Breaking: President Ruto names part of new cabinet to defuse crisis
Kenya’s President William Ruto has named a new cabinet in a bid to end the political crisis that has engulfed the country since anti-government protests started in early June. Six former ministers from the previous cabinet were reappointed. In a televised address on Friday, Ruto retained Aden Duale and Kithure Kindiki, his political allies, as defense and interior ministers, respectively. Ruto also retained Alice Wahome as the minister of lands and Soipan Tuya as the environment minister. Former energy minister Davis Chirchir has been moved to transport ministry while former trade minister Rebecca Miano has been appointed the attorney general. Ruto has brought five new faces including Debra Mulongo (health), Julius Migosi (education), Andrew Karanja (agriculture), Mureithi Miga (water), and Margaret Ndung’u (ICT). “I’m continuing to take consultations across political divide on the balance of the remaining cabinet. Further consultations are ongoing after which I will announce more names in due course,” said Ruto. “Additionally, I will be issue clear assignments for the new cabinet next week.” *This is a developing story
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Kenya demands details on $5.7m grant to alleged protest backers
Kenya has asked Ford Foundation, a US-based non-profit, to provide information on a $5.78 million grant to 16 organisations which the government accused of funding the ongoing protests in what will be interpreted as a desperate move to shift blame. On Thursday, the foreign affairs ministry asked the foundation to provide details of all grantees and their activities. On July 15, President William Ruto accused the US organisation of being behind the protests. “It is noteworthy that several of your grantees below mentioned received a total of $5.78 million between April 2023 and May 2024 – with unexplained expedited funding amounting to $1.49 million over the last month alone,” Korir Sing’oei, foreign affairs permanent secretary wrote in a letter. “Deeply concerning is that most of the grantees have been at the centre of the anti-Finance Bill protests and the subsequent anarchic mobilisation that have sought to upend the peace and security of the state.” The demand comes after the organisation denied involvement in the anti-government protests. Some of its notable grantees include Africa Uncensored, an independent media outlet, Transparency International, Kenya Human Rights Commission and Africa Centre for Open Governance. “We did not fund or sponsor the recent protests against the Finance Bill and have a strictly non-partisan policy for all of our grantmaking,” Tolu Onafowokan, Ford Foundation director of communications, said on Tuesday. Ford Foundation joins the list of individuals and organisations Kenyan officials have blamed for the protests. In June, lawmakers loyal to Ruto blamed former President Uhuru Kenyata and the opposition. The government spokesman Isaac Mwaura later said Russia was behind the demonstrations. Ruto has made some concessions but protesters maintain that their grievances are legitimate and the month-long demonstrations will continue. Have you got your early-bird tickets to the Moonshot Conference? Click this link to grab ’em and check out our fast-growing list of speakers coming to the conference!
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Tecno Pop 7 vs. Tecno Pop 8
The Tecno Pop 7 and Pop 8 smartphones cater to you, especially if you’re a budget-conscious consumer. Despite sharing core features, the two phones differ significantly in design, performance, display, and additional features. Here’s a concise comparison to aid your purchasing decision of the Tecno devices: Design and display The Pop 8 features a contemporary design with a hole-punch display, offering a slightly larger screen-to-body ratio than the Pop 7’s notch design. Additionally, the Pop 8 introduces a “Magic Skin Leather” finish for selected models, enhancing its visual appeal. Performance and processor The Pop 8, equipped with a more powerful octa-core processor, promises improved performance and multitasking capabilities over the Pop 7’s unspecified chipset. This upgrade will be noticeable in resource-intensive tasks and overall system responsiveness. Display quality and refresh rate Both devices feature a 6.6-inch HD+ display, but the Pop 8 stands out with a 90Hz refresh rate, providing smoother animations, scrolling, and an overall better visual experience compared to the standard 60Hz refresh rate on the Pop 7. Camera capabilities Both models offer similar camera configurations with AI capabilities. However, the Pop 8’s camera system might deliver slight improvements in image quality and low-light performance due to potential advancements in image processing technology. Storage and memory The Pop 8 offers more flexible storage options, with configurations of up to 128GB of internal storage and expandable memory support. This gives users ample space for applications, media, and files. Tecno Pop 7 vs. Tecno Pop 8 in Price Price remains a crucial factor when choosing a smartphone. Here’s an overview: Tecno Pop 7: Priced between ₦96,000 and ₦110,000. Tecno Pop 8: Typically ranges from ₦120,000 to ₦130,000. It is advisable to compare prices from different retailers to find the best deals. Prices may vary based on location, retailer, and ongoing promotions. Additional features in Tecno Pop 7 vs. Tecno Pop 8 The Pop 8 incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which provides a more convenient and accessible unlocking method than the rear-mounted sensor on the Pop 7. Moreover, the Pop 8 might include additional software enhancements or features not present in the Pop 7. Final thoughts on Tecno Pop 7 vs. Tecno Pop 8 The Pop 8 offers improvements in design, performance, display quality, and additional features over the Pop 7. However, the choice between the two depends on individual priorities and budget constraints. Consumers seeking a more modern device with enhanced capabilities may prefer the Pop 8, while those prioritising affordability and basic functionalities might find the Pop 7 more suitable.
