Ride-hailing drivers in Nigeria begin nationwide strike as they ask Uber and Bolt to increase fares by 200%
Across Nigeria, ride-hailing drivers are protesting. They’re demanding that Uber, Bolt and other ride-hailing companies increase fares by at least 200%. A typical weekday morning in Lagos is rush hour, a good time of the day for cab drivers. But this Wednesday, ride-hailing drivers—think: Uber, Bolt, LagRide, Indriver—are protesting. At the direction of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transport Workers of Nigeria (AUATWON), ride-hailing drivers are following a sit-at-home order until the ride-hailing companies increase their base fares. The union also has other demands. According to the National Vice President for Southwest Nigeria (AUATWON), Kolawole Aina, “Each local government in Lagos State and by extension, all states in Nigeria will be protesting today at the same time.” TechCabal also understands that the drivers plan to picket the offices of Uber in Victoria Island and Bolt in Lekki. “All e-hailing platforms are shut down from today till Friday,” Aina told TechCabal over the phone. “The riders should find another alternative,” he said. AUATWON is hopeful that the strike will not last long. “The strike may not have to last that long if they (Uber and Bolt) do what we ask in time,” Somoye Olalekan, the Public Relations Officer for the union, who is leading the protest in Ifako Ijaiye local government, another location for today’s strike, told TechCabal. At the time of filing this report, protest activities have begun in Edo State. Comrade Jolaiya Moses told TechCabal he would join the movement from there. Despite the strike action, which is supposed to run till Friday, I could still find a driver on the Bolt app who was five minutes away. As with most ride-hailing strikes, enforcement is difficult because many gig workers need to work daily to survive or make repayments to the owners of cars or make good on loans. The AUATWON task force understands the enforcement problem, and in Ifako-Ijaiye, the union is stopping drivers who are working. AUATWON’s demands As TechCabal reported on Tuesday, at the heart of this week’s strike is a demand by AUATWON asking ride-hailing companies to increase fares by a minimum of 200%. The union is also asking for a 50% reduction in commission—Uber and Bolt collect a 20% commission on every ride—and an end to the deactivation of drivers who refuse to work due to the low fares and attendant unprofitability. The union is also seeking the recognition of AUATWON as the representative body for their interests. *This is a developing story.
Read MoreInaugural GITEX Africa leaves a firm imprint of Morocco’s surging tech ambition
Morocco is positioning itself as a gateway to Africa’s technology sector and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which shares the same ambitions for the Middle East is more than happy to help. Last week, thousands of visitors descended on the red city of Marrakech for GITEX Africa. It was the first time the popular tech trade show was being organised outside of the UAE. For three days, the 45,000-square-metre purpose-built exhibition space at Place Bab Jdid, Bd Al Yarmouk in Marrakech hummed with activity as attendees waded through multiple simultaneous conference tracks and 900 exhibition stalls. Among the exhibitors were 100 startups from a Moroccan government-supported startup development programme selected to demonstrate the country’s startup ambitions. Coming from the organiser of a 42-year-old technology trade show that has been held at the Dubai World Trade Centre since 1981, it represented an acknowledgement of the coming-to-age of technology startups in Africa. The long road to Morocco According to Trixie LohMirmand, executive vice president at the Dubai World Trade Centre, GITEX Africa, Morocco, was organised in the seven-month space between the official announcement last October. But the GITEX event brand, which now boasts itself as the biggest technology event in 2023, worked its way up from relatively humble beginnings in 1981. In 1981, Dubai was in the early stages of recasting itself from a sleepy port town and residence of the British agent for the former Trucial States, into a modern port city. Jebel Ali Port had been commissioned only two years prior and the new highway linking Dubai to Abu Dhabi, the capital, was barely a year old. One of the projects being constructed around the same time as the port and highway was the 38-storey, 184-metre-tall Sheikh Rashid Tower (now the Dubai World Trade Centre). Purpose-built for events and trade shows, the tower, which was commissioned in 1979, was Dubai’s tallest building at the time and became the site of the first Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITE) trade show which was held in 1981. The 2009 launch of Microsoft’s Windows 7 operating system at a GITEX trade show in Dubai put the regional event on the global tech trade show map. Since then, Dubai World Trade Centre has hosted successive tech trade shows each year, attracting thousands of attendees each year. In October last year, as technology startups in Africa neared a record-breaking fundraising year, Kaoun International and the Dubai World Trade Centre announced that it was bringing GITEX Global to Africa. Beyond North Africa’s broken regional market By positioning the event in all but name as a celebration of relations with the UAE, GITEX Africa signalled a decided Moroccan turn towards Middle-Eastern partners in the Gulf. The currently untenable alternative is a deeply fragmented regional market that encompasses neighbouring North African states, with the possible exception of Egypt. Last year, Morocco’s relatively stable relations with Tunisia broke down after Tunisian president, Kais Saied, met with the leader of Polisario Front, a militant Sahrawhi nationalist group claiming Western Sahara for itself. Algeria to the east has not had good relations with Rabat. And Mauritania in the southwest is a smaller and far less wealthy market, compared to a wealthy Gulf partner like the UAE. Read also: Here’s why startup funding in the Maghreb ecosystem is low Morocco is also seeking to position itself as a gateway destination for technology investment, especially from friendly Gulf countries like the UAE. “Morocco is a source of pride for Arab countries,” Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE’s minister of state for artificial intelligence, digital economy, and remote work applications enthused at the opening