This year’s Pitchfest took place at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit on November 10, 2024, in Kigali, Rwanda, where five remarkable startup founders had the opportunity to pitch their solutions to an eager audience to win a share of 110 million Rwandan francs (approx. UGX293,582,853) in grants.

With solutions ranging from assistive devices made of recycled materials to accessible healthcare technology, this year’s finalists—Sinc, Geuza, Afya Wave, Clenville, and Life Line Africa—demonstrated the transformative power of tech-driven solutions to address critical challenges in Africa.

Hanga Pitchfest isn’t just a competition; it’s an incubator for Africa’s brightest minds and tech-driven solutions. By bringing together investors, business leaders, and key industry players, the competition provides an opportunity for startups to gain financial support, secure partnerships, and exposure. This holistic approach is aimed at empowering the next generation of tech entrepreneurs who are dedicated to solving social, environmental, and economic issues.

Since its inception, the Pitchfest has become a highly anticipated event, celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship in Africa and paving the way for startups to secure the resources needed to grow their businesses. It is a key component of Rwanda’s national vision to foster digital innovation and economic resilience, offering a launchpad for innovations designed for Africa by Africans.

This year’s Hanga Pitchfest took place within the YouthConnekt Africa Summit, adding a layer of significance to the competition. The Summit is an annual gathering that brings together young people from across Africa to engage in discussions, networking, and showcases of youth-led initiatives. It was the perfect setting for this year’s Pitchfest, uniting young innovators with a shared vision of an empowered, self-sustaining Africa.

Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa while expressing her optimism said, “Today fills me with hope, seeing young innovators sharing powerful solutions for challenges like disability inclusion, waste management, and maternal healthcare. With their ideas and passion, our future is truly in great hands.”

Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the progress made over the past three days that the competition was happening. “I’m thrilled to have you all here today as we celebrate innovators, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers of our society,” she said. “Over the past three days, we’ve witnessed young people daring to dream, coming together to shape the future they deserve, empowered by the skills they bring.”

The 2024 Hanga Pitchfest showcased five startups, each with a unique mission to address a specific challenge facing Africa today. These startups demonstrated the diversity of African innovation and the potential for scalable solutions that can impact millions across the continent.

1. Sinc: Revolutionizing event management

Sinc, which emerged as the overall winner and took home 50 million Rwf (approx. UGX133.4 million), aims to transform the events industry through an all-in-one platform designed to enhance event discovery and management. With Sinc, event organizers and attendees alike benefit from a streamlined experience that simplifies the coordination of large-scale events. The platform addresses logistical and operational challenges commonly faced in the events industry, offering a comprehensive solution that integrates ticketing, scheduling, and audience engagement.

This innovation reflects a growing demand for tech-driven platforms that can cater to Africa’s growing creative and event-planning industries.

2. Geuza: Eco-friendly assistive devices

Second-place winner Geuza Limited is making a significant impact in the lives of people with disabilities by creating affordable assistive devices from recycled electronic waste. Geuza’s products, which include crutches, walkers, and prosthetics, are eco-friendly and tailored to meet the needs of individuals across low-income regions of Africa. By repurposing electronic waste, Geuza addresses two critical issues: environmental sustainability and accessibility for people with disabilities.

The 20 million Rwf (approx. UGX53.37 million)prize will help Geuza expand its operations and improve accessibility for people who might otherwise be left behind.

3. Afya Wave: Bringing sonographic services to underserved communities

Afya Wave, which placed third and received a grant of 15 million Rwf (approx. UGX40.03 million), is tackling the healthcare gap in East Africa with low-cost, medical-grade ultrasound devices. The startup’s portable devices are designed to bring essential sonographic services to mothers in remote and underserved areas, offering a critical resource for prenatal care.

By lowering the cost of ultrasound technology, Afya Wave is improving maternal healthcare and reducing health disparities in areas that lack access to traditional medical facilities. The technology holds the potential to save countless lives, particularly in regions where medical imaging services are scarce or unaffordable.

