The Select, Africa, Kigali (2024)

04/05/2024

'Hybrid', is a word that has a broad meaning because it is used in many ways and in different contexts, but it should be understood as something that contains or combines two different things.

Cars of this type fall into three main categories, as there are so-called 'Parallel Hybrids' which are also very popular in many places.

These cars use both power sources at the same time. It means that either the power of the conventional engine or the all-electric power is alternating but the car chooses the power it uses depending on the condition of the road or the way the driver is driving it or the destination.

For example, when he reaches a hill, he can use the power of a normal engine because a car that is moving slowly needs more energy while he is reaching a hill or a hill that can use electric power.

Often, as a car is traveling at high speed, all these forces are working at the same time. These cars use a technology known as 'Range extender', which allows the battery to increase its power. This means that you will never need to plug in your Parallel Hybrid car as the motor will be sending electricity to the battery.

There are others known as the 'Hybrid Series' available

When this energy starts working it does not drive the car but sends electricity to the battery and the car continues to use electric power, the battery will fill the rest of the petrol or diesel engine and it will stop working.

It means that no fuel or diesel is wasted when the engine is only sending electricity to the battery. You will also never find this one plugged in.

There are more popular 'Plug-in Hybrids [PHEVs]' that plug into conventional electricity in a way we know as charging. In addition to being plug-in, they work like other Parallel Hybrids, and because they have high-capacity batteries that can travel long distances using only electricity.

PHEV batteries can also be powered by a conventional gasoline or diesel engine.

Most of the hybrid cars available in Rwanda work in the same way. When the driver steps on the brake, the battery starts to charge itself. That's why these cars use a lot of fuel like in the city of Kigali because the battery is burning. And when someone

04/05/2024

some of the workers in Ruhango district are assigned 134 computers, in order to remove the obstacles they face in their daily work, which will replace the old ones.

04/05/2024

Rwanda has gained a team of experts in technology to build the ICP Rwanda Community website, a team that will use a new technology to store information known as Web3 or Blockchain.

04/05/2024

Rwanda Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has admitted Uplus Mutual Partners to the Fintech Regulatory Sandbox, allowing the firm to test its financial technology (fintech) innovation in a regulated environment.

Uplus Mutual Partners Ltd, is the 3rd fintech startup to be admitted into the CMA Fintech Regulatory Sandbox after Moneto Ventures Ltd and IT Consortium Rwanda Ltd, who were admitted last year.

“The Authority is delighted to welcome this new innovation for testing in the Capital Markets Fintech Regulatory Sandbox,” Jerome Ndayambaje, CMA’s Manager for Information Technologies and Coordinator for Fintech in Capital Markets, said in a press statement.

The sandbox is a framework that seeks to encourage and support the promotion of a variety of fintech innovations that have the potential to deepen and accelerate the capital markets development in Rwanda.

The approval allows Uplus Mutual Partners to test its Innovation (Uplus for Investment) for a period of 12 months.

The innovation, targeting youth primarily at universities, seeks to promote the culture of saving and investment for retail investors by enabling them to save and invest in collective investment schemes individually or through groups.

According to Ndayambaje, if Uplus’ innovation is successful, it will significantly reduce the barriers to entry into the capital markets for retail investors.

“The collective investment schemes will be accessible to retail investors in a more convenient manner and the culture of saving and investment will be enhanced by leveraging technology,” he noted.

According to CMA, Uplus for Investment blends perfectly with the Capital Market University Challenge, an annual competition programme for university students aimed at promoting the culture of saving and investment.

CMA Fintech Regulatory Sandbox is an enabling regulatory environment for Fintech to test their innovative solutions in a small scale and controlled environment before deployment to the wider market.

The initiative is in line with Rwanda’s commitment to become a financial technology hub and a proof of concept for fintech.

04/05/2024

Business leaders have expressed optimism about the investments and partnerships that could be forged from the Africa CEO Forum scheduled for May 16 and 17 in Kigali.

04/05/2024

The Rwanda National Police, in collaboration with Irembo, on May 3, announced the inauguration of the Busanza Automated Driving Test Centre, which will start offering service to Rwandan residents on May 6.

Irembo is Rwanda's leading digital platform for government services, offering citizens a convenient and efficient way to access a wide range of services online.

“This groundbreaking initiative signals a significant advancement in government service efficiency and accessibility for the public, effective May 6, 2024,” Kigali, Rwanda,” Irembo observed in a statement it issued on May 3.

