Tech Trends

  • - The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has rolled out major upgrades to its Electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS) KRA says the upgrade will directly benefit taxpayers by simplifying compliance, increasing efficiency, and providing greater flexibility in tax invoice management. Why This…
  • - KCB Group has joined the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to enhance cross-border trade and financial integration across the continent. As the first bank in East Africa to integrate PAPSS, KCB customers will benefit from faster settlements, lower currency conversion costs, and…
  • - iXAfrica Data Centres,  East Africa’s largest hyperscale data centre facility, has unveiled the first phase of its data centre in Nairobi. Named NBOX1, the 4.5MW facility houses 780 racks and offers hyperscale, carrier-neutral, and AI-ready capabilities. According to iXAfrica , the facility expands…
  • - Tunisia achieved a major tech milestone as three leading telecom operators; Orange Tunisie, Ooredoo Tunisie, and Tunisie Télécom; simultaneously launched 5G services nationwide.  The rollout came shortly after the operators secured their licenses, marking a swift implementation of the next-…
  • - A Mano River Union (MRU) delegation recently concluded a successful study tour of the Busia One Stop Border Post (OSBP) between Kenya and Uganda, gaining valuable insights into efficient cross-border trade systems that benefit women traders.  The tour brought together women traders and border…
  • - Microsoft has announced a significant investment of $1 million aimed at training one million Nigerians in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital skills over the next two years.  The training program is expected to be implemented through partnerships with local organisations including Tech4Dev and…
  • - Ride-hailing company Bolt has announced a significant milestone in Kenya with its electric bikes fleet surpassing 500 vehicles. This achievement made possible through a strategic partnership with financial technology firm M-KOPA, accounts for nearly 50% of all electric vehicles in Kenya, marking…
  • - The global online trading platform market size was worth USD 10.86 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach an expected value of USD 11.45 billion in 2025 to USD 17.42 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.39% during the forecast period (2025-2033). This is according to the latest report…
  • - In this episode of The TechTrends Podcast, we sit down with ⁠Andrew Fassnid⁠ge, the Founder & Director of Africa Tech Summit. Andrew takes us behind the scenes of the Summit’s incredible journey to becoming one of Africa’s premier tech events. He also shares insights into the continent’s…
  • - VFS Global has rolled out a new Generative AI-powered chatbot to enhance customer support for travellers to the UK. The AI-powered chatbot utilises advanced Generative AI technology to offer human-like, conversational support. It does so through both voice and text commands, as a result, customers…
  • - NCBA announced the allocation of KES 12 million in annual scholarships to over 150 students through various partners. The allocation is part of its KES 100 million annual pledge that is designated to positively impact communities throughout the country. The funds have been disbursed and implemented…
  • - The LOOP app has undergone significant upgrades, donning a modern and stylish design that fits in perfectly with its brand values.  This update brings a fresh look and feel, raising ease of use and making sure that users have a better, more natural experience. Improved  Navigation The LOOP app’s…
  • - TikTok, has launched the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) feed in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In the same way that TikTok curates a following and friends feed, it now also offers content specifically covering STEM topics. The feed is currently live and is available over 20…
  • - Paradigm Initiative (PIN) has announced that the 2025 edition of Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF2025) registration is now open.  The bilingual global gathering will convene hundreds of delegates in Lusaka, Zambia from April 29 to May 1, 2025.  In a press statement, PIN noted that this year…
  • - Airbus has signed a 7-year Flight Hour Services (FHS) contract with Ethiopian Airlines to provide comprehensive maintenance of its fleet of 24 Airbus A350 aircraft. This includes both the A350-900 and A350-1000 models.  This agreement provides Ethiopian Airlines with dedicated on-site stock in…
  • - Last year, the world witnessed an alarming rise in government-imposed internet shutdowns – at least 296 cases from 54 different countries. This is according to a new report by popular digital rights movement watchdog Access Now. These internet blackouts are frequently high during public protests,…
  • - Epson a global technology company, has appointed Junkichi Yoshida as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1. Consequently, he will succeed Yasunori Ogawa, who will assume the role of Chairman of the Board. Junkichi Yoshida, a seasoned leader with extensive experience in…
