Twiga Foods hits pause in Nairobi to reset operations

The African tech scene is buzzing with exciting developments, from agritech to media partnerships to telecom showdowns. Let’s dive into the latest news and see what’s been happening in the industry.

Twiga Foods, a key player in Kenya’s eCommerce and food distribution sector, has announced a temporary pause in its operations in Nairobi. This move is part of a larger business restructuring aimed at enhancing efficiency and preparing for future growth. By leveraging technology to connect farmers directly with retailers, Twiga has revolutionized the supply chain, reducing food waste and making fresh produce more accessible. During this downtime, Twiga will be setting up a new distribution center to better serve its expanding customer base. The company is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for its employees and partners, prioritizing a leaner and more agile operation.

In another major development, CANAL+ has partnered with Netflix to offer a wider range of African and international content to viewers across the continent. This collaboration aims to tap into Africa’s growing demand for on-demand entertainment and provide more diverse programming options. With the rise of streaming services in Africa, this partnership represents a strategic move to cater to a youthful and tech-savvy audience. As competition in the streaming market heats up, consumers can expect to see more innovation, pricing battles, and increased investment in local content. The CANAL+ and Netflix alliance is a step towards reshaping Africa’s media landscape and showcasing the continent’s rich storytelling tradition on a global stage.

Meanwhile, a recent dispute over USSD charges has sparked a showdown between Nigerian telecom operators and banks. Several banks have announced plans to shift USSD fees from customers’ bank accounts to airtime balances, causing confusion among consumers. Telecom operators have pushed back, citing a lack of regulatory clarity and banks’ failure to meet agreed-upon conditions for the billing model transition. The Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Communications Commission had set out guidelines for this shift, including debt repayment and system readiness requirements. The premature implementation of airtime billing by some banks has raised concerns about potential double deductions and customer inconvenience. As the telecom operators and banks work to resolve this issue, consumers are advised to stay informed and monitor their accounts closely.

In conclusion, the African tech landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with companies embracing innovation, partnerships, and digital transformation to meet the changing needs of consumers. From agritech to media to telecom, the industry is abuzz with activity, setting the stage for a dynamic and exciting future. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest developments in African tech. ALTON, the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, is advising caution and urging banks to adhere to the agreed roadmap before implementing any changes to billing systems. The association is emphasizing the importance of following the established guidelines to ensure a smooth transition and minimize any potential disruptions to services.

As the banking industry prepares to switch to a new billing system, ALTON is urging banks to proceed with caution and avoid rushing into any changes that could lead to operational challenges. The association is calling for a systematic approach that prioritizes the stability and reliability of the billing system, while also considering the impact on customers and service providers.

ALTON is emphasizing the need for collaboration and communication between banks and telecommunications operators to ensure a seamless transition to the new billing system. The association is encouraging all stakeholders to work together to address any issues or concerns that may arise during the implementation process.

In the meantime, ALTON is urging banks to stick to the agreed roadmap and refrain from flipping the billing switch until all necessary preparations have been made. By following the established guidelines and working collaboratively with telecommunications operators, banks can ensure a successful transition to the new billing system without causing any disruptions to services.

Overall, ALTON’s message is clear: caution is key, and it is essential for banks to follow the agreed roadmap and communicate effectively with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to the new billing system. By taking a systematic and collaborative approach, banks can minimize any potential challenges and ensure a seamless implementation process for all parties involved.