Digest

TechCabal Daily: Say hello to barter

By Mobisola Atolagbe Mar 29, 2017

Hey there! Today’s TechCabal digest is brought to you by DIYlaw; get N2000 off your next company incorporation here with our coupon code – DIYLAWTC. Here’s everything interesting in African technology today.

Major stuff happening…

1. Say hello to Barter – In the best news I’ve heard this week, Nigerians can now make international payments without buying dollars. This is because Flutterwave has partnered with American virtual card company, Barter, to allow users in Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya shop online in dollars while funding their cards in their local currency. Barter will leverage on Flutterwave’s virtual card API and platform to allow users create an unlimited number of virtual dollar cards for single or repeat transactions. These virtual cards can then be funded via local cards or direct bank transfer. The awesome thing is Barter offers really competitive rates so I can now flourish on Asos and Amazon, look at God!

+ Check Barter out here.

2. .africa domains will soon be available to everyone – The registration process for getting a .africa domain will be starting next month. From April 4th to June 2nd, trademark owners will be able to secure domains matching their trademarks. This will be followed by a landrush period where registrations will be open to everyone at a premium rate before being opened to the general public on a first come, first serve basis. It’s been a long time coming for the .africa domain, what with the lengthy legal battles tying up its launch. We’re happy it’s finally seeing the light of day.

3. SpeedUpAfrica – is now accepting applications into its epic founder bootcamp. The bootcamp kicks off in Nigeria from the 5th to 9th of July 2017 so interested African startups are invited to apply before the May 1st application deadline. SpeedUPAfrica will empower a new wave of African entrepreneurs by providing hands-on practical guidance from expert strategists and brand builders – as well as entrepreneurs who have built their own successful businesses both in Africa and overseas. Apply here.

4. Anglophone Cameroonians haven’t been able to access the internet for 71 days now #BringBackOurInternet.

+ Cameroon’s internet refugees are finding a way in the midst of all the mess.

The Zunde Africa Fund (ZAF), a group that invests in student-run businesses, is looking for passionate student entrepreneurs across Africa who are ready to take their businesses to the next level. Applications are open until May 1st. You can apply here.

Other things you should know…

+ Two days ago, we talked about the folly of Pay on Delivery from a business perspective. What we failed to mention were the far more dangerous safety concerns. News surfaced yesterday that a Jumia delivery merchant was murdered by supposed customers. This allegedly took place in Rivers State, Nigeria and three suspects have been arrested. I think this goes to show that PoD needs to be scrapped asap. The marginal increase in the volume of orders cannot be worth these huge safety risks. People will adapt.

+ Our son, Elon is working on human-computer interfaces that will help human beings merge with computers. The future is here and I don’t know how I feel about it. Link.

+ Also, somebody said it should have been named “The Borg-ing Company” and I’m angry I didn’t think of that first.

+ The Demo Africa innovation tour is stopping over in Nigeria this April. You can apply now to pitch your startup in Lagos or Abuja. Link.

+ Uber is shutting down its services in Denmark because the country’s new taxi laws do not accommodate its business model. Link.

+ And here’s how to set up a VPN in 10 minutes for free (and why you urgently need one). Link.

This April, ChatClass NG is offering a 2-month program designed to develop and support social media managers. The program will feature a thorough masterclass, real-life assessments and internships. Apply here if you’re interested. Deadline’s April 1st.

Hot topics on Radar

+ Our AMA this week is with Jumia Food Managing Director, Olamide Bada. You can click here to save the date to your calendar. Hope you’ll join us?

+ MAX is looking for a UI/UX designer. Link.

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Upcoming events…

Cairo: VC4A Business Model Canvas workshop, March 28th to 29th. Link.

Johannesburg: 500 Startups’ Geeks on a plane South Africa tour, March 28th to 30th. Link.

Abuja: The Hustle Grind with Andy Madaki, March 29th. Link.

Midrand: IoT Forum Africa, March 29th to 30th. Link.

Abuja: Ventures Platform’s StartUp Jam, March 30th. Link.

Accra: Starta’s Silicon Drinkup, March 30th. Link.

Brussels: Paradigm Initiative at RightsCon 2017, March 30th. Link.

London: LSE Africa Summit, March 31st. Link.

Lagos: LeadSpace Happy Hour, March 31st. Link.

Kaduna: StartUp Friday, March 31st. Link.

Lagos: Introduction to Android Things, April 1st. Link.