4. Clenville Ltd: Transforming plastic waste management

Clenville, awarded 12.5 million Rwf (approx. UGX33.36 million), is focused on reimagining waste management through its “We Collect” app, an innovation that incentivizes users to segregate recyclables. By encouraging proper waste disposal and recycling, Clenville aims to tackle the inefficiencies in Africa’s waste management systems. The platform leverages digital technology to connect waste generators with collectors, creating a system that not only reduces environmental pollution but also creates economic opportunities for local communities. Clenville’s solution could significantly reduce the continent’s plastic waste problem, promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship.

5. Life Line Africa: Enhancing access to emergency medications

Life Line Africa, which also received 12.5 million Rwf (approx. UGX33.36 million), has developed a software platform designed to improve access to emergency medications across Africa. The platform integrates both in-house and third-party insurance services, as well as an outpatient drug tracking system, ensuring that patients can access vital medications when they need them most.

Life Line Africa’s focus on emergency healthcare could help address issues of drug shortages and limited access to life-saving medications, particularly in rural areas. This innovation has the potential to transform healthcare delivery in underserved regions, providing a reliable lifeline for those in need.

Beyond the monetary awards, Hanga Pitchfest will provide startups with invaluable opportunities to connect with potential investors, collaborators, and mentors. By elevating the visibility of these startups, Hanga Pitchfest helps bridge the gap between promising entrepreneurs and the resources necessary to bring their ideas to life. For young founders, the experience of pitching to a large, diverse audience provides exposure and confidence essential for navigating the competitive world of tech entrepreneurship.

“What founders receive at the Grand Finale is just a drop in the ocean of what they need to scale their businesses. Through our one-year program of business development and acceleration, we connect them with funders who provide essential capital, enabling them to reach the next stage, secure their first clients, and ultimately scale,” said Hon. Minister, Ingabire.

Hanga Pitchfest competition is a testament to Rwanda’s commitment to becoming a tech hub on the African continent. The event aligns with Rwanda’s vision to foster an ecosystem where digital innovation thrives and can contribute to socio-economic development. By investing in homegrown tech solutions, Rwanda is inspiring neighboring nations to follow suit, creating a regional movement toward self-sufficiency and tech-enabled development.

As Hanga Pitchfest continues to grow, so does the potential for African innovation. The startups showcased this year are part of a larger movement of young Africans harnessing technology to address local and global challenges. From healthcare and waste management to disability inclusion and digital platforms, these innovators are proving that Africa has the talent, vision, and drive to contribute meaningfully to the world’s tech landscape.

The Hanga Pitchfest and similar initiatives will play a crucial role in nurturing Africa’s tech ecosystem, ensuring that African entrepreneurs have access to the funding, mentorship, and partnerships they need. The future of Africa lies in the hands of these bold, creative problem-solvers who are building solutions that have the potential to reshape industries, improve lives, and inspire a new generation of innovators.

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This serves as a validation of Safaricom’s dedication to safeguarding customer data across its GSM and M-PESA services. It confirms that the company adheres to globally accepted regulatory and technical standards in the implementation of privacy management systems.

This milestone complements Safaricom’s existing certifications in Information Security Management Systems (ISO 27001 – ISMS) and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS version 4.0)

The assessment conducted by BSI took into account various critical elements related to Safaricom’s operations, including effective system controls for the protection of personal information, implementation of relevant policies including the Data Protection Policy.

Other areas covered included crucial systems such as the Customer Relationship Management, IP Contact Centre, Tibco, Converged Billing System, Voucher Management System, M-PESA G2, M-PESA Statement Portal, M-PESA Super App, MySafaricom App, and the M-PESA business App.

“I would like to applaud the dedicated cross-functional teams whose tireless efforts have made this achievement possible. The attainment of the PIMS certification reaffirms our ongoing commitment to continuously improve our privacy and security measures, ensuring we provide exceptional experiences for our customers while safeguarding their private information,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom in a press statement.

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Launched on the M-PESA For Business Super App, the partnership marks M-PESA’s drive to expand its suite of services for the 650,000 users registered for its business till number, and over 50 million monthly active users across several African countries. With tappi becoming one of the first mini apps to feature on M-PESA For Business, the startup will deliver a subsidized package equipping M-PESA’s merchants to build their online presence, capture verified reviews, and strengthen engagement with an expanded customer base. 

