Qualcomm Incorporated today announced the shortlisted startups for Qualcomm Make in Africa 2024, as well as the winner of the 2023 Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund.

The Qualcomm Africa Innovation Platform, now in its second year, aims to work with and support the development of Africa's emerging technology ecosystem by providing mentorship, education, and training programs with a focus on 5G, Edge-AI/ML, Compute, and IoT.

This year, Qualcomm received an overwhelming response, with approximately 250 applications from 30 countries.  

  Highlights:  

• Startup cohort announced for 2024 Qualcomm Make in Africa startup incubation program featuring technologies. 
• Announcement of the awardee of the 2023 Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund, supporting startups in scaling their societal and market impact. 
• Development of L2Pro Africa website content nears completion, providing free online training on intellectual property protection. 

As the first initiative of its kind in Africa, Qualcomm Make in Africa is an equity-free mentorship program that identifies promising early-stage startups keen on applying advanced connectivity and processing technologies such as 5G, Edge-AI/ML, Compute, and IoT to innovative end-to-end systems solutions, including hardware.

These startups have demonstrated exceptional potential in applying advanced connectivity and processing technologies to innovative end-to-end systems solutions.

The selected startups will receive free mentorship, business coaching, access to engineering consultation for product development, and guidance on protecting intellectual property.

The 2024 cohort includes the following startups (listed in alphabetical order):  

• Aurora Health from Kenya provides AI-based cardiovascular health care tools. 
• CropScan from Kenya uses solar-powered smart farming IoT devices. 
• Cure Bionics from Tunisia makes smart 3D printed prosthetic arms. 
• DevisionX from Egypt provides AI-based low-code computer vision tools. 
• Kalio from Cameroon is building AI tools for Agricultural IoT 
• Kitovu from Nigeria provides tools and software for smart agricultural warehouse management. 
• NextAI Studios from Kenya builds AI-based emotion detection into toys for children’s mental healthcare. 
• RIM Nextgen from Kenya, uses smart tools for monitoring propane consumption. 
• Sparcx from South Africa uses AI for enhancing radar signal processing.
• Vizmerald from Tunisia is working on AI-based textile industry inspection.

 Qualcomm is also proud to announce the awardee of the 2023 Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund.

This fund, provided by Qualcomm through its Qualcomm® Wireless Reach™ Initiative, aims to support startups in scaling their societal and market impact.

Ecorich Solutions Limited, a female-founded organization based in Nairobi, Kenya, will be awarded funding to help scale the impact of their smart organic food composter.

Wireless Reach funding will support Ecorich to address the dual challenge of organic waste management and the need for sustainable agricultural practices, with the goal of reducing environmental pollution, improving crop yields for farmers, and mitigating waste-related health risks for communities.

The other nine startups from the 2023 cohort will also receive valuable stipends to continue fueling their growth.

These startups have showcased innovative uses of wireless technology to address pressing needs in their communities.  

In addition, Qualcomm is excited to highlight the progress of the L2Pro Africa IP e-learning Platform, a free online training program designed to empower startups, SMEs, and researchers in Africa to protect, secure, and maximize their innovations.

This program has been created in collaboration with Adams and Adams, Africa’s leading intellectual property (IP) law firm.

The education content has been updated with individual filing procedures for patents, industrial designs, and trademarks in the countries of Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, Rwanda and within the two African patent organizations, ARIPO and OAPI.

These step-by-step descriptions of per-country filing requirements empower inventors to interact effectively with IP professionals such as an IP attorney and their respective IP offices.  

"I am thrilled with the overwhelming response to the Africa Innovation Platform this year," said Alex Rogers, President, QTL & Global Affairs, Qualcomm Incorporated. "The quality and diversity of the applications received reflect the immense talent and potential within Africa's technology ecosystem. We are excited to work with the shortlisted startups and provide them with the necessary resources and support to drive innovation and create a positive impact in their communities."  

“We applaud Qualcomm for launching the second year of its Innovate in Africa Platform, which not only equips the upcoming generation of African entrepreneurs with expertise in pivotal areas like AI/ML, healthcare, agri-tech, smart cities, and communications but also empowers them to safeguard their intellectual property through the complimentary L2ProAfrica program.”, said John Omo, secretary general, African Telecommunications Union (ATU).  

