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We’re mapping initiatives in Nigeria that are working to increase the numbers of women and girls in tech. If your organisation is focused on ensuring inclusion within the sector, fill out this form to tell us about your work.

Huawei is working with South African partners for the construction of the data centres in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The first data centre, in Johannesburg, will launch in March, a statement by the company says. Microsoft missed its 2018 deadline to launch two Azure cloud data centres in the same locations. However, there are speculations that the centres will come to life in Q1 2019.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has temporarily suspended its directive to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) on Do-Not-Disturb (DND). This, they say, will enable the service providers disseminate specific information on voter education on behalf of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). General elections hold on Saturday, February 16.

South African insurtech startup Ctrl has raised funding from insurance company Santam as it prepares to launch its app publicly. Still in its test phase, Pieter Venter, co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) says the startup is excited to partner with an established insurer to give South African consumers the best of both worlds – innovation and trust.

The Africa Fintech Foundry has called for pitch submissions ahead of the second edition of its annual conference themed; “Digital Goldrush; Building a Sustainable Tech Economy.” Interested participants are required to send in a pitch of no more than a 5-page slide to Lukman Alhassan and have Anita Odiete in copy. They plan to invest up to $10,000 at the end of the pitch competition. Applications close on February 22nd, 2019.

Wits University’s Tshimologong Precinct in partnership with Conlog, has announced that it will play host to a blockchain incubation programme called Reapele. The programme will be presented in seven phases with a view to turning ideas, products and businesses into something sustainable and successful. Head over here to sign up in you’d like to be part of the programme.

Exciting news for Instagrammers. TechCrunch says the social media company is internally testing a web version of Instagram Direct messaging that lets people chat without the app. If, or more likely, when this rolls out publicly, users on a desktop or laptop PC or Mac will be able to privately message other Instagrammers.

With a number of upcoming elections across Africa, Facebook’s Public Policy Manager has shared a number of things the social media giant has done to reduce the spread of misinformation, protect election integrity and support civic engagement across the continent. Techzim has all of it here. 

There are concerns about an internet shutdown in Nigeria during the general elections on Saturday, February 16. Quartz shares a list of things to do to stay online in the event that there is a shutdown, in this article. 

Eleven startups from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda have been named finalists in the Sankalp Awards. They will get the chance to pitch at the Sankalp Africa Summit happening in Nairobi on February 21 & 22, 2019. Tanzanian agricultural equipment manufacturer Imara Tech, Rwandan off-grid energy startup Mesh Power and Kenyan ed-tech startup Elewa are among the finalists.

Tayo Oviosu, Founder of Paga, will be discussing “Building a Globally Sustainable Business” at The Breakfast Chat, a monthly series by CcHUB where tech founders get a chance to interact with accomplished entrepreneurs across various fields of business. This month’s edition will hold on Thursday, February 21 from 9:00 am – 10:00am at Co-Creation Hub Nigeria. 5th floor, 294 Herbert Macaulay way Lagos, Nigeria. If you’d like to attend, request an invite through this link. 

Nigerian, Job Oyebisi and Malawian mHub have received a cash prize of ~USD25,000 in the 2018 Idea Change Lives British Council global competition. Oyebisi, who runs StanLab, a 3D virtual science laboratory has simulated a virtual laboratory where students without access to one can learn the practical side of science.

From TechCabal

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