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2024 JAMB result slip printing to begin soon
During the policy meeting on 18 July 2024, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) disclosed the minimum admissible marks for Nigerian tertiary institutions and hinted the imminence of printing the JAMB original result slip 2024. This may especially come as placating news for candidates who have not been able to access their 2024 JAMB results due to lost or damaged SIMs or other issues. Implicit indication of results slip imminent availability In his address, the JAMB registrar implicitly disclosed that candidates may soon be able to print their JAMB original result slip 2024 via the JAMB portal. Currently, candidates can only check their UTME results through SMS, but this upcoming update will allow them to access and print their detailed result slips online. According to the registrar, this document is a requirement for the 2024 admission processes in all higher education institutions across Nigeria. So since tertiary institutions will demand the original result slip during screening and verification exercises, it is highly likely JAMB will make it accessible soon. Potential steps to obtain the JAMB original result slip 2024 Candidates must visit the official JAMB website to start the printing process once it becomes available. By logging into their profiles using their registration details, they can navigate to the section designated for the result slip. The printing process requires a nominal fee, which candidates can pay via multiple online payment platforms integrated into the JAMB portal. Importance of the original result slip The JAMB original result slip 2024 contains not only candidates’ scores but also detailed information such as their examination number, centre, and subject combinations. Admission officers use this comprehensive information to verify the authenticity of the results presented by applicants. Therefore, candidates must promptly report any discrepancies or errors in the result slip to JAMB for correction. Final thoughts on 2024 JAMB result slip printing new updates Printing the JAMB original result for 2024 is an essential step for candidates aspiring to gain admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. The new updates provided during the policy meeting underscore the importance of this document in the admission process. Candidates must follow the outlined procedures meticulously to meet the institutions’ requirements.
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Breaking: Nation Media CEO Stephen Gitagama resigns, 80% of board to leave
Stephen Gitagama, the chief executive of Nation Media Group (NMG), East Africa’s largest media house, will leave at the end of July 2024. NMG’s chief financial officer, Richard Tobiko, will become interim CEO. “My tenure as CEO at NMG will come to an end by August 1st,” Gitagama, who served as CEO for seven years, told employees on Friday. “I’m leaving behind a very strong team, and with the dedication you have, I believe you will go far.” Gitagama’s departure follows the company’s May and June layoffs, which affected more than 16 employees. This was the fifth round of layoffs since Gitagama took over from former CEO Joe Muganda. NGM did not immediately respond to a request for comments. At the same staff meeting, NMG board chair Wilfred Kiboro said that 80% of board members would also leave the company by the end of 2024, raising questions about the company’s future direction after the restructuring. While Gitagama didn’t disclose the reason for his exit, one person with direct knowledge of the matter told TechCabal that the board was not pleased by the pace of NMG’s digital transformation. Faced with declining newspaper circulation and ad revenue, the company recently revamped its digital publications. Kiboro admitted that the company, with publications in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, faces a “dying product” and is undergoing a major shift. In 2023, the Daily Nation newspaper, NMG’s revenue driver made a loss for the first time in decades, sinking the company into a KES 205.7 million ($1.6 million) loss. NMG is also the parent company for Business Daily and NTV business publications. “The print business is a dying product. With a change of mindset to think digital first is very important,” Kiboro said. “We are going to form a new company which is wholly digital. We have to think differently from what we have been doing before.” Have you got your early-bird tickets to the Moonshot Conference? Click this link to grab ’em and check out our fast-growing list of speakers coming to the conference!