The centre is equipped with a system that integrates GPS technology, car motion tracking formula, and virtual line plotting technology, with an aim to transform the traditional method of assessing driving skills through a shift to automation.

04/05/2024

The Minister of Infrastructure, Jimmy Gasore, speaks during the signing ceremony as Kipchumba Murkomen, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport takes notes.

Rwanda has agreed to partner with Kenya alongside Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo to extend the railway network. This was announced following the signing of a joint communique on Friday, May 3.

The move will see the Standard gauge railway (SGR) extend from Kenya before being developed all through to Uganda and eventually to Rwanda.

As part of the working framework, the five countries will also be seeking to source funds for the development of the vast SGR line.

“This historic move seeks to enable joint resource mobilisation, expedite the completion of the construction of the remaining SGR sections from Naivasha in Kenya to Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and DRC, and develop a roadmap that will fast-track its implementation,” Kipchumba Murkomen, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, said in an X post.

The communique to extend the SGR was signed by ministers of transport and infrastructure at the Meetings of the Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIP) in Nairobi, Kenya.

04/05/2024

Rwandan youth are increasingly getting caught up in the social media frenzy, using platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and more, to gain followers.

04/05/2024

Zipline, a Rwandan-based drone services delivery firm, says it has reached its one-millionth delivery to customers, describing the move as a significant leap forward in the logistics sector.

The development, according to the American company, was hooked by the delivery of two bags of IV fluid from a Zipline distribution center in Ghana to a local health facility in the country.

Founded in Rwanda, Zipline has since scaled its services across four continents.

26/04/2024

LG Electronics (LG) is introducing the company’s 2024 OLED TV lineup, taking home entertainment experience to a new level. Powered by the company’s latest AI processor with 4-fold higher AI performance, these new additions to the OLED lineup deliver unparalleled viewing experiences with even more vibrant, lifelike picture quality.

Driven by a customer-centric approach, LG’s “Sync to You, Open to All” vision expresses the company’s aim to create personalized experiences for every lifestyle, with products that are accessible to all. To this end, LG’s webOS smart TV platform provides tailored solutions and services with an expanded ecosystem featuring extended connectivity, offering unique encounters as a media and entertainment platform company to provide the ultimate TV experience for all.

LG’s newest OLED TVs come with upgraded AI upscaling utilizing precise pixel-level image analysis, to effectively sharpen objects and backgrounds that may appear blurry. All driven by the discerning judgment of the AI itself, the company’s OLED TVs deliver a more clear and vibrant viewing experience. Moreover, the ingenious AI processor adeptly refines colors by analyzing frequently used shades that best convey the mood and emotional elements intended by filmmakers and content creators. Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro splits pictures into blocks and fine-tunes brightness and contrast by analyzing variations in brightness where light enters the scene, creating images that look more three-dimensional.

26/04/2024

LG Electronics (LG), a pioneer in home appliances, is delighted to introduce a range of cutting-edge products designed to enhance the daily lives of Nigerian consumers. Embracing the essence of hygiene, comfort, efficiency, and a sustainable lifestyle, our new line of home appliances brings together advanced technology and thoughtful design. From a state-of-the-art Styler to an energy-efficient WashTower, each item is crafted with the aim of elevating the overall home experience.

Nigeria, with its vibrant and dynamic lifestyle, deserves appliances that complement its spirit. LG Electronics is proud to be at the forefront of delivering products that align with the preferences and requirements of Nigerian households.

“We have planned to launch our new home appliances product in Nigeria this year with quality washing machines and dryers as well as other latest home appliances, providing solutions that cater to the diverse and dynamic needs of our customers,” says Brian Kang, General Manager, Home Appliances, LG Electronics, West African Operations.

LG WashTower

LG is introducing its newest laundry solution to an audience that is eager for a higher level of convenience when it comes to housework. A washing machine and dryer combined in a single unit with LG’s latest technologies and smart features, LG WashTower offers total clothing care and ultimate user convenience. This innovative new home appliance will be available in Nigeria in March this year.

Unlike competing stacked washers and dryers, LG’s WashTower is designed from the ground up as a “one body” solution. At the beginning of the wash cycle, the integrated unit indicates how long it will take to complete both washing and drying. The washer also shares information with the dryer, which automatically sets the optimal course and preheats the drum, contributing to better results and shorter overall laundry times.

26/04/2024

Dr. Omolaraeni Olaosebikan, the CEO of McEnies Global Communications has identified Artificial Intelligence’s (AI) predictive capabilities to be invaluable for risk communication, adding that it has the potential to put forward flawless strategies that can aid disaster prevention and management.