  • - Leading ride-hailing platform, Bolt has made safety its top priority with its Emergency Assist SOS button feature under the Bolt Safety Toolkit that’s designed to ensure safe rides for both passengers and drivers. A Simple Yet Powerful Safety Tool The Emergency Assist feature has been seamlessly…
  • - Infinix will launch the Note 50 series later next month, succeeding last year’s Note 40 lineup. While the company has been tight-lipped about the specifications of the Infinix Note 50 series, it has confirmed that the devices will feature Infinix AI. The Note 50 series will include DeepSeek R1 AI…
  • - Infinix will launch the Note 50 series later next month, succeeding last year’s Note 40 lineup. While the company has been tight-lipped about the specifications of the Infinix Note 50 series, it has confirmed that the devices will feature Infinix AI. The Note 50 series will include DeepSeek R1 AI…
  • - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a Worldwide Olympic Partnership with TCL, lasting until 2032. TCL will become an official Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner in the Home Audiovisual Equipment and Home Appliances categories. TCL will support fans and athletes by…
  • - Rwanda has announced a strategic partnership to develop a Rwanda Food Innovation Hub, which aims to catalyze sustainable food systems across Africa. The Food Innovation Hub seeks to empower smallholder farmers, develop inclusive markets and finance, and strengthen agricultural systems. As a result…
  • - LOOP App New UI: If you’re a LOOP user you have probably noticed that the app has taken a significant step forward by introducing a brand-new user interface (UI), designed to enhance the digital banking experience.  While the look and feel have been revamped, it’s important to note that the core…
  • - MANSA, a global fintech innovator in cross-border payments, has announced the successful close of its $10 million funding round. This marks a significant milestone for the company in its mission to alleviate liquidity challenges for payment companies worldwide. MANSA’s stablecoin-based solution…
  • - AppsFlyer and Google have launched their 2024 “The State of App Marketing in Sub-Saharan Africa” report, analyzing overall performance of finance apps in Sub-Saharan Africa. Drawing on a sample of 1.1 billion app downloads and 20,000 apps, the report reveals a growing trend in finance app installs…
  • - Odibets, a top sports betting platform in Kenya, has reintroduced its enhanced Cashout feature, giving users more flexibility and control over their bets. With the Cashout option, bettors can choose to settle their wagers before an event concludes, either securing a portion of their potential…
  • - Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. has posted its fastest revenue growth in over a year, signaling a strong recovery. The Chinese tech giant reported e-commerce gains and higher-than-expected cloud revenues, reflecting a rebound in consumer spending and its ability to fight outside competitors ByteDance…
  • - OpenAI has claimed a historic milestone of reaching 400 million active weekly users. The AI creator powering ChatGPT is showing rapid growth, with the last reported figure of 300 million users recorded in December 2024. OpenAI has so far withheld the number of paid subscribers to ChatGPT Plus or…
  • - In this episode of the TechTrends Podcast, we sit down with Victor Alade, CEO and co-founder of Raenest, to explore how the fintech startup is revolutionizing cross-border payments for African freelancers, remote workers, and businesses. Victor shares insights on the challenges of global…
  • - Cybersecurity firm Sophos has announced a strategic partnership with Pax8, the leading cloud commerce marketplace. Through this collaboration, Pax8’s network of more than 40,000 managed service providers (MSPs) gains access to the most comprehensive portfolio of cybersecurity solutions. MSPs can…
  • - The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is facing strong resistance from Kenyan banks in its push to integrate the tax system with the banks.  The action is based on the new mandate thrust in the Tax Procedures (Amendment) Act, 2024, to ensure better tax collections to reduce evasion.  However, the banks…
  • - Two semiconductor behemoths, Broadcom and Taiwan’s Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), have been reported to strategize participating bids for Intel portions, signaling some major shiftings in the industry. Though Intel ranks as the third largest semiconductor company in terms of revenue,…
  • - The Kenyan launch of the highly anticipated OPPO Reno13 series is slated for February 28, 2025. The series will include two variants: the Reno13 F 5G, which is available in Plum Purple and Graphite Grey, and the Reno13 F, which is available in Graphite Grey and Skyline Blue colours. Both models…
