Author: Roy Mulenga

Picture by AI Opinion By: Prof. Abejide Ade-Ibijola (Johannesburg Business School, University of Johannesburg, South Africa) “We do not know what you do, or how you do it, but we are happy to police it…” 1. Summary Governance and innovation are often uneasy partners, different in nature, yet forced to coexist to shape progress in modern societies. Governance provides the frameworks and policies necessary for managing societal progress, while innovation drives the transformative changes needed for advancement. However, the interplay between the two reveals a profound paradox: the very mechanisms established to support and guide innovation can become its greatest inhibitors. This…

 Picture credit by HPE Emirates and Africa AI Discussions around the responsible adoption of AI increasingly take centre stage in boardrooms across Africa. A significant number of CEOs now grapple with the ethical complexities that come with implementing this powerful technology. One pressing issue under growing debate is AI’s environmental footprint. As the effects of climate change intensify bringing more frequent and severe weather events across the continent the need to prioritise environmental initiatives becomes more urgent. However, only a few African leaders feel confident that their companies will meet their net-zero commitments. The substantial energy demands of AI workloads…

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) today announces the launch of Africa’s most advanced Smart Robotics Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility developed in strategic partnership with Base Five Media, the Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI), and the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA). This pioneering initiative establishes South Africa as the continental hub for Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills development. A Strategic Leap Toward 4IR Skills Development The Smart Robotics Lab marks a major milestone in regional efforts to build a locally skilled workforce in advanced manufacturing and automation. It launches at a critical time, as…

Richards Bay Minerals RBM, one of South Africa’s leading mineral sands producers and a subsidiary of global mining giant Rio Tinto, is taking bold steps toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. Through three new power purchase agreements with independent power producers, RBM has secured 500 megawatts  of renewable energy. As a result, these agreements will cover 80% of its total electricity consumption a strategic move that not only cuts emissions but also reduces dependence on an unstable national grid. Mining’s Carbon Challenge: Tackling Emissions at the Source Currently, RBM uses around 1.8 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity per year. Notably, electricity accounts…

The momentum around Africa’s role in the global critical minerals value chain intensified this week as industry leaders, government officials, investors, and media professionals gathered at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways for the official media briefing of the upcoming 3rd Annual African Critical Minerals Summit (ACMS), scheduled for August 2025. Driving the Clean Energy Transition Held under the theme “The True Value of Africa’s Critical Minerals – Strategic Focus on Value Addition,” the briefing showcased Africa’s increasingly central position in supplying minerals vital to the global clean energy transition, electric vehicle production, and advanced manufacturing. At the same time, the session was moderated by…

Google.org has awarded a $2 million grant to South African tech education nonprofit WeThinkCode to train 12,000 young Africans in artificial intelligence (AI) skills by 2026. As a result, the funding will expand access to AI-focused education and strengthen Africa’s pipeline of tech talent ready for the future of work. WeThinkCode, known for its tuition-free coding academy model, will use the grant to scale operations in South Africa and additionally extend its reach to Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana. Notably, these countries stand out for their fast-growing tech ecosystems, youthful demographics, and strong interest in digital skills. To support this growth,…

In a move that blends clean energy with cutting-edge technology, Sierra Leone has launched Africa’s first solar-powered 5G network. The initiative marks a bold step toward digital inclusion and climate-smart infrastructure in a country long known more for its post-conflict recovery and economic struggles than for tech innovation. Despite ongoing democratic challenges and chronic underdevelopment, Sierra Leone has managed to become a beacon of innovation on the continent. This dual achievement clean energy and next-generation internet signals a promising, path toward sustainable development. Overcoming Democratic Hurdles Through Strategic Partnerships Sierra Leone’s political environment has faced years of instability, including contested…

Picture by orthology IT Rwanda’s internet continues to draw global attention for its bold and fast-paced digital transformation. This momentum comes from rapid infrastructure expansion and consistent government investment. From nationwide 4G LTE deployment to upcoming 5G rollouts, the country actively lays the groundwork to become a regional tech hub. Although internet use has surged in recent years, a significant portion of the population still struggles with affordability. Building a Digital Future with Strong Foundations Driven by its Vision 2050 and the Smart Rwanda Master Plan, the government has made connectivity a cornerstone of national development. Over the past decade,…

Picture by IT chronicles In a positive spin for Africa’s financial technology ecosystem, Nigerian startup Hizo has successfully secured $100,000 in seed funding to enhance its operations aimed at simplifying cross-border payments across the continent. The investment round, led by a blend of local angel investors and early-stage African venture capitalists, reflects growing confidence in fintech solutions that address Africa’s fragmented payment systems. Since launching in 2023, Hizo has worked to remove the traditional barriers to intra-African transactions. The startup seeks to make it faster, easier, and more affordable for individuals and businesses to send and receive money between countries.…

As the global race toward electric mobility accelerates, automakers now confront a silent but formidable barrier China’s firm grip on rare earth magnets. These specialized components critical to EV motors, wind turbines, and other green technologies sit at the heart of both geopolitical tensions and industrial disruption. Despite major global efforts to diversify supply chains, China continues to dominate, sparking alarm among electric vehicle makers. China’s Dominance: From Mining to Magnets Rare earth magnets, especially neodymium-iron-boron types, play a crucial role in producing compact, high performance electric motors. China mines about 60% of the world’s rare earths and produces more…