While there is much fanfare about Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption in Africa, AI has been rapidly transforming specific sectors across Africa by providing innovative solutions tailored to local challenges. Here are some notable developments: Agriculture: AI is creating a mini revolution in farming practices in Africa. In Kenya, SunCulture leverages AI for precision agriculture, offering solar-powered irrigation systems that use data analytics to optimize water use and improve crop yields. This technology helps smallholder farmers increase productivity while conserving resources. In Cameroon, Agrix Tech has developed AI tools that help to detect plant diseases and pests through mobile apps that…
Author: Greg Stewart
After an absence of close to a decade, the iconic British Motor brand MG is back in South Africa with a few surprises. They are opening 25 branches across the country and will be looking to introduce some of its latest models into the local motoring landscape. MG had been through a torrid time and had withdrawn from South Africa completely in 2016 amidst slow sales. New Ownership Boosting Growth However, with a cash injection from new owner SAIC motor Corp in China, and a fresh auto-design centre, MG has emerged with fresh models that are gaining in popularity and…
Business & Tech News Mali Seizes Barrick Gold: Mali’s military Junta government, has begun seizing gold stocks held by the Canadian mining company Barrick. There has been an ongoing dispute regarding revenue that the Mali government claims it is owed by the mining group. A letter from CEO Mark Bristow to the Malian Mining Minister, dated Monday, states that Barrick is “awaiting official confirmation of the proper receipt by the Malian Solidarity Bank,” a government entity. The seizure follows a warning letter to Barrick earlier this month from Mali’s senior investigating judge, Boubacar Moussa Diarra, saying three tons of gold would be…
The official enquiry by the competition Commission (CC) of South Africa (SA), has today (13 Dec), released its findings into the fresh produce markets. The enquiry began in March 2023, and has taken 22 months to complete. The the main objective of investigating any competition concerns or market distortions that may exist in the market for fresh produce in SA. Enquiry’s Scope The scope of the inquiry focused on five fruit crops, namely; apples, citrus (particularly oranges and soft citrus), bananas, pears and table grapes; and six vegetable crops being; potatoes, onions, carrots, cabbage, tomatoes and spinach. The Inquiry conducted…
The history of new-year resolutions, dates to around 4000 years ago, to the ancient Babylonian empire. For them, however, the year started in mid-March, when crops for the season were planted. During Akitu, a 12-day religious festival, Babylonians made promises to their gods in return for good favor in the new year. Likewise today the intention of new year resolutions, is to start the year off in a positive mindset, and with the purpose of doing better and committing ourselves to a “higher purpose of improvement” However as we head off bravely into 2025, with these new goals and drive,…
Business & Tech News OIL Breaks Above $81 Price level: Oil prices hit prices last seen in Q3 of 2024 and extended gains for a third session this morning, that saw Brent Crude breaking above $81 a barrel to its highest level in more than four months, On Friday, the U.S. imposed some of the harshest sanctions yet against Russia’s oil industry, targeting two large exporters, over 180 vessels, and more than 150 tankers. These restrictions are expected to severely impact Russia’s ability to supply oil to key markets such as China and India, forcing these nations to seek alternatives…
Emirates Airline has officially become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™, and is inviting customers with autism and sensory sensitivities to experience Emirates’ personalised hospitality developed around people with impairments. The inaugural designation is set to be formally awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) in the coming months, when more than 30,000 Emirates cabin crew and ground staff will have completed the initial training. Emirates is also planning to roll out new standards and services that will improve the on ground and inflight travel experience for both customers on the autism spectrum and their…
The recent announcement from Shell Oil that it will not be seeking to commercially develop the oil field at the Graff 1X well as well as the 8 additional wells it drilled of the coast of Namibia, has been a blow to the aspirations of the country to become an oil producing nation. The country currently possesses no commercial natural oil production and the discovery of gas and oil off the west coast would have been a massive boost to its economy and future prospects. Shell has stated it will write down a loss of $400 million, for its exploration…
Business & Tech News Unruly Passenger Court Case Grounds Airlink Planes: Regional Airline, Airlink, has announced the resumption of scheduled flights to and from Nampula, Mozambique, starting Yesterday (9 Jan). The airline’s decision follows guidance and reassurances from South African and Mozambican authorities, confirming that the threat to the airline had been sufficiently resolved to allow flights to proceed without risk. Earlier this week, flights were cancelled due to a claim for damages filed in a Mozambican court by two Mozambican passengers who had been removed from an Airlink flight in Johannesburg on December 7, 2024, for alleged unruly and…
Sony and Honda has just revealed its brand new EV concept vehicle, developed as a partnership called Sony Honda Mobility. The new AFEELA, is a new generation of vehicle mobility that is packed with tech and AI based intelligence. It’s a whole new concept built around personal preferences, that learns your habits, and evolves alongside you as you drive or let it drive for you. Tech Tech Everywhere! The entertainment driving and communication tech incorporated into the futuristic vehicle is astounding, providing Innovative Advanced driver assistance or ADAS, and a superior entertainment space. Honda believes the advances they have introduced,…
