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  • Binance taps Apple Pay, Google Pay for easier crypto purchases

    Binance taps Apple Pay, Google Pay for easier crypto purchases

    On Monday, Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, announced an expansion of its fiat gateway, which will enable users to seamlessly purchase cryptocurrencies using widely adopted mobile payment solutions like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

    The integration is made possible through a strategic collaboration with the global payments processing giant, Worldpay.

    Read also: Binance Wallet to host 8th exclusive token generation event with StakeStone

    Binance reveals in latest press release

    According to a statement issued by Binance, the incorporation of Apple Pay and Google Pay for cryptocurrency purchases through credit and debit cards signifies more than just a technological advancement. It embodies their dedication to meeting users where they are, bringing web3 to them on their own terms.

    The exchange noted the importance of this integration in regions where traditional credit card usage may be limited, yet mobile phone penetration remains high. Binance stated, “By supporting the most widely adopted digital wallets, Binance enables new users to explore digital assets using tools they already trust.”

    Recall that in 2022, the company attempted to integrate Apple Pay and Google Pay. However, that earlier endeavor encountered certain technological and geographical constraints.

    Meanwhile, the partnership will represent a further step for Worldpay in solidifying its presence within the growing cryptocurrency sector.

    Sanchit Mohl, Head of Web3 and Crypto for Worldpay in the Asia-Pacific region, articulated the company’s vision to “be part of the ecosystem from the ground up.” Notably, in 2024, Worldpay processed $1.3 billion in stablecoin transactions, although this still constitutes a relatively small fraction of its overall annual transaction volume, which reached $2.3 trillion.

    Read also: Binance suspends employee for insider trading, awards whistleblowers $100,000

    Fiat as a crucial on-ramp

    The integration of these popular digital wallets aligns with the increasing global preference for such payment methods, which, in many regions, serve as the primary point of access to financial services. Nabil Manji, Head of Fintech Growth at Worldpay, emphasized this point, stating, “That’s what makes Binance’s integration so powerful — it enables users to explore crypto with the same ease and confidence they associate with trusted e-commerce experiences.”

    Furthermore, Binance has been actively expanding its fiat capabilities, launching 18 new fiat channels in 2024 for retail and institutional clients. These channels encompass various options, including traditional bank transfers, card networks, mobile wallets, and regional payment providers.

    This focus on expanding fiat options has yielded positive results for Binance, attracting new users and fostering user retention. The exchange reported that over 60 percent of active fiat and P2P users in 2024 completed repeat transactions, indicating a positive and effective user experience. By the end of the previous year, Binance users could access cryptocurrencies using over 1,000 different payment methods spanning more than 125 fiat currencies.

    Furthermore, Binance has focused on geographic expansion, launching services in over 20 new countries, including nine countries across West and Central Africa.

  • How Web3 transcends crypto to solve real-world problems – Vincent Li

    How Web3 transcends crypto to solve real-world problems – Vincent Li

    Web3 is transforming both global systems and local realities, enabling new ways to own, trade, and build trust through decentralised technologies. From tokenized real estate to inclusive digital finance, it is a tool for real-world change. 

    Vincent Li, a Founding Partner at Adaverse, is at the forefront of this shift. An investor, builder, and former NASDAQ-listed media entrepreneur, Li has backed over 60 Web3 startups across 13 countries, including 40 in Africa. In this interview with Techpression, he unpacks how Web3 is reshaping industries and why Africa is poised to lead its next evolution.

    What is Web3, and why does it matter?

    Web3 is fundamentally about creating a more decentralised internet where users have greater ownership and control. Having grown up with Web1 and started my career in Web2 as a product manager, I’ve witnessed the internet’s evolution firsthand. Web3 leverages blockchain technology to build trust and transparency into digital interactions, allowing for direct peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries. It matters because it addresses many limitations of our current internet infrastructure, particularly in areas requiring trust, transparency, and user ownership.

    One of the most exciting parts of Web3 is how it’s bringing real-world asset tokenization onto the blockchain. What kind of impact is this having on industries globally?