ceremony of GITEX Africa. “The UAE is here to celebrate a year of fruitful partnership between the emirate and the Kingdom of Morocco,” he added. The UAE was Morocco’s second-largest source of foreign investment last year. Investments made by Emirati entities surpassed $14 billion in 2021, accounting for 21% of total FDI in Moroccan markets according to reporting from Zawya. With Morocco’s well-established but unyielding traditional banking and finance industry, it could be a genius move to be positioned as the funnel for capital meant for emerging African markets. It is certainly a bold statement. On the other hand, increased appetite for alternative investment asset classes like venture capital has seen private investment firms and Silicon Valley investors turn to family offices and Middle-Eastern sovereign wealth funds for capital. What would be harder is convincing funds seeking to invest in technology hotbeds in Africa to route it through Morocco instead of allocating capital directly to investment firms in Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya or South Africa. Building a tech kingdom In speeches and panel sessions, various attending government officials from Morocco emphasised plans to make Morocco a nerve centre for technology investments in Africa. “The impact of this first African edition on the Moroccan tech ecosystem might not be immediate, but we are definitely expecting long-term benefits,” Mehdi Al Aloui, head of the startup department at the Moroccan Development Agency said. One of the drawbacks the country will need to address is its well-reported stifling bureaucracy. Besides hindering the growth of the startup ecosystem, bureaucracy in the country is equally standing in the way of major economic reforms, one report claimed. A Startup Act can help and Moroccan officials at GITEX Africa seem open to the idea, but the country already has several startup support initiatives and programmes running. Morocco also ranks high on Doing Business Index, but analysis by The Moroccan Institute for Policy Analysis, and the Middle East Institute suggest that easy and quick legislative fixes that boost DBI rankings have had little impact on changing administrative practices on the ground. Hosting one of Africa’s largest tech trade shows and conferences this year is a bold step, but a seachange in Morocco’s fortune as a key technology player and innovation centre will both require the government to be less visible. Hosting brilliant event showcases is nice, but lifting the suffocating weight of bureaucracy and allowing private innovation enterprises to flourish,
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👨🏿🚀TechCabal Daily – An “exceptionally obvious” Bingo play?
Lire en français Read this email in French. 7 JUNE, 2023 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Good morning We’ve got exciting updates coming next week! Our referral system relaunches, and TC Daily will look a lot different. Don’t worry, though, we’ll give a full feature when the time comes. Image source: Aderemi Adesida/TechCabal In today’s edition Hindenburg research calls Tingo a scam Mara’s second layoffs Updates from Apple’s WWDC Jumia to extend into Uganda The World Wide Web3 Event: The Moonshot Conference Opportunities HINDENBURG RESEARCH CALLS TINGO A SCAM Hindenburg Research, a US-based investment research firm, has accused Tingo Group, a Nigerian company, of being an “exceptionally obvious scam with completely fabricated financials”. Tingo’s lies: Hindenburg accused Tingo’s founder and CEO Dozy Mmuobuosi of lying about creating the first mobile payment app in Nigeria. It also reported that the Malaysian university which Dozy claimed gave him a PhD said that no one by his name was found in their verification system. Tingo founder Dozy Mmuobuosi More fabrications: In 2021, Tingo announced that it had partnered with Nigerian bank FCMB to expand its mobile services, which would birth its payment group, TingoPay. Two days after the announcement, FCMB debunked the claim. Hindenburg also reported that Tingo photoshopped its logo on another PoS operator’s devices and claimed that the PoS and other merchant products were offerings of its payment group, TingoPay. The firm also said it found that no links to the TingoPay app are on the Google Play Store or the Apple Store. The company also reportedly photoshopped pictures of aeroplanes which it posted online in 2019 as planes of its airline “Tingo Airlines”. The Athletic reported in February that Tingo Airlines’ registered address was removed from its documents, with a note saying that the address was “invalid or ineffective and was forged”. Disappearing acts: Tingo also claimed that its mobile handset leasing, call, and data segments generated $128 million in revenue in the first quarter of 2023. Hindenburg reported that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) showed no record of Tingo being a mobile licencee, despite the company’s claims of having 12 million mobile customers. Hindenburg also debunked Tingo’s claim that its agricultural export business, Tingo DMCC, was on track to deliver over $1.34 billion in 9 months—more than Nigeria’s export in the whole of the previous year. Even worse, the company was not listed in the Nigerian customs database. In addition, Hindenburg found that the links on the website for NWASSA Twigo’s marketplace for farmers in Ghana are not working. More drama in store: Tingo Group’s share price has been plummeting since Hinderberg Research published its findings and announced that it is shorting the company’s shares. Tingo’s shareholder’s meeting is, however, set to hold at 2 PM WAT today. MONIEPOINT RANKED 2ND FASTEST-GROWING AFRICAN COMPANY Moniepoint is Africa’s second-fastest growing company, as shown in FTs latest report. We also processed 1 billion transactions worth $43 billion in Q1 alone. Read all about it here. This is partner content. MARA’S SECOND ROUND OF LAYOFFS Web3 startup Mara has enforced its second round of layoffs. The first layoffs in December coincided with the resignation of a co-founder Kate Kallot and the collapse of crypto exchange FTX, a sister company of Alameda Research, one of Mara’s investors. The startup, however, told TechCabal that the job cuts had nothing to do with the crash of the exchange. The second layoff: The second round of layoffs happened in May. While one report described a pattern of frivolous spending by Mara’s management team, a source told TechCabal that the startup restructured the team with a renewed focus