For KSH1,350 (approximately USD$11), merchants will receive access to a free webpage, 50 SMS/WhatsApp reviews, which will be integrated into the merchant’s websites, as well as 250 Bulk SMS Marketing Credits. As part of the collaboration, M-PESA Ratiba, a new automated solution allowing M-PESA users to automate their online payments, has also been included in the tappi mini app, enabling business owners to seamlessly pay their monthly subscriptions without disruptions. 

Kenfield Griffith, CEO and Co-Founder of tappi said they are proud to partner with one of the most innovative telcos in the market, and firmly believe this will be the first of many steps in their shared mission for MSMEs to not only become active but thriving participants in the digital economy.

Kenfield also noted that the partnership is a significant milestone for tappi and a huge endorsement of the value Safaricom and tappi look to generate for MSMEs across Kenya. “With over 35 million subscribers, M-PESA has long established itself as the engine through which millions of local entrepreneurs handle their transactions, and with many of these businesses constantly looking for new customers, our tools will be a crucial springboard in driving them to achieve this within an online setting,” he elaborated.

Targeted to reach at least 300,000 M-PESA for Business app users, the partnership has officially launched with an initial cohort of over 250 M-PESA For Business app users across the food, fashion, health, and beauty sectors throughout Kenya. tappi’s solutions will build on the M-PESA For Business app’s existing functionalities which include viewing collections, statements, and payments as well as transacting directly from the M-PESA till number. 

Safaricom’s CEO, Peter Ndegwa said, “We are happy to onboard tappi as our first mini-app partner on the M-PESA Business app. This partnership seeks to empower our merchants with affordable and innovative tools and capabilities to grow their businesses.” Adding “We look forward to driving financial inclusion through building the capacities of small and medium-sized businesses, enhancing customer experience thus contributing to the Kenyan economy.”

tappi’s collaboration with Safaricom marks the latest in a series of moves over the last 12 months to capture Africa’s USD$20 billion (approx. KSH2.59 trillion) market to bridge the digital divide for the continent’s MSMEs. In May 2024, the startup signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry to drive digital services for 30,000 Kenyan MSMEs. This followed its expansion to Cote d’Ivoire in March 2024 in partnership with MTN, whom tappi has also partnered with across its additional market, Nigeria. 

With a 90% retention rate and a 1.5-month payback period since its inception in 2019, the platform has captured verified reviews on USD$3.4 million (approx. KSH439.8 million) consumer transactions, and engaged with over 180,000 consumers to date, underscoring its commitment to driving digital inclusion and supporting MSMEs across Africa. 

According to USAID (US Agency for International Development), MSMEs generate nearly a third of Kenya’s total GDP. However, despite their significant economic impact, numerous businesses still face significant hurdles in establishing a trusted online presence. This is primarily due to current tools being too complex, the requirements for an international credit card, or the listing of websites in places where trust is difficult to gauge, establishing significant hurdles to access and convert new customers. 

Through its powerful end-to-end digital commerce stack, tappi addresses these challenges by facilitating a seamless online business profile creation process through an intuitive chat experience. Leveraging payments, messaging, and AI, the platform is quickly establishing itself as the SEO backbone to boost revenue for MSMEs across Africa, helping businesses gain visibility, consolidate payments with verified reviews to build online trust, and pay for online Ads with mobile airtime. 

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ZEISS has been developing the most advanced imaging technologies, some of which are breakthroughs for photography and cinematography. As an imaging pioneer, ZEISS inspires generations to see beyond, enabling countless iconic images —from Oscar-winning films to humanity’s first steps on the moon.

The collaboration between vivo and ZEISS will bring an outstanding imaging system to vivo V40, empowering users to capture high-quality visuals with sophistication. The groundbreaking ZEISS All Main Camera brings the refinement of a pro-level cinematic look and feel into your pocket.

