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CEO WEEKENDS: MTN South Africa uses street lights as Network Towers

Robin Okuthe
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CEO WEEKENDS: MTN South Africa uses street lights as Network Towers

MTN is distributing antennas on street light poles and setting up purpose-built pole masts with zero visual impact in a drive to improve quality of service and network coverage around northern and west Johannesburg.

The project is in line with a three-year contract  handed to MTN by City Power, after the power utility company called for interested parties to tender RFP (requests for proposals). City Power currently seeks to commercialise its infrastructure.

“The buildings’ density around northern and west Johannesburg has negatively affected the quality of service and network coverage, which has forced the company to consider ways of distributing its infrastructure because of the difficulties experienced with setting up conventional base stations within these areas,” said MTN.

According to Eben Albertyn, the Chief Technology Officer of MTN South Africa, clients will experience difference in the quality of service once the project is completed.

Albertyn added: “This solution once deployed will benefit our customers greatly since they will begin to experience faster internet speeds, better data and voice experience, improved network coverage and Wi-Fi fall-back once users become mobile.

“The enhanced data experience will enable users carry out activities that need a lot of bandwidth and that will improve the quality of their lives, which include video conferencing, remote home surveillance and home automation.”

The distribution started this week with the pole site installation in Bryanston. Some of the targeted areas include a number of suburbs within Saxonworld, Randburg, Bryanston and Fourways neighbourhoods.

Within the next four months, MTN expects to finish the first phase of this project.

The second phase of the project may depend on customer demand, MTN said.

Kenya’s BoozeBox is Launching to Unbreak Your Chains

Sam Wakoba
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Kenya’s BoozeBox is Launching to Unbreak Your Chains

boozeboxDrunk driving is horrible. Don’t do it. It’s not about the police, it’s about your life and your baby (Merc, BMW, Landcruiser, Jaguar, Hummer) or just helping you escape a prison sentence or fine.

Now instead of talking about it some awesome guys have decided to get dirty and do something tangible.  Naked Pizza‘s Ritesh Doshi, Mikul Shah and team said as they ”sat around eating lots of pizza we were always running out of wine and beer and thought “there’s gotta be somewhere we can get stuff to keep the party going.” There were a few places – but they either tried to rip us off or didn’t have what we wanted – so we started our own. Our idea is simple – get you the booze that you want, when you want, for prices that you’re used to paying.”

Launching in few weeks, BoozeBox  promises to keep your party going with drinks till you want no more. The startup promises to deliver table to sommelier-selected wines, mixing spirits to single malt whiskys, or shots to just about anything you call booze and maybe chocolate bar and a pack of cigarettes as add ons.
Delivery Information:

boozebox2

Banking on Naked Pizza’s delivery network, BoozeBox will deliver to select neighborhoods in Nairobi which you might find out if you want or already know if you order Pizza from them. And I guess they are going to make to be full service providers gracing over events such as launches, parties, weddings among others instead of just the indoor drinkers.

BoozeBox will only take minimum orders of Ksh 2,000,($23.6) and will charge KSh 200 ($2.4) for delivery. Clients can pay in cash (C.O.D), M-Pesa (Buy Goods), or VISA and MasterCard. This guys says there prices will comparative to supermarkets and other retailers and will only make money on delivery. Before BoozeBox in Kenya, there were guys like MIA International but only delivering wines and spirits though their site’s URL wasn’t renewed. Jumia had also tried half-heartedly to unbreak your unchains.

boozeboz1In Nigeria, our friends at Drinks.ng are doing a great job.

Ghana’s Promolante Wants to be a Yelp for Telco Services in the Country

Sam Wakoba
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Ghana’s Promolante Wants to be a Yelp for Telco Services in the Country

promolotaTelco companies and offering all sorts of services, from payments to money transer than just the tradional voice and SMS and it’s becoming so difficult for subscribers to know which firm offers the best and at an affordable price. These firms are also doing various campaigns to promote their products and services and lure more users to their networks.

Ghana’s Promolante.com has therefore launched to make it ease for people to find and read more on a particular service or browse through services other telcos and compare their offering for decision making purposes. Founded in June 2014, Promolante is a web application that helps you easily discover and review promotions and services that telcos. The Ghanian-based firm says it wants to be the easiest way to find, review and talk about what’s great — and not so great — from Ghana’s telcos such as their services and promotions.

The two co-founders, Abdul-Rahim Sulemana, a Mathematics and Statistics graduate from the University of Cape Coast and currently pursuing a post-graduate course in Software Development and Entrepreneurship at MEST and  Jesse Dela Adziakpor, a expert in web application development and graphics design and a Bsc Information Technology graduate from Methodist University College,Ghana know thay have a huge task to do.

They have at the moment set up services of 5 different telcos in the country to help users keep track of what the telcos offer as everyday, telcos are launching new services to have a competitive advantage of the rest. Promolante is that discovery platform for telco promotions, services and regularly used shortcodes.

According to Abdul-Rahim, “We want to make it very easy for Ghanaians to find and decide on which promotions or services they should be subscribed to. On the other hand, we are helping the telcos by bringing all these services from them to the faces of Ghanaians. With Promolante, you can own more than a phone with different networks and still stay updated with what each telecom operator is offering. You won’t miss out on services that will save you money or make you more productive.”

They aim to help users compare offers and packages of the five different telcos in the country and are also helping users keep track of any changes whenever they are implimented. Promolante helps you easily discover and review cool promotions and services from all the telcos in Ghana with the opportunity of sharing them with family, friends and colleagues.

As a community, Promolante.com aims to collate customer past and present experiences on specific products or promotions and as well compare them to current ones to enlighten susbcribers and as well demand for better services from telcos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uganda SMEs to benefit from iWayAfrica managed service solution

Susan Mwenesi
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Uganda SMEs to benefit from iWayAfrica managed service solution

Uganda’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) stand to benefit from a new iWayAfrica managed infrastructure and services solution that will ensure that all IT processes are managed on a single strict service level agreement.

These include business email; data storage and collaboration; network security, bandwidth monitoring and reporting, offsite electronic data and email backups; offsite electronic data and email archives; and enhanced network monitoring and support.

The solution was created by pan African telecoms operator Gondwana International Networks (GIN)’s iWayAfrica while the new product offering has been done in conjunction with managed services company, SevenC Computing.

Winston Smith, General Manager, Terrestrial Services for GIN and iWayAfrica says that the partnership with SevenC Computing has already proven beneficial in several countries: “We have seen great success in Namibia and Zimbabwe and anticipate tremendous growth in Uganda. There is great demand for level three managed services support in Africa, as cloud simply cannot deliver on its own.”

SevenC Computing Managing Director, Darren Osbourn says Uganda represents unlimited opportunities: “As a well respected and reputable managed service provider, iWayAfrica has a substantial opportunity to successfully introduce a unique managed service solution in conjunction with SevenC.”

Ken Mwai, the Managing Director for iWayAfrica Uganda says that the local SME market faces very common IT challenges such as limited budgets, lack of in-house IT skills and resources, as well as poor quality of service: “We will be providing a much needed quality of service focused on the evolution, deployment and ongoing support of managed IT services.”  Customers in various sectors such as finance, insurance and travel industry, see these services as essential in allowing them to focus on their core business and allow iWay to manage their ICT infrastructure and communication requirements.

