Senegal has achieved a historic milestone with the successful launch of its first satellite, GAINDESAT-1A, from California on Friday evening. This significant event positions Senegal as one of only 12 African nations with its own surveillance and telecommunications satellites in space. The launch marks a pivotal advancement in the country’s space capabilities and technological development.
Prudential plc has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Google Cloud to transform the insurance industry through artificial intelligence. This strategic alliance aims to develop AI-powered products and applications that will revolutionize interactions among customers, agents, and employees. The collaboration marks a significant milestone as it introduces the first AI Lab dedicated to insurance in Asia and Africa.
Local health startup Hewatele has secured $20 million (Sh2.5 billion) in financing to significantly scale up its medical oxygen production in Kenya. This investment, which includes both debt and equity, is aimed at increasing Hewatele’s oxygen production capacity from two tonnes to 20 tonnes per month. The funding will support the construction of a new liquid oxygen production facility, expected to enhance production and reduce costs for healthcare providers by up to 30 percent.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has inaugurated its first Tier-III certified, open-access, carrier-neutral data centre through a joint venture between Open Access Data Centres (OADC) and TEXAF, named ‘OADC Texaf Digital’. This landmark project marks a significant advancement in the country’s digital infrastructure, providing a robust foundation for the burgeoning digital economy in the DRC.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are poised to significantly accelerate progress towards achieving the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Zhao Xiaolei, Head of UNIDO ITPO, highlighted at MWC24 Shanghai that digital transformation offers immense potential for creating value through job creation, economic improvement, and fostering harmonious societies and environments.
The U.S. and Mogo, a prominent asset financier, have partnered to advance electric mobility in Kenya. U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman, during a visit to Mogo’s electric vehicle showroom in Nairobi, commended Kenya’s strides towards decarbonizing its transport sector. Mogo, along with two other e-mobility companies, has secured approximately Sh3.9 billion ($30 million) from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to support green transportation initiatives.
Kenya is set to revolutionize its digital infrastructure with an ambitious project connecting over 180 national institutions through its electricity power lines. This innovative approach, leveraging existing infrastructure from Kenya Power, aims to accelerate the rollout of its fibre optic network, bypassing the traditional and laborious method of laying fibre in trenches. The initial focus will be on the southwestern counties of Kisii and Nyamira, significantly enhancing connectivity in these regions.
Safaricom has achieved a significant milestone with the expansion of its 5G network, now reaching 1,114 sites across Kenya. This ambitious growth is part of the company’s broader strategy to provide ultra-speed internet to Kenyans, positioning the country at the forefront of digital transformation. The 5G network, which covers 14% of Kenya’s population, spans 102 towns, connecting more than 780,000 active smartphones.
