Tech

New survey reveals Kenya leads global TikTok usage

Published

11 months 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

Google relaunches Hustle Academy with AI focus to empower African SMBs

Published

5 hours ago

May 16, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Google has relaunched the 2024 cohort of its Hustle Academy, a programme dedicated to accelerating the growth of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Making the announcement on Thursday, Google said it is opening of applications for the Hustle Academy with a special focus on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide comprehensive business education, mentorship, and networking opportunities to SMBs.

According to Kristy Grant, Head of B2B marketing for Sub-Saharan Africa at Google, the 2024 cohort of the programme introduces a significant upgrade – business-focused AI training integrated directly into the curriculum.

“This year, the new AI modules focus on data-driven decisions, optimising operations, and building AI-powered marketing strategies,” Grant said.

“AI holds immense potential for African small and medium-sized businesses SMBs, enabling them to drive innovation, increase efficiency, and unlock new levels of economic growth.

“The Hustle Academy has supported over 10,000 businesses who have gone ahead to raise funding and create jobs since inception.

“By incorporating AI into our curriculum, we aim to further amplify this impact, equipping SMBs to harness AI technologies for improved business performance and economic progress,” Grant emphasized.

She added that applications for the 2024 Hustle Academy cohort are open to SMBs in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.

Tech

Latin America’s biggest payment processor PayRetailers expands into Africa

Published

1 day ago

May 15, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Latin America’s biggest payment processor, PayRetailers, has announced its expansion into Africa with coverage across four countries, Rwanda, Zambia, Uganda, and Tanzania.

A statement by its Chief Operating & Digital Officer, Lorenzo Pellegrino, said by expanding into Africa will offer customers a unified payment solution that will be a game changer for cross-border online merchants looking at Africa as their next move for strategic growth.

He said to strengthen its presence in the continent, PayRetailers is activating its payment processing functions that will “offer a simple, user-friendly, and scalable experience to businesses looking to grow their regional operations and give them access to major local methods like SPENN, Airtel, and MTN.”

“This market is increasingly connected and mobile and destined for strong growth, which is why PayRetailers, in its mission to increase financial inclusion and continue supporting business growth in emerging markets, has decided to activate its networks in the region and drive this exciting era of prosperity,” Pellegrino said.

“As a part of our strategic expansion, we are extending our coverage to four markets in Africa, at least to start with. Over the coming months, we plan to steadily expand our operation in the continent, which is experiencing incredible growth in the payments industry and has massive potential for merchants looking to diversify and broaden their consumer base.

“Using the stellar and continuous growth we have experienced in LATAM as our guide, we are well-poised to help businesses thrive faster and more sustainably.

“We recognize the immense potential and significance of venturing into these dynamic markets.

“Each new addition to our market coverage is a gateway into untapped opportunities and strengthened partnerships, ensuring our sustained growth and global relevance.

“Our imminent expansion into additional countries across West, North, and Southern Africa underscores our commitment to empowering our clients and connecting them with diverse consumer bases across the continent.

“From May onward, businesses will be able to operate in the region using PayRetailers for their online users, representing a major milestone for its client portfolio and its innovation strategy for 2024,” the statement said.