Mwai says that the advantage of deploying these managed infrastructure services is that there is no dependency on the customer being connected to the iWay network but only requires the customer a reliable Internet connection to be able to take advantage of these offerings.

 

Winston Smith, General Manager, Terrestrial Services for GIN and iWayAfrica
Winston Smith, General Manager, Terrestrial Services for GIN and iWayAfrica

“iWayAfrica is very excited about the launch of the managed service solution in Uganda. We have packaged an excellent combination of software and infrastructure as a service. This means that customers don’t procure hardware and as a result, have no upfront cost. This gives customers the best of the cloud with essential managed services on the ground,” concludes Mwai.

Rocket Internet’s ClickBus Hits One Year | Raises $10M to Drive into Turkey & Pakistan

Sam Wakoba
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Rocket Internet’s ClickBus Hits One Year | Raises $10M to Drive into Turkey & Pakistan

clickbusOnline bus travel booking platform ClickBus has received an additional $10 million funding from Latin America Internet Group, Tengelmann Ventures, Holtzbrinck Ventures and Rocket Internet and as well launched in Turkey and Pakistan, placing ClickBus in seven countries alongside Brazil, Mexico, Germany, Poland and Thailand with further country launches following steadily.

Wih over 180 partner bus companies, offering trips to over 8.000 destinations in 7 countries, ClickBus launched exactly a year ago and in just one year, it has helped more than 400.000 people with their bus travel needs globally.

Cesário Martins, Global co-CEO and co-founder of ClickBus: “With over 10 million visits globally and expectation of having a million tickets sold by the end of the year, we had an extremely successful first year. Now we are very proud to have secured this new round of funding.”

The funding will allow the firm to grow in the existing markets and advance its technology, especially in the field of M-Commerce with new iOS and Android apps.

“The new round of funding will also allow us to tackle further markets, which are mostly in the offline realm. Our goal is to move into exactly these markets to enforce the shift from offline to online in the bus industry,” added Martins.

The ClickBus booking portal is a free of charge platform and is accessible in only a few steps: The customer can select the route and dates, compare prices from different bus companies and pick the one that suits their needs. ClickBus offers several different relevant payment methods in every country its in. Within only a few minutes, the customer receives a confirmation e-mail for the desired booking with their ticket voucher attached.

According to ClickBus, the challenges in each market are diverse.

In Brazil, bus travel represents 120 million passengers annually and less than 5% of bus tickets are sold over the internet. In Mexico, lack of infrastructure combined with a large population encourages the use of road transport. In Thailand, strong tourism attracts over 27 million visitors all year round. Turkey was chosen because of the developed and big scale market along with high internet penetration. Pakistan was a clear choice due to soaring airline ticket prices and for not having any other company in the market offering this service to the population of 180 million.

But why they are doing this is because of one reason. Fernando Prado, Global co-CEO and co-founder of ClickBus says, “The company’s objective is to empower the bus travelling industry across the globe by migrating to the online world an industry used to offline sales. By allowing passengers to compare and buy bus tickets online, ClickBus is going to follow the airline example and eventually transition the bulk of sales to the internet.”

Just like ClickBus, EasyTaxi a taxi hailing startup also early backed by Rocket Internet which is live in Africa started operations in Latin America before spreading to other emerging markets.

LynkMii Wants to be the Go to Online Business Directory for Companies

Susan Mwenesi
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LynkMii Wants to be the Go to Online Business Directory for Companies

LynkMii logo2LinkMii is permitting both customers and businesses to get and stay connected to each other by using the latest gadgets such as smartphones, tablets, and the internet.

The portal of LynkMii is enabling all business owners to post details pertaining to their products and services to their mobile customers as per geographic location. This will enable all of their prospective clients to review any businesses located near them offering certain services or any special promos that are currently available.

LynkMii is now available on the mobile world. Designed to let businesses take advantage of the amazing mobile connections channel, LynkMii will help every business owner to build long term relationships with their prospects and regular customers. This incredible channel is being driven by the fast-paced growth in the sales of tablets and devices. One of the advantages of LynkMii is that anytime an offer or event is added, a message is sent to everyone with the app installed, making businesses reach more people. Other services are Bulkmail and bulk SMS marketing.

LynkMii also takes pride in providing its incredible emergency services. The app of LynkMii is now available on Google Play and Apple App Store. Once downloaded, users can navigate and look for businesses, event and special offerings either by category or geographic location. Users will also be capable of communicating directly with a business via email or phone and obtain directions to where they have to go. This app will serve as the definitive guide for anyone when it comes to hotel and accommodation, nightlife, what’s new, conference venues, sports, wedding venues, and a lot more. With just a few taps, users will be able to find what they need.

LynkMii is the best online business directory that anyone can trust for his or her needs. Whatever it is, this app will never fail to be of great help.

LynkMii is an international, online business directory for companies of all sizes, sectors and industries. The website offers members the opportunity to list their business details, news, events, offers, jobs and much more for free. The app of LynkMii is now available on Google Play and Apple App Store. LynkMii is located at 3rd floor, 207 Regent Street, London W1B3HH.

To learn more about LynkMii, please do not hesitate to visit www.lynkmii.com. For inquiries, please send them a message through this page: www.lynkmii.com/contact_us.php.

One Africa Media’s Justin Clarke nominated for EY World Entrepreneur Award

Susan Mwenesi
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One Africa Media’s Justin Clarke nominated for EY World Entrepreneur Award

CLARKEJustin Clarke, Chief Executive Officer of One Africa Media (OAM) has been nominated as a finalist for the southern Africa chapter of the EY World Entrepreneur Award for 2014 in the emerging category, the nomination being a tribute to a man who co-founded the Private Property brand –South Africa’s leading real estate portal.

The award programme mainly recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

One Africa Media (OAM) CEO Justin Clarke has been honoured with a nomination as a finalist in the southern Africa chapter of the EY World Entrepreneur Award for 2014 in the emerging category, paying tribute to a man who co-founded the Private Property brand – which is now considered South Africa’s leading real estate portal.

The EY award programme recognises entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

To win in the category Clarke will have to elbow out The Drain Surgeon, Nautic Africa and Cosmic Fashion Options – in the emerging category for the honour of presenting southern Africa at the international World Entrepreneur Awards in Monte Carlo, in June 2015.

Clarke, who feels privileged to have been nominated says the recognition has made him “reflect on the achievements and milestones” he has reached since the inception of Private Property in 1998.


“This is an honour, particularly given the high caliber of entrepreneurs across sub saharan Africa, but it also affords us the opportunity to showcase the holding company, One Africa Media, as, while many people know about our individual brands, few realise they are part of the same group – or that we are even a South African company,” he says.

Last year OAM managed to secure a $25-million round of investment for expanding its operations across sub-Saharan Africa. The company operates Internet classifieds businesses in cars, travel, real estate and jobs, and secured $20-million from Australian-listed jobs portal SEEK.