on existing users and launching other projects that will drive crypto adoption in Africa. One source said the layoff mostly affected staff in marketing, communications, and community management. Another source told TechCabal that a number of staff in other teams were laid off too. But it appears that the startup has not frozen hiring. A source disclosed to TechCabal that the company has just hired several engineers despite the layoffs. MORE FROM TECHCABAL Struggling ride-hailing drivers in Nigeria reject Bolt’s revised pricing. Digital support: Embracing virtual strength for mental health. UPDATES FROM APPLE’S WORLDWIDE DEVELOPERS CONFERENCE Apple is investing heavily in mixed reality (MR). On Monday, at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), it unveiled Vision Pro, its mixed reality and first 3D camera headset. Here’s everything that was announced at the WWDC. The Vision Pro AR Headset: Although there’s no exact release date, we know Apple’s new product costs a whopping $3,499 and will be launched in early 2024. With a new spatial operating system called Vision OS, a bunch of iPad and iPhone apps will be ready to go on Vision Pro when it launches. Per CNN, the new mixed reality headset will work with apps like Apple’s new Reality Composer Pro, an innovative app simplifying the creation of complex scenes featuring life-like objects. Popular productivity apps like Microsoft Word, Excel, and Teams, as well as video conferencing tools such as Zoom and Cisco’s Webex, will be included on Vision Pro. A report by Apple Insider gives a more detailed explanation of the new product. New Macs: Apple had some exciting news for its Mac line, with updates that include a fresh 15-inch MacBook Air with a price that starts at $1,299, a revamped Mac Studio, and a Mac Pro featuring the advanced Apple M2 Ultra Silicon. Software updates: Apple also announced iOS 17, its next update for the iPhone and iPad. iOS 17 brings new updates to FaceTime, Messages, and the phone app to make your iPhone experience more user-friendly and personal. It offers interactive widgets, iPhone-like lock screen customisation options and live activities on the lock screen for iPads. iOS17 will not support the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus. More announcements were made, like the new operating system for Apple’s Mac desktops and MacBook called MacOS 14 Sonoma and WatchOS 10 for the Apple Watch. You can find the rest of the announcement here.
Read MoreShortseller Hinderburg Research calls Tingo Group an exceptionally obvious scam
Tingo Group, a Nigerian Agri-Fintech, has seen its share price plummet by -55% on NASDAQ after Hinderberg Research announced that it had taken a short position on the company for being an “exceptionally obvious scam”. Hindenburg Research, a U.S.-based investment research firm focusing on short-selling, has accused Tingo Group, a Nigerian company, of being an “exceptionally obvious scam with completely fabricated financials”. In a statement on Tuesday, Hindenburg said that Tingo inflated its financials, lied about its $1.6 billion food processing plant, its expansion drive to Ghana and that it photoshopped its logo on another POS operator’s device. The research group also accused Tingo’s founder and CEO, Dozy Mmuobuosi, of fabricating parts of his personal and professional history. Mmuobuosi had previously been in the news for trying to buy a newly promoted Premier League team, Sheffield United, and for sponsoring Nigeria’s football league’s pre-season cup. Mmuobuosi’s claim of founding the first mobile payment app in Nigeria was disputed by the actual creator, Deji Oguntonade, who called Mmuobuosi’s claims “totally false” and a “pure lie”. Mmuobosi’s claim that he received a PhD from a Malaysian university was also refuted by the university, which said that no one by his name was found in their verification system. In 2019, Mmuobuosi claimed that he had launched “Tingo Airlines” and encouraged people on social media to fly with the airline. The airline is registered in England as Tingo Airlines Limited and declared a share capital of £1 billion in August 2019, with Mmobuosi as the sole shareholder. The Athletic reported in February that there is no evidence of Tingo Airline ever flying an airplane, that its registered address was removed with a note saying that the address was “invalid or ineffective and was forged”, and that the company is facing an active proposal to be struck off the UK’s registrar of companies. In April, the co-chairman of Tingo wrote a public letter to Mmuobuosi and filed it with the SEC, saying that he could not approve the company’s annual report. In the letter, he said that he felt it “necessary to recuse myself by resigning” due to “many critical questions, comments, and recommendations” that went “unanswered and unheeded”. Tingo has also previously claimed that its agricultural export business, Tingo DMCC, was on track to deliver over $1.34 billion in exports by the third quarter of 2023. A claim that exceeds the entire Nigerian agriculture export value for 2022. Hindenburg said Tingo DMCC was not listed in the Nigerian customs database. Tingo also claims to have launched its NWASSA market, a marketplace that allows farmers to sell products wholesale or retail without middlemen interference, in Ghana. Hindenburg found that the website for NWASSA did not work and “led nowhere”. Tingo also claims its payment group, TingoPay, has Point of Sale (PoS) and other merchant products. However, the research group found this not to be true. No links to the TingoPay app are on the Google Play store or the Apple Store. Also, Tingo’s POS website images were lifted from an Indian payments company, PocketPOS. Tingo also claimed that its mobile handset leasing, call, and data segments generated $128 million in revenue in the first quarter of 2023 and that these services are provided through an agreement with Airtel Nigeria. The type of license they claim did not exist until June 2023. Hindenburg said that checks with the Nigerian Communications Commission showed no record of Tingo being a mobile licensee, despite company claims of having 12 million mobile customers. In 2021, Tingo claimed to have launched a partnership with a prominent Nigerian bank to expand its mobile services, which would birth its payment group, TingoPay. Two days after the partnership announcement, the bank debunked the claim. TechCabal sent several emails to Tingo asking for comments, but the company did not provide one at the time of this report.