Mr. Omo also emphasized that the ATU remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent. "Our youth innovation program, among other initiatives, plays a crucial role in cultivating the talents and aspirations of Africa's young visionaries," he affirmed. "We are ready to collaborate with additional partners to realize this objective."  

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was on Wednesday full of pride after meeting Namibia's Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Hon. Emma Inamutila Theofelus.

Aged 28, Emma is  one of Africa's youngest ministers.

Theofelus was 23 years old at the time of her appointment in March 2020 .

She is also an award-winning, inspirational young leader who has been widely recognised in her country, and globally, for her leading role in advocating for various social causes to better the lives of young people.

Ms. Theofelus was the 2022 Laureate in the Individual Category of the United Nations Population Award and serves as a board member of the Leadership Council of Africa REACH. She has also been recognized as one the most influential African women in the world by several reputable outlets such as the BBC, Avance Media, New Africa, and the African Leadership Magazine.

The discussions between DP Gachagua and Theofelus  centred on the critical role young people are playing in technological advancement of the continent and how our countries can contribute to this cause.

"I'm very excited to meet you, I'm encouraged because I have program of mentoring young people to be leaders of Kenya and Africa. At your age to be a minister is a big achievement and I would like to say congratulations" said Gachagua.

The Minister is in Kenya for the Connected Africa Summit 2024 in Nairobi.

Theofelus thanked the Deputy President for taking up the role of mentoring the young people.

“I can attest to you mentoring young people and being close to them because I first met you during the Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit in Botswana last year. We thank you for taking the position of mentoring the young people,” the Minister said.

Blacksand Pictures, a Screen Australia Enterprise-supported production company renowned for its commitment to authentic storytelling and cultural exchange, is excited to announce its expansion to East Africa with the launch of its presence in Kenya.

Founded and led by CEO Kauthar Abdulalim of Kenyan heritage, Blacksand Pictures has established itself as a trailblazer in fostering cultural connections between Australia and Saudi Arabia.

With a focus on promoting diverse narratives and commercial opportunities, Blacksand Pictures is poised to make a significant impact on the Kenyan and more broadly, the Sub-Saharan film industry.

During her tenure in Australia, Kauthar Abdulalim has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives, including the introduction of Australia's first Inclusion Rider and Muslim-specific Cultural Safety Policy within the screen sector.

Under her leadership, Blacksand Pictures has garnered acclaim for its exceptional storytelling, earning accolades such as the 'Best Short Film' award at the VMC Film Festival for 'The Ninth Tower,' which was also officially selected for the Academy-Award qualifying 69th Melbourne International Film Festival.

The launch in Kenya marks an exciting new chapter for Blacksand Pictures, as it seeks to collaborate with local talents and filmmakers, contribute to the growth of the Kenyan film industry, and showcase the rich culture and heritage of Africa to global audiences.

Speaking about the expansion, CEO Kauthar Abdulalim expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to bring Blacksand Pictures to Kenya and embark on this journey of creative collaboration and cultural exchange.”

Adding “Kenya boasts a vibrant and diverse cultural landscape, with a growing film industry and we are eager to explore opportunities to support and collaborate with local talents, share stories that resonate with audiences worldwide, and contribute to the success of the Kenyan film industry."

In response to the expansion, John Gregory, the Commercial Affairs Officer at Blacksand Pictures, stated, “Alongside the Middle East, the Sub-Saharan African region stands as one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors for screen production, and Blacksand Pictures is well-positioned to make a significant contribution to content creation in this dynamic market.”

 Blacksand Pictures will officially commence operations in late 2024 in East Africa, with plans to establish a head office in Nairobi.

The company aims to engage with local filmmakers, production houses, and industry stakeholders to create meaningful partnerships and produce compelling content that reflects the richness and diversity of Kenyan and East African culture.

Samsung Electronics, a pioneer in cutting-edge display technology, has again secured its position as the number one global signage manufacturer. For an impressive fifteenth consecutive year, market research firm Omdia has recognised Samsung for its unwavering leadership in the dynamic field of digital signage.

Samsung Electronics made a significant impact on the global signage industry in 2023 by capturing 33% of the market share. The company broke its record by selling over 2 million units, highlighting Samsung's dedication to innovation, flexibility, and customer-focused solutions.