Clarke says a significant portion of OAM is currently owned by Tiger Global Management, the New York-based venture capital fund that already partners with SEEK in other ventures across Asia and Latin America. That investment was heralded as “a real endorsement of Africa’s online potential” as, when OAM began investing in local entrepreneurs in East and West Africa in 2009, the Internet was very new and out of reach of many ordinary consumers.

This enabled OAM to get in early and grow organically, but in the years ahead of the capitalisation, the group experienced significant competition growth. Clarke says SEEK’s investment has enabled the group to accelerate growth in its existing businesses and expand operations to capitalise on the large market opportunities across the continent.

Clarke anticipates growing OAM tenfold into a $1-billion company within five years, which would enable him to consider a listing on the US stock market Nasdaq. He believes that the entity is more appropriate for the type of business OAM is building, as investors better understand the Internet and ecommerce space than was currently the case in South Africa.

“This nomination is the first step to seeing those goals come to fruition,” he says.

OAM owns market-leading businesses in the real estate, jobs, cars and travel online classified sectors in Africa. Its businesses and operations employ more than 600 people in eight countries, with key hubs in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya – all countries with rapidly-growing gross domestic products and Internet and mobile penetration rates.

In the master category, winning entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries compete for one of the most coveted global business awards. Previous African winners include James Mwangi, CEO and MD of Kenya’s Equity Bank Limited, who took the 2012 global title, and the late Bill Lynch of Imperial Holdings who, in 2005, became the first-ever South African to win the global event.

Samsung Launches Galaxy Tab S in Kenya & Nigeria

Sam Wakoba
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Samsung Launches Galaxy Tab S in Kenya & Nigeria

main_visual Samsung today launched a slimmer and lighter tablet of its Galaxy Tab range dubbed Galaxy Tab S with a Super AMOLED screen and an Adaptive Display for the best visual experience anywhere, anytime for both video and photo content.

Both the 8.4-inch and 10.5-inch models of the Tablet have a thickness of 6.6mm and weigh some 298g and 467g respectively plus come with a longer-lasting battery, and Ultra-Power Saving Mode.

The Slim and Light, premium design GALAXY Tab S, like their counterparts allow users to make and receive voice calls from their smartphone on the GALAXY Tab S using the Side Sync 3.0 application while multitasking or receive calls from the tablet when your phone is not within reach.

For security, the GALAXY Tab S comes equipped with a fingerprint sensor embedded in the devices home key; Users can unlock the screen & access their user account with a simple swipe of the finger. The fingerprint scanner allows up to 8 different users to conveniently access their individual accounts. With a child lock, a user can allow kids to use the devices without access to their apps and documents.

img_gallery01 The Galaxy Tab S aims at beating Apple’s iPad Air which has af 9.7-inch Multi-Touch display and iPad mini which has 7.9 inch display.

“The tablet is becoming a popular personal viewing device for enjoying content, which makes the quality of the display a critical feature.”With the launch of the Galaxy Tab S, Samsung is setting the industry bar higher for the entire mobile industry. It will provide consumers with a visual and entertainment experience that brings colours to life, beautifully packaged in a sleek and ultra-portable mobile device,” said Manoj Changarampatt, Samsung Mobile Director.

Users can also access the Galaxy Tab S to remotely access their work PC from home and even do meetings with E-Meeting and WebEx over a WQXGA Super AMOLED display with a 100,000:1 contrast ratio.

Key Features for 10.5

Display  10.5” (267.2mm) 2560×1600(WQXGA) Super AMOLED

Bearer-Wi-Fi, LTE, 3G, 2G

Memory-3GB RAM, 16/32GB Memory, MicroSD (up to 128GB)

Dimension, Weight-Wi-Fi Model : 247.3 x 177.3 x 6.6mm , 465g
                         LTE Model : 247.3 x 177.3 x 6.6mm , 467g

Camera-Flash-8M w/ Flash LED + 2.1MBattery Capacity-7,900mAhOS-Android 4.4 (Kitkat)

USB 2.0, 3.5mm Ear jack

 

 

Key Features for the 8.5

Display-8.4” (212.8mm) 2560×1600(WQXGA) Super AMOLED

Bearer- Wi-Fi, LTE, 3G, 2G

Memory-3GB RAM, 16/32GB Memory, MicroSD (up to 128GB)

Camera / Flash-8M w/ Flash LED + 2.1M

Dimension, Weight-Wi-Fi Model : 125.6 x 212.8 x 6.6mm , 294g

LTE Model : 125.6 x 212.8 x 6.6mm , 298g

Battery Capacity-4,900mAh

OS-Android 4.4 (Kitkat)

USB 2.0, 3.5mm Ear jack

South Africa’s Takealot.com Buys 100% of Superbalist.com

Sam Wakoba
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South Africa’s Takealot.com Buys 100% of Superbalist.com

takealot

South Africa’s online retailer takealot.com,has acquired 100% acquisition of Superbalist.com, a curated, design & apparel centered online retailer, focused on the millennial generation and founded in 2010.

This comes just exactly three months after Takealot raised $100 million from Tiger Global for expansion.

In a statement takealot.com founder Kim Reid said, “We are super excited about the acquisition. The millennial generation is deemed to be the most powerful and relevant market on the planet and we have managed to acquire a business run by millennials, focused on millennials. They have a great team and we are going to have fun building the business together”.

takealot says Superbalist.com will continue to operate as an independent brand under its current management team, led by its Managing Director Luke Jedeikin. It’s acquisition will power takealot.com inventory and reach to add to its more than 9 million products across 18 departments. This inventory was also powered by takealot’s acquisition of Mr. D in September 2011, is a leader in last mile home deliveries.

Superbalist sees the deal as significant. According to Luke,“ We’re excited to have aligned with a partner that recognizes our unique culture and supports our vision and enthusiasm wholeheartedly. Takealot have built an incredible business. We’ve been admirers for a long time and know they are the best partner to help accelerate our growth. We look forward to unlocking the synergies.

The two will doubke down their efforts to take on Naspers’ Kalahari among others.

Scanning babies’ fingerprints cited as lifesaver

Robin Okuthe
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Scanning babies’ fingerprints cited as lifesaver

Some 2.5 million children die each year across the globe because they cannot access life-saving vaccinations at the right time.

Michigan State University professor Anil Jain is developing a fingerprint-based recognition method for monitoring vaccination schedules for infants and toddlers. The technology is expected to increase immunization coverage and save lives.

MSU Today cited Jain saying that to increase coverage, the vaccines must be recorded and tracked.

According to Jain, the traditional tracking method is for parents to keep a paper document. But in developing countries, keeping track of a baby’s vaccine schedule on paper is largely ineffective.

“Paper documents are easily lost or destroyed,” he said. “Our initial study has shown that fingerprints of infants and toddlers have great potential to accurately record immunizations. You can lose a paper document, but not your fingerprints.”

Jain’s research team travelled to rural health facilities in Benin, West Africa, to test the new fingerprint recognition system. They used an optical fingerprint reader to scan the thumbs and index fingers of babies and toddlers. From this scanned data, a schedule will be created and become a part of the vaccine registry system, reports MSU Today.

