, recharge, buy bundles, send money, buy goods, pay bill and have access to their transaction history.

Commenting during the launch, Mr. Ashish Malhotra, Airtel Kenya Managing Director, said, “Our research revealed that many Kenyans still face challenges such as limited storage space and data usage in the use of their smartphones. Airtel Lite is our innovative solution, designed to remove these barriers and ensure a seamless, accessible digital experience for all.”

Airtel Lite contributes to the broader goal of financial inclusion by providing easy access to mobile banking and digital payments, particularly in underserved and remote regions. Notably, Airtel customers can access Airtel Lite and the My Airtel self-care App at zero data charges.

Airtel Lite is now available to all Airtel Kenya customers, who can access it through their phones’ browsers by visiting https://lite.airtelkenya.com/.

                                                                                

Darasa App to Partner With Educational Tablet Manufacturers to Simplify Learning in Kenyan Schools

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Darasa, an edtech platform developed to make education easier by simplifying the assessment process for teachers, grading work done by students automatically, and providing valuable insights for teachers, students, and parents is partnering with tablet manufacturers to distribute education tablets to schools to simplify education.

“We are partnering with tablet companies that supply education tablets to schools to make accessibility of our app easier,” said Brian Gachare, Darasa App co-founder and CEO. “Yes, we plan to expand to other curricula, like Cambridge and even go beyond Kenya and onboard other countries to use Darasa as their preferred assessment option.”

    Tailored to meet the needs of Kenyan CBC and 8-4-4 curricula, bridging the gap between traditional learning and modern digital education, the platform works simply. Teachers create and assign assessments organized by strands and sub-strands to catering to individual student needs and learning styles ensuring improved student outcomes.

    Students then take assessments directly on the platform and receive immediate feedback including detailed explanations of questions attempted. The system auto-grades assessments and delivers data-driven analytics with valuable insights on student performance and CBC-aligned psychometric insights. Parents, on the other hand get knowledge about their child’s progress through performance reports and insights, creating better involvement in the whole learning process.

    Speaking to TechMoran, Brian Gachare, co-founder and CEO Darasa said the platform was inspired by the need to solve learner and parent needs during the pandemic.

    “Darasa means “Class” in Swahili. It was born out of a passion to educate,” he said. “We started Darasa in the heart of 2020 COVID pandemic with a goal of impacting learners across Africa. With learners at home, and with little or no access to learning resources, we built an E-learning platform so that our children could access good quality enhancing content. We build a platform that would be relevant even after the pandemic.”

    In their previous interactions with teachers, one of the things Brian and his team noticed was how they struggled in acquiring quality exams, struggle to quickly access and assess student understanding, provide personalized feedback, and make data-driven decisions.

    “Current assessment methods are often time-consuming, subjective, and lack the insights needed to truly optimize learning. With a lot to read, learners need a leveled ground with personalized insights to help them improve their grades,” Gachare told TechMoran.

    The Africa e-learning market size reached US$ 3.1 Billion in 2023 and the market is expected to reach US$ 7.2 Billion by 2032, a 9.9% during 2023-2032 due to rapid digitization, increasing sales of smart devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops, and rising penetration of high-speed internet connectivity among other major factors.

    However, Kenya is only partially ready for e-learning. In addition, full adoption requires improvement in infrastructure, Internet access, training of teachers, and inclusive digital policies. Probably, the most feasible approach at this point is a blended learning model: mixing online and offline methods of learning.

    Other challenges include access to multi-format digital content, lack of technical skills is in both teachers and instructors in Kenya, lack both infrastructure and resources to replace conventional learning with elearning in the near future but Darasa.app’s unique value proposition lies in its extensive collection of curriculum-aligned questions, particularly its repository of over 100,000 questions spanning both the 8-4-4 and CBC systems. This specialization makes it a valuable tool for educators seeking to create customized assessments that align with national educational standards.

    At the moment, Darasa is pushing to sign up more teachers and students and help them adopt use of technology instead of the traditional teaching methods. Darasa.app is positioning itself as a leader by aligning solutions that empower schools, teachers, and students to deliver unparalleled value to the education ecosystem.

    The EdTech industry is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advances and changing learner, educator, and institutional needs. Darasa.app is interviewing teachers from its user base after realizing how teachers struggle to quickly access and assess students.

    “Due to the amount of time taken to create just one assessment, understanding student needs, provide personalized feedback, and make data-driven decisions. We made it our mission to make assessment creation easier and offer insights on student performance to help teachers concentrate on the learning needs of each student,” Gachare told TechMoran.

    Darasa delivers data-driven analytics with valuable insights on student performance and CBC-aligned psychometric insights, catering to individual student needs and learning styles. With over 100k questions in its database, private learners are able to practice and assess their understanding in diverse subjects and topics within the Kenyan CBC and 8.4.4 curricula. With the use of resources available on Darasa.app, private learners in Kenya will have greater capability in learning and with confidence understanding concepts and improving performance in private classes and exams.

      Part of Darasa’s future enhancements is to get teachers to give live lessons to their students in the system and Darasa is currently visiting schools and pitching to teachers and school directors about the app, explaining how it will benefit them. Thea team is also doing a lot of activations at various education events to continue building awareness about Darasa’s products and services.

      Even in the age of Social media and AI, Darasa is engaging its audience, spreading awareness, and receiving feedback. AI is helping it personalized learning experience and making the platform more efficient and user-friendly.

      20p Roulette Highlights Continued Popularity of Retro Games

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      It’s amazing how, no matter how far technology moves forward, people will still want a taste of the old-school offerings that came before. The roulette market is a prime example, one that’s rich with innovation but that stays true to its roots. Among the many advanced options that push the boundaries of roulette, there are still a few titles that provide a taste of the original wheel.

      20p Roulette is a basic online roulette offering that maintains the key features of the black and red wheel that was invented centuries ago in France. Its enduring appeal highlights how there’s always going to be a huge audience out there for retro games.  

      Retro-Offering in a High Tech World

      Anyone who’s played online roulette in recent years will know that there are countless versions of the game to choose from. 20p Roulette is one that keeps things simple, harking back to the early days of the online casino industry where the primary aim of developers was to digitalise traditional gambling games. There aren’t any wild features or any new mechanics on this one, just simple betting on the outcome of the roulette spin.

      Aside from its retro appeal, there are a few other reasons why 20p roulette attracts a wide audience. One is the fact that it’s available to play for low stakes, meaning that it’s an ideal option for newcomers who want to get a feel for the way the game is played. Another is the inclusion of the Turbo Mode, which allows players to instantly skip to the result instead of watching the ball go round the track first. Some might say that selecting this option takes away some of the magic of the game, but it’s nice to have options, nonetheless.

      Game Shows There Will Always be a Place for the Classics

      Despite being in the midst of an AI arms race between the likes of OpenAI & DeepSeek, there’s always going to be a market out there for content that reminds people of simpler times. These high-tech AI machines are likely to take us rapidly forward into unforeseen technological upgrades, such as immersive virtual reality worlds. But you need only imagine that there will always be a place for all things vintage or skeuomorphic, and games like 20p Roulette and other retro titles are no exception.

      https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/07/12/11/39/checkmate-1511866_1280.jpgSource: Pixabay

      Roulette is, after all, only one of several old-school games that have found a new home online and flourished among modern audiences. Chess is another example of a game from a bygone era that’s arguably more popular than ever in today’s internet market. This has been thanks to sites like Chess.com, which have helped spread the title to the masses. Like roulette, that game doesn’t necessarily need any modern upgrades or innovations to attract players – it simply relies upon the mechanics that made it a hit in the first place.

      It’s refreshing to know that some of the world’s most fiercely and widely cherished games are going nowhere any time soon in today’s rapidly evolving technological world. For players who want to remember the simpler times and play some classic roulette, 20p Roulette is an excellent option.

      StarkWare’s $4M Fund to Boost Blockchain in Africa

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      StarkWare has launched a $4 million venture fund to back blockchain startups in Africa spearheaded by Kheireddine Kamal, a seasoned African entrepreneur and investor.

      StarkWare will focus on early-stage teams, particularly those at the pre-seed and seed stages, with an emphasis on projects aiming to deploy their solutions on Starknet, the zero-knowledge (ZK) rollup massively scaling Ethereum.

      Early-stage startups can apply for grants of up to $150,000, with larger investments available to more advanced teams (generally up to $500,000). Grants are designed to help projects at different stages of development. StarkWare is particularly interested in teams that combine technical expertise with business acumen, and are looking to deploy their blockchain projects on Starknet.

      Africa is expected to house a third of the world’s youth by 2025. The region’s economic outlook is also promising, with $6.7 trillion in consumer and business spending forecast by 2030. When viewing those stats alongside a 2,500% surge in crypto adoption since 2021, it’s clear Africa is ripe for blockchain adoption.

      Kamal’s focus for the fund is to target regions with populations that are eager to embrace blockchain, such as West Africa, East Africa, and South Africa, where many resourceful and resilient entrepreneurs face structural barriers, such as high transaction fees, broken financial systems, and exclusion from the global digital economy. By combining funding, mentorship, and technical expertise, this initiative will help African founders overcome these challenges and scale their projects globally.

      Kamal, a Moroccan-born entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in the tech ecosystem, is passionate about empowering Africa’s digital economy. Having lived and worked across South Africa and other parts of the continent, Kamal has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of technology. He stresses that for Africa, Web3 is not just another technology, but rather a gateway to self-sovereignty and financial independence.

      “For much of the blockchain industry, talk of financial inclusion for the unbanked and benefits for Africa has never gone beyond virtue signaling,” said Kamal in the announcement of the fund. “We’ve decided it’s time for the next phase, and we’re putting our money where our mouths are.”

      Starknet, specifically, provides a significant catalyst for African blockchain adoption. As a Layer 2 network scaling Ethereum, Starknet offers speed (2-second transaction confirmation), cost effectiveness (sub-cent fees), and expansive network capacity, which are essential for addressing the needs of Africa’s rapidly growing digital economy.

      Eli Ben-Sasson, CEO and co-founder of StarkWare, emphasized blockchain’s unique opportunity for Africa:

      “Blockchain presents a unique opportunity for many parts of Africa to leapfrog outdated infrastructures and democratize access to financial tools with more decentralization and transparency. And Africa is an exciting mass market that will drive innovation, and showcase what can be achieved with mass scale.”

      StarkWare’s new venture fund is a step toward realizing the transformative potential of blockchain in Africa. By empowering startups and supporting the continent’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, StarkWare is helping lay the foundation for Africa’s blockchain-driven future.

      P1 Ventures Raises $50 Million to Back Companies “Built in Africa for the World

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      P1 Ventures – the early-stage, Pan-African VC – has completed the final close of its first $50 million institutional fund and welcomed African conglomerates, family offices, and partners at global VCs, alongside the World Bank’s IFC. Senior advisors include Index Ventures’ founding team member, Bernard Dalle and Emil Michael, former Uber CBO who scaled it globally. 

      With over $60 million now in AUM, P1 Ventures builds on a year of strong momentum in which it completed its largest-ever deal; co-investing as the only African VC alongside Accel into Morocco-based Nuitee’s $48 million Series A round. These achievements underscore P1 Ventures’ contrarian mission and validate its bold ‘Made in Africa’ thesis. They also cement its position as one of Africa’s most prominent VCs, and demonstrate that African innovation is ready to claim its place on the global stage. 

      A contrarian thesis

      P1 Ventures is a high-conviction investor on a contrarian mission to ensure capital across Africa is as widely distributed as its entrepreneurial talent. With African venture capital dropping for the second consecutive year, and global funding in decline, foreign investors are either retreating from the region or focusing on “safe bets” – tried-and-tested business models in established hubs like Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa. 

      P1 Ventures is instead doubling down, seizing the opportunity to partner with the next-generation of resilient and bold African visionaries. Founders who are reshaping the face of the continent now have a sharper focus on execution; they are building more capital-efficient, high-growth, and category-defining businesses.

