Category Archives: Tech

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Mukuru, JUMO partner to launch AI-powered credit solution in South Africa

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Mukuru, a leading next-generation financial services platform, has partnered with AI-powered banking technology provider JUMO to introduce Fast Loan — a responsible, mobile-first credit solution aimed at improving access to financial services for millions of South Africans excluded from formal credit systems.

According to TransUnion, about 16.8 million South Africans remain outside the formal credit ecosystem due to irregular incomes and a lack of traditional credit histories. The new Fast Loan product seeks to bridge this gap by offering fair and transparent short-term loans powered by JUMO’s AI-driven credit infrastructure and delivered through Mukuru’s trusted customer network.

Available via WhatsApp, Fast Loan allows customers to borrow between R100 and R8,000, repayable over 30 days, with instant disbursements to their Mukuru Cards. Funds can be used across digital channels, including online shopping and POS transactions, or withdrawn as cash at over 11,000 Mukuru retail partner outlets such as Spar, Pick ’n Pay, Boxer, and Shoprite.

Loan pricing is transparent, with an 11.5% initiation fee and interest in arrears—5% for first-time loans and 3% thereafter. Borrowers who repay early pay no interest, promoting responsible borrowing. All loans are reported to credit bureaus to help customers build formal credit profiles.

Read Also: Africa Data Centres, Wingu Africa partner to boost Pan-African connectivity

Mukuru Group CEO Andy Jury said the new product was developed through years of experience in South Africa’s informal economy.

“Fast Loan reflects our understanding of how our customers earn, transact, and manage financial pressure. Partnering with JUMO allows us to scale this offering responsibly, combining trust, technology, and insight to deliver meaningful financial solutions where they’re needed most,” he said.

JUMO Founder and CEO Andrew Watkins-Ball added that the partnership strengthens JUMO’s commitment to ethical financial inclusion.

“We are proud to work with Andy and the Mukuru team. Their products are relied upon by millions of customers, and we’ll continue to provide the technology infrastructure they need to deliver even more value,” he said.

JUMO’s ethical lending technology, which powers Fast Loan, has earned a 92.2% score in the Cerise + SPTF Customer Protection Certification—one of the highest in the industry.

Beyond providing immediate access to credit, Fast Loan will also generate insights into customer borrowing and repayment patterns, helping both companies design future financial solutions with longer terms, higher limits, and flexible repayment options.

Ghana to host West Africa energy cooperation summit 2025

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Accra, Ghana – Key energy stakeholders across West Africa are set to converge in Accra for the West Africa Energy Cooperation Summit (WAECS) 2025, scheduled to hold from December 2–3, 2025, under the theme “Building Regional Resilience.”

The Ghana Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has been confirmed as the event’s Patron, reaffirming Ghana’s leadership in regional energy cooperation and the transition toward sustainable power solutions.

Organised to drive investment and cross-border collaboration, the summit will bring together government officials, investors, and private-sector partners to discuss clean energy innovations, regional integration, and pathways to a sustainable energy future by 2030.

This year’s edition is supported by African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) as Lead Sponsor, alongside Endeavour Energy and Denham Capital as Sponsors — reflecting their shared commitment to accelerating green investment and regional connectivity.

“ATIDI is strengthening its footprint in Africa by supporting investments that advance energy access and drive economic growth,” said Aliyu Alhassan Yahaya, RLSF Underwriter at ATIDI. “Through instruments like our Regional Liquidity Support Facility (RLSF), we help Independent Power Producers mitigate payment risks and enhance investor confidence in projects such as the 42MW Sokodé solar PV plant in Togo.”

Read Also: AEC to host G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum in Johannesburg

WAECS 2025 will serve as a platform to mobilise finance, strengthen partnerships under the ECOWAS regional integration agenda, and advance Ghana’s ambition to become a regional energy distribution hub. Discussions will focus on renewable energy, gas-to-power, regional power trade, grid modernisation, and the digitalisation of energy systems.

Participants will also explore strategies for financing and de-risking clean energy projects, expanding off-grid markets, and boosting private-sector participation in Africa’s energy transition.

Ghana’s Energy Transition Framework — targeting net-zero emissions by 2070 — remains central to the country’s vision. The plan emphasises clean generation, energy efficiency, and incentives for private investment in renewables, while leveraging natural gas for stable baseload power. Officials say the goal is to create a resilient and competitive energy sector that fuels industrialisation and inclusive growth across the subregion.

