Welcome to Techbytes with Technext. Here we bring to you a brief round-up of everything exciting about the tech space across Africa. From startup announcements to new inventions and the latest gbas gbos on the social space. We'll be sharing industry important highlights and exploring the news within the news. We'll also be bringing experts to share opinions about major news for the week. Let us begin!
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world. Nigerian fintech PayDay is looking to sell the company six months after $3 million raise * Search Queries related to Metaverse has dropped by 71% * Google sued after Maps allegedly directed father returning from daughter’s birthday off a collapsed bridge * X/Twitter to discontinue Circles by Oct 31, 2023 * NCC to introduce new numbering scheme for fixed telephone lines*
We also discussed the topic for the week: "Transforming Nigerian Teenagers to Becoming Tech Bros". We discuss this with Johnson Abbaly, Foudnr, The Smartan House, as he shares insights as to bringing teens from underprivileged environments into Tech.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world. Okra Solar secures $12m in series A funding to drive mesh-grid electrification in Africa * Microsoft to discontinue WordPad after 28 years of service * Nigeria is home to 32% of Africa’s fintech market with 217 companies * Jack Dorsey’s Btrust acquires Qala, the Africa-focused Blockchain talent developer * Nigeria signs MoU with India to upgrade learning facilities in Nigerian schools*
We also discussed the topic for the week: "NUC introduces software engineering, cybersecurity, and others to the university curriculum". We discuss the new courses introduced into Nigerian University through the National Universities Commission including Cybersecurity, and Data Science.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world. Donald Trump returns back to social media * Gbenga Agboola says Flutterwave’s IPO plans remain on track despite unstable market * Kenya government sets up 15 member committee to investigate WorldCoin project * Instagram Threads launch web browser * Kenya court asks Meta and content moderators to settle out of court*
We also discuss the topic for the week, "Balancing Roles: Navigating Social Media Influencing and an Inspiring Tech Sis" as we discuss the social media trend of underestimating female tech professionals based on their social media activities and how she has been able to balance both.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world. Moniepoint enters Nigeria’s consumer banking segment, to rival Opay and PalmPay * Founders Factory Africa closes $114 million round to better serve founders in Africa * ChatGPT costs $700,000 to run daily, and OpenAI may go bankrupt in 2024 * Nigerian schoolgirls at FGGC Sagamu built an AI robot called Kiki-Saggy * Mark Zuckerberg no longer interested in a cage fight, says Elon Musk is unserious*
We also discuss the topic for the week: "Expectations for the new Minister for Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani" as we discuss what the appointment means for the tech space and Nigeria's digital economy as well as what we expect him to do over the next 4 years.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world. X (Twitter) users will soon be able to make video calls on the app * NYSC certificates will now be issued and certified on blockchain technology * Bolt introduces scheduled ride trips * Airtel partners with Mastercard to allow mobile customers to transfer funds across Africa * Spotify female podcaster to launch GenZ-focused podcast network * WhatsApp to battle Microsoft, Zoom and Google with screen-sharing feature*
We also discuss the topic for the week: "Making Money with Twitter's Ad Share Program"
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world. Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirms cutting electricity supply to Niger Republic * Anonymous Sudan attacks Nigeria’s digital infrastructure over involvement in Niger * Starlink classifies South Africa as ‘low-priority’ as regulatory hurdles stall launch * NIPOST to prosecute over 500 delivery companies for not obtaining licenses * X (Twitter) Blue subscribers can now hide their verification checkmarks if they want * Threads to launch desktop version after losing more than 50% of its users*
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world. Elon Musk has converted Twitter finally to the everything app * Bundle shuts down after 3 years of operations * CBN should remodel the eNaira to make it attractive to more Nigerians * The Kenyan government has been hit by numerous cyberattacks.*
We also discuss the topic for the week: "Is a tech-driven fuel-on-credit service a solution to Nigeria’s problems?" with Olusola Olanipekun, the founder of Fuel Credit, a digital platform that makes buying fuel on credit conveniently a reality, as we delve into the role technology can play and the importance of harnessing it in solving our everyday problems.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world. Elon Musk launches xAI, “a company unravelling the universe’s unanswered questions” * Nigerians can now receive diaspora remittances in Naira, according to CBN * Threads crossed 100 million sign-ups within five days of the launch * FTC opens investigation into OpenAI over misleading statements * Meta to launch its own version of ChatGPT*