James Irungu, Vivo Kenya Brand and Communications, said that since the end of 2020, Vivo has embarked on a global strategic partnership in imaging innovation with ZEISS. “Our collaboration encompasses in-depth research and development, joint product creation, and cultural branding efforts,” he said —adding “Now, V series users can also enjoy the thrill of professional portrait creation as the collaboration between vivo and ZEISS extends to V40, bringing top-tier mobile photography capabilities to a wider audience than ever before.”

The latest vivo V40, co-engineered with ZEISS, exemplifies Vivo’s persistent pursuit of professional portrait photography.

Vivo is continuously raising the standard for smartphone portrait photography tracks, aiming to provide every user with cinematic quality for personal creation and expression in the mobile imaging era. V40 will incorporate the ZEISS Cinematic Portrait Video feature to elevate users’ mobile videography experience to new heights.

With ZEISS Focus Transition and ZEISS Cinematic Video Bokeh, users can expect to capture professional-grade videos with stunning bokeh effects and smooth focus transitions with ease. V40 will introduce ZEISS Style Bokeh, which adds portraits with a distinct character, unlocking a world of creative possibilities and professional-grade results.

Furthermore, vivo remains committed to exploring the boundaries of smartphone portrait photography, driven by a determination to empower users to capture stunning portraits. A hallmark of the V series, the Aura Light Portrait has been completely revamped in the upcoming V40, delivering a brighter Aura Light for improved illumination. V40 is set to introduce AI 3D Studio Lighting, a feature that utilizes advanced AI algorithms for 3D facial light recognition. This technology enhances lighting in challenging conditions, providing precise illumination to shadowy areas and creating an even, three-dimensional effect.

Beyond advanced imaging capabilities, V40 will redefine perceptions of stylish slim smartphones. The phone will come in captivating color options; Moonlight White, and Stellar Silver, and according to the company, it will allow users to showcase their style effortlessly.

The V40 is equipped with a 5,500 mAh battery offering long-lasting power and challenging the traditional notion that large-capacity batteries result in bulky devices. V40 is backed by 80W FlashCharge for rapid recharges. The actual charging power is dynamically adjusted as the scenario changes, and subject to actual use.

The phone has been tested under controlled laboratory conditions and is rated as IP68 and IP69 under IEC standard 60529. The resistance to splashes, water and dust is not permanent and may be reduced due to daily use.

The phone will be launched on October 14th in the Kenyan market. “The Vivo V40 is about to debut, and this revolutionary device will transform how you record life, empowering everyone to become the director of their own story,” said Irungu.

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United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J Mohammed, who is co-chair of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data’s Board congratulated Kenya and the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data on bringing together the global community to accelerate progress to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals.

He said, “Reliable data is crucial to digital transformations and AI technologies.”

The announcement demonstrates Kenya’s leadership in data, tech, and artificial intelligence —fast becoming known as the Silicon Savannah.

The ever-changing and expanding data ecosystem is ripe for innovation, making international dialogue and cooperation more important than ever.

The Global Data Festival will be organized with the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data and is expected to welcome over 3,000+ domestic and international delegates. The festival will foster new partnerships, and provide a platform for critical debate, peer exchange, and learning.

See also: Efoods trade to join tens of other African startups at the 2024 Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal

The post President Ruto: Kenya is Proud to Host the Global Data Festival in May 2026 appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Starlink, a division of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, was designed to address one of the most pressing global challenges: the lack of reliable internet in rural and underdeveloped areas. Using a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, Starlink delivers high-speed internet even in locations where traditional infrastructure like fiber-optic cables is non-existent or too costly to deploy.

The arrival of Starlink in Burundi represents a significant step forward in bridging the digital divide in Africa. For a nation with large rural populations and limited internet connectivity, satellite internet service will revolutionize everything including government services, education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and business & commerce, etc.

Burundi, like many African nations, has for so long faced challenges with internet access, particularly in rural and remote areas. The country’s internet penetration rate remains relatively low, leaving millions of Burundians without consistent access to the online world —which severely hampers economic growth, communication, and access to vital services such as education and telemedicine —thus Starlink becomes a solution to this challenge.