According to this integrated marketing expert, machine learning algorithms now have the foolproof ability to predict potential risks based on historical data and past occurrences. She maintained that this feat allows organizations to proactively address risks before they escalate and communicate with relevant stakeholders in a more informed manner and in the nick of time.

Dr. Omolaraeni dropped these hints during an interactive session with brand and tech reporters on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at her Lagos Office in Magodo GRA off CMD Road.

Recall that Omolaraeni last year won a contract with The Meteorological Office UK (Met Office) to develop improved communications practices on flood crisis information and work out meaningful risk communication strategies to mitigate perennial flooding in Nigeria.

The project is being sponsored by the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and it is expected to bring together several relevant government agencies, like NIMET, NASRDA, NIHSA, NEMA, etc while also engaging in some desk-based research and consultations.

26/04/2024

LG Electronics continues to set new standards in consumer electronics with the unveiling of its latest lineup featuring sleek, minimalist designs tailored to enhance the modern lifestyle.

In a world where technology seamlessly integrates into daily routines, LG Electronics understands the importance of design that not only complements living spaces but also elevates them. With a commitment to innovation and aesthetics, LG’s new range of products embodies the perfect balance of form and function. From cutting-edge Televisions to state-of-the-art home appliances, LG’s minimalist design ethos shines through in every product. With clean lines, premium materials, and intuitive interfaces, consumers can enjoy both sophistication and simplicity in their everyday interactions.

“We believe that great design should enhance the user experience, not distract from it,” said Mr. Hari Elluru, Head, Corporate Marketing, LG Electronics, West African Operations. “Our latest lineup embodies our dedication to creating products that seamlessly integrate into modern lifestyles, providing both style and substance.”

At LG, we have the latest designs, very durable and innovative products for every household, and it’s for this reason that, to prevent the incidence of the paradox of choice, we curated some budget-friendly home appliances we believe will make living comfortable for you.

26/04/2024

EMURGO Africa, the investment and commercial arm of Cardano in Africa, today announced the launch of EMURGO Labs, a dedicated development entity for emerging Web3 technologies. The Labs is designed to support the growth of established and nascent Web2 and Web3 organizations. EMURGO Labs is set to spearhead the digital transformation across borders, leveraging the transformative power of the Cardano blockchain.

This will will serve as the central hub for fostering the growth of both established and burgeoning Web2 and Web3 organizations throughout the region. By leveraging the unparalleled power and potential of the Cardano blockchain, EMURGO Labs aims to empower innovation, facilitate cross-border expansion, and contribute to the overall expansion of the global blockchain ecosystem.

“The launch of EMURGO Labs marks a significant step forward in our mission to unlock the transformative potential of blockchain technology in Africa, Middle East and GCC,” said Ahmed M. Amer, CEO of EMURGO Labs. “Through comprehensive support services, strategic partnerships, and industry-leading expertise, I am confident that EMURGO Labs will become the premier destination for Web3 ventures seeking to thrive in this dynamic region” added Amer.

26/04/2024

Lisk Chief Project Officer, Dominic Schwenter.

With nearly a million developers, a flourishing cross-industry entrepreneurial mindset, and a remarkable surge in blockchain adoption, Africa’s ability to lead blockchain technology impact is undeniable. Yet, technology entrepreneurs face barriers like limited access to finance and expert mentorship. Lisk’s Blockchain Incubation Hub intends to solve that issue.

Lisk is a fast and scalable Layer 2 (L2) network secured by Ethereum. As a member of the Optimism Superchain, Lisk provides builders and users some of the cheapest fees possible in the Ethereum ecosystem (currently sub 1 cent) and is actively contributing to the larger Superchain mission of onboarding the next 1 billion people to Web3. Lisk’s strategic decision to focus on emerging markets stands as a testament to its commitment to innovation and inclusivity. By prioritizing these regions, the team acknowledges the transformative potential they hold for the global community.

26/04/2024

Fawry, the leading company in the field of banking technology and electronic payments, announced the signing of a joint cooperation memorandum with “Roboost“, a leader in developing delivery and logistics management systems, to automate payroll for home delivery couriers. The cooperation enhances the efforts of the digital transformation process and achieves the principles of financial inclusion in the delivery industry. The memorandum was signed in the presence of Mr. Hossam Ezz, CEO of the Commercial Sector at Fawry, and Mr. Mohamed Gessraha, CEO and Co-Founder of Roboost.

