Telecom
15 Startups Selected for Google Startups Accelerator Africa Cohort 7
Google on Monday announced the participants in its 2022 Startups Accelerator Africa Class 7. The selected startups are developing solutions in areas such as healthcare, education, fleet management, logistics automation and recruiting.
This seventh class includes 15 tech startups from seven African countries, with Cote D’Ivoire joining for the first time. The class was selected from thousands of applications, with final selection based on product stage, program alignment and market fit.
Over the next three months, they will work with Google mentors and facilitators learning best practices on a range of topics including Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, organisational culture, growth strategies and more.
Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programs are organised around a virtual bootcamp concept that includes seminars, one-on-one coaching sessions, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. Bootcamps will take place in March, April and May.
Says Folarin Aiyegbusi Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa: “We’re thrilled to be starting off our seventh cohort with such a diverse and inspiring group of companies who are harnessing technology to tackle the problems that many people on the continent face every day. Startups in Africa are solving some of the region’s most pressing issues -from employment to logistics, banking, healthcare, and education. This is a journey that we’re happy to be on.”
The Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program has supported 82 startups from 17 African countries over the past four years. Collectively, they have raised $112 million and created 2800 direct jobs. In this time, Google has invested $5m through a combination of equity free funding and product credits for Google services.
“As a digital identity onboarding platform based in Nigeria, iVerify.ng is extremely delighted to have been selected for Class 7 of Google for Startups Accelerator Africa amidst our need to deploy more robust technology infrastructure and scale our operations across Africa. We’re looking forward to the workshops, mentoring and inestimable value we’ve heard so much about. Thank you for validating our dream!!” says Zita Agwunobi, CEO of iVerify.ng, one of the selected startups.
Balqis Chepkwony CEO of Kenyan startup Fleetsimplify says: “Fleetsimplify is thrilled to have been selected for the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa! We’re looking forward to working with the Google team to bring sustainable shared mobility solutions in Africa.”
“Google is committed to Africa’s growing startup and developer ecosystem,” adds Aiyegbusi. “Providing end-to-end support and investment to startups pays off for everyone in the long run. As these startups grow, they advance their local economies, create jobs and opportunities, and provide solutions in their communities. A stronger African economy is great for everyone, and Google is committed to helping African businesses thrive,” he concludes.
Selected startups (in alphabetical order)
Clafiya (Nigeria): Clafiya connects patients to health practitioners to provide fast and affordable on demand primary care services in Africa.
Fleetsimplify (Kenya): Fleetsimplify is a fleet management platform for shared mobility.
HydroIQ (Kenya): HydroIQ is a virtual water network that gives consumers and utilities a single, transparent platform to manage their water consumption and management.
iVerify.ng (Nigeria): iVerify.ng is a digital identity onboarding platform.
LaRuche Health (Côte d’Ivoire): LaRuche Health offers inclusive apps that simplify care delivery and improve patient access to preventive healthcare services.
LyRise (Egypt): LyRise is a platform that provides companies with an easier, faster way to hire and work with vetted AI and data talents from Africa.
MDaaS Global (Nigeria): MDaas builds and operates modern, technology-enabled diagnostic services in clinically-underserved communities in Nigeria.
Multiplied (South Africa): Multiplied offers data-driven design at scale through infinite personalised content for marketing.
Nulitics (South Africa): Nulitics is a specialist Mixed Reality (XR) software development and system integrator with a focus on XR wearable technology.
Ridelink (Uganda): Ridelink makes cargo mobility affordable and accessible for small businesses at the tap of a button.
SmartClass (Tanzania): SmartClass is a skill-learning network that enables youth to learn from their peers.
Sukhiba (Kenya): Sukhiba is a decentralised community-based commerce platform.
Terawork (Nigeria): Terawork is a pan-African online freelance marketplace plugging Africa talent into the global workforce.
The Marking App (South Africa): The Marking App provides a data-free application that automatically marks handwritten school assessments while also automating school administration.
truQ (Nigeria): truQ is a tech-enabled logistics platform automating and optimising short haul (or intracity) logistics for automated retail distribution companies in Africa.
Telecom
Tecno AI Integrated Smartphone Series Unveiled in Nigeria
It was a night of glitz and glamour as Tecno, a global Innovative technology brand launched its groundbreaking series of Al Powered smartphones into the Nigerian Market.