    Real-world asset tokenization is revolutionising how we represent, transfer, and manage value. It’s essentially bringing physical assets onto the blockchain, making them more accessible, divisible, and liquid. In Saudi Arabia, for example, we’re seeing promising applications in sectors like real estate and finance. 

    Read Also: Bridging gaps and driving innovation: Highlights from Tech Unite Africa 2025

    At Adaverse, we’ve invested in companies like House Africa, which is transforming land registration in Nigeria by implementing Web3 technology, moving directly from paper records to digital on-chain verification. This demonstrates how tokenization can solve real problems like property verification and ownership disputes.

    We often hear about blockchain and crypto, but what are some real, tangible use cases of Web3 you’ve seen so far?

    Beyond cryptocurrencies, we’re seeing meaningful applications across multiple sectors. In the Middle East, we recently invested in Takadao, which uses blockchain to provide secure and efficient halal insurance and financial services globally. Another example is Grintafy, a sports tech company we’re supporting in its Web3 transformation to enhance user experiences through blockchain technology. These companies are solving tangible problems rather than simply riding the blockchain hype.

    There’s a lot of noise in the Web3 space. In your view, how can we tell the difference between projects that are truly innovative and those that are hyped? 

    I believe the key is focusing on solutions that address real-world problems. At Adaverse, we prioritise founders who leverage blockchain and Web3 technologies to tackle genuine challenges. It’s important to distinguish between blockchain technology with its problem-solving applications and potential misuses like cryptocurrency speculation. As Chris Dixon explains perfectly, it’s the difference between “the computer and the casino.” The most promising projects are those creating actual utility rather than just speculative value.

    Let’s shift to Africa now. There’s so much potential here. How can Web3 really make a difference for unbanked and underbanked communities across the continent?

    Africa presents unique leapfrogging opportunities, similar to how the continent bypassed laptops for widespread smartphone adoption. Web3 can provide financial services to those excluded from traditional banking through digital wallets, microloans, and peer-to-peer transactions. For example, Mithu App addresses challenges in the loyalty program market, where customers struggle to manage multiple programs, leading to billions in expired points annually. Similarly, UmrahCash simplifies currency exchange and money transfers for migrant workers and religious visitors, providing a secure and transparent platform that bypasses costly informal networks.

    You’ve backed over 40 African Web3 startups. Can you share some success stories of African startups integrating Web3?

    House Africa stands out as a prime example, revolutionising land registration in Nigeria by implementing Web3 technology. They’re moving directly from paper records to digital on-chain verification, solving the persistent problem of land disputes and ownership verification. Through Adaverse, we’ve invested in approximately 40 African Web3 startups across the continent, many of which are creating innovative solutions in sectors like finance, agriculture, and identity verification. These startups are demonstrating how blockchain can address uniquely African challenges.

    But even with all this innovation, digital literacy and internet access remain a challenge. How are you and your team helping address this gap? 

    This remains a significant challenge, but we’re tackling it through education, community building, and strategic investments.

    In the past, we made many efforts as Adaverse – we launched Startup School, a program designed for African entrepreneurs, featuring weekly educational webinars led by industry experts. We also created the BuildUp Africa podcast to spotlight innovative Web3 solutions and bridge the knowledge gap for young entrepreneurs. 

    Read Also: Binance Wallet to host 8th exclusive token generation event with StakeStone

    Eventually we decided it was more strategic to focus our resources on venture building, so we paused the podcasts, for example; however, our commitment to education remains strong. Today, we actively support dozens of startups in growing their communities and are investors in  Nodo a key player driving digital education forward.

    Bridging this gap requires a collective effort, and we’re dedicated to playing our part in shaping a more inclusive digital future.

    Looking ahead, what’s your vision for Africa if it fully embraces Web3 in the next few years?

    I envision Africa becoming a global leader in practical Web3 applications. The continent has already demonstrated its ability to leapfrog outdated technologies, and I believe we’ll see similar patterns with Web3 adoption. In the next three to five years, I anticipate significant progress in mass adoption of Web3 technologies across finance, payments, retail, and entertainment. With the right support and regulatory frameworks, Africa could develop unique blockchain-based solutions that address its specific challenges while creating new economic opportunities.

