Author: Ken Mutuku

• This year’s Africa Business Media Innovators forum will focus on key themes, including the impact of new technologies, AI, and the future of newsrooms.
• Forum comes at a time when social media platforms X, Instagram, and TikTok have become top sources of information.
• The Africa Business Media Innovators is returning to South African for the first time since 2015.

The media industry in Africa has been significantly impacted by the ongoing digital transformation, which has made information readily accessible with the click of a button. As a result, many media outlets have been compelled to transition to digital platforms. Regrettably, despite the numerous advantages of this transformation, the African media industry has been under the influence of various entities seeking control for an extended period.

The significance of information is well understood by governments, politicians, organizations, and even terrorist groups. The full control of a nation often necessitates gaining control …

• In February, reports claimed Ghanaian fintech Dash was providing false metrics on its user base and transaction volume.
• An audit showcased a significant shortfall of at least $25 million in the company’s accounts.
• Dash Fintech’s high operating expenses and monthly burn rate of $500,000 significantly contributed to its rapid fall from glory.

Africa’s fintech industry is among the fastest, and most lucrative economic activities. According to the African Development Bank, the industry will surpass its $3 billion mark in 2022. Despite its significant growth, the industry has struggled to maintain its progressive rate. The steady increase of the cross-border payment platform has flooded the franchise, ultimately, creating a negative effect on the industry. In recent news, Dash fintech, a Ghanaian fintech, shut down after raiding over $86.1 million in five years.

Unfortunately, this has been a rising trend in the industry. If not addressed, Africa’s fintech industry may fall behind …

The Fourth Industrial Revolution has significantly overhauled several markets within the continent. Africa’s media industry has gained much recognition among this long list of lucrative opportunities. Today, many African-based media and telecom companies have propelled the culture and talent of young actors. In recent news, Mauritius Telecom and Africa’s leading entertainment platform, MultiChoice, have officially partnered with Dstv Stream. Their recent collaboration aims to significantly expand Africa’s media industry within the shore of Mauritius. In addition, it will also open more employment opportunities to the country’s talented youths.…

• Terragon Group plans to build Africa’s largest and unique data-powered marketing cloud ecosystem.
• Microsoft has become a vital player in Africa’s digital transformation through several programs, partnerships, and projects.
• Organizations such as Flutterwave, Yellow Card, and Luno inspire innovators to try new approaches to the industry.

In a move to harness the potential of the fourth industrial revolution, numerous African nations have initiated measures to embrace and incorporate new technologies into their economic landscapes.

Within this dynamic shift, Africa’s cloud ecosystem has undergone a substantial transformation in its journey towards digitalization. As African businesses increasingly migrate to digital platforms, the need for secure data storage solutions has become paramount.

In recent developments, Terragon Group, a data and marketing company at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation, has forged a strategic alliance with Microsoft. This collaboration marks a significant milestone, as it enables Terragon Group to expand its service offerings across …

Amid Africa’s digital transformation, several sectors have pioneered and dominated this move. The continent’s digital money adoption has become one of its most highlighted features since 2002. From Mpesa to Luno and Flutterwave, the era of new payment services has overhauled the continent’s progress. In recent developments, Stitch fintech, a South African payment service, secures $25 million Series A extension funding led by Ribbit Capital.…

• The South African payment platform has raised $5.2 million in seed funding.
• Revio fintech has focused its efforts on providing real-time action via different channels like SMS, Email, or Social media.
• With the $5.2 million, Revio fintech intends to expand its services to over 25 African markets.

Africa’s fintech industry is among the fastest and youngest franchises that emerged in the past decade. Its lucrative market has attracted numerous investors and innovators, each trying to gain a piece of this trillion-dollar market. In the latest development, the South African Payment platform, Revio fintech, secured a $5.2 million seed funding from QED Investors and Partech Africa. With this funding, SA’s road to dominate Africa’s digital industry is shaping up quite nicely.

Africa’s fintech industry is one of the most recent economic activities, barely two decades old. Blockchain technology, one of the primary highlights of the 4IR, has redefined how we approach …

• Jumia will serve as the distributor of satellite terminals and connectivity kits for Starlink Ventures in Africa.
• Jumia’s extensive reach throughout Africa enables it to pioneer in offering these kits.
• E-commerce giant Jumia will initiate the sale of satellite terminals and related equipment in Nigeria.

In spite of the adverse effects of COVID-19 on Africa, the pandemic years became a significant turning point in the continent’s economic landscape. Over the course of just two years, Africa demonstrated its capabilities through its substantial growth in the realm of e-commerce. This surge in e-commerce activity underscores the immense potential that Africa holds, especially if it can bolster its Internet access infrastructure.

Notably, this potential has captured the attention of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. He has taken proactive measures to accelerate Africa’s journey toward asserting itself in the online landscape. In recent developments, Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink Ventures, has entered …

• The AFDB is collaborating with Google to advance the continent’s tech usage in business.
• Both parties will harness emerging technologies, extend and improve infrastructure, train talent and skill required within Africa.
• In 2005, Google invested in Seacom Cable, a major telecommunications cable system in Africa.

The digital era, or the fourth industrial revolution, is upon us, and small businesses in Africa could be among the top beneficiaries. Organizations from across the globe are collaborating to provide the necessary financial support and infrastructure to aid in Africa’s tech journey.

Amid this plethora of investors, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has pioneered significant milestones with the continent’s tech journey. In its latest milestones, the AFDB bank has collaborated with Google to speed up Africa’s digital transformation.

The African Development Bank partners with Google

Recently, the AFDB bank officially collaborated with Google to advance the continent’s tech enterprise in businesses. Both parties signed …

Africa’s digital transformation is quickly progressing as multiple local startups have continued redefining technology. As more businesses transition to a more digital platform, the demand for better infrastructure grows.

As a result, many companies have undertaken more responsibilities like security, storage, and netter network configuration. TelCables Nigeria is among the few African-based startups focused on providing businesses with the necessary infrastructure.

In recent news, the organization has launched Cloud2Africa, a new feature guaranteed to propel the adoption of cloud computing in West Africa.…

• Xlinks will build a 3,800-kilometer subsea cable to supply solar and wind power.
• Morocco will construct a 20GWh/5GW battery storage on-site to store and deliver reliable energy to the UK when required.
• The undersea cable will be buried at depths between 100m and 250m for most of the route.

Africa’s energy sector has garnered increasing attention in recent times, driven by a global quest for alternative energy sources. Investors worldwide are turning their gaze toward the continent, drawn by its substantial energy reserves. Notably, the Morocco-UK power projects have made significant strides in recent developments.

One such project, led by Xlinks, a UK-based power plant, is diligently preparing the infrastructure required for an underwater renewable energy facility. This ambitious initiative not only bolsters Africa’s international connections but also heralds a transformative shift toward greener energy solutions across the continent.

Morocco-UK power project kickstarts 

According to Joab Okanda, Africa contains …