Among the high-level participants confirmed for WAECS 2025 are:

• H.E. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President of Liberia

• H.E. John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy & Green Transition, Ghana

• H.E. Dr. Dele Alake, Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Nigeria

• H.E. Nani Juwara, Minister of Petroleum, Energy & Mines, Gambia

• H.E. Biodun Ogunleye, Commissioner for Energy & Mineral Resources, Lagos State, Nigeria

They will be joined by leading regional energy figures, including Edward Obeng-Kenzo (VRA, Ghana), Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz (TCN, Nigeria), Bangaly Maty (Prime Minister’s Office, Guinea), and Pamoussa Ouedraogo (National Council for Sustainable Development, Burkina Faso), alongside senior executives from Gridworks Partners, Cenpower Generation, Wärtsilä, ATIDI, SEforALL, Bboxx, Stanbic Bank Ghana, TOR, and GNPC.

Speaking ahead of the summit, Ghana’s Energy and Green Transition Minister, John Abdulai Jinapor, said:

“Ghana is committed to regional energy cooperation, sustainable development, and a just energy transition. Hosting WAECS 2025 provides a vital platform to strengthen partnerships and share strategies for Africa’s energy future.”

Jinapor also announced that Ghana will host YES! On The Road Ghana from December 3–4, 2025, immediately following the summit. The youth-focused initiative aims to empower the next generation of African energy leaders through mentorship, innovation, and skills development in line with Ghana’s Energy Transition Framework.

Nigeria to host United Nations digital governance conference for first time

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For the first time, Nigeria will host the United Nations’ flagship Digital Governance Conference, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and innovators to shape the future of technology governance.

The 18th edition of the International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV 2025) will hold in Abuja from November 4 to 7, 2025, marking a major milestone for Nigeria and Africa’s growing digital ecosystem.

Organised by the United Nations University (UNU-EGOV) in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the conference will gather more than 400 delegates from over 50 countries, including experts from government, academia, and the private sector.

Themed “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance through Cooperation, Innovation and Inclusion,” ICEGOV 2025 underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in advancing technology-driven governance across the continent.

Since its inception in 2007, ICEGOV has been hosted in major cities such as Albany, Athens, Galway, Beijing, and Bogotá. Abuja’s selection makes it the first West African city and only the second in Africa to host the UN-backed event.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, described ICEGOV 2025 as a testament to Nigeria’s rising credibility in global technology governance.

“This moment affirms Nigeria’s place at the table of digital policy and innovation,” Abdullahi said. “Our guiding principle has always been to build digital systems that reflect our context, empower our people, and contribute to global progress. Hosting ICEGOV 2025 allows us to exchange knowledge, celebrate innovation, and work toward a more inclusive and digitally sovereign future.”

Read Also: Africa Tech Festival 2025 set to unite global innovators in Cape Town

Under Abdullahi’s leadership, NITDA has developed one of Africa’s most dynamic digital governance ecosystems, advancing data-driven policymaking, nurturing digital talent, and strengthening international partnerships. Earlier this year, Nigeria co-hosted GITEX Nigeria, reinforcing its ambition to become Africa’s leading technology hub.

ICEGOV 2025 will further that momentum, positioning Abuja as a key venue for dialogue on digital sovereignty, collaboration, and public-sector innovation.

The four-day event will feature keynote speeches, workshops, roundtable discussions, paper presentations, a doctoral colloquium, and exhibitions showcasing innovations in artificial intelligence, data governance, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion.

Two major sideline events will complement the main programme:

  • The West African Digital Governance Forum (WADGoV), scheduled for November 3–4, 2025, will convene representatives from West African countries to deepen collaboration and explore regional opportunities in digital governance.
  • The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) session will focus on refining the E-Governance White Paper, conceptual framework, and governance indicators guiding digital transformation across African Union member states.

With Nigeria hosting ICEGOV 2025, the nation strengthens its position as a continental leader in digital innovation and governance reform, while advancing the UN’s vision of inclusive and sustainable digital development.

Africa Tech Festival 2025 set to unite global innovators in Cape Town

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As Africa’s digital transformation gathers pace, South Africa is gearing up to host the 28th edition of the Africa Tech Festival from November 11 to 13, 2025, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

Now recognized as Africa’s tech capital, Cape Town and the broader Western Cape region have become the heart of the continent’s innovation economy. The Cape Town–Stellenbosch tech corridor is home to over 450 technology companies and employs nearly 40,000 professionals, supported by a growing network of incubators, accelerators, investors, and training institutions.

With more than 60% of South Africa’s startups based in the city, Cape Town leads in venture capital activity and continues to attract global firms thanks to its skilled workforce, world-class universities, robust infrastructure, and business-friendly environment. Its advanced digital networks, renewable energy initiatives, and thriving innovation ecosystem have positioned the city as a model for technology-driven growth and sustainability.