We also discuss the topic for the week: "Is Nigeria ready to adopt digital academic results and certificates?" with Ayodeji Agboola, the founder of Akowe. Listen now to understand why digital results might be the next step to curbing false and forged results in the Nigerian academic sector.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world. Twitter sues Meta over Thread app * Ex-manager who defrauded Amazon of nearly $10 million was jailed for 16 years * The new Apple AirPods Pro will also double as hearing aids * FIRS plans to collect VAT from market traders using technology. * South Africa will admit Starlink if 30% of its equity is owned by women, blacks, and PLWD*
We also discuss our most significant topic for the week: "Has Threads taken over Twitter?"spotlighting the newly released Threads app by Meta, which has been described as a Twitter killer. We explore if it can actually live up to the battle.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world. ChatGPT creator OpenAI sued $3 billion for stealing private data to train its AI * OPay and MoniePoint dominate Nigeria’s agency banking, controlling 57.8% of 1.5m POS agents * Paga CEO rejects Arsenal partnership proposal * FTX cryptocurrency exchange to relaunch sooner than expected*
We also discuss our most significant topic for the week: "CBN and Social Media KYC for Banks,"following the release of the new circular mandating banks to collect the social media accounts of their customers.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world. Spotify launches new Afrobeat platform to showcase the genre’s evolution * Egyptian fintech Agel secures 7-figure pre-seed funding for Sharia-compliant financing * Malawi’s Yellow raises $14 million to broaden its solar system and smartphone financing offerings * IMF to launch global Digital Currency platform to facilitate international fund transfers * TikTok looks to challenge Amazon and Shein with a new e-commerce initiative. * Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg agree to hold cage fight*
We also discuss our most significant topic for the week: "Getting into tech without coding and making it in tech."
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world. ‘Avoid offline trips because of accidents and emergencies’ – Bolt warns e-hailing drivers and passengers. * Multichoice generated N277 billion from operations in Nigeria in one year. * Over 45 Nigerian YouTube channels have more than 1 million followers, the most in any African country. * Tinubu signs Data Protection bill into law. * Bitcoin briefly drops below $25,000, Tether’s stablecoin falls under its dollar peg.*
We discuss our big story for the week, "Navigating the CBN Forex Policy: Impact on Fintech Companies." We speak to Godfrey Elimian, Socio-economic analyst and writer at Technext, to discuss strategies and solutions that fintech companies can adopt to mitigate any challenges arising from the forex policy and continue to thrive in the evolving financial landscape.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world. "Stop blackmailing us with passengers"—striking e-hailing drivers slam Bolt and Uber. * NIBSS slashes electronic transfer fees from N5 to N3.75k, effective July 1. * Haul247 secures $3 million in seed funding to drive innovation in Africa’s logistics industry. * Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya rank among the top 100 for global online threats. * Tingo Group denies fraud allegations*
We discuss our big story for the week, "Internet Shutdowns: A Threat to Democracy". We speak to Aisha Dabo, the co-founder of AfricTivistes, an African League of Bloggers and Cyberactivists for Democracy, on the challenges that gig economy workers in Africa face as well as the potential benefits of this type of work.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world. e-Hailing drivers lament Uber and Bolt’s reluctance to increase fares, threaten to park vehicles * Twitter value reportedly drops to $15 billion, only a third of Elon Musk’s purchase price * Government, media websites in Senegal suffer cyberattacks amid political tensions * MultiChoice launches Moment to expand payment infrastructure for Africans * OpenAI is pursuing a new way to fight A.I. ‘hallucinations’*
We discuss our big story for the week, "Live talk: the challenges of being a gig economy worker in Africa". Omoleye, Dami and Tomiwo speak on the challenges that gig economy workers in Africa face, as well as the potential benefits of this type of work.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world. Central Bank of Nigeria hikes interest rate to 18.5% amid soaring inflation * Binance was accused of mixing customers’ funds with revenue * OpenAI founders worried “super-intelligent” AIs would destroy the world if not strictly regulated * An Android app started secretly recording users almost a year after it was listed on Google Play * Uber Eats Kenya now delivers alcohol and medicine amid growing competition from rivals*