Once the electronic registry is in place, health care workers simply re-scan the child’s fingers to view the vaccination schedule. They know who has been vaccinated, for what diseases and when additional booster shots are needed.

“These new electronic registry systems will help overcome the lack and loss of information, which is the primary problem in the vaccine delivery system in third world nations,” Jain said.

Collecting fingerprints from fidgety infants is not easy. Another challenge is their small fingerprint patterns have low contrast between ridges and valleys.

“The process can still be improved but we have shown its feasibility,” Jain said. “We will continue to work on refining the fingerprint matching software and finding the best reader to capture fingerprints of young children, which will be of immense global value. We also plan to conduct a longitudinal study to ensure that fingerprints of babies can be successfully matched over time.”

There will be other benefits in addition to tracking vaccinations, said Mark Thomas, executive director of VaxTrac, a nonprofit organization supporting Jain’s research.

“Solving the puzzle of fingerprinting young children will have far-reaching implications beyond health care, including the development of civil registries, government benefits’ tracking and education recordkeeping,” Thomas said.

According to MSU Today, the study was co-authored by Kai Cao, MSU postdoctoral researcher, and Sunpreet Arora, MSU doctoral student. The findings will be presented at the International Joint Conference on Biometrics on Oct. 2. The paper can be accessed here.

This research is funded through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Zain Group Unveils ‘Hassa’, Sudan’s First Mobile Financial Service

Caroline Vutagwa
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Zain Group Unveils ‘Hassa’, Sudan’s First Mobile Financial Service

MOBILE MONEY

Zain Group has set camp in Sudan and has partnered with Bank of Khartoum to launch the country’s first ever mobile financial service called ‘Hassa’.

Hassa is an easy, instant and secure service that allows all Zain customers in the country to complete a wide range of financial transactions and operations, including money transfers and various other transactions, including paying bills and withdrawal of cash from Automated Teller Machines (ATM) without the requirement of opening a bank account.

Sudan’s Minister of Sciences and Telecommunications Dr. Tahani Abdallah offered her support to the new service, stating that the extension of financial services to the unbanked in Sudan will have a huge impact on the economic development and social enhancement of many communities across the country.

Elfaith Erwa, Zain Sudan’s CEO and Managing Director said: “’Hassa’ represents a true partnership between the banking and telecommunications sectors, and has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of many Sudanese.

“Zain has cooperated successfully with the Bank of Khartoum for many years, and our mutual understanding and support has led us to being able to offer this much needed mobile banking service together.”

Central Bank of Sudan Governor Abdel Rahman Hassan expressed his enthusiasm over the economic and social gains that are likely to accrue from extending banking services to the unbanked, as well as for the potential ‘Hassa’ possesses in attracting more national savings through formalized channels.

“Hassa’ is a secure, easy and instant service, which does not have any operational complications and is available around the clock. In addition, it simplifies financial operations to the masses at all times as well as providing a low cost service to suit all users,” Fadi Al Faqih, CEO of the Bank of Khartoum

According to Omer Omarabi, Manager of the Electronic Banking Services company (EBS) in Sudan, ‘Hassa’ is a leap forward for Sudan as amongst other things it permits easy and fast payment means that assist electronic government projects and can be a tool in paying salaries for both governmental and private sectors.

Nigeria’s Omomi Named World Summit Youth Awards Finalist

Sam Wakoba
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Nigeria’s Omomi Named World Summit Youth Awards Finalist

111104034949-african-babies-mothers-story-topYou remember Omomi, an Android app set to enable Nigerian mothers keep their babies healthy by giving them SMS alerts to monitor their children’s growth and nutritional status, remember immunization visits and  access health information has been named by a global jury among 85 youth digital projects from around the world addressing the UN Millennium Development Goals.

Now in its 7th edition, the World Summit Youth Award (WSYA) were established in 2005 to honor excellence on the use of Internet for social empowerment. It seeks to motivate young people under the age of thirty to actively contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals which are allievation of poverty, hunger and disease, inequalities, lack of education and environmental degradation.

This year, there were 1896 projects from 138 UN countries competing and just 85 were named as finalists. The Jury of international experts will select the 18 winners and 12 runners-up of the WSYA 2014.

The projects are being evaluated for their contribution to the achievements of the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and their capability to harness the power of technology for social improvement. The products were separated in 6 categories: Fight Poverty, Hunger and Disease, Education for All, Power 2 Women, Create your Culture, Go Green and Pursue Truth.

Hosted by the Humanitare Foundation, the winners’ ceremony will be held November 28th to December 1th, 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This event will feature world-class keynote speeches, hands-on workshop  and engaging panel discussions about social entrepreneurship and the content industry. Who will join the winners’ event will be announced at the end of August 2014.

Omomo is confident it will win because it helps mothers handle common childhood ailments like diarrhoea, malaria and it gives useful tips on breastfeeding and family planning. Furthermore the app has a Mothers Community section that will provide a safe and secure platform for mothers to interact. The founders believe it is the very first app worldwide that focuses on fulfiling all of the WHO Childhood Survival Strategies – which were developed to help reduce child mortality and promote maternal health.

 

Click this link to download the app

 

 

 

Pamoja Cloud service launches Rapid Response apps in South Africa

Caroline Vutagwa
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Pamoja Cloud service launches Rapid Response apps in South Africa

pamoja

 

Rapid Response apps are now available to South African mobile-users. The app provides a fast link to help at hand when they need it most.

Pamoja, the Cloud services business unit of Pan-African ICT enabler SEACOM, has been outsourced by Rapid Response as the Hosting Partner to provision the website, provide the relevant Cloud solutions and access to the market.

The Rapid Response applications, including Rapid Attack Response and Rapid Accident Response, are based on mobile phone, GPS and NFC technologies, and are designed to alert emergency services and facilitate rapid response in the event of an accident or attack.

Rapid Response, which was recognized as the most-innovative submission in the ICT category in International Labour Organisation’s Enterprise Challenge in 2013, is the only application of its kind to combine mobile and Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.

Marlize Holtzhausen, Director at Rapid Response, recently returned from a Swiss sponsored Investment workshop where Rapid Response was awarded the best application prize at the Google Fest Entrepreneurship competition in July 2014, the only South African company with global recognition at this event.

“We are thrilled to bring to fruition and make available the Rapid Response application, which has significant potential to save lives through the fast deployment of appropriate emergency services resources to the right location,” Holtzhausen says.

“Aside from activating the Rapid Response applications on a cell phone, users can also activate emergency alerts by swiping the phone over NFC tags which can be stuck throughout a house or in a vehicle. When paired with a cell phone, these tags effectively act as mini-panic buttons, activating the Rapid Response app and creating an alert of the emergency situation,” she continues.

Recognising that children are often the only ones in a position to call for help, but not always able to do so, or explain themselves, Rapid Response created a children’s character, Rapido, that is branded on the Rapid Response NFC tags. This character is instantly recognisable and makes Rapid Response accessible to young children.

Young children, when shown where the Rapido-branded tags are situated and how to swipe phone over them, can easily raise an alarm for emergency assistance without having to dial a number or saying a word.

