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Best Gender Pay Gap in the Tech Sector

August 19, 2024September 16, 2024 Editor

The gender pay gap remains a problem in the tech sector, among many others. For all the progress made in the fight for pay equality, statistics still point to unequal treatment of employees based on their gender. It’s not just the statistics, but the efforts needed to achieve true equality. Statistical Overview of the Gender Pay Gap in Tech The gender pay gap in the tech industry is well-documented through various studies and reports. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, women in tech earn approximately 82 cents for every…

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Open Access Energy Secures $750K Funding for Best Energy Transition

August 16, 2024September 16, 2024 Editor

Open Access Energy (OAE), a South African startup specializing in energy management software, has secured a $750,000 investment from Factor E Ventures, marking the first phase of its $1.5 million seed round. The software company stated that this initial funding will be directed toward addressing the severe energy deficiency in the southern African nation by enhancing the distribution and management of renewable energy. Factor E Ventures’ investment comes at a pivotal moment for both the company and the country. South Africa’s energy sector is currently grappling with significant challenges, including high costs and…

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Latest: Chinese Robotaxi approval to carry passengers in California

August 14, 2024September 16, 2024 Editor

Robotaxi. Chinese autonomous vehicle company WeRide has received the green light to test its driverless vehicles with passengers in California. The step comes as WeRide begins the process to go public on the U.S. stock market at a nearly $5 billion valuation. The timing also coincides with reports that the Commerce Department is considering a ban on Chinese connected vehicles — which include autonomous vehicles — due to national security concerns. As of August 2, WeRide holds two permits from the California Public Utilities Commission: A drivered pilot permit and a driverless pilot permit. Both allow WeRide…

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Latest: CrowdStrike accepts the award for ‘most epic fail’ after a global IT outage

August 14, 2024September 16, 2024 Editor

A few weeks after its software update triggered a global IT meltdown, CrowdStrike isn’t shying away from the spotlight. The company’s president Michael Sentonas even took the stage at the Pwnie Awards to accept the award for Most Epic Fail. The awards took place at Def Con, right after the Black Hat conference where CrowdStrike had one of the biggest booths, giving out free T-shirts and action figures. A spokesperson told TechCrunch that the company’s message to attendees was one of “gratitude and appreciation for the Black Hat community.” Footage of Sentonas’ acceptance speech…

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Flutterwave Expands Digital Payment Services in Ghana with New License

August 9, 2024September 11, 2024 Editor

Flutterwave, a prominent payments technology company, has received an Enhanced Category Payment Service Provider license from the Bank of Ghana. This development marks a significant expansion of the company’s operations in Africa and enables it to offer a wide array of payment services in the country. Ghana has emerged as an attractive market for Flutterwave’s innovative products. The nation boasts a stable democracy, a young population well-versed in technology, and a high mobile internet penetration rate of 71%. These factors create an environment conducive to rapid digital adoption. The Ghanaian…

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Google has announced the expansion of its Wildfire Boundary Tracker to 17 new countries

August 9, 2024September 16, 2024 Editor

Google Expands AI-Powered Wildfire Tracking to Kenya and 16 Other Countries

Google has announced the expansion of its Wildfire Boundary Tracker to 17 new countries, including Kenya. The AI-powered tool, according to Google, is designed to help communities better prepare for and respond to the increasing threat of wildfires. It provides accurate and up-to-date information on wildfire boundaries directly in Google Search and Maps. The expansion comes as the world experiences a surge in wildfires, with countries across Europe and Africa particularly affected. By leveraging advanced AI technology, the wildfire tracking model analyses satellite imagery and other data sources to deliver…

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Canva acquires latest Leonardo.ai to boost its generative AI efforts

July 31, 2024September 16, 2024 Editor

Canva has acquired Leonardo.ai, a generative AI content and research startup, as the company looks to deepen its investments in its AI tech stack. The deal’s financial terms weren’t disclosed, but Canva co-founder and chief product officer Cameron Adams said it’s a mix of cash and stock. Leonardo.ai’s 120 employees, including the executive team, will join Canva. “Leonardo will continue to run independently of Canva with a focus on rapid innovation, research, and development, now backed by Canva’s resources,” Adams told TechCrunch. “We’ll keep offering all of Leonardo’s existing tools…

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Sophia Bekele Speaks at the 2024 Universal Women’s Leadership Forum

July 22, 2024September 16, 2024 Editor

Last week, July 11-12, 2024, the CEO at DotConnectAfrica Group, Sophia Bekele, had the honor of participating in the 2024 Universal Women’s Leadership Forum at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, an event hosted by the European Cooperation System at the European Union Parliament. The Universal Women’s Leadership Forum is a high-level event that celebrates and promotes the fundamental role of women in the leadership of today and tomorrow. It stands as an exceptional platform under the central theme: “Political emergence and economic impact: The axes of all possibilities for female leadership…

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South Africa launches New Artificial Intelligence Industry Association

July 28, 2023September 16, 2024 Editor

South Africa, known for its burgeoning technological landscape, is taking a significant step towards embracing the potential of artificial intelligence (AI). The South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) will be officially launched on July 19, 2023, in partnership with the esteemed Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), a prominent hub for AI innovation in South Africa. The association’s mission is to engage individuals and organizations, provide research and analysis to inform decision-making, assist with policy-making, connect buyers and suppliers, support SMMEs, attract foreign investment, help African tech companies access international markets,…

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