  • Microsoft offers 50-day free AI training to beginners, professionals

    Microsoft offers 50-day free AI training to beginners, professionals

    Microsoft has announced a 50-day AI Skills Fest on April 8, 2025. This initiative aims to offer free AI training to everyone, regardless of their background or level of expertise. The goal is to equip individuals with the skills necessary to succeed in a world increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence.

    Accessing the training and Its benefits

    The AI Skills Fest is open to beginners and professionals, offering a comprehensive learning experience that includes on-demand and live sessions, in-person training, hackathons, self-paced learning, challenges, community forums, and meetups.

    The Microsoft AI Skills Fest website provides various training sessions for participants to learn about essential Microsoft apps and services. Each session lasts between 45 and 60 minutes.

    The training sessions will also cover core AI concepts such as machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and practical tools like Azure and GitHub Copilot.

    Read Also: Microsoft announces redesign of Windows 11 Blue Screen of Death

    As Microsoft Learn tweeted, “Get ready for the Microsoft AI Skills Fest starting on April 8, and stay tuned for training sessions and learning opportunities with our vibrant community.”

    Lessons will be available in the following languages: Albanian, Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Bulgarian, Catalan, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Macedonian, Mandarin Chinese, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Simplified Chinese, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.

    How to participate and earn certifications

    Individuals can register for free on the Microsoft AI Skills Fest website to participate in the AI Skills Fest. The event features a gamified learning experience called the Microsoft AI Skills Challenge, allowing participants to enhance their skills in advanced AI topics while competing globally.

    Microsoft offers a sweepstake to win one of 50,000 free exam vouchers and discounts on certifications from Microsoft Partners and GitHub.

    Additionally, learners on edX can earn a completion certificate by using the code DR7MLQPA5EMLG2ZZ for two Microsoft courses.

    This initiative offers valuable skills and a chance to participate in a Guinness World Record attempt for the most users taking an online AI lesson in 24 hours.

  • Microsoft’s newly launched Quake II AI demo struggles with blurry graphics

    Microsoft’s newly launched Quake II AI demo struggles with blurry graphics

    On April 5, 2025, Microsoft launched an AI-generated version of the classic first-person shooter, Quake II, initially released in 1997. This tech demo is available directly in a web browser and is powered by Microsoft’s Muse AI model, developed in collaboration with the UK-based game studio Ninja Theory.

    Muse AI creates gameplay and visuals in real-time, providing a playable experience on the fly without relying on pre-designed assets or the original game engine.

    The demo features a single level of Quake II at a resolution of 640×360, an improvement over earlier AI gaming experiments like WHAM-1.6B. Although innovative, Microsoft has noted that the gameplay feels basic compared to modern standards.

    Players can explore, shoot, and interact with the environment; however, there are noticeable limitations, such as blurry enemy graphics and laggy controls. Furthermore, the AI has difficulty with object permanence, often “forgetting” items that move out of the player’s view for more than 0.9 seconds.

    A research exploration with limitations

    Microsoft has framed this project as a research experiment instead of a fully developed gaming experience. In their announcement, researchers highlighted that Muse AI’s abilities are still developing.

    “We could roam freely, adjust the camera, shoot, and even explode barrels similar to the original game,” they noted. However, they also highlighted drawbacks like inaccuracies in damage indicators and limited interaction quality.

    Read Also: Microsoft’s Copilot transforms into supercharged AI assistant that books flights, fills forms

    The Muse AI model was trained on over one billion images and controller actions from games like Bleeding Edge. While it shows promise for preserving classic games and prototyping new ones without relying on original hardware or engines, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer acknowledged that it still lacks the polish of traditional game development.

    “This should be regarded as a research exploration,” Microsoft stated in their blog post.

    The demo is available on Microsoft’s Copilot Labs platform but has limitations on playtime and interactivity. While it may not fully capture the enjoyment of Quake II, it offers a glimpse into how generative AI could transform game development in the future.