Rapid Response is easily activated in three ways – by manipulating the volume button on a cell phone; tapping the “I am in Trouble Button”, or by swiping any NFC tag strategically positioned around the home or a vehicle.

On activation, Rapid Response automatically generates an alert of the crisis to the ER24 Emergency call centre and pre-programmed emergency services. The application also allows personal contacts such as family or friends to be programmed so that they are immediately alerted of the emergency.

Information transmitted in alerts includes the exact location of the incident, a map linked to emergency services, and relevant insurance and medical aid details. The ER24 call centre remains in contact with the person in the emergency situation and their family throughout the crisis.

Rapid Response also provides for automatic back-up of the phone’s contents. The Rapid Response website can be used to track and trace mobile phones that have been stolen or lost even if the SIM card has been replaced or removed. Members can also trace alert actions on the Rapid Response website for insurance purposes and will receive detailed reports on all actions taken by emergency services on alerts.

Rapid Response was borne from a brutal crime suffered by Holtzhausen’s own family. She developed the concept with her now business partner, Gerrit Cloete who like Holtzhausen, wanted to create a more convenient and effective way for people in peril to initiate an SOS for faster, more efficient, reaction from emergency services.

“In emergency situations, every second counts. Being able to summon assistance and direct emergency personnel to your exact location without even saying a word not only means you get the help you need faster, but it could also save your life,” says Cloete.

Rapid Response is accessible to anyone with a mobile phone – regardless of affiliation to insurance providers or medical aid.

Nigeria’s Mo Ibrahim Foundation Unveils ‘Snapping Cities’ Photography Competition

Caroline Vutagwa
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0
Nigeria’s Mo Ibrahim Foundation Unveils ‘Snapping Cities’ Photography Competition

PHOTOGRAPHY

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation has launched a photography competition dubbed ‘Snapping Cities’.

The challenge, which is aimed at putting a spotlight on urbanization in Africa, comes ahead of the Foundation’s annual Governance Weekend on November 21-23, 2014, in Accra, Ghana, during which the discussion forum will focus on the theme of “African Cities.”

The competition seeks Photographers of all abilities and ages to share their urban experience and capture inspiring ways in which cities are adapting to new lifestyles.

2014 Ibrahim Forum will explore innovation and solutions crucial to unlocking the potential of urban centres to act as engines of sustainable and equitable growth and development. In this context, “Snapping Cities” seeks to extend the conversation beyond the four walls of the Forum.

The top three photographs will be awarded prizes of $500, $200 and $100 respectively. A selection of the best photographs will also be displayed at the Governance Weekend, where they will serve as inspiration and subject of discussion for prominent African political and business leaders, representatives from civil society, multilateral and regional institutions as well as Africa’s major international partners.

The competition will run until 10 October 2014, with submissions made to the Foundation’s website. For more information and to participate, visit www.moibrahimfoundation.org/snapping-cities.

 

Airtel Zambia Receives $1 Million from IFC & The MasterCard Foundation to Expand Mobile Money Access

Sam Wakoba
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0
Airtel Zambia Receives $1 Million from IFC & The MasterCard Foundation to Expand Mobile Money Access

airtelAirtel Zambia has recieved an advisory services agreement, valued at $1 million from IFC, a member of the World Bank Group to increase access to mobile financial services in the country in a move to strengthen financial inclusion.

Part of the Partnership for Financial Inclusion, a $37.4 million joint initiative of IFC and The MasterCard Foundation to expand microfinance and advance mobile financial services in Sub-Saharan Africa, the three-year project aims to help Airtel Money Zambia in building a sustainable mobile money operation by using market research and advisory services on agent network management and business strategy development from IFC.

In a statement Brenda Thole, Airtel Money Director Zambia, said, “A key focus area for Airtel Money is to support the government’s mandate to enhance financial inclusion and to reach out to the unbanked population who may still have fears of mainstream banking or believe the services are too costly. This partnership with IFC and The MasterCard Foundation will boost our drive of customer education and help us build strong agent relationships, which are key to the success of this product.”

In Zambia, two-thirds of the adult population is excluded from formal financial services. A majority of the population has no choice but to rely on cash and informal services for transactions, savings and credit, at high risk and cost.

The implementation of mobile financial services has shown to be a successful way of increasing access to finance in several African markets. Kenya’s M-PESA is one of the most well-known mobile money operators in the world and is used by over 70 percent of Kenyan adults. In Tanzania, FinScope data show that the use of mobile money services has helped increase the rate of financial inclusion from 15.8 percent to 57.4 percent in just four years.

Greta Bull, IFC program manager for the Partnership for Financial inclusion, said, “Mobile phone usage is very high in Zambia, making it an ideal market in which to leverage technology to reach those who have previously been excluded from formal financial services. Financial inclusion is an important tool in promoting inclusive economic growth that can have significant impact on livelihoods.”


Sage Launches ERP X3 Version 7 In Nigeria

Caroline Vutagwa
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0
Sage Launches ERP X3 Version 7 In Nigeria

sage

 

Sage ERP X3 version 7 is now available in Nigeria, says Sage ERP Africa. It is the latest version of Sage ERP’s global business management solution for midsized companies.

The solution includes a range of enhancements aimed at addressing business challenges, including winning new customers, reducing operating costs and growing revenue.

Sage says that the new features include a restructured Web and mobile experience that will ensure employees have access to the information they need at any particular place.

Keith Fenner, who is the Senior Vice President Sales at Sage ERP X3 AAMEA, said that the biggest challenge comes when Nigerian companies struggling with legacy systems or even manual processes, try accessing the accurate and timely data.

The newly launched version 7 will give Nigerian enterprises the quality information they need to better manage their businesses and grow their profits and revenues.

The Sage ERP X3 version 7 provides users with personal dashboards and intelligence tools, allowing them to monitor performance, serve customers better and be notified of events that require attention, when and where it is needed.

Fenner explained that another advantage of Sage ERP X3 version 7 comes from the fact that allows companies to run their subsidiaries in different countries off a single instance of the software. Meaning, they can reduce cost of ownership and improve visibility into their finances across all their operations.

This also means that Sage ERP X3 version 7 supports Nigerian companies as they expand into new markets by making it faster and affordable to business solutions get up-and-running without expensive software and infrastructure costs.

“Sage ERP X3 version 7 helps Nigerian companies adopt best practices and processes in their businesses, automate processes, comply with tax and other regulations, and improve collaboration throughout their enterprises.

“It also gives them the control and scalability they need as they evolve and expand in response to the dynamic African economy. Many Nigerian companies will also be enthusiastic about our payroll and HR modules as they focus on streamlining human resource management,” said Fenner.

Coremobile launches Online Airtime Recharge Platform In Nigeria

Caroline Vutagwa
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0
Coremobile launches Online Airtime Recharge Platform In Nigeria

airtime

 

Nigeria’s Coremobile has launched an online platform called ‘Quick Airtime’ that will allow Nigerians to securely recharge their airtime. The new platform is currently regarded as the fastest and simplest way to recharge globally.

