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Roam, a Kenyan tech-driven electric mobility company, has secured funding from ENERGICA, a European Union-supported initiative under Horizon 2020, to expand its solar-powered Roam Hubs across Nairobi. This initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of clean and resilient transportation solutions by offering affordable battery rentals, optimized charging, and quick after-sales services for electric motorcycle riders. With each Roam Hub expected to handle 400-500 daily transactions, this expansion will significantly enhance accessibility to electric mobility in Kenya. Having already established five Roam Hubs in Nairobi, Roam is poised to scale its network further. The new hubs will help transform urban transportation into a cleaner, more efficient system, supported by solar charging that offers cost savings for users. With the goal of creating a reliable network for electric motorcycle riders, Roam is ensuring that these hubs are strategically located in urban and peri-urban areas, making clean transport solutions more accessible. One of the key innovations in Roam’s project is its open architecture design for charging stations, which allows interoperability between electric vehicle manufacturers. This will remove a significant barrier to widespread electric vehicle adoption by enabling users to charge their motorcycles at various locations and speeds. The move is expected to create a more flexible and accessible infrastructure for electric mobility across Kenya and beyond. Through this collaboration with ENERGICA, Roam is not only addressing energy access, climate change, and clean transport challenges but also building resilient, low-emission transport networks. This partnership serves as a model for other African nations looking to transition to cleaner, more efficient transportation systems while fostering sustainable job creation and economic empowerment. #ElectricMobility #Sustainability #CleanTransport #Innovation #GreenEnergy #Africa #ElectricVehicles #Roam #SolarEnergy #SustainableDevelopment #ClimateAction

Gebeya Inc., a leading Pan-African SaaS service marketplace technology company, has recently joined the prestigious Microsoft ISV Success Program and the ISV and Startup for Azure program. This significant achievement marks a major step in Gebeya's commitment to driving innovation and advancing AI technologies across Africa. By participating in these programs, Gebeya gains access to a range of resources that will help the company scale its operations, enhance its product offerings, and broaden its reach in the tech ecosystem. Through the Microsoft ISV Success Program, Gebeya can leverage technical support, cloud infrastructure, co-selling opportunities, and marketing assistance, positioning the company to build on its strong foundation and increase its impact. Additionally, the collaboration with Azure CXP for ISVs and Startups will provide Gebeya with the necessary tools and infrastructure to develop cutting-edge AI solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by businesses across Africa. Gebeya is focused on accelerating the gig economy in Africa by harnessing AI to connect service providers with customers in a seamless and efficient manner. The company’s work in developing AI agents—currently being trained in various African languages—aims to reinforce its SaaS technology, helping businesses optimize operations and enhance customer experiences across multiple industries. With this collaboration, Gebeya is poised to strengthen its position as a tech leader in Africa, driving digital transformation across the continent. This partnership will not only benefit Gebeya’s clients but will also contribute to the broader tech ecosystem by inspiring the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. Gebeya and Microsoft’s partnership is also expanding access to cloud and AI skills for African tech talents, with more than 10,000 developers already signing up to the Microsoft.gebeya.com talent cloud platform. Ibra Diouf Amadou አማዱ Daffe #AI #DigitalTransformation #SaaS #AfricaTech #Microsoft #Azure #GigEconomy #Innovation #TechLeadership #CloudComputing #FutureOfWork #MicrosoftPartnership #ArtificialIntelligence

Vodacom Group has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft, Skillsoft, and other organizations to address Africa’s digital skills gap, aiming to train one million young people by 2027. Through the Vodacom Digital Skills Hub, the initiative is set to reach eight African countries, including South Africa, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Kenya. The hub provides self-paced digital skills training for individuals aged 18 to 35, empowering the next generation of digital innovators and boosting digital literacy across the continent. The Digital Skills Hub is part of Vodacom’s broader effort to offer e-learning platforms in underserved regions, making quality education more accessible. In countries like Egypt, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, platforms such as Talimy, VodaEduc, and e-Fahamu are providing resources that cater to different learning needs, further supporting the goal of upskilling Africa’s youth. Vodacom's initiative is driven by the belief that Africa’s digital transformation is key to addressing the continent’s challenges, including unemployment, gender inequality, and limited access to essential services. CEO Shameel Joosub emphasized that with over 400 million young people on the continent, investing in digital skills will not only improve individual growth but also contribute to the continent's overall development. The program aims to bridge the digital skills shortage, helping to create a pipeline of talent for the rapidly evolving digital economy. Matimba Mbungela, Vodacom’s Chief Human Resources Officer, noted that this initiative is crucial for advancing Africa’s digital future and empowering young people with the skills necessary for success in an increasingly digital world. #DigitalSkills #Elearning #AfricaDigitalTransformation #Vodacom #YouthEmpowerment #InclusiveGrowth #DigitalEconomy #FutureOfWork #EducationForAll #TechForGood

