TechPression

Author: Modupeoluwa Olalere

  • AltSchool Africa targets 10 million Africans with new AI education initiative

    AltSchool Africa targets 10 million Africans with new AI education initiative

    AltSchool Africa, a leading edtech platform, announced the launch of the “AI for 10M Africans” initiative on Thursday. This ambitious program aims to provide free artificial intelligence (AI) education to 10 million Africans, bridging the knowledge gap and empowering individuals to integrate AI into their careers and daily lives.

    Empowering Africans through AI education

    The initiative is designed to cater to learners at all levels. It will start with foundational courses that introduce AI concepts and debunk misconceptions. It will then progress to advanced topics such as machine learning, data science, AI engineering, and practical AI applications.

    Adewale Yusuf, CEO of AltSchool Africa, emphasised the importance of the program, stating, “The future belongs to those who are prepared. AI is no longer a technology of the future; it is shaping industries, economies, and everyday life today. With this initiative, we are taking a bold step to ensure that Africans are not left behind. AI for 10M Africans is more than an educational programme; it is a movement to create opportunities and bridge the knowledge gap”.

    The program is structured to be accessible and multilingual, with courses available in English, French, Swahili, Arabic, and other widely spoken African languages. This approach ensures that no linguistic barrier stands in the way of learning, making it inclusive for everyone across the continent.

    Foluso Folorunso, Project Lead for AI for 10M Africans, noted, “Many people in Africa still see AI as something distant or even intimidating. Our goal is to change that. This initiative provides structured, accessible, and engaging learning experiences that will help Africans understand AI, leverage it for personal and professional growth, and even build AI-powered solutions”.

    Read also: UBA trains over 3000 finance and banking professionals for leadership roles

    AltSchool Africa calls for AI education collaboration

    AltSchool Africa invites organisations, government bodies, and industry leaders to support and collaborate on the initiative to achieve its ambitious goal.

    Yusuf highlighted the role of partnerships, saying, “We believe in the power of collective effort. AI for 10M Africans is an opportunity for organisations to make a lasting impact by supporting AI education at scale. Whether through sponsorships, mentorship programmes, or employment opportunities for certified learners, there are many ways to contribute to this vision”.

    The initiative includes comprehensive learning pathways with hands-on projects and technical training in AI product development. Strategic partnerships with universities, tech companies, and government agencies will support AI education at scale, while certification and career support will help learners apply their skills across various industries.

    Christine Ashimwe, a Business Developer for East Africa, emphasised the importance of regional inclusion and urged policymakers to integrate AI education into African school curricula.

  • Elon Musk’s xAI acquires X for $33 billion

    Elon Musk’s xAI acquires X for $33 billion

    Elon Musk announced on Friday that his artificial intelligence company, xAI, has acquired his social media platform, X, in an all-stock transaction. This deal values xAI at $80 billion and X at $33 billion, considering X’s $12 billion debt.

    Musk expressed his vision for the merger as follows: “xAI and X’s futures are intertwined. Today, we officially take the step to combine the data, models, computing, distribution, and talent. This combination will unlock immense potential by blending xAI’s advanced AI capability and expertise with X’s massive reach.”

    He emphasised that the combined company will “deliver smarter, more meaningful experiences to billions of people while staying true to our core mission of seeking truth and advancing knowledge”.

    Read also: Valeo Health raises $12 million for AI-powered care expansion

    Integration of AI and social media

    The acquisition marks a strategic move to integrate xAI’s advanced AI capabilities with X’s extensive user base. With over 600 million active users, X serves as a “digital town square” where users seek real-time information.

    Musk highlighted that this integration will allow the platform to “build a platform that doesn’t just reflect the world but actively accelerates human progress”. xAI’s AI chatbot, Grok, has already been integrated into X, providing users with AI-driven insights and responses.

    Financial and strategic implications

    The deal reflects Musk’s strategic alignment of AI ambitions with his social media platform. Musk purchased Twitter in 2022 for $44 billion, and since then, X has undergone substantial changes, including a reduction in staff and shifts in content moderation policies.

    Despite these changes, X’s valuation declined, but this acquisition marked a rebound in its financial standing. The all-stock nature of the deal means that no immediate financial benefits are disclosed, as both companies are privately held. Analysts note that this move aligns with the current surge in AI investments, positioning xAI as a leader in the AI sector.