Within the framework of this joint cooperation, Fawry will provide delivery employees with myfawry yellowcards for convenient salary cashouts and empowering couriers with greater financial flexibility and control over their earnings, according to Roboost’s advanced solutions that manage the payroll data of more than 20,000 employees, based on detailed criteria, ensuring fair compensation based on specific aspects and eliminating the need for lengthy discussions with accounting teams.

26/04/2024

By Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO, Bank of Kigali and Dr. Reda Helal, Group Managing Director – Processing, Africa and Co-Head Group Processing, Network International (Image: Supplied).

One of the visible signs of a growing digital economy is its flourishing initiatives for financial inclusion and financial literacy. Rwanda recognizes financial inclusion as a crucial component for realizing its development and economic prosperity and is a remarkable example of a country that is introducing such programs to aid in setting up a vast digital economy, which are increasingly gaining international recognition. The country has set an ambitious target to achieve 90% formal financial inclusion by 2024.

Building inclusivity by involving microfinance institutions, savings and credit cooperatives, and mobile network operators, as well as enabling interoperability in digital payments, play a critical role in ensuring accessibility for populations that have historically been unbanked and rely on cash-based transactions.

Digital transformation

Traditionally, Banks and FIs feel enormous pressure to grow their digital payments pe*******on in a landscape that is radically different from even five years ago. This pressure is accentuated when Fintechs and wallet operators are added to the mix. Everything from regulatory requirements, a competitive landscape and consumer expectations to product innovations has upended the “business as usual” outlook for digital payment providers. The industry is fraught with challenges that payments leaders must carefully navigate.

25/04/2024

Safaricom, M-PESA Africa and Sumitomo Corporation a leading Fortune 500 global trading and business investment company have announced calls for tech startups looking to join the Spark Accelerator program, which aims at accelerating early stage startups to grow and scale their businesses.

The three-month accelerator program will provide a blend of training, mentorship, funding and go-to-market support to spark the growth and scale of ventures that come into the accelerator and set them up for long-term success.

“The Spark Accelerator program is in line with our ambition to be a purpose led technology company. With the accelerator, we are offering more than just capital injection which is what we did previously with Spark Fund. We have restructured the program to address the challenges that hinder early startups from growing to scale,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom.

The Spark Accelerator will benefit Fintech and Content startups in the initial phase. It will take an ecosystem-based approach to identify and accelerate the startups by leveraging a team of experts who understand market dynamics, emerging tech and who are keen to enable continuous innovation.

“Sumitomo Corporation’s wide range of business experience will contribute to create innovative businesses and support the expansion of the startup ecosystem. Through this program, we will contribute to the development of the African economy, human resource development, and the realization of a more prosperous life for the people,” said Katsuya Kashiki, General Manager, Smart Communications Platform Business Division.

Participating startups are set to benefit with access to technical support to develop mini-apps embedded into Safaricom’s M-PESA Super App, empowering them to reach more than 4 million customers who use the app.

“M-PESA connects more than 60 million customers and 5 million businesses across eight countries, providing a unique opportunity for startups in Africa looking to grow and scale rapidly. We have therefore partnered with Safaricom and Sumitomo to launch the Spark Accelerator to provide funding, technical expertise, resources and mentorship to the next generation of the continent’s leading tech startups. In turn, the startups will create innovations that connect customers and businesses on M-PESA to more opportunities while providing them with even more value,” said Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, Managing Director, M-PESA Africa.

In addition, M-PESA Africa will offer expertise, market research and insights, and other capacity support for startups looking to expand their reach to other countries. The support will continue beyond the three-month program enabling startups in the program to tap into more than 60 million customers and 5 million businesses across M-PESA’s eight markets.

25/04/2024

The crypto market has experienced a rocky period over the last 18 months, from Terra’s downfall to FTX’s scandal. There was some slight improvement in 2023 when Bitcoin ended the year over 150% higher than it started. The Solana Blockchain also made a comeback, with its token increasing by over 1000%. So what does this mean? Price is King; it fuels the Crypto ecosystem. The sum is simple: Investors’ funds startup; there’s no genuine interest when prices are low, causing an impact on the market. Currently, Africa is the fastest-growing cryptocurrency market among developing economies.

Young people are attracted to low-barrier opportunities to help generate wealth, which is Crypto’s most prominent use case today. The regulatory environment is warning about the likelihood of Crypto. Recently, the Nigerian central bank lifted a ban on crypto transactions, recognising the need to monitor and regulate global trends. Sometimes, you have to get involved and take that risk.

