Tech

AfriLabs innovation welcomes 18 new hubs

Published

1 month ago

August 28, 2024

Africa’s largest network of technology and innovation hubs, AfriLabs has announced the admission of 18 new hubs, thereby expanding its network to 496 hubs across 261 cities in 53 nations of the continent.

In a statement on its website, AfriLabs said the expansion further strengthens its presence in all regions of Africa, including its first hub in a new city – Stellenbosch, South Africa.

“That hub is the SU LaunchLab, with Southern Africa also bolstered by the additions of ScaleUp Namibia, OceanHub Africa in Cape Town, and the Graca Machel Trust’s Women Creating Wealth initiative in Johannesburg,” the statement issued by Mayssa Mrabet, AfriLabs Director of Community, stated.

“In North Africa, DigiArtLivingLab (DALL) has established its presence in Tunis and Nabeul, Tunisia; alongside Connect’Innov and The Dot, which is the biggest Digital hub in the northern region and affiliated with the Tunisian government, both based in Tunis. Egypt welcomes PTS Investments Holdings and Aria Ventures, both situated in Cairo.

“In Western Africa, Mswitch in Abuja, Nigeria, joins the network, while Eastern Africa sees the addition of AFRICA TECH SPACE in Nakuru, Kenya; Owl Innovation Labs in Nairobi, Kenya; RLabs Tanzania in Iringa, Tanzania; and AfriFORTIFIED HUB in Kisumu, Kenya.

“Central Africa welcomes four new hubs – Ovation and KIVUTECH, both French-speaking, in Kinshasa and Bukavu, DRC, respectively; Revival Innovation Hub in Bua, Cameroon; and DIAMBILAY BUSINESS CENTER in Lubumbashi, DR Congo.

“We are truly inspired by the remarkable growth of our network, which showcases Africa’s boundless potential and innovation.

“Each new hub enriches our community with unique perspectives and opportunities, and we are particularly excited to expand our presence into new regions and cities, including the vibrant city of Stellenbosch in South Africa. Together, we are not just expanding – we are shaping a dynamic and resilient ecosystem that will catalyze transformative change across the continent,” said Mrabet.

Related Topics:AfriLabs Featured Innovation Hubs TECHNOLOGY

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Tech

Moroccan recruitment startup Kwiks raises $827k funding to develop AI-driven solutions

Published

2 hours ago

September 28, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Moroccan recruitment startup, Kwiks, has announced raising MAD8 million ($827,000) in funding from Azur Innovation Management (AIM) to help it accelerate the development of its AI-driven solutions.

Co-founder and CEO of Kwiks, Amine Khayatei Houssaini, who made the announcement, said the new funds would enable the platform to continue innovating and providing cutting-edge solutions to its clients.

“This investment will allow us to continue innovating and providing cutting-edge solutions to our clients, while strengthening our position in the local and international markets,” Houssaini said.

He added that the funds would be used to enhance the recruitment platform by accelerating the development of AI-driven solutions, as well as developing new features, such as R2DS solutions that generate automated candidate reports.

Founded in 2013 by Houssaini and Karim Kaoukabi, (more…)

Tech

Starlink launches high-speed Internet services in Burundi

Published

1 day ago

September 27, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Elon Musk’s Starlink has announced launching its high-speed internet services in Burundi after the president granted the company an official licence to operate within the country.

The licence was awarded to the satellite-based internet provider under the oversight of the Telecommunications Regulation and Control Agency (ARCT) of Burundi, with its Director-General responsible for implementing the decree.

A statement by the ARCT said the development marked a significant step toward improving internet connectivity, following the issuance of an operating licence in May 2024, granted through a presidential decree.

“This development marks a significant step forward in improving internet access for the people of Burundi,” the ARCT said.

Burundi, one of the world’s poorest countries, currently has one of the lowest rates of internet usage globally, largely due to high costs and limited infrastructure.

With the launch of the high-speed internet services, Burundi becomes the latest of 14 African nations to adopt Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, aiming to enhance satellite internet services across the country. The company is set to expand its operations to several additional countries by the end of 2024.

Starlink is now available in 15 African nations, following its recent launch in Zimbabwe. Other African countries that have gained access to Starlink include Kenya, Nigeria, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Zambia.