      The African AI/FinTech Advantage

      Africa’s potential comes from the unique advantages it has over developed markets. In developed markets, job protectionism, legacy regulations, and infrastructure can all hinder adoption. By contrast, adoption is supercharged in Africa, and other emerging markets, by necessity. 

      In fintech, Africa’s mobile-first population has made it a world leader in digital banking, with mobile money leapfrogging traditional card infrastructure. Regulatory advances are also fueling the rise of stablecoins. In AI, automation is addressing Africa’s continent-wide productivity and skills gaps, while offering vast opportunities to make sectors such as hospitality, future of work, and healthcare, more efficient and affordable. Africa’s low-income nations are rapidly replacing subscriptions with pay-per-use models to make tech more accessible, and its mobile-first population is primed to adopt scalable solutions. 

      This demand for disruption creates tremendous scope for African founders to import global “Uber-for-X” style business models to local markets. This was a key focus of P1 Ventures’ first proof-of-concept fund, which backed Algerian super app Yassir (now serving 8 million customers across six markets and raising a $150M Series B), and fintech Chari (the first Moroccan company to achieve a $100M valuation, secure a PSP license, and acquire a bank). 

      Yet as these innovations take hold and, as the ecosystem matures, so too does the opportunity. And while importing global models, in fintech especially, remains a focus for P1 Ventures, the fund is setting its sights on something even bigger: the global mega-trend of AI. 

      Built in Africa for the World

      P1 Ventures is expanding its vision to back companies that are boldly “Built in Africa for the World”. Founded by an increasingly strong entrepreneurial talent pool from all corners of the continent, these companies are moving beyond importing models. They’re leveraging the continent’s innovation, with AI’s ability to transcend borders and sectors, to export their solutions on a global scale.

      • Morocco’s Nuitee is a prime example. The AI-powered hotel booking platform now has 240+ global employees and works with Hilton, Sabre, and Hopper. Its founder Med Benmansour is a Silicon Valley-trained engineer who came back to launch many startups including Binga, an API-first payment company he bootstrapped to profitability.
      • Egypt’s Gameball, a gamified loyalty and customer engagement platform from Egypt, now serves over 3,000 customers in 70+ countries. Its founder Ahmed Khairy is also a repeat founder with a technical background and over 12 years of experience building products and leading business development for global enterprises. 
      • South Africa’s Salus, the one-click software deployment solution for enterprise and SMBs, has the potential to become a global player. Its founder Andrew Mori, was formerly CTO at African eCommerce giant Konga and bootstrapped his first company Deimos to USD 20 million annual revenues. 
      • Egypt’s StakPak is an AI copilot for non-DevOps engineers, built to address the fact that over 99% of Africa’s engineers are non-DevOps, and global AI tools are difficult to import. Its founder, George Fahmy trained as a DevOps engineer in the US and Europe and saw, first-hand, the need for such a product to bridge Africa’s talent gap. 

      Supercharged momentum

      P1 Ventures’ ability to uncover such hidden tech giants lies in its use of in-house data science tools. It currently boasts a proprietary deal flow database of c. 10,000 Pan-African companies. Its use of AI allows its team to match local expertise to deep market data and spot winners early-on, track trends, and identify talent. This not only supercharges deal flow, but brings huge value-add to portfolio companies as they scale. 

      Its portfolio has, to date, created 6,000+ jobs across 20 countries, and impacted the lives of more than 10 million people. What’s more, for every dollar invested, the P1 portfolio raises 35x follow-on capital. This tech-powered approach has also allowed P1 Ventures to identify and expand into key markets like Francophone Africa – a hub that is home to Tunisia’s InstaDeep (one of Africa’s largest exits), Senegal’s Wave (the region’s first unicorn), and P1 Ventures’ own Nuitee. 

      Hisham Halbouny, Managing Partner at P1 Ventures said: “From game-changing fintech to pioneering AI applications, we’re uniquely positioned to identify opportunities and support their growth. Great companies are often built in tough times and today’s founders are more frugal, focused, and realistic about valuations. We believe this may be the greatest vintage ever.”

      Mika Hajjar, Managing Partner at P1 Ventures said: “We have strong conviction there will be billions of USD of value created by global companies that have been ‘made in Africa’. From Dakar to Nairobi, Cairo to Cape Town, we’re seeing founders combining local insights with global ambition. These entrepreneurs are not just solving Africa’s problems – they’re creating models that the rest of the world can learn from.”

      Bernard Dalle, Senior Advisor at P1 Ventures said: “A new generation of visionary African founders is emerging, creating opportunities across the continent and beyond. Africa VC is fast becoming an asset class that globally minded investors cannot afford to ignore.” 

      Mastercard Strengthens Commitment to Uganda With New Office in Kampala

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      Mastercard has announced the opening of its first office in Uganda, marking a significant milestone in its expansion across East Africa. This strategic move underscores Mastercard’s dedication to fostering financial inclusion and accelerating digital transformation in the region.

      With Uganda’s economy projected to grow at 6.2% by 2025, the country is poised for sustained expansion. Mastercard’s physical presence in Kampala aims to enable deeper collaboration with local stakeholders to deliver tailored solutions that address the unique needs of Ugandan consumers and businesses, contributing to this growth.

      Mastercard’s efforts align with the government’s ‘Digital Uganda Vision,’ a transformative initiative to harness digital technologies for national development. As part of this commitment, Mastercard and the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance have signed an MoU

       to accelerate the adoption of digital solutions that enhance government services and drive financial inclusion.

      Last year, in compliance with the National Payment Systems Act 2020, Mastercard was granted a Payment System Operator (PSO) License by the Bank of Uganda. This license endows Mastercard to provide essential services such as settlement and clearing operations within Uganda, further enabling the company to act as a payment system operator for domestic transactions.

      “Mastercard has a long-standing commitment to Africa, and the opening of our office in Uganda reinforces our dedication to this vibrant market. By being on the ground, we can better collaborate and drive the adoption of digital payment solutions that promote economic growth and financial inclusion. We are committed to leveraging our global expertise and innovative capabilities to advance payment technologies in this market. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our extensive network of partners in both the public and private sectors for their support in helping us build a more connected digital world,” said Mark Elliott, Division President for Africa at Mastercard.

      “Uganda presents immense opportunities for digital innovation. Our new office aims to serve as a hub for developing and implementing payment solutions that cater to the evolving needs of Ugandan consumers and businesses. We will continue to collaborate with our stakeholders and new players in the fintech space and beyond as we contribute to a connected and inclusive digital future for all,” said Shehryar Ali, Senior Vice President and Country Manager for East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands at Mastercard.

      Mastercard continues to drive financial and digital advancement in Uganda. Key initiatives include hosting the Community Pass Customer Summit

       to advance digital and financial advancement and collaborating with the Uganda Bankers Association to further these objectives.

      The opening of the Kampala office is part of Mastercard’s broader strategy to expand its footprint across Africa, with existing offices in Cairo, Casablanca, Johannesburg, Lagos, Nairobi, Port Louis, and Accra.

      OPPO Kenya Sues AIfluence for Defamation

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      OPPO Kenya has taken legal action against AIfluence on grounds of defamation and brand harm caused by the agency’s failure to fulfill their payment obligation to the affected influencers.

      OPPO Kenya, in a statement, says it does not condone the current frustrations that the influencers engaged in the Reno12 series campaign are going through and is fully committed to supporting any of the influencers affected by the current situation. 

      “Our goal is to ensure that the influencer’s rights are protected and fair compensation is given. The brand values the contributions of all influencers/creatives and remains committed to fostering positive and respectful partnerships in the Kenyan Market,” said OPPO Kenya in a statement.

      The firm sued AIfluence after concerns raised by some influencers regarding payments for their engagement in the OPPO Reno12 series campaign. OPPO Kenya engaged the services of influencer marketing agency, AIfluence, to manage influencers and creatives for the Reno12 series campaign. This included handling contracts, deliverables, and payments and OPPO Kenya paid the firm in full.

      “Following our contractual agreement with AIfluence, OPPO Kenya made an initial 50% down payment to the agency to facilitate the influencers and remitted the final 50% payment upon completion of work, which was done on the 25th of October 2024,” announced OPPO Kenya, adding that the influencers signed direct contracts with the agency and not OPPO Kenya.

      OPPO Kenya fulfilled all its financial obligations by making full payments to the said agency, AIfluence; this information was communicated to the influencers either directly or through their respective managers. Unfortunately, under Kenyan law, OPPO Kenya does not have the legal grounds to directly pursue AIfluence on behalf of the affected influencers but is offering legal assistance, including covering legal costs, to the affected influencers as they seek legal action against the agency for lack of compensation, of which none of them has taken up this offer.

      Huawei’s DigiTruck Program Equips 6,000 Youth with Digital Literacy Skills

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      Huawei DigiTruck Initiative has to date, equipped six thousand youth in Kenya, a significant milestone in empowering the next generation of tech leaders with the digital skills.

      Launched in 2019, ‘DigiTruck’ is a mobile classroom converted from a shipping container and is fully equipped with laptops, smartphones, and Virtual Reality headsets. This mobile learning facility travels to remote areas, providing hands-on training on essential digital skills. The program gives the youth access online education, remote job opportunities, and digital trade.

      Huawei Kenya works with the Ministry of Information, Communication and The Digital Economy, local and county Leadership, as well as training partners such as Computer for Schools Kenya.

      Speaking during the dissemination of the 2024 Digitruck Status Report, Adam Lane, Government Affairs Director at Huawei Technologies Kenya challenged the youth to develop their digital skills further and use technology to secure livelihoods and solve problems in their communities.

      “The skills you’ve gained are not only designed to propel you into the digital space but also to help you create solutions for your communities and access job opportunities through various online platforms. We encourage all young people to continue learning and upskilling, exploring new areas of growth as emerging technologies take center stage in our increasingly digital world.”

      The DigiTruck program is part of Huawei’s ongoing commitment to investing in Kenya’s future by developing a sustainable talent ecosystem in ICT. The program has already trained thousands of young people across Kenya, and today’s graduation further solidifies Huawei’s role as a key player in developing local talent and fostering innovation. In 2024, a total 1,648 youth trained by DigiTruck, with females accounting for 55% of the trainees drawn from six counties namely: Trans-Nzoia, Kiambu, Murang’a, Nairobi, Uasin Gishu and Marsabit.  

      The Huawei DigiTruck program has become an important initiative in Kenya’s ICT and digital literacy landscape, helping to cultivate a new generation of tech-savvy youth ready to lead in the digital age. In doing so, Digitruck contributes to the attainment of local, regional and global development goals by building a digitally-skilled youth workforce to drive a digital economy.

      Epson’s Eco-Ink, Printing a Sustainable Future

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      By Mukesh Bector

      In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, the search for eco-friendly solutions now touches every industry, including how we produce and use ink. Traditional inks, long relied upon for printing and writing, face growing scrutiny for their environmental toll, from the harmful chemicals they contain to the unsustainable processes behind their production.

      As we all know, conventional ink technology has relied on petroleum-based products as the major component. These inks emit volatile organic compounds [VOCs], damaging the air quality and human health. Additionally, the ink of conventional ink cartridges is toxic, which becomes a dangerous contamination of soil and water during their disposal, with negative impacts on the environment and wildlife. These environmental impacts clearly indicate that a paradigm shift for ink technology is in order.

      This is where eco-friendly inks come in. Rather than utilizing petroleum-based solvents as their carriers, these inks employ soy and linseed oils or water. Synthetic pigments for better durability and synthetic binders give way to natural pigments derived from plants, minerals, or other natural sources and plant-based resins or biodegradable polymers respectively.

      In addition to minimizing the environmental impact of printing by significantly replacing the printed materials, this thoughtful composition provides healthier choices for consumers and workers interacting with the printed products.

