VAS2Nets, Telness Tech, Lebara Unite to Launch MVNO in Nigeria

Today’s Menu ☕️

• VAS2Nets, Telness Tech, Lebara Unite to Launch Game-Changing MVNO in Nigeria

• Kenya Cancels Deals with Adani Group Amid Corruption Allegations

• Ariika Secures $3 Million in Series A Extension to Bolster Regional Growth

• WhatsApp introduces Voice Message transcripts

• Mercy Corps Ventures Launches 4th Crypto for Good Fund to Propel Financial Inclusion and Climate Resilience

• Antitrust Showdown: US DOJ calls for Google to sell Chrome

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 TELECOMS

VAS2Nets, Telness Tech, Lebara Unite to Launch Game-Changing MVNO in Nigeria

VAS2Nets, a Nigerian technology firm has joined forces with Telness Tech, Lebara and Procescom to establish a new Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) in Nigeria. This initiative brings a fresh entrant to the rapidly evolving Nigerian telecommunications market, leveraging cutting-edge technology and a globally recognized brand.

VAS2Nets is one of the 46 companies granted mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) licenses in Nigeria. The NCC introduced the MVNO licensing framework in August 2022 to diversify the market by introducing competition, innovation, and more affordable services for underserved demographics.....……continue reading

 FRAUD

Kenya Cancels Deals with Adani Group Amid Corruption Allegations

Kenya’s President William Ruto has canceled multimillion-dollar deals involving the Indian conglomerate Adani Group following allegations of bribery and fraud against the group’s founder, Gautam Adani, in the United States. The scrapped agreements included a $2 billion airport modernization project at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and a $736 million contract to construct power transmission lines.

The announcement was made during Ruto’s state of the nation address, where he cited “new information provided by investigative agencies and partner nations” as the basis for the decision. The news was met with applause in Kenya’s parliament, reflecting widespread public and political opposition to the deals....……continue reading

🪑HOME FURNISHINGS

Ariika Secures $3 Million in Series A Extension to Bolster Regional Growth

Ariika, a digital-first, direct-to-consumer home furnishing brand, has successfully raised $3 million in its Series A extension equity round. The investment was spearheaded by Beltone Venture Capital, a subsidiary of Beltone Financial Holding, and UAE-based Citadel International Holdings. This funding milestone paves the way for ariika to accelerate its expansion within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region while reinforcing its market presence.

The funding comes as ariika continues its impressive trajectory, boasting a 3x year-over-year (YOY) growth rate in sales on a USD basis and sustainable profitability. With the home and décor market in MENA valued at $20 billion and projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10%, ariika is capitalizing on a significant opportunity..........continue reading

SOCIAL MEDIA

WhatsApp introduces Voice Message transcripts

WhatsApp has launched a new feature that allows users to transcribe voice messages into text, enhancing accessibility and convenience for its global audience. The update, announced on Thursday, is designed for situations where listening to a voice message isn’t feasible—whether you’re in a noisy environment or simply prefer reading over listening.

This feature is particularly timely as voice messaging continues to grow in popularity for its personal touch, allowing users to connect more intimately with loved ones. However, lengthy or inconveniently timed audio messages can sometimes be challenging, and voice-to-text transcription is WhatsApp’s solution to this...……continue reading

🛜 CRYPTOCURRENCY

Mercy Corps Ventures Launches 4th Crypto for Good Fund to Propel Financial Inclusion and Climate Resilience

Mercy Corps Ventures (MCV) has announced the fourth round of its Crypto for Good Fund (C4G), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at driving global financial inclusion and climate resilience through blockchain technology in emerging markets. Building on the success of three previous rounds, C4G has already screened over 1,000 applications, deployed $3 million in funding, and positively impacted the lives of over 40,000 people across the Global South.

With nearly 20 web3 pilot projects launched, this latest round underscores MCV’s commitment to exploring the transformative potential of blockchain-enabled solutions. These pilots aim to demonstrate how crypto innovation can unlock scalable, real-world benefits for underserved populations in Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and other emerging markets......……continue reading

TECHNOLOGY

Antitrust Showdown: US DOJ calls for Google to sell Chrome

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has ramped up its fight against Google, proposing significant remedies to address the tech giant’s illegal monopoly in search and search advertising. Among the most radical measures, the DOJ seeks to compel Google to divest its Chrome web browser and impose sweeping restrictions on its business practices. This legal confrontation marks one of the most significant antitrust cases since the breakup of AT&T in 1982.

At the heart of the DOJ’s proposed remedies is the demand for Google to spin off its Chrome browser, which prosecutors argue serves as a critical entry point for its dominance in search. Filed in the DC District Court, the proposal aims to restore competition by limiting Google’s ability to leverage Chrome to favor its search engine. The DOJ also left the door open to requiring Google to divest its Android mobile operating system, a move that could reshape the mobile ecosystem if other remedies fail.......……continue reading

OTHER STORIES

• “Please Call Me” Inventor Slams Vodacom’s Valuation Amid Billion-Rand Dispute…..read more

• MTN Cloudplay, a cloud gaming platform, launched in South Africa…read more

• How Generative AI is Transforming Africa’s Startup Ecosystem…..read more

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