The event held on Friday at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel VI Lagos, showcased an impressive lineup of TECNO’s latest mobile devices, including Phantom V Fold2 5G, Phantom V Filp2 5G, Camon 30s and Spark 30 Pro.
Speaking at the launch, Jack Chong, Brand Manager Tecno, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, stating that the AI integrated range of smartphones was designed to bring efficiency to business professionals and creatives.
He also highlighted Tecno’s commitment to delivering exceptional performance, sleek designs through cutting-edge technology.
Here are the phones and their features
Phantom V Fold2 5G
Freshly equipped with Tecno’s brand-new Tecno AI suite of AI functions, including the upgraded Gemini-integrated Ella AI Assistant, AI Artboard, AI Wallpaper and more.
It also features advanced hardware, with 6.42” outer and 7.85” main 120Hz LTPO screens with 30-120° hovering capability, a powerful 5750mAh Aircell battery, 70W charging, and an Ultra-Clear Five Camera Imaging System, while it also supports the new Phantom V Pen stylus.
Phantom V Filp2 5G
Tecno Phantom V Flip 5G is for those looking for a stylish flip 5G smartphone with a larger 6.9-inch display when unfolded. When folded, it’s just 8.88 millimeters and can fit in a much smaller space than a regular smartphone can fit in.
It’s also more stylish and convenient to carry. Both the cover display (AMOLED) and the main (LTPO AMOLED) displays have very eye-pleasing colors and suitable brightness. The back camera is nice with an ultrawide lens and 4K video recording. The 32 MP front camera is also pretty good with up to 2K video recording.
The performance is smooth with a 6 nm MediaTek Dimensity 8050 (6 nm)chipset. There is a 45W charger included in the box that can charge the 4000 mAh battery from 0% to 50% in just about 15 minutes.
Tecno Camon 30S
This phone features a cosmic design that combines humanity’s fascination with the cosmos and artistic aesthetics, creating a unique blend of vast space and futuristic elegance.
The camera offers notifications during photography, video recording, and charging. It boasts a 50MP AF front dual flash and a 50MP 1/1.56 OIS+2MP Depth+light sensor rear dual flash. It’s powered by a 5000mAh battery with 45W Super Charge using a Type-C Cable, and also it includes a 20W wireless charging, making it the brand’s first.
TECNO Spark 30 Pro
This phone equipped with a stunning 120Hz AMOLED display that boasts 100% DCI-P3 color gamut. Also, it comes with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res certified stereo speakers, providing an immersive audio-visual experience.
Powered by MediaTek Helio G100 processor, Spark 30 Pro supports 4.5G Lighting Network for faster connectivity. Additionally, the phone features super WiFi technology, enabling it to connect to networks 616% faster than other devices.
The launch was graced by the presence of prominent figures in the Nigerian Tech space, notable among them were Tecno brand ambassadors and A-list influencers.
At the event Tecno gifted participants with two smartphones and three smart watches via lucky dip game.
The launch concluded with a networking session that provided an excellent platform for industry leaders and tech enthusiasts to connect and discuss the future of mobile technology in Nigeria.
Guests departed with not only a deeper understanding of Tecno AI product line but also with swag bags filled with gifts, solidifying a memorable experience.
Telecom
Kellyrae Emerges Big Brother Naija Season 9 Winner
Kellyrae has emerged as the winner of the Big Brother Naija season 9 ‘No Loose Guard’ edition.
Kellyrae edged Wanni who came in second and Onyeka third to emerge winner of the night.
As the winner, Kellyrae goes home with a cash prize of N60million and a brand new car worth N40m bringing the total prize worth to N100m.
Recall that 14 pairs of dynamic duos – 28 housemates, including two sets of twins, a married couple, besties, gym bros, and even a niece and aunt were introduced into Biggie’s house at the beginning of the reality show on Sunday, July 28.
However, on Sunday, September 1, after the live eviction, the duos were separated in the No Loose Guard season. The new twist left the housemates speechless as Biggie dropped the bombshell.
The game became officially became a solo competition, and they understood that only one housemate will emerge as the winner of this season.
