Newsletter 0211023

Newsletter 02112023: BII pledges $26.5million to AFEX💰

INVESTMENTS 💰

British International Investment Pledges $26.5 million to AFEX

Yesterday, British International Investment (BII), the UK’s leading development finance institution and impact investor, announced a commitment of US$26.5 million to AFEX, the continent’s premier commodities platform. With operations spanning over 200 warehouses across Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda, and serving a whopping 450,000 farmers, AFEX has carved a niche for itself in African agriculture.

The investment is set to revolutionise the African agricultural industry. With funds directed towards the construction of 20 modern warehouses across strategic locations in Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda, the move promises to bolster food security.…..Continue reading

UK hosts AI Safety Summit, Pledges £38 Million to support AI projects worldwide starting with Africa

Yesterday, the United Kingdom, kicked off the world’s first major summit on Artificial Intelligence (AI) safety, where political and technology leaders gathered to address the societal impact of this transformative technology.

To address AI risks, the UK pledged £38 million to fund AI projects globally, beginning in Africa. The initiative will include investment in post-graduate AI research skills in Nigeria…….Continue reading

SOCIAL MEDIA

LinkedIn hits 1 billion members and launches new AI chatbot for Premium Members

On Wednesday, LinkedIn announced that its platform has surpassed 1 billion members. For months, the Microsoft-owned company has been bolstering its focus on tools like automated recruiter messages, job descriptions and AI-powered profile writing suggestions.

The company also used this opportunity to launch a new AI chatbot, which aims in part to help users gauge whether a job application is worth their time. The chatbot is powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4 and started rolling out to some Premium users yesterday……..Continue reading

OTHER STORIES

• Let Google Search help with math, physics and geometry questions. Navigating through a dense mathematics text or seeking clarity on an intricate physics query can often feel like traversing a labyrinth. And that’s not even diving into the convoluted realms of biology or the sometimes baffling world of geometry. But, fret not. Google’s revamped Search and Lens functionalities are here to be your guiding light, offering a more immersive and intuitive approach to STEM-related queries..……Continue reading

• Meta receives a 30-day ultimatum to stop using the name “Threads” in UK. A British software company, Threads Software Limited, has issued a 30-day ultimatum to Meta’s Instagram, demanding that they stop using the name “Threads” in the UK, asserting ownership of the trademark. The company contends that it sent a formal notice to Meta on Monday, insisting on the discontinuation of the “Threads” name. Threads Software Limited has also warned of pursuing a court injunction if Meta does not comply....….Continue reading

• Vodacom offers access to personal loans through new digital financial solution. Vodacom Financial and Digital Lifestyle Services is launching VodaLend Personal Loans with the aim of providing a responsible credit solution for South Africans who need to secure extra funds in a tough economic climate. The new offering, in partnership with Old Mutual Finance, a registered credit provider, gives customers and non-customers alike convenient access to a personal loan of up to R250 000..…..Continue reading

VACANCIES

• Payroll Specialist - Africa and Europe at Paystack in Lagos…Apply here

• Senior Associate, Projects & Partnerships Optimisation (Global Expansion & Payment Partnerships - (GEPP)) - Nigeria at Flutterwave….Apply here

• Android Engineer at Kuda in Lagos…Apply here