“Users can choose between Interswitch, PayPal, Google-Wallet, Verified by Visa and Etranzact. It is important for users to have options, but most importantly we wanted to ensure that every user service delivery protocol resides on a triplex redundancy infrastructure,” Uduak Asuquo, Head of Research at Coremobile Projects.

The reason as to why it is cheaper that most platform is the fact that some stores have older stock and are willing to sell at a discount. This platform is not only used in Nigeria but also in the U.S. and 120 more. All one needs to do is go to Quicktime.com.

Utibeabasi Edet, Coremobile Projects President of Engineering, said that in order to ensure secured transactions, the platform allows payment processors to handle customer card details, thereby ensuring there is zero fraud exposure on Quick Airtime mobile applications.

“Everything on Quick Airtime is carefully engineered and creative excellence is very key. Multiple top-up can load one million phone numbers at once. There is no limit, and it is really hassle free,” he said.

Uzochukwu Nwagbo, Coremobile Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) said Quick Airtime operates a marketplace business model that allows people on the street selling recharge cards to expand their businesses online.

Google to introduce YouTube and Gmail for Underage children

Robin Okuthe
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0
Google to introduce YouTube and Gmail for Underage children

Google is reportedly formulating Gmail and YouTube versions made specifically for children below the age of 13.

The firm’s executives are sensitive to the fact that most parents are cautious about allowing their children access YouTube due to fears that they will be faced with expletive-laden comments or X-rated pop videos.

According to a report given by the Wall Street Journal, a new child-friendly version would possibly have a Google dashboard to provide parents larger control over what their young ones are doing online.

Google however declined to comment on the claims.

“Google has nothing to comment on this issue because it is founded in just speculation and rumor,” said Google representative.

Nigeria will soon monitor phone calls to curb insecurity

Robin Okuthe
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0
Nigeria will soon monitor phone calls to curb insecurity

Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has announced that security agencies will soon begin to monitor all calls due to the unstable security situation within the country. This announcement was done at a special edition of Consumer Outreach programme, which was organized by NCC at IBB Golf Club in Maitama, Abuja.

NCC

According to NCC, the move will enhance the agency’s operational activities within Nigeria as plans are in the offing to find a guideline that will guide the commencement of the plan in a way that the subscriber’s privacy or right is not breached in the process.

Although the commission assured to ensure full protection of each consumer’s rights through the suggested guidelines, it stated however, that at the moment there is no enabling law to guide operators on such powers. It requested for a fast enactment of legislations to provide the proposed guideline a legal backing by the time the plan starts.

“Because of the distressful security situation within the country, security agencies are more or less likely to monitor people’s conversations. As a regulatory agency we are coming up with guidelines that will guide operators on this though presently we lack a law that will guide operators on how to keep the users privacy in conversation,” stated Yetunde Akinloye, the commission’s legal adviser.

NCC however promised that the soon to be released guidelines would look into fears of privacy breach as well as make sure that the plan does not affect real conversations.

Speaking at the event, Engineer Ubale Maska, Technical Services Executive Commissioner stated that since the establishment of CAB (Consumer Affairs Bureau), NCC had acquired various initiatives to address many challenges consumers are experiencing with projects that will make sure and guarantee that users are well educated, protected and informed always.

“The commission’s consumer outreach programme has not only made consumers in Nigeria the most celebrated in Nigerian economy but has also been known by the ITU (International telecommunication Union) as an innovative initiative that helps the commission to prevent consumer problems,” said Reuben Muoka, the Assistant Director of Public Affairs.

Skype’s new feature makes chatting less noisy

Robin Okuthe
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0
Skype’s new feature makes chatting less noisy

Skype has unveiled a new feature dubbed “active endpoints” which changes the way chat notifications function. The app has been designed in such a manner that it prevents users from getting annoyed because of constant buzzes and beeps.

According to Skype, the new smart notifications will rather only be sent to the device you are using at the moment whereas your other devices including smartphones, PCs and tablets will stay silent. The new feature is merely focused on chat notifications and not phone calls because you may need to answer a call on a different gadget such as a phone.

“This procedure will go on until you stop using Skype actively on a device. At this point, each of your devices will again get notifications therefore; you will not miss out anything essential.

“Transforming to smart notifications will only happen when you begin responding to Skype notifications. In the mean time the chat history will proceed to sync throughout the devices,” Skype stated.

The company further mentioned that active endpoints will roll out within the next few weeks and will need users to run on their devices the latest Skype version.

Airtel & Tramigo Agree to Help Track Cars in Congo Brazzaville

Sam Wakoba
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0
Airtel & Tramigo Agree to Help Track Cars in Congo Brazzaville

Airtel AFRICAAirtel and Tramigo have joined forces to offer real time vehicle tracking to Airtel Congo Brazzaville customers using its Tramigo T23 Series next generation tracking products are highly suitable for Mobile Network Operators.

According to Arto Tiitinen, Tramigo CEO, “Our partnership with Airtel Congo Brazzaville offers us a great opportunity to start a close partnership with Airtel Group. Tramigo T23 Series next generation tracking products are highly suitable for Mobile Network Operators to access a new virgin high ARPU Subscriber base from vehicles and other asset tracking segments.”

This deal will also help Airtel enhance its mobile services with geolocation features for its customers. We are not sure if this deal wil be extended to mobile phones but the mobile service provider has been forging partnerships to provide value apart form data and voice and devices to its strong and growing presence throughout Africa and Asia.

Tramigo recently partnered with Toyota Ghana to give Toyota’s clients in Ghana get complete control over their assets as well as adding much more value to their vehicles.

 

 

AccessKenya Group Launches a Do it Yourself App for its Clients

Sam Wakoba
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0
AccessKenya Group Launches a Do it Yourself App for its Clients

AccessKenyaToday, AccessKenya Group has unveiled a self-service app to serve its 8,000 plus corporate clients via their Apple, Android and Windows Phones. With a self service module that allows for speedier resolution of customer queries including a live chat support, one touch dialing and fully integrated mobile payment options.

According to Kris Senanu, Deputy Chief Executive, AccessKenya Group, “We are seeing an enhanced adoption of mobile technologies in the conduct of business including payments and interaction by our clients. It is only natural therefore, that we develop a presence on the mobile platform as we endeavor to meet the engagement needs of our clients.”

Developed by Litchman Consultants, the app is free to download and has Access Kenya’s Contact Options to allow for one touch dialing, live chat plus email support. The app also has a Lipa na M-PESA option for clients plus do it yourself videos and answers to frequently asked questions. Apart from self service, the app also allows users to view real-time traffic updates and latest news.

Research by McKinsey, indicates that in addition to laptops and Virtual Private Networks, smart phones and tablets are giving executives new levels of mobile connectivity and interactivity, thus supporting their use for work with an estimated 80 percent of smart phones being used for business engagements.

The app will help the firm run its customer services such as account management, a contact center and live support among other useful links. AccessKenya is already in expansion of its fiber and wireless connectivity network across the country with an aim of covering over 35 counties by the end of the year. The firm also announced plans to venture into Uganda by the close of 2014.

 

What if We Installed This Cameras at the Airport to Detect Ebola & Poachers?