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👨🏿🚀TechCabal Daily – Cameroon’s new score
In partnership with Share this newsletter: Lire en Français اقرأ هذا باللغة العربية TGIF Nigeria’s payments landscape is about to get a major shakeup, and it all hinges on collaboration. Unified Payments, a company with deep roots in the industry, just secured a crucial license that positions it as a champion for teamwork. This isn’t your typical competitor story. Unified Payments plans to work with everyone, from rivals like NIBSS to booming neobanks like Opay and Moniepoint. Its goal? Ensuring seamless service and growth for the entire Nigerian fintech ecosystem. Intrigued by how collaboration can revolutionise an industry? Dig deep into our coverage here. In today’s edition Cameroon receives $38 billion from South Korea Nigeria proposes new bill for e-commerce platforms South Sudan gets Starlink Funding tracker The World Wide Web3 Events Funding Cameroon receives $38 billion from South Korea to improve record-keeping Cameroon has finalised a CFA23.21 billion ($38 million) funding agreement with South Korea to set up a digitised national registry. Nearly half of all births in Cameroon are unrecorded, making it difficult to plan for healthcare, education, and voter registration—especially in rural areas. This lack of documentation isn’t unique to Cameroon alone. Globally, nearly 40% of deaths are not registered, and in low-income countries, only 8% of reported deaths have documented causes. Thankfully, even before the partnership with South Korea, Cameroon was already taking matters into its own hands. It issued 500,000 birth certificates in 2022 to previously undocumented children in rural areas, off the back of a $2.8 million grant. And in 2023, it partnered with OpenCRVS, an open-source civil registration platform to develop a database for residents in 20 municipal councils, funded by research agencies from Germany and South Korea. Now, with bigger funding comes bigger plans. Cameroon is set on using technology to make things better. Additionally, the funding will support other initiatives: $4.8 million for an identity system, $5.6 million for an e-procurement platform, and $8 million for a “Smart Campus” project to improve public record-keeping. As Cameroon plans to digitise its record-keeping process, cloud cost is expected to increase in order to accommodate the change. And if anything, managing data on the cloud is expensive. Read Moniepoint’s 2024 Informal Economy Report 7 out of 10 informal business owners borrow money for their business. Click here to find out more about Nigeria’s informal economy and credit. Regulations Nigeria proposes new bill for e-commerce platforms It’s been raining taxes and regulations from Nigerian lawmakers. Nigerian lawmakers have introduced a raft of policies over the past few days. On Wednesday, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wrote to the senate to demand a 50% tax on foreign exchange gains made by banks. Everybody is getting taxed regulated: In a new bid to regulate and protect trading on Nigerian e-commerce platforms, the federal government alongside the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) is developing a bill that demands new information requirements from e-commerce platforms. The proposed bill requires e-commerce platforms like Jumia and Konga to provide crucial information about themselves, including their legal names, addresses, and phone numbers. This information will be used to communicate with the seller and used in cases of legal proceedings. The bill also requires these platforms to provide “accurate and accessible information describing the goods or services offered”. The bill requires electronic sellers to clearly disclose transaction terms, conditions, and costs to consumers in a concise and comprehensive manner, including payment terms and methods; return, exchange, cancellation, and refund policies; and withdrawal and termination conditions. The stakes are now higher: The bill is part of a broader National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill which will see e-commerce startups fined if they contravene any section of the law. When passed into law, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, says the bill will provide a legal framework and accelerate progress in the digital economy. Join Fincra at API Conference on July 20, 2024 Calling all devs!! This is your chance to dive deep into Fincra’s extensive suite of payment APIs and accompanying SDKs. Come and see how you can build your next big idea with easy-to-integrate APIs. Reserve your spot here! Internet Starlink gets approved in South Sudan Elon Musk’s SpaceX has secured a license to operate its Starlink satellite internet service in South Sudan, a welcome development for a country struggling with a 12.1% internet penetration rate. However, the path forward for Starlink isn’t exactly smooth sailing. First hurdle: finding a partner. While the license is a green light, SpaceX needs a local distributor to sell Starlink terminals within South Sudan. South