Brief (218)
Last week, Pan-African organization AfricTivistes which focuses on promoting democratic values, human rights and good governance through civic technology launched its Cybersecurity Open Classroom, a free three-month e-learning program designed to boost participants' cybersecurity skills. The program currently has 441 learners enrolled.
Estonian e-mobility startup Bolt has launched operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to local media reports. This marks Bolt's 16th African market expansion. To forester its growth, the company will waive driver commission fees, a strategy used in previous launches including Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Egypt earlier this year.
Moroccan e-commerce startup ORA Technologies secured $1.5 million in a seed funding round led by local entrepreneurs, the company announced on Wednesday. ORA Technologies plans to use the funds to further develop its technology, launch a digital wallet, and accelerate growth.
Tunisia officially joined the Council of Europe’s Convention on Cybercrime on Friday, March 8, becoming the 70th state to do so. The convention, adopted in Budapest, is aimed at bolstering international efforts to combat cybercrime.
The Tunisian Ministry of Communication Technologies stated in a press release that the country’s accession to the convention is intended to ensure effective coordination in the fight against cybercrime. It also aims to provide adequate protection for the rights of individuals and victims of such crimes.
The Africa Digital Transformation Forum (FITD AFRICA 2024) is set to take place in Lomé, Togo’s capital, on May 21 and 22. The event is designed to foster digital growth across the continent. This year’s forum will center on pivotal sectors including energytech, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cybersecurity, virtual reality, and e-health, showcasing the broad scope of digital transformation.
Liquid C2, a subsidiary of the pan-African group Cassava Technologies, revealed a new partnership with Google Cloud and Anthropic, a U.S.-based artificial intelligence firm, on Wednesday, March 6. The collaboration aims to deliver advanced cloud solutions, cybersecurity, and generative AI capabilities to businesses throughout Africa.
Moroccan fintech startup Tookeez said on Thursday it secured $1.5 million in a funding round. The company plans to use the proceeds to expand its presence in Morocco before entering North Africa, the Middle East, and ultimately the broader African continent.
Nigerian e-health startup MDaaS Global announced Wednesday it has raised $3 million in a pre-Series A funding round. The company plans to use the capital to enhance its technology and expand its BeaconHealth Diagnostics network across all 36 states of Nigeria.
The 4th edition of the Cyber Africa Forum (CAF) is set to take place in Côte d’Ivoire on April 15 and 16. This year’s theme, “Cyber risks and artificial intelligence: what defense strategies in the face of new digital threats?” aims to foster strategic discussions on the role of AI in enhancing cybersecurity and the challenges it poses.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) announced 100 women-led startups selected for its “She Wins Africa” program, designed to provide coaching, training, and financing to accelerate growth in sub-Saharan Africa.
"IFC's She Wins Africa empowers women entrepreneurs through coaching, training, and financing, accelerating their growth and investment readiness throughout sub-Saharan Africa," said Nathalie Akon Gabala, IFC’s Director of Gender and Economic Inclusion.
More...
MoneyHash, an Africa and Middle East-based fintech startup specializing in payment orchestration, last week announced the closure of a $4.5 million seed funding round. The company plans to use the capital to enhance its technology and expand within the MEA region.
Nigerian fintech firm BFREE specializing in credit management, announced on Thursday, February 29, that it has successfully raised $2.95 million in a funding round. The company, which has operations in Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana, plans to use the new capital to expand its risk management solutions for banks and lenders.
The Somali government inaugurated the Data Protection Authority on Saturday, February 24, in a ceremony led by the country's Minister of Communications and Technology, Jama Hassan Khalif. The initiative aims to safeguard citizen privacy amid rapid daigital transformation.
Burkina Faso approved, on Thursday, a draft bill to establish a unique identifier for all individuals within its borders and a national register of identifiers. The system aims to simplify access to services and will issue government-recognized IDs regardless of nationality or legal status.