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African startups get set for 3rd OceanHub accelerator programme

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OceanHub Africa, an ocean-impact accelerator which helps existing African ocean-minded initiatives grow, is launching the third edition of its eight-month acceleration program to support up to 10 of Africa’s most promising impact for-profit startups focused on preserving and restoring the health of the ocean.

The accelerator programme, according to the Cape Town, South Africa-based firm on its website, is meant to support ocean-minded start-ups with the express aim of nurturing an environmentally conscious and profitable economy that effectively mitigates the effects of global warming as well as the overexploitation and pollution of the oceans.

Leveraging its highly qualified network of stakeholders and facilitators, the programme will deliver to the accelerated start-ups an online program that seeks out sustainable pathways yielding stable profits and avenues for scalable growth throughout Africa, it said.

The OceanHub Africa which was launched in 2020, has supported a total of 16 African ocean-minded startups in various sectors of the Blue Economy, such as aquaculture, fisheries, shipbuilding, marine renewables and biotechnologies, coastal tourism and ocean sports, awareness and education, data.exploration, and ocean plastic circular economy, according to a statement by the organisers.

Participants in the programme which will run from mid-July until the end of February 2023, are guaranteed networking with of leading ocean experts, mentors entrepreneurs, investors, innovation experts, impact experts, scientists, lawyers, as well as impact investors and potential clients.

Participation in the programme is expected to be an in-person training bootcamp in Cape Town where tailored business skills, business coaching and personal development will be the main focus for the duration of the camping.

At the end of the programme, the selected startups will take part in an OceanHub Africa’s alumni programme through which they will benefit from fundraising, business development and networking support.

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Bolt Kenya suspends 5,000 drivers over violations

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Bolt Kenya has revealed the suspension of more than 5,000 drivers from its platform in the past six months due to several infractions, including non-compliance and safety-related matters.

Bolt Kenya Country Manager, Linda Ndungu, who made the revelation on Wednesday, said the move was part of the company’s unwavering focus on rider and driver safety.

“At Bolt, the safety of all users on our platform is our top priority. We understand the trust our users place in us, and we are taking proactive steps to ensure their well-being during every ride,’’ Ndungu said.

‘’Our enhanced safety measures, stricter compliance measures, coupled with technology-driven solutions, reaffirm our commitment to providing a secure and reliable transportation experience for all,” she added.

Ndungu noted that Bolt Kenya had dedicated over KES 20 million to bolster its safety features and measures, with some of the initiatives aimed at enhancing quality and safety on its platform.

“Some of these measures include monitoring and evaluating user behaviour, and ensuring swift action in response to any identified safety concerns.

“For example, Bolt introduced the driver selfie check feature that deters cases of driver impersonation and account sharing. Bolt also has a comprehensive awareness and training program for riders and drivers alike.

‘’Any driver or rider found in violation of safety standards as well as being non-compliant will face swift and decisive consequences, including permanent suspension from the platform”, she stated.

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US collaborates with AfDB to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation

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The United States Commercial Service has announced a strategic collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to drive a massive digital transformation across Africa.

The partnership, which was unveiled on the sidelines of the Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town, South Africa, will open the door to a series of dialogues on how U.S. digital innovation can support development goals across Africa.

Senior U.S. Commercial Liaison to the African Development Bank, Ashley Ndir, who announced the collaboration, said further discussions would focus on key themes such as embracing new technologies, improving internet access, enhancing skills, and creating a regulatory environment conducive to innovation.

“Both parties will explore how African governments can collaborate with American technology firms to grow their economies and how U.S. businesses can tap into new opportunities in Africa’s emerging markets.

“We are at a turning point in Africa’s technological advancement. By bridging insights from the U.S. private sector with Africa’s vibrant markets, we aim to drive innovation and economic growth. This partnership is a testament to that mission”, Nadir said.

“Africa has made significant investments in pivotal infrastructure and policy enhancements to create an innovative digital economy,” Head of ICT Operations at the AfDB, Nicholas Williams, also enthused.

“As Africa’s premier development finance institution, the African Development Bank will help push Africa’s digital boundaries even further by forging strategic relations, building on historical investments and, more importantly, tapping into the energy of our young population, who are digital natives. We value the insights that the U.S. private sector may bring”, he added.

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