  • - A recent report by digital payments leader Visa has shed light on the security concerns faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya, particularly those that rely solely on cash transactions. The  ‘Value of Acceptance: Understanding the Digital Payment Landscape in Kenya,’ study…
  • - Westcon-Comstor, a global technology provider and specialist distributor, today announced that it has become an official distributor of Microsoft cloud solutions across Africa. The announcement of the pan-Africa distribution agreement follows a successful collaboration between Westcon-Comstor and…
  • - In an era where digital banking is changing how Kenyans interact with their money, LOOP app has taken a big leap ahead with an improved user interface (UI). The update was rolled out to users in February to bring them a better, quicker, and easier experience, made to fit right into today’s way of…
  • - TransUnion Kenya has partnered with global analytics software provider FICO to introduce advanced credit risk solutions to expand financial access across Kenya. The two new solutions are TransUnion’s CreditVision Variables solution and the FICO Score designed to improve risk assessment and…
  • - NBA Africa has teamed up with Kenya’s leading telco Safaricom to launch the M-PESA Jr. NBA program. The program seeks to provide basketball development and financial literacy programming to more than 10,000 boys and girls in Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Kisumu, marking the league’s most expansive…
  • - Visa has announced that Michael Berner will assume the role of Head of Southern and East Africa (SEA), effective immediately. He will oversee all Visa operations in 24 markets in SEA and will report to Visa’s Regional President of Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA), Andrew…
  • - Today, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner has formally issued determinations against Wananchi Group Limited trading as “Zuku,” and against Geosky Service Limited, for breach of the Data Protection Act both companies have been liable under the failure to observe the rights of data…
  • - Today, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner has formally issued determinations against Wananchi Group Limited trading as “Zuku,” and against Geosky Service Limited, for breach of the Data Protection Act both companies have been liable under the failure to observe the rights of data…
  • - According to a recent survey conducted by KnowBe4 AFRICA, 58% of respondents are very concerned about cybercrime, a figure which has almost doubled from 29% in 2023. Fear of online fraud and losing money remain their top concern, given the increasing sophistication of AI-assisted cyberthreats. The…
  • - Spotify Music Pro: Finally, after 18 years of building the business, Spotify has finally caught up to its international popularity. The world has become profitable for the company for its first entire year: Now it has cash and momentum, according to CEO Daniel Ek, to shift to “accelerated execution…
  • - The Energy Assist Button is a novel feature of the Bolt app intended to assist users and drivers with battery drain during their travels. This feature powers up the Bolt app for low battery situations when passengers want to make use of their phones for navigation, communicating, or tracking their…
  • - Africa Tech Summit Awards announced the 2025 winners, recognising the leading entrepreneurs and ventures shaping the tech industry across the continent. The awards ceremony was held during the seventh edition of Africa Tech Summit Nairobi, powered by Raenest, which connected over 1,600 tech leaders…
  • - Despite increasing global concern over the potential threats posed by quantum computing, Kenya has not yet passed legislation requiring government agencies to immediately transition to quantum-resistant cryptographic methods. The Kenyan government has not enacted formal measures yet, but experts…
  • - With integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into operations, business leaders can achieve efficiency, innovation, and sustainable growth. This was the core message at the AI Innovation Summit organized by Datamellon, the world’s leading innovator in AI, data, and cloud. This also marked…
  • - In this episode of TechTrends Podcast, we sit down with ⁠Sharon Tum⁠, the Senior Regional Manager- EA at ⁠Yellow Card⁠, to explore the future of digital assets adoption in Africa. Yellow Card is one of Africa’s largest and first licenced on/off ramp Stablecoin. Sharon shares insights on the…
  • - The recently launched Samsung Galaxy S25 series is now available in the country, and its pre-order period has ended and now customers can buy the phone from online sites and authorized stores in Kenya. The Galaxy S25 brings industry-first features, sleek design, and cutting-edge mobile AI. “The…
  • - The recently launched Samsung Galaxy S25 series is now available in the country, and its pre-order period has ended and now customers can buy the phone from online sites and authorized stores in Kenya. The Galaxy S25 brings industry-first features, sleek design, and cutting-edge mobile AI. “The…