With Burundi as the 15th African country to receive Starlink services after Zimbabwe who received the service early this month —reflects SpaceX’s growing footprint in Africa. This expansion aligns with Musk’s vision to make high-speed internet accessible to everyone across the globe, particularly to people in [rural] areas where traditional service providers such as cable, or fiber have struggled to gain a foothold.

Other African countries where Starlink is available include Benin, Botswana, Eswatini, Ghana, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Kenya, Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. By the end of 2024, SpaceX is expected to expand Starlink to even more African nations [according to the map, 12 countries], driven by the strong demand for affordable, reliable internet on the continent.

While the introduction of Starlink in Burundi is promising, there are still challenges to overcome —one major hurdle being the cost. While Starlink is more affordable than building extensive ground infrastructure, it will still be out of reach for many Burundians, particularly in the lower-income brackets. However, there could be possibilities for subsidies or partnerships with local governments to make the service more accessible and affordable to everyone.

Additionally, there is a need for local knowledge and skills to manage and maintain the Starlink equipment. Installing Starlink dishes and ensuring their proper functioning will require trained personnel, presenting an opportunity for job creation and skill development in tech-related fields.

Also read:

• • OP-ED: Starlink’s African invasion, a revolution or a recipe for ruin?
  • OP-ED: Bridging Africa’s digital divide the jumia-starlink way
  • OP-ED: Starlink in Africa is a dream of connectivity amidst reality

Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, some leaders from African nations took the opportunity to meet with Elon Musk to attract investment to their countries.

“On the margins of the UN General Assembly, I held a meeting with Elon Musk, Founder of SpaceX, Tesla Motors, and Starlink to discuss investment opportunities in Namibia’s technology sector,” H.E. Nangolo Mbumba, President of Nambia wrote in a post on X. “I encouraged Elon to assist our efforts to bridge the digital gap.”

Musk also met with Hon. Sam Matekane, Prime Minister of The Kingdom of Lesotho, to explore the possibility of introducing Starlink to the country

“Today, I had the pleasure of meeting with Elon Musk to discuss advancing connectivity in Lesotho,” said Matekane in a post on X. “We are committed to exploring innovative solutions to improve internet access and bridge the digital divide for our people. Exciting developments lie ahead.”

Musk also met with South African President H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa and discussed opportunities for him to “invest back home”. According to some reports, Ramaphosa told Musk that South Africans have complained about Starlink not being available in the country to which Musk responded that the service is still waiting for regulatory approval.

According to Starlink’s availability map, Nambia and The Kingdom of Lesotho are expected to have Starlink before the end of 2024 while South Africa’s date is still unknown.

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“Cyber-criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and we are constantly investing in innovative solutions aimed at keeping pace with these ever-evolving threats and assuring customers that their systems are secure,” said Adil El Youssefi, Chief Executive Officer of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Rest of Africa in a press statement. “Our Cyber Security Fusion Centres provide the perfect platform from which to manage these risks for our customers.”

Compliance support is also an essential element of any cyber security strategy, and the new offering enables Liquid to assist businesses in meeting local and international regulatory requirements, with the ability to customize solutions to fit any compliance landscape, and regional data protection laws.

Liquid is uniquely positioned to deliver these solutions across the East African region by leveraging its local infrastructure and cloud expertise. The company’s Azure stacks in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda businesses can remain compliant with local regulations while accessing world-class cloud and security services. Supporting this, its Cyber Security Fusion Centres provide enterprise and SME customers with tailored support across cyber security, cloud, and networks for end-to-end security.

See also: OP-ED: Microsoft Azure Stack, a game changer for Ugandan businesses and enterprises

With these new solutions to the existing portfolio, including DDoS Mitigation, Virtual CISO, and Managed Security Services, Liquid Intelligent Technologies can help its customers manage and safeguard their cyber assets more effectively, while offering proactive threat detection and preventing cyberattacks.

With the rate at which digital transformation is advancing, companies need to upgrade their cybersecurity strategies regularly.

The post Liquid Intelligent Technologies is Strengthening Cybersecurity For East African Businesses appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

This high-speed route and the upgrades to the existing routes between Kenya and Uganda enhance digital connectivity while supporting several other East African countries with greater efficiency and reliable regional connectivity. This expansion allows Liquid to offer its customers 99.99% uptime availability of services between Mombasa and the Uganda border, further solidifying its role as a leader in the region’s digital transformation.

