Hello World,
Today we bring this week’s edition of African Tech News Roundup.
Enjoy!
Paynas Bags $50000 Grand Prize at Seamless North Africa 2019
The Egypt-based startup emerged winner of the pitch competition for their remarkable presentation. Paynas offers payments and financial solutions with multi-purpose electronic payment cards. Learn More
Dealing with bad habits? Pavlok is your plug
Pavlok is a wearable wristband that sends a 350-volt electric shock every time you engage in a programmed bad habit. The sensor in the device uses Artificial Intelligence to learn from your actions and notices your bad habits. It is currently on sale on Amazon. Learn More
Nokia & UNICEF Boosts Digital Literacy in Kenyan Primary Schools
Nokia & UNICEF have partnered to provide digital education for pupils living in underserved communities in Kenya. Both disabled and healthy pupils will be taught how to use the “Accessible Digital Textbook” for digital skills. Learn More
Glovo Forced to Return to Egypt after Shutting Down Operations
The on-demand delivery startup has re-launched operations in Egypt, two months after exit. Also, the Egyptian Competition Authority frowned against the signed agreement between Glovo and Delivery Hero which violated Egypt’s competition protection law. Find out More
Facebook unveiled Libra Cryptocurrency
This week, Facebook announced Libra, its digital currency that will offer secured payment solution to the unbanked. Libra will be transacted using the wallet in the Calibra app. 25 global companies have already bought shares worth $25 each to partner with the Libra Foundation. Libra will be launched in 2020 when the partners get to 100. Read More
Have you heard of the voice-based social media app used in Mali? Lenali it is!
44 years old Mamadou Gouro developed the Lenali social media app for the uneducated in Mali. Over 60000 users communicate on Lenali with French, Bambara, Soninke, Mooré, and Wolof. Interesting right? Check it out!
Free Calls are now available for Truecaller’s Android users!
Android users are now able to make free calls on Truecaller through the new voice calling feature. The new feature confirms Truecaller’s transformation from an identity detector into a full-fledged social app. Read More
No longer Kudimoney but Kuda Microfinance Bank
Audi money, one of Nigeria’s fast-growing Fintech companies has obtained a Microfinance banking license from the Central Bank of Nigeria this week. They will remain at a pre-launch stage for a few months until the 3rd quarter of 2019. Read More
Ghana Gears Up for 2020 Digital Census
During the course of the week, Ghana Statistical Services conducted a trial census in some selected districts across Ghana. They did this to test run their tablet containing a digital neighbourhood map for documenting people’s answers to the census questionnaire. The last census held in Ghana was in 2010 and about 60000 gadgets are needed for the 2020 census to be a success. Learn More
Naspers Foundry makes first Investment
Naspers has investment $2 million (R30 million) in SweepSouth, an online cleaning platform in South Africa. The SweepSouth co-founders started in 2013 from cleaning houses themselves to employing 11000 domestic workers online. Learn More
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Enjoy a restful weekend,
Yours sincerely,
Team TechGist Africa
