At AfricaCom 2025 (Nov 11–13, Cape Town), Business France will lead 10 innovative French tech and telecom companies to showcase their expertise in AI, 5G, OTT, mobile payments, and digital transformation. As Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest telecom and technology event, AfricaCom will gather over 15,000 professionals and 500 exhibitors from 110 countries. With South Africa emerging as the region’s digital hub—boasting 98% 4G coverage, expanding 5G networks, and €1.47 billion in telecom investment—French firms aim to forge partnerships driving Africa’s digital revolution. The French Pavilion will highlight leading innovators such as Enreach, SmarDTV, Famoco, Speedcast, ENENSYS, and CapstonAI, reinforcing France’s role in building Africa’s connected, sustainable digital future.
Category: Innovation
Innovation, technology, startups, and digital transformation shaping Africa’s business future.
Africa Emerges as Most Fraud-Exposed Region Globally, New Sumsub Study Reveals
A new Sumsub 2025 Global Fraud Index, developed in collaboration with Statista, reveals that Africa remains the world’s most fraud-exposed region, with an average score of 3.84, far exceeding the global average of 2.79. Covering 112 countries, the Index highlights persistent regional vulnerabilities in digital and financial systems despite global improvements. Mauritius ranked as Africa’s most fraud-protected nation, while Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda were among the least protected globally. The report stresses the urgent need for investment in digital infrastructure, stronger policy frameworks, and cross-sector collaboration to combat evolving fraud threats. Experts emphasize that governance and AI-driven defences will be critical for building trust and resilience in Africa’s fast-growing digital economy.
Absa Teams Build Real-World Banking Solutions in 24 Hours at 2025 Technology Hackathon
Absa has announced the winners of its 2025 Technology Hackathon, where teams had just 24 hours to design real-world digital banking solutions. The event, themed “Ignite the Future: Innovate. Accelerate. Elevate,” showcased Absa’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and technology-led transformation across Africa. Winning teams from Zambia, South Africa, and Mauritius developed prototypes in categories including AI for Impact and Blue Sky, reflecting Absa’s focus on digital talent and customer-centered innovation.
Don’t Put Digital First, Put It Everywhere
In 2025, brands must move beyond “digital-first” to a mindset where digital is everywhere. Jacques Du Bruyn, Co-CEO at Flume Digital Marketing, argues that digital fluency should anchor every campaign, blending traditional and online touchpoints into a seamless, human-centered experience. The modern sales funnel is no longer linear—consumers navigate a “hurricane of touchpoints,” from social media to reviews to influencers, before buying. True marketing success now depends on understanding human behavior through data, ensuring that digital becomes the connection, not just the channel, driving both engagement and authenticity across every platform.
Shadow AI vs Managed AI: Kaspersky reviews the use of neural networks for work in the META region
Kaspersky’s latest report, “Cybersecurity in the workplace: Employee knowledge and behaviour,” reveals that over 81% of professionals in the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa (META) region use AI tools for work, but only 38% have received cybersecurity training on safe neural network use. The study highlights a growing divide between “Shadow AI” —unregulated, employee-driven use of generative AI tools—and “Managed AI”, where organisations enforce policies and training to mitigate risks like data leaks and prompt injections. With AI now widely used for writing, content creation, and data analytics, Kaspersky urges companies to adopt structured AI governance policies, tiered access models, and employee education to balance innovation with security.
Bridging Infrastructure Gaps: Tech and Distribution in Africa’s Gaming Ecosystem
Africa’s gaming industry is on the brink of transformation. With its youthful population, mobile-first culture, and creative energy, the continent is emerging as a key player in global gaming. Yet two critical challenges—technological infrastructure and game distribution—continue to hold back progress. In this article, Chris Meredith, SVP of Business Development (EMEA) at Xsolla, explores how addressing Africa’s internet connectivity gaps, limited payment integration, and developer support systems can unlock sustainable growth. By improving local payment solutions, empowering creators, and investing in digital infrastructure, Africa can redefine the future of gaming and become a global innovation hub.
Consumer technology trends: AI is set to fundamentally change how we live
Consumer technology trends at IFA 2025 reveal the profound impact of AI on everyday life. As AI shifts from a buzzword to a backbone of modern appliances, devices are evolving into personalized, intuitive companions that help us manage our homes more efficiently. Meanwhile, the focus has shifted from revolutionary products to incremental innovations that refine user experiences. The emergence of Chinese brands further shapes the tech landscape, highlighting a transition from manufacturing hub to global tech leader. For South African consumers, these trends promise smarter, more personalized solutions, while trust and after-sales service will become crucial to successful tech adoption.
Phishing Evolving with AI and Stealth: Kaspersky Highlights Biometric and Signature Risks
Kaspersky reports a sharp rise in phishing attacks, with over 142 million phishing link clicks blocked in Q2 2025. Cybercriminals are leveraging AI-driven tactics such as deepfakes, voice cloning, and trusted platforms like Telegram and Google Translate to steal sensitive data, including biometric and signature information. This evolution in phishing is making attacks more sophisticated, bypassing traditional security measures and posing unprecedented risks to individuals and businesses. Kaspersky highlights the importance of vigilance and proactive security measures to combat these advanced threats.
New Zindi Report Launched at UNGA: 1 in 5 Kenyan Users Find Jobs Through AI Challenges
Zindi’s 2025 Country-Level Employability Report reveals that 1 in 5 Kenyan users find jobs through AI challenges. Learn how active participation on Zindi boosts employability in Kenya’s growing AI sector.
Driving Africa’s Digital Future: Insights from Tamu Dutuma, Absa’s Head of Strategy & Transformation
Tamu Dutuma, Head of Strategy & Transformation at Absa Regional Operations, shares insights on unlocking SME growth in Africa through technology, cross-border trade, digital payments, and ecosystem collaboration. He highlights the transformative role of fintech, partnerships, and early-stage startup engagement in shaping Africa’s digital economy.