TechPression

Category: Editors Pick

  • Trump delays TikTok ban deadline by 75 days

    Trump delays TikTok ban deadline by 75 days

    On Friday, President Donald Trump announced a 75-day extension for enforcing the TikTok sale-or-ban law. This decision follows disruptions caused by his recent tariff announcement, which derailed a deal aimed at transferring TikTok’s U.S. operations to American ownership.

    Trump formalised the delay by signing an executive order, stating on Truth Social, “My Administration has been working very hard on a Deal to SAVE TIKTOK, and we have made tremendous progress. The Deal requires more work to ensure all necessary approvals are signed.”

    The extension comes just one day before the ban was set to take effect. ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, had previously agreed to divest its U.S. assets under bipartisan legislation passed in 2024 due to national security concerns.

    However, negotiations hit a roadblock after Trump imposed a 34 percent tariff on China, prompting Beijing to withdraw its support for the deal. ByteDance representatives informed the White House that further discussions on trade and tariffs were necessary before proceeding with the agreement.

    Despite the setback, Trump expressed optimism about finalizing the deal during the extended timeframe. “We do not want TikTok to ‘go dark,’” he emphasized in his social media post.

    TikTok’s future hinges on ownership transition

    The proposed deal involves converting TikTok’s U.S. operations into a new entity controlled by American investors while ByteDance retains a minority stake of no more than 20 percent. The arrangement also prohibits collaboration with ByteDance on algorithm management or data-sharing practices. Trump’s administration had reportedly finalized terms earlier in the week, but tariff tensions disrupted progress.

    TikTok briefly went offline for 14 hours in January before Trump’s initial executive order delayed enforcement of the ban. The app later displayed a message thanking Trump for his efforts to keep it operational in the U.S.

    Jeremy Goldman, an analyst at Emarketer, commented that Trump’s strategy keeps TikTok in a state of uncertainty, leveraging its prominence as part of broader geopolitical trade negotiations with China.

    As discussions continue, ByteDance has confirmed ongoing talks with the U.S. government but noted unresolved issues requiring approval under Chinese law. Trump’s administration remains committed to finding a resolution that balances national security concerns with uninterrupted access to the platform for millions of American users.

  • Deaf Animator Adijat wins Miss Humanity at Exquisite Queen Nigeria pageant

    Deaf Animator Adijat wins Miss Humanity at Exquisite Queen Nigeria pageant

    When 26-year-old Adijat Adebayo stepped into the Exquisite Queen Nigeria World 2025 competition, she wasn’t seeking sympathy. She came with a vision to challenge outdated norms in education and beauty. On March 30 at the grand finale, she walked away with the Miss Humanity crown and a renewed commitment to uplift deaf teens across Nigeria.

    A graduate of the Federal College of Education, Oyo, Ms. Adebayo is deaf. She is also an animator, advocate, and founder of DEAFign Animation Academy, a budding initiative that aims to equip deaf teenagers with animation skills while producing instructional materials tailored to their academic needs.

    “This achievement isn’t just my personal triumph,” Ms. Adebayo said after her win. “It’s a victory for representation and a powerful statement that diversity enriches rather than diminishes the pageant experience.”

    Adijat’s journey from quiet classrooms to a national stage

    Her journey began far from the runway—in classrooms where deaf children often struggle due to the absence of accessible learning tools. Frustrated by the lack of resources, Ms. Adebayo envisioned a platform where creativity could meet accessibility. DEAFign Animation Academy, her proposed social venture, was born from that desire.

    The pageant, which spotlights women with a passion for advocacy, offered her a chance to bring the idea to light. Despite being the only deaf contestant, Ms Adebayo actively participated in all activities and challenges. Her project earned the Best Advocacy Award and drew praise from both judges and audience members, many of whom pledged support.

    “Being selected as a contestant was a life-changing privilege,” she recalled. “What made this experience particularly valuable was the opportunity to forge meaningful connections with diverse individuals across the pageant industry – from fellow contestants to mentors and audience members.”

    Campaigning for change for the deaf with a strong team

    Integral to her success was the support of Light Work Media House Ltd. who championed her media publicity. Ms. Rukayat Sulaimon, the media house’s campaign lead and coordinator of the When The Signs Align campaign, highlighted the pivotal role Lightwork Media played in preparing and promoting Ms. Adebayo’s participation.

    “From the moment she arrived at camp, it felt surreal,” Ms Sulaimon said. “Watching her connect with other contestants and later win the Miss Humanity title validated months of work and underscored the importance of inclusion.”

