Tech

New survey reveals Kenya leads global TikTok usage

Published

1 year ago

June 23, 2023

A recently released survey conducted by Reuters Institute Digital has shown that Kenya is leading in the usage of TikTok, overtaking the likes of USA, UK, South Africa and Thailand.

The survey showed that the eastern African country has massively embraced the popular social media platform, accounting for a “significant 54 percent of TikTok usage for any purpose, with 29 percent specifically for news consumption.”

Highlights from the report also reveal the rising influence of TikTok as a platform for news distribution, especially among younger audiences in the nation.

Kenya is closely followed by Thailand in second spot, while South Africa came in third with 50 percent general usage and 22 percent for news consumption on TikTok.

It also noted that Facebook, which has traditionally dominated the news landscape in the past 10 years, is now witnessing a decline in its popularity with TikTok’s rapid ascent is reshaping the digital news landscape and challenging the supremacy of established social media platforms.

“However, an interesting trend among TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat users means that these individuals tend to gravitate towards celebrities and social media influencers for news content, rather than relying on traditional media outlets,” the report said.

“This differs significantly from Facebook and Twitter users, who still primarily engage with and discuss news topics on these legacy platforms.

“This survey highlights that audiences are increasingly selective in their news consumption, actively avoiding stories that may induce feelings of sadness or anxiety as a means of safeguarding their mental well-being.

“In terms of growth, TikTok maintains its status as the fastest-growing social network, with an impressive 44 percent of users actively engaging with the platform as the app’s popularity is particularly prominent among the 18-24 age group, solidifying its position as a preferred choice for young users,” it added.

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Tech

AfriLabs to host ‘Annual Gathering’ in Cape Town

Published

12 hours ago

November 4, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Pan-African innovation hub, AfriLabs, has announced Cape Town, South Africa, as the host of its “Annual Gathering” scheduled to hold between November 6 and 8 under the theme, “Uniting Innovation”.

In the statement issued by the Executive Director of AfriLabs, Anna Ekeledo, this year’s “Annual Gathering” emphasises the importance of collaboration to drive economic growth and social development through Africa’s innovation ecosystem.

‘It will feature seven key tracks, each focusing on pivotal sectors that are essential for Africa’s future, such as makerspaces, gender and inclusion, investment, and hub solutions,” she said.

Ekeledo also revealed that AfriLabs has secured a number of partners for the event including RLabs, NASENI, Research & Innovation Systems for Africa Fund (RISA), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), Intel and UNFPA.

“The support of our partners is not only a testament to the global relevance of Africa’s innovation ecosystem but also to the importance of collaborative efforts in driving sustainable development across the continent,” Ekeledo added.

AfriLabs is a network organisation that is committed to driving innovation and entrepreneurship on the continent by bringing together technology hubs, startups, investors, and other key stakeholders in the ecosystem. It counts 496 hubs across 261 cities in 53 African nations as part of its network.

Tech

Young African tech-preneurs invited to apply for 2025 Anzisha Prize

Published

2 days ago

November 3, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Young tech-preneurs in Africa have been extended an invitation to apply for the 2025 edition of the Anzisha Prize, which comes with mouthwatering offers such as access to benefits, services, and prize money.

The Anzisha Prize is delivered by African Leadership Academy in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, with the aim of increasing the number of job-generative entrepreneurs in Africa.

It is designed to accommodate 35 exceptional entrepreneurs aged between 15 and 22 who will be selected for a multi-year fellowship experience, during which fellows will receive business support including business coaching, experiential learning and resources to help them develop and scale their ventures.

According to the organizers, businesses that show exemplary growth and initiative will be rewarded with benefits and services such as short courses, cloud services and cash support.

“At the end of the second year, entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses and successes for a chance to win their share of prizes to the value of $50,000,” a statement by Didi Onwu, managing editor of the Anzisha Prize, said.

“The grand prizes are split into four categories – job creation, revenue growth, storytelling, and integrating systems and processes. At the end of the fellowship, the fellows will graduate and join the prestigious Anzisha Prize alumni network.

“This year, the Anzisha Prize is placing a special emphasis on green entrepreneurs. We are looking for passionate individuals who are tackling environmental challenges with innovative and sustainable business solutions,” said Onwu.