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Telegram quits on its cryptocurrency focused subsidiary TON

May 14, 2020 Editor

After years of drama with the SEC, Telegram is calling it quits on its crypto-focused subsidiary, Telegram Open Network (TON). “Telegram’s active involvement with TON is over,” wrote Pavel Durov, founder and CEO, in an announcement on his channel. “You may see – or may have already seen – sites using my name or the Telegram brand or the ‘TON’ abbreviation to promote their projects. Don’t trust them with your money or data.” TON was a blockchain platform designed to offer decentralized cryptocurrency to anyone with a smartphone, in a…

Twiga Foods, Jumia signs deal for Fresh Food distribution during COVID 19 Crisis

April 24, 2020 Editor

E-commerce platform Jumia Kenya and Twiga Foods have signed a partnership agreement that will enable shoppers on the platform to buy fresh produce as well as processed foods distributed by the farm produce aggregator. Through the deal, shoppers can now buy pre-packed bundles whose cost will range between Sh1,230 and Sh3,180 depending on the goods. The bundles will save customers up to 50 percent compared to average supermarket prices, and consist of items like watermelon, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, bananas, maize meal and processed milk. Delivery will be free in Nairobi…

Six key areas for getting your business ready for COVID-19

April 16, 2020 Editor

In January 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of a new coronavirus disease in Hubei Province, China to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. WHO stated there is a high risk of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spreading to other countries around the world.WHO and public health authorities around the world are taking action to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. However, long term success cannot be taken for granted. All sections of our society –including businesses and employers –must play a role if we are to…

Mobile banking dominance may slow down as users opt for digital lending apps

March 13, 2020 olivia Craig

The growing dominance of mobile banking may slow down amid low employment rates and high costs of living which have pushed more Kenyans to rely on digital lending apps to make ends meet, a new report shows. The report by Egyptian investment bank, EFG Hermes, said the surge in digital lending apps has been witnessed over the years as more Kenyans sought to supplement their incomes following a spiral in the cost of living. This is likely to threaten the mobile banking revolution. While more mobile banking and digital loan…

Kaspersky partners with Arctic Security

February 28, 2020 Dianne Jacobs

Kaspersky has announced a new partnership with Arctic Security. Through this collaboration, Kaspersky Threat Data Feeds will be available out-of-the-box, on Arctic Security’s Arctic Hub platform. These feeds will help organisations with Security Operation Centers, as well as managed security service and internet service providers, to obtain the most up-to-date and relevant information about cyberthreats. Not all information about cyberthreats is helpful. For instance, 37% of information security executives say that there’s too much security data to deal with and not very much of it is actionable – as revealed by…

Kenyan Industries Partner with Distributed Power Africa

February 28, 2020 Dianne Jacobs

Kenyan industries are set to benefit by saving a minimum of 30% on their current cost grid consumption following a partnership between Distributed Power Africa (DPA) and Canadian Solar company. Currently, Kenyan companies lose nearly 10% of their production because of power outages and fluctuations. The deal is expected to help DPA provide top tier PV panels from the company that is estimated to be over 60,000 KuMax and KiKu which would quite easily construct 50 large industrial solar plants. The PV panels will be made available to DPA customers…

Glovo Launches a New Technical Center

February 25, 2020February 25, 2020 Dianne Jacobs

Glovo, a technology company that links motorcycle riders to consumers wishing to buy and deliver products, has launched a new technical center in a bid to enhance its service levels to consumers and riders. The new facility dubbed “Glover Center” and a 2nd new Glovo operations facility in Westlands are set to create 75 operations jobs directly and help to improve the efficiency of service for Glovo customers and riders. Glovo can now provide faster and localized rider and customer support, and in turn faster deliveries. The move signals Glovo’s commitment…

Samsung partners with Safaricom and M-kopa

February 18, 2020 Dianne Jacobs

Technology firm Samsung has partnered with Safaricom and M-Kopa to roll out a Pay-As-You-Go mobile phone solution in Kenya. This initiative is described as a world first mobile security solution enabling carriers, financial partners and retailers running installment plans to remotely manage Samsung devices. The initiative will leverage the benefits of Safaricom’s fast 4G data network and service in Kenya. Essentially, the pay-as-you-go initiative will enable carriers and dealers to expand their current customer base with lower upfront fees and interest rates. It offers customers the opportunity to access a…

MTN Rwanda announced phasing out physical airtime

February 14, 2020 Dianne Jacobs

MTN Rwanda has announced that it will phase out the sale and distribution of physical airtime vouchers as of February 15th, 2020. Airtime will only be purchased and loaded through MTN’s digital Electronic Recharge Service (ERS) or MTN Mobile Money (MoMo). This is in their quest to continue to lead the digital agenda for a brighter Rwanda and more importantly contribute to the country’s green growth. Speaking about this decision to go wholly digital, MTN’s Chief Sales and Distribution Officer, Mr Norman Munyampundu said, “MTN Rwanda is set to deliver…