We discuss our big story for the week, "Opportunities of being a tech teen" We speak with 4 amazing teenagers doing amazing things in tech to talk about being a part of the growth in the tech space and shaping the future of the tech industry.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world. Guinea’s interim government orders fresh internet shutdown ahead of 2-day anti-govt protest * 84.5% of Nigerians negatively affected by CBN’s Naira redesign policy * Nigeria to Invest N5.3bn in Digital Birth and death registration platform * Google plans to use new A.I. models for ads and to help YouTube creators * GTCO, CEO, Segun Agbaje said telcos are partly responsible for the 22% decline in GTCO's USSD value*
We discuss our big story for the week, "Sharing experiences of digital nomads across Africa" We speak with Ebovi Wali, the CEO of Kacha Labs, to explore the experiences of digital nomads across Africa and learn more about what it takes to thrive in this lifestyle on the continent.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world. Telecom operators reject NITDA bill * The AI takeover of Google Search starts now * Twitter to launch encrypted direct messages with voice and video chat to follow * Meta content review partner Sama was told by the court to pay moderators * Tinder-inspired Cala dares you to swipe left on useless meetings*
We discuss our big story for the week, "Remote vs. Physical Business Operations: Are you losing money or making even more revenue?" We speak with Babatola Awe, a Co-Founder (CEO) at Flowmono and Akintayo Okekunle, a Co-Founder (CFO) also at Flowmono, to talk about the operational cost of running either one of the remote office operations, physical or hybrid.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world. Nomba raises $30 million to drive payment solutions for African businesses. * You no longer need a password to sign in to your Google account. * Discord is making everyone need to pick a new username * Buhari’s declaration overrides the new telecom tax policy. * Crypto investors lost over $103 million to thefts in April.*
We discuss our big story for the week, "African expansion, the pros and challenges for African founders." We speak with Dr. Babatunde Obrimah, Chief Operating Officer of the Fintech Association of Nigeria, to talk about the pros and cons of expanding frontiers beyond home countries.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world. Dropbox will cut 16% of its staff as it seeks to take advantage of the new “AI era of computing.” * Multichoice confirms Nigerians will pay more for DStv and GOtv subscriptions starting May 1st. * The clubhouse is laying off more than half of its workforce. * Lyft will cut 1,072 employees, or 26% of its workforce. * US court fines South African CEO, Cornelius Steynberg paid $3.4 billion for Bitcoin fraud.*
We had an open mic to discuss our big story for the week, "How AI is affecting our lifestyles." We will explore how AI is changing the way we live, and we have Chidera Eze and Dennis Da-ala Mirilla.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world. African crypto payment startup, Lazerpay shuts down * VC funding for the cryptocurrency sector drops by 80% in Q1 2023 * Paxful CEO, Ray Youssef responds to allegations of substance abuse, money-laundering in Coindesk report on Paxful’s unravelling * OpenAI to pay users up to $20,000 for detecting ChatGPT bugs * Substack unveils the product that got it banned from Twitter*
We discuss our big story for the week, "The resurgence of Bitcoin prices: are the brighter days here?" We speak with Elochukwu Okoye, Web3 Marketer and Content Creator, to discuss if there are brighter days for Bitcoin, or if the price increase is just another temporary spike in a highly volatile market.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world. Ghanaian Uber and Bolt drivers decry ‘sudden and forceful’ digital tax * Cash App Founder Bob Lee stabbed to death in San Francisco * AfDB approves $525,000 grant to create a digital hub for African fintechs * Bitcoin platform with over one million Nigerian users shuts down*
We discuss our big story for the week, "The aftermath of the CBN Naira policy. What next?" We speak with Elvis Christopher, a highly skilled Product Growth Executive, and Tunmise Omole, a financial analyst, to discuss the short-term and long-term impacts of the CBN Naira policy on the Nigerian economy.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world. Google says it removed over 5.2 billion bad ads in 2022 * Kaspersky prevents about 300,000 attacks on IoT devices * Kora enables Africans to accept USD payments with new USD card-acquiring * G7 calls for stricter regulations on cryptocurrencies * UK-Nigeria Tech Hub and Google for Startups offer $3M cloud credit to female founders*
During our open mic session, we discussed the major topic of the week - "Overcoming gender stereotypes and biases in the tech industry". Our guest speakers included Ebere, an in-house tech writer who specializes in the "Women in Tech" series, Ganiu, who focuses on political news, and Amarachi, an HR executive.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world.