“This expansion is aligned with Liquid’s vision of a digitally connected Africa that leaves no one behind. The improved connectivity provided by this route, complementing our existing routes to the Uganda border, will support critical business sectors across the region, providing reliable, high-capacity networks essential for digital transformation and economic development,” Adil El Youssefi, CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Rest of Africa said in a press statement.

Youssefi added, “Liquid’s investment also complements the Kenyan government’s digital transformation initiatives, contributing the infrastructure and connectivity needed to develop digital superhighways.”

Kenya is emerging as a leading digital and connectivity hub in East Africa, with multiple undersea cable providers docking at the port of Mombasa. Liquid’s new fibre route complements its existing terrestrial fibre routes, rapidly expanding data traffic and further boosting the region’s connectivity capabilities.

See also: Communications Authority of Kenya to spur innovation and uptake of new tech, says Director General David Mugonyi

Using advanced technology, the new fibre route carries several terabits of data, making it a scalable option to meet the needs of Liquid’s retail, home, enterprise, and wholesaler customers. It also positions Liquid’s East African operations well to support international hyperscalers entering the African market seeking to access Africa’s opportunities and growth.

The route’s increased capacity strengthens both land and undersea networks, adding extra protection to keep services running smoothly, even in the event of disruptions. Liquid monitors the route closely to ensure uninterrupted service.

With over 110,000km of fibre networks, Liquid remains committed to enabling a connected Africa that fuels innovation, drives economic growth, and fosters socio-economic development.

Liquid’s ongoing investment in fibre network infrastructure is another clear demonstration of its dedication to advancing technology and innovation across Africa and empowering communities to embrace the digital future.

See also: Fibre internet is the next big thing in Uganda, says network expert

The post Liquid Intelligent Technologies Boosts Kenya-Uganda 1,300km Fibre network appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

“If we are to truly make the digital transition, we cannot be laggards in the adoption of emerging technologies, that have the potential to turn around our fortunes, spur connectivity, and power our digital economy,” said Mugonyi at the launch of a multi-million-shilling long-distance fibre network from Mombasa to Malaba by Bayobab Kenya.

Mugonyi also cited the ongoing review of the legal and regulatory frameworks as a proactive step towards ensuring the Authority is responsive to the emerging issues in the sector and enabling access for all, facilitating the growth of ICT enterprises and the spread of innovation.

The long-distance fibre connects over 1,000 kilometers, and runs along the Kenya Railway’s metre gauge railway line, providing Internet connectivity to towns along the route. Internet service providers looking at expanding or boosting connectivity in the areas along the route will be able to leverage the new fibre infrastructure as an efficient high-capacity backbone.

See also: Safaricom hits 1,000+ 5G Sites, expands coverage across all Kenyan counties

The long-distance fibre runs up to the border of Kenya and Uganda where it interconnects into Uganda for onward connectivity to Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) thus, revolutionizing connectivity and boosting reliability in this vital region.

Mugonyi noted that broadband is the definitive digital investment for digital development, as it is the essential component of the Digital Superhighway, the government’s programme for accelerating ubiquitous access to broadband in the country.

“Today, Bayobab presents to us and the market their solution for enhancing connectivity across Kenya and at the same time strike a blow for digital progress and prosperity,” said Mugonyi —adding “Kenyans are innovative and enterprising, and with relevant infrastructure and solutions, they are able to thrive in the digital economy and boost efforts at narrowing the digital divide.”

The Director General said that eliminating the digital divide is the hurdle, the task that the Authority must surmount, and their capacity to deliver Kenya’s digital promise and broadband is at the heart of meeting their national need for digital access.

Bayobab Kenya’s Managing Director, Ms. Sylvia Anampiu, expressed her pride regarding the project underscoring the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of telecommunications infrastructure through ambitious programmes of building 135,000km of proprietary fibre across Africa by 2025.