Read MoreDigital support: Embracing virtual strength for mental health
In this digital era, technology is irrevocably embedded in our daily lives, and as such, our online experiences have an outsized impact on our mental health. However, technology can also offer support for the promotion and nurturing of our mental well-being. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have become ingrained in our daily routines, allowing us to connect with others, share stories, and express ourselves. However, regular usage of social media can also lead to increased rates of anxiety and depression, particularly in young people. But the internet transcends this dichotomy, and can also offer resources and digital support to better understand mental health conditions and get help for them. A closer look at the connection between our digital lives, and our mental health can reveal a number of ways to make the most of the resources digital support offers to nurture our mental well-being. Understanding digital support Digital support for mental health comprises a range of resources and platforms that leverage technology to provide assistance for mental health issues. This includes concept online therapy platforms, virtual communities, chatbots, videos, and articles. Digital support for mental health provides some sort of anonymity, allowing individuals to seek help without the fear of being judged. It also facilitates connections with diverse support networks, enabling individuals to connect with others who understand and share similar experiences. Additionally, with round-the-clock availability, digital support for mental health ensures that individuals can always access help when they need it. Although digital mental health support isn’t a replacement for traditional therapy, it combines technology and human interaction to provide accessible, informative, and practical assistance to individuals seeking mental health help. The impact of social media on mental health Nigeria’s mental health system faces numerous challenges and gaps, especially in local communities. There is a lack of awareness and understanding, which leads to stigma and discrimination. This worsens existing issues and creates barriers to accessing quality care. Statistics show that 80% of Nigerians with mental health needs cannot access care due to societal attitudes toward mental illness and a lack of appropriate resources, facilities, and mental health staff. Hauwa Ojeifo, a certified integrative mental health coach and activist, and the founder of She Writes Woman and Safe Place Nigeria shed some light on the challenges surrounding the utilisation of social media for mental health support and interventions. In a conversation with TechCabal, she explained that not everyone with a mobile device has access to digital spaces. “We have to recognise that whilst mobile phone penetration in Nigeria can seem quite high, internet penetration is not as high as we think,” she told TechCabal. “So as much as we are using social media or digital media as opportunities to spread mental health awareness, to provide accurate information and knowledge around mental health, and to provide some sort of first aid, we have to recognise that we’re actually not reaching the furthest behind first. We’re not reaching, perhaps most of the grassroots, and the people who may not actually have the privilege, access, or orientation to be able to navigate the digital space,” Ojeifo concluded. Nonye Ukwuoma, a licensed clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, and founder and lead consultant at 360 Psyche, believes that social media can also be used to spread misinformation about mental health as well as foster mental health challenges. “Social media can promote misinformation about mental health and encourage unreliable sources. Social media creates its own mental health challenge such as cyberbullying, even within the space where people come to seek support. I have seen spaces on social media that should be considered ‘safe’, but they didn’t look safe because the suggestions offered as support can be outrightly or silently unhealthy for mental health,” Ukwuoma explained. However, Ojeifo is optimistic about the support digital access provides for individuals facing mental health challenges. She adds that the access plays a crucial role in bridging gaps. “I would say there’s been a lot of upsides to digital support, it means that we don’t have to be in physical proximity to mental health support before we can access it, and we can also get a network of community. And I think that’s something that is largely underestimated in the mental health recovery process, especially on this side of the world,” she said. “The digital space offers us an opportunity to connect with people just like us going through similar challenges, but also see what is working for other people and try to use that for ourselves. Having these sorts of interventions plug the gaps is very, very helpful in moving the needle forward.” Sharing in Ojeifo’s optimism about digital support, Ukwuoma believes that face-to-face interaction isn’t always necessary, and digital support methods will allow professionals to prioritise urgent mental health needs and ultimately lead to improved outcomes for clients. “We are a global village and one of the things we now know is that we do not have to see face-to-face. When I started practising, it seemed almost alien that we would help a client when they were not physically present.” she said. “This sometimes stretches