Smile ID’s 2026 Digital Identity Fraud Report reveals that AI-driven fraud is rapidly increasing in scale and sophistication, transforming digital security across industries. In 2025, nearly 90% of fraud blocked relied on mobile SDK signals rather than image analysis, reflecting a shift from visual spoofing to capture integrity. Authentication-related fraud now exceeds onboarding fraud by five times, with attackers exploiting verified accounts, login flows, and high-value transactions. Deepfake biometrics and injection-style attacks are rising, while duplicate identity attempts have nearly tripled since 2023. The report highlights the importance of networked identity defense, real-time adaptation, and ecosystem-wide protection to safeguard individuals and organizations in the era of AI-enabled fraud.
Tag: infrastructure
How Africa can build sovereign AI without slowing innovation
Africa is entering a critical phase in the development of sovereign artificial intelligence (AI) as governments and businesses seek to balance innovation with control over data and digital infrastructure. With more than a dozen African countries introducing national AI strategies, the continent is prioritising local data governance, ethical AI development, and domestic capacity-building while still integrating with global technology ecosystems. This article explores how Africa can build sovereign AI capabilities through hybrid infrastructure, open standards, and strategic partnerships rather than full technology ownership. By focusing on data protection, interoperable systems, and sector-specific AI models, African nations can strengthen digital sovereignty, reduce dependency, and accelerate innovation without slowing economic growth.
Why Zambia’s Economic Freedom Depends on Health and Digital Connectivity
Zambia’s economic progress increasingly depends on stronger investment in healthcare and digital infrastructure. Despite rising foreign reserves and expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations, many citizens remain excluded from economic opportunity due to weak health systems and limited digital connectivity. With healthcare spending still below the 15% target set by the Abuja Declaration and growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance, Zambia faces a critical policy choice. Strengthening public health investment while using CDF resources to expand district tech hubs, telemedicine, and digital access for students could help build a healthier, more productive workforce and support long-term economic growth.
Africa Data Centre Market 2026: Structural Growth, Energy Constraints and Long-Term Investment Strategy
Africa’s data centre market is entering a structural growth phase, according to the latest report from the Africa Data Centres Association. While capacity expansion is accelerating across key hubs such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya, the continent still represents a small share of global installed data centre infrastructure. The report highlights extended occupancy ramp-up periods, high energy-related operating costs, and gradual enterprise cloud migration as defining market characteristics. Operators are increasingly adopting phased expansion models, integrating renewable energy solutions, and developing AI-ready infrastructure to meet rising digital demand. Rather than speculative overbuild strategies, the African data centre sector is evolving through disciplined capital allocation, regulatory alignment, and long-term infrastructure investment.
2026 ushers in crypto tipping point for African merchants
2026 marks a crypto tipping point for African merchants as stablecoins move rapidly into the mainstream. Sub-Saharan Africa recorded over $205 billion in on-chain value between July 2024 and June 2025, with 52% year-on-year growth, making it the world’s third-fastest growing crypto market. Stablecoins now account for more than 45% of regional crypto volume, driven by cross-border trade, faster settlements, and reduced forex costs. With clearer regulation in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, and growing institutional adoption, companies like Ezeebit believe African merchants are approaching an inflection point where crypto payments shift from “if” to “when.”
Investment in African fintech is key to the continent’s growth
African fintech is emerging as a high-impact investment opportunity, fueling economic growth across healthcare, education, agriculture, and climate resilience. Between 2015 and 2022, African tech firms receiving funding grew sevenfold, with fintech leading the way and producing eight of the continent’s nine unicorns. By enabling access to mobile finance, microloans, and innovative payment solutions, fintech creates ripple effects that strengthen infrastructure, support smallholder farmers, expand low-cost healthcare, and transform education. Investing in African fintech is not only a smart financial decision but also a catalyst for long-term socio-economic development and climate resilience.
How to Collect Public LinkedIn Data Safely and Efficiently
Learn how to review publicly available LinkedIn data responsibly while respecting GDPR, platform terms, and ethical outreach practices. A legal-safe guide for recruiters, marketers, and researchers.
How Strategic Domains Accelerate Expansion into Three High-Potential Markets
Strategic domain names can accelerate international market entry by building trust, visibility, and geographic relevance from day one. This article explores how Belgium.cc, IsraelBusiness.com, and Lesotho.biz create powerful digital gateways into a mature European hub, a global innovation economy, and an emerging African growth market—demonstrating why the right domain is critical for global expansion.
From turbulence to transformation: How local leaders can shift their trajectory in 2026
As business and technology converge in 2026, leaders must navigate rapid change, innovate on the fly, and build resilience amidst uncertainty. In South Africa, businesses are focused on maximising efficiency through flexible virtualisation, accelerating AI adoption beyond pilots, and strengthening cybersecurity to combat emerging AI-powered threats. To succeed, leaders must embrace AI, reimagine roles, and foster cross-functional teams while prioritising security and data governance. Success will depend on adapting quickly, laying solid foundations, and embracing a continuous journey of transformation.
Mining Indaba 2026: French Delegation Returns to Indaba
Mining Indaba 2026 will see the return of the French Delegation to Cape Town, led by Business France, highlighting France’s expertise in mining, energy, infrastructure and industrial services across Africa. Taking place from 9–12 February 2026, the event brings together global mining leaders to address critical minerals, energy transition, sustainable mining, and resilient supply chains. Through the France Pavilion at the EU Pavilion, French public institutions and private-sector companies aim to strengthen international partnerships, promote responsible mining practices, and support Africa’s role as a strategic hub in the global energy and industrial transition.