#innovation

The Federal University Lokoja has launched the Centre of Translational Humanities, marking it as the first initiative of its kind in Africa. This center aims to transform humanities research into practical applications for industry, governance, and community development, according to Tribune Online.

The 2026 STEM Africa Fest, now in its sixth edition, aims to promote technology skills and digital innovation focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Emma Okonji discusses the challenges faced by Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. The conversation has often centered on high-level innovation, but many SMEs struggle with practical implementation issues.

According to Moneyweb, the next wave of fintech unicorns may emerge from seemingly 'boring' ideas that focus on practical innovation rather than flashy concepts. This perspective highlights the potential for success in developing straightforward solutions that address real-world financial challenges.

The article from Nairametrics highlights ten tech brands developed in Nigeria that have successfully expanded their reach beyond the country, impacting markets across Africa and globally. It showcases the growth and influence of these locally built products and services.

GenAfrica Asset Managers is celebrating its 30-year anniversary while focusing on expanding its operations in Africa. The firm aims to leverage emerging investment opportunities driven by innovation to enhance its portfolio. Currently, GenAfrica manages assets for over 110 clients across the region and is looking to strengthen its market position, managing assets exceeding a significant amount.

Absa's recent decision to enter the banking MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) market has raised questions about its strategy, particularly regarding the lack of innovative offerings. The situation highlights the challenges of entering a competitive space without unique value propositions, as noted by TechCentral.

NTT DATA, a technology services firm, has partnered with Nutanix, a cloud computing company, to enhance hybrid multicloud adoption and AI infrastructure in the Middle East and Africa. This collaboration aims to support organizations in the region as they focus on modernizing their infrastructure to foster long-term innovation, particularly in hybrid cloud and AI capabilities.

Kenya and China have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in information and communication technology (ICT), digital transformation, and innovation during a recent meeting. This partnership aims to strengthen ties and promote advancements in these sectors between the two nations.

TrendAI has been selected as one of the first cybersecurity vendors to partner with OpenAI as it expands its Daybreak initiative beyond internal testing. This collaboration aims to enhance frontier cyber defense capabilities.

Uganda has recognized leading environmental innovators at the 3rd Edition of the National Environment Sustainability Awards (NESA) 2026, hosted by the National Environment Management Authority at Serena Hotel Kampala. The event, themed "Innovation for Climate Resilience," celebrated individuals, institutions, companies, and communities that are implementing impactful solutions in environmental conservation and climate action.

Jubilee Insurance has been declared the overall winner of the 2026 Execution Advantage AI Challenge, which took place during the InsurTech Forum in Nairobi. This competition focused on innovation in the insurance technology sector.

A recent industry report highlights that South Africa's shift towards a cashless economy has overlooked millions of individuals, particularly in informal markets. The report suggests that the sector has confused technological innovation with financial inclusion, resulting in a significant portion of the population being left behind in the transition to digital payment systems.

Google has selected 15 AI-focused startups from various African countries including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Angola for its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program. This initiative emphasizes a transition towards scalable and revenue-generating innovations within the continent's tech ecosystem. The startups, which span sectors such as fintech, mobility, healthtech, agritech, and SaaS, completed a three-month hybrid program.

On June 16-17, 2026, Tanzania's Tech & Media Convergence (TMC) hosted the Africa Innovation and Technology Forum (AITF) 2026 in Dar es Salaam. The event gathered stakeholders to discuss Tanzania's digital future and launched a report on the political economy of digital governance. Key topics included data sovereignty, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and necessary policy reforms to develop a trillion-dollar digital economy.

Farouk Ramji, CEO of Mawingu, discusses the potential for Africa's next tech revolution to emerge from rural communities rather than traditional urban centers like Nairobi and Lagos. He highlights how Mawingu, as Kenya's largest ISP for rural and peri-urban areas, is contributing to this transformation by fostering innovation and attracting investment in less populated regions.

Uganda has introduced UG Gov Agent, an AI-powered platform aimed at improving the interaction between citizens and government services. Developed by Afrosoft IT Solutions, this system serves as a unified digital gateway, consolidating access to various public institutions. The initiative is expected to transform how Ugandans engage with their government.

The AI Everything Kenya × GITEX Kenya summit concluded in Nairobi, focusing on the challenges facing Africa's AI ambitions, including public trust, startup capital, and intellectual property frameworks. The event, which took place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, brought together technology executives, government officials, venture investors, and international institutions, attracting over 280 participants.

Over 250 leading scientists from around the world have gathered in Cape Town for the Technology and Innovation for Public Policy (TIPP) conference, which focuses on technological advancements. The event aims to discuss the latest developments and their implications for public policy.