a treatment plan that may eventually affect the prognosis. Currently, most organisations including 360 Psyche, encourage and prioritise digital support. Clients get support via phone calls, emails, chats, and video calls, among others. This gives time to focus on more pressing mental health needs, which translates to a better prognosis for clients.” Arinze, an active participant in an online mental health awareness community called Omhac, shared his perspectives about the positive impact of digital platforms and how Omhac has enriched his understanding of mental health. In joining the online community, his intention was to gain more knowledge on mental health. “I find it very easy to connect and interact with people in the group, and I’ve increased my knowledge of mental health. I’ve learned more about different techniques when combating mental health illnesses, and I have a general knowledge about how some of these things affect our day-to-day lives and the people
Read MoreStruggling Ride-hailing drivers in Nigeria reject Bolt’s revised pricing
In Nigeria, drivers of ride-hailing services are contesting Bolt’s newly reviewed prices. While the Union wants a N2,000 base fare, Bolt stands firm on N800 ceiling Last Friday, Bolt reviewed its pricing in Nigeria in response to increased operating costs. However, drivers and ride-hailing unions are dissatisfied with these new prices as they say it still does not cover their costs due to the recent hike in fuel prices. Per a report from Punch, the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transport Workers of Nigeria asked ride-hailing companies like Bolt to increase fares it by at least 200% and establish a minimum fare of ₦2000 ($4.30). Bolt said ₦800 is the new minimum fare for a trip, up from the previous ₦650. Comrade Idris Shonuga, a National trustee of the AUATWON, told Techcabal, “A driver needs an average of 30-35 litres of petrol daily, which costs about N5000-N6000 before the subsidy removal. But now, 30-35 litres of fuel is worth up to N16,000 – N17000. That’s an additional 10,000 naira for fuelling daily to run the service. So on this account, it is important for the price to be reviewed.” Petrol is one of the essential materials we use to run our business, and since the price has gone up by 270, it is imperative that the price of the service we render has to increase,” he said. Shonuga says the union will “resist” and stop working if Bolt, Uber and other ride-hailing companies refuse to review their prices to meet the AUATWON demands. “We can resist them if they do not increase the price. We have to sell what we buy; If we are buying fuel for N6000 before and we now buy it for 15,000, the prices of the service we offer have to be adjusted by the percentage increment,” he told TechCabal. Celestine Finbar, a Bolt driver, agrees. According to him, the price increase by Bolt does not suffice given the new fuel prices. “Our calculation was that, if the previous price for a trip was ₦2,400 at ₦184 per litre, then if the pump price of fuel is 500/L and then you remove ₦500 from ₦184, you get ₦270, then it will be 270 times the old price. So that should be the increment,” he said. “I have not gone out in like four days, and you know what it means if other drivers do the same. If a driver was remitting like 5k and we have other drivers remitting the same amount per day, Do you know how much Bolt will lose?” Fuel hikes trigger surge in ride-hailing prices, leaving customers and drivers discontented No turning back While drivers and the ride-hailing union seek reviewed prices, Bolt says there is no turning back. “We understand that the rising fuel prices impose additional financial pressure on drivers who rely on the Bolt app for their income. While we empathise with the economic hardships faced by both passengers and drivers, we strive to consider the well-being of both parties. Bolt has taken the considerations of both drivers and customers when it comes to pricing,” Yahaya Mohammed, Country Manager, told TechCabal in an email. Bolt is wary of decreased patronage if fare prices are too high, but the ride-hailing company is open review the situation further in the best interest of both passengers and drivers. “Taking into account the issue of demand and supply, we understand that excessively high prices may not only discourage passengers but also affect the availability of drivers on our platform, as well as negatively impact their earnings. Therefore, our revised fares aim to strike a balance that prioritises the welfare of our passengers and drivers,” the statement read. “Bolt is committed to analysing and conducting extensive reviews to ensure that we continue to provide the best earnings for drivers on our platform and remain the most affordable and preferred platform for customers.” This is a position Uber agrees with. “Uber takes into consideration the economic climate in rolling out any price reviews. We believe this fare increase will have a positive impact on driver earnings while maintaining an affordable service for riders. Where price options are made too high, there could be a risk of fewer or no requests from riders – meaning fewer or no earning opportunities for drivers,” Uber said an emailed response to TechCabal. “We recognise the pressures drivers are under, including the increasing cost of living. It’s important to understand that fares do fluctuate as a normal part of any business based on various factors such as seasonality and the macroeconomic environment,” the statement concluded.