      Driving Innovation in Sustainable Ink Production

      Pioneering companies such as Epson are pushing the boundaries of sustainable ink technology. For example, algae-based pigments offer a viable alternative to traditional black pigments. Algae, cultivated using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, is transformed into high-quality ink, demonstrating the potential of renewable resources in reshaping the industry. Similarly, advancements in water-based and UV-curable inks are making it possible to eliminate VOC emissions.

      Innovation plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable ink technologies. Ongoing research and development are leading to new formulations that are even more environmentally friendly and effective. Regulatory measures also support this shift, with governments and industry bodies setting standards and guidelines to promote sustainable inks.

      Technologies such as de-inking and recycling are also making strides in addressing one of the printing industry’s long-standing challenges: waste management. By enabling the efficient separation of inks from printed materials, these innovations facilitate recycling and support the circular economy.

      However, making ink sustainable is a multifaceted endeavour that requires the collaboration of manufacturers, consumers, and policymakers. By choosing eco-friendly inks and adopting sustainable printing practices, we can significantly reduce the environmental impact of our printing activities.

      Awareness as well as Collaboration as a Driver of Demand

      Implementing sustainable ink management is not just an issue of innovation but also an issue of change of perception. Consumers and businesses are the main drivers of the market demand for the green premium products. Therefore, using such sustainable inks signals to manufacturers that they can only source environmentally sustainable products. Contracts and supra-legal instruments of regulation and corporations’ strategies for climate mitigation also reinforce this tendency.

      At Epson, we believe education is key to this transformation. By raising awareness about the environmental benefits of sustainable inks and showcasing their practical applications, we can inspire more businesses to make the switch. Additionally, our collaborations with industry stakeholders aim to accelerate the adoption of eco-friendly technologies across the value chain.

      Challenges Still Abound

      Despite these advancements in eco-friendly ink technology, challenges still abound. For one, it is quite challenging to find raw materials for green ink that will play a similar role to the inks that are chemically non-recyclable. Moreover, the transition to a production line that utilises sustainable ingredients entails a considerable amount of capital investment and technological transformations.

      However, this is an area that the industry is stepping up to meet the challenges. For instance, Epson has worked hard to develop water-based inks that provide high-quality prints and do not harm the environment. With a focus on R&D, we closed the gap between sustainability and performance.

      Eco-friendly ink technology represents more than an innovation; it’s a commitment to a sustainable future. As we continue to pioneer advancements in this field, our focus remains on creating products that not only meet the highest standards of quality but also align with the global imperative to protect our planet. Through partnerships, investments in research, and unwavering dedication to sustainability, Epson is proud to lead the charge in transforming the printing industry for the better.

      The author is Epson’s Regional Head for East and West Africa

      Safaricom Enters AI Race With FarmerAI, New AI Chatbot for Smallholder Farmers

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      •  FarmerAI provides real-time, relevant farming best practices to smallholder farmers in underserved communities.
      • Initial pilot launched now and running till August.
      • Targeting the potato crop cycle—the project aims to enroll 800–1,000 farmers across Kenya

      Safaricom and Opportunity International have launched FarmerAI in Kenya, an AI chatbot to provide real-time, relevant farming info to smallholder farmers in underserved communities in Kenya.

      FarmerAI combines generative AI with localized agricultural insights, delivering vital information on topics like weather patterns, fertilizer application, pest management, and market prices. Unlike other solutions that rely on a field agent network, FarmerAI will use accessible channels such as SMS and WhatsApp via Safaricom’s DigiFarm service, which connects thousands of farmers via WhatsApp and SMS.

      “AI is already transforming the world around us, but the impact this technology can have on underserved communities is truly impactful. Above all, this partnership underscores Opportunity International’s and DigiFarm’s shared mission to uplift smallholder farmers,” said Opportunity International Chief Technology Officer Greg Nelson. “Our partnership, and this new tool, will make agricultural information more accessible, actionable, and equitable for everyone.”

      FarmerAI is already live under a pilot running from now through August and aims to enroll 800–1,000 farmers across key regions of Kenya by year’s end. Safaricom’s DigiFarm and Opportunity International will co-brand FarmerAI to provide farmers with tools that help increase their yields and streamline access to financing.

      The platform will regularly engage with potato farmers both digitally and in person on a regular timetable to deepen insights into farmers’ challenges and bridge the digital divide—particularly in rural areas where connectivity and cost are often barriers. As per a 2022 report from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the agricultural sector contributes roughly 22.4% to the country’s total GDP, and smallholder farmers make up around 5.6 million of the overall farmer population.

      “AI is a critical part of the present and the future. Our mission at Safaricom is to become Africa’s leading purpose-led technology company by 2030. In line with this, we are committed to bring to our customers and stakeholders technological solutions that will positively impact on them. FarmerAI is the first solution we are bringing to farmers that enables them to interact with AI and feel the power of that technology. One of the challenges that farmers face today is access to the right information at the right time such as what to plant, when to plant, weather advisory among others. This AI chatbot will allow smallholder farmers access verifiable information on common questions to guide their decisions,” said Dr. Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom.

       Morocco’s LNKO secures funding from Beltone Venture Capital to drive expansion across Africa

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      Morocco’s LNKO , a direct-to-customer eyewear startup has secured an undisclosed investment from Beltone Venture Capital, the VC arm of Beltone Holding to expand across Africa.

      Founded in 2020 by Maha Bennani, LNKO provides fashionable eyewear, including sunglasses and optical frames, at affordable prices through its online store and various retail locations.

      Ali Mokhtar, CEO of Beltone Venture Capital, remarked, “This equity investment in LNKO marks a key milestone in our African expansion strategy. By partnering with LNKO, we’re backing a visionary company with immense growth potential. Their innovative approach to eyewear and commitment to community empowerment align perfectly with our mission to support transformative businesses across the region.”

      In 2025, the revenue generated by the eyewear market in Africa is projected to reach $7.21 billion, with an expected annual growth rate of 8.14% (CAGR from 2025 to 2029). The largest segment within the eyewear market is spectacle lenses, which are forecasted to reach a market volume of $2.87 billion in 2025.

      With over 100,000 customers, 10 points of sale in Morocco, and a robust online presence across 24 countries, LNKO is reshaping the eyewear industry and making stylish eyewear accessible to all.

      Maha Bennani, CEO and Founder of LNKO, added, “We’re thrilled to welcome Beltone Venture Capital as our partner in this next phase of growth across Africa. With their strong track record in supporting successful D2C startups, we are confident that this collaboration will accelerate our vision of making high-quality, stylish eyewear accessible to even more people across the continent.”

      In 2021, LNKO raised a $335,000 investment from CDG Invest to  extend its services across Mena, with a keen focus on the UAE, and move from the seed stage to the next round of 212 Founders, a support and funding programme accelerating startups across Morocco.

      Axmed Launches Medicines Platform to Transform Access to Medicines at Scale

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      Axmed, a Health-tech social impact company, has launched a medicine platform to address systemic barriers to healthcare and explore actionable strategies for meaningful change.

      The Axmed Medicines Platform aims to reimagine how underserved health systems and their populations access life-saving medicines. By leveraging technology and an innovative business model, Axmed addresses deep-rooted inefficiencies in healthcare procurement that disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where, according to the World Health Organization, over 80% of global population growth in the next decade and carry the heaviest disease burdens globally.

      These regions face extraordinary challenges but also present immense opportunities for healthcare transformation, said Emmanuel Akpakwu, CEO of Axmed. Our platform tackles these inequities by consolidating fragmented systems, empowering buyers with efficiency, high quality, and affordability, while enabling suppliers to scale sustainably in untapped markets.

      The platform is open to all qualified procurers and aggregates demand across healthcare providers, hospitals, and governments, creating unmatched purchasing power for buyers. For suppliers, it streamlines the procurement process and enhances transparency and reliability, ensuring medicines reach the communities that need them most.

      More than 60 leading organizations spanning the entire medicines delivery value chain are actively engaging with Axmed to enhance access to high-quality medicines. These include global, regional and local pharmaceutical manufacturers, governments, major buyers, and a coalition of leading logistics companies.

      With funding from the Gates Foundation and venture backer Founderful, Axmed is driving systemic change to improve access to essential medicines for underserved populations. A key aspect of this work, supported by Axmed’s strong partnership with the Gates Foundation, centers on Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH), aiming to reduce mortality rates in Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Nigeria.

      Hon. Cabinet Secretary Dr Deborah Barasa, of the Kenyan Ministry of Health, underscored the importance of family health, highlighting that “Maternal and newborn deaths represent some of the most profound challenges for families and for our nation as a whole.” Dr. Barasa further highlighted the transformative role of innovation-driven partnerships: “Prioritizing innovation across the healthcare value chain is critical to delivering medicines and care at scale, and it remains a key focus for our government. We strongly believe in partnerships that truly empower our country to serve more patients with greater efficiency and impact.”  

      At the same time, Founderful’s support enables Axmed to expand its mission to serve all patients across all therapeutic areas. Together, these partnerships empower Axmed to scale its innovative platform, strengthen healthcare systems, and deliver transformative solutions that ensure equitable access to life-saving care for patients everywhere. Axmed’s holistic approach reflects a shared commitment to building sustainable healthcare systems that advance equitable access to high-quality treatments for all.

      While the Axmed Medicines Platform provides the infrastructure for scalable impact, the Axmed Access Summit is designed to inspire action and forge partnerships. Bringing together thought leaders from healthcare, technology, and policy, the summit aims to build actionable solutions to close access gaps.

      “Why host a summit?” Akpakwu asked. “Because no technology can solve these challenges in isolation. True transformation depends on partnerships and shared accountability. The summit fosters collaboration and charts a clear path for collective impact.”

      The summit encourages dialogue across the healthcare value chain, enabling participants to share insights, build alliances, and co-create solutions that deliver medicines sustainably and at scale.

      Axmed’s model is uniquely tailored to the realities of LMIC markets, aligning the interests of buyers, suppliers, logistics providers, and enablers:

      • For Buyers: Through the Axmed Platform, governments, faith-based organizations, and NGOs have frequently achieved over 25% savings on pharmaceuticals and logistics, while gaining greater transparency and operational efficiency. These partners span a broad spectrum, including government entities such as Rwanda Medical Supply (RMS) and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) with its 9 national member states, numerous faith-based organizations (FBOs) such as Mission for Essential Drugs & Supplies (MEDS), The Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN-Medipharm), Joint Medical Store Uganda (JMS), The Christian Health Association of Malawi (CHAM), the Ecumenical Pharmaceutical Network (EPN), and large hospital networks.
      • For Suppliers: The platform has engaged with pharmaceutical companies who share a similar vision of enhancing access to medicines in underserved markets. Global industry leaders, including Pfizer, Sanofi, GSK, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, and others, are joined by local innovators like Dawa Life Sciences, Laboratory & Allied, Regal Pharmaceuticals, Cosmos Pharmaceuticals, Emzor, and Fidson, in their ongoing engagement to support the building of a robust, efficient and scalable platform for the benefit of LMIC markets. 
      • For Logistics Providers: Reliable, tech-enabled distribution networks such as Kuehne + Nagel, Scan Global Logistics, CEVA Logistics, and Allied Logistics (formerly Agility), among others, and crucial local partners ensure that medicines reach even the most remote and resource-constrained areas.
      • For Enablers: Strategic partnerships – including a grant from the Gates Foundation – are amplifying systemic change. These collaborations enable Axmed to strengthen healthcare systems, improve access to essential medicines, and drive transformative impact in underserved communities.

      Transforming Systems Through Transparency and Efficiency

      Axmed sets a new standard for transparency and efficiency in healthcare procurement. By consolidating demand and optimizing supply chains, the platform delivers significant cost savings on both pharmaceuticals and logistics, maximizing value for all stakeholders.

      “Our success isn’t just about lowering costs; it’s about improving lives and strengthening healthcare systems,” Akpakwu explained. “The Axmed platform and summit represent pivotal steps toward healthcare equity, but we know the journey doesn’t end here. We’re committed to scaling this vision alongside partners who share our mission.”

