🚀 Nigeria to send first citizen into Space

Today’s Menu ☕️

🚀 Nigeria to send first citizen into Space
📈 Nvidia crowned world’s most valuable company amidst AI industry surge
🏍️ Ampersand and BYD Partner to Accelerate Sustainable Mobility in Africa
👮🏽 Vodacom Group tackles fraud: Over 600 dismissals and 15 arrests in fiscal year 2024
📽️ MultiChoice Nigeria reinstates previous DStv subscription rates

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🚀 SPACE

Nigeria to send first citizen into Space

In a historic development, Nigeria is set to send its first citizen to space . This remarkable achievement is made possible through a partnership between the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) and the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA). An official launch date has not been revealed yet.

The journey to space has long been a topic of interest for Nigeria, with the country’s space program dating back to 1999 with the establishment of NASRDA. The launch of Nigeria’s first satellite, Nigeria Sat-1, in 2003, marked the beginning of an ambitious space exploration journey . Now, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SERA and NASRDA, the dream of sending a Nigerian to space is finally becoming a reality ...........continue reading

📈 BUSINESS

Nvidia crowned world’s most valuable company amidst AI industry surge

On Tuesday, Nvidia achieved a significant milestone by surpassing Microsoft to become the world’s most valuable company, a testament to the pivotal role its chips are playing in the burgeoning artificial intelligence market.

Nvidia’s stock experienced a notable uptick, rising by 3.5% to reach a share price of $135.58. This increase propelled the company’s market capitalization to an impressive $3.34 trillion. This achievement comes shortly after Nvidia had already leapfrogged over Apple, claiming the title of the second most valuable company.

The company’s journey to the top has been remarkable, transitioning from its original reputation as a manufacturer of video game graphics chips to a dominant force in the global market. Nvidia’s financial success has been particularly driven by the tech industry’s massive pivot towards artificial intelligence. As AI becomes increasingly integral to technological advancement, major corporations are turning to Nvidia’s products, which are now seen as essential components for AI infrastructure.……continue reading

🏍️ TRANSPORTATION

Ampersand and BYD Partner to Accelerate Sustainable Mobility in Africa

Ampersand, a trailblazing e-mobility startup based in Kigali, Rwanda, and BYD, the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, have forged a strategic alliance to accelerate the electrification of Africa’s transportation sector. This landmark partnership aims to revolutionise the continent’s motorcycle taxi industry by replacing petrol-powered bikes with cutting-edge electric alternatives.

The partnership combines Ampersand’s deep understanding of the African market and its innovative battery swapping technology with BYD’s expertise in electric vehicle manufacturing and battery technology. Ampersand’s battery swapping network allows riders to quickly and conveniently swap depleted batteries for fully charged ones, eliminating the need for lengthy charging times and enabling uninterrupted operation..…....continue reading

👮🏽 FRAUD

Vodacom Group tackles fraud: Over 600 dismissals and 15 arrests in fiscal year 2024

In its latest annual report, Vodacom Group disclosed the termination of 631 employees and contractors due to fraud-related activities in the fiscal year 2024, which also saw 15 individuals being apprehended for their involvement in these incidents.

The report shed light on the extent of misconduct within the company, with close to 9,000 instances being reported through various channels over the course of the year.

Delving into the specifics, the period from April 2023 to March 2024 was marked by the Vodacom corporate security team’s investigation into approximately 8,600 allegations of fraud. These investigations were split between 6,872 cases that originated from external sources and 1,780 that were reported internally. The rigorous investigative efforts resulted in the arrest of 15 individuals and the subsequent dismissal of 631 staff members and contractors..…....continue reading

 OTHER STORIES

• Regxta triumphs at Pitch2Win startup competition with $10K prize and trip to Japan’s largest startup conference. Nigerian fintech Regxta has emerged victorious in the latest iteration of the Pitch2Win competition, securing a substantial reward of US$10,000 in funding without any equity requirements. Additionally, the startup has earned a fully-funded opportunity to attend IVS2024 in Kyoto, Japan.....……read more

• Uber and Bolt drivers demand regulatory framework for ride-hailing operations in Lagos. The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has made a public appeal to the Lagos State government, requesting the enforcement of a collective agreement designed to bring order and fairness to the burgeoning ride-hailing sector within the state...…..read more

• MultiChoice Nigeria reinstates previous subscription rates. The operator of DStv and GOtv has had to revert to its previous subscription rates following a court order…….read more

• 10k2Startup initiative offers up to $50K in funding for African startups. African startups tackling pressing issues are invited to participate in the 10k2Startup program, which offers financial backing ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, along with additional support measures…….read more

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