Read MoreDigital Africa will only back startups whose technology serves the real economy
Noel K. Tshiani is the founder of Congo Business Network. In this exclusive interview for TechCabal, he discusses with Isadora Bigourdan, acting CEO at Digital Africa, whose mission is to equip Africa’s tech entrepreneurs with the capabilities to design and scale groundbreaking innovations for the real economy. The French Development Agency (AFD) was the driving force behind the creation of Digital Africa, and continues to be a major partner. As a super-aggregator of data, capacities, and opportunities, it has a unique ability to intensify financing, training, support, and promotional activities for entrepreneurs across the continent. Bigourdan has over 20 years’ experience in business structuring and financing, working as a lawyer, investor, business angel, and mentor. For the past 10 years, she has focused on Africa, where she has helped tech champions access funding and opportunities to grow their ventures and go global. In this interview, she answers questions on the role of Digital Africa in supporting Africa’s tech ecosystem, the challenges facing African entrepreneurs, and the opportunities for African startups in the global market. What do you see in the future of the tech ecosystem in Africa? From my 10 years of experience on the African continent, I have witnessed that technology appropriation is notably fast on the continent, compared to Europe, for example, and that people are increasingly paying attention to the tech ecosystem. A remarkable feature is that all startups are using technology to improve lives and facilitate access to essential services. However, there are disparities between countries in terms of technology advancement, training, and public policies to encourage tech entrepreneurship. In addition, only five countries attract 80% of the investment in Africa. Although financing is largely foreign to the African continent, the players involved in this field are becoming more professional. However, they often have limited knowledge of African realities. I am very optimistic about the role and place of African tech champions in the international digital scene, as more and more players are getting serious about it. In this regard, it is crucial that large African companies such as traditional banks and large corporations take into account the importance of technology as a driver for improving living conditions on the continent. Literacy plays a crucial role in driving the continent’s digital transformation at scale. Over the past decade, I have seen a real acceleration in this area, as evidenced by the proliferation of startups. However, I am concerned that there is still a strong concentration in certain countries and ecosystems, probably due to the strong presence of foreign investors. I am not saying that this is bad in itself, but it does not really allow the development of a specific African approach. What are your thoughts on the state of tech in French-speaking Africa? Can you talk about the key trends in this region, and how Digital Africa is contributing to the success of startups? What I find interesting in French-speaking countries is that there has been a fairly rapid ecosystem approach, whether in Tunisia, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Rwanda, Niger, or Gabon. That is to say that all the players in the ecosystem are mobilised to help startups emerge. So it’s not a purely private sector approach. The startup acts in Tunisia and Senegal are good examples of how public and private sectors can work together to support entrepreneurship. The startup acts provide co-built legal frameworks that make it easier for startups to operate, and they also include funding for public-private partnerships that support startups. These partnerships have helped to create a more inclusive environment for entrepreneurship and have resulted in the growth of a number of successful startups in both countries. In Nigeria and Kenya, private initiatives are more common, and they are often financed by foreign investors. However, these projects often lack the necessary regulatory and ecosystem frameworks to support their success. Our method is based on a conviction: for the tech and innovation ecosystem to function optimally, it is essential to mobilise all players involved. We are convinced that effective cooperation between institutions, funding sources, skill experts, research institutions, and startups is essential to achieve this goal. We believe everyone has a role to play in creating a favourable environment for innovation and business growth. After all, Silicon Valley is a prime example of how billions of dollars in investment can help to nurture private initiative and innovation! What are some of the challenges tech startups face in French-speaking Africa that those based in Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, or South Africa don’t have to experience? In French-speaking Africa, access to financing is limited due to a lack of risk culture, which can be a major obstacle for investors wishing to establish themselves in this region. In addition, cultural differences and perceptions of entrepreneurship represent a major challenge for local players. Education is still a roadblock to unlocking entrepreneurship as a vocation. For example, social success is often associated with a job in civil service, rather than starting a business. In addition, the availability of financing is limited due to a lack of risk culture, which can be a barrier for investors venturing into this region. In English-speaking Africa, business angel networks are a key source of financing for startups. These networks bring together wealthy individuals who are willing to invest in early-stage businesses. The networks provide entrepreneurs with access to capital, as well as mentorship and support. This helps to create a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in English-speaking Africa. Education and training are also challenges in French-speaking Africa, where the teaching of entrepreneurial skills is often less developed than in other parts of the continent, such as Kenya or Rwanda, where learning to code is now mandatory in elementary school. What are some of the most exciting accomplishments or projects that Digital Africa has undertaken recently, and how have they impacted the lives of people in specific cities in Africa? At Digital Africa, we are very proud to serve our users by providing them access to skills, data, fundings, as well as speak for
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6 latest Apple products announcements 2023
