Zepz secures $267m in funding | Djibouti Friendly Mosquito Program

Today’s Menu ☕️

💸 Zepz secures $267 million in funding to accelerate expansion across African markets
⚕️Djibouti Takes Bold Step Against Malaria with Friendly Mosquito Release
📱A new Android feature locks your screen if your phone is stolen
🤖 Meta Unveils Movie Gen: The AI Tool Set to Revolutionize Video Creation
🔍 Google Tests Verified Check Marks in Search Results to Combat Fraudulent Websites

If you haven't subscribed, join over 7,000 people curious about Innovation, New Products, New Technologies in Africa.

💰REMITTANCES

Zepz secures $267 million in funding to accelerate expansion across African markets

Previously recognized as WorldRemit, Zepz has successfully garnered $267 million in a funding round supported by both new and returning investors, aiming to accelerate its growth within its primary African markets and further afield. The funding round was spearheaded by Accel, with significant contributions from Leapfrog, TCV, and Coller Capital.

In addition, the International Financial Corporation, a key global development entity affiliated with the World Bank Group, has announced its intention to invest up to $20 million. This latest injection of capital follows a Series E funding round in August 2021, during which the fintech company raised $292 million.

The funds from that round were earmarked for continued investment in Zepz’s technology and platform enhancements, improving customer offerings, and facilitating expansion into new territories. The announcement of this funding came shortly after Zepz acquired Sendwave and revealed that it had transitioned from being known as WorldRemit Group to Zepz..........continue reading

⚕️HEALTH

Djibouti Takes Bold Step Against Malaria with Friendly Mosquito Release

Djibouti has recently initiated a groundbreaking approach to combat malaria with the launch of its first full season of pilot releases of Friendly Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes in Djibouti City. This move represents a significant advance in the development of sustainable, targeted solutions to control the disease-spreading Anopheles stephensi, a highly invasive mosquito species responsible for a worrying resurgence of malaria in urban areas across Africa. This initiative follows the successful pilot release of these genetically engineered mosquitoes in May 2024, marking a historic moment as the first such release in East Africa.

The Djibouti Friendly Mosquito Program is a collaborative effort between Djibouti’s National Malaria Control Program, the non-profit public health organization Association Mutualis, and Oxitec Ltd, a leading innovator in biological pest control. This partnership harnesses local expertise and Oxitec’s proven Friendly™ technology to tackle the rising urban malaria threat that poses significant challenges to public health in the region.

The release of non-biting Friendly Anopheles stephensi male mosquitoes will occur in various neighborhoods across Djibouti City, beginning with Douda and Ambouli. The pilot study aims to observe how these genetically engineered mosquitoes interact within urban environments, including their movement patterns, lifespan, and mating behavior with local female mosquitoes. These insights will inform larger-scale efforts to control populations of Anopheles stephensi, ultimately aiming to reduce the incidence of malaria in Djibouti........continue reading

🤖 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Meta Unveils Movie Gen: The AI Tool Set to Revolutionize Video Creation

Meta Platforms Inc., Facebook’s parent company, has introduced a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool called Movie Gen, which allows users to generate or edit videos using simple text prompts. This move positions Meta in the growing race for AI supremacy, competing with other tech giants like OpenAI and Google.

Movie Gen is designed to create videos up to 16 seconds long based on written instructions. It can also enhance existing videos with AI-generated audio or create videos from photos, incorporating real people into customized clips. While still in its testing phase, the tool is only accessible to a select group of internal employees and a few external partners, including filmmakers. Meta aims to integrate Movie Gen into its popular platforms, such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger, sometime next year.........continue reading

📱GADGETS AND DEVICES

A new Android feature locks your screen if your phone is stolen

Google is announcing an array of new security features as it releases its second Android 15 beta, including a feature that can detect the moment your phone is swiped from your hands. Some of these updates will be included with Android 15 when it arrives this fall, but theft detection and a number of other features will be available to phones with much older OS versions, too — bringing them to many more people.

Theft Detection Lock works by recognizing the unusual motions that would indicate someone has yanked your phone out of your hand or a table in front of you. To prevent a thief from being able to access information on your device, the screen automatically locks. The system looks for other signals that indicate foul play, too, and will be able to lock the screen for protection if someone tries to take it off the network to prevent remote access..........continue reading

🔍 SEARCH

Google Tests Verified Check Marks in Search Results to Combat Fraudulent Websites

Google is testing a new feature that displays verified check marks next to certain businesses in its search results. This initiative is aimed at helping users identify legitimate businesses while avoiding potentially harmful fraudulent websites. The move comes as part of Google’s ongoing efforts to improve trust and security for its users by offering clearer distinctions between authentic companies and scam sites.

According to a Google spokesperson, the company regularly tests features to help users make informed decisions, particularly in e-commerce. This latest trial involves adding a blue check mark next to verified businesses, signaling their authenticity. “We are currently running a small experiment showing check marks next to certain businesses on Google to help shoppers identify trustworthy sources online,” said the spokesperson.........continue reading

OTHER STORIES

• Gilead Strikes Deals to Expand Access to HIV Drug Lenacapavir in 120 Countries….……read more

• TUNL secures seed funding to boost eCommerce export growth in South Africa……….read more

• MTN Congo initiates 5G network, becomes pioneer in Central Africa…..read more

• Binance Pushes Back on Israeli Military Requests to Freeze Crypto Wallets…..read more

• The Skills You Need to Thrive in Africa’s A.I. Boom….read more

Do you know you can join and follow us with Innovation Village on our WhatsApp Channel?