”This project is about connecting communities and businesses, creating opportunities, and delivering a modern connected life to more people across the continent. We are confident that this initiative will be a game-changer for connectivity in Kenya and beyond,” said Anampiu.

See also: ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin applauds Uganda’s digital transformation roadmap

This new route represents a significant milestone in boosting reliability and ensuring low-latency connectivity inland and cross-border between the East and West coasts of Africa, a vital step towards enhancing the digital economy, trade, and economic growth within the region. It will also link landlocked countries to subsea cables at the port of Mombasa using the shortest route and provide a unique route to protect and strengthen services for Bayobab Kenya’s existing and new customers.

Bayobab Kenya is part of the Bayobab Group, the digital infrastructure business arm of MTN Group.

Through the Universal Service Fund, CAK plays an integral role in supporting the Kenyan government’s agenda of expanding digital connectivity through enhancing access to communications services, particularly in underserved and unserved communities.

Over the last five years the CAK, through the Universal Service Fund (USF), has connected over 750,000 people across 136 sub-locations in 24 counties to network services. The ongoing second phase of the project targets 101 sub-locations with two more phases to follow targeting 400 sub-locations across the country.

The Authority in supporting the realization of the Kenyan government’s digital transformation agenda is partnering with the ICT Authority to deploy 2,500km of last-mile fibre connectivity across 19 counties at a cost of KSh5 billion. So far, 1,300km of fibre has been deployed across Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu, Marsabit, Mandera, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale, Kitui, Laikipia, Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, and Narok.

In the second phase of this initiative, the Authority is collaborating with Kenya Power to connect 3,800 public offices and institutions across the country to the Internet. Other programmes in the pipeline include the establishment of 47 ICT Centres of Excellence in all Counties and 1,450 ICT hubs in every Ward, to be delivered in partnership with the Konza Technopolis Development Authority.

See also: NITA ED, Dr. Hatwib Mugasa commissions the “Last Mile Project” of the NBI

The post David Mugonyi: Communications Authority of Kenya to Spur Innovation and Uptake of New Tech appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

“We are honored to host this year’s conference,” said Nico TSHINTU BAKAJIKA, President of the ISPA DRC.

AfPIF will provide participants with global and regional insights to maximize opportunities to help grow resilient Internet infrastructure and affordable services in Africa.

Organized by the Internet Society (ISOC) and the African IXP Association (AFIX) in collaboration with the Internet Service Providers Association of DRC, the conference features more than 500 participants representing companies across Africa and globally, including Meta, Amazon, Netflix, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, the Internet Initiative Japan Lab, among others.

See also: Uganda becomes 5th African Nation where Liquid Intelligent Technologies is deploying Microsoft Azure Stack

AfPIF was created to address the fact that most of Africa’s local Internet traffic is exchanged outside the continent. This results in slower speeds and increased costs. In the 14 years since its launch, Internet traffic exchanged within Africa has gone from 160 Mbps to over 4.6 Tbps. Key to this growth is the use of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs). IXPs interconnect private, public, and academic networks, allowing them to exchange traffic locally. This improves the quality of service, makes local hosting viable, lowers the cost of service delivery, and increases fault tolerance.

“The importance of IXPs in contributing to the development of the Internet in Africa cannot be overstated,” states Nico TSHINTU BAKAJIKA. “We now have three IXPs in DRC that help provide fast, affordable Internet access to over 30.017.072 people.”

Kyle Spencer, Board Chair and Executive Director of the African IXP Association (AfIX) said, the Democratic Republic of Congo a market of 100 million people that borders nine countries and the Atlantic Ocean, is on the verge of a digital transformation. He remarks “New cross-border backbone, metro fiber, and data center infrastructure are poised to bring DRC online and enhance regional integration which will improve livelihoods, facilitate commerce, and promote cultural exchange.”

AfPIF is an annual conference that aims to promote the development of national and cross-border interconnection and offers the African technical community a unique opportunity to showcase interconnection challenges and opportunities.

This year’s conference is relevant to Uganda as it will focus on recent developments in DRC including new cross-border backbones which offer inland connectivity to West and Southern Africa as well as DRC’s market of approximately 100 million people.

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