Apple’s annual developer conference got underway, bearing exciting news for Apple lovers and enthusiasts. The keynote address contained announcements of new Macs, improvements to the iOS 17, and also the long-awaited introduction of Apple’s new mixed-reality headset. One of the most significant absences was updates about any iPhone release, which would probably be a sad one for Apple lovers who’d been anticipating the beauty and power of a likely iPhone 15. However, here, you’ll find information about the 6 latest Apple products announcements made at WWDC in 2023. 1. After about 7 years of development the Apple AR/VR Headset has been announced Image Credit: Apple Number one on the list of the latest Apple products announcements is the Vision Pro. Apple unveiled the Apple Vision Pro, a brand-new category of computer. You may incorporate digital material into the environment around you using this new headset. The Vision Pro seeks to transform how we connect with Apple devices or interfaces by providing controls that let you engage your hands, eyes, and voice to interact with digital material. Image Credit: Apple It is intended for the spatial operating system to establish another dimension of physicality for you. In other words, you can move objects around in your view naturally by using interactive windows’ shadows and shading. You can immerse yourself in settings that function like VR even though you can exist entirely within the one you’re naturally in. Apple is also putting effort into Apple Vision Pro’s entertainment integration. This will apply to 3D movies and Apple Arcade games on the system. Also, Disney+ will be accessible on the Apple Vision Pro beginning immediately when it launches for sale. The Apple Vision Pro will be marketed and sold in 2024 for $3,499. When it officially launches, Apple lovers will be able to learn more about it and see live demonstrations in Apple Stores around the world. 2. 15-inch MacBook Air Image Credit: Apple Alongside the VR headset, the 15-inch MacBook Air joined the latest Apple products announcements. The computer, an update to the 13-inch model, was officially unveiled at the WWDC 2023 event. The laptop is one of the slimmest of its kind with it being just 11.5 inches thick. In addition, it has a 15-inch screen, an M2 microprocessor that powers a display with a brightness of 500 nits, a 1080p camera, and six speakers. Image Credit: Apple Next week, the brand-new Macbook Air will be offered for $1,299. Along with the launch of the new 15-inch model, the price of the 13-inch MacBook Air will be reduced by $100. 3. The imminence of Death Stranding Director’s Cut to Mac It was also revealed that Death Stranding Director’s Cut would soon be accessible through the Mac Store as part of Apple’s renewed emphasis on gaming on Macs. Additionally, Kojima mentioned that his group would be trying to add more titles to the platform in the future. And this surfaces as the third most significant latest Apple products announced at the WWDC. 4. Mac Pro with M2 Ultra Image Credit: Apple As part of their latest products, Apple revealed that the Mac Pro will receive an update with the new M2 Ultra CPUs. This improves video editing performance and offers PCI expansion and customisable features. The Pro will be able to accommodate up to 6 monitors, just like the Mac Studio. The cost of the Mac Pro will be $6,999, which is pretty pricier than the previous model from 2019. 5. Mac Studio with M2 Ultra Image Credit: Apple The M2 Max chip for Mac Studio offers an improvement of up to 25% over the M1 Max processor. Apple also unveiled the new M2 Ultra chip as part of their latest products. This chip offers an even greater 30% improvement over the M1. Faster video editing, rendering, and improved 8K streaming are all benefits of this new technology. The new Ultra chip is perfect for the best creative experience because it can support up to 6 monitors. Starting from June 14, the Mac Studio will be available for $1,999 and you can make purchases through the Apple store. 6. New Apple software updates New features for iOS 17, iPadOS 17, MacOS Sonoma, and other software were a key part of WWDC 2023. The Apple iOS 17 The most significant upgrades to iOS have been made to the messaging apps. This contains catch-up arrows, swipe to reply, live voicemail, and search filters within messages. Additionally, stickers received an upgrade with improved messaging integration. Additionally, there is a deeper connectivity with your communications and location information. In addition to the communication apps, Apple also unveiled Name Drop, a new method for quickly exchanging contact details via AirDrop. A brand-new app called Journal was also revealed, and it will go live later this year. Journal will be an integration of recent photos, events, and places. Additionally, a new StandBy mode is available to provide an always-on display when your phone is charging and facing the other direction. Clocks, app notifications, and other features are available in a variety of formats on this screen. MacOS Sonoma Enhancements to screensavers and widgets are the first updates to the new MacOS. The latest version of Mac OS X allows for even greater widget interactivity, much like the latest version of iPadOS. You can put these widgets wherever you choose on the desktop, and they will change colour to blend in when they aren’t in use. The compatibility between iOS and OS X applications will improve. Image Credit: Apple In addition, a new Game Mode has been integrated into MacOS to improve the overall performance of your Mac when playing games. Moreover, the decreased audio delay makes this a better fit for use with AirPods. Along with the new mode, Metal 3 will simplify the process of porting games to Mac. To coincide with Sonoma, Safari has also been updated. This entails enhancing private browsing by locking pages while you aren’t using them to prevent tracking. In addition, there
Read MoreWeb3 startup Mara fires its marketing department as it shifts focus from acquiring new users
In May, Web3 startup, Mara fired its marketing team, months after laying off 50% of its staff. Sources claim that the most recent layoffs are unrelated to money problems. Web3 startup Mara has laid off employees twice in the past six months. The first layoffs in December, which coincided with the resignation of a co-founder Kate Kallot, were attributed to the collapse of FTX, one of Mara’s major investors. But the second round of layoffs, which happened last month, is contentious. While one report described a pattern of frivolous spending, a source told TechCabal that the startup restructured the team with a renewed focus on existing users, launching other projects that will drive crypto adoption in Africa. Former employees who spoke to TechCabal said the first layoffs were about cost reduction. A source with knowledge of the situation told TechCabal, “It was obvious that the layoff in December was a scramble to save some money because after laying off nearly half of the staff, [Mara] slashed salaries the next month. The slashes varied too, ranging from 10-50% reduction.” There were reasons to be concerned. The first layoff in December came only six months after Mara announced a $23 million fundraise. The seed raise—the largest for a web3 startup then—would help Mara launch Mara Wallet, a crypto exchange for users to buy, send, sell, and withdraw fiat and crypto assets. It put Mara in competition with startups like Yellow Card. The company claimed that its unique selling position was Mara Chain. This layer-1 blockchain would let Africans build decentralized applications—Mara Chain was scheduled to launch in Q4 2022. But the startup didn’t launch Mara Chain as planned, and it is unclear what the progress of that project is. More layoffs at Mara in May The recent layoffs happened in May, and a source told TechCabal about 6 people were affected. “The cuts mostly affected external-facing roles such as marketing, community management, and communications—roles that involve external communications and customer or user acquisition,” the source said. According to another source, however, more people in other departments may have been sacked too. But it appears that the startup has not frozen hiring. A source disclosed to TechCabal that the company added several engineers to the team despite the layoffs. Mara did not respond to a request for comment at the time of publishing this article. What do you think about our stories? Tell us how you feel by taking this quick 3-minute survey.