  • Premier League introduces semi-automated tech for accurate offside

    Premier League introduces semi-automated tech for accurate offside

    The Premier League is set to introduce semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) on Saturday, April 12, 2025. This marks a significant step forward in officiating, aimed at improving the accuracy and efficiency of offside decisions.

    The technology will debut during Manchester City’s home match against Crystal Palace, scheduled for an early kick-off at 12:30 BST. Other fixtures on the day include Arsenal hosting Brentford and West Ham United playing away at Liverpool on Sunday, April 13.

    Read Also: FIFA or PES? After decades of rivalry, one game takes the lead

    SAOT has undergone extensive testing, including non-live trials in the Premier League and live usage during FA Cup matches earlier this year.

    The system leverages optical player tracking and virtual graphics to automate key aspects of offside decision-making. It uses up to 30 cameras around each stadium to track player movements and ball positioning precisely. This setup is designed to reduce decision-making time by an average of 31 seconds compared to current VAR processes.

    The Premier League collaborated with Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) and Genius Sports to develop this advanced technology. Unlike FIFA’s version, which incorporates a chip inside the ball, SAOT in the Premier League relies solely on optical tracking due to differences in ball suppliers.

    Enhancing decision-making efficiency and viewers’ experience

    The introduction of SAOT aims to address longstanding criticisms of VAR, particularly regarding delays and transparency during offside reviews. The system automates the placement of virtual offside lines and generates graphics visible to fans in stadiums and broadcast audiences. This ensures a more seamless experience while maintaining the integrity of refereeing decisions.

    Premier League Chief Football Officer Tony Scholes expressed confidence in the technology earlier this year, stating it is “the most accurate system” without requiring additional hardware like ball chips. He acknowledged initial challenges during testing but emphasised recent progress that paved the way for its launch.

    SAOT has been used successfully in high-profile competitions such as the FIFA World Cup, Champions League, Serie A, and La Liga. However, its implementation in England involves unique adjustments tailored to domestic requirements. The Premier League hopes this innovation will improve decision-making efficiency without introducing new controversies.

  • YouTube Premium hikes subscription fee in Nigeria, South Africa

    YouTube Premium hikes subscription fee in Nigeria, South Africa

    YouTube, the popular streaming platform, is raising the cost of its Premium service in multiple countries, including Nigeria and South Africa. Announced via email to Nigerian subscribers on Friday, the change is part of a broader wave of pricing updates by global tech companies. The goal, according to YouTube, is to maintain service quality and continue supporting creators.

    YouTube Premium offers ad-free streaming, background play, and access to YouTube Music, with added features for a smoother viewing experience.

    New YouTube Premium prices in Nigeria and South Africa

    In Nigeria, the individual YouTube Premium plan has increased from N1,100 to N1,700 monthly—a 54 percent jump. The family plan saw an even steeper rise from N1,700 to N2,800.

    In South Africa, the price changes will roll out by mid-2025. The individual plan will go from R71.99 to R81.99 per month, while the family plan moves up to R149.99. YouTube Music-only subscribers will now pay R64.99 instead of R59.99.

    Read Also: TikTok discontinues Notes app over low engagement

    Long-time users in the U.S. who signed up during the 2014 launch of Music Key—YouTube Premium’s predecessor—are also seeing their first price bump after more than a decade at $7.99 per month.

    Why tech subscription prices are rising

    YouTube’s price increase is part of a broader pattern among global tech giants. In February 2025, Google also raised prices for its Google One cloud storage service in Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, and Tanzania. Other platforms, such as Netflix, Starlink, and Microsoft, have followed suit, adjusting their subscription fees across Africa in response to inflation and currency instability.

    These increases are tied to wider economic pressures. Currency depreciation, especially in countries like Nigeria and South Africa, has reduced the value of local earnings for global companies. With rising global inflation and operational costs, many tech firms are recalibrating their pricing strategies to stay profitable. 

    Another key factor is the pressure to compensate content creators fairly. As platforms grow, so does the demand for higher-quality content and better revenue sharing. Companies are increasing prices to maintain service quality, support creators financially, and roll out premium features like AI tools, HD playback, and cross-device compatibility, making these subscriptions more expensive and advanced.