Sudan has faced instability since gaining independence in 2011, and recent unrest in neighbouring Sudan has added strain. This complex political and security landscape poses a challenge for Starlink’s rollout. Second hurdle: avoiding black markets.A recent Bloomberg investigation revealed illegal Starlink terminal sales in some countries, raising concerns about potential misuse in South Sudan. Ensuring responsible distribution will be critical. The big picture: Despite these challenges, Starlink’s arrival could significantly improve internet connectivity for South Sudan’s citizens, with only 3.97 million mobile connections currently available according to GSMA. However, successfully navigating these hurdles will be crucial for Starlink to realise its potential. Paystack Virtual Terminal is now live in more countries Paystack Virtual Terminalhelps businesses accept secure, in-person payments with real-time WhatsApp confirmations and ZERO hardware costs. Enjoy multiple in-person payment channels, easy end-of-day reconciliation, and more. Learn more on the Paystack blog → TC Insights Funding Tracker This week, Egyptian fintech startup Dopay closed a US$13.5 million Series A extension round, topping up its $18 million Series A round raised in 2021. Argentem Creek Partners led the round with participation from existing investors. (July 18) Here’s the other deal for the week: South African travel-focused fintech TurnStay secured US$300,000 in funding from Silicon Valley and New York-based investors DFS Lab and DCG. (July 16) Kenya’s Uncover, a tech-enabled emerging beauty brand, closed a US$1.4 million seed II funding. The round was co-led by EQ2 Ventures and IgniteXL
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Breaking: President Tinubu endorses ₦70,000 ($43) minimum wage
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed a proposal to more than double the minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 after a meeting with Nigeria’s Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress. “We were here last week. And we are here now. What they have announced in terms of the amount of ₦70,000 happens to be where we are now. But the thing about it is that we will not wait for another five years to come and agree,” Joe Ajaero, the NLC’s president said. The endorsement comes after weeks of negotiations between Nigeria’s Labour Congress (NLC) and the government. The NLC proposed a minimum wage of ₦200,000 and argued that inflation and a cost of living crisis made the increase necessary. However, the FG cited already large overhead costs as a reason for its counteroffer. It is, however, committed to reassessing the minimum wage every three years. With several states in Nigeria still struggling to pay the current minimum wage, President Tinubu also offered to support states and the private sector in meeting the new wages. He did not provide specific details of this support. *This is a developing story Have you got your early-bird tickets to the Moonshot Conference? Click this link to grab ’em and check out our fast-growing list of speakers coming to the conference!
Read MoreAs naira slides to ₦1,580, FX street traders retreat on fears of EFCC raid
After a month of relative stability, the naira began a slide against the dollar at the start of July. The naira weakened to ₦1,573 per dollar on Tuesday and slid further to ₦1,580 on Thursday, according to data from the FMDQ. Three street traders in Lagos quoted Thursday’s price at ₦1,581 to the dollar. As the slide continued, street traders retreated in several parts of Lagos following reports that officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) planned to make arrests. Two currency traders in Lagos told TechCabal they received a tip-off Thursday morning of planned raids in several popular street trading markets. In February, over 100 FX traders were arrested for street trading. Other arrests were made in March and May 2024. “Street trading of foreign currencies is not allowed,” Blaise Ijebor, CBN’s director for risk management, said in May 2024. “We don’t want BDCs under the trees. They should be in offices, you walk into their office, change your currency, and walk away.” The Central Bank banned FX street trading in the first quarter of 2024 and tightened rules for Bureau de Change (BDC) licences. Under those new rules, tier-one BDCs that operate nationally must meet a capital requirement of 2 billion naira from 35 million naira. The capital requirement for tier two BDCs was raised to ₦500 million. Over 4,000 BDCs will need to reapply for licences and have until Q4 2024 to meet the requirements. The Central Bank has also restricted peer-to-peer trading on cryptocurrency apps, with several apps removing the naira-to-USD pair for users. The bank has also asked neobanks, perceived as popular among traders, to report customers who make FX trades. While relative stability followed those unorthodox moves, the CBN’s seeming helplessness in the face of unstable prices will be a crucial talking point ahead of a monetary policy meeting next week.