    Read Also: MTN Nigeria calls for applications to 2025 Media Innovation Program for journalists

    Ms. Sulaimon explained further that the “momentous win serves as a powerful validation of our ‘When The Signs Align’ campaign’s mission to promote inclusion.” She emphasised that embracing diverse beauty standards in pageantry goes beyond appearance as it represents empowerment for individuals with disabilities and underrepresented communities, shifting societal views and encouraging inclusivity, which ultimately reshapes the future of beauty and self-representation.

    A platform beyond pageantry

    For Ms. Adebayo, the crown is just the beginning. As she builds out DEAFign Animation Academy, she hopes to amplify awareness about the educational needs of the deaf community and help deaf teens visualize futures in tech and creative media.

    “This crown represents everything I stand for, and that is compassion, inclusivity, and breaking barriers,” she said. “The journey has just begun, and I’m excited to use this platform to inspire others to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles.”

    Her story, far from being one of pity, is a testament to what’s possible when purpose meets preparation and when inclusion is not a gesture but a mission.

    About Exquisite Queen Nigeria World Pageant

    The Exquisite Queen Nigeria World competition is an annual beauty pageant that celebrates both the external and internal qualities of women. Contestants are chosen not only for their physical attributes but for their passion, purpose, and the causes they champion.

    This year’s competition was marked by an exceptional display of diversity and inclusion, with Ms. Adebayo making waves not only for her inspiring advocacy but also for her overall performance. The event featured a series of activities that tested the contestants’ intelligence, grace, and social impact. Each contestant shared her personal mission, showcasing the substance behind each woman’s purpose.

    While Adijat Adebayo took home the Miss Humanity title for her work advocating for the deaf community, the evening also crowned a new queen, Ms. Mercy Babajide, representing Ekiti State, as the new Exquisite Queen Nigeria World. With her victory, she now has the honor of representing Nigeria at the upcoming Miss Aura International 2025 pageant in Turkey this May.

  • OpenAI makes DALL-E image generator free for all users

    OpenAI makes DALL-E image generator free for all users

    On Tuesday, OpenAI announced that its popular AI image generation feature is now accessible to all ChatGPT users, including those on the free tier.

    CEO Sam Altman shared the news via a post on X, confirming that the rollout is not an April Fool’s prank. This new development allows free users to generate up to three images daily using OpenAI’s advanced GPT-4o model, which powers the image generation tool.

    The GPT-4o model represents a leap in AI capabilities, offering precision in rendering intricate details and complex relationships between objects.

    Unlike its predecessor, DALL·E 3, which relied on diffusion techniques, GPT-4o employs a transformer architecture to build images step by step. This innovation enables users to create visually rich images with up to 20 distinct elements, surpassing earlier limitations in AI-generated art.

    Altman expressed excitement about the feature’s widespread adoption, noting that it attracted one million users within an hour of its release. However, he acknowledged challenges related to infrastructure strain due to high demand. To address this, OpenAI has implemented rate limits for free users while offering more outstanding allowances for paid subscribers.

    Studio Ghibli-inspired art sparks debate

    The rollout coincides with a surge in the popularity of Studio Ghibli-style AI-generated artwork created using OpenAI’s tool. Thousands of users have shared their creations online, fueling enthusiasm and controversy. While the resemblance to Studio Ghibli’s iconic art style has captivated many, it has also reignited debates over copyright and ethical concerns surrounding AI training data.

    Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki has been vocal about his disapproval of AI-generated art, adding weight to ongoing discussions about intellectual property rights.

    OpenAI has defended its approach by emphasising creative freedom for users while promising to monitor societal feedback on potentially offensive outputs. Altman stated that OpenAI aims to balance user control with ethical considerations but acknowledged unresolved issues.

    The rollout of free access marks a milestone for OpenAI, which continues to expand its user base and redefine possibilities in AI-driven creativity.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Nosible secures funding to automate tasks for asset managers

    Nosible secures funding to automate tasks for asset managers

    NOSIBLE, an AI startup specialising in asset management solutions, announced on Wednesday that it had secured $1 million in pre-seed funding. Atlantica Ventures led the round, which included additional contributions from strategic investors, including existing customers.

    This funding will support the launch of nosible.ai, a platform featuring hyper-specialised AI agents designed to automate labour-intensive tasks for asset managers.

    Stuart Reid, NOSIBLE’s co-founder and CEO, highlighted the transformative potential of their technology. He stated, “Our discovery offers an index that operates at a fraction of the cost of existing solutions while dynamically adapting to complex searches.” Reid emphasised NOSIBLE’s ability to reduce costs for large-scale AI search functions by up to 100 times compared to current methods.

    The company’s innovation includes native pre-filtering, compression, streaming, bulk querying, and real-time hyperparameter tuning. These capabilities aim to make AI agents smarter by enabling them to conduct extensive searches efficiently.

