Hello ______,
Delight here,
Here’s what I have for you today:
- Namibia's Communication regulator halts Starlink operations
- Hackers rob Central Bank of Uganda of $17 million
- Senegal's Solarbox gets $1 million pre-seed funding
Communications regulator halts Starlink operations in Namibia
The Communication Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has ordered Starlink to cease its operations in the country due to non-compliance with local licencing requirements.
CRAN has stated that the SpaceX subsidiary has been offering services in Namibia without securing regulatory approvals and as such the public is prohibited from purchasing its services.
According to Namibian law, all telecommunication providers must obtain a licence from CRAN before operating within the country, and although Starlink applied for this licence, it is still under review and not yet approved.
The regulator emphasised that this requirement approval applies to all entities regardless of their global structure, to ensure a level playing field for both local and international operators.
While Starlink has revolutionised Internet connectivity in many regions, its rapid expansion into new markets has occasionally faced challenges relating to regulatory framework. In April 2024, Cameroon banned the Starlink kits and seized equipment at the border due to regulatory issues.
Although the Starlink website shows the launch date for 2025, its terminals and equipment have been confiscated by the police.
Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy.
Hackers rob Uganda’s Central bank of $17 million
A hacker group known as the “Waste” has stolen $17 million from the Central Bank of Uganda.
Initially, investigations indicated that the attack was likely an inside job involving compromised bank employees. However, the funds were transferred to accounts in Japan and the UK, suggesting an international operation.
Although the bank has managed to recover more than half of the stolen amount, thanks to the Ugandan police and auditor general’s office, the authorities are continuing their investigations to determine the full extent of the breach and the identity of those involved.
This attack is not isolated, as it follows a pattern of increasing cyber attacks targeting financial institutions worldwide.
A breach of this form exposes the vulnerabilities of the financial systems in Africa and the risks posed by inadequate cybersecurity measures.
According to a Tech point article, in 2023, financial institutions in Nigeria lost $82.4 billion to major hacks and fraud cases.
The need for robust security systems, strict internal controls and constant monitoring is paramount to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Solarbox gets $1 million pre-seed funding for its e-mobility solutions
Solarbox, a Senegal-based startup at the intersection of renewable energy and electric mobility, has successfully raised $1 million in pre-seed funding.
The investment aims to support the development of its innovative solar-powered e-mobility solutions in Senegal and fuel expansion to other West African regions.
Founded in 2022 by Tijan Watt, the company's flagship product line includes solar-charged electric two and three-wheelers designed to reduce dependence on traditional charging infrastructure and minimise carbon emissions.
The pre-seed round was led by a consortium of angel investors and venture capital firms - Digital Energy Facility, Launch Africa Ventures, JLL Foundation and Teranga Capital - with a focus on renewable energy and sustainable technology.
Solarbox’s $1 million funding will be allocated to research and development, scaling capabilities and expanding its presence in key urban markets.
“Instead of importing millions of tonnes of petroleum annually, Senegal can harness its abundant sunlight. With transportation accounting for 40% of energy needs, solar-powered mobility offers a transformative opportunity” Tijan stated.
In case you missed them
- Chinese eCommerce company, Temu enters Nigeria with marketing blitz
- Access Bank acquires Standard Chartered branches in Angola, Sierra Leone
- AI skills might be next-rated, data analytics is still the most demanded digital skill in 2024
What I'm watching and reading
- Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
- Construction for the Money: The Business Roundtable
Opportunities
- Join Opeyemi Olugbemiro at Pitch Friday on December 13, 2024 and discover the art of storytelling that wins customers. Apply here.
- Flutterwave is currently looking to fill several vacancies. Apply here.
- Moniepoint is hiring for several roles. Apply here.
- Follow Techpoint Africa's WhatsApp channel to stay on top of the latest trends and news in the African tech space here.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Sunny Delight for Techpoint Africa.