Read Also: AfDB approves $6m grant to boost disaster risk management across Africa

“Cape Town isn’t just where the Africa Tech Festival happens. The city embodies the collaboration and ingenuity that define Africa’s tech story. We look forward to welcoming the continent’s industry leaders and innovators to participate in a forum for conversations and connections that elevate African tech onto the global stage,” said Kadi Diallo, Portfolio Manager for Africa Tech Festival.

The festival remains Africa’s largest platform for enterprise technology and innovation, spanning key sectors such as telecommunications, connectivity, cloud computing, cybersecurity, green ICT, and digital media. The 2025 event will draw over 15,000 global attendees, 300 exhibitors, and 450 speakers, connecting Africa’s local tech ecosystem with international investors, policymakers, and innovators.

This year’s edition will bring together the festival’s four flagship programmes — AfricaCom, AfricaTech, AfricaIgnite, and The AI Summit Cape Town — under one unified theme that promotes responsible, inclusive, and sustainable growth. The event will highlight how digital transformation, entrepreneurship, policy, and artificial intelligence can collectively accelerate Africa’s development goals.

MultiChoice marks 30 years of transforming Zambia’s film, TV industry

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MultiChoice Zambia is celebrating three decades of shaping the nation’s media and entertainment landscape, marking 30 years since the company introduced satellite television broadcasting to the country in 1995.

Over the past three decades, MultiChoice has played a pivotal role in transforming Zambia’s film and television industry, from pioneering satellite broadcasting to driving digital innovation and local content production.

Leading Technological Evolution

When MultiChoice launched in Lusaka in 1995, it revolutionised the viewing experience for Zambian audiences. Since then, the company has expanded beyond satellite television with the introduction of GOtv for affordable access, DStv/GOtv Stream, Showmax, and mobile apps offering flexible, on-the-go entertainment.

These innovations, according to the company, have not only reshaped how Zambians consume media but have also connected local audiences to global news, sports, education, and culture, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and participation in the digital economy.

Driving Social and Cultural Impact

Beyond technology, MultiChoice says its presence has contributed significantly to Zambia’s social development by promoting cultural exchange and showcasing local talent. Through platforms like Zambezi Magic, Zambian audiences have embraced hit local productions such as Mpali, Zuba, Makofi, Mungoma, Ubuntu, Ten Tamanga Street, and Date My Family Zambia.

Read Also: Afriex partners Visa to power real-time cross-border payments

This emphasis on homegrown content has strengthened national identity and amplified Zambian stories across the continent.

Building the Creative Industry

A major driver of this growth has been the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), which operates one of its three pan-African academies in Lusaka. The MTF Academy offers film and television graduates hands-on training, masterclasses, and mentorship opportunities that prepare them for careers in the creative industry.

Today, the local creative economy employs thousands in production, advertising, events, hospitality, and technology. A highlight of this development came earlier this year when MTF alumnus Cosmas Nga’ndwe won an Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA) for Best Indigenous Language Film.

Commitment to People and Partnerships

MultiChoice also credits its success to a strong culture of employee growth and stakeholder collaboration. The company invests in continuous staff training, leadership development, and wellness programmes, helping employees progress from entry-level roles to senior management positions.

Partnerships with ZNBC and other free-to-air broadcasters have further extended the reach of Zambian content, ensuring that local culture continues to thrive on screen.

Looking Ahead

As MultiChoice Zambia marks this milestone, the company reaffirmed its commitment to continue investing in the country’s creative ecosystem, supporting youth, and driving innovation in digital entertainment.

“We see ourselves as a trusted development partner — creating jobs, driving technology innovation, and empowering young people to tell stories that shape Zambian culture for years to come,” the company stated.

With 30 years of progress behind it, MultiChoice Zambia says it remains dedicated to its mission: to go beyond television entertainment by helping define Zambia’s national identity and supporting the next generation of creators.

Afriex partners Visa to power real-time cross-border payments

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Global fintech platform Afriex has announced a partnership with Visa, a global leader in digital payments, to deliver real-time cross-border payment services across more than 160 markets worldwide.

Through the integration of Visa Direct via Afriex’s financial institution partner, users can now send and receive money instantly across borders, connecting directly to billions of eligible Visa accounts. The collaboration aims to make international transactions faster, more transparent, and more affordable for individuals and businesses.

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Commenting on the partnership, Tope Alabi, CEO of Afriex, said:

“For the millions of families and businesses who depend on remittances, speed and transparency matter most. Working with Visa allows us to combine Afriex’s innovation with Visa Direct’s global network, so money moves in real time, not days.”

