The Afro Cafe

AI is getting a crash course in African languages thanks to a partnership between OpenAI, Meta, and Orange South Africa. The trio is working on an ambitious project to develop AI models capable of translation, transcription, and conversational intelligence in various African dialects. With languages like Wolof, Pulaar, Lingala, Swahili, and Bambara on the list, this initiative will unlock new possibilities for communication and tech accessibility across the continent. Combining OpenAI’s cutting-edge frameworks, Meta’s multilingual AI expertise, and Orange’s extensive African network, the project is more than just a tech experiment. It’s a blueprint for AI that serves the local context. While Orange plans to deploy these models for customer service across its markets, it’s also opening the door for free applications in education, healthcare, and small business. The aim is to make AI accessible and relevant to millions across Africa by bridging linguistic gaps with tailored AI solutions. The first rollout is scheduled for early 2025.

South African countries have voiced disappointment with new efforts by the British Labour Party government to introduce a bill that seeks to ban the importation of wildlife trophies from Africa. Representatives from six nations have now requested a meeting with British government officials to discuss the issue. Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe requested an urgent meeting with Reed. In a letter to him on Monday, the countries' envoys want to know if the government will support the bill. The Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill was among a list of proposed laws that went for a first reading in the House of Commons in October and the second reading will be in January. The Labour Party came into power this year, promising to eliminate hunting in the United Kingdom within five years. Southern African nations are worried that support for the ban from some animal welfare groups undermines their role as stakeholders directly impacted by hunting policies.

South African pay-TV giant MultiChoice is fighting against the Competition Commission’s ruling that its 2013 agreement with the SABC should have been declared a merger. The deal, which brought SABC channels to DStv, included a controversial clause blocking the SABC from airing its content on encrypted digital terrestrial TV platforms. MultiChoice insists the agreement was standard business practice, but critics argue it stifled competition, particularly from eMedia, the owner of free-to-air channel E-tv. At the core of the dispute is the role of encryption in South Africa’s digital TV migration. MultiChoice opposes encryption, claiming it raises costs for viewers, while advocates like eMedia say it’s essential for protecting content and fostering competition. The outcome of this legal battle could redefine how media deals are regulated in South Africa, with ripple effects for the country’s broadcasting scene.

What is Africa’s Role in the Global Food Production? According to Oluwatoba Clement Asana, Country Manager of OCP Africa-Nigeria, Africa holds 60% of the world’s arable land but produces just 10% of the global food supply. He raised this concern at the 2024 Food and Energy Security in Africa Conference in Lagos. He explained how OCP Africa is working to transform agriculture on the continent, emphasizing the importance of agro-industrial companies in driving sustainable farming practices and advancing food security in Africa.

Russia’s Roscosmos proposes building spaceports in African nations like South Africa, Algeria, and Zimbabwe as part of a broader plan to expand its global space infrastructure. These facilities, strategically placed near the equator for optimal rocket launches, are part of Russia’s bid to diversify its operations following sanctions that have cut off key markets. Alongside Africa, Southeast Asian nations are also in talks with Roscosmos, signalling a shift in Russia’s focus toward nations it describes as “friendly.” For African countries, the offer could align with their growing interest in space technology, which promises advancements in communication, agriculture, and climate monitoring. However, this partnership comes at a time of shifting geopolitics, raising questions about the motivations behind Russia’s outreach. Whether this initiative represents a leap forward for African space ambitions or a calculated move in Russia’s geopolitical strategy will depend on how these partnerships unfold.

Donna Michelle Anderson, Founder & CEO of @Korgi, shares insights and advice for founders in a conversation with Kierra Lewis and Topsy Ojo at AfroTech.

For years, Kenya has been chasing taxes like a dog chasing its tail: relying on traditional revenue sources while overlooking a golden opportunity: the wealth of its richest citizens. A new report by the National Taxpayers Association (NTA) titled "Taxing Wealth in Kenya" suggests it’s time to look up the ladder. The report claims that a carefully designed wealth tax targeting Kenya’s high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) could rake in a whopping $781 million (Sh100.75 billion) annually. Here’s the pitch: a 1.5% tax on those earning between $1–$3 million could bring in $171 million, while a 3% levy on those in the $3–$100 million bracket could generate $450 million. For the ultra-rich making over $100 million? A 5% tax could yield $160 million. Altogether, it’s about one-third of what the rejected 2024 Finance Bill hoped to raise. The NTA proposes starting small—better data collection and stronger frameworks for taxing assets like real estate and intellectual property, before rolling out a full-fledged wealth tax. They argue this approach would exempt average Kenyans and focus solely on the rich, balancing a tax system they say is currently stacked against the poor.

What’s better than staying connected? Staying connected for free. Ghana and The Gambia are teaming up to roll out a free roaming initiative, letting you call, text, and scroll without those pesky roaming charges. Whether you’re calling your cousin in Banjul or posting vacation selfies from Accra, your wallet is finally off the hook. This isn’t just about cheap calls. It’s a big deal for trade, tourism, and cross-border vibes. It’s all part of ECOWAS’ dream of a region where communication flows as freely as jollof debates. With Ghana’s Ministry of Communications and Gambia’s digital champions leading the charge, this collaboration is a win for West Africa’s digital future.

Kenya and South Africa Lead the World in Social Media Usage Kenya and South Africa lead the world in time spent on social media, according to the We Are Social 2024 report. Kenyans average 3 hours, 43 minutes daily, while South Africans spend 3 hours, 37 minutes. Nigeria ranks 5th with 3 hours and 23 minutes, following Brazil and the Philippines. Globally, the average user spends about 2.5 hours daily on social media, equal to 36.5 days per year. Younger users, especially women aged 16-24, average nearly 3 hours daily, while men aged 55-64 spend just 1.5 hours.

How to make $160M? Arrest the guy who signs the cheques. Mali has secured a $160 million settlement from Australian mining company Resolute Mining for a tax dispute. The agreement came after the company's British CEO, Terry Holohan, and two colleagues got detained while heading to Mali’s capital, Bamako, for what they thought were routine talks. Since taking power in a 2021 coup, Mali’s military government has restructured its international partnerships and introduced a new mining law. The law increases local and state ownership stakes in mining operations from 20% to 35%, reflecting its push for greater control over natural resources. Resolute, which operates a gold mine in Mali, agreed to pay $80 million immediately, with the rest to follow. Reports state that their release depended on signing the agreement and making the first payment. Mali, a leading African gold producer, has been cracking down on foreign mining companies, particularly Western firms, accusing the executives of forgery and damaging public property.