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New JAMB age change & other updates for admissions 2024/2025
Following the policy meeting with stakeholders on the 18th of July 2024, The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in agreement with the stakeholders, has introduced several significant updates for the admissions process for the 2024/2025 academic session alongside announcement of minimum admissible JAMB scores for tertiary institutions. These changes aim to streamline procedures, enhance transparency, and ensure compliance with established standards. Prospective candidates and institutions must adhere to these guidelines for a smooth admission process: JAMB age requirements change admission beyond 2024 Starting from the 2025 admission cycle, JAMB will only admit candidates who are at least 18 years old. This update marks a departure from the previous deviation that allowed 16-year-olds to gain admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. JAMB will clearly advertise this change starting November 2024, coinciding with the commencement of registration for the 2025 examinations. O-Level data integration Admission officers will now download candidates’ O-Level data directly from the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS). This integration eliminates the need for students to submit their results separately during the admission screening process. This approach aims to reduce administrative burden and minimise errors. O’level results, biometric, and photograph requirements will come from JAMB for admissions 2024 Tertiary institutions will no longer request biometric data or photographs from candidates during admission screenings. This directive is part of JAMB’s efforts to protect candidate privacy and streamline the verification process. Post-UTME fees cap JAMB has set a maximum fee of ₦2000 for Post-UTME screening exercises. Institutions must adhere to this cap to prevent the exploitation of candidates. This regulation ensures that the screening process remains accessible to all candidates, regardless of their financial background. Correction of data Candidates seeking to enrol for JAMB in 2024 and looking to correct any personal or academic data must do so by 31 October 2024. This deadline allows sufficient time for necessary adjustments in preparation for the 2025 JAMB registration. Illegal admissions policy JAMB will no longer condone or regularise illegal admissions beyond the 2020 set. All admissions for the 2024 cycle and going forward will be conducted exclusively through CAPS. Any admissions processed outside this platform are considered illegal. Candidates whose names do not appear on the national matriculation list will be deemed not to have been admitted by JAMB. Such admissions will be classified as fake, illegal, null, and void, and will not be recognised. Final thoughts on JAMB admissions 2024 The new guidelines for JAMB admission 2024 reflect JAMB’s commitment to improving the admissions process in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Candidates and institutions must comply with these updates to ensure a transparent, efficient, and fair admission process. By adhering to these regulations, JAMB aims to enhance the credibility of the admissions process and uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s educational system.
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How to obtain Nigeria Police character report online in 2024
Acquiring a police character report in Nigeria is easier than you probably thought. This document serves as proof of an individual’s criminal history status and is often a requirement for visa applications, employment, or residency permits. The process to obtain this report has been digitised like other Nigerian services such as the birth attestation, making it more accessible. Step 1: Visit the official website Begin by visiting the official portal of the Police Specialized Services Automation Project (POSSAP) at https://possap.gov.ng/p/login. If you land on the home page, locate the section that says “Get Police Specialized Services with no hassle” and click “Get Started.” You will be taken to a page to select from several services. Choose “Police Character Certificate” and proceed. Step 2: Create an account Create an account on the portal by providing your email address and creating a password. This account will track your application status and for future reference. Ensure you use a valid email address as notifications and updates will be sent there. Step 3: Fill out the application form to obtain Nigeria Police character report Complete the online application form. You will need to provide personal details such as your full name, date of birth, place of birth, and residential address. Additionally, you will need to provide your Bank Verification Number (BVN) or National Identification Number (NIN). Upload a recent passport-sized photograph and a scanned copy of your international passport. Accurate information is vital to avoid delays. Step 4: Payment of fees to obtain Nigeria Police character report Pay the required fee online through the payment gateway provided on the portal. The fee for a police character report in Nigeria for immigration is ₦30,000 and is non-refundable. Ensure you obtain a receipt of payment as proof, which will be required later in the process. Step 5: Schedule an appointment After payment, you will be sent a form for thumb printing or scheduled for biometrics at the nearest Police Criminal Registry. The appointment system helps manage the flow of applicants and reduces wait times. Attend the appointment on the specified date with all necessary documents, including your international passport, payment receipt, and the confirmation code in the SMS you received after your application. Step 6: Fingerprint capturing During your appointment, police officers will capture your fingerprints. This biometric data is crucial for the verification process. Ensure you follow all instructions provided by the officers to ensure a smooth process. Step 7: Application review and processing Once your fingerprints are captured, the police will review your application and conduct a background check. The processing time may vary, but typically, it takes less than a week. You will receive email notifications on the status of your application. Step 8: Collecting the report Upon approval, you will receive your Nigeria police character report for immigration via email. This streamlined process ensures you receive your document on time, facilitating your processes such as your immigration requirements. Final thoughts on how to obtain Nigeria Police character report online in 2024 Obtaining a police character report in Nigeria for purposes such as immigration is a systematic process that requires careful attention to detail and adherence to instructions. Additionally, even if you are in the diaspora, the system provides a complete process for obtaining your police character certificate, ensuring you can meet your immigration requirements from anywhere in the world.
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