Hello Fam!
Here is another edition of the Africa Tech Roundup.
This week, the African Development Bank launched a $3 billion post-COVID-19 support fund for Africa. The fund is for alleviating the economic and social impact of the global pandemic on the continent.
In DRC Congo, Konnect Africa plans to provide high-speed internet for 3600 schools. The year-long initiative is open to schools subscribed to its “home unlimited or plus package”.
In Nigeria, Ventures Platform selected 7 startups in the final round of its #COVID19InnovationChallenge. The startups include Wellvis Health, Infodemics, iQube, Prunedge, Innover Technologies, cMapit Technologies, and WellaHealth.
Also in Nigeria, the Minister of Labour and Employment urged internet and satellite TV providers in the country to extend existing subscriptions for their users. The Minister, Festus Keyamo made this plead based on the fact that many people spend more on pay-TV, airtime and data while working from home.
South Africa, Nigeria, and other African countries have been facing slow internet connection as a result of a break in the West African Cable System. The cable connects these countries to the UK.
As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, Naspers announced R1.5 billion contribution to support the government of South Africa. It also provided R1 billion to purchase personal protective equipment and medical supplies in partnership with Tencent and the Chinese government.
Uber has stopped operating in Nigeria as a result of government directives for citizens to stay at home. Ride-hailing companies will no longer operate in Lagos, Abuja and Ogun States until the stipulated period.
Jumia Nigeria has been forced to shut down operations by the Lagos State government. The e-commerce startup disregarded the government‘s directive for all companies to work remotely to curtail the spread of Coronavirus.
Winich Farms, a Nigerian-based agritech platform is offering discounts and last-mile delivery on rice. Due to the economic challenge caused by the spread of coronavirus in the country, Winich Farms has reduced the price per 50kg bag of rice to N17000.
Huawei has donated and installed two ultramodern video conference facilities to the Ghanaian Ministry of Health. The Chinese ICT giant donated the facilities to support Ghana in fighting the global Coronavirus outbreak.
We have come to the end of this week’s African Tech Roundup.
Stay safe and keep practicing social distancing.
See you next week.