“Achieving first place in the global display signage market for 15 consecutive years reflects our commitment to innovation and our ability to adapt to evolving market conditions and the needs of our customers. We will continue to provide the highest value by offering specialised devices, solutions, and services”, said Sam Odhiambo, Head of Department, Consumer Electronics, Samsung Electronics East Africa Ltd.

The global display signage industry is expected to grow 8% annually, with a projected market size of $24.6 billion (KES 3.198 trillion) by 2027, up from $14 billion (KES 1.813 trillion) in 2020.

While Kenya is yet to fully embrace 3D high-quality screens like The Wall All-in-One and The Wall for Virtual Production at Atlantis, The Royal in Dubai and Hilton Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, the potential for growth in the digital advertising sector is immense.

With its vibrant economy and burgeoning tech scene, Kenya stands poised to capitalise on this trend.

Quality screens play a pivotal role in driving revenue through effective digital advertising. In Kenya, businesses that invest in high-quality signage can expect substantial returns. The ability to capture attention, convey brand messages, and engage audiences directly impacts sales and brand visibility.

Continuous research and development has marked Samsung’s journey in developing cutting-edge signage screens. Key milestones include:

• The Wall: The world’s first modular display with micro LED technology, allowing customisation of size, ratio, and shape based on preference and use case.
• Smart Signage: Ultra-slim profiles and uniform bezel design for immersive experiences.
• Outdoor Signage: Tailored for sports, landmarks, and electric vehicle charging stations, designed for clear visibility in any weather.
• Samsung Interactive Display: Optimized for education, empowering educators and students with interactive tools.

Samsung’s recent introduction of the Samsung Visual eXperience Transformation (VXT) platform further demonstrates our dedication to display innovation. Industry experts have hailed Samsung’s transparent Micro LED display as the next generation of commercial display, earning accolades such as “Most Mind-Blowing LED” and “Best Transparent Display” from North American AV news outlet rAVe.

As Kenya looks to the future of digital advertising, Samsung remains at the forefront, driving excellence and shaping the landscape of visual communication. The journey continues, and Samsung’s commitment to quality screens ensures that it remains the preferred choice for businesses seeking impactful digital signage solutions.

President William Ruto Sunday led the country in giving the late Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla a befitting send-off.

General Ogolla was laid to rest at his Alego home in Siaya County in a colourful ceremony complete with a 19-gun salute.

President Ruto said the country had lost a great military leader who served his country with passion and unwavering commitment.

He described General Ogolla as a consummate military officer, a passionate commander and a patriot of great humility and integrity.

“Many people do not understand the loss that we have incurred as a country. There are very few leaders who can fit in the categorisation and shoes of General Ogolla,” he said.

Speaking during General Ogolla's burial service at Obama K’Ogello Primary School, President Ruto said he was proud to have appointed and worked with the fallen CDF.

“He loved this country and wanted the best for Kenya and would stop at nothing to make sure that Kenya was safe,” he said.

Present were First Lady Rachel Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, governors, Cabinet Secretaries and MPs, among others

The President assured the country of thorough investigation on the cause of the accident that claimed General Ogolla's and the lives of nine other Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers.

“I want to assure the country that KDF and the Kenya Air Force have the requisite integrity and professionalism to make sure that there will be no shroud of doubt on what happened to General Ogolla,” he said.

The President said the days of extrajudicial killings and political assassinations are long gone.

“There shall never be extrajudicial killings or political assassinations. It will never happen again that bodies float in River Yala. Not under my watch,” he said.

President Ruto also said tribalism and ethnicity will no longer drive the politics and governance of the country. He said every Kenyan will have an opportunity to serve the nation on account of merit as opposed to tribalism and political affiliation.

“There is no position reserved for any group or any community or any region. Kenya belongs to all of us,” he said.

This, he said, will give every child in the country hope that they can grow up and become anything they want.

“I want every child, as they grow up in Kenya, to know that merit is going to be the yardstick of how far they can go,” he said.

"That is the Kenya we all want to belong to. That is the Kenya I will work hard to make sure becomes a reality,” he added.

Mr Gachagua commended General Ogolla's leadership capabilities, saying he made an impact in the military during his tenure of service.

Mr Mudavadi said the late CDF was not only an accomplished military leader but also a diplomat.

