Microsoft Funds 3 African Internet Provision Start-ups… The Microsoft Airband Grant Fund has provided funding to three African start-ups; ColdHubs of Nigeria, MeshPower from Rwanda and Kenya’s Agsol for their use of TV white spaces and other inventive technologies to expand access to internet-enabled solutions.
Also, the fintech start-up based in Kenya, Pezesha has received strategic seed investment from Consonance Investment Managers aimed at an expansion in East and West Africa. Pezesha aims to be the first Africa-focused digital financial marketplace that facilitates a shared economy by providing a thriving platform for borrowers, lenders and investors on their finances, their goods and their services.
Meanwhile, Tanzanian insurtech start-up Jamii also raised funding from US-based entrepreneur, Patrick Munis as it closes in on its target of US$2 million for expansion to Kenya.
The start-up offers micro-health insurance services with its plans starting around US$1 per month per person, and has so far covered over 6,400 people by health insurance and helped 2,900 people make health insurance claims through the platform.
Let’s quickly move to the world technology news where Barclays’ reports are suggesting that the 2018 iPhones May Not Come with Headphone Dongle in the Box. The Barclays’ research note claims that Cirrus Logic, a supplier for the dongle has “confirmed” that 2018 won’t be included in the box alongside 2018 iPhones. The rumours also suggest that new iPads will also lose the headphone jack and adapter.
The 2018 Youth Connekt Africa Summit to Hold in October… Registration is on for this year’s Youth Connekt Africa Summit. The conference is scheduled to hold on the 8th to the 10th of October in Kigali, Rwanda. The theme is “Connekting Youth for Continental Transformation”. Interested applicants can send an email to yca2018@youthconnektafrica.org to get an invite.
That’s all for today’s big 5. Have a great day!
