Hi guys, it is the end of the week!
Are you ready for the Big 5 Daily? Join us as we dive down this rabbit-hole.
We start things off with interesting news that the startup incubation platform, Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB) have spread their tentacles into east Africa as they opened a Design Lab in Kigali, Rwanda. As its usual operation, the design lab will be a co-creative space where technical and creative individuals can collaborate to break grounds in relevant issues like public health, education and governance, it was also revealed that they plan to invest 11 million USD in Rwanda. The Design lab was opened yesterday, the 14th of November. What a way to celebrate Valentine right?
After Google launched its free Wi-Fi initiative, Google Station in Lagos, the United Bank for Africa (UBA), has partnered with them to roll out Google stations in 11 UBA branches in Lagos. This is good, what is more interesting is the fact that it is part of a bigger plan to launch over 200 Google Stations across the country. This is great news for Nigeria as regards financial inclusion, accessibility to internet and education.
Speaking of education, Conlog – a Durban-based smart metering solution firm recently made a partnership with Tshimologong Digital Innovation precinct to start a comprehensive 7-phase blockchain incubation programme that will eventually lead to intensive incubation. It is targeted at developers with at least 3 years of experience in Java, Javascript, C++, Python and C#. Preference will be given to black developers. Are you interested? Click here
On Monday, we reported that Strive Masiyiwa unveiled a $100 million rural challenge fund in Zimbabwe. Well, they have taken this a step further as they launched an initiative that will provide electricity through rural areas and also, create employment for the people of Zimbabwe. They intend to implement solar mini-grids in over 100 sites in Zimbabwe. This is a great development from Strive and Econet.
To round up the Big 5 Daily, we have news that South Africa’s Ctrl received investment from Santam, an insurance company. Ctrl is an insurtech startup that allows users to request, accept quotes from insurers and also, amend cover and get advice to make better insurance-related decisions. Ctrl is yet to launch and is still in its testing phase and this investment will smoothen the process that will lead to its eventual launch. We are look forward to seeing more of them.
…and that rounds up our Big 5 for the week. Next week, we meet!