Author: Staff Writer

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.…

An innovative local software development partnership between 4Sight Holdings and Bidvest Advisory Services has created 4MIA powered by ALICE TM, a first-of-its-kind AI-powered automated digital transformation advisor. Developed on the ALICE TM platform, the intelligent predictive solution Monitors, Investigates and Advises (MIA) business and technology executives on critical aspects related to their digital transformation roadmaps. Decision makers can now leverage the 4MIA’s automated proactive monitoring and reporting to gain greater visibility into their IT environment with real-time insights related to digital transformation readiness. “As digital technologies and competitor capabilities rapidly evolve, business leaders and executives must constantly assess and evaluate…

Standard Bank’s point-of-sale devices have been enabled for UnionPay International (UPI) contactless payments. The cooperation is a strategic move from UPI that follows the surging trend of the global contactless payment industry and accelerates the development of international mobile payment services. According to a survey conducted by RTI, around 30% of the respondents have started to use contactless payments since the pandemic began. And 70% of those users are likely to continue using contactless payments post-COVID-19. Contactless payments have emerged as an essential solution for all the businesses as it enables them to drive their business forward along with ensuring…

South Africa’s retail sector has entered the age of ecommerce, with total online retail sales expected to reach R42-billion by the end of 2021. From the rise of contactless payments to the boom in social commerce, the pandemic has significantly altered consumer expectations when it comes to making purchases online. To unpack the major trends in the digital retail industry and explore the legacy of Covid-19, online payment gateway PayFast has launched their second annual Ecommerce Performance (PEP) Index. “We saw a 178% increase in QR code payments, and a 55% growth in mobile usage for online shopping over 2021.…

The country’s communications watchdog, ICASA, plans to invite applications from infrastructure-based mobile network operators for provisional assignment of radio frequency spectrum under the new ICT COVID-19 National State of Disaster Regulations, 2021. The temporary radio frequency spectrum was first assigned by means of an expedited ITA during April 2020 on the initial declaration of the National State of Disaster, which in turn was occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. ICASA has since twice extended the duration of the temporary radio frequency spectrum assignment, with the last expiry date being 31 August 2021. South Africa’s operators are expected to give back temporary radio frequency…

South Africa will not win the war against corruption if it does not actively and adequately protect whistle-blowers, the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation said on 10 November 2021. “Corruption has become embedded in South African society and it robs the country of the ability to provide its citizens with employment, services and social support by damaging economic activity and growth and siphoning off taxes,” says Foundation CEO Piyushi Kotecha. On 1 November South Africa lost an upstanding citizen when Athol Williams fled the country in fear for his life after implicating 39 individuals and companies at the Zondo…