We discuss our big story for the week, "Are Nigerian banks/fintech companies ready for a cashless society?" We speak with Odiri Erusiafe, Growth Marketer and Chidera Amuta, Growth Lead, FSDH Group, on the readiness of banks and fintechs to accommodate the massive move to online transactions, as opposed to cash transactions.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world.
We discuss our big story for the week, "The Cash Crunch as it Affects the Citizenry." We speak with Jeffrey Williams-Edem, a fintech expert, and David Etido, Associate, Udo Udoma and Belo Osagie, on the ripple effect of the naira shortage on the economy and Nigerians.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world.
We discuss our big story for the week, "BVAS, IReV, and the issue of election integrity." We speak with Yemi Adamolekun, the executive director of Enough is Enough (Nigeria), on the issues faced by INEC using technology in the country's Presidential and National Assembly elections.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world.
We discuss our big story for the week, "BVAS, IReV, and the issue of election integrity." We speak with Tomiwo Ojo, Editor, Technext, and Dennis Da-ala Mirilla, both very experienced journalists, on what could have been done by INEC regarding the technology used in the country's Presidential and National Assembly elections.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world.
We discuss our big story for the week, "The Power of Media in Elections." We speak with Kola Muhammed, Editor, Pulse Africa on the media's role in elections, providing citizens with the information they need.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world.
We discuss our big story for the week, "How far has social media influenced the 2023 elections?" We speak with Investigative Journalist, David Hundeyin, on how to ensure that social media platforms are used responsibly and ethically in political contexts.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world.
We discuss our big story for the week and have an open mic session about the cash shortage and the impact of technology on the Nigerian elections.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed essential topics from last week in the tech world.
We discuss our big story for the week, "Powering transportation with tech." We speak with Afolabi Olamide, the co-founder and CEO of Touch and Pay Technologies, on how technology aims to make transportation more efficient, convenient, and accessible for people.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed the major topics from last week in the tech world.
We discuss our big story for the week, “Data Privacy: How to Stay Safe in 2023." We speak with cybersecurity expert Rock Adote about how employers, employees, and everyone else can keep their data safe in the face of rising cyber-attacks.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed the topics that had the most impact on the global tech ecosystem in 2022. We speak with Ganiu Oloruntade, our Writer on Policy and Regulations and our Editor, Tomiwo Ojo.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed important topics from last week in the tech world.
We discuss our big story for the week, “Social Media & its Effect on Children's Mental Health." We speak with Dr Ayodele Renner, a doctor, consultant Paediatrician, Child Health Educator and Brand Influencer, to discuss the pros and cons to the increased use of social media on kids.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed important topics from last week in the tech world.
We discuss our big story for the week, “From the Garage to the bourse: the role of Corporate Governance in tech" We speak with Austin Okere, Founder, CWG Plc and Entrepreneur in Residence, Ausso Leadership Academy, to discuss the importance of having corporate governance/board for tech startups.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed important topics from last week in the tech world.
We discuss our big story for the week, “Prospects of Developing a Career on the Blockchain." We speak with Ayomide Shodipo, Global Head of Developer Advocacy, Polygon Technology, to discuss career prospects in Web3, blockchain, and creating content in the Metaverse.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed important topics from last week in the tech world.
We discuss our big story for the week, “Beyond acquisitions: building profitability through user retention in Africa”. We speak with Charles Ifedi, Chief Executive Officer at eBanqo, to discuss what the right path to profitability for businesses is.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed important topics from last week in the world of tech.