This twist sure tested the housemates’ loyalty, resilience and ability to strategise independently.
Telecom
Nigerian Journalists Recount Experiences @QNET’s 2024 V-Convention
The 2024 V-Convention held in Penang, Malaysia has come and gone but its sights and sounds is still reverberating as Nigerian Journalists who had the rare opportunity of attending the event shared their experiences and the immense opportunities QNET is providing to people through direct selling.
The event, which brought together over 8,000 participants from 30 countries, showcased the global reach and cross-border partnerships, which are crucial for direct selling businesses to thrive, particularly in emerging markets like Nigeria.
While speaking at the 2nd VCON 2024 Media Experience webinar on Thursday, the two journalists that witnessed the event shared their personal experiences, insights and take away from the convention in Penang, Malaysia.
Recounting his experience at the event, Sulaiman Aledeh, A TV journalist with Arise, described the experience as thrilling. “The V-Convention was more than a business event,” he remarked.
“It was a gathering of individuals united by their passion for personal growth, entrepreneurship, and wellness. The energy and enthusiasm were unmistakable, and it was inspiring to witness so many people coming together to support one another’s goals.”
He further highlighted QNET’s business strategies while lauding their efforts in supporting education and law enforcement partnerships.
Aledeh added, “One of the things that struck me most about the V-Convention was the sense of community and camaraderie among the attendees. Everyone was there to learn, grow, and support each other, and it created a truly inspiring atmosphere.”
Peter Oluka, Editor of TechEconomy and another attendee of VCON 2004, echoed similar sentiments, describing the event as more than just a business convention.
For him, the gathering of entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds created a powerful network of like-minded individuals passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship.
He was particularly impressed by QNET’s focus on environmentally friendly products, signaling that the direct selling industry has much to offer in terms of sustainable development.
He praised the diversity of the attendees, the informative workshops, and the focus on innovation and sustainability, and highlighted the opportunity to explore Penang and experience Malaysian culture.
According to Oluka, “The V-Convention was a life-changing experience for me. It opened my eyes to the possibilities of direct selling and entrepreneurship, and I am now more motivated than ever to pursue my own business goals.”
Earlier, Theodocia Quartey, QNET’s Senior Legal Counsel for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the importance of the VCON media webinar, noting that “The event offered participants a chance to expand their product knowledge, interact with experts, and take advantage of vibrant networking opportunities. It reflects QNET’s steadfast commitment to innovation and sustainability.”
“Twice yearly, we brings together a diverse assembly of marketing professionals, experienced business leaders, and global entrepreneurs associated with the QI Group’s flagship business in Penang, Malaysia.
“During V-Conventions, QNET extends invitations to selected journalists from media outlets in Nigeria to experience this important event.
“The just-concluded V-Convention in September 2024 brought together over 8,000 attendees from over 30 countries. The theme of the event was “Unstoppable,” emphasizing QNET’s unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability.
“V-Convention continues to provide a platform to empower individuals and communities worldwide and champion innovation and sustainability through deepening product knowledge, engaging with experts, and experiencing dynamic demonstrations.
“Attendees benefit from business training sessions, motivational speeches, and product exhibitions, providing them with invaluable personal and professional growth opportunities”.
Mr. Akeem Ajisafe, Managing Director of Transblue Limited, QNET’s legal partner in Nigeria, emphasized the significant potential of the direct selling industry for Nigerian entrepreneurs during the second VCON 2024 Media Experience sharing webinar.
Ajisafe emphasized the importance of direct selling as a path to personal and financial empowerment, and pointed out the industry’s rapid expansion, with the global market expected to reach $204.89 billion by 2032.
“Direct selling provides entrepreneurs with a unique opportunity to harness their skills and build successful businesses with minimal investment,” he stated.
Ajisafe also discussed the misconceptions about direct selling in Nigeria, stressing the need to differentiate between legitimate direct selling companies and pyramid schemes. “QNET is dedicated to ethical practices and transparency,” he affirmed.
“We are working to educate the public about the benefits of direct selling and to dispel negative stereotypes. We believe that Nigeria has a bright future in the direct selling industry. By embracing this model, entrepreneurs can create jobs, generate wealth, and contribute to the country’s economic growth.”
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