Sam Wakoba
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0
What if We Installed This Cameras at the Airport to Detect Ebola & Poachers?

cctv_camera_black_and_white_2

With the Ebola fever all across the globe and poachers meanly hunting down our wildlife especially elephants for there tusks thermal imaging cameras can come to our rescue.

Thermal imaging cameras record images of the infra-red radiation (heat) being emitted by the skin to determine threats. The image produced by these cameras consists of a range of colours, with hotter areas represented in red, cooler areas appearing in blue and lukewarm areas in orange or yellow for instance.

These cameras have a number of advantages over conventional CCTV security cameras including being able to detect threats in extremely low light (or even complete darkness), and during unfavourable weather conditions like heavy fog, dust, excessive glare from the sun, or thick vegetation in the area being surveyed. In addition, thermal cameras provide a much clearer image compared to conventional imaging solutions and have a considerably longer threat detection range when compared to lower resolution surveillance cameras that make use of conventional optics.

This makes thermal imaging cameras particularly appealing within the property security sector such as within housing- and golf estates, as well as businesses such as a car park or train station for instance where long perimeter fences are used.

“Despite an entry-level thermal imaging camera costing in the region of KSh. 249,000, the overall return on investment comes across in the total cost of a company’s security solutions. This, as low cost thermal cameras can cover long distances of between 300 and 400 meters, whereas a company would need up to eight conventional surveillance cameras to cover the same area at an inferior image quality with devices that are more susceptible to a range of environmental factors and conditions,” says Roy Alves, Regional Business Development Manager for Axis Communications.

Looking at additional applications beyond surveillance

Just like CCTV cameras are now being used for more functions that go beyond crime prevention such as queue management within retail stores for example, thermal solutions are now also being employed for a range of additional functions.

Game rangers are using thermal imaging camera solutions to assist them in their attempts to catch rhino poachers, whilst thermal imaging can also be used as a safer method for screening patients for breast cancer instead of less comfortable methods that expose patients to radiation such as mammography.

A more pertinent usage case within Africa involves using thermal camera solutions to detect fevers within airport passengers for instance, which might be an indication that the person is infected with Ebola.

“Since thermal cameras look at people’s heat signatures, they are able to detect whether someone has a fever. This can be used to alert the authorities to someone who may have been infected with the Ebola virus at crucial junctures like airports, bus stations, and border crossings,” concludes Alves.

 

 

Image:http://www.pocmanagement.co.uk/cctv/

Behind Lendico’s Beginnings | Interview with co-founder Dominik Steinküler

Sam Wakoba
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0
Behind Lendico’s Beginnings | Interview with co-founder Dominik Steinküler
Steinkuehler
Steinkuehler

Dr. Dominik Steinkühler talks all about starting up Lendico and the challenges faced so far. Having previously worked for top leading firms such as Mercedes Benz, PwC and Rothschild, Dominik has had years of experience within the financial sector and provides an insight into what makes Lendico so successful.

Lendico is off to a very impressive start in South Africa. Did you expect that?

Anyone who has tried to get a loan from a bank will appreciate how difficult the process is so that any meaningful alternative can be a success due to the improved customer experience. Lendico offers a much better customer experience in comparison to banks in the area of consumer credit: We provide loans to people when they’re at home, rather than offering them loans in-store during office hours. This makes a difference for borrowers. Then for investors, Lendico provides better interest rates. Lendico is a win-win situation. This was an ideal starting point for a successful launch.

How did you come up with the idea of a credit marketplace? Was this a new business idea?

The first loan marketplaces emerged from England in 2005. In 2013, in the U.S. alone, loans totaling over $2.4 billion had been provided through credit marketplaces. The idea is not new. However, Lendico was the first provider on the South African market to use its own algorithm to determine the interest rate appropriate for the credit risk instead of leaving the pricing to borrowers or investors. Therefore, our algorithm  creates security for all market participants – this is our unique selling point.

The core of your business idea is the mentioned algorithm. What does it enable and what is the innovation that lies behind it?

The algorithm automates the credit checks and pricing. For example, it conducts pre-checks, which assess the potential fraud and credit risk of each loan request. The data of the credit bureaus in the respective countries, along with other data sources, is then processed in real-time. However, the algorithm is only a part of the process. Our experienced underwriters also play an important role. They have the final say in whether a credit project will be approved or not.

In the initial phase, what obstacles did you have to overcome?

Before the launch, Lendico’s team already consisted of former board members from banks and other experts with years of experience in lending. This is a different approach to most start-ups. If you want to win over the trust of savers and investors right from the beginning, you need to have a reliable product. Winning over experts for a start-up that hadn’t even been launched was certainly a major obstacle, which most other start-ups have not had to deal with.

You are now operating in five countries, what is the situation like on the South African loan market?

The South African loan market has been very dynamic recently with consumers being pushed towards higher interest rate products. Take payday loans as an example, they are popular but can be very dangerous – their interest rates are so high that consumers can easily get locked up in a circle of taking out a loan for each period. Also, there is a growing demand in underbanked areas for convenient online based solutions. South Africa more than any other country we are working in, needs a game changer. And Lendico wants to be it.

Kenya’s tourism industry counts losses of up to Ksh 40 billion

Susan Mwenesi
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0
Kenya’s tourism industry counts losses of up to Ksh 40 billion

tourismStakeholders in the Kenyan Tourism industry are counting losses of up to Sh40 billion occassioned by a drastic drop in arrivals, not to mention less 20 per cent occupancy that is a result of recent acts of terrorism in the country.

Speaking at a press conference The Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Education Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA) said that the issuing of  travel advisories by key tourist markets has dealt a big blow to the industry.

“We are going through a hard time. The figure of Sh40 billion is a conservative estimation, the damage is definitely bigger than that if you include all affected income generating ventures,” said Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers national chairman Jaideep Vohra, who is also the managing director of Sarova Hotels.

On his part KUDHEIHA secretary general Albert Njeru said that from the 20 hotels that closed down at the coast, five were in the South Coast while 15 were in the North Coast.

“These are hotels that employ not less than 100 Kenyans each. It is a serious crisis and we could sink deeper if mitigation efforts are not taken immediately,” Mr. Njeru said.

The stakeholders also decried the fact that the government has not allocated the Ksh.200 million to the Kenya Tourism Board  for the revival of the industry.

The stakeholders are now demanding that a separate ministry be set up to  deal with the issues affecting it adding that with tourism being under the current ministry it was not being given due attention as the minister had too much on her plate.

Lenovo brings Yoga Tablet to Nigeria

Robin Okuthe
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0
Lenovo brings Yoga Tablet to Nigeria

Lenovo has announced the accessibility of YOGA Tablet 10 HD+ at Microstation outlets and Slot in Nigeria.

Lenovo YOGA Tablet 10 HD+

The multimode Android available in silver and gold has an incredible battery that lasts for 18 hours. It is also infused with the most recent technologies, which include a Full HD screen, sharp high-resolution camera as well as Qualcomm Snapdragon processor.

With the new Smart Display, the tablet adjusts the text and images on the screen to the ambient light, which makes it gentle on the eyes of the user.