      How Modern Tech is Revolutionizing Healthcare Security

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      Healthcare security is more vital than ever. With so many attempted cyber attacks, we can be thankful that it is taken seriously. In fact, more than security, modern tech is also helping to advance patient care. From AI to the Internet of Medical Things, here are some examples.

      Medical Cybersecurity Compliance

      Because of today’s connected world, medical devices that use data must be compliant with specific standards. Any kind of new tech that uses data must be compliant. Medical device cybersecurity premarket submissions are required to ensure cyber risks are managed. Advancements in the field are driving growth and ensuring manufacturers keep medical data secure, with assistance from agencies such as the Healthcare Information Organization.

      Healthcare Security Using AI

      It can take around 277 days or 9 months for a legacy team to detect a cybersecurity breach. However, according to IBM, current AI systems can reduce this by 100 days, and even more so with the development of technology. Here are some ways AI is being used in health security:

      • AI can detect anomalous behavior by analyzing the behavior of anyone using a system.
      • By monitoring network traffic, AI can detect real-time threats such as malware.
      • Automation can react to threats by isolating systems and notifying system admins.

      Telltale signs of breach attempts, such as multiple access attempts to certain files, will alert AI quickly. AI will also check where network data is coming from and log potential threats. Through automation, AI can react very quickly and do more damage control than a network admin.

      Medical Biometric Authentication

      Authentication is among the more traditional yet powerful ways to increase medical security. Not too long ago, a username and password was all someone needed to access medical records and even other government systems. Thankfully today, authentication in healthcare has advanced to the point of being almost impenetrable. With tech such as biometrics that use fingerprints, facial recognition and iris scanners, medical data is safer than it has ever been.

      Data Encryption in Healthcare Security

      Encryption is one of the most robust systems you can use for any kind of digital security. Unless you have security agency-level hacking software, encryption makes data access pretty much impossible. You may use it at home, but here are a few ways encryption helps medically:

      • Encryption keeps a medical system compliant with agencies such as HIPAA.
      • Anyone trying to access patient records cannot do so without the decryption keys.
      • Encryption reduces the impact of compromised systems and stolen data.

      Encryption is powerful and convenient. But on top of these, it is also pretty easy to configure and use across any kind of system. Thus makes it a great candidate for medical clinics and places where medical data needs to be shared or stored. In short, it’s medical data, Fort Knox.

      Remote Patient Monitoring

      Because of the connectedness of devices today, many systems are able to “speak” to each other. In tech terms, this means the sharing of data. But not in the way most people think. Most data is secured, and the systems themselves are highly secure. Data such as heartbeat can be monitored using a device that sends the data to the tour doctor’s system. This is known as telemedicine and is fast becoming a convenient way (for doctors and patients) to see results.

      Healthcare Security via the IoMT

      You may have heard of the Internet of Things. Now, we have the Internet of Medical Things for medical devices. There are 30 million Americans with diabetes, and the IoMT can help monitor issues like this. Devices pass data between patients and doctors, helping in various ways:

      • Wearable glucose monitors can alert patients when levels are problematic.
      • Infection rates can be reduced with automatic reminders to wash hands in hospitals.
      • Ingestible sensors can collect data from inside the body and report back to doctors.

      Wearable tech is becoming more popular now, and all it takes is the right sensor and app. Simple notifications can be all a person needs to remember to do something important. However, tiny tech also allows doctors to delve deeper for more accurate readings.

      Blockchain Technology Medical Uses

      Blockchain is mainly used for cryptocurrency ledgers, but it has other uses, too. Because it is completely anonymous, it offers versatile security that other systems cannot. For example, medical records can be 100% private, and electronic records can be easily updated and come with an audit trail. Other uses of blockchain technology in the medical domain include tracking the spread of diseases, electronic healthcare record management, and securing genomic data.

      Summary

      Medical cybersecurity compliance is an example of how tech is helping with healthcare security. Encryption also has many benefits since data is pretty much useless without decryption keys. Blockchain tech is also providing enhanced data such as tracking the spread of disease.

      UAE-based Fintech Myne Raises $2 Million For Regional Expansion

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      Myne, a UAE-based wealth and asset tracking platform, has raised $2 million to redefine how individuals and businesses track and manage their finances and to scale its operations, deepen Myne’s technology infrastructure, accelerate user acquisition, support its innovation pipeline, and create a roadmap for regional expansion.

      The pre-seed funding round was led by Scene Holding, followed by Raz Holding with participation from Plus VC, the most active VC in the MENA, Annex Investments, and a group of strategic angel investors.

      “We are excited to be supported by visionary investors who share our dedication to revolutionising financial management,” said Karim Chouman, Founder and CEO of Myne. “This funding reflects the strength of our vision, the innovation driving Myne, and the confidence our investors have placed in us.”

      “Our strategy is to help simplify wealth management for our clients, and we are proud to see significant interest since our launch, which resonates with our vision of transforming financial management. This round of funding not only validates our innovative approach but also strengthens our commitment to empowering clients with tools to seamlessly track their net worth, manage their finances, and protect their assets.”

      Launched in 2024, Myne was inspired by Karim’s frustration of managing scattered financial details and assets across different platforms. Karim’s background in tech helped solve the problem and a platform was designed to simplify wealth management by bringing all assets together in real-time while ensuring they are organised, accessible, and protected.

      Sultan Ghaznawi from Scene Holding said, “We see enormous potential in Myne’s approach to financial well-being. The platform’s ability to aggregate diverse assets and provide real-time integration is a game-changer in personal finance. We are excited to support Myne Launch and their expansion in KSA and beyond.”

      Myne aims to establish a strong foothold in the UAE before launching in Saudi Arabia and the other GCC markets. The firm will also use its funds to solidify its position as a leading innovator in the fintech space in the region.

      Myne offers a user-friendly platform with comprehensive financial management tools for individuals, professionals, and businesses. By addressing gaps in wealth tracking, budgeting, spending, and estate planning, Myne empowers users to make smarter financial decisions and secure their futures. With the ability to sync unlimited banking assets—banks, stocks, crypto brokers, exchanges, and wallets—Myne supports over 10 currencies. Users can access a personal wealth dashboard with real-time price updates, intuitive budgeting tools, and connect with top-tier wealth planners, providing a complete solution for financial well-being.

      Hasan Haider, Managing Partner from Plus VC, added, “Myne represents the future of financial empowerment. Their innovative platform addresses critical gaps in wealth management, enabling individuals and businesses to take control of their financial futures. We are excited to support Karim and his team as they scale their business and lead the way as pioneers in this space.”

      How Technology Is Improving Workplace Health and Safety

      Technology has many uses in many areas of life. Currently, technology potential is almost unlimited, and the expansion of capabilities and the increased use and abilities of AI and machine learning mean the boundaries are constantly being pushed and tested to see what is possible. 

      There are no aspects of life that currently remain untouched by technology. Whether it is personal care, entertainment services, healthcare, or business practices, there is a piece of tech, software, or product that can deliver the power of technology and make improvements and enhancements.

      One such area that is seeing massive benefits from technology is health and safety. Regardless of where you are in the world, being safe in your workplace is paramount, and ensuring you can work safely within your limits without risking your life or your health is vital.

      Let’s take a look at some statistics pertaining to health and safety in the workplace.

      • According to the ILO (International Labor Organization), approximately 395 million workers worldwide sustain nonfatal injuries, underscoring the global scale of workplace safety concerns.
      • 2.9 million people die globally from workplace accidents.
      • A Honeywell global survey found that 68% of the workforce doesn’t feel completely safe in their workplace.
      • Bangladesh is often considered to have the poorest workplace health and safety, while Wikipedia cites India, Pakistan, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic as the worst countries for this.
      • The UK, Bahrain, Iceland, Finland, and the Netherlands often come out on top for the best health and safety in the workplace.

      This post will examine some of the different ways technology is revolutionizing health and safety in the workplace.

      Safety Management

      Electronic health and safety devices are commonplace in multiple industries and even for personal use. In fact, many pieces of tech used in this capacity are similar to personal tech people use for their own health at home. They are adapted to incorporate more features for enhanced safety in the wearer. 

      There are wearable devices such as smartwatches, glasses, and even vests that can track employees’ locations, monitor their vital signs, and detect hazards. These monitors allow employers to ensure that each employee is working in safe surroundings; they’re traceable, which is ideal for remote workers or those accessing dangerous terrain or working alone, and they allow others to provide help and assistance or mitigate risks and provide support using real-time data. 

      Let’s say an employee is working in a dangerous environment. A wearable smartwatch whose data can be seen by supervisors or management can alert others to elevated heart rates or distress that indicate the employee doesn’t feel safe and might need assistance or removal from the environment, thus improving health and safety for everyone involved.

      AI

      AI, currently in the spotlight, is not entirely new, but its potential applications are vast. In the realm of health and safety, AI’s ability to analyze large volumes of data can identify patterns and behaviors that pose a threat to businesses and individuals, making it a proactive tool in safety management. 

      Machine learning, for example, can be trained to identify potential hazards in the workplace, deliver safety figures for the work being carried out, identify risks, and even help to allocate the right staff members for improved results, i.e., using data to analyze work, and outcomes standards, etc. to pinpoint the appropriate person to complete different tasks.

      Real-time risk alerts and detection are possible with AI, for example, analyzing footage to ascertain if all employees wear the correct PPE, using proper lifting technologies, and using safety equipment and protocols. AI can be used to analyze employee behavior, alerting you to indicators employees are fatigued, for example, or distracted, which can help you reduce the risk of harm or mistakes occurring by addressing the issue immediately and also assist you in accident analysis to help you learn what went wrong and how and stop the same incident occurring again.

      Drones and Robotics

      Again, this is not an entirely new aspect, but the use of drones and robotics to take over more precarious or risky tasks to preserve the health and safety of employees has become more common. This is due to the advancement of technology, allowing for more features to be present on drones and robotics to be equipped with greater skills and accuracy.

      One way people are noticing robotics is the use of delivery robots, which can help prevent employees from being overworked for deliveries and ensure parcels arrive at their local destination on time. 

      Other than this, many businesses use robotics to take over repetitive manual tasks that put additional strain on the body so the human aspect is reduced or eliminated, meaning fewer workplace injuries will occur. These can be tasks such as handling hazardous materials, painting, welding, and lifting heavy objects, to name a few. 

      Robotics and drones are now commonly deployed in at-risk areas, such as working at heights or in confined spaces, to move the need for humans to explore the area. Traditionally, hazardous areas include power lines and inaccessible regions such as oceans, rooftops, or atop bridges meant people had to scale them to carry out repairs or identify issues.

      These days, drones are equipped with a wealth of technology, such as laser sensors, infrared thermal cameras, and increased zoom capabilities. Many of these are found on the DJI Matrice 4T, which enhances the images and data captured by the drone for improved safety and results for the company and its workers.

      Cloud Computing

      While not as prominent as robotics or drones, cloud computing is still a significant contributor to health and safety in the workplace. The convenience of recording and storing data that can be easily accessed means an improved way of record keeping for each employee and different aspects of the company. You can keep complete files for training, risk assessment, occupational health records, personal health details, and more. Cloud computing can be accessed by those who need to know information anywhere at any time, making the transfer of important details easier. You can use cloud computing to carry out refresher training and safety updates or log incidents to improve the company’s safety record.

      VR for Training

      VR is a fun and immersive aspect of technology that enables you to enter a virtual world using a headset and experience different environments without leaving where you are standing. It is frequently used all over the world for entertainment purposes.

      However, it also has practical applications that are utilized in health and safety.

      VR training allows employees to have an immersive and comprehensive training experience to develop their skills in real-world situations. They can enact hazardous tasks to help them practice to enable them to work safer; they cna learn more about how they respond to different scenarios and environments; this can be coupled with wearable technology to enhance information and accuracy.