  • Valeo Health raises $12 million for AI-powered care expansion

    Valeo Health raises $12 million for AI-powered care expansion

    On Thursday, Valeo Health, a UAE-based health tech innovator, announced that it has successfully raised $12 million in a Series B funding round. The company’s $20 million fundraising strengthens its GCC leadership in AI-driven healthcare solutions.

    Read also: Tanzanian startup Sumet Technologies raises $1.5 million to optimise FMCG distribution across Africa

    Funding and investor support

    Flintera led the funding round, which included existing investors Nuwa Capital, FJ Labs, Oryx, and Mindshift Capital, as well as new investors Oraseya and Eirad. This strong investor support underscores the growing confidence in Valeo Health’s innovative approach to personalised healthcare.

    Sundeep Sahni, CEO and co-founder of Valeo Health, expressed enthusiasm for the investment, stating, “We are thrilled by the strong investor support as we continue to redefine how people engage with their health. This funding enables us to scale our AI technology, enhance our product offerings, and expand our reach, ensuring more individuals benefit from proactive healthcare solutions.”

    Nitin Reen, Partner at Nuwa Capital, highlighted the potential for deeper customer engagement, noting, “With this round, we have the opportunity to deepen the customer centricity and provide even more value to our most important stakeholder”.

    Read also: Commercial Bank of Ethiopia launches virtual and plastic cards with MasterCard

    Valeo Health expands personalised care in GCC

    Valeo Health plans to utilise the funds to accelerate its mission to make personalised, science-backed healthcare solutions more accessible across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the broader GCC region.

    The company will focus on scaling its AI technology, enhancing product offerings, and expanding its reach in key markets. This expansion will enhance predictive analytics and workflow automation capabilities, allowing medical professionals to provide more efficient and data-driven care.

    Valeo Health’s proprietary Longevity technology enables at-home healthcare services, proactive treatment plans, and real-time health monitoring, setting a new standard for digital health solutions across the GCC. The company’s commitment to empowering individuals with real-time insights and tailored health and wellness solutions positions it as a pioneering leader in AI-driven healthcare.

  • RoboCop and More: PlayStation Plus Essential games for April 2025 announced

    RoboCop and More: PlayStation Plus Essential games for April 2025 announced

    Sony has revealed the lineup of games for PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers in April 2025. The announcement was made on Wednesday, and the games will be available for download starting April 1, 2025.

    This month’s selection includes RoboCop: Rogue City for the PS5, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre for both PS4 and PS5, and Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth – Hacker’s Memory for the PS4.

    Game lineup details

    The lineup offers a diverse range of experiences.

    RoboCop: Rogue City is a first-person shooter that puts players in the role of Alex Murphy, the iconic cyborg law enforcement officer, as he navigates a crime-ridden Detroit.

    The game features an original story set between the events of RoboCop 2 and 3, with Peter Weller reprising his role as the voice of RoboCop.

    The Texas Chain Saw Massacre:  An asymmetrical horror game inspired by the classic 1974 film. Players can take on the role of the Slaughter Family or their victims, aiming to either capture or escape from the family’s grasp.

    Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth – Hacker’s Memory offers a mix of adventure, raising, and battling with over 320 Digimon to discover. The game follows Keisuke Amazawa as he investigates a crime he didn’t commit by diving into the Digital World.

    Read also: GTA V PC Upgrade: Ray tracing, new vehicles, exciting features coming March 2025

    Subscriber benefits and availability

    These games will be available to PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers at no additional cost until May 5, 2025. As part of Sony’s ongoing effort to provide value to its subscribers, these titles join a catalogue of games accessible through the service. PlayStation Plus is essential for online multiplayer gaming and offers a rotating selection of games each month, making it a compelling option for gamers.

    Sony’s announcement follows a tradition of providing diverse and engaging games to subscribers. While the quality of monthly offerings can vary, April’s lineup caters to different tastes, from action and horror to adventure and strategy. Including these games continues to enhance the PlayStation Plus experience, offering something for everyone interested in exploring new titles without additional cost.

  • Tanzanian startup Sumet Technologies raises $1.5 million to optimise FMCG distribution across Africa

    Tanzanian startup Sumet Technologies raises $1.5 million to optimise FMCG distribution across Africa

    Sumet Technologies, a Tanzanian startup focused on distributing fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), revealed on Friday that it has obtained $1.5 million in pre-seed capital.

    With this investment, the company reaches a major milestone in its mission to transform FMCG distribution in Africa.