M-Pesa GO, Old Mutual Kenya, and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) have launched an innovative online financial literacy toolkit aimed at equipping Kenya’s youth with essential financial skills. This initiative is designed to provide students with the tools to make informed financial decisions as the country’s financial landscape evolves, particularly with the rise of digital finance. The toolkit follows the launch of a teacher training platform earlier this year, ensuring that educators are well-prepared to teach the next generation about money management. Esther Masese Waititu, Chief Financial Services Officer at Safaricom PLC, emphasized the importance of financial literacy in building a stable and prosperous society. With Kenya’s youthful population, she highlighted the need for a strong focus on enhancing financial capabilities among young people. Old Mutual CEO Arthur Oginga echoed this sentiment, stressing that proper financial education is key to promoting resilience and well-being for future generations. The online toolkit includes engaging, interactive sessions and gamified digital experiences, allowing students to interact with financial professionals. This dynamic learning environment aims to foster a deeper understanding of financial concepts, helping young people develop positive relationships with money. By making financial literacy accessible, this initiative seeks to empower students to build stronger financial futures. This collaboration is part of a broader effort to embed financial education into Kenya’s education system. As the country’s financial ecosystem continues to grow, initiatives like this will ensure that the next generation is prepared to navigate the complexities of the modern economy. #FinancialLiteracy #YouthEducation #FinancialInclusion #MPSAGo #OldMutual #KenyaEducation #DigitalFinance #FinancialResilience #EdTech #KenyaYouth

minka_, a leading Colombian fintech startup, has announced its strategic expansion into key African markets, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to drive financial inclusion across the continent. By partnering with financial institutions, regulators, and banks in Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, and Cameroon, Minka aims to enhance financial interoperability and transparency. This move follows the company’s commitment to improving digital payment solutions for both formal and informal financial systems, particularly for underserved individuals and businesses. Minka’s proprietary technology, which enables real-time clearing and settlement, is designed to make financial transactions faster, more secure, and transparent. With tailored solutions to meet local needs, Minka's platform is positioned to help address key financial challenges in these regions, such as those in Kenya, which are critical for improving the country’s financial sector and addressing its recent greylisting. In Nigeria, Minka’s partnerships are set to drive a shift toward digital payments, while in Uganda and Cameroon, the focus will be on enhancing financial connectivity. The expansion represents Minka's strategic focus on creating more efficient and secure financial infrastructures across Africa. By working with local partners, Minka aims to leverage shared technology and expertise to improve financial services for millions of people across the continent. This collaboration will allow Minka to play a crucial role in connecting African economies, businesses, and individuals through accessible and innovative technology. Minka’s African expansion is just the beginning, with plans to broaden its partnerships and extend its reach across more African markets. This phase is a key step toward bridging the gap between Africa’s diverse financial systems and its growing demand for secure, accessible, and efficient digital payments. #Fintech #FinancialInclusion #DigitalPayments #AfricaExpansion #Minka #FinancialInnovation #TechForGood #AfricaBusiness #DigitalEconomy

Schneider Electric East Africa has launched a new eCommerce platform aimed at modernizing the procurement process and expanding its market presence. The platform provides customers with convenient access to Schneider Electric's full product range, targeting resellers, system integrators, industry maintenance teams, building managers, and end-users. It simplifies product acquisition by offering direct delivery to customers' doorsteps, eliminating the need for intermediary involvement. Geraldine Sande, Channel Sales Leader for Schneider Electric East Africa, highlighted that the platform not only benefits end-users in residential and commercial spaces but also targets specifiers involved in projects and those needing quotes. This move addresses a gap in Schneider Electric's brand visibility, providing customers with easier access to products and eliminating the challenges of navigating through various partner platforms. The new platform also offers significant advantages for distributors, despite concerns over market share erosion. It provides a direct line to consumers, driving demand for distributor-stocked products and offering preferential pricing for bulk purchases. By streamlining inventory management and reducing overhead costs related to unsold stock, distributors can increase sales volume and improve margins. Sande emphasized that the eCommerce site presents an incremental business opportunity for distributors, helping them tap into new customer segments. By improving sell-out and reaching customers previously untapped, the platform helps Schneider Electric and its partners remain competitive in the growing East African market. #eCommerce #SupplyChain #Distributors #EnergySolutions #EastAfrica #Procurement #SchneiderElectric #TechInnovation #Sustainability

