#DevsInGovernment Launch 🏛️ | New Nigerian Mobile Operator expected 📲

In today’s menu 🥘

🏛️ Nigeria launches #DevsInGovernment to drive efficiency in public service delivery
📲 A new operator is expected to join Nigeria’s telecom industry “sometime this year”
📺 Netflix added over 13 million new subscribers in Q4 2023, of which 5.05 million were from EMEA region
💰 DXwand secures $4M in funding to expand
👨🏻‍💻 Opportunities

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🏛️ GOVERNMENT

Nigeria launches #DevsInGovernment to drive efficiency in public service delivery

The Honourable Minister of Communications Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani has announced the launch of a new initiative, #DevsInGovernment, in a bid to build a digitally empowered Civil Service for Nigeria. #DevsInGovernment is a community of technologists and tech enthusiasts in public service who will collaborate to drive efficiency in the delivery of public services.

This community is expected to assist in championing the country’s Digital Public Infrastructure initiative aimed at transforming public services..….continue reading

📲 TELECOMS

A new operator is expected to join Nigeria’s telecom industry “sometime this year”

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) stated last week that the Nigerian telecommunications industry can expect a new operator this year. This announcement came after Mafab Communications, a relatively unknown telecommunications company, disclosed its intentions to launch to the commission.

Mafab secured a 5G license in December 2021 at an auction with a winning bid of $273.6 million. Mafab has now affirmed that it will construct its infrastructure from the ground up, opting not to purchase or lease from established operators.….continue reading

💰 FUNDING

DXwand secures $4M in funding to expand its enterprise-focused conversational AI platform in the MENA region

DXwand, a startup based in Cairo and Dubai that utilizes conversational AI to help Middle Eastern businesses automate customer service and employee assistance, has secured $4 million in Series A funding. The investment was led by UAE-based Shorooq Partners and Cairo-based firm Algebra Ventures, with the Dubai Future District Fund, an existing investor, also contributing.

The funding will support DXwand in its expansion throughout the MENA region and hasten its research and development pursuits in generative AI, knowledge mining, and omnichannel conversational AI….continue reading

Cairo-based beauty startup Mira secures $200K in funding to aid expansion

Cairo-based beauty and wellness startup Mira has secured a $200,000 investment from Wingoo Investment and Technology. The funding will be used to expand its customer base and extend its reach beyond Africa. This follows its initial locally-produced beauty product launch in late 2023, with a public revelation expected later this year.

Mira, founded by Amira Dawood, seeks to address concerns related to steep prices and foreign currency shortages due to the rising demand for imported skincare and cosmetic products, by offering affordable alternatives. The direct-to-consumer startup aims to attain a customer base of 100,000 by the end of 2024 and plans to expand to the UAE and Saudi Arabia...….continue reading

📺 VIDEO STREAMING

Netflix added over 13 million new subscribers in Q4 2023, of which 5.05 million were from EMEA region

Netflix announced in its Q4 2023 report that it has added 13.12 million new subscribers, reaching a total of 260 million subscribers globally. A significant contribution of 5.05 million subscribers came from the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region.

Furthermore, Netflix saw a revenue increase of 12% in Q4 2023, which is 6% higher than in 2022 and 2% more than anticipated. However, it is worth noting that the company had added 7.66 million subscribers in Q4 2022. This growth follows Netflix’s decision to intensify its measures against password sharing last year, introducing a paid option for account sharing....….continue reading

OTHER STORIES

• SAP announces major restructuring plan affecting 8,000 jobs…read more

• Pixel 8 Pro users can now measure body temperature using the Thermometer app…read more

• Crowdfunding platform Livestock Wealth under investigation for potential illegal activities…read more

• Hewlett Packard Enterprises hacked by Russian group behind Microsoft email breach…..read more

• Smile ID hits 100 million mark, Unveils Insights into Africa’s identity fraud landscape….read more

• Meta implements stronger restrictions on teen messaging and enhancing parental control features….read more

🚀 OPPORTUNITIES

• The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) is calling on all aspiring African entrepreneurs seeking to turn their business dreams into reality to apply to the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme (TEF2024), for the opportunity to receive a non-returnable seed capital of $5,000. Application deadline: 1 March 2024 Click here to apply.

• The Federal Government through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, has opened applications for Nigerian girls to participate in its new initiative called the National Girls in ICT Competition. Application deadline: 18 February 2024. Click here to apply.

• Safaricom, M-PESA Africa and Sumitomo Corporation calls for tech startups looking to join the Spark Accelerator program, which aims at accelerating early stage startups to grow and scale their businesses. Application deadline: 16 February 2024 . Click here to apply

• Norrsken22 invites African startups to apply for its $125k Accelerator Program. Interested entrepreneurs can apply here.

• Cohort 2 of the Visa Accelerator Program is now open for applications. Click here to apply. Application deadline: February 18, 2024

• CcHUB is currently accepting applications from EdTech companies interested in becoming members of its 2024 cohort. Click here to apply. Application Deadline: 17th February, 2024

• Application open for the MEST Training Program. The MEST Training Program is a one year, fully sponsored, graduate-level program in tech entrepreneurship. Click here to apply. Application Deadline: 18th March 2024