    How this affects users and the digital landscape

    These hikes come with notable consequences. As subscription costs climb, access to premium digital services is becoming harder for many, especially students, small business owners, and content creators who depend on platforms like YouTube for work and learning. The affordability gap may push users toward free, ad-supported versions or unofficial alternatives, potentially affecting creator revenues. It also highlights the growing importance of Africa in the global digital economy—both as a user base and as a market sensitive to economic shifts.

    With no sign of prices dropping soon, the conversation around affordability, access, and sustainable pricing in Africa’s digital future is just beginning.

  • Royal Air Maroc, Mauritania Airlines sign codeshare deal to increase flights on Casablanca-Nouakchott route

    Royal Air Maroc, Mauritania Airlines sign codeshare deal to increase flights on Casablanca-Nouakchott route

    Royal Air Maroc and Mauritania Airlines have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a free-flow codeshare agreement to enhance connectivity on the Casablanca–Nouakchott route. The deal, signed on Friday in Casablanca, marks the first major collaboration between the two national carriers, aimed at offering passengers more comfort, convenience, and access to a wider range of destinations.

    More flights, better service for Casablanca-Nouakchott travellers

    As part of the new agreement, both airlines will ramp up frequencies on the Casablanca–Nouakchott route. Royal Air Maroc will boost its direct weekly flights from seven to nine, while Mauritania Airlines will match the increase with nine weekly departures of its own. This improved schedule is designed to offer more flexibility, smoother connections, and better overall service for passengers traveling between Morocco and Mauritania.

    Read Also: Algeria to launch new airline to support aviation sector

    Both CEOs praised the agreement as a major milestone. RAM’s CEO, Hamid Addou emphasised the shared vision of boosting African air connectivity, saying, “We’re committed to offering an exceptional travel experience while expanding our reach across the continent.” Mauritania Airlines’ CEO Ahmed Salem Mohamed Vall Ammi echoed the sentiment, noting that the agreement opens new horizons for regional cooperation and network growth.

    Codeshare adds new international destinations

    In addition to increasing direct flights, the codeshare deal unlocks new travel destinations. Mauritania Airlines customers can now access onward flights from Royal Air Maroc’s Casablanca hub to four key international cities: Paris, Madrid, Dubai, and Luanda. This move significantly expands route options while maintaining a seamless and unified travel experience.

    The partnership also lays the foundation for future cooperation in aircraft maintenance, ground handling, staff training, digitalisation, and human resources, highlighting the long-term strategic vision of both airlines.

    Connecting Africa through stronger air partnerships

    More than just a codeshare, this agreement reflects a broader commitment to reinforcing regional ties and strengthening Africa’s aviation landscape. By simplifying travel and creating more route options, Royal Air Maroc and Mauritania Airlines are playing a key role in improving mobility across West Africa and beyond.

    This landmark partnership is set to enhance air travel between Morocco and Mauritania while positioning both airlines for future growth on the continent.

  • 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.

  • NiRA names Seyi Onasanya as new chief operating officer

    NiRA names Seyi Onasanya as new chief operating officer

    The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) declared on Saturday that Seyi Onasanya had been appointed its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective April 1, 2025.

    NiRA, responsible for managing Nigeria’s country code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD), “.ng.” The appointment is expected to enhance the Nigerian internet ecosystem’s stability, security, and reliability given Ms. Onasanya’s previous work experience.

    NiRA welcomes experienced leader

    In her new position, Ms. Onasanya contributes more than two decades of professional experience. Before joining NiRA, she was Director at SNEVA Global Associates, a business advisory and corporate development firm.

    She was the Director and Head of Business Advisory at FITC and the People & Organisation Senior Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

    NiRA’s ideal leader is a result of her extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, management consulting, business operations, and strategy, as well as her comprehensive exposure to the private and public sectors.

    Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, President of NiRA, expressed confidence in Ms. Onasanya’s leadership, stating, “With Ms. Onasanya’s extensive experience in business operations, strategy, management consulting, stakeholder engagement, and her broad exposure across the private and public sectors, we firmly believe she is the ideal leader to propel NiRA’s mission forward.”

