Tech

Telegram faces shutdown in Kenya

Published

1 week ago

November 11, 2024

Telegram, a cloud-based messaging app that allows users to send messages, share files, and make voice and video calls, is facing shutdown in Kenya after the Communications Authority (CA), asked telecom companies to block it temporarily, hoping to curb exam cheating.

The crackdown, according to the CA, is aimed at stopping students from sharing exam answers. This had earlier led to restrictions on Telegram across major networks.

In a circular addressed to the heads of Safaricom, Telkom Kenya, Jamii Telecom, and Airtel Kenya, the CA explained that while other social media platforms were working with authorities to prevent misuse, Telegram had been less cooperative.

The CA, therefore, moved for a temporary suspension of Telegram during exam hours from 7:00–10:00 am and 1:00–4:00 pm on weekdays until November 22

Netblocks, an Internet monitoring group, confirmed disruptions on Safaricom, saying the blocks were consistent with past Telegram restrictions following a similar ban in November 2023, which led to massive losses, reported to be around KSh 4.2 billion, while businesses faced connectivity setbacks.

Last year, Netblocks estimated that Kenya lost around KSh 537 million daily due to a similar ban.

In that incident, six Telegram group administrators were detained for alleged exam malpractice and since then, Telegram’s stance has softened a bit, with the platform updating its privacy policies in September 2024 to allow sharing IP addresses and phone numbers with law enforcement for criminal investigations. This update followed the arrest of Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, in France.

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Tech

Tanzania to host 6th Ocean Innovation Africa summit in February

Published

11 hours ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has been selected to host the sixth edition of the Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA) summit from February 24-28, 2025, as a flagship event within Regenerative Ocean Week.

The Ocean Innovation Africa is set to be Africa’s most significant platform for Ocean Innovation conservation, and sustainable development in the blue economy. OIA2025 will be co-organised with leading partners, including IUCN, GIZ, OceanHub Africa, Catalyze and the Ocean-Climate Platform.

With the theme, “Science-to-Solution”, the Regenerative Ocean Week will present a line-up of sessions designed to bridge the gap between scientific research, business innovation, policy, and community engagement.

According to the organizers of the event, it will bring together African ocean innovators, investors, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to explore practical solutions that can be applied across the continent.

“These include the OIA Pitch Competition, which is a platform for Africa-based startups and entrepreneurs to showcase breakthrough ideas in ocean-impact solutions, allowing them to connect with investors and industry leaders and emphasizing Africa’s role in driving sustainable ocean initiatives,” the organizers said in a statement.

Tech

Orange Egypt earmarks $52.7m to support African startups

Published

1 day ago

November 19, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Orange Egypt has earmarked the sum of $52.7 million to support African startups in what is going to be the largest investment to drive a youth-focused tech revolution.

According to the company, the mammoth investment will see over 40 startups benefitting from the funds, with most of them being Egyptian companies.

‘It’s a boost for Egypt’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and a step closer to cementing its spot as a top startup hub in Africa,” the company said in a statement.

The investment is coming on the heels of the telco signing a deal with the Egyptian government to roll out the second phase of its 5G licensing.

The statement noted that with Egypt’s startup game already strong and ranking as the third most funded country in the MENA region, “the numbers speak for themselves.”

“In 2022, Egyptian startups closed 143 funding deals worth nearly $766.7 million, outpacing the $606.79 million raised the year before.

“Plus over 2,100 startups employing more than 50,000 people, the country’s ecosystem is one of the top 10 emerging startup hubs globally.

“The Egyptian government is all in on this. And since launching initiatives like Egypt Ventures in 2017, they’ve been backing startups to drive innovation and growth in the tech space.

“Orange Egypt’s latest move only adds fuel to this already blazing fire, paving the way for more opportunities and a stronger startup culture across Africa,” it added.