Author: Elan

Snapchat is pulling fully AI-generated videos from its recommendation system in Spotlight, the platform’s short-form video discovery feature, in a move that directly affects creators who rely on AI tools to produce content at scale. The company announced the change today, saying its algorithm will no longer surface wholly AI-generated videos to new audiences through Spotlight recommendations. The policy is already in effect. The decision does not ban AI-generated content from the platform entirely. Users can still upload fully AI-generated videos, but they will no longer be recommended to people who do not already follow them. The distinction matters because…

Google’s Pixel 11 event might include the company’s first answer to Apple’s AirTag. A leaked image (shown below) and store listings make clear that Google is close to releasing a Pixel Tag that could become Android’s default item tracker. As 9to5Google has learned, the Pixel Tag would be a simple, pill-shaped device with a speaker. Like the AirTag, it wouldn’t have clips or holes to attach it to other devices — you’ll need a case to put it on your keychain. That could make it work better for purses, wallets, and luggage. Technical features like ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning aren’t available.…

By Andrew King, Principal | SMA Capital Advisory and Restructuring Services, PwC South AfricaIn today’s capital-constrained and increasingly risk-sensitive market, the ability to translate a company’s funding needs into a narrative aligned with funder expectations is no longer optional; it is critical. Whether engaging banks, development funding institutions, private equity or alternative lenders, the success of any funding process depends on how effectively businesses position themselves through a funder’s lens.The starting point for any funding discussion is a clear view of where the company sits in its lifecycle, as this drives funding optionality and risk appetite.Start-up / Early stageAt this…

The deployment comes after months of controversies sourrounding the conduct of the Osun State Police command led by former CP Ibrahim Gotan and calls for his redeployment by the state government. The Nigeria Police Force has deployed a new Commissioner of Police (CP), Samuel Erale, to oversee the forthcoming 15 August governorship election in Osun State. This comes after months of persistent calls from the state government for the removal of CP Ibrahim Gotan amid controversies his alleged partisanship and poor handling of election-related security. Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines Police Public Relations Officer in…

The organisers of the Innovation and Scale Forum (ISF) are positioning this year’s edition as a reflection of a broader shift in Africa’s startup ecosystem, where founders are increasingly looking beyond domestic markets in search of regional growth, investment, and long-term sustainability. The fourth edition of the ISF Forum, scheduled for November 27-28 in Ibadan, will convene more than 3,000 participants, over 50 speakers, and an online audience expected to exceed 10,000 viewers from more than 20 countries under the theme “Scale Without Borders.” The theme comes at a time when African technology companies are moving from proving business models…

Nairobi — Standard Chartered Bank Kenya has mobilized more than Sh97 billion in sustainable finance since 2021, supporting renewable energy, affordable housing, sustainable infrastructure and women-led businesses as demand for climate-focused investments grows. According to the bank’s 2025 Sustainability Progress Report, the funding has also supported financial inclusion initiatives, underscoring the banking sector’s growing role in financing Kenya’s climate and development goals. “We have continued to support our clients in their sustainability journeys through sustainable finance solutions while strengthening our own environmental performance,” the bank said. “Our ambition remains to be the leading cross-border bank connecting capital with sustainable growth…

Telegram founder Pavel Durov said Russian authorities designated him a “terrorist” after he refused government demands for mass surveillance and censorship on the messaging platform, responding publicly a day after Russia announced charges against him.In a Telegram post on Thursday, Durov also said Russia had barred him from “publishing information on the Internet,” adding that authorities had “got confused about who can ban whom from the Internet.”Source: Telegram, Pavel DurovThe comments came a day after Russia’s Federal Security Service accused Durov of facilitating terrorist activity, alleging Telegram failed to remove channels used by terrorist groups and Ukrainian intelligence services.The case…

Visa, the global payments company, has appointed Anne Kinuthia Otieno, the former managing director of Airtel Money Kenya, as the Vice President and Head of East Africa, less than a week after announcing her departure from the mobile money operator.  She will assume the role on August 4, overseeing Visa’s business across seven East African markets. According to Visa, Kinuthia-Otieno will be based in Nairobi, where she will lead the company’s efforts to grow digital payments, deepen partnerships with financial institutions and partners, and expand financial inclusion across the region.  The appointment answers the question industry watchers had after Kinuthia-Otieno…

As AI reshapes product design, it could give designers greater autonomy or expose the gaps that autonomy makes harder to hide. Exploring both the bull and bear cases, Andy Budd examines what happens when designers need less permission to act.Designers have spent years saying they would do better work if the organisation got out of the way. Not always in those exact words, obviously. It usually comes out as something more reasonable: we didn’t get enough engineering time, product had already decided the solution, the roadmap was too packed, leadership only cared about this quarter’s numbers, research got cut, the…

Ballot blitz After months of administrative difficulties and divisions to get Trevor Mwamba’s candidacy registered, the opposition has united behind Brian Mundubile and is mounting a last-minute campaign to unseat President Hakainde Hichilema in the 13 August election. Zambian opposition leader Brian Mundubile addresses supporters at a political rally. © Brian Mundubile/Facebook Published on July 30, 2026 at 17:00 pm (GMT +1) Bishop Trevor Mwamba had been planning to run as presidential candidate for the United National Independence Party (UNIP), Zambia’s post-independence party once headed by Kenneth Kaunda. But when he went to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to…