Hey there! Here’s everything interesting in African technology today. Not subscribed? Click here to get this goodness in your mailbox every day at 7am (GMT + 1).
The news this Friday…
1. #DataMustRise – Last December, the Zimbabwean government decided that it would introduce a 5% ‘internet tax’ on airtime and broadband internet service. Proceeds from the tax would go towards a Health Fund for procuring drugs and medical equipment in the country. Well, the tax has now been implemented and ISPs are increasing their data prices accordingly. Link
2. Remember M-Akiba, the mobile-only bond launched by the Kenyan government about two weeks ago? It’s now been closed after the target amount of KES 150 million was reached two days ahead of schedule. The main bond offer of KES 4.85 billion will go on sale in June. Link
3. Kaduna state wants to be a vibrant IT destination and it’s making this happen with a new ICT hub built in partnership with Zenith Bank. The space was unveiled by the state governor yesterday.
+ Information on the website shows that the hub boasts of training programs, a blockchain lab and a data centre. Link
4. 80 days, guys. The internet shutdown in Anglophone Cameroon has entered its 80th day. Please ask the government to #BringBackOurInternet
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.
Other interesting things…
+ Paylater users can now receive approved loans in their bank accounts in 5 minutes or less. Link
+ How does one deal with this kind of competitor?
+ South Africans might be taking to the streets today to ask for President Zuma’s resignation. There have been calls for a total shutdown. Link
+ 515 free online programming courses that start this month, courtesy of freeCodeCamp. Link
+ Why facts don’t change our minds and the limitations of human reasoning. Link
+ Twitter has released a ‘liter’ version designed for users with slow internet connections. Link
Hot topics on Radar
+ As usual, our AMA with Babusi Nyoni, yesterday was a hit back to back. We talked about all things UX design and AI. If you missed it, you can catch up here.
+ Stripe Atlas has launched to enable entrepreneurs incorporate their startups and open bank accounts in the US. They’re also hosting an AMA today. Link
Upcoming events…
Abidjan: African Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (AVCA) conference, April 3rd to April 7th. Link
Nairobi: Startup Grind with Duncan Goldie-Scot, April 7th. Link
Cambridge: MIT Sloan Africa Innovate Conference 2017, April 7th to April 8th. Link
Lagos: Health x Tech Drinks, April 8th. Link
Lagos: Microsoft Azure and Bizspark Training, April 8th. Link
Douala: Google Cloud Next ’17 Extended, April 8th. Link
Lagos: Data Hack Meetup, April 8th. Link
Upcoming deadlines…
Fincluders Startup Challenge: Application deadline is today, April 7th. Link
West Africa Global Impact Challenge: Applications close today. Link
That’s all folks!
Thanks for reading; we appreciate all the love. Have a great weekend!
I’m all caught up on everything African tech thanks to the TechCabal daily digest! Get it here – 