    Ik Kanu, Founding Partner at Atlantica Ventures, expressed confidence in NOSIBLE’s approach. He noted the company’s unique integration of quantitative finance, machine learning, and computer science expertise as a key factor for delivering specialised value to asset managers with high capital efficiency.

    Read also: Unlocking Africa’s Potential: How technology and investment can drive job creation

    Nosible Al enhances asset management

    NOSIBLE’s platform introduces a competitive arena where hyper-specialised AI agents excel in specific tasks rather than relying on generalised models.

    This approach is expected to improve the agents continuously through search interactions. The core premise behind the technology is that more searches lead to more innovative AI agents, enabling more profound insights and enhanced analytical capabilities for asset managers.

    The funding will also be utilised to scale NOSIBLE’s sales operations and accelerate its go-to-market strategy. The addition of Axel Hörger as an advisor further strengthens the company’s position. Hörger brings extensive experience from leading financial institutions such as UBS and Goldman Sachs.

    NOSIBLE aims to democratise access to advanced AI tools for portfolio managers and equity analysts. By leveraging curated datasets and neural search engines trained on over 120,000 data points per company across 42,636 public firms worldwide, the platform enables users to identify investment ideas tailored to their style across geographies and sectors.

    With this funding milestone, NOSIBLE is poised to redefine how asset managers utilise AI for data-driven decision-making while enhancing operational efficiency globally.

  • Mukuru expands across Africa with new mobile money services

    Mukuru expands across Africa with new mobile money services

    Mukuru announced its strategy to expand across Africa on Monday, capitalising on the growing adoption of mobile money solutions.

    The fintech company, founded in 2004 by Zimbabwean entrepreneur Rob Burrell, has evolved from a platform for purchasing international talk-time vouchers into one of Africa’s largest remittance service providers.

    Read also: Airtel Money lets users pay for Google Play apps without bank card

    Today, Mukuru serves over 17 million users globally and handles $3.5 to $4 billion in payments annually across Africa.

    Chief Executive Officer Andy Jury highlighted the shift in consumer behaviour: “Customers have become more comfortable using digital means, networks, and infrastructure,” he said.

    Digital transactions now account for two-thirds of Mukuru’s payments—up from 40 per cent four years ago. This surge reflects the increasing demand for financial inclusion and accessible services across underserved communities.

    Mukuru’s offerings include remittance services, mobile wallet transfers, funeral cover, and the Mukuru Money Card. Transactions are conducted via physical branches or digital channels such as its mobile app, USSD, and WhatsApp.

    The company also partnered with WorldRemit to enhance cash remittance services in countries like Zambia, South Africa, and Malawi.

    Mukuru’s expands footprint across Africa and beyond

    Mukuru’s expansion strategy includes launching new services and strengthening partnerships to reach more customers. In January 2025, the company introduced a digital wallet in Zimbabwe that provides local and international money transfers, free cashouts, and essential payment services.

    Read also: Jem HR secures $3.3 million to expand HR services for African workers via WhatsApp

    Marc Carrie-Wilson, CEO of Send Money Home Zimbabwe, stated: “The Mukuru Wallet is a development in the country because we have built a reputable brand by consistently ensuring cash availability when needed”.

    The company is also preparing to roll out its mobile app across Botswana, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, the UK, and the EU within the following year. Additionally, Mukuru plans to extend operations.

  • Airtel Money lets users pay for Google Play apps without bank card

    Airtel Money lets users pay for Google Play apps without bank card

    Airtel Money users in Kenya can now make purchases on Google Play without incurring any transaction fees. This new feature allows users to buy apps, games, and other digital content directly through their Airtel Money wallets, providing a convenient and cost-free payment option.

    This integration enables users in Kenya to buy digital products with their Airtel Money wallets and eliminates the need for a bank card or international wallet.

    Read also: Verve cards now accepted on Temu and AliExpress for easy naira payments

    Enhancing digital accessibility with Airtel money

    dLocal, a leading cross-border payment platform, facilitates the partnership between Airtel Money and Google. dLocal has enabled Airtel Mobile Money as a payment option for Google Play, supporting Google’s goal of expanding digital accessibility in Kenya. This move reinforces Google’s commitment to providing localised solutions that meet users’ needs in emerging markets.

    Airtel Mobile Money has been instrumental in Kenya’s high mobile money penetration rate, with over 31.5 million accounts representing nearly 80 per cent of the adult population. This integration positions Airtel Money as the only mobile wallet currently integrated with the Google Play Store in Kenya, offering users a convenient and cost-effective way to purchase digital content.

