Author: Staff Writer
AURA, the African-based security and medical response marketplace, has secured R62 million in a Series A funding round, which was led by MultiChoice Group (MCG), KLT Holdings and Buffet Investments. This positions AURA favourably for its global expansion plans. AURA is a marketplace that enables anyone to access the closest vetted private and public security and medical response unit to their location – anywhere, anytime – using a connected device. “South Africa has one of the most advanced private security and emergency response industries which has the capacity to ensure safety to a greater number of people who might not…
MTN’s popular WhatsApp and social media data bundles (Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and Twitter), have been revised and re-priced to offer more data and value. Available to both new and existing pre-paid customers. Launched in April 2018, MTN’s Social Bundles enable pre-paid customers to access their favourite social media platforms affordably. “Social Bundles uptake has been phenomenal over the three years with more customers choosing to stay connected with friends and families on these platforms. These enhancements are in line with our efforts to make data more affordable and accessible for South Africans” says Jacqui O’Sullivan, Executive: Corporate Affairs at MTN…
Since its introduction in July 2020, the My BMW App is used as a universal interface for seamless communication between the driver and the vehicle. At the same time, it provides customers a direct connection via smartphone to the BMW retailer and to the BMW brand. It can be used, for example, to plan travel routes and transfer them to the vehicle’s navigation system, arrange service appointments, request information on the vehicle status or find out the latest news on the BMW brand. In addition, remote services such as locking and unlocking the doors are also available, depending on the…
Global cloud communications company Infobip announces it is rolling out its ESOP (employee stock option plan) to all employees across the staff base ensuring everyone shares in the value they help to create. Culture and talent have always been the driving force behind Infobip’s success, and today’s announcement demonstrates commitment to a philosophy of inclusion that forms the basis for its future as a company. The move comes after a period of expansion following acquisitions of US voice provider Peerless Network, US messaging company OpenMarket, the Shift Conference franchise and SMS firewall provider Anam – all marking important milestones in…
AI-BO, a research platform that allows businesses to survey their targeted audience through WhatsApp, aims to democratise research by delivering insights and survey data to small businesses in just 2 – 3 days. AI-BO was founded in April in collaboration with The Delta, a local venture builder. At its core, AI-BO’s mission is to help lower the barriers to entry for SA’s startup ecosystem when validating business and product ideas. WhatsApp is the most popular app in South Africa, with 58% of South African mobile phone owners using the app. Because their surveys run through WhatsApp, AI-BO quickly and easily…
Spotify announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Findaway, a global leader in digital audiobook distribution. “It’s Spotify’s ambition to be the destination for all things audio both for listeners and creators. The acquisition of Findaway will accelerate Spotify’s presence in the audiobook space and will help us more quickly meet that ambition,” said Gustav Söderström, Spotify’s Chief Research & Development Officer. “We’re excited to combine Findaway’s team, best-in-class technology platform, and robust audiobook catalog with Spotify’s expertise to revolutionize the audiobook space as we did with music and podcasts.” Findaway works across the entire audiobook ecosystem with…
The increase in cyberthreats recorded by Kaspersky in the first half of this year across South Africa amounted to 31.5 million. Comparatively, Kenya experienced a similar situation with 32.8 million cyberthreats recorded, while these numbers are almost double the number of attacks in Nigeria (16.7 million). All three countries have also experienced an increase in the number of attacks compared to the previous year, which is indicative of how significant the danger has become to organisations and users in the connected world. “Threats can be categorised as criminal (80% of attacks), targeted (19.9%), and advanced (0.01%). The advanced grouping is…
Huawei Technologies hosted the Digital Africa Summit, which took place during AfricaCom, earlier this week , with expert speakers engaging on Africa’s digital transformation, the strides made during the Covid 19 pandemic and the path still ahead. While Africa has come far in the past 18 months in its digital transformation, there is still much potential to fully embrace digital transformation and equip the continent’s youth with the skills they need to thrive in a digital economy. Achieving this transformation, however, means going beyond simply adapting and evolving new technologies to old ways of doing things. It requires a full…
Kia today revealed the first official images of the Kia Concept EV9, an all-electric SUV concept that embodies the company’s commitment to become a sustainable mobility solutions provider. Following the launch of EV6, the Kia Concept EV9 is an intriguing glimpse into the future direction of the all-electric SUV, combining progressive design, state-of-the-art tech, and an advanced all-electric powertrain in one pioneering package. The first visuals of the concept SUV show an ultramodern exterior design, the schematics of which hint at a contemporary recreational treatment that’s brought to the fore by an upright and capable stylistic stance. The renderings illustrate…
Africa Data Centres is investing $200 million or R3 billion in building data centres in Nairobi, Kenya. The company is owned by Liquid Intelligent Technologies, which is held by Econet Group and controlled by billionaire and philanthropist Strive Mayiwa. The company has begun development of a second data centre of up to 20MW of IT load and is securing land for a third facility. This $200+M investment will double the country’s data centre capacity and serve the development of Kenya as a key digital hub, allowing Kenyan data to stay in Kenya by providing the reliable digital infrastructure it needs.…