Google Acquires Israeli Cybersecurity Company Siemplify for $500M
In what can be considered as one of the earliest acquisitions in 2022, Google Cloud, a subsidiary of Google has moved to acquire Siemplify, an Israeli-based cybersecurity startup that specializes in end-to-end security services for enterprises, typically referred to as security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) services.
Apply for the 2022 Tony Elumelu Foundation $5000 Grant
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), the leading philanthropy empowering young African entrepreneurs, has announced the opening of applications for the 2022 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme on www.TEFConnect.com.
Nigeria Imposes Sugar Tax on Non-Alcoholic Carbonated Drinks
The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced an excise duty of N10 per litre on all non-alcoholic, carbonated drinks in Nigeria.
Nigeria Extends NIN-SIM Data Verification to March 31, 2022
The Federal Government of Nigeria further extends the deadline for the National Identification Number (NIN)-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) data verification to March 31, 2022.
An increase in Kenya’s Sugar Importation May Attract 100% Duty
In a bid to cover for Kenya’s deficit in sugar production, sugar is imported from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) trade bloc, under strict Import rules. Accordingly, imports exceeding the set limit would attract 100 per cent duty.
KCB Uganda Introduces ATM Recycler Machines in Banking Halls
KCB Uganda has rolled out ATM recyclers at select banking halls across the country, as a way of enhancing customer experience and improving the turnaround time at the banking halls.
Kenya’s New Law to Regulate Digital Lenders Takes Effect
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has announced that the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Act, 2021, which will allow the CBK to license and supervise digital lenders, has come into effect following the Presidential assent on December 7, 2021.
MTN Nigeria Set to Launch RCS Business Messaging Services
MTN Nigeria is set to partner with Dotgo and Google to launch Rich Communications Services (RCS) Business Messaging Services. The RCS Business Messaging allows sharing of audio, video, images, location etc. to enable branded business messages.
Nigeria to Replace National Identity Slips with Digital Tokens
In a bid to ensure data protection of users during verification transactions and to reduce redundancies during retrieval, usage, transfer, and storage of NIN, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the introduction of a suite of digital tokens that will replace the aging NIN slip and polycarbonate card.
Titan Trust Bank to Acquire Majority Stake in Union Bank
In a move that has reverberated in the financial services sector, Union Bank Nigeria Plc announced that it has reached an agreement with Titan Trust Bank Ltd to sell a majority stake of 89.39%.