MwareTV, a leading cloud-based multi-tenant platform provider, has implemented a rich video streaming service dedicated to the Ethiopian market. The service is called IGADO+, and IGADO+ works in conjunction with Ethio Telecom, the national provider, to deliver the service over broadband and mobile.
IGADO+ launched with 125 live television channels and thousands of hours of video on demand content. Channels include a broad range of entertainment, children’s programming, education, religion and sports, including match day coverage of Arsenal, a football club in the English Premier League, Real Madrid and its own local sports services. To meet the expectations of the local community, much of the content is dubbed into local languages Amharic and Afaan Oromoo.
In partnership with Ethio Telecom, the service is available on portable devices, with smart TVs to be added soon. Ethio is intensively marketing the IGADO+ service as a value add for its subscribers. It is aimed to be a service for all, with subscriptions as low as 199 Birr a month, equivalent to around US $1.65, and users can subscribe from the Ethio USSD portal.

KEFI Gold and Copper PLC, a UK-listed exploration and development company, announced a pivotal investment milestone for its Tulu Kapi Gold Mines SC project in Ethiopia. Of the original $500 million required to finance Tulu Kapi’s development, KEFI and its consortium of international banks, contractors, and investors have collectively conditionally approved $470 million. This follows a recent increase in proposed funding contribution from international banks to $240 million, up from $190 million, as reported today by KEFI in London.

With this milestone, KEFI is advancing its commitment to facilitate Ethiopian participation by having invited local qualified investors to participate in the project’s remaining $30 million in accordance with the current capital market rules & regulations. Ethiopian governmental entities, including the Federal Government and the Oromia Regional State, have already committed $20 million in the project as part of the assembled $470 million.

Fintech companies in Africa have nearly tripled in number since 2020, improving access to finance for people and businesses across the continent, according to a new EIB report released today. The report, Finance in Africa 2024 , highlights improvements in the African financial sector as well as constraints for the region’s economic growth.

“Fintech is revolutionising the way we think about finance in Africa,” said EIB Vice-President Thomas Östros. “By leveraging technology, we can improve access to finance for millions and foster sustainable economic growth.”

Africa’s fintech sector is thriving as digital finance expands much faster than traditional banking. The number of African companies offering new products and services in the area of finance jumped to 1,263 at the start of 2024 from 450 in 2020.

Yet obstacles to finance remain a significant constraint on economic development, with private-sector credit falling from 56% of gross domestic product in 2007 to 36% in 2022. The decline hinders growth in productive economic assets, impeding industrialisation on the continent.

The African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) is hosting the inaugural ASLM Diagnostics Convention 2024, themed “Transforming Diagnostic Systems in Africa: Harnessing Innovation and Quality Assurance to Elevate Equity and Excellence.” The event is taking place at Radisson Blu, Abidjan, and brings together over 300 health leaders, policymakers, laboratory professionals, researchers, civil society and industry partners to address critical challenges and innovations in diagnostics across Africa.

With the rising demand for robust diagnostic networks in response to global health emergencies, infectious disease outbreaks, and escalating healthcare needs, the ASLM Diagnostics Convention aims to chart a transformative path forward. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, this Convention will drive efforts to align African diagnostics with global health priorities, including Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

Key topics for discussion will include ways to improve the efficiency and reach of diagnostic services across Africa, expanding access to these services so more people can benefit from accurate and timely testing.