Starlink, the satellite firm led by billionaire Elon Musk, is set to revolutionize mobile connectivity with its new Direct to Cell service. This innovative strategy aims to integrate Internet and mobile services directly into subscribers’ phones, enhancing market reach and service accessibility.
The newly-rebranded Africa-focused venture capital firm, 54 Collective, is set to transform start-up investments on the continent by moving away from the traditional Silicon Valley plug-and-play model. Formerly known as Founders Factory Africa, 54 Collective aims to provide comprehensive support tailored to the unique needs of African start-ups.
Vodacom and Huawei have launched the DigiTruck in Tanzania, a groundbreaking initiative designed to bridge the digital divide and enhance digital literacy across the country. This mobile classroom aims to provide essential digital skills training to over 5,500 individuals annually, including students, women, the elderly, and youth, across ten regions.
Redington, a leading technology distributor, has announced a strategic partnership with Zoho, a global software company, to enhance access to Zoho’s cloud-based business solutions across emerging markets in Africa. This collaboration aims to bring Zoho’s extensive suite of tools to businesses of all sizes, facilitating improved customer experiences, enhanced collaboration, and streamlined operations.
NCBA Bank has recently expanded its footprint with the grand openings of new branches in Limuru and Githunguri, marking a significant milestone in its growth strategy. These new locations are set to enhance financial accessibility for local communities, offering tailored financial solutions to support various needs.
Workpay, the Kenyan cloud-based HR, payroll, and benefits platform, has successfully raised $5 million in Series A funding. This significant funding round, led by Norrsken22 and featuring investors such as Visa, Y Combinator, Saviu Ventures, Axian, Plug n Play, Verod-Kepple Africa Ventures, and Acadian Ventures, follows Workpay’s successful pre-Series A round of $2.7 million in early 2023.
Bradford Nyangiri and Felix Makori from Menyenya Secondary School in Nyamira County have emerged as the overall winners of the 2024 Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) National Science and Technology Exhibition. Their innovative project, the “Sunken Cooking Jacket,” excelled among 1,780 submissions, securing the top position in the Chemical, Physical, and Mathematical Sciences category, specifically within the Energy and Transport sector.
In Kenya, informal cooperative societies, or chamas, have long played a vital role in fostering financial stability and progress. These groups have been instrumental in helping families achieve significant milestones, from education to home ownership and small business ventures. However, as chamas grow in size and complexity, they face new challenges, particularly in record-keeping and financial management.
