10. Genii Games has released an update to its Igbo 101 learning app for kids
The update features an adventure quest to encourage kids to learn by letting them play to acquire a piece of land defined as ‘Ala’. Users have to play through a dozen lessons spread over 4 levels.
Watch the trailer for the updated Igbo 101 app here and download on iOS and Android.
9. Watch the trailer for Kiro’o Games’ RPG video game
Released last year, Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan was developed by Cameroonian game studio, Kiro’o Games. Founder, Olivier Madiba shared the journey towards building Cameroon’s first game studio and the inspiration behind the game.
You can watch the trailer here and buy the game on Steam.
8. Introducing Snapchat geofilters from Akanka Design
Nigerian design house, Akanka Design, now offers Snapchat geofilters from its design lab, Akanka Labs, to help customers publicise their events. Snapchat’s sponsored geofilters are currently unavailable in Nigeria but customers in the US or UK can enjoy the service.
More information here.
7. Online supermarket, Gloo.ng, has raised new funding and is making new plans for 2017
This was announced in a series of tweets by Gloo’s founder. He mentioned that the company has raised an undisclosed amount in funding, they’re launching four new products this year and are looking for a new VP of sales to drive their business to business development.
Read the full thread here.
6. Mastercard has launched a new platform to digitise East Africa’s agricultural sector
Mastercard’s 2KUZE which means “Let’s grow together” in Swahili is a new digital platform that enables farmers to buy, sell and receive payments for agricultural goods via their feature phones. It essentially connects smallholder farmers with agents, buyers and banks in East Africa. The pilot phase is being run in partnership with Cafédirect Producers Foundation, a non-profit organisation, to help reach 2,000 small-scale farmers in Kenya.
Read all about it here.
5. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is partnering with Accenture to launch a fintech accelerator for startups in the Middle East and North Africa
Tagged FinTech Hive at DIFC, the accelerator is set to launch in the first quarter of 2017 and it aims to improve customer experience and drive operational efficiencies in the financial services sector in the Middle East and North Africa. FinTech Hive at DIFC will begin with a 12-week accelerator programme that will mobilise the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs to address the growing needs of the region’s financial services industry using innovative technology solutions.
More information here.
4. Ethiopian produce company, GreenPath Foods, has raised an undisclosed amount in seed investment from EWB Ventures
EWB Ventures, the investment vehicle of Engineers Without Borders Canada, announced the seed investment yesterday. GreenPath will expectedly use the money to support more farmers thereby creating a sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural system in Ethiopia.
Read more on it here.
3. Nigeria loses N25 billion yearly due to the importation of lottery technologies
The Guardian reports that this was disclosed by Niyi Adekunle, the Chief Executive Officer of Lotgrand, a lotto promotion company in Nigeria. He noted that the lottery sector in Nigeria requires indigenous technologies to prevent the increasing rate of capital flight.
Read all about it here.
2. ParadElaw is now live in Nigeria to connect users with experienced lawyers on demand
ParadElaw allows users to get experienced lawyers on demand for any legal issues. Users can search for lawyers by practice area and location and all the lawyers on the platform are verified.
You can check it out here and share your thoughts on Radar here.
1. Kenyan off-grid solar company, d.light, has raised $10.5 million in funding
This new round of funding brings the total amount d.light has raised since September 2016 to $40 million. The new $10.5 million raise comprises of $5 million from Norfund and $5.5 million in grant funding from Beyond the Grid and Shell Foundation. D.light will use the money to expand its solar-powered products to more off-grid communities.
Read all about it here.
