Airtel Africa and UNICEF have partnered to connect one million African children to digital education, focusing on underserved regions. The initiative, launched in 2021, spans 13 countries and aims to bridge the digital divide by providing internet connectivity, training teachers, and equipping schools with digital resources. Airtel Africa has invested $57 million, working with African governments to enhance educational access. The program has connected over 1,500 schools and trained approximately 17,000 teachers, promoting educational equality and preparing children for a technology-driven world.

Telegram remains banned in Kenya to prevent exam cheating, sparking debates on digital governance and censorship. The ban, enforced by the Ministry of Education and the Communication Authority of Kenya, aims to preserve exam integrity but disrupts legitimate uses of the platform. Critics, including KICTANet, argue for lifting the ban and propose alternative measures to address exam malpractice. The ban has led to increased VPN usage as users seek to bypass restrictions. The government is considering negotiations with Telegram for stricter content moderation, with no clear timeline for lifting the ban.

At COP29 in Baku, Somalia emphasized the critical role of technology in climate resilience, with Mustafa Yasin Sheik of the Somalia National Communications Authority highlighting efforts in early warning systems and AI integration. Somalia's digital infrastructure advancements, including 4G and 5G expansion, are central to its climate strategy, despite challenges like limited resources and security concerns. Global partnerships, particularly with ITU, are pivotal in supporting Somalia's goals. The NCA aims to expand digital infrastructure, enhance early warning systems, and foster local talent, inspired by the resilience of the Somali people.

Quantum computing holds transformative potential for Africa's healthcare sector, aligning with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goals. It promises advancements in drug discovery, diagnostics, personalized medicine, and logistical optimization, addressing diseases like HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis. However, challenges such as digital infrastructure and skilled workforce development must be overcome. Public-private partnerships, international collaborations, and strategic investments are crucial for building a robust quantum computing ecosystem. Ethical frameworks and regional collaboration within the African Union are essential to ensure responsible deployment and maximize the technology's impact.

Young Africans are increasingly using smartphones and social media to advocate for improved sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). At the Sexual Violence Research Initiative Forum in Cape Town, panelists discussed how digital platforms empower youth to reshape public health conversations and break cultural stigmas. With a significant portion of Africa's population under 35, technology is being leveraged to enhance access to SRHR services, address issues like teenage pregnancy and HIV, and provide community-based solutions. The forum highlighted the role of organizations like Brands on a Mission and Reach Digital Health in amplifying SRHR information and emphasized the need for diverse leadership in the SRHR space.

Mastercard and Diamond Trust Bank have entered a 10-year partnership to enhance digital payment adoption in East Africa, focusing on Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The collaboration introduces tokenization-based payment wearables, developed with Tappy Technologies, to improve security and convenience. This initiative aligns with the growing demand for contactless payments and aims to drive financial inclusion and digital transformation in the region. Key stakeholders, including Mark Elliott of Mastercard and Nasim Devji of DTB, emphasize the transformative potential of this partnership in reshaping the payment landscape over the next decade.

Kenya faces a precarious calm following anti-tax protests in Nairobi and other cities. The government's plan to introduce new taxes to address the country's debt has sparked public outrage, with fears of renewed protests. President William Ruto's economic reforms, initially praised by the IMF, have led to widespread dissatisfaction due to rising living costs. The protests, lacking a central leader, have spread nationwide, challenging the government's response. The IMF-backed financial measures, including tax increases, have been met with public resistance, threatening Kenya's fiscal stability and its agreements with international lenders. The situation has led to economic disruptions, including a stock market decline and supply chain issues, exacerbating public discontent.

Kenya's healthcare system faces challenges such as limited access to specialists and inadequate infrastructure, but spatial computing technologies like AR, VR, and MR offer promising solutions. These technologies can enhance telemedicine, improve patient monitoring, and provide immersive training for healthcare professionals. They can also aid in logistics, disease surveillance, and community health engagement. However, challenges such as high costs, internet access, and data privacy need to be addressed. With further research and development, spatial computing can significantly improve healthcare access and quality in Kenya.

Hyundai and Kia have emerged as significant competitors to Tesla in the US electric vehicle market, securing the second position in EV sales. Despite Tesla's 55% market share, Hyundai and Kia's strategic expansion and competitive pricing are challenging Tesla's dominance. Hyundai's $7,500 cash bonus for EV buyers and plans for a $7.6 billion EV plant in Georgia highlight their commitment to the US market. Hyundai and Kia's diverse EV lineup and innovative battery technology are contributing to their growing market presence, with Hyundai aiming for a 12% global market share by 2030.

In Nigeria, Tolulope Olukokun's ThinkBikes is addressing the issue of fresh farm produce spoilage with its CoolMAX model, a three-wheeled electric bike equipped with cooling units. This innovation helps smallholder farmers reduce post-harvest losses and achieve better market prices, while also mitigating rising fuel costs and lowering carbon emissions. The CoolMAX bike, which sources over 90% of its components locally, offers a promising solution for the agribusiness sector and food security in Nigeria, where a significant portion of the population faces food insecurity.