    Sumet Technologies was established in 2022 and has grown rapidly to become a major force in Tanzania. It uses technology to link brands with regional shops and expedite distribution procedures.

    Revolutionising FMCG distribution in Africa

    Sumet Technologies’ approach is rooted in addressing the systemic inefficiencies that have long plagued the informal retail landscape in Africa.

    The company’s platform utilises data-driven algorithms and predictive analytics to optimise delivery routes, manage inventory, and mitigate credit risks. This tech-first strategy has enabled Sumet to achieve remarkable growth, reporting a 15x increase since the second quarter of 2023 and expanding its team to over 70 employees.

    “At Sumet, we’re tackling one of Africa’s biggest challenges – enabling new brands to enter and grow in the market,” said Hazem Afify, CEO of Sumet. “This funding is crucial to strengthening our tech stack, bridging distribution gaps, and building a dynamic, cost-effective ecosystem that empowers brands to scale effectively”.

    The pre-seed funding, which combines equity and debt financing, was secured through a strategic mix of angel investors, including ABAN, Catalytic Africa, and an angel syndicate from Egypt. This investment will drive Sumet’s expansion across key strategic areas, focusing on operational tech stack development, operational excellence, market expansion, product portfolio growth, and team development.

    Read also: Renew Capital invests in Njiapay to enhance payment solutions for African businesses

    Sumet Technologies targets pan-African growth in FMCG distribution

    Sumet Technologies’ vision extends beyond Tanzania. The company has ambitious plans to become a leading pan-African FMCG distribution platform. It is preparing to launch a complete product range under its Ex-pido brand and introduce new brands designed to fill key market gaps and capitalise on high-growth opportunities.

    This expansion empowers local entrepreneurs and creates an ecosystem where businesses and communities thrive, not just growth metrics.

    “Sumet Technologies is revolutionising consumer goods distribution by facilitating market penetration for new brands and optimising supply chains across Africa. Their commitment to impact-driven innovation aligns with our mission to foster ventures that drive sustainable economic growth on the continent,” said Fadilah Tchoumba, CEO of ABAN.

    Sumet’s success story is emblematic of the potential for innovation and technology to transform traditional industries. Utilising cutting-edge technology, the company establishes distribution channels to assist brands and products in reaching new markets, supporting local communities, and reinventing African FMCG markets. With its growth and expansion, Sumet will shape FMCG distribution in Africa.

  • Papua New Guinea restores Facebook access following counter-terrorism operation

    Papua New Guinea restores Facebook access following counter-terrorism operation

    Papua New Guinea lifted a surprise ban on Facebook just days after its implementation. The ban began on Monday and was initially described as a “trial” aimed at curbing hate speech, misinformation, and adult content by officials.

    However, it was later revealed that the shutdown was part of a broader counter-terrorism operation.

    Background and implementation of the ban

    The ban was enforced without prior notice and affected approximately 1.3 to 1.6 million Facebook users in the country.

    Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr. initially stated that the move was a “test” to limit harmful content, emphasising that it was not intended to suppress free speech but to protect citizens from detrimental material. He noted, “The unregulated spread of misinformation, hate speech, pornography, exploitation, incitement to violence on platforms like Facebook is intolerable”.

    However, critics, including opposition MP Allan Bird, characterised the decision as “draconian,” arguing that it marked a dangerous step towards suppressing freedoms.

    Bird stated, “There are no limits to the powers that the police minister can wield under this new legislation. It is a harsh law aimed at stripping away our freedoms”. The ban also sparked concerns about political autocracy and human rights abuses, with Neville Choi, president of the National Media Council, describing it as “bordering on political autocracy and an abuse of human rights”.

    Read also: Get ready: Meta AI calls are coming to WhatsApp

    Lifting of the ban and counter-terrorism efforts

    On Wednesday, the ban was lifted after the police successfully conducted a counter-terrorism operation. Police Commissioner David Manning explained that Facebook was taken down as part of efforts to apprehend individuals involved in attempts to incite terrorism.

    Manning stated, “A counter-terrorism operation is underway to apprehend two men connected to attempts to incite an act of terrorism. Over the past hours, police had reduced the immediate threat to the community, and temporary restrictions on the Facebook social media platform have been removed”.

    The operation aimed to disrupt a criminal network using Facebook to incite violence and social unrest. With the immediate threat mitigated, the police focus on identifying other alleged offenders and targeting their financial assets. As access to Facebook has been restored, the police commissioner reminded users to exercise caution when using social media.

