Uganda Airlines has announced plans to expand its reach by launching three new routes to the capitals of Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria in September 2024. This initiative marks a significant milestone for the national carrier, aimed at enhancing Uganda’s connectivity within Africa.
Open Society Foundations (OSF), led by Kenyan human rights lawyer Binaifer Nowrojee, has announced a significant $400 million (Sh51.85 billion) investment for global projects aimed at promoting economic prosperity and addressing climate change. This initiative underscores OSF’s commitment to tackling pressing global challenges through its Economic and Climate Prosperity programme.
Over 250 stakeholders from government, civil society, donors, academics, students, and private industry experts have convened in Nairobi for the DataFest Africa 2024 conference, organized by Aga Khan University and Pollicy. This significant event is themed “Opportunities for all: Harnessing Data & Technology for Africa’s Transformation,” and is focused on celebrating the use of data in East Africa. The conference aims to address and overcome challenges that hinder the development of the data ecosystem in Africa.
Salaam Somali Bank, Somalia’s largest financial institution, has partnered with Visa to introduce Visa Debit and Visa Prepaid cards nationwide, marking a significant advancement in digital payment capabilities across the country. This collaboration aims to enhance the speed, efficiency, and security of transactions, benefiting both consumers and businesses in Somalia.
Zambia is leveraging Starlink’s presence to revolutionize its healthcare system, aiming for enhanced service delivery and efficiency, as per Felix Mutati, the Minister of Science and Technology. With Starlink’s satellite internet, the country has transformed 95 post offices into ‘Digital Transformation Centres’, providing free online access to over 300 government services. The goal is to connect all 106 post offices to Starlink, ensuring widespread digital accessibility across Zambia.
Three Tanzanian startups have emerged victorious in the Vodacom Digital Accelerator Program 2024, demonstrating their potential to become revenue-generating businesses. AltituteX, represented by Frank Mussa, Afya Lead Co-Founder, and Lusekelo Nkuwi from GO GO App, have been recognized for their innovative contributions to Tanzania’s startup ecosystem. Established by Vodacom Tanzania in 2019, the Vodacom Digital Accelerator Program aims to nurture early-stage and growth-stage startups, providing them with essential support to thrive in the competitive digital landscape.
Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) has launched its 7th edition of the National Science and Technology Annual Exhibition 2024, receiving an impressive 1,780 project abstracts focused on addressing climate change issues. Ben Roberts, Chairman of the YSK committee and Group Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Liquid Intelligent Technologies, highlighted a significant 138 percent increase in submissions compared to last year, underscoring growing interest and commitment to STEM education in Kenya.
TurnStay, a South African travel-focused fintech, has secured R5.4 million ($300,000) from U.S.-based venture capital firms DFS Lab and Digital Currency Group (DCG). This new funding round will be used to expand across Africa and solidify TurnStay’s position in the local market.