“He used these skills to serve his country,” he said

Mr Wetang'ula said the late CDF was a fine military leader whose contribution to the nation's security is invaluable.

“He had clarity of mind of what we needed to do to secure our region,” he said.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale described General Ogolla as disciplined and a man of honour whose leadership in the military will be missed.

Residents of Mombasa County have hailed Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) for streamlining operations at the Likoni Ferry Crossing channel since the Kenya Ferry Service.

According to the residents, the services improved drastically after the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) took over the management of the channel, from the disbanded Kenya Ferry Serices.

The crossing channel is used by over 300,000 passengers and 6,000 vehicles daily, leading to heavy congestion, particularly during peak hours in the morning and evening.

“We are grateful to the management of KPA, it has brought tremendous improvement. For two years the ferry precincts were synonymous with long lines of traffic stretching to the CBD. Some motorists used to cross late in the night,” said Evans Momanyi, a Mombasa resident.

Adding “Since KPA took over the operations at the Likoni crossing channel by incorporating Kenya Ferry Service staff to KPA there is a lot of changes, ostensibly the personnel feels motivated, there is professionalism, congestion has decreased, and hawkers have disciplined and no longer sell their products along the roads to avert accidents,”

In December last year(2023) Cabinet Secretary for Transport Kipchumba Murkomen  toured and inspected the ferry services in Kwale lauding the Kenya Ferry Service for a job well done.

"Since the Kenya Ports Authority took over the management of ferry services, efficiency has improved. This morning, I had the privilege of using the services as I travelled to Kwale on a working tour," Murkomen said on his X account.

During his tour, Murkomen interacted with the ferry staff including coxswain.

The management of the ferry services was transferred to KPA by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in late 2020.

The biggest urban street dance competition in the world, Red Bull Dance Your Style, has hit the road for a nationwide tour that stopped in Eldoret at Rupa’s Mall over the past weekend (13 April).

The Eldoret edition brought together the city’s dance community and lovers of dance for an unparalleled dance entertainment, networking and the highlight battle sessions with Michael ‘Mickey’ Mwenda emerging the winner and Elvis ‘Ecqo’ Clinton Otieno taking first runner-up position.

Michael Mwenda had this to say after the event, “I’m ecstatic to win the crowd’s votes! This victory marks a significant milestone for me. It's truly beyond what I could have imagined. The level of art here is astounding and it has been a thrill seeing and being part of all the action. Red Bull Dance Your Style has provided the Eldoret dance community with a platform to connect and display our talents.” 

The next stop for Red Bull Dance Your Style is United Mall Kisumu (27 April); and will make its way through various Kenyan cities and two universities qualifiers (KU and USIU) to find the best dancers. The top 2 winners from every qualifier will unite in Nairobi (13 July) at the national finals for the ultimate battle that will determine Kenya’s number one dancer and representative who will battle it out in Mumbai, India for the world finals (9 Nov). 

In Red Bull Dance Your Style, there are no judges because the crowd decides who wins by voting for their favorite dancers. The dancers’ creativity, freestyle, and musical skills are put to the test in front of a live audience. After each battle, spectators hold up blue or red placards to choose a winner. All urban dance styles are welcome except for break dancing– the only rule you can’t break. The DJ plays unpredictable music, and the dancers will have to adapt, dance their style and impress the crowd. In other words, YOU decide the champion, who guarantees a place in the world final.

Red Bull Dance Your Style is a global competition with 51 counties participating. Kenya’s ultimate champ will win an all-expense paid trip to India for the World Finals this November. Calling out all enthusiasts and lovers of dance to show up for your talent or your favourite dancer so check out where the next event is happening and come through with your squad. 

To join the competition, sign up for your preferred qualifier. You must be 18+ https://participate.redbull.com/en/events/red-bull-dance-your-style-kenya/2024

Red Bull Kenya continues to support dance talent in Kenya and upskill local dance communities while exposing them to different levels of dance on a global stage through the international mixed-style dance competition (on its fifth Kenyan edition this year).

KEY EVENT DATE QUALIFIERS:

• Kisumu 27 April

• Kenyatta University 11 May

• Mombasa 25 May

• USIU 15 June

• Nairobi 29 June

• National Finals 13 July.