Author: Gugu Lourie
Clickatell, a trailblazer in “chat commerce” based in South Africa, has introduced artificial intelligence tools designed for crafting tailored conversations. Leveraging natural-language processing, Clickatell AI adeptly understands the intent behind customer inquiries. The incorporation of generative AI enables the provision of substantial and valuable interactions. By employing artificial intelligence and messaging, this conversational AI solution enhances customer engagement and fosters robust relationships through the facilitation of personalized conversations. Clickatell AI employs natural language processing (NLP) to comprehend the intent behind customer inquiries, coupled with generative AI to offer meaningful and valuable conversational interactions that evolve over time. Seamlessly integrated into…
Eskom has revealed a groundbreaking achievement with the inauguration of the largest Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in South Africa, marking a milestone not only for the country but for the entire African continent. The official unveiling took place at the Hex BESS site in Worcester, located in the Western Cape, yesterday. The completion of the Hex BESS marks a significant milestone as the inaugural project within Eskom’s flagship BESS initiative, announced in July 2022 to address the strain on the national electricity grid. This strategic response aims to tackle South Africa’s persistent electricity challenges by augmenting storage capacity,…
Humane, a clandestine startup formed by a formidable collective of former Apple personnel, led by co-founders Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, has unveiled its inaugural consumer product after a prolonged period of selectively releasing hints and articulating its mission. The much-anticipated debut is the “AI Pin,” officially launched today. Ai Pin marks a new beginning for personal consumer technology, offering users the ability to take AI with them everywhere in an entirely new, conversational and screenless form factor. Ai Pin will be available to order in the US from November 16th, starting at $699 for the complete system. “Ai Pin…
Root Platform (Root), a provider of an end-to-end insurance technology platform that emphasises low-code and an API-first approach, today announced its inaugural strategic partnership in the UK with Connect by Admiral (Connect), a subsidiary of the leading insurer Admiral Group. Connect operates as an API-first embedded insurance platform, designed to streamline the integration of insurance solutions into businesses. “We’re delighted to partner with Admiral Pioneer to provide the API connectivity architecture behind their innovative Connect platform,” Louw Hopley, Co-Founder at Root, said. “The early signs are very positive and we’ve received good feedback so far. “Connect really shows the power…
NEXT176, supported by Old Mutual, invests R27 million in JOBJACK, a South African tech startup reshaping entry-level recruitment. JOBJACK’s innovative approach tackles accessibility and affordability challenges in the job market by enabling candidates to apply directly from their mobile phones. JOBJACK empowers candidates by eliminating costs associated with traditional job-hunting methods like CV printing and transport, allowing applicants to apply directly from their mobile phones. The platform is now data-free for MTN and Vodacom network users, making job hunting more accessible and cost-effective for job seekers. In a significant development for the tech startup, the pre-Series A funding round led…
Amidst the widespread demand for affordable and dependable solar power solutions in South Africa, Nedbank has unveiled a series of cutting-edge solar financing options through its Avo Solar platform. These innovative packages are designed to provide households and businesses with accessible and eco-friendly energy solutions, featuring competitive prices for solar panels and backup batteries. Each package guarantees professional installation by certified solar suppliers approved by Nedbank, ensuring the highest standards of service. Furthermore, all solutions are backed by a 10-year warranty and a certificate of compliance, underscoring the superior quality of the featured solar brands. ‘South Africans have learned that…
Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF), a Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) company, and its fund manager, Ninety One, have committed a $31 million or R571 million debt facility to Paratus Group Holdings Limited (Paratus) to finance the expansion of its fibre and data centre business over the next three years. Ninety One acted as the mandated lead arranger of the transaction, mobilising capital from two of its funds, EAIF and Ninety One Africa Credit Opportunities, to enhance last mile connectivity and introduce more reliable internet services across three sub-regions and including seven countries: Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo,…
Dr. Anna Mokgokong, a trailblazer in the business world, was honoured with the Lifetime Achiever Award at the 20th anniversary of the Standard Bank Top Women Awards, held on Tuesday, 7 November 2023, at the prestigious Sandton Convention Centre. The awards theme was ‘My Africa’ – a tribute to the strength, diversity, and achievements of women across the continent. Dr Mokgokong was celebrated for her outstanding contributions to society. Her inspiring journey from overcoming overwhelming odds to establishing her presence in a male-dominated industry serves as a beacon of hope and resilience. In her acceptance speech, Dr. Mokgokong emphasised the…
Balwin Properties introduces groundbreaking trade-in programmme for homeowners in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, setting a new standard in sectional title homes. The trade-in programme is known as Balwin Approved. “We’re very excited about this concept, which enables homeowners to trade in their current Balwin apartment for a new Balwin apartment,” Balwin Chief Executive, Steve Brookes explained. “Premium motor vehicle brands have been doing this for years, where you can trade in your good quality car for a later model or buy a vehicle with peace of mind because of the manufacturer’s multipoint inspection and backing. “Balwin Approved works on a similar…
Following WeWork’s announcement to commence a strategic reorganisation process in the U.S. and Canada, WeWork South Africa confirms that it is not part of the North American process. “WeWork South Africa is 100% independently owned by SiSebenza, and operates independently from WeWork in the US and Canada,” say Andrew Robinson and Stefano Migliore, the owners of WeWork South Africa. “Importantly, as an independent entity, we are not part of this strategic reorganisation process and there will be no impact on our members, vendors, employees, and real estate partners.” The WeWork South Africa business is strong and committed to investing in its…