Solarbox Africa, a West African eMobility solutions provider, has successfully closed a $1 million Pre-Seed funding round to scale its innovative solutions. The funding, led by early-stage investors including Digital Energy Facility, Launch Africa Ventures, and Teranga Capital, will enable the company to meet the growing demand for clean mobility solutions in Senegal and surrounding regions. In less than a year, Solarbox has demonstrated its capability to revolutionize transportation with its custom-designed light electric vehicles, featuring solar charging and fleet management solutions. By offering cost-effective, eco-friendly vehicles, the company aims to reduce Senegal's reliance on imported petroleum, while addressing the country's significant solar potential. The company’s vehicles are already delivering substantial savings and environmental benefits. Data from its partnership with ORANGE ENERGIES PRIVATE LIMITED shows that Solarbox's electric vehicles cost just $2.50 for every 100 km driven, compared to $5.50 for gasoline-powered vehicles, delivering up to 60% in savings. Each vehicle also uses 10.8 MWh of renewable energy annually, cutting carbon emissions by 10 tons per year, thus contributing to climate resiliency in the Sahel region. With strategic partnerships with major corporations like FedEx and Paps Logistics, Solarbox has positioned itself as a leader in the African electric mobility market. The company is set to continue its rapid growth, with a clear mission to drive Africa’s transition to sustainable energy and reduce its dependency on costly and polluting petroleum imports. #eMobility #SolarEnergy #CleanTransport #ElectricVehicles #RenewableEnergy #ClimateAction #Sustainability #AfricaInnovation #TechForGood

Remitly, a leading global digital financial services provider, has partnered with Airtel Tanzania to streamline and enhance money transfer services to Tanzania. This collaboration aims to simplify and accelerate the process of sending money across borders, offering a seamless and secure experience for individuals supporting their loved ones in Tanzania. Through this partnership, Remitly users can now send money directly to Airtel Tanzania wallets, ensuring quick access to funds for family support, education, or emergency needs. The transfer process is designed to be safe, reliable, and fast, making it easier for users to support their families in Tanzania no matter the urgency. Airtel Tanzania, with its extensive mobile network and over 19.4 million users, plays a critical role in this initiative, ensuring that the service is accessible across both urban and rural areas of the country. This collaboration leverages airtel's widespread presence to reach more people, facilitating financial inclusion across Tanzania. Remitly, with its presence in 170 countries, continues to focus on developing partnerships that make a tangible difference in people's lives. This latest collaboration highlights Remitly's commitment to providing more convenient and accessible money transfer options for its users worldwide. #MoneyTransfers #Remitly #AirtelTanzania #FinancialInclusion #DigitalServices #CrossBorderPayments #Fintech #GlobalPartnerships

MTN, Africa’s largest telecom operator, has taken a significant step in revolutionizing digital entertainment by partnering with sports technology firm Telecoming to launch MTN Cloudplay in South Africa. This innovative cloud gaming service offers subscribers access to over 340 high-quality games from 50 publishers, providing a seamless gaming experience across devices without the need for downloads or high-end consoles. The collaboration highlights MTN’s vision to democratize gaming, offering customers the ability to stream and play games anywhere, anytime, for an affordable monthly fee of R79. With the power of 5G, the service ensures fast and responsive gameplay, transforming how gaming enthusiasts and families access and enjoy video games. Jason Probert, MTN South Africa’s general manager for Digital Services, emphasized the operator’s commitment to creating modern connected experiences through this cutting-edge service. Similarly, Telecoming’s MEA director, Ali Karaosman, shared his optimism about this partnership, seeing it as a strategic move to elevate e-sports and digital leisure experiences in the region. This partnership marks a new milestone in MTN’s digital entertainment journey, showcasing how innovation in gaming can redefine user experiences. MTN Cloudplay is set to shape the future of gaming in Africa, creating accessibility and excitement for gamers across all demographics. #GamingInnovation #CloudGaming #MTNCloudplay #DigitalEntertainment #TechInAfrica #Partnerships #5GTechnology

Nita Shah has joined the board of directors at M.P. Shah Hospital, bringing a wealth of expertise in governance, risk management, and enterprise leadership. With over 40 years of professional experience, her career spans critical roles in risk management, corporate governance, and audit, making her a seasoned leader in these fields. Notably, her leadership includes over two decades at Diamond Trust Bank, where she served as Head of Risk Management and General Manager for Group Internal Audit. Her commitment to strengthening governance structures was further exemplified through her roles at Flywheel Advisory Africa and as a Non-Executive Director at Bank of Africa Kenya. At M.P. Shah Hospital, Nita joins a progressive institution known for its dedication to healthcare excellence and sustainability. The hospital, a leader in private healthcare in East Africa, emphasizes innovation and high-quality patient care, including affiliations with international institutions like COSECSA | The College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa. With her extensive background, Nita is well-positioned to support the hospital's mission of enhancing access to world-class healthcare and driving sustainability through initiatives like the UN Global Compact, which the hospital joined to further environmental and governance goals. Her career reflects a strong commitment to fostering organizational resilience and enhancing stakeholder value. As the hospital continues to expand its offerings, such as advanced surgical care and specialized wellness programs, Nita’s expertise in governance and risk management will be instrumental in guiding strategic decisions and ensuring robust operational frameworks. This appointment highlights the growing trend of integrating diverse expertise into healthcare leadership. As M.P. Shah Hospital celebrates its 90th anniversary, the addition of experienced leaders like Nita signals its commitment to shaping the future of healthcare in East Africa and beyond. #HealthcareLeadership #Governance #RiskManagement #MPShahHospital #Kenya #HealthcareInnovation