Another prediction for Africa in 2024 is that increased connectivity and 5G expansion are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the crypto landscape, offering a potential catalyst for further growth and innovation in the region. 5G technology will see substantial growth across major urban centres in Africa. This increased connectivity will enhance communication and stimulate the growth of various industries, including healthcare, education, and agriculture.

African countries will continue to invest in creating and supporting technology hubs, fostering a conducive environment for startups and innovation. These hubs will act as incubators for tech entrepreneurs, leading to the development of cutting-edge solutions tailored to local challenges. With this widespread adoption of 5G, the continent is also poised to embrace sustainable development, with a growing focus on renewable solutions.

25/04/2024

Electric cars have been gaining popularity in recent years as a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. As more and more people make the switch to electric cars, it raises the question of what the future holds for gas stations. In this blog post, we will explore the potential impact of electric cars on gas stations and how they might evolve to meet the changing needs of consumers.

Electric cars have come a long way since their inception, with advancements in technology and infrastructure making them more accessible and practical for everyday use. With zero tailpipe emissions and lower operating costs, electric cars offer a greener and more economical transportation solution. As a result, the demand for electric vehicles has been steadily increasing, leading to a surge in sales and production.

20/04/2024

It's common known that students are the ones who benefit from this technology, but teachers are also among those who would benefit in a significant way.

This process, called Google Generative AI Educators, was created through the MIT program, called RAISE, which was created in order to ensure that the benefits of AI are accessible to all people, in various fields.

In particular, this system is designed for primary and secondary school teachers.

It will help teachers to know how to use AI and use your time efficiently such as writing emails, updating the courses they offer, preparing assignments of a higher level depending on the school year.

Another important thing is that the teacher will see how he can plan his lessons, such as putting a lesson plan in a certain AI program, which will help him know how to follow the lessons in the classroom and the best way to deliver them.

20/04/2024

If approved, it would be the first time in the company's history that it would pay to provide information to those who need it.

This website, which is used by more than a billion people who search for information every day, is looking for a way to update the way it does business, where some of its most important services will be paid for.

The Financial Times writes that Google is considering new ways to use artificial intelligence to deliver information, but some of them you can only see if you subscribe.

Among these considerations is the information that will be provided by Gemini, the artificial intelligence technology that Google recently founded.

This of course means that in order for it to give you the data you have to pay first.

15/04/2024

How it will be used:
A person will enter the profile of his location and then write what he needs (for example: sugar) and the system will immediately show him the stores that have that sugar in the area where he is located.

What will help this person:
1. Not wasting time looking for what he needs
2. Choose the place that is cheaper than the rest of the places that the system has shown you

15/04/2024

According to Norton, a leading antivirus and security software, spyware is a type of poisonous software that is installed on your computer or mobile device without your consent.

It can then gain access to your personal information and transfer it to other parties, resulting in annoying advertising and pop-ups to track your keystrokes and capture your login credentials.

15/04/2024

Rwanda has fairly made progress in the last few years towards laying a foundation for the space industry, preparing the country to tap into the economic potential the sector holds.

The country is one among the many that are increasingly leveraging commercial use of space – which is essentially the provision of goods and services of commercial value by using equipment such as spacecraft and satellites – with hope to derive greater value from the industry. source: The New Times

15/04/2024

TRL Space Rwanda, a branch of Czech-based space company, has announced plans to invest in strengthening local capabilities for the development of nanosatellite technology, particularly focusing on constellations orbiting near the equator.

15/04/2024

The company of financier Elon Musk, Starlink, which sells high-speed internet in different countries of the world, announced that the prices of the equipment it sold to internet users in Rwanda have decreased, from 485 thousand Rwf to 460 thousand Rwf.

08/04/2024

In the program that Rwanda is putting efforts in these times, including the strengthening of technology especially in the education of students, and the development of science, technology and mathematics [STEM] courses, this has started to be seen as a model for other countries.

This activity of sharing knowledge with other international students, will be achieved through the Blue Lakes International School's program, called BLIS Global.

This time this school is working with 45 other institutions in Cameroon, in terms of promoting education in all areas, especially based on the courses of 'Coding' and 'Robotics', as announced by the management of this school of Rwanda.

The director of Blue Lakes Group, which is affiliated with BLIS school, Jean Pierre Kibuye, announced that there will be a way to work with these institutions, so that students or graduates from BLIS will go to Cameroon, give training to other students, and it will be done in a way it brings benefits to both parties. Source: www.igihe.com