    He further emphasised: “Her strong leadership skills and deep understanding of the DNS ecosystem and internet governance will be instrumental in advancing our position in this critical space. We are confident that her expertise will significantly contribute to NiRA’s continued growth and success.”

    Onasanya to drive strategic execution as NiRA’s COO

    As the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Ms. Onasanya will be responsible for the management team, day-to-day operations, and the Executive Board of Directors’ Secretary in NiRA. Her responsibilities encompass promoting strategic execution and operational excellence throughout the organisation.

    The NiRA Secretariat, led by the COO, is instrumental in the efficient operation of NiRA in cyberspace, in addition to the numerous committees of the Board.

    Ms. Onasanya succeeds Mrs. Eyitayo Iyortim, the immediate past COO, who was recently elected Chairperson/President of the African Top-Level Domains (AfTLD). This transition emphasises NiRA’s dedication to preserving its leadership and expertise in managing Nigeria’s digital identity through the .ng domain space.

    NiRA’s governance framework comprises an Executive Board of Directors and a Board of Trustees. The President serves as the president of the Executive Board, while the Chairman serves as the presiding officer of the Board of Trustees.

    The Secretariat oversees the organization’s daily operations in collaboration with numerous committees to guarantee the stability and security of Nigeria’s internet ecosystem.

    NiRA’s mission to promote internet accessibility, digital innovation, and national digital identity is consistent with Ms. Onasanya’s appointment. Her proficiency in organisation strategy, HR transformation, digital capability development, corporate governance, and leadership mentoring will significantly advance NiRA’s objectives.

    Ms. Onasanya is well-positioned to ensure NiRA’s ongoing success in the digital sector, given her demonstrated history of leading large-scale transformation initiatives throughout Nigeria and beyond.

  • Egypt’s InfiniLink raises $10 million to advance optical chip technology for AI data centres

    Egypt’s InfiniLink raises $10 million to advance optical chip technology for AI data centres

    Egyptian semiconductor startup InfiniLink has secured $10 million in seed funding to enhance its optical connectivity solutions for AI-driven data centres. This investment, announced on March 31, 2025, was co-led by MediaTek, a global fabless semiconductor company, and Sukna Ventures, a Saudi-based venture capital firm, with additional participation from Egypt Ventures and M Empire Angels.

    InfiniLink’s optical chips target data centre bandwidth

    InfiniLink specialises in designing advanced optical data connectivity chips that leverage Silicon Photonics technology. The company’s innovative integrated optical transceiver chiplet (iOTC) technology enables low-power pluggable transceiver modules and high-bandwidth-density co-packaged optical engines (CPO), which are essential for high-speed and energy-efficient connectivity in data centers.

    Ahmed Aboul-Ella, co-founder and CEO of InfiniLink, expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with MediaTek, stating, “Partnering with MediaTek not only strengthens our technological capabilities but also positions us for growth in the AI-driven data centre solutions.”

    The funding will accelerate product development and commercialisation of InfiniLink’s chipsets, targeting AI infrastructure’s growing bandwidth and energy needs. The company plans to expand its engineering team, scale global operations, and meet rising demand from hyperscale and AI-focused data centre operators.

    InfiniLink’s Optics niche amid AI growth

    InfiniLink’s focus on co-packaged optics and low-power transceivers positions it in a niche with few regional competitors. As cloud providers and AI companies build more significant, power-hungry models, demand for such solutions is expected to grow.

    George Chien, Senior General Manager at MediaTek, highlighted the strong relationship between MediaTek and InfiniLink, which has developed over the past three years and contributed to establishing MediaTek Egypt. “This investment signifies our commitment to expanding our collaboration and enhancing innovation in the region,” Chien mentioned.

    Waleed Alballaa, General Partner at Sukna Ventures, noted, “InfiniLink’s optical connectivity technology perfectly aligns with our mission to support high-potential startups in the MENA region and facilitate their global expansion.” With the combined expertise of its investors, InfiniLink is well-positioned to meet the surging demand for AI-driven connectivity solutions.