  • Grok AI now available on Telegram, expanding beyond X

    Grok AI now available on Telegram, expanding beyond X

    Elon Musk’s Grok AI integrated with Telegram on Thursday, marking its first big extension beyond X. Telegram faces legal concerns and tough messaging app rivalry.

    In addition to X Premium subscribers, Telegram Premium users can now access the chatbot, which is renowned for its provocative and innovative responses.

    Telegram has struggled to retain users largely due to its lack of AI features, especially as competitors like WhatsApp roll out advanced tools like MetaAI. The integration of Grok AI could spark renewed interest in Telegram, providing users with access to Grok 3, the latest version of the chatbot.

    Telegram users can initiate conversations by searching for “GrokAI” within the app. However, there is no confirmation on whether free-tier users will gain access in the future.

    This collaboration highlights Elon Musk’s strategy to expand Grok AI’s influence across platforms. Musk’s xAI describes Grok as a chatbot with a “sense of humour” and real-time access to posts on X. It aims to deliver human-like interactions and intuitive responses, setting it apart from competitors like ChatGPT.

    Read also: Elon Musk’s xAI acquires Hotshot, advancing text-to-video AI technology

    Grok AI’s evolving role in social media

    Grok AI has gained traction since its launch in November 2023 under Musk’s xAI initiative. Initially exclusive to X Premium+ subscribers, it became available to more paid users at reduced subscription costs. Now, its integration with Telegram signals an effort to broaden its user base further.

    The chatbot operates in two modes: Regular Mode for accurate responses and Fun Mode for edgy or humorous interactions. While praised for its conversational capabilities and ability to summarise trending topics on X, Grok has also been criticised for occasional inaccuracies or “hallucinations.”

    Musk has positioned Grok as a rival to tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. By embedding Grok into Telegram, Musk may be aiming to solidify its presence in the competitive AI chatbot market while enhancing Telegram’s appeal amid ongoing challenges.

  • Renew Capital invests in Njiapay to enhance payment solutions for African businesses

    Renew Capital invests in Njiapay to enhance payment solutions for African businesses

    Renew Capital, an Africa-focused impact investment firm has made a strategic investment in NjiaPay, a payment service provider (PSP) that simplifies payment processing for African merchants. The announcement was made on Tuesday

    Renew Capital supports NjiaPay’s African expansion

    Renew Capital’s investment in NjiaPay is part of its broader strategy to support innovative companies that drive economic growth and social impact in Africa.

    NjiaPay offers a single integration platform for merchants, eliminating the need to manage multiple integrations. This simplification enhances payment efficiency and success rates through features like intelligent routing and centralised reconciliation.

    “Our mission is to empower African businesses to thrive in the digital age by simplifying the complexities of payment processing,” said Jonatan Allback, co-founder and CEO of NjiaPay. “With NjiaPay, merchants can focus on growing their businesses while we handle the payment complexities”.

    NjiaPay’s intelligent routing leverages real-time PSP performance data and AI to select each transaction’s highest-performing and most affordable payment provider, driving higher conversion rates and minimising disruptions. The platform simplifies month-end reconciliations by consolidating data into a comprehensive report.

    Read also: Payhippo evolves into Rivy, secures $4 million for clean energy in Nigeria

    NjiaPay fuels growth in Africa with renew capital Investment

    With Renew Capital’s investment, NjiaPay plans to expand its platform, enhance its intelligent routing capabilities, and grow its African presence. This expansion aligns with Renew Capital’s vision to build the ecosystems and infrastructure for African businesses to thrive.

    “NjiaPay is tackling a major obstacle for lean teams that do not have or cannot afford dedicated payment teams to navigate payment complexity,” said Melbourne Nyamadzawo, investment analyst at Renew Capital. “By unifying integrations and optimising payment infrastructure, NjiaPay empowers merchants to navigate the digital economy with confidence. We are proud to support NjiaPay as they scale their platform across the continent”.

    Renew Capital’s commitment to investing in African businesses reflects its belief that economic growth solves many challenges developing countries face. By supporting companies like NjiaPay, Renew Capital aims to create a sustainable impact through investments that drive business growth and social development.

  • Moniepoint unveils MonieWorld to streamline UK-Nigeria money transfers

    Moniepoint unveils MonieWorld to streamline UK-Nigeria money transfers

    Moniepoint is a Nigerian fintech company that plans to enter the remittance market with its new service, MonieWorld.

