Author: Kaluka wanjala

Kenyan ISP, Mawingu, has announced that it is expanding to Tanzania with the acquisition of Habari, an Arusha-based ISP with operations across 7 regions in Tanzania. Mawingu has raised KSh 1.9 Billion ($15 million) of debt and equity financing to enable this expansion into East Africa. This is in addition to the Ksh 1.12 billion the ISP received back in 2023. Habari has been in operation for over 25 years delivering Internet and ICT solutions to rural households and businesses across Tanzania. Through this acquisition, Mawingu will be able to accelerate the availability of its service in areas that have…

Family Bank Group’s Profit Before Tax for the nine months of 2024 grew by 8 per cent to KES 3.26 billion, up from KES 3.02 billion in the same period last year. This growth was driven by a significant increase in income across various revenue streams. Total interest income surged by 29% to KES 14.6 billion, buoyed by a 20% rise in income from loans and advances, which reached KES 10.6 billion. The loan book expanded by 11.3% to KES 94.2 billion. Our investments in government securities yielded more with a resultant 65% jump in interest income attributable to higher…

LG Electronics (LG) has announced a series of organizational changes and executive appointments following the approval of its board of directors. This restructuring aims to accelerate the company’s mid- to long-term strategy, “Future Vision 2030,” by enhancing inter-organizational synergy and innovating its business portfolio. The restructuring focuses on regrouping LG’s business operation units to maximize the potential of existing businesses, strengthen platform-based service operations, accelerate B2B initiatives and secure new growth engines in promising sectors. These changes are designed to enhance efficiency through the strategic selection and concentration of capabilities, thereby creating greater synergy between businesses and bolstering future competitiveness.…

Kenya Airways (KQ) has been awarded Africa’s Best Airline Website 2024 and Africa’s Best Airline App 2024 at the 4th Annual World Travel Tech Awards. KQ’s website was recognized for its user-friendly design and intuitive features, ensuring that travelers can access comprehensive, up-to-date information at their fingertips. The recently revamped website includes a price histogram to help customers make informed booking decisions, inspirational travel deals, a trip planner for easy destination selection, and a responsive mobile interface. KQ’s award-winning airline app stood out for its ease of use and features that simplify customers’ travel. From booking to pre-departure services, the app integrates innovative functionalities that…

ariika has announced the successful conclusion of its Series A extension equity round of $3 million, led by Beltone Venture Capital, a subsidiary of Beltone Financial Holding and UAE-based investment group Citadel International Holdings. This strategic investment marks a significant milestone for ariika to accelerate its growth trajectory locally and regionally. It also serves as a testament to ariika’s robust performance, achieving over 3x year-over-year (YOY) sales growth on a USD basis, with strong and sustainable profitability. ariika is transforming a USD20 billion home and décor industry in MENA, growing at a compounded annual growth rate (“CAGR”) of approximately 10%…

Binance today announced the appointment of key compliance and investigations hires as it continues to expand its compliance program and staff amid the industry and company’s rapid maturation. Binance expects to increase its compliance staff to 645 employees by the end of the year, which is a 34 percent growth between November 2023 and the end of 2024. As of today, we employ over 1,000 compliance staff and contractors. Todd McElduff, former PayPal executive, joins as Enterprise Compliance Director Recent compliance hires include Todd McElduff, who joins Binance as its Enterprise Compliance Director. The Enterprise Compliance team at Binance is…

Hotpoint Appliances have today unveiled a festive-season campaign, running until January 12, 2025, that will allow buyers of LG products to win exciting prizes, including a KES1 million grand prize, home makeovers or a trip for two to Malaysia. The campaign, titled Win A Million, ushers in the end-year festivities, during which buyers of LG products will enjoy discounts ranging from 5% to 45% on select items. “The campaign is part of Hotpoint Appliances’ commitment to providing quality, innovation, and value to its customers, ensuring they can celebrate the season in style,” said Hotpoint’s Managing Director, Shailesh Kanani. During the campaign,…

Qara has announced the successful completion of its $2.6 million funding round, led by strategic investors. This funding will drive the company’s expansion into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), supported by the National Technology Development Program’s (NTDP) Relocate Initiative, which offers a range of attractive incentives and support elements, ensuring a smooth and efficient incorporation into the Kingdom’s thriving tech ecosystem. Qara’s unique features provide producers with a seamless, end-to-end digital ecosystem allowing them to authenticate and trace their products all the way to the end consumers, connect with the whole supply chain, and use AI to make data-driven…

MediaTek and RIOT Network, a community mobile broadband provider in South Africa, have announced the successful integration of Mediatek’s Filogic 830 chipset into RIOT’s second-generation CROWDNet Core Nodes. The successful deployment of the CROWDNet nodes has enabled RIOT Network to achieve its aim of offering uncapped internet at an affordable price of R99 per month, and to do so profitably. To date, RIOT Network, in partnership with Sonke Telecommunications, has leveraged the nodes to connect more than 800 households and 5000 users in Olievenhoutbosch to uncapped Wi-Fi services. RIOT Network aims to make fast, unlimited Wi-Fi services accessible for people in townships and…

Yesterday, OPPO officially unveiled its latest smartphone, the Find X8 Series. The company also introduced ColorOS 15. “Until now, flagship camera phones with ultra-zoom, power, battery life and AI tools have been weighed down by thick, heavy designs, but Find X8 Series changes the game. Find X8 is a thin and light powerhouse with ultra-beating battery life and a periscope zoom. Find X8 Pro takes zoom further, delivering ultra-grade experiences without the bulk. And with ColorOS 15’s smart and smooth experience, Find X8 Series is set to mark an exciting shift for the smartphone industry,” said Pete Lau, SVP and…