According to the World Bank, remittances to low- and middle-income countries reached $669 billion in 2023, highlighting the growing demand for efficient and secure global payment solutions. The partnership between Afriex and Visa seeks to address this need by enhancing financial access and inclusion through technology.

The new service is already live on the Afriex mobile app, enabling users to experience seamless and instant international transfers.

Canon honours young sustainability leaders at 2025 Global Good Awards

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Canon Europe, Middle East & Africa has announced the winners of the Canon Young Champion of the Year category at the 2025 Global Good Awards, recognising young changemakers who are driving impactful sustainability initiatives around the world.

The Canon Young Champion of the Year is the only youth-focused category at the Global Good Awards—an international platform that celebrates businesses, NGOs, charities, and social enterprises for their achievements in sustainability, social impact, and ethical leadership. The award highlights young individuals who are inspiring others through their innovative and purposeful actions.

Now in its sixth year, the category was inspired by the Canon Young People Programme (CYPP)—an initiative that equips young people with the skills, creativity, and confidence to address pressing sustainability issues. Marking its tenth anniversary in 2025, the CYPP has partnered with more than 50 global organisations and reached over 10,000 youths across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa through storytelling workshops, exhibitions, and mentorship opportunities.

Read Also: Canon Young People Programme marks 10 years of youth empowerment

This year’s winners emerged from a competitive pool of exceptional entries:

  • Under-16 Winner: Samantha Fung – A Canadian student based in the Netherlands, Samantha founded Music For Every Child, a charity promoting equal educational opportunities for children with developmental disabilities and other disadvantaged groups through music therapy.
  • Under-21 Winner: Allison Choong – A Malaysian illustrator and youth activist, Allison co-created Safiya Speaks Up, a multilingual children’s book and mentor guide addressing sexual and domestic violence. The project has reached more than 10,000 girls globally, fostering awareness and open dialogue around gender-based violence.

The winners were selected by a distinguished panel of judges, including Del Barrett, Founder and Chair of Hundred Heroines; Katie Rabone, CEO of Community People; and Jodie Bailey-Ho, Canon Young Champion 2023 runner-up and 2024 Diana Award recipient.

Both winners will receive a Canon R50 Content Creator Kit (valued at nearly £1,000) or participate in a Storytelling Masterclass with a Canon Ambassador.

Peter Bragg, Canon EMEA’s Director of Sustainability & Government Affairs, praised the winners for their creativity and commitment, saying:

“Congratulations to this year’s Canon Young Champions and thank you to all who entered. Each year we are moved by the quality of applications and the winning submissions. As we celebrate the sixth cohort of winners, we also mark the tenth anniversary of the Canon Young People Programme—a milestone that reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering young voices to tell stories that inspire positive change.”

Luanda hosts 3rd summit on financing infrastructure in Africa

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Angola, under its presidency of the African Union (AU), has hosted the 3rd Summit on Financing Infrastructure for Development in Africa, a major continental forum aimed at accelerating sustainable and inclusive infrastructure growth across the continent.

Held from October 28 to 31, 2025, in Luanda, the high-level event brought together African and European political leaders, investors, financial institutions, business associations, academics, and multilateral organizations to explore strategies for mobilizing long-term financing for Africa’s infrastructure development.

This year’s summit, themed “Connecting Africa, Building the Future,” focused on strengthening Africa–Europe partnerships, promoting green and sustainable investment, encouraging public-private partnerships (PPPs), and supporting cross-border projects that drive regional integration. It also emphasized the importance of innovation, sustainability, and resilience in infrastructure planning and execution.

Read Also: AFC secures $100m FinDev Canada loan for sustainable infrastructure

The four-day event featured plenary sessions and thematic panels on energy transition, digital connectivity, and financing innovation, alongside an exhibition of infrastructure projects currently under development in several African countries. It also included bilateral and multilateral meetings aimed at fostering dialogue between governments, investors, and financial institutions, as well as networking sessions to promote strategic partnerships and technical cooperation.

Organizers said the summit serves as a critical platform for building trust and cooperation between Africa and its global partners, particularly in addressing funding gaps for major projects in energy, transport, water, and communications.

The choice of Luanda as host city underscores Angola’s growing role as a driver of regional cooperation and its commitment to advancing African-led solutions to the continent’s infrastructure challenges.

The summit aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting Africa’s shared vision to build resilient, innovative, and inclusive infrastructure systems that connect communities and power future growth.

Suriname partners CEW 2026 to drive local content growth

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The Suriname Business Forum (SBF) has been announced as a strategic partner for the upcoming Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) 2026, further strengthening collaboration between Suriname’s private sector and regional energy stakeholders.

