Technext

The Kenyan government is engaging short-form video content platform, TikTok to ensure that content creators from the country have access to its monetisation offerings. According to Ms Mary Kerema, Secretary of ICT, e-Government and Digital Economy at the Kenyan Ministry of Information, this is part of the government’s drive to ensure gainful employment for its youthful citizens. https://lnkd.in/diMxykdS

The new Nollywood movie on Netflix, “Tòkunbó” is another attempt by Nollywood to straddle the fine line between gritty realism and overwrought theatrics, and yet, predictably, it falters. The film’s attempt to force a caricatured ‘Oga’ archetype upon the audience is not only amateurish but also reveals a profound misunderstanding of the very subject matter it seeks to portray. Read our full review here: https://lnkd.in/ddbY8UpK

Applications are now open for the 2024 edition of the MEST Africa Challenge. A product of the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa), in collaboration with the Norwegian Embassy, this year’s challenge seeks to identify and support exceptional agricultural technology (AgriTech) entrepreneurs who are addressing critical agricultural challenges in West Africa. The winning startup will receive $50,000 in equity funding along with access to MEST’s extensive global network. This will enable them to unlock valuable partnerships, mentorship, and investment opportunities to accelerate their growth and global presence. #Funding #Startups https://lnkd.in/g3CTN7xC

E-hailing drivers in Lagos state, have demanded that the management of Lagos government-backed Lagos Rides (LagRide) make their cars available to its members. The drivers also threatened to boycott both Uber and Bolt apps over a commitment made by the app companies to slash fare prices without consulting the drivers. #Tech https://lnkd.in/dwQnN6tn

Sure you must have heard about the arrest of the founder of Telegram. Now, why was Pavel Durov arrested? The arrest comes as part of a preliminary investigation headed by France's OFMIN (Office for Preventing Violence Against Minors). The office had issued a warrant for Durov's arrest, citing allegations that include money laundering, drug trafficking and the sharing of child sexual abuse content on Telegram Read more in today’s Technext Daily Roundup. #Tech https://lnkd.in/dtk_AzHS

Technology company, Infinix has taken a long-awaited plunge into the phone accessories market as the company has launched a range of earbuds, smart watches, speakers, power banks, USB chargers and cables and other phone accessories into the Nigerian market. Some of the earbuds series launched at the event include the Buds Lite – XE23, the Buds NC-XE28, the XBuds 3 WE-XE29, and the XBuds GT 3-XE30. The smartwatches introduced into the market include the WATCH XW3P, WATCH XW3E, and the WATCH XW3C. https://lnkd.in/d9NyPcuP

As part of major steps to boost safety on its platform, TikTok has launched its inaugural Safety Advisory Council for Sub-Sahara Africa. The council is the first-of-its-kind safety consultative group by any social media platform in the region. The council was unveiled at a #SaferTogether summit held by the company in Nairobi, Kenya. At the event, content creators from the region, government representatives, strategic partners and media representatives hosted a night of games, drinks, conversations and networking. It also featured TikTok’s announcement of an expansion of its #SaferTogether community education campaign. https://lnkd.in/diAFRXzj

Leading ride-hailing company, Bolt, says it has restricted inter-country ride requests on its app. This was disclosed in response to a Technext inquiry into the matter of mischievous ride requests emanating from South Africa and Nigeria following a row. The company has also investigated the matter and riders who have indulged in those mischievous activities have been blocked on the app. https://lnkd.in/dejcKG7Q

Workpay, the cloud-based HR, payroll and benefits platform for organisations with employees across Africa, today has announced that it has raised $5m in a Series A funding round led by Norrsken22. Workpay will use the money raised to aid its expansion across the continent and build out its financial services provision.. The round saw participation from Visa, Y Combinator, Saviu Ventures, Axian, Plug N Play, Verod-Kepple Africa Ventures and Acadian Ventures, a venture firm which specialises in investment into the next generation of work technologies. This follows Workpay’s successful pre-series A round of $2.7m in early 2023. #Africa #Tech https://lnkd.in/dUtjwY3u

Klasha, has announced the appointment of its CEO/Founder, Jess Anuna as a Youth Ambassador by The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Youth Council. This appointment is a testament to Anuna’s influential leadership and steadfast commitment to empowering the youth, nurturing diplomatic relations, and propelling innovative solutions across Africa. #Tech https://lnkd.in/duQ7GC9Y