Author: Elan

Kampala — MTN Uganda has partnered with Starlink to extend the MTN Group-Starlink partnership in Uganda, bringing satellite-enabled connectivity closer to enterprise customers operating in remote, underserved and hard-to-reach areas. This collaboration adds Starlink’s satellite capability to MTN Uganda’s enterprise solutions portfolio, offering an additional connectivity option where conventional infrastructure is limited or difficult to deploy. The initial offer will focus on enterprise customers in sectors where dependable connectivity is critical to service delivery and business continuity, including education, healthcare, agriculture, humanitarian response, energy, tourism, financial services and government services. The Uganda expansion forms part of MTN Group’s broader strategy…

In brief Bitcoin is holding near $78,000 after a hot PCE inflation reading knocked it back from an $81,000 high, with a $6.4 billion options expiry, Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s first Jackson Hole speech, and Nvidia earnings all landing within 48 hours of each other. The CME FedWatch tool now prices a 38.4% chance of a September rate hike, down from 82% a month ago, with the Fed’s next decision due September 16. Analysts are split on what comes next, with some calling this the late stage of a bear market bottoming out and others warning of a bull trap…

Techstars has opened applications for its Spring 2027 accelerator programmes, offering accepted startups a $220,000 investment alongside mentorship, investor access and other support. Applications opened on August 24 and will close on November 18. The accelerator programmes are designed for early-stage startups and provide three months of intensive mentorship, access to Techstars’ global network of founders, investors and corporate partners, as well as startup perks. Techstars’ current investment package consists of $200,000 through an uncapped Most Favoured Nation (MFN) Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) and $20,000 through a Post-Money Convertible Equity Agreement. The accelerator takes at least 5% common…

Summary Triply-twinned lattice: three mirror planes make struts stretch, not bend, boosting stiffness. Up to 380% stiffer and 279% stronger than cubic lattices while using the same material. Less sensitive to micro-defects; changing print orientation can halve defect failures. A team of researchers from University College London (UCL) have developed a new 3D-printable structure called a “triply-twinned” lattice that is up to 380% stiffer and 279% stronger than ordinary cubic designs. Best of all, it uses the same amount of material! This could have major implications for many 3D‑printed components and applications — particularly where lightweight stiffness and strength matter…

gold squeeze The state gold buyer has become central to Ghana’s FX strategy. Payment delays are now testing whether it can operate without central-bank backing. By The Africa Report A man holds gold bars at a smelting facility in Accra, Ghana, August 2024. © REUTERS/Francis Kokoroko Published on August 26, 2026 at 16:06 pm (GMT +1) The Ghana Gold Board, or GoldBod, as it’s known locally, has helped move billions of dollars of artisanal production into formal channels. Funding delays are now testing whether Africa’s largest gold producer can keep the machine running without leaning on the central bank.What has…

TL;DR Ventures Platform has closed its oversubscribed second fund at $84 million, more than doubling its initial $46 million first fund to back early-stage startups across Africa. The Lagos-based firm will use the new capital to expand aggressively beyond Nigeria, targeting high-growth markets like Kenya, Egypt, South Africa and Francophone Africa while deepening its focus on fintech, climatetech, healthtech and enterprise AI. The raise signals renewed confidence in African venture capital after a prolonged funding downturn, positioning Ventures Platform as one of the continent’s largest early-stage investors with ambitions to build category-leading companies. Beyond Nigeria: Ventures Platform’s Pan-African Ambition Takes…

One African market requires harmonised standards – African Business One African market requires harmonised standards – African Business

As the BitMEX closure approaches, the derivatives exchange will enter reduce-only mode at 04:00 UTC on Aug. 26. Traders will lose the ability to place new positions, while the exchange may close existing positions during its wind-down.The BitMEX closure follows a strategic review by the board of HDR Global Trading Limited, BitMEX’s owner and operator, which decided to close the exchange. BitMEX said financial distress, a hack and immediate regulatory pressure were not the causes of the decision. Related ReadingBitMEX shutdown gives traders 2 months to withdraw, but active positions face an earlier deadline Under the closure timetable and operational…

Lisk, the Swiss-based blockchain infrastructure company, is shutting down its blockchain, ending a product expansion strategy that saw it back early-stage startups and build an ecosystem presence in Africa, as it pivots into financial software for businesses. The Lisk blockchain will be discontinued on October 31, 2026, while the company plans to wind down the Lisk decentralised autonomous organisation (DAO), according to a statement published on Tuesday. Lisk will keep its native LSK token, which will continue to trade on other blockchain networks, specifically Ethereum and Base. The blockchain shutdown could end an important funding pipeline for African early-stage Web3…

BMW’s latest electric SUV shows just how far the automotive industry has pushed its touchscreen obsession. Its enormous infotainment display doesn’t just handle navigation and entertainment. It replaces many of the physical controls drivers once used without taking their eyes off the road. BMW says the shift reflects changing preferences among younger buyers, but the result feels less intuitive rather than more advanced. The problem isn’t touchscreens themselves, but the industry’s growing tendency to use them for everything. Physical buttons and switches remain quicker and easier to operate for common functions, while deleting them can make even an expensive luxury…