The YOGA Tablet 10 HD+ refines the original YOGA Tablet 10 for multimode tablets with new top features. First, users will notice how the device’s 10.1-in 20/20 Vision display graphics apparently pop off the screen. Also, with Full HD resolution, photos and movies look very clear and more like real life.

Since the YOGA Tablet 10 HD+ is designed to access multimedia on the go, its new Qualcomm Snapdragon 44 processor with quad core CPU and large storage can now load apps and files fast. It also runs Android 4.3 and features an optional keyboard, 10-point multitouch, rich Dolby® audio and a micro USB port that supports on-the-go technology.

Rwanda to host the AMPION Venture Bus EA Conference in October

Susan Mwenesi
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0
Rwanda to host the AMPION Venture Bus EA Conference in October

AMPIONThe AMPION Venture Bus conference will be held in Kigali Rwanda on October 19 this year bringing together (ICT) entrepreneurs, developers to network with the region’s best ICT brains.

At the conference entrepreneurs will also get the opportunity to pitch in front of investors.

The conference will mark the culmination of the inaugural AMPION ICT bus tour that will start es Salaam on October 11 and go through the other East African Community countries.

Douglas Ogeto, the acting country manager of the project, said the venture is expected speed up entrepreneurial potential in the regional bloc and urged ICT innovators and entrepreneurs interested in the tour to apply through the initiative’s website http://www.ampion.org/#!apply-for-venture-bus/c1fvc.

“The main requirement is anyone who is entrepreneurial and is passionate about collaborating on new ideas. We will be having equal representation of male and female. Females are highly encouraged to apply,” Ogeto said.

According to the New Times Rwanda, participants will gather in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from where they will begin the competition and each will pitch their ideas on the bus and form groups to build around the best concepts.

200 entrepreneurs are expected for the five-day trip and this year’s bus trip will have healthcare, energy and education as its main focus for solutions.

The three leading startups in the four buses will be incubated for a year free of charge  by leading African startup incubators.

Last year’s participants were taken through Zimbabwe and South Africa.

SES Unveils its Direct-to-Home Broadcast TV Across Francophone Africa

Sam Wakoba
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0
SES Unveils its Direct-to-Home Broadcast TV Across Francophone Africa

SESGlobal satellite operator with a fleet of over 50 geostationary satellites SES has partnered with Africable and Media Plus to deliver direct-to-home (DTH) broadcast television across French-speaking West Africa.

Africable and Media Plus will allow SES’ deliver direct-to-home (DTH) TV from its Bamako Teleport to member countries of the West African Economic and Monetary Union. The roll-out begins on 1 October 2014 across Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Niger.

“As a global satellite operator, SES is well positioned to facilitate digital migration, particularly in Africa where geographic challenges loom large for broadcasters,” said Ibrahima Guimba-Saidou, Senior Vice President, Africa for SES. “With over 50 satellites globally, SES has nine satellites which cover Africa. As such, we are well positioned to increase the choice of broadcast channels for local communities.”

Running on SES’s SES-4 satellite located at 22 degrees West, the service will offer a bouquet of 80 channels, free-to-air (FTA) and encrypted, and will allow member countries to meet the global digital migration deadline of June 2015. Audiences will be able to connect to the existing national Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) networks and to receive content via satellite using a Dual Tuner receiver (MPEG4 and DVBS2/T2) included in the offer.

Ismaila Sidibe, CEO of Africable, said, “Right to TV is our slogan. With over 20 years of experience as a leading wireless cable (MMDS) operator and content provider across Africa, we understand the importance of supporting digital migration on the continent to achieve 100% audience reach. It is our goal to deliver quality television to the wider population at an affordable cost, and we believe DTH technology can help us achieve this.”

South Africa becomes the first African country to get a Bitcoin vending machine

Robin Okuthe
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0
South Africa becomes the first African country to get a Bitcoin vending machine

South Africa has installed its first Bitcoin vending machine, which gives users the ability to receive Bitcoin in exchange for rand.

Bitcoin machine

The Bitcoin vending machine is located in Kyalami, north of Johannesburg at a business called Metroman, which is a friend’s shop that opened on June 1, 2014.

Rolf Deppe and Monre Botes his business partner decided in February to bring a Bitcoin vending machine in South Africa since at that time there were only 100 all over the world though none on the African continent.

The major difference between a Bitcoin vending machine and a Bitcoin ATM is that the former offers Botcoin in exchange for a local currency while the latter dispenses cash for Bitcoins.

Deppe is currently writing apps that can be used with Bitcoin though he is also an iOS application and Android developer. Additionally, he is looking to set up a Bitcoin exchange within South Africa, which will not be the first though.

To obtain Bitcoin at the vending machine, users are required to have a Bitcoin wallet installed on their smartphone. Numerous apps are available though the most preferred options include Mycelium for Android and Blockchain for iOS. These apps produce a QR code, which the Bitcoin vending machine can read and use to deposit the bought virtual currency.

“The use of Bitcoin by vendors in South Africa is however very limited and the idea now is to teach merchants about Bitcoin,” said Deppes.

Samsung Unveils New Entertainment Apps For Your Smart TV

Caroline Vutagwa
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0
Samsung Unveils New Entertainment Apps For Your Smart TV

SMART TV

 

Samsung Electronics has announced new smart TV content that will be unveiled at IFA 2014 in Berlin, Europe’s largest consumer electronics and home appliance trade show.

Popular games and services being released for Samsung Smart TV include, ‘Need for Speed Most Wanted,’ ‘Real Football 2014,’ ‘Golf Star’ and Skype video call services.

All game apps can be downloaded from the Samsung Smart TV Games Panel and can be conveniently controlled by multiple devices, including the Smart Control, a dedicated Samsung Gamepad and select Samsung Galaxy devices.

“At Samsung, the television is more than just a screen – it is a window to the world, providing new experiences, new discoveries and new possibilities,” said Won Jin Lee, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung customers will be able to enjoy even more entertaining and easy-to-use content on the Samsung Smart TV.”

New Smart TV content being released includes:

•         Need for Speed Most Wanted – one of the most popular racing games on the market, released by EA, and boasts fast speed, crisp graphics and true-to-life scenarios.

•         Real Football 2014 – a football simulation game from Gameloft, featuring improved graphics and animations, while offering users the ability to create, play and manage football players and teams.

•         Golf Star – a true-to-life golf experience from Com2us that features realistic graphics, techniques from golf pros and a simulation powered by real physics-based gameplay.

•         Skype – one of the first apps featured in the Smart TV app market, will now bring group video and full HD video calls to the big screen of 2014 Samsung Smart TV models with built-in cameras.

“At Gameloft, we are committed to offering high quality games for TV and mobile platforms – providing consumers the ultimate viewing experience,” said Hakyung Lee, Managing Director at Gameloft. “The release of games like ‘Real Football’ on Samsung’s Smart TV will put users at the heart of the action, blurring the lines between the screen and reality for the ultimate immersive experience.”

Apps released at IFA 2014 will be available to download for free globally, including Europe, Korea, and the U.S., through the Games Panel on Samsung Smart TVs.

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