    Anne Kinuthia-Otieno, Managing Director at Airtel Money Kenya, described the collaboration as “an exciting launch” that underscores Airtel Money’s role as a “trusted, reliable, and innovative payment platform.” She added, “This collaboration underscores Airtel Money’s expanding presence in the payments space, offering customers even more versatile services at an international scale”.

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

    Kevin McDaid, Google’s EMEA Payment Partnerships representative, noted, “This integration underscores Google’s commitment to providing accessible, localised solutions.”

    John O’Brien, Chief Revenue Officer at dLocal, highlighted the partnership’s focus on promoting financial inclusion and empowering users in emerging markets by enabling access to tailored payment solutions.

    A notable aspect of this partnership is the absence of transaction fees for users making purchases through Google Play using Airtel Money. This zero-fee structure enhances the value proposition for users, particularly those who rely heavily on mobile money for online payments. The integration is expected to improve convenience for users, especially those without debit or credit cards, and facilitate easier monetisation for developers in Kenya.

  • Carry1st to host Africa’s first MLBB women’s e-sports event

    Carry1st to host Africa’s first MLBB women’s e-sports event

    Carry1st, Africa’s leading games publisher, announced Tuesday the launch of the Carry1st Africa Cup: MLBB Women’s Invitational (MWI), marking Africa’s first all-female Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) tournament. This initiative aims to provide a dedicated platform for women to compete at the highest level and gain international recognition in esports.

    Tournament structure and objectives

    The tournament will feature two online qualifiers: one for Egypt and one for the rest of Africa. Each qualifier will host 32 teams in a double-elimination playoff format. The winners will face off in a grand final at Insomnia Egypt, where the champions will earn their place at the Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia later this year.

    Registration for the tournament opens on March 26, with online qualifiers for the rest of Africa scheduled from April 4-6 and for Egypt-based teams from April 10-12. The grand final will take place from April 24-26.

    Lucy Hoffman, Co-founder and COO of Carry1st expressed excitement about the initiative, stating, “This is the first women’s tournament for the Carry1st Cup, and we’re excited to provide a platform for Africa’s top female players. Africa has the talent and passion to compete globally, and we’re here to make that happen.”

    Promoting Inclusivity in Esports

    The event highlights the growing need for inclusivity in competitive gaming, particularly in Africa, where female esports players remain underrepresented globally.

    Ray Ng, Head of Esports Ecosystem at Moonton Games, noted, “We are witnessing a thriving esports scene in Africa and are proud to help talented female players make their mark. This partnership represents our commitment to inclusivity in competitive gaming”.

    Carry1st’s initiative follows other global efforts to increase diversity in gaming, such as Riot Games’ Game Changers program for Valorant and Tencent’s Female Esports League in Southeast Asia. By hosting this tournament, Carry1st is solidifying Africa’s place in the international esports arena and providing opportunities for women to compete at higher levels.

  • Google announces graduates of its South African start-up program

    Google announces graduates of its South African start-up program

    Google has recently announced the graduation of the inaugural cohort of 15 promising South African businesses from its Startups Accelerator: South Africa program.

    This milestone marks a crucial step in Google’s efforts to support and empower Black-led technology startups in South Africa.

    Program overview and benefits

    The Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa is a three-month hybrid program explicitly designed for Seed to Series A Black-led technology startups. It aims to bring the best of Google’s programs, products, people, and technology to Black founder communities across South Africa. The program offers a range of benefits, including equity-free support, dedicated mentoring from Google teams, exclusive invitations to technical boot camps, access to Google’s network of industry experts, and up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits.

    As part of the program, startups are paired with relevant Google and industry experts to solve their top technical challenges. This includes deep dives and workshops focused on product design, customer acquisition, and leadership development for founders. The program is free for participating startups, and Google does not take any equity, providing non-dilutive funding and support.

    Read also: Flutterwave introduces Ghana Virtual Accounts to simplify payments

    Graduation and impact

    The inaugural cohort’s graduation was announced on Monday. This milestone highlights Google’s commitment to fostering innovation and growth among Black-led startups in South Africa. The program’s focus on leveraging technologies like machine learning and AI reflects Google’s broader strategy to support deeply technical and scalable startups.

    The graduates of this program have gained valuable insights, mentorship, and access to Google’s global network, positioning them for further success in the tech industry.

    Google’s support for these startups aligns with its broader initiatives, such as the Black Founders Fund, which has awarded over $40 million to help Black-led startups secure funding and strengthen communities.

    The announcement of these graduates underscores Google’s role in nurturing a vibrant startup ecosystem in South Africa, providing opportunities for growth and innovation among Black-led businesses.