      VR enables people to be as hands-on as possible without putting themselves in harm’s way before they are ready. This not only benefits the company by reducing injury and accidents, but it also ensures that those tasked with risky jobs are equipped before they are sent into the field.

      Health and safety in the workplace is paramount, and as you can see, using technology in different applications can facilitate a safer working environment. A safer working environment makes employers happier clients and improves standards as everyone can manage risk and work out to the best of their abilities regardless of the environment. From wearable tech technology to drones, cloud computing, and more, it’s safe to technology that has adversely impacted the world of health and safety in the workplace.

      What Drives AIXBT Prices? Key Factors to Watch

      The cryptocurrency market is fast-paced and dynamic, with prices fluctuating based on various factors. For those keeping a close eye on the AIXBT price, understanding what drives these changes is crucial to making informed trading and investment decisions. From trading volume to macroeconomic events, several elements come into play. Let’s explore the most influential factors behind AIXBT’s price movements and how you can monitor them effectively.

      1. Trading Volume and Market Liquidity

      Trading volume is one of the most significant indicators of a cryptocurrency’s price trends. It reflects the level of activity and interest in a particular token over a given period.

      Why It Matters:

      • High Volume: Indicates strong investor interest and makes it easier to buy or sell AIXBT without significant price slippage.
      • Low Volume: Suggests reduced activity, which can lead to higher price volatility and potential difficulties in executing large trades.

      How to Monitor: Platforms like CoinGecko and CoinMarketCap provide real-time data on AIXBT’s trading volume across various exchanges. Pay attention to sudden spikes or drops in volume, as these often precede major price movements.

      2. Partnerships and Ecosystem Growth

      Strategic partnerships and ecosystem developments can significantly impact AIXBT’s perceived value and utility. For instance, collaborations with major companies, integration into new platforms, or adoption by influential projects can boost demand.

      Examples of Impactful Partnerships:

      • Enterprise Collaborations: Partnerships with well-known brands can enhance credibility and attract new investors.
      • Blockchain Integrations: Being part of a larger blockchain network or ecosystem can increase AIXBT’s use cases, driving demand.

      How to Stay Updated: Follow official announcements on AIXBT’s website, social media channels, and reputable crypto news outlets like CoinTelegraph or Decrypt. Keep an eye on project roadmaps for upcoming milestones.

      3. Macroeconomic Events

      Global economic conditions and geopolitical events often influence cryptocurrency prices, including AIXBT. Factors like inflation rates, interest rates, and government regulations can either positively or negatively affect the market.

      Key Influences:

      • Inflation Hedging: During times of economic uncertainty, cryptocurrencies often act as a hedge against inflation, driving up demand.
      • Regulatory Changes: Announcements of stricter regulations can lead to temporary market dips, while positive news may attract institutional investors.
      • Global Events: Events like currency devaluations or geopolitical tensions can increase interest in decentralized assets like AIXBT.

      How to Monitor: Stay informed about global economic trends through financial news platforms like Bloomberg or Reuters. Set up Google Alerts for keywords like “cryptocurrency regulation” or “blockchain adoption.”

      4. Market Sentiment and Social Media Influence

      The cryptocurrency market is highly sentiment-driven, with news, rumors, and social media chatter often causing significant price swings. Platforms like Twitter, Telegram, and Reddit play a crucial role in shaping public perception of AIXBT.

      Sentiment Indicators:

      • Positive News: Announcements of major partnerships, technological upgrades, or listing on new exchanges often result in price rallies.
      • Negative News: Security breaches, legal disputes, or market-wide crashes can lead to sharp declines.

      How to Monitor Sentiment: Tools like LunarCrush analyze social media activity and sentiment trends for specific cryptocurrencies. Additionally, monitor AIXBT’s official channels and community discussions to gauge investor mood.

      5. Supply and Demand Dynamics

      Like any asset, the price of AIXBT is heavily influenced by the basic economic principle of supply and demand. A limited supply combined with increasing demand often results in price appreciation.

      Factors Affecting Supply and Demand:

      • Token Supply: Is AIXBT’s supply capped, or is it inflationary? Tokens with a fixed supply tend to become more valuable over time as demand increases.
      • Market Demand: Adoption by enterprises, developers, or retail users can drive demand.

      Pro Tip: Monitor circulating supply and any token-burning mechanisms that may reduce the overall supply over time.

      6. Exchange Listings and Liquidity

      Getting listed on major cryptocurrency exchanges often results in a price boost for tokens like AIXBT. This is because new listings increase accessibility, liquidity, and visibility.

      Why It Matters:

      • Increased Exposure: More traders gain access to AIXBT, boosting trading activity.
      • Improved Liquidity: Listing on high-volume exchanges makes it easier to buy and sell the token.

      How to Track Listings: Stay updated on exchange announcements via platforms like Binance, Coinbase, or Kraken. Monitor AIXBT’s listing status on emerging decentralized exchanges (DEXs) as well.

      7. Technological Developments and Upgrades

      Blockchain projects thrive on innovation, and technological advancements often lead to increased interest in a cryptocurrency. Upgrades to AIXBT’s blockchain or protocol can significantly affect its utility and, consequently, its price.

      Examples of Key Developments:

      • Scalability Upgrades: Faster transaction speeds or reduced fees.
      • New Features: Launching staking, governance mechanisms, or smart contract capabilities.
      • Security Enhancements: Implementing robust measures to safeguard users and funds.

      How to Stay Informed: Follow AIXBT’s GitHub repository and developer updates for detailed information on technological progress. Engage with community forums to discuss upcoming features.

      Take Charge of Your AIXBT Tracking Strategy

      Understanding the factors that drive AIXBT prices can give you a competitive edge in the cryptocurrency market. By monitoring trading volume, partnerships, macroeconomic events, and technological advancements, you can stay ahead of market trends and make well-informed decisions.

      Leverage tools like CoinGecko, LunarCrush, and Binance for real-time updates. Stay connected with AIXBT’s official channels and reputable news platforms to ensure you never miss important developments. With the right knowledge and tools, you can confidently navigate the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency trading.

      Egypt’s Khazna Raises $16 Million For Saudia Expansion

      Khazna, Egypt’s digital banking app has closed $16 million round to further fuel its growth by applying for a digital banking license in Egypt and advancing its expansion into the Saudi Arabian market.

      The pre-Series B round was from SANAD Fund for MSME, anb Seed Fund (managed by anb Capital), Aljazira Capital (the investment arm of Bank Aljazira of Saudi Arabia), Khwarizmi Ventures, Nclude, ICU Ventures, Quona, Speedinvest and Disruptech Ventures.

      Khazna will use the funding to boost its Saudi expansion and transform the digital banking industry across the region.

      According to Omar Saleh, CEO of Khazna, “Closing this funding round is a pivotal achievement for Khazna’s team. This not only propels our core business but also empowers us to accelerate our mission of advancing financial inclusion across the MENA region. Khazna’s entry into Saudi Arabia marks the beginning of a new chapter. and we are committed to delivering an unparalleled digital user experience across the region.”

      This round of funding underscores investor confidence in Khazna’s world-class team, innovative business model, and significant potential for the digital bank. Under Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom has seen tremendous digital economy growth and attracted top financial technology innovators. Khazna’s expansion into Saudi Arabia will involve strategic partnerships to ensure a tailored approach that meets the specific needs of its target user base.

      In March 2020, Khazna raised seed funding to provide financial services to the country’s underbanked and two years later raised $38 million Series A round led by Quona Capital. In March last year, Khazna expanded its services into Saudi Arabia in partnership with Khwarizmi Ventures in efforts to contribute to turning Saudi Arabia into a cashless society and to provide digital payment solutions.

      Khazna has achieved massive success in Egypt, landing 300+ commercial partners and acquiring 500K+ end-users to date. The company has raised $30M in equity funding from global investors, including Quona Capital and Speedinvest, and a credit facility from Lendable.

      Launched in 2020 by Omar Saleh, Ahmed Wagueeh, Fatimah El Shenawy, and Omar Salah, Khazna aims to serve underbanked Egyptians who have little access to formal financial services, including general-purpose credit, buy now pay later (BNPL), and bill payment.

      Bayer, Impact Hub to Give $387,220 to Women Innovators in Health & Food Security

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      Bayer Foundation, in partnership with Impact Hub Network, has opened applications for the 2025 Women Entrepreneurs Award, offering 15 winners €25,000 and growth support to overcome barriers in scaling innovative solutions for health and food security.

      Bayer Foundation and Impact Hub Network are seeking for women entrepreneurs who are driving change in the health and food security sector through their innovations. The award will amplify their work, support scalable social businesses, and connect them to networks that drive transformative change.

      According to Petr Skvaril, Global Partnerships Director at Impact Hub Network, “Through this partnership, we provide valuable support specifically tailored to the needs of women entrepreneurs and their businesses. We also foster collaboration to accelerate change in health and food security. Our combined expertise and networks have created a powerful platform for scaling solutions that address the world’s most pressing challenges.”

      Standout winners in 2024 include Joan Nalubega from Uganda, with mosquito repellents integrated into daily essentials like soap and lotion, reducing malaria cases by 88% in user households.

      Valentina Rios from Colombia revolutionizing pediatric care with a 24/7 WhatsApp-based service that has resolved over 9 million inquiries across 28 countries, cutting emergency room visits by 92% and improving healthcare access for underserved families.

      Athalia Mutiara Laksmi from Indonesia bridging the gap between hearing and deaf communities with a 3D animation translator, enabling over 160,000 people to learn and connect.

      Applications are now open, and will close on February 18, 2025.

      UK Business Visitor Visa for Startups CEO: A Way To Find New Investors In 2025

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      The Business Visitor Visa is a type of UK visa under the Standard visitor visa that allows foreign professionals or business executives from other countries to carry out business activities in the UK for a duration of 6 months. We’ve provided a detailed guide about the UK business visitor visa 2025 and how it can be leveraged for business travel to the UK in 2025.

      Table of Contents

      We hope this gives you a great headstart as you begin your application process this year. Cheers!

      What Startup CEOs Need To Know About The Uk Business Visitor Visa?

      Asides the fact that The UK Business Visitor visa is a perfect business visa for startup CEOs in 2025 who wish to meet with potential investors, here are a list of important things to note about the business visitor visa before you begin your application process;

      1. You can only attend business-related meetings or events such as training, seminars, interviews and conferences. During these events, you can give speeches or seminar talks as long as you are not being paid for it. Paid business activities are not allowed under this visa category.
      2. You can meet up with potential or current investors to negotiate contract deals and agreements as long as monetary funding won’t be given right there on the trip.
      3. You can participate in trade fairs to boost your business publicity and create awareness but you must not sell goods or services directly or try to make earnings from that trade fair.
      4. You can visit the UK to inspect a feasible business spot or location for your next project or business launch. However, know that you can not apply for a business grant or bursary during your stay.
      5. You can travel to the UK to source for business funding for a new business or upcoming project as long as you have upgraded your visa to a Tier-1 innovator visa. This is because the business visitor visa only offers a maximum of 6-months stay.
      6. You can participate in academic research work or bring a team of people for study as long as you are not being paid for that research program.
      7. You can visit the UK to undertake a professional exam such as PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board) or OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) as long as you won’t be using the certification to seek for gainful employment during your period of stay.
      8. You can meet with a clientele or loyal brand customers to further discuss their needs and expectations from your products or services.
      9. You can visit the UK to do industry-related research about the prospects of your business startup and gather valuable insights from the UK market on how it favors you.
      10. You can visit the UK for on-site inspections – to check your available goods and services in the UK market and see how they are performing but remember you can not live or work there for a duration more than 6 months.