    This platform facilitates money transfers from the UK to Nigeria, aiming to capture a share of the substantial remittance flows between these countries. The service is in its beta phase and is expected to launch publicly soon.

    Read also: Mukuru expands across Africa with new mobile money services

    MonieWorld features and benefits

    MonieWorld offers several features that could make it an attractive option for users. It promises fast and secure transfers, allowing users to send money to Nigeria in seconds. The service boasts competitive exchange rates and no transfer fees, making it a cost-effective choice for those sending money across borders.

    Users can fund their transfers via bank transfer, debit or credit card, or Google Pay, providing flexibility in payment methods.

    Additionally, MonieWorld offers a GBP currency account, which can increase transfer limits and speed up transactions.

    To use MonieWorld, users must be UK residents aged 18 or older and have valid mobile numbers. The service is not currently available for Nigerian users.

    Moniepoint is positioning MonieWorld to compete with existing remittance services like LemFi, Africhange, and Kuda by offering a smoother user experience and potentially lower costs.

    Read also: How Microsoft Copilot enhances La Liga’s Beyond Statistics

    Moniepoint takes on UK-Nigeria money transfers

    The remittance market between the UK and Nigeria is substantial, with billions of pounds flowing annually. In 2023, the World Bank estimated remittance transactions to Nigeria at £9.3 billion.

    This market is highly competitive, with numerous players offering similar services. Moniepoint’s entry into this space comes as the Central Bank of Nigeria aims to increase remittances to $1 billion monthly.

    The company’s move is part of its broader strategy to expand its financial services, following its recent achievement of “unicorn” status after securing $110 million in funding.

    Moniepoint processes about N30 trillion ($22 billion) monthly and wants to increase its market share through innovative services like MonieWorld.

    MonieWorld was announced on Wednesday, marking a new chapter in Moniepoint’s expansion into international remittances. As the service prepares for its public launch, it will be interesting to see how it differentiates itself in a crowded market.

  • MTN South Africa pioneers Africa’s initial satellite phone call

    MTN South Africa pioneers Africa’s initial satellite phone call

    On Thursday, MTN South Africa and Lynk Global announced the completion of Africa’s first satellite-to-mobile phone call. The groundbreaking trial took place in Vryburg, a small agricultural town in the North West province of South Africa. This milestone marks a significant step toward addressing connectivity challenges in underserved and remote African areas.

    The trial utilised low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology to test voice call quality and SMS capabilities using a standard, unmodified mobile device.

    “The technical trial was part of our work to find potential solutions to the challenges of providing coverage in underserviced, rural and remote areas,” said Charles Molapisi, CEO of MTN South Africa. He emphasised that this proof-of-concept demonstrated how MTN’s ground-based cell towers could be complemented by LEO satellites to expand coverage.

    Dan Dooley, Lynk Global’s chief commercial officer, highlighted the technology’s universal compatibility: “Importantly, this technology is device-agnostic, ensuring compatibility with existing mobile units and requiring no special modifications.” The trial was conducted after receiving approval from South Africa’s telecom regulator, ICASA, to use radio frequencies on MTN’s licensed spectrum for the test duration.

    Read also: MTN ends 8-year sponsorship of South Africa’s national rugby team

    MTN pursues LEO satellite partnerships to enhance network reach

    Low-earth orbit satellites are increasingly being explored as a viable option for providing high-speed internet and mobile connectivity in areas where traditional infrastructure is difficult or expensive to deploy.

    MTN Group has been actively pursuing partnerships with satellite providers since 2024, aiming to integrate LEO technology into its broader network strategy.

    Molapisi noted that leveraging satellite partnerships could help MTN achieve its ambitious goal of 99% broadband population coverage. “The implications of potentially leveraging satellite partnerships will not only help MTN achieve its goal but, most importantly, benefit all South Africans,” he stated during the announcement.

    This achievement also positions MTN as a leader in satellite-enabled mobile services on the continent. Competitors like Vodacom and Cell C are exploring satellite partnerships to enhance connectivity offerings. Vodacom previously announced its collaboration with Amazon’s Project Kuiper LEO satellites in 2023.

    The successful trial underscores the potential of satellite technology to bridge digital divides and provide reliable connectivity to remote areas, paving the way for broader adoption across Africa.