NEWS
AfricaTech Awards to spotlight the next generation of African innovators
Entrepreneurship has been a key driver of economic growth in Africa , promoting competitiveness and fostering job creation , particularly among young people . According to reports from Briter Bridges , investment in African tech start-ups reached US $ 4.9 billion in 2021 , marking a significant increase from the US $ 2.4 billion invested in 2020 .
“ Africa is buzzing with innovative tech solutions that can help address climate change , promote food security , and expand financial inclusion ,” said Makhtar Diop , Managing Director , IFC . “ Yet over 80 % of African start-ups report difficulties in accessing funding . Initiatives like the AfricaTech Awards , which bring together entrepreneurs , governments , and investors , are key to attracting the resources and support that tech start-ups need to scale their innovations across the continent and beyond .”
Viva Technology and the International Finance Corporation ( IFC ) have announced a call for applications for the first edition of the AfricaTech Awards , a pan-African initiative developed to recognise and support the most innovative and impactful tech start-ups across the continent .
The AfricaTech Awards will recognise African start-ups that are driving innovation and development impact in three main sectors – climate tech , health tech , and FinTech . Participating start-ups will have until March 25th , 2022 , to submit their applications The final winners in each category will be announced during the 2022 edition of Viva Technology , taking place from June 15th to 18thin Paris and online .
RAHA Liquid Telecom unveils its new identity in Tanzania
RAHA Liquid Telecom has officially unveiled its new identity – Liquid Intelligent Technologies , a business of Cassava Technologies .
The rebrand is part of the extensive business transformation from being just a telecommunications service provider to a full one-stop-shop technology group for local businesses .
RAHA ’ s rebrand to Liquid Intelligent Technologies highlights the organisation ’ s commitment to digitally transform the continent through its cloud business , cybersecurity services in addition to its existing telecoms and connectivity capability .
Denny Marandure , CEO , Liquid Intelligent Technologies Tanzania , said : “ The evolution of the RAHA Liquid Telecom brand to Liquid Intelligent Technologies opens up numerous opportunities and is a step towards the creation of a digitally-led economy . We are looking forward to partnering with the Government to help reach the ambitious goals set that are the foundation of Tanzania ’ s long-term success .”
Adil Youssefi , Regional CEO , Liquid Intelligent Technologies East African Markets , said : “ This rebrand is our reaffirmation to all our customers in Tanzania that we are a one-stop-shop technology service provider bringing intelligent services such as cloud computing , managed services , cybersecurity . We have brought intelligent technologies to the rest of the continent , and we are confident that our presence in Tanzania will ensure a digitally connected future for all Tanzanians .”
10 INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA www . intelligentcio . com