      Step-by-step Guide To Obtaining A Uk Business Visitor Visa For Startups

      As soon as you confirm your eligibility for a UK Business Visitor Visa, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you apply for the business visa for start-up CEOs in 2025;

      • Start immediately! Don’t linger or hesitate on the application process as long as you have plans to travel to the UK for business-related purposes soon
      • Sign up on the official Home Office website and create a profile account for yourself.
      • If you are from a non-EEA country, visit a visa application centre in your country to register and update your biometric details. Payments are usually done online.
      • You may be scheduled for a visa interview in your local application centre, make sure you attend. Details such as timing and venue will be sent to you. Please note that this is not always applicable to everyone, you may or may not be required to attend one in your application process. Just make sure you follow up with your application status for any likely updates.
      • Proceed to submit your carefully filled and completed application document online or in any visa application centre closest to you.
      • Follow-up and wait for approval.

      Because the application process can be quite tedious to navigate, we recommend consulting with an immigration attorney to help compile all the necessary documents that improve your chances of being approved for a UK business visitor visa in 2025.

      Requirements For The Uk Business Visitor Visa For CEOs In 2025

      These are the eligibility requirements and documentation for the UK business visitor visa 2025. CEOs, take note!

      • A genuine travel passport with a minimum of 6-months validity showing a proper record of your previous travel history
      • A UK-standard recent passport photograph of you
      • Evidence of your intended travel itinerary such as the companies or events you want to visit. Seminars or conferences you want to attend.
      • Evidence of proper housing/accommodation arrangement during your stay such as hotel bookings or rental agreements.
      • Evidence of willingness to leave the UK at the end of your stay. You can use your travel documents and other commitments you have back at home to prove this.
      • Evidence of adequate funds to support your stay in the UK such as bank statements.
      • All documents must be original, in good condition and properly translated in English language.
      • Documents stating who your employer or company is if you are representing an overseas business.

      How Much Will It Cost You To Get A UK Business Visitor Visa?

      You can expect a range of  £115- £963 depending on your intended duration of stay, urgency or travel purpose to the UK.

      The UK Business visitor visa also offers long-term and single-visit options to business executives who wish to visit the UK for a one-off business trip or extend their stay for up to 5 or 10 years. In the case of an urgent travel, you would need to pay for a priority service that ensures you get a decision in 5 days, for that you get charged an additional fee of  £500 to your original visa application cost.

      AstraZeneca Reaffirms Commitment to Cancer Care on World Cancer Day 2025

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      AstraZeneca has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing early detection, innovative treatments, and holistic patient care in recognition of World Cancer Day 2025 under this year’s theme, “United by Unique.”

      This theme highlights the importance of patient-centered care, innovative approaches to improving outcomes, and the power of collaboration in advancing cancer care.

      As a global biopharmaceutical company with a strong commitment to oncology care, AstraZeneca continues to champion oncology efforts by focusing on early detection, patient advocacy, and equitable access to advanced treatments. Through initiatives that address critical gaps in cancer care, the company works alongside healthcare providers, patient advocacy groups, and government institutions to drive meaningful improvements in cancer outcomes across the continent.

      Cancer remains a leading global cause of death, with delayed diagnoses and limited access to care, worsening outcomes. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates cancer mortality in sub-Saharan Africa could nearly double by 2030. Recognizing the importance of early detection, AstraZeneca has launched initiatives to improve timely and accurate diagnoses. One such programme, Connect to Care, developed with Axios International and key medical associations, fosters multidisciplinary collaboration to accelerate lung cancer diagnosis and improve patient outcomes.

      Deepak Arora, African Cluster Country President at AstraZeneca, emphasised the importance of these initiatives: “Our mission at AstraZeneca is to bridge the gap in cancer care. By improving access to diagnostics and treatments, we aim to transform the landscape of cancer outcomes on the continent. Early detection plays a critical role in improving survival outcomes, and we remain committed to supporting initiatives that make a meaningful difference for patients.”

      AstraZeneca is enhancing molecular testing infrastructure in Nigeria and Kenya, collaborating with Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health to introduce advanced diagnostics like EGFR testing for lung cancer. Additionally, its diagnostic patient navigation programme streamlines the journey from suspicion to diagnosis, ensuring efficient specimen handling for critical testing.

      In South Africa, it has partnered with Medsol AI Solutions to launch Project Flamingo, an AI-driven healthcare innovation that enables real-time breast ultrasound scans and predictive analysis to improve early breast cancer detection in underserved communities. The AI-powered app has demonstrated 97.6% accuracy in predicting malignancies, supporting early detection efforts and helping ease pressure on public health systems.

      Dr. Khomotso Mashilane, Medical Director at AstraZeneca, said, “We are committed to advancing innovation in oncology care through early detection and precision diagnostics. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, developing patient-centred solutions, and fostering meaningful partnerships, we aim to empower patients and healthcare providers to improve outcomes and enhance quality of life. On this World Cancer Day, we honour every patient’s unique journey and reaffirm our dedication to advancing science and delivering meaningful care.”

      AstraZeneca’s Cancer Care Africa programme underscores its commitment to holistic and equitable healthcare. Launched in Kenya with key partners, including the Ministry of Health, KESHO, Axios, and NCI, this initiative strengthens capacity, enhances diagnostics, empowers patients, and improves access to advanced cancer treatments.

      As part of our commitment to strengthening cancer care infrastructure, AstraZeneca has supported the availability of diagnostic tools, including ultrasound biopsy machines for prostate cancer and biomarker testing technology for lung cancer.. The company also supports training for healthcare professionals, fostering a more skilled oncology workforce equipped to address Africa’s growing cancer burden.

      World Cancer Day 2025 highlights the uniqueness of every individual’s cancer journey while promoting a united effort to enhance care. AstraZeneca’s people-centric approach aligns with this theme, prioritizing patients in innovation and treatment. Committed to early detection, advanced therapies, and equitable healthcare, the company fosters collaboration and drives meaningful progress in oncology, inspiring hope and transformative outcomes.

      Foundation Ventures Announces Close of $25 Million Fund

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      Foundation Ventures, an Egyptian VC firm, has closed its $25 million fund, “FVFII.” to strengthen Egypt’s entrepreneurial landscape by driving innovation and supporting startups from early-stage development to regional and global expansion.

      Investors included Egyptian American Enterprise Fund (EAEF), the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA), and Onsi Sawiris .

      Foundation Ventures will also be directed toward investing in promising African startups.

      “Egypt boasts one of the region’s most talented tech pools and one of the largest economies in the Middle East and Africa. The devalued currency offers startups a rare chance to harness superior tech talent and use Egypt as a cost-efficient testbed,” said Mazen Nadim, Managing Partner at Foundation Ventures. “This enables startups to refine their business models locally and emerge as competitive players on the regional and global stages.”

      Their confidence in Foundation Ventures represents a shared vision to foster a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in Egypt and across the continent, build disruptive generational businesses, and elevate local innovation onto the global stage.

      Nadim also highlighted the resilience emerging from Egypt’s evolving market landscape: “The recent market correction has acted as a filter, spotlighting strong, well-managed companies. Founders who prioritised capital efficiency and adaptability have emerged stronger. Shaped by the challenges of the downturn, this new generation of founders is expected to approach business-building with a heightened emphasis on sustainability and operational efficiency.”

      Beyond capital investment, Foundation Ventures provides its portfolio companies with access to Egypt’s largest enterprise network. This hands-on approach creates a foundation for startups to thrive locally and scale regionally.

      “We are excited to partner with Foundation Ventures and confident in the exceptional talent and vision of their team. This partnership underscores our commitment to supporting innovative entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of the region and our belief in the significant potential of Egypt’s growing venture capital ecosystem to drive economic growth,” commented Yasmine Ghobrial, Chief Investment Officer at the Egyptian-American Enterprise Fund.

      Hakki Africa Raises $12.7m to Launch in South Africa & India

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      Hakki Africa, (Hakki), a Japanese microlender in the auto industry in Kenya, has raised $12.7 million to launch in South Africa and India to enable taxi drivers access to affordable vehicle ownership.

      The new funding round was co-led by Global Brain’s Flagship Fund IX (GB-IX) and the Norinchukin Innovation Fund L.P. (NCIF) to develop a proprietary credit-scoring algorithm that leverages alternative data sources for funding to increase car ownership among drivers who mostly hire cars expensively.

      Founded in 2019 by Reiji Kobayashi and Koji Tokida, Hakki Africa will now expand into South Africa and India to bridge the financial inclusion gap in these markets.

      Hakki Africa will also expand its lending portfolio to more car varieties, bolster its credit assessment tech and refine its model to reach more taxi drivers. In 2023, Hakki Africa secured $10.6 million Series B funding round led by SBI Investment with participation from QR Investment (Hokkoku Financial Holdings), Deepcore, Hakobune, and Music Securities, alongside debt financing from an undisclosed Japanese megabank and Hokkoku Bank.

      Recently, Bolt and Hakki Africa partnered to deploy 1,500 vehicles over the next 18 months to drivers on Bolt’s platform via loan down payments and incentives based on their performance through Hakki Africa’s credit scoring system. Bolt and Hakki Africa said the deal will provide the opportunity for vehicle ownership by making financing more accessible for a greater number of new and existing drivers on the platform.

      Totally, Hakki Africa has raised $12.3 million plus earlier rounds from Samurai Incubate, Phals, and Headline Asia. Hakki Africa will take on Moove, a similar startup doing vehicle financing across Africa and around the world. Unlike other finance providers in Kenya, Hakki has become increasingly preferred because if its better credit terms, accessibility and great driver relations.

      Multi-Generational African Businesses

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      By Eric Osiakwan 

      On 10th January 2025, Star Assurance, a great example of a multi-generational family business, launched its 40th anniversary celebration.

      The company was founded in 1985 by Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, who handed it over to his son, Kofi Duffuor, who, after running the company for several years, handed it over to the current CEO, Panin Boatemaa Barfour-Awuah. Star Assurance has grown into Star Assurance Group Limited (SAGL) which today comprises; StarLife Assurance (run by Panin’s sister, Kakra Duffour-Nyarko), Star Microinsurance Services, Star Pension and Star Health. This wholly Ghanaian owned private conglomerate is positioned to transform Ghana’s competitive insurance sector.

      In my January 2025 essay, I mentioned the less than one percent of African businesses that are multi-generational and multi-national, in this essay I focus on the less than one percent multi-generational businesses and in my March essay, I will focus on the multi-nationals to end the first quarter of 2025. 

      It takes an inter-generational founder with a long-term vision and execution prowess to build a multi-generational enterprise. Dr. Kwabena Duffuor belongs to that Business Hall of Fame – his fortitude and exceptional execution skills having played a considerable role in the success of SAGL. The diversification into other aspects of the insurance industry is a testament to Duffour’s ability to balance risk. His investment in real estate, media, banking, mining and other sectors and hands-off arrangement as well as ceding of managerial control in his various businesses to experienced professionals highlight his multi-sectorial approach to building multi-generational businesses. Duffour has commendably groomed a new generation of entrepreneurs and CEOs, including his sons and twin daughters, Panin and Kakra who worked through the ranks of their father’s insurance ventures before taking the reins as CEOs.

      The late Col. Dr. Kwami Nyaho Tamaklo is another Ghanaian inter-generational founder who established Nyaho Medical Centre (NMC) in March 1970 with a vision to provide the best nursing and medical care in Ghana. For more than five decades, the Centre has been at the forefront of patient-centered healthcare, bringing the highest international standards to Ghana. Upon his demise, his wife Mrs. Janet Tamaklo took over and run the business with the help of their daughter, Vako Ferguson until his son, Dr. Elikem Tamaklo, who trained in the UK as a medical doctor, returned home in 2015 to manage the family enterprise. Mrs Tamaklo currently serves as the Emeritus Chairman, with the founder’s daughters Janis McKenna and Vako Ferguson serving on the Board, whilst Dr. Tamaklo is Executive Chairman. NMC represents the highest standards of primary and specialist healthcare in the West African sub-region.

