Newsletter 19102023

Newsletter 19102023: Social Media Platform, X, to charge $1 per annum for new, unverified accounts

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SOCIAL MEDIA

Social Media Platform X to charge $1 per annum for new, unverified accounts

In a bid to combat the persistent issue of bots and spammers on its platform, social media giant X, formerly known as Twitter, announced on Tuesday that it would be testing a groundbreaking subscription model, humorously named “Not A Bot.” Under this new model, users will be charged a nominal annual fee of $1 to access certain enhanced features, marking a significant shift in the platform’s revenue strategy

The “Not A Bot” subscription is designed to target a specific set of features, including the ability to like, repost, or quote other users’ posts, as well as bookmarking posts on the web version of the platform. X believes that introducing this subscription model will not only generate revenue but also help in curbing the rampant issue of automated bots and spammers that have plagued the platform for years...……Continue reading

eCOMMERCE

Amazon Set to Launch eCommerce Service in South Africa in 2024

Amazon, the global e-commerce behemoth, announced on Tuesday its plans to launch an online shopping service in South Africa next year. This move will mark Amazon’s second foray into the African market, following its entrance into Egypt, and it signifies the company’s expansion into Africa’s most advanced economy.

South Africa will become the 21st country to host Amazon’s locally-dedicated website, a significant development that poses a challenge to the dominance of online retailers, notably Takealot.com, under the Naspers umbrella……Continue reading

STARTUPS

Top 20 African start-ups qualify for the ASIP Accelerator programme

Startupbootcamp AfriTech, Africa’s premier sector-agnostic tech accelerator, has announced the 20 start-ups that have qualified for the final selection days of its sought-after ASIP Accelerator programme. These innovative start-ups have showcased outstanding potential, earning their place in the next phase.

The ASIP Accelerator is a rigorous programme designed to provide start-ups with vital resources, mentorship, and access essential for scaling their businesses in Africa and beyond. It garnered applications from diverse start-ups across various sectors, highlighting the vast talent and innovation within the African tech ecosystem…..Continue reading
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Kenyan edutech start-up Skizaa wins $25 000 prize at Edtech Week in New York City

Kenyan edutech start-up, Skizaa Education, has clinched the prestigious $ 25,000 Cognitive Inc. Prize at Edtech Week in New York City. The event was part of the 14th Annual Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition, where Skizaa’s COO, Ali Buckland, showcased their innovative approach among seven finalists, securing the second prize overall.

Skizaa Education stands out for its impactful work supporting NGOs and non-profits by revolutionizing data collection and analysis from last-mile schools across Sub-Saharan Africa. By collaborating closely with teachers, the start-up digitizes administrative processes in rural and slum region schools, enabling funding organizations to access accurate and timely data affordably…….Continue reading

OTHER STORIES

• Testimony reveals how FTX executives blew through $8 billion ….Techcrunch

• VIBRA, the Africa-focused crypto platform co-founded by Vincent Li—co-founder of web3 accelerator Adaverse—has shut down in all three of its markets, not just Nigeria. ….Techcabal