📱TikTok Removes 360,000 Videos in Kenya

Today’s Menu ☕️

• Ghana’s 5G Revolution: Next Gen Infraco Pioneers Open Access Network

• TikTok Removes 360,000 Videos in Kenya to Boost Safety

• Bootstrap Europe expands to Africa with new debt fund for early-stage startups

• Elon Musk Appointed to Head New ‘Department of Government Efficiency,’ Announces Donald Trump

• Egyptian interior design startup Efreshli secures seed funding round

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📱 TELECOMS

Ghana’s 5G Revolution: Next Gen Infraco Pioneers Open Access Network

In a significant step toward advancing digital infrastructure, Next Gen Infraco has launched Ghana’s first open-access 5G network. This groundbreaking development promises to reshape internet connectivity across the nation and beyond, making Ghana one of the first countries in Africa to deploy a neutral 5G network dedicated to providing seamless connectivity for mobile network operators (MNOs), internet service providers (ISPs), and over-the-top (OTT) service providers.

This initiative not only accelerates internet speeds but also opens doors for innovation across sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education, and artificial intelligence (AI).

The open-access model of Next Gen Infraco’s 5G network stands out by providing a neutral infrastructure that all MNOs can use. This setup minimizes capital and operational expenditures for MNOs, allowing them to focus resources on enhancing their services. By reducing the need for redundant infrastructure, the network promotes sustainable and collaborative growth. This model also paves the way for competitive pricing, making advanced connectivity accessible to more Ghanaians...……continue reading

📱SOCIAL MEDIA

TikTok Removes 360,000 Videos in Kenya to Boost Safety

In an ongoing effort to maintain a safe environment for its users, TikTok recently announced the removal of over 360,000 videos in Kenya that violated the platform’s community guidelines. This action was part of TikTok’s Community Guidelines Enforcement Report for Q2 2024, which highlights its commitment to user safety across its growing audience in the country.

The number of videos removed represents just 0.3% of all uploads in Kenya during this reporting period. However, the swift removal rate underscores TikTok’s proactive approach: the platform successfully identified and deleted 99.1% of the problematic content before users even flagged it, with 95% of the videos being removed within the first 24 hours of their posting.

TikTok’s enforcement extends beyond video content to user accounts as well. According to the report, over 60,000 accounts were banned in Kenya for violating community standards, including 57,262 accounts that were suspected to belong to users under the age of 13. This move reflects TikTok’s ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe space, especially for younger users, in line with its policies...……continue reading

💰 FUNDING

Bootstrap Europe expands to Africa with new debt fund for early-stage startups

Bootstrap Europe, a EUR250 million (US$270 million) growth debt fund that has already provided over US$1 billion in loans to 300 businesses, is expanding its operations to Africa to increase the availability of debt funding for early-stage startups on the continent.

Founded in 2015 by Fatou Diagne and Stephanie Heller and headquartered in Luxembourg, Bootstrap Europe is dedicated to offering alternative financing options to high-growth companies. The fund focuses on businesses where founders and their investors are particularly concerned about equity dilution.

“We identified a gap in the market, especially for companies that required flexible, founder-friendly financing solutions. Our goal was to support these companies not only with capital but also with strategic guidance to ensure sustainable scaling,” Diagne commented....……continue reading

APPOINTMENTS

Elon Musk Appointed to Head New ‘Department of Government Efficiency,’ Announces Donald Trump

President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Elon Musk to lead a newly established “Department of Government Efficiency.” This department aims to “dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies.” The Tesla CEO and owner of X will head the initiative alongside former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, as Trump announced in a statement on Truth Social.

The precise scope of the role remains somewhat ambiguous. According to Trump’s press release, “the Department of Government Efficiency will provide advice and guidance from outside of the government, and will partner with the White House and Office of Management & Budget to drive large-scale structural reform and create an entrepreneurial approach to government never seen before.” The release also noted that “their work will conclude no later than July 4, 2026.”..……continue reading

💰 FUNDING

Egyptian interior design startup Efreshli secures seed funding round

Egyptian interior design startup Efreshli has successfully raised a seed round of funding aimed at enhancing its offerings and expanding its product line.

Founded by Heba Elgabaly, Efreshli offers convenient online furnishing and decorating services, making the interior design process more accessible. The platform features and sells thousands of products from over 150 of Egypt’s top brands, providing a seamless home shopping experience for its customers.

The startup has secured an undisclosed amount of seed funding in a round led by Algebra Ventures, with participation from 500 Startups, Dar Ventures, and several angel investors. This new capital will be directed towards enhancing Efreshli’s offerings and expanding its product line...……continue reading

OTHER STORIES

• Applications Now Open for Growth4Her Accelerator Programme in Nigeria… Applications are open here until December 31….read more

• The Guardian withdraws from social media platform X…...read more

• ITIDA and Flat6Labs launch InvestIT Programme to propel Egyptian tech startups……read more

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