      A person in a suit and tie

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      Rtd. Col. Dr. Kwami Nyaho Tamaklo                   

      Dr. Elikem Tamaklo

      In the Eastern Region of Ghana, Dr. John Appiah started Koforidua Clinic in 1981 with a vision to provide private primary care in the region. He run the facility until 2018 when he suddenly passed. His son, John Appiah Jnr took over running the clinic. Although Mr. Appiah Jnr isn’t a trained medical professional, he has grown Koforidua Clinic to the level where it it now part of the Rivia network of clinics nationwide. His father vision and entrepreneurial prowess inspired him to start his own business, A-League Consult, an independent human capital development training provider and personal development specialist organization.

      Dr. John Appiah                                                            

      Mr. John Appiah Jr.

      Independent of his responsibilities at the Koforidua Clinic and the A-League Consult, Appiah Jnr serves as president of the Africa Chamber For Youth Development, a youth development hub that he co-founded. The African Chamber seeks to become a one-stop chamber where youth leaders in Ghana and Africa undergo leadership training, professional development and career guidance and support.

      Dr. Richard Maponya of South Africa is another inter-generational entrepreneur and property developer who is best known for having built a highly successful business empire despite the restrictions of apartheid. From the 1950s when he started his first business, he has been determined to see the South West Townships (Soweto) develop economically. One manifestation of his dream was the opening of the huge shopping precinct called Maponya Mall in 2007. It is said to have changed the face of Soweto.

      Dr. Maponya inspired a generation of entrepreneurs and industry pioneers that are shaping and influencing our world today. Peter Vundla, friend and colleague, refers to Dr. Maponya as one of the key pioneers for black business long before Black Economic Empowerment (BEE). Peter Vundla is one of the founders of HerdBuoys, South Africa’s first black-owned advertising agency in an industry dominated by global players.

      A person in a suit and tie

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      Dr. Richard Maponya                                                    

      A person in an orange jacket

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      Ms. Chichi Maponya 

      Dr. Richard Maponya’s daughter, Chichi Maponya, is currently managing director of Maponya Group, responsible for all business activities of Maponya Group subsidiaries, management, growth and diversification strategy. She is also founder and Director of Mathari Resources, a women-owned company focusing on mining, procurement and commodities trading. Chichi started her business career in the family businesses, mainly retail sales, where she gained experience spanning the entire gamut of business operations. She then sought independence and went on to work for a property development company as project manager, later joining The South African Institute of Civil Engineers (SAICE) as bookkeeper and assistant PR officer. 

      These are but a few multi-generational businesses in Africa – hopefully they inspire more of such and to the extent — they are also multi-national. 


      Samsung Galaxy S25 Base Edition: First Impressions of The Affordable Flagship

      Samsung Galaxy S25 recently launched in Kenya and our friends at Samsung Kenya gave us the Samsung Galaxy S25 Base Edition for review.

      Before we get into the review the Recommended Retail Price for the the Galaxy S25 Base is Ksh 116,200 for the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage version and Ksh 108,300 for the 8GB RAM and 128GB version.

      Generally, the Galaxy S25 and S25+ come in Navy, Icyblue, Mint and Silver Shadow. Blueblack, Coralred and Pinkgold are exclusively available on samsung.com.

      The version we have is wrapped in a light aluminum frame and tough enough for use anywhere. It has slight iPhone appearance. The phone runs Android 15 with customized One UI 7 powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite.

      Some of the Galaxy AI features on the phone include Now Brief and Audio Eraser which ome with its upgraded One UI 7, these features work seamlessly on Galaxy S25 and S25+.

      Galaxy S25 Base Edition has a 6.2-inch display and a 4,000 mAh battery capacity, whereas Galaxy S25+ has a 6.7-inch display and a 4,900 mAh battery capacity. Galaxy S25 has two storage options: 128GB or 256GB. The S25’s 4000 mAh has a 25W wired and 15W wireless charging with a 4.5W reverse wireless charging capacity.

      Galaxy S25 Series presents the very first 3nm processor custom-designed for Galaxy smartphones. Snapdragon® 8 Elite for Galaxy integrates ray tracing and Vulkan optimization for an improved gaming experience. And with a larger vapor chamber and new thermal interface material (TIM), you’ll get a smoother and cooler experience so you can fully immerse yourself in the game for longer.

      The Galaxy S25 has a strong Armor Aluminum frame, Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2 and an IP68 rating to protect from daily scuffs, dust and water.

      Design and Display: Premium Look, Accessible Price

      The Samsung Galaxy S25 Base Edition maintains the signature look and feel of its flagship counterparts, but with a more practical design. The 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is crisp, bright, and smooth with a 120Hz refresh rate, making it a treat for media consumption and gaming. While not as large as the S25 Ultra’s expansive 6.8-inch display, the 6.1-inch screen offers excellent color accuracy, deep blacks, and an immersive viewing experience.

      The design itself is slim and lightweight, with an aluminium cover on the back and edges to give it a sleek and premium look. It fits in one’s hand easily and the aluminum means its less prone to fingerprints or picking dirt and dust though it might slide in the hand.

      The Samsung Galaxy S25 comes in Icy Blue, Mint, Navy, Silver Shadow colors. Samsung Galaxy S25 prices Kenya are listed below.

      Performance: Smooth and Reliable

      The Galaxy S25 Base Edition is powered by the 3nm Snapdragon® 8 Elite, paired with 8GB of RAM. While it’s not as powerful as the higher-tier models, the S25 Base Edition still offers excellent performance for everyday use. Whether you’re running multiple apps, browsing the web, or enjoying social media, the phone remains responsive with minimal lag. Light to moderate gaming is also smooth, though it may not handle the most graphically demanding games at the highest settings like the S25 Ultra.

      With options of 128GB and 256GB storage, you get ample space for apps, media, and documents. However, it’s worth noting that the Base Edition doesn’t support expandable storage, so you’ll need to pick your storage option wisely.

      The device is also 5G capable, ensuring that you’re ready for the future of mobile networks, though 4G remains a solid option for most of Kenya at the moment. The 5G support is a great element as most urban centers are 5G-ready and 5G networks continue to roll out in major cities.

      Camera: Solid Performance, Great for Everyday Shots

      The camera setup on the Galaxy S25 Base Edition is impressive for a base model. The 50MP primary camera captures sharp, vibrant photos with good detail in daylight conditions. While it doesn’t have the massive 200MP sensor of the S25 Ultra, the results are still fantastic for the average user, with accurate colors and a wide dynamic range. The 12MP ultra-wide camera ensures that group shots and landscapes are crisp, and the 10MP telephoto lens provides decent zoom capabilities.

      The 12MP front camera is excellent for selfies, and Samsung has introduced a new AI-powered beauty mode for smoother, more flattering portraits. Video recording supports 4K at 30fps, so whether you’re vlogging or capturing memories, the S25 Base Edition has you covered.

      Battery Life: Long-Lasting Power

      The Galaxy S25 Base Edition is equipped with a 4,000mAh battery that provides solid endurance for a full day of use, even with moderate screen-on time and regular app usage. It supports 25W fast charging, so you can quickly top up the battery when needed. While it’s not as fast as the 45W charging on the S25 Ultra, it’s still more than enough to get you back up and running in no time.

      Wireless charging is supported at 15W, and reverse wireless charging allows you to power up smaller devices, like your earbuds or another phone, with ease.

      Software: One UI Enhancements and Customization

      The Galaxy S25 Base Edition runs Samsung’s One UI 7.0, built on Android 15. One UI is known for its clean, user-friendly interface, and the S25 Base Edition continues that tradition. You get a range of customization options, from themes to widget placement, making the device feel personal and tailored to your needs. Additionally, Samsung promises up to 4 years of software updates, so the S25 Base Edition will stay current with the latest features and security patches for years to come.

      Samsung Galaxy S25 Pricing and Availability in Kenya

      The Samsung Galaxy S25 Base Edition is available in Kenya at a more affordable price compared to the higher-tier models. Here are the local prices:

      • Ksh 116,200 for the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage version
      • Ksh 108,300 for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage version

      Given the flagship-level features, this is a compelling price for anyone looking to step into the Galaxy S ecosystem without breaking the bank.

      Final Thoughts: The Flagship Experience for Less

      The Samsung Galaxy S25 Base Edition proves that you don’t have to compromise on performance or design to get a flagship experience at a more accessible price. It offers excellent performance for daily use, a solid camera, great battery life, and a premium design – all while being future-proofed with 5G capabilities.

      While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the S25 Ultra, the Base Edition is an outstanding choice for those who want a top-tier phone without paying the premium. Whether you’re upgrading from an older device or stepping into the Samsung Galaxy family for the first time, the S25 Base Edition is definitely worth considering.

      SpecificationDetails
      Size and weight146.9mm by 70.5mm by 7.2 mm; 162 g
      BuildGorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back), aluminum frame; IP68 dust/water resistant
      Display6.2″ Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2600 nits peak, 1080 x 2340 pixels (~416 ppi)
      PlatformAndroid 15, One UI 7; Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm); Octa-core CPU; Adreno 830 GPU
      Memory128GB/12GB RAM, 256GB/12GB RAM, 512GB/12GB RAM; UFS 4.0
      Main Cameras50 MP (wide), 10 MP (3x telephoto), 12 MP (ultrawide)
      Selfie Camera12 MP, HDR10+; 4K@30/60fps
      Battery4000 mAh; 25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless
      AudioStereo speakers, no 3.5mm jack; 32-bit/384kHz audio, tuned by AKG
      ConnectivityWi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2
      ColoursIcy Blue, Mint, Navy, Silver Shadow

      Comparison of the S25, S25+ and the S25 Ultra

      SpecsSamsung Galaxy S25Samsung Galaxy S25 PlusSamsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
      Display6.2-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate
      ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3nm)Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3nm)Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3nm)
      Main Camera50MP Wide AF OIS
      12MP Ultrawide
      10MP 3x Tele AF OIS
      50MP Wide AF OIS
      12MP Ultrawide
      10MP 3x Tele AF OIS
      200MP Wide AF OIS
      50MP Wide AF OIS
      10MP 3x Tele AF OIS
      50MP 5x Tele AF OIS
      Selfie Camera12MP Wide AF12MP Wide AF12MP Wide AF
      Memory and Storage12GB RAM | 128GB, 256GB Storage12GB RAM | 256GB, 512GB Storage12GB RAM | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB Storage
      Battery4,000mAh4,900mAh5,000mAh
      ChargingFast Wireless Charging 2.0
      Wireless PowerShare
      Fast Wireless Charging 2.0
      Wireless PowerShare
      Fast Wireless Charging 2.0
      Wireless PowerShare
      Connectivity5G (sub6, mmW)
      Wi-Fi 7
      5G (sub6, mmW)
      Wi-Fi 7
      UWB
      5G (sub6, mmW)
      Wi-Fi 7
      UWB
      BiometricsUltrasonic Fingerprint, Face RecognitionUltrasonic Fingerprint, Face RecognitionUltrasonic Fingerprint, Face Recognition
      Size70.5 x 146.9 x 7.275.8 x 158.4 x 7.377.6 x 162.8 x 8.2
      Weight162g190g218g
      OSAndroid 15 / One UI 7Android 15 / One UI 7Android 15 / One UI 7
      DurabilityIP68
      Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
      Armor Aluminum (Frame)
      IP68
      Corning Gorilla Glass
      Victus 2
      Armor Aluminum (Frame)
      IP68
      Enhanced Corning Gorilla Armor (front glass)
      Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (rear glass)
      Titanium (Frame)
      ColorIcyblue, Navy, Mint, Silver ShadowIcyblue, Navy, Mint, Silver ShadowTitan Black, Titan Gray,
      Titan Silverblue, Titan Whitesilver

      How to Pre-Order The Samsung Galaxy S25 Series

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      The Samsung Galaxy S25 series has officially launched in Kenya. The all-AI phone was launched on January 22, 2025, in the Kenyan market setting a new standard as a true AI companion with the most natural and context-aware mobile experiences ever created. Introducing seamless action across apps, the Galaxy S25 series is the first step in Samsung’s vision to change the way users interact with their phone and with their world

      Pre-orders are now open until February 16, 2025, for those eager to be among the first to experience this technological marvel. In Kenya the Recommended Retail Price for the Galaxy S25 Ultra is (12+512GB at KES 188,400)  (12+256GB at KES 172,800), the Galaxy S25 Plus is (12+512GB at KES 147,800) (12+256GB at KES 132,000)  while the Galaxy S25 Base is (8+256GB at KES116,200) and  (8+128GB  at KES 108,300).