We discuss our big story for the week, "The Elon Musk Acquisition impasse: What will Twitter do next?". We speak with Dr Gbenga Odegbami, CEO and Co-Founder, of Youverify, to discuss what is next for Twitter amidst Elon Musk's standoff
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed important topics from last week in the world of tech.
We discuss our big story for the week, "The many travails of Flutterwave. What next?". We speak with Onyinye and Ruyi, our in-house writers to discuss What is next for Flutterwave amidst the different troubles.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed important topics from last week in the world of tech.
This includes:
We discuss our big story for the week, "The crypto meltdown: To buy the dip or not to buy". We speak with Dave Partner, a Software Developer and Tech Expert on what crypto investors and enthusiasts should do during this crypto winter.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed important topics from last week in the world of tech.
This includes:
We discuss our big story for the week, "Women in Tech: Rachael Akalia shares her experience working in the blockchain space". We speak with Rachael Akalia, Brand Manager, Patricia on her journey and career helping Fintech startups
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed important topics from last week in the world of tech.
This includes:
We discuss our big story for the week, "Tech teens: celebrating kids doing wonders in the African tech space". We speak with Abigail Johnson Inyang, Junior Penetration Tester and Michael Nwuju, Software Engineer, Topship on their journey as teens creating solutions and working in tech.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discussed important topics from last week in the world of tech.
This includes:
We discuss our big story for the week, "The role of social media in electioneering in Africa". We speak with Onyinye and Dennis, our in-house writers to discuss this trend and how social media will affect the 2023 general elections.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discuss important topics from last week in the world of tech. This includes Elon Musk's suspension of the Twitter purchase following the bots saga; GIGM's new CEO; Rwanda's new $1bn innovation hub; Netflix employees layoffs amid subscriber decline; and Google for Startups Black Founders Fund (BFF) for Africa.
We discuss our big story for the week, "Still in the Winter of Cryptocurrency: What Should We Expect". We speak with Osamede Arhunmwunde, COO, GIGX to discuss this trend and what investors should expect in the crypto market.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discuss important topics in the world of tech from last week. This includes the Interswitch raise of $110m and expansion plans; Ethiopia's Ethio Telecom 5G launch; El Salvador's winter bitcoin stash; Google's I/O developer conference; and Google Africa Developer Scholarship.
We proceed to discuss our big story for the week, "Crashing prices of Bitcoin and the realities of crypto investments". We speak with Jonathan Emmanuel, Founder, of Zenith Chain to help us understand the downturn trend that is affecting the markets and how we should react.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discuss major topics in the world of tech from last week. This includes the proposed price hike in calls, and messages by telecom companies in Nigeria; the proposed 5G launch in Nigeria; Airbnb's 70% revenue growth; and Binance's investment in Elon Musk's $44bn purchase of Twitter.
We proceed to discuss our big story for the week, "The right of workers in a changing corporate system - the case of app-based drivers". We speak with Mr Ayoade Ibrahim, President of the National Union of Professional App-Based Workers to help us understand the challenges facing ride-hailing app drivers in Nigeria and how we may navigate the problems.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discuss major topics in the world of tech from last week. This includes Elon Musk's purchase of Twitter for $44bn, The Central African Republic's legalisation of crypto, Techstars expansion to Lagos and Eden Life's acquisition of Lynk and expansion to Nairobi, Kenya.
We proceed to discuss our big story for the week, Musk, Twitter and the world of free speech. We speak with Damilare, our communications lead, as we discuss what the purchase means for Twitter and what users should be expecting to see as a result of the acquisition.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discuss major topics in the world of tech from last week. This includes Calendly billionaire black founder, the MTN PSB license by CBN, Elon Musk's bid to buy over Twitter. We proceed to discuss our big story for the week, the Flutterwave expose by David Hundeyin. We speak with David Etido, a private equity associate as we discuss the nitty-gritty of the revelations from the story on Africa's most valuable tech startup, Flutterwave.
In this episode of Techbytes, we discuss major topics in the world of tech from last week. This includes the CBN fine for banks who have transacted crypto transactions, Elon Musk buying Twitter shares and joining the board, Equinix's acquisition of MainOne and Jack Dorsey's first tweet reselling for $48m.