Brief (505)
MEST Africa is inviting emerging tech entrepreneurs to participate in the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) 2024. As Africa’s premier pitch competition, MAC 2024 will focus on agri-tech startups in West Africa.
The winning startup will receive investment capital, coaching, and access to a global network of resources. Applications open on August 26, 2024, and close on October 4, 2024, with virtual semifinals scheduled for October 29-30, 2024.
Eligible startups must have a minimum monthly revenue of $5,000, raised less than $1 million in funding, and have been operating for three years or less. All participants will pitch in English.
Starlink, the satellite internet service from SpaceX, is set to begin operations in Ghana at the end of August 2024, according to the National Communications Authority.
In a press release published on August 22, the NCA confirmed that Starlink had completed all necessary due diligence, clearing the way for the launch.
Starlink received approval to operate in Ghana in April, following discussions with the NCA, which granted the license after thorough checks.
Educational technology company Schoolap, based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has expanded into Kenya to grow its presence in Anglophone Africa. The move follows its success in Francophone markets, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Côte d'Ivoire.
The platform, which offers digital curriculum management, interactive learning tools, and performance tracking, aims to address educational gaps and support Kenya's efforts to integrate technology into its education system.
Starlink has introduced a monthly rental option for its hardware kits in Kenya, following the end of a previous limited-time offer. Users can rent the kit for KES 1,950 ($15.06) per month with a one-time activation fee of KES 2,700 ($20.85). This fee is separate from the monthly internet service costs.
Previously, the hardware kit cost KES 89,000 ($687.26), but the price has now dropped to KES 45,500 ($351.35) for outright purchase. The new rental plan aims to make Starlink’s services more accessible.
Coding academy CodeNgwana has partnered with the Matlhogonolo Community Outreach Centre to provide coding and computational thinking skills to 700 young learners in Soweto.
The initiative, launching in September, aligns with the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE) new curriculum, which includes coding and robotics for grades R-9.
CodeNgwana aims to make technology education accessible to all African children. The partnership will offer workshops at the Matlhogonolo Centre, focusing on both student programs and teacher training to ensure effective curriculum delivery.
Lucky, an Egyptian fintech startup, has secured a US$3 million in a funding round led by Lorax Capital Partners, KEM, DisrupTech Ventures, and other existing investors.
The newly raised funds will be strategically allocated to expand Lucky's credit services, reinforcing its position as a leading consumer credit fintech in Egypt.
Lucky offers financial flexibility and increased spending power through its lending schemes, discounts, and cashbacks.
Huawei South Africa is inviting tech-savvy women entrepreneurs to apply for its Huawei Women in Tech Digital Skill Training Program. This initiative, offered in partnership with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, focuses on enhancing skills in 5G, Cloud, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The program aims to empower women by providing advanced training in these critical technology areas. Interested applicants should be available to travel to the Huawei Office Park and Henley Business School Africa in Johannesburg between August 22 to August 28 for the training.
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has unveiled draft regulations for satellite services, encompassing SpaceX's Starlink. The proposed rules aim to establish a new licensing framework and address the challenges of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
The draft regulations cover authorization for satellite user terminals, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and spectrum management. ICASA is seeking public comments on the proposal by November 12, 2024, with feedback to be published online by November 30, 2024.
The Africa Fintech Summit (AFTS) has opened nominations for the 2024 Excellence in Fintech Awards. Since its inception in 2018, this event has consistently brought together key players in Africa's fintech ecosystem. This year's edition will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from Wednesday, September 4, to Friday, September 6. The public is encouraged to nominate startups and prominent figures within the ecosystem across various categories.
Seven South African tech startups have been selected for the third Irish Tech Challenge South Africa, to build partnerships between South African entrepreneurs and Irish tech expertise.
Selected companies include SmartView Technology, Momint, and The Awareness Company, all contributing to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
They were selected out of over 350 applicants in an initiative organized by the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa and partners.
They will receive up to EUR10,000 each, a trip to Ireland for business networking, and support from Dogpatch Labs.
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The 27th Africa Tech Festival, scheduled for November 12-14, 2024, in Cape Town, is set to shine a spotlight on the significant contributions of women in Africa’s tech and telecom sectors. This year’s festival will feature prominent female leaders such as Funke Opeke, CEO of MainOne, and Mary Mahuma, CIO of Philip Morris, who will share their insights on the future of the industry.
The event, which includes AfricaCom and The AI Summit Cape Town, is expected to attract over 15,000 attendees. Organizers are emphasizing the festival’s role in promoting inclusivity and mentorship within the tech community. A highlight of the festival will be the InspiringFifty Africa awards, which recognize the top women in tech across the continent.
Pan-African independent school network Nova Pioneer has partnered with Strathmore University to develop an AI curriculum for K-12 students in Africa, focusing on grades 7-12. The pilot program, part of Nova Pioneer’s Innovation and Leadership Programme, will launch in 2025 for Grade 8 students.
The initiative, announced on August 2, aims to equip African youth with essential AI skills. Over the next five years, the partnership will also create AI Impact Camps and an African Innovation Fund to support students in bringing their ideas to life.
Kenyan digital insurance platform mTek has partnered with BuuPass, a Kenyan Transportation platform, to provide integrated travel insurance. This partnership allows customers to easily select and purchase insurance while booking tickets on BuuPass, enhancing convenience and safety.
The move aims to enhance travel experience by providing additional safety and financial protection, allowing travelers to feel more secure and confident during their trips.
Pan-African fintech firm Flutterwave has been granted an Enhanced Category Payment Service Provider license by the Bank of Ghana, it announced on August 1. This license enables Flutterwave to offer a wide range of payment services directly in Ghana, eliminating the need for third-party services and simplifying payment processes for businesses and consumers.
The firm aims to unify the fragmented payment infrastructure in Africa and support local fintech companies, contributing to a more integrated financial ecosystem.