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How to apply for the SRD SASSA R350 grant 2023
The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant offered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) aims to provide temporary assistance to individuals and families facing financial hardship. If you are in need and meet the eligibility criteria, applying for the SRD SASSA grant can be a crucial step towards obtaining financial support. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through how to apply for the SRD SASSA R350 grant, ensuring that you have all the necessary information to complete your application successfully. 1. Understanding the eligibility criteria Before on how to apply for the SRD SASSA R350 grant, it is crucial to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for the grant. Currently, the primary eligibility requirements include: a) Citizenship: You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or a refugee. b) Age: You should be between the ages of 18 and 60 years. c) Income: Your household income should be below a certain threshold determined by SASSA. d) Unemployment: You must be unemployed and not receiving any other government financial assistance. e) Asset limits: You should not possess any significant assets or investments. f) For asylum seekers: You must be a person seeking asylum in South Africa and in possession of a current section 22 permit or visa. Other eligibility points include the following: You may need to be a holder of a South African Special Permit (for either the Special Angolan Dispensation, the Lesotho Exemption Permit Dispensation, or the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Dispensation) as an immigrant in the country. You need to have a monthly income of R624 or less to pass the means test. Clearly, you do not have sufficient resources to maintain yourself. You are not eligible to receive any other government assistance at this time. You cannot be an Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) contributor or recipient. You must not unreasonably decline offers of work or schooling. NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) stipends are not eligible for consideration. Make sure to review the eligibility criteria thoroughly to confirm if you meet the requirements before proceeding with the application process. 2. Gathering the required documentation to apply for the SRD SASSA R350 grant To complete your application successfully, you will need to gather specific documents that serve as proof of your eligibility and personal information. Here is a list of documents you might need: a) Identification: A valid South African ID, passport, or asylum seeker document. b) Proof of residence: A utility bill or any document indicating your current address. c) Bank statement: A recent bank statement reflecting your income and expenses. d) Proof of unemployment: Documents such as a retrenchment letter or a letter from your previous employer confirming your unemployment status. e) Income and expenses: Any supporting documents that show your current financial situation, such as payslips, invoices, or proof of other sources of income. It is essential to gather all the required documentation and ensure that they are up-to-date and accurate. Please note that these document requirements may change. Therefore, always ensure you check the SAAS website for updates on documentation requirements. 3. Completing the online application Continuing on how to apply for the SRD SASSA R350 grant, you can complete an online application via the SASSA website or through the SASSA mobile application. Follow these steps to complete your application: a) Visit the SASSA website: Go to the SASSA official website (www.sassa.gov.za) and navigate to the SRD grant application section. b) Create an account: If you don’t already have one, create an account by providing your email address and creating a secure password. c) Fill in the application form: Provide accurate and detailed information in the application form, including personal details, contact information, and financial information. d) Upload supporting documents: Scan or photograph the required documents and upload them as attachments in the designated sections. e) Review and submit: Review your application carefully, ensuring that all information and documents are accurate and complete. Click the submit button to finalize your application. 4. Following up after you apply for the SRD SASSA r350 grant Once you have submitted your application, it is crucial to monitor its progress and stay informed about any updates. Here are a few steps you can take to follow up after you apply for the SRD SASSA R350 grant your SRD SASSA grant application: a) Check your application status: Log in to your SASSA account and check the status of your application regularly. This will provide you with updates on whether your application has been received, processed, or approved. You can read how to check your status here. b) Contact SASSA: If you have any concerns or queries about your application, contact SASSA directly through their helpline or visit your nearest SASSA office for assistance. c) Be patient: The application process may take some time due to the high volume of applicants. Remain patient and allow SASSA to review your application thoroughly. Final thoughts on how to apply for the SRD SASSA r350 grant Applying for the SRD SASSA grant can offer a temporary lifeline for individuals and families facing financial hardship. By understanding the eligibility criteria, gathering the necessary documentation, completing the online application accurately, and following up on your application, you can increase your chances of receiving the assistance you need. Remember to stay informed, be patient throughout the process, and reach out to SASSA if you need any assistance.
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