Kaspersky shares its 2026 cybersecurity predictions, highlighting how artificial intelligence and large language models are reshaping digital security. Experts warn of rising deepfake threats, AI-driven cyberattacks across the kill chain, blurred lines between legitimate and fraudulent content, and growing use of AI in both cybercrime and security operations, urging businesses and users to adapt their defenses.
Category: Innovation
Innovation, technology, startups, and digital transformation shaping Africa’s business future.
AI Streetlights to Rescue Nigeria’s Coastal Highway
Nigeria’s long-delayed Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway could be transformed into a self-financing smart infrastructure corridor through the deployment of AI-driven, solar-powered iLamp streetlights. Proposed by UK greentech firm Conflow Power Group in partnership with Nigeria’s Mora Energy, the project would install around 28,000 solar iLamps along the 700km route, creating a distributed AI computing network powered by Nvidia processors. By generating up to US$1.26 billion annually from AI processing services, the iLamps could help close the project’s multi-billion-dollar funding gap while delivering lighting, security, connectivity and smart-city services—positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for renewable energy-powered AI infrastructure.
Genetec predicts top physical security trends for 2026
Genetec forecasts that flexibility, responsible AI, and unified connected systems will define the physical security industry in 2026, as organizations modernize infrastructure and strengthen operational performance. According to Genetec’s latest outlook, enterprises will increasingly adopt hybrid and cloud-flexible security deployments, favoring open-architecture platforms that avoid vendor lock-in and extend the life of existing systems. Intelligent Automation will move beyond hype to deliver measurable outcomes, improving monitoring accuracy, accelerating investigations, and enhancing situational awareness through transparent and secure AI. The report also highlights rapid growth in Access Control as a Service (ACaaS), mobile credentials, biometrics, and the convergence of video surveillance, access control, IoT, and building systems, enabling smarter, more efficient, and resilient physical security operations worldwide.
Digital Economy Expected to Grow 9.5% within the global economy, new DCO Trends 2026 report reveals
The global digital economy is projected to grow by 9.5% in 2026, reaching an estimated USD 28 trillion and accounting for 22% of global GDP, according to the Digital Economy Trends (DET) 2026 report by the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). Launched in Riyadh, the report analyzes insights from over 400 policymakers, economists, and technology leaders across 26 countries, identifying 18 key digital economy trends shaping global innovation. The study highlights end-to-end cybersecurity, ambient intelligence, and converging frontier technologies—including AI, robotics, and spatial computing—as the most impactful forces driving inclusive growth, digital transformation, and economic value creation. DET 2026 also underscores trillions of dollars in potential from AI-driven workforce transformation, immersive technologies, digital trade, and resilient digital infrastructure, offering governments and businesses a data-driven roadmap for navigating the future digital economy.
Why 2026 Will Be the Year of the Super App in Emerging Markets
2026 is set to be the breakthrough year for super-apps in emerging markets, with Africa leading the digital platform revolution. High mobile adoption, fragmented services, and untapped MSME markets create the perfect conditions for integrated platforms that combine payments, commerce, logistics, and discovery. Flood, led by André de Wet, is building Africa-focused super-app solutions to connect informal businesses, drive financial inclusion, and enable scalable digital commerce.
JEKTA Unveils 1:9 Scale Model of Zero-Emission PHA-ZE 100 Amphibious Aircraft During Ongoing Flight Tests in Italy
JEKTA has unveiled a new 1:9 scale model of its zero-emission PHA-ZE 100 amphibious aircraft as flight and water testing advances in Italy. The model provides critical performance data for the hydrogen-powered, all-electric flying boat scheduled for global introduction in 2030.
CityMenderSATM: The Young South African Building Africa’s First Public Infrastructure Geo Intelligence Platform
CityMenderSA™ is Africa’s first public infrastructure geo-intelligence platform, created by young South African innovator Keyuren Maharaj. Combining augmented reality, satellite verification, spatial analytics, community reporting, and smart micro-grid geocoding, CityMenderSA gives real-time visibility into roads, water systems, sanitation, electricity, environmental hazards, and municipal services. Built to help African cities “see” their infrastructure, it empowers communities and governments with accurate data, transparency, and actionable insights for smarter urban development.
The evolving role of AI in business process outsourcing
The integration of AI into Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) has evolved from early excitement about its transformative potential to a more pragmatic approach focused on specific, high-impact use cases. While AI was initially viewed as a potential job disruptor, its role has proven to be an enabler rather than a replacement for human agents. AI’s greatest value in BPO is in automating repetitive, low-value tasks, like after-call summaries, which enhances operational efficiency and improves customer experience. However, the rapid adoption of AI has also revealed challenges, such as data privacy concerns, limitations in large language models (LLMs), and the importance of human oversight. Going forward, successful AI implementation in BPO will require a balance between innovation and caution, with a focus on enhancing human capabilities while addressing ethical and regulatory considerations in data management.
Smart contracts, institutional tokenization, and modular infrastructures: D24 Fintech on the trends shaping blockchain
Smart Contracts, Institutional Tokenization, and Modular Infrastructures: Blockchain Trends Shaping 2026. As blockchain technology continues to evolve, 2026 promises to be a year of transformative growth. Osama Bari, CTO of D24 Fintech, highlights key trends driving the future of blockchain, including the rise of modular blockchains, the increasing adoption of smart contracts, and the growth of institutional tokenization. With platforms like EigenLayer and Celestia leading the way, modular blockchains are set to enhance scalability and interoperability. The convergence of AI and blockchain will further enhance smart contracts, enabling seamless, gasless transactions and automated trading. Meanwhile, tokenized assets like treasuries and bonds are poised to revolutionize traditional markets, offering 24/7 trading and instant settlement. As blockchain technology integrates with Zero-Knowledge (ZK) proofs and confidential computing, privacy and compliance will be taken to the next level, ensuring users control their data while maintaining transparency.
Racing Against the Talent Gap: Sustaining Africa’s Data Center Growth
Africa’s data center boom is outpacing its talent supply, and Subzero Engineering wants to discuss this. Our ‘Racing Against the Talent Gap’ article reveals how a shortage of skilled engineers and technicians threatens to slow the continent’s digital growth. The piece highlights how targeted training, industry-academia partnerships, and supportive policies can turn Africa’s youth into the backbone of a sustainable, competitive data economy.