Friday, December 1

Tech & Business

Africa Prize
  • Engineers from Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda have made it to the Africa Prize shortlist.
  • The innovations for 2023 span a range of novel ideas, including fabrics crafted from fungi cultivated on human waste, technological advancements in chicken farming, recycled plastic roof tiles, and an app-driven waste management service.
  • These inventive projects contribute to the extensive network of Africa Prize innovators, which now boasts 133 alumni spread across 21 African countries, all dedicated to catalyzing transformative change through locally-driven solutions.
  • The culmination of the competition will see four finalists competing for a portion of £60,000, with the ultimate winner receiving £25,000.

Africa Prize has shortlisted 16 innovators, marking the 10th anniversary and featuring representation from eight African nations, including Botswana that is making its debut.

The initiative which was started in 2014 by the Royal Academy of Engineering in the UK, the Africa Prize serves …

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South Africa labour market
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a key player in transforming South Africa's labour market and empowering its youth population.
  • Initiatives focused on AI education and skill development can equip the youth with the competencies necessary for the evolving job market.
  • This ensures that they are well-prepared for the increasing integration of AI technologies across various industries.

Africa is home to the world's youngest population, but unfortunately, 60 per cent of the continent's unemployed are youth, as highlighted by the United Nations. This trend is mirrored in South Africa, despite the government's efforts, such as allocating R5.2 billion in tax relief in the 2022 National Budget to spur economic recovery and encourage youth employment.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been acutely felt in South Africa's labour market. According to Labour market dynamics in South Africa 2022 report published by Statistics South Africa, stringent containment measures resulted in a

African startups

Africa has today emerged as a fertile ground for groundbreaking startups. As 2024 approaches, the continent’s startup scene is buzzing with activity, marked by impressive funding rounds and strategic expansions. This trend is a fleeting moment and a testament to African entrepreneurship’s resilient and dynamic spirit.

The Exchange Africa spotlights five startups thriving and redefining the business landscape in their respective sectors. From renewable energy solutions in the Democratic Republic of Congo to digital health platforms in Kenya, these companies embody the ingenuity and potential of Africa’s business ecosystem. They attract significant investment and are poised to substantially impact their communities.…

Cyber Security Hakathon
  • Three Kenyan startups have been selected for an incubation programme after winning the Cyber Security Hackathon at the just concluded Blue Economy Innovation and Investment Summit. 
  • The three startups, which are based in Mombasa include Bio Secure, Tide Safetynet and Seatrust Navigator. 
  • Sote Hub Founder David Ogiga says the three startups will receive six months technical and financial support to bring their ideas to life. 

Three Kenyan startups have been selected for an incubation program after winning the Cyber Security Hackathon at the recently concluded Blue Economy Innovation and Investment Summit. The startups, based in Mombasa, include Bio Secure, Tide Safetynet, and Seatrust Navigator. Sote Hub Founder David Ogiga stated that these three startups would receive six months of technical and financial support to bring their ideas to life.

“Our focus for this year’s hackathon at the conference was circular economy, cyber security, blue economy, climate change, and the digital …

Maureen Wambui - MD, Kleos Flooring East Africa(farthest left) signing MoU with SJ Chemical from South Korea, officiated by KOTRA MD Mr. EOM Ikhyun (at the center)
  • Korea’s smart tech firms have set sights on Kenyan market to provide smart technologies as Kenya steps up its smart city game. 
  • Three smart tech Korean companies have signed MoU with Kenyan firms to bolster Kenya’s aspirations of becoming regional ICT hub. 
  • The trend-setting firms are among 15 companies showcasing at the Korean Pavilion, seeking to strengthen Kenya-Korea business ties.

Korea’s smart tech firms are seeking entry into the Kenyan market to provide intelligent technologies as Kenya gears to step up its smart city investments. 

Speaking during the unveiling of the Korean Pavilion at the 2023 BIG 5 Construction Roadshow in Kenya, Korea Trade Development Agency (KOTRA) managing director Eom Ikhyun said three Korean companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kenyan companies. 

Korea GT has signed an MoU with SONVAR Chemicals, while POQUTEC has struck a deal with Regal Equipment. Further, SJ Chemical has signed an MoU

Chief Executive Officer, Safaricom PLC, Peter Ndegwa/ Courtesy
  • Early stage startups in East Africa are set to benefit from the launch of a new accelerator programme by tech giant Safaricom.
  • Safaricom is partnering with M-PESA Africa and Sumitomo Corporation, a leading Fortune 500 global trading and business investment company. 
  • The accelerator plan dubbed Spark Accelerator is aimed at supporting early stage startups to grow and scale their businesses. 

Early stage startups in East Africa are set to benefit from an accelerator programme by Safaricom in partnership with M-PESA Africa and Sumitomo Corporation, a leading Fortune 500 global trading and business investment company. 

The accelerator dubbed Spark Accelerator is aimed at supporting early stage startups to grow and scale their businesses. The program will provide target startups with access to market, access to capital, technology and product development support. Previously, Spark Fund only offered capital injection.

Early stage startups to get mentorship

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa says the move

Paratus Group

The digital connectivity of a continent plays a crucial role in shaping its economic growth and development. Africa, a continent often regarded as the cradle of human civilization, is experiencing advancements in its digital infrastructure. The latest stride in this journey towards a tech-savvy Africa is a substantial commitment by the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF), a Private Infrastructure Development Group, and its fund manager, Ninety One.…

the orange economy | Africa's orange economy

According to John Howkins, the orange economy incorporates industries whose goods and services arise from intellectual property. These include research and development, radio and TV, visual and performing arts, publishing, advertising, music, software, gaming, design, film, crafts, architecture, fashion, and design. Artists, cultural non-profits, and creative businesses can produce and disseminate goods and services that generate jobs, revenue, and quality of life.…

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HubPay

As the world steadily transitions into the fourth industrial revolution, Africa has significantly highlighted its potential to dominate emerging markets. Amid these revolutions, Africa’s fintech, Mobile, Web3, and E-commerce industry has rapidly increased, welcoming more investors daily. Africa’s fintech industry is by far its most promising market, with investors producing promising startups like Yellow Card, Luno, and Flutterwave…