Founded in 2007, SBF serves as a key platform for promoting private sector development and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors in Suriname. The forum’s initiatives—such as the Suriname Business Development Center—focus on entrepreneurship, trade, and job creation, particularly in response to new opportunities emerging from Suriname’s growing oil and gas industry.

The partnership with CEW 2026 aligns with national efforts to ensure that the country’s energy boom translates into tangible economic benefits. President Geerlings-Simons recently announced plans to launch a National Local Content Program in 2026, which will prioritize local hiring, regional training centers, and financial hubs for businesses.

Read Also: AfDB, Angola launch $125m project to boost youth entrepreneurship

Sandra Jeque, International Conference Director at Energy Capital & Power, described the collaboration as a vital step in connecting Surinamese businesses with global energy players.

“Through our partnership with the Suriname Business Forum, Caribbean Energy Week is proud to provide SBF members with direct access to international investors, policymakers, and energy leaders,” she said.

As an official partner, SBF will help bridge local enterprises with international investors and organizations shaping the Caribbean’s energy future.

Scheduled to take place from March 30 to April 1, 2026, in Paramaribo, CEW 2026 will be held under the theme “Leveraging Energy Diversity Across the Caribbean.” The three-day event will bring together policymakers, investors, and innovators to explore investment opportunities and regional energy collaboration.

For participation details, interested parties can contact sales@energycapitalpower.com
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Digital leaders set to shape the future of African commerce at Converge Africa 2026

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Africa’s rapidly expanding digital economy is gearing up for a major milestone as Converge Africa 2026 returns to the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from May 4–6, 2026. The event, organised by VUKA Group, will serve as a central platform for the continent’s digital commerce ecosystem — uniting retailers, fintech innovators, policymakers, and technology leaders to chart the future of trade and connectivity across Africa.

Positioned as more than just a conference, Converge Africa 2026 aims to be the strategic meeting point where commerce, technology, and innovation intersect. With Africa’s digital economy projected to surpass $75 billion, the summit provides a unique space for stakeholders to collaborate, exchange ideas, and forge partnerships that will define the next decade of growth.

“Converge Africa has become the focal point for Africa’s digital commerce ecosystem,” said Terence Southam, Retail Portfolio Director at VUKA Group. “Our mission is to create a neutral platform where technology meets trust, innovation meets scale, and business meets opportunity.”

A Power-Packed Agenda for 2026

The event’s 2026 programme is shaped by an Advisory Board comprising some of Africa’s most influential digital leaders, including:

  • Caroline Nelson (H&M) – The Shopper of 2030 and Omnichannel Retail
  • Kerissa Varma (Microsoft) – Cybersecurity and Consumer Trust
  • Sam Tomlinson (Warchawski) – Data, Creativity and Storytelling
  • Richard Eberlein (Homechoice) – Predictive AI and Customer Growth
  • Barrie Swart (dLocal) – Cross-Border Trade and Fintech Expansion

Read Also: Türkiye to host GITEX Ai Türkiye 2026 in Istanbul

Converge Africa 2026 will feature over 100 sessions across five key focus areas: Payments & Fintech, Retail & eCommerce, Fulfilment & Logistics, Digital Marketing, and Cybersecurity & Digital Trust.

Some of the headline sessions include:

  • The Future of Payments in Africa: Instant, Inclusive, Invisible
  • Cross-Border Showdown: Who Will Power Africa’s $1 Trillion Trade?
  • Data-Driven Digital Marketing: Personalisation at Scale

Beyond Talk — Building Real Solutions

Day One will feature interactive workshops designed for hands-on problem-solving, such as AI in Fraud Defence, Future Store Simulation, and Omnichannel Customer Journey Mapping. These sessions aim to deliver practical outcomes rather than just theoretical insights.

Each element of Converge Africa 2026 is built to drive execution — inspiring collaboration that translates into measurable business results and cross-sector growth.

Why Industry Players Are Taking Notice

For partners and sponsors, Converge Africa offers more than visibility. It’s a chance to secure strategic positioning before Africa’s most influential decision-makers. Through keynote sessions, curated buyer meetings, and custom workshop opportunities, brands can achieve tangible ROI while strengthening their long-term presence in Africa’s digital economy.

Cape Town Becomes Africa’s Innovation Capital

As the continent embraces digital transformation, Africa’s youthful population, mobile-first innovation, and expanding cross-border trade are positioning it as the world’s next major commerce hub.

Converge Africa 2026 will be the stage where vision meets venture — uniting the people and ideas driving Africa’s digital future.