TechStream

Technology news around the ecosystem!

From Lagos to Nairobi

We give you summaries of happenings around tech, from developer stand-ups to the boardrooms.

  • Airtel Kenya Introduces Airtel Lite PWA, Optimized for Low-Storage Smartphones

    Airtel Kenya has introduced Airtel Lite, a lightweight Progressive Web App (PWA) designed to provide a faster and more accessible self-care experience, especially for smartphones with limited storage and processing power. The app offers similar features to the My Airtel self-care app, ensuring users can manage their accounts efficiently. Additionally, Airtel Kenya has announced that…

  • ZainTECH and Fortinet Unite to Strengthen Cybersecurity in the Middle East

    ZainTECH, part of Zain Group, has partnered with Fortinet to enhance cybersecurity solutions for businesses across the Middle East. This collaboration combines Fortinet’s advanced cybersecurity technologies with ZainTECH’s regional expertise to provide businesses with robust, proactive protection in today’s evolving digital landscape. The partnership will strengthen ZainTECH’s cyber resilience services, empowering businesses to detect, respond…

  • MAX laid off 150 employees in January amid EV push

    Metro Africa Xpress (MAX), a Nigerian mobility financing startup, laid off 150 employees, or 30% of its workforce, in January. This decision was part of the company’s shift to focus solely on financing electric vehicles (EVs) as it aims to fund 120,000 EVs across Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon. Previously, MAX financed both EVs and internal…

  • Young Girls Urged To Embrace STEM

    Huawei Kenya, through its Women-In-Tech Initiative, hosted the UniTech Talk in celebration of the International Day for Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS). The event brought together young girls, women, industry experts, and policymakers to encourage female participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). It focused on mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and relationship building to promote…

  • 50% slash: Bolt bows to drivers’ pressure, increases fares following backlash

    Bolt has reversed its recent fare reduction after facing strong backlash from drivers. Initially, the ride-hailing company slashed fares by up to 50%, claiming the move was aimed at increasing demand on the app. However, drivers protested, arguing that the lower fares made it difficult for them to earn a living. Following the backlash, Bolt…

  • Madica invests $800,000 in four startups, expands footprint into North Africa

    Madica, an Africa-focused early-stage investment firm, has invested $800,000 in four startups as part of its efforts to support high-growth businesses. This move aligns with a broader trend of investors prioritizing startups with strong revenue potential, following a 9% share of total venture funding going to early-stage African startups in 2024. The four startups receiving…