Author: Kaluka wanjala

Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) has announced it has officially started distributing electricity within Konza Technopolis. This is done through its own smart power distribution network. The move allows the technopolis to internally manage electricity distribution across Phase One of the development, a shift expected to improve reliability and operational efficiency for businesses, research institutions, investors and residential projects located within the city. The capability is powered by Konza Smart Energy, an intelligent energy platform designed to support digital infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and industrial activity within the technology hub often referred to as Africa’s Silicon Savannah. Konza’s new energy distribution…

The National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) and the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) have signed the Kigali Declaration on Fintech License Passporting. This is a new framework designed to make it easier for fintech companies and payment service providers to operate across both markets. The agreement was signed by Soraya Hakuziyaremye, Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda and Gerald Nyaoma, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, on March 11 on the sidelines of the Inclusive FinTech Forum 2026. The declaration seeks to reduce regulatory barriers for fintech companies expanding between the two countries by introducing a license…

Tich App has launched a mobile-first marketplace that connects urban youth with short-term, gig and informal work opportunities. The platform allows users to find, apply for and manage on-demand jobs. It does this while introducing transparency, basic worker protections, referrals and guidance on simple contract terms. Tich aim to increase earnings, diversify skills and expand the professional networks for youths in Kenya. If you have a startup you want featured on TechArena, let us know through this contact form here. Tich will pilot its services in Nairobi and Mombasa over the next 30–60 days, supported by FasterCapital’s EquityPilot program, which provides execution coaching,…

Safaricom says its mobile money platform M‑PESA has reached 40 million customers in Kenya.  M-PESA has evolved over the years from a simple person-to-person money transfer tool into a broader digital financial platform used daily by millions of Kenyans. Today the service supports a wide range of financial activities including savings, credit, investments, and merchant payments. “Our goal is to give Kenyans, and Africa at large, digital financial tools to empower them to be more prosperous. Reaching 40 million monthly active customers in Kenya is a milestone we celebrate, as we recommit to enable every Kenyan to transact safely, grow…

KCB Group has reported KES 68.4 billion in profit after tax for the financial year ended 2025. The bank highlighted continued growth in digital banking and regional operations. Speaking during the bank’s FY2025 financial results announcement, Paul Russo, Group CEO, revealed that 99% of transactions by number are now conducted through non-branch channels, reflecting the growing role of mobile, agency and other digital banking platforms across Kenya and the wider region. The lender currently serves 34 million customers, including 23 million on digital channels, supported by a network of 1.3 million agents and merchants, 456 branches, and 1,249 ATMs. Digital…

Nutanix recently partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Datamellon to host an executive technology workshop in Lagos. The workshop focused on hybrid cloud adoption, artificial intelligence (AI) and the future architecture of enterprise IT platforms. Discussions centered on how organisations can modernise IT infrastructure while unlocking greater value from data and AI-driven insights. According to Tunde Abagun, Sales Lead for West, East and Central Africa at Nutanix, African enterprises are increasingly moving beyond basic cloud adoption toward building more resilient digital platforms capable of supporting innovation and growth. “Africa’s enterprise technology landscape is entering a new phase where organisations…

Liquid C2 has announced its partnership with CyberCoach, the only privacy-first AI and cyber security training and compliance platform. Through this partnership, Liquid C2 is further strengthening its cyber security portfolio with an AI-powered security awareness and training platform designed to help organisations reduce human risk. “The African digital transformation market is expected to reach 15.62% CAGR over 2026-2031. This statistic highlights the exponential growth the continent will see in the next few years; however, it also means that without the necessary cyber security guardrails in place, cyberattacks will grow unchecked. With a strategic partner like CyberCoach, LiquidC2 can help…

MTN Zambia has successfully completed Africa’s first field testing of Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite service. MTN Zambia said the tests included the transmission of the first data session and a fintech transaction using MTN’s licensed spectrum and Starlink’s satellite constellation. The tests demonstrate how satellite-to-phone connectivity could extend network coverage to areas where traditional terrestrial mobile infrastructure is unavailable. The technology will allow customers to access services such as voice, video and data through supported applications even in remote areas. Early use cases are expected to include WhatsApp voice and video calls, access to the MoMo App and MyMTN App, as…

Absa Group has partnered with global payments company Thunes to launch Absa Global Pay, a new digital-first remittance solution designed to make sending money across borders faster, simpler and more affordable for customers across Africa. The service enables Absa customers to send funds directly from the bank’s digital platforms with real-time settlement to multiple international destinations. In its initial rollout, the platform supports transfers to six markets, the United Kingdom, Kenya, India, Malawi, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe. With Absa Global Pay, customers can initiate transfers through the Absa Banking App or through the bank’s online banking platform. Recipients receive funds through…

Gebeya has announced a strategic partnership with European domain registrar InterNetX to enable domain registration directly within its platforms, allowing African entrepreneurs, freelancers and small businesses to purchase domains using local payment methods. The integration will embed InterNetX’s AutoDNS domain platform inside Gebeya’s ecosystem. This includes the Jitume AI service marketplace and the Dala Studio creator platform. Users will be able to search, purchase and manage domains without needing international credit cards or paying in foreign currencies. Domain ownership across Africa is still low compared to other markets. Many entrepreneurs face challenges purchasing domains as most global registrars require payments…