      Why pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S25 series now?

      Well, to begin with, Samsung is offering enticing incentives for early adopters:

      • Double the Storage: Pre-order any Galaxy S25 series device and enjoy double the storage at no extra cost. For instance, pay for the 128GB model and receive the 256GB variant. Who doesn’t love a phone that stores and stores with no provision of telling you, “Memory full”?
      • Ksh 5,000 Cashback with Loop: Customers who pre-order will receive a Ksh 5,000 cashback when they pay with Loop. Who wouldn’t love to save 5,000 shillings in Kenya right now? Samsung is giving you this opportunity if you pre-order.

      How to Pre-Order the Samsung Galaxy S25 series

      • Click on this link to explore the Galaxy S25 series features and initiate your pre-order. The link takes you directly to the pre-order microsite.
      • Select Your Preferred Model: Choose the Galaxy S25 series model that suits your needs. Remember, pre-ordering grants you double the storage at no additional cost.
      • Choose a Payment Method: opt for Loop to avail yourself of the Ksh 5,000 cashback offer.
      • Complete the Pre-Order Process: Follow the on-screen instructions to finalize your pre-order.
      • Confirmation: After completing your pre-order, you’ll receive a confirmation email detailing your purchase and the expected availability date.

      Alternative Pre-Order Options

      If you prefer an in-person experience, authorized Samsung stores and select e-commerce partners across Kenya are accepting pre-orders. Visit these outlets to secure your Galaxy S25 series and enjoy the exclusive pre-order offers.

      These pre-order offers are available until February 16, 2025. Seize this opportunity to be among the first to own the Samsung Galaxy S25 series  and enjoy exclusive benefits that enhance your mobile experience.  

      Best eSIM apps

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      Traveling or moving to another country can be an exciting and unique experience. However, one of the challenges that many people face is mobile connectivity and internet access while abroad. When you are outside your home country, you may not have access to the same network coverage and internet speeds as you are used to. This can make it difficult to stay connected with friends and family, as well as access important information and services. Virtual eSIM cards can help you overcome this challenge. These digital SIM cards work in a similar way to physical SIM cards, allowing you to download and install them before your trip. They provide flexible internet access at a lower cost, making it easier to stay connected while abroad. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about virtual eSIMs and eSIM USA for international travel by eSimPlus. We will also look at some of the best options, including eSIM USA internet, available for tourists.

      eSimPlus

      eSimPlus is a user-friendly application for managing electronic SIM cards that is compatible with both Apple and Android devices. One of the main benefits of eSim Plus is its easy installation process: users can activate their SIM card by following intuitive instructions in the app, eliminating the need to physically replace SIM cards and making it easy to switch between different plans. eSim offers competitive rates that are valid worldwide, making it an excellent option for travelers and people who frequently change location. In addition, the app provides a reliable connection and fast Internet speed, allowing users to stay connected wherever they are. Thanks to these advantages, eSIM has become an ideal choice for anyone who values convenience and flexibility in mobile communication.

      Airalo

      You can purchase a digital eSIM for your foreign trips from Airalo. This convenient service ensures that you always have access to a reliable internet without the need for a local SIM card. The virtual SIM is suitable for both short trips and longer vacations. If you enjoy watching videos or sharing photos from your vacation, there are plans with large amounts of data, such as 5 or 10 gigabytes. Customers appreciate Airalo’s virtual SIMs for their lack of hidden fees, competitive prices, and prompt customer service. During sales, you can purchase Airalo plans at half the regular price, making them even more appealing to travelers.

      Holafly

      A reliable eSIM service that also offers international eSIMs for traveling. Holafly has a special feature that offers unlimited data packages especially for international travel to other countries, giving you confidence that your data won’t run out. Although this is a great option if you don’t require a large amount of internet access when traveling, it’s important to remember that most travelers typically don’t use such large data plans.

      Yesim

      A virtual eSIM travel card from Yesim is a great way to stay connected and protected while traveling. With Yesim, you can access the Internet immediately upon arrival and stay online while on the plane thanks to their fast and affordable mobile Internet. This allows travelers to easily find convenient routes, book tables at high-rated restaurants and stay active on social media without worrying about finding a local SIM card or incurring expensive roaming charges. Setting up the Internet with Yesim takes only about 5 minutes: simply install the mobile app, select the appropriate plan and top up your balance. After that, you will have cheap Internet access abroad, ready to explore the city and keep in touch.

      Just eSIM

      With Just eSIM, you don’t have to worry about limiting your internet usage. Get a great digital eSIM for yourself and your entire family can enjoy the internet. You can even share the internet with other devices such as a second smartphone, tablet or laptop. In the Just eSIM app, you can keep track of your usage statistics and remaining data, and set up automatic top-ups to avoid running out at the worst time.

      TooSim

      TooSim was created to make international roaming more accessible. It offers over 250 tariff plans covering more than 200 countries. This makes it one of the most flexible options for travelers. One of the main advantages of TooSim is its instant eSIM delivery, which supports various devices such as the latest iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Huawei and Google Pixel. Users can easily switch between carriers and plans while traveling without having to change their physical SIM card. The rates at TooSim start at just $5 and vary depending on data usage and validity period. Users can choose between packages ranging from 1GB to 20GB with validity periods from 7 days to 6 months. TooSim is a great option for both short and long-term trips.

      Telwel

      Telwel offers a range of tariff plans that are ideal for travelers. Our assortment includes packages for visiting different countries, such as the UAE, India, Malaysia, Israel and Qatar. We also have offers for those who want to explore the entire region and stay connected at all times. Telwel works with partners in over 150 countries to ensure the best possible signal strength. With our Virtual eSIM service, you can stay connected wherever you go – on a fishing trip, at the beach, in the mountains or desert or even on safari.

      Airhub

      Airhub is a revolutionary electronic SIM card management app that provides users with access to eSIMs in 110 countries and 5 regions around the globe. One of the key benefits of AirHub is its ability to enable calls, making it a useful tool for those frequently communicating abroad. The application makes it simple to activate and manage plans, allowing users to switch between various offers with ease. However, it’s worth noting that data plans can be rather expensive, which may deter some users. Nonetheless, AirHub continues to be an excellent option for those seeking a reliable mobile communications solution for international travel, as it allows them to stay connected wherever they go.

      Virtual eSIM cards have become essential for modern travelers, providing convenience and savings on international calls and the mobile internet. When choosing the best eSIM, several factors need to be considered, such as the frequency of trips, preferred destinations and data usage requirements.

      Kenya’s Business Registration Company Hacked, Prominent Individuals’ Data Exposed

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      In a major cybersecurity breach, the company responsible for business registration in Kenya, the Business Registration Service (BRS), has been hacked, exposing sensitive data of thousands of businesses and high-profile individuals across the country. The breach, which was discovered on Friday, has triggered concerns over the vulnerability of personal and corporate information in Kenya’s growing digital landscape.

      The hack, believed to have occurred earlier this week, has compromised a significant amount of private data, including business registration details, financial records, and the personal identification information of company directors. Among those affected are some of Kenya’s most prominent figures, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta, President William Ruto, and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.

      Multiple sources within the government and cybersecurity agencies have confirmed that the hackers accessed personal records tied to these individuals, which include their business dealings, directorships, and financial transactions linked to companies they are associated with.

      “The breach of such high-profile data has raised the stakes considerably, as it not only jeopardizes the privacy of key political figures but also exposes potential vulnerabilities in Kenya’s broader digital infrastructure,” said a cybersecurity expert familiar with the investigation.

      For example, the business registration records of companies owned or connected to the Kenyatta family were accessed, which reportedly include details on several entities with ties to the former president. Similarly, data related to President Ruto’s investments, both in the private sector and through companies linked to his political career, was also exposed.

      Fred Matiang’i, a former Interior Cabinet Secretary, is reported to be among those whose information was compromised, with business dealings and directorship roles linked to his name being accessed.

      While the hackers have not yet publicly released the data, the exposure of such sensitive information has sent shockwaves through the business and political communities. The breach also raises alarms about the security of Kenya’s evolving digital platforms, which are increasingly used for government services, financial transactions, and corporate dealings.

      In response to the breach, BRS officials have assured the public that they are working diligently with cybersecurity experts and law enforcement agencies to contain the situation and prevent further unauthorized access. “We are taking swift action to secure our systems and mitigate any further risk to the data of our clients and partners,” said the BRS managing director in a statement.

      The Kenyan government has also acknowledged the gravity of the situation, with President William Ruto’s administration vowing to invest heavily in strengthening the country’s cybersecurity infrastructure. “This is a wake-up call for us all. We will enhance our cybersecurity measures to protect both our public and private sectors,” a government spokesperson said.

      The breach has raised questions about the safety of digital records and the need for better safeguards to protect high-profile individuals and ordinary citizens alike. Cybersecurity experts have urged business owners and citizens to be vigilant and proactive in securing their data.

      “Our cybersecurity experts are working closely with our cybersecurity partner, law enforcement, and investigative agencies to assess the scope of the incident, determine any potential impact, and implement necessary containment and mitigation measures,” BRS Director General Kenneth Gathuma said in a statement on Sunday adding that investigations are underway. “Once the investigation is complete, we will provide an update and directly engage with any affected parties,” he assured.

      With investigations ongoing, the government has asked all affected businesses to report any unusual activity, and customers are being urged to remain cautious of potential identity theft or fraud. Authorities are also calling for those who may have information on the breach to come forward as they work to track down the perpetrators.

      As Kenya continues to digitize its services and infrastructure, the hack serves as a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity in protecting sensitive information. With new revelations likely to emerge, all eyes will be on how Kenya strengthens its defenses to prevent future attacks.

      Admiral Mobility and GoMetro Form a Joint Venture for Smart Mobility Solutions in the UAE

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      Admiral Mobility UAE and mobility management firm GoMetro have signed a joint venture to help commercial fleet operators transition to electric fleets across the United Arab Emirates.

      This partnership combines GoMetro’s advanced fleet management technology, including their flagship electric vehicle telematics product EV-CAN,  with Admiral Mobility’s expertise in sustainable transport in the region.

      According to Justin Coetzee, Chief Executive of GoMetro, “The GCC region represents a key market for electric fleet adoption. Our alliance with Admiral Mobility creates a complete solution for the unique demands of operating electric commercial fleets in this region.“

      The JV is already operational and is launching across key Emirates markets in the first quarter of 2025 to support the UAE’s shift towards electric commercial fleet operations, helps multinational companies reach their environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets, and reduces costs.

      According to Statista, the electric vehicle (EV) market in the United Arab Emirates is expected to reach US$1,951.0m in projected revenue in 2025. The segment is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029) of 3.78%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$2,263.0m by 2029.

      Statista reports that the United Arab Emirates is experiencing a surge in electric vehicle adoption, with government incentives and infrastructure development driving the market growth.

      The joint venture will deliver complete fleet electrification services for commercial enterprises. This will include advanced telematics and route planning through GoMetro’s Bridge platform, real-time tyre pressure monitoring through ConnecTyre by GoMetro, strategic planning and implementation of charging infrastructure using EV-FIT by GoMetro, and real-time fleet analytics and monitoring systems using EV-CAN by GoMetro.

      “This partnership marks a vital step forward in advancing the UAE’s sustainable transportation goals,” says Graham Bremer, General Manager of Admiral Mobility UAE. “By combining our regional expertise with GoMetro’s proven technology, we are positioned to guide fleet operators through their electric vehicle transition while improving their operations.”