Industry News

The head of AI agent provider Applied Labs argued the challenge of deploying the technology is at an inflection point, as companies begin to shift attention from choosing a large language model (LLM) towards how best to employ them in day-to-day operations.

Applied Labs CEO Michael Woo (pictured, right) believes business leaders are now firmly hooked on the concept of employing AI, meaning attention is shifting to strategies which will reap the greatest benefits.

“The bottleneck isn’t the model anymore; LLM quality, speed and cost have reached an inflection point where almost every business can save time, cost and improve the quality of their support and apps,” Woo stated.

He believes implementation challenges now lie in the “data, tools and platform” which enable teams to quickly deploy AI agents on “business-critical workflows”.

Backing
Woo made the comments as Applied Labs announced its total funding hit $5.2 million a year after being founded, following a fresh round led by VC company Abstract which netted $4.2 million.

Abstract was joined in the latest round by Point72 Ventures, Outlander and Tetra, with so-called angel investors including Vercel CEO Guillermo Rauch, Modal CTO Akshat Bubna and former Twitter executive Ali Rowghani.

Woo co-founded Applied Labs in January 2024 along with Soham Waychal (pictured, left): both previously worked for model creator Scale AI.

The pair are pitching Applied Labs as a company focused on providing reliable and easy to use AI agents covering communications, orchestration of queries and workflows, and tools to evaluate the outcomes.

Woo cautioned poor planning of AI agents leads to poor execution and could also impact real care staff, who he argues must remain a key element in any automation strategy.

Applied Labs intends to use some of its fresh funding to grow its staff, with a focus on engineers.

Source: Mobile World Live

The International Trade Centre (ITC) has launched the ‘Sierra Leone: Empowering Youth via Digital Technologies’ (READY Salone) project, which will help young entrepreneurs in the West Africa country enhance their digital skills.

The READY Salone project, which is funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency, will be executed over four years, intends to help young entrepreneurs, tech hubs, and policymakers capitalise on opportunities in the digital economy.

The initiative places emphasises on young women and people with disabilities.

“Trade is digital. It’s how business happens now, and young people are leading the way. Through READY Salone, we’re partnering with government and business to create a digital-friendly environment and build the online skills of youth, women and persons with disabilities. We look forward to engaging with stakeholders across the country,” said ITC executive director Pamela Coke-Hamilton.

The READY Salone project is built on four interventions: improving young digital literacy, increasing entrepreneurial competitiveness through upskilling, strengthening tech-focused business support services, and developing inclusive national digital strategy.

Through the project, 3,000 young people and 250 micro, small, and medium-sized businesses will get access to digital skills and opportunities.

Furthermore, an awareness campaign will reach 10,000 young people, emphasising the advantages of digital education, careers, and entrepreneurship. Sierra Leonean role models will be recruited to encourage girls and young women to pursue careers in the digital economy.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and the Ministry of Communications, Technology, and Innovation are the primary government partners in READY Salone.

“Sierra Leonean youth are the backbone of our economy. We are excited to see how they will apply the skills and tools acquired from the project to build their careers and contribute to their communities and country,” said Mohamed Orman Bangura, minister of youth affairs.

Haja Salimatu Bah, minister of communication, technology and innovation, added: “The READY Salone project’s focus on creating digital jobs and successful digital freelancers aligns perfectly and contributes directly to our national goals and initiatives. We look forward to collaborating with ITC to amplify the impact of our work.”

Source: extensia.tech

Africa is one of the least prepared regions in the world to deal with major cyberattacks. According to the Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 report, recently published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), 36% of African businesses doubt their country’s ability to handle a major cyberattack on critical infrastructure, 27% take a neutral position, and only 9% say they are confident. These glaring figures highlight the continent’s vulnerability to a growing threat in an increasingly digital world.

The most exposed sectors

According to the Africa Cyber ​​Threat Assessment Report, published by Interpol in 2023, ransomware regularly targets the financial sector, emails, social media, logistics/transport, commerce (including e-commerce), payment, telecommunications. Critical infrastructure, particularly in the energy and transport sectors, are also among the targets of cybercriminals, which compromises the stability of essential services.

These attacks not only disrupt economic activities, but also the confidence of citizens and investors.

African banks, particularly vulnerable, are suffering an increase in attacks targeting their digital payment systems.

Causes of vulnerability

Several factors explain this worrying situation. First, budgets devoted to cybersecurity remain insufficient in many African countries. Furthermore, there is a glaring shortage of qualified experts in this field in Africa. Despite progress in data protection legislation in some countries, many are still lagging behind.

Additionally, businesses and citizens often underestimate the severity of cyber threats. According to Orange Cyberdefense’s Security Navigator 2023 report, cyberattacks could result in a 10% loss of GDP in Africa, while the number of extortions has increased by 70% in 2023, illustrating the escalation of threats on the continent.

Opportunities

Despite the challenges, the cybersecurity market in Africa has significant growth potential. According to Mordor Intelligence, the African cybersecurity market size is estimated at USD 0.6 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1.28 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5% over the period 2024-2029.
This growth demonstrates the economic potential for local companies specializing in this sector, as well as international investors, who see Africa as a growth market. This represents a real opportunity to develop solutions tailored to the specific challenges of the continent.

African universities and training centers also have an opportunity to enrich their training programs to meet the growing demand for qualified professionals. This dynamic could allow the continent to strengthen its resilience while creating new professional opportunities for African youth.
Companies, especially local start-ups, can innovate in cybersecurity by developing products and services that meet local needs. In addition, African governments could support this transformation by putting in place policies that encourage innovation and investment in cybersecurity solutions adapted to the African context.

Cybersecurity in Africa is an indispensable component of the continent’s successful digital transformation. Overcoming the weaknesses that still persist is essential to ensure trust in the 4.0 world.

Source: extensia.tech

Chinese AI start-up DeepSeek’s latest AI model reportedly beat ChatGPT in downloads on Apple’s US chart, with analysts arguing the release indicates it is possible to develop powerful models at much lower cost.

The company introduced its DeepSeek-R1 AI model last week putting it into direct competition with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The new mobile AI application rose to the top of the free app download listing in Apple’s App Store for the US region and topped the same rankings in China, China Daily reported.

China Daily stated the release sent “shockwaves” through the US tech industry because it is open source and was developed at “an exceptionally low cost”.

The model is powered by less-advanced chips than are typically used to run AI workloads: Bloomberg reported it sparked debate about being more cost-effective and raising doubt on the validity of the high valuations for companies such as Nvidia and ASML.

UBS estimated the DeepSeek-R1 model costs $0.55 per million input tokens and $2.19 per million output tokens, compared with $15 and $60, respectively, for OpenAI’s o1 model.

The use of lower-cost chips also questions the need for the many US export controls put in place to restrict China’s access to advanced chips and slow the country’s development of AI tools.

Source: Mobile World Live

According to a new report from Kenya’s Communications Authority (CA), smartphone penetration is increasing, which is encouraging the adoption of 4G and 5G technologies.

The CA’s First Quarter Sector Statistics Report for the financial year 2024/2025, says there was a slight decline in 3G broadband subscriptions and data consumption, but an increase in 4G and 5G technology adoptions from July to September 2024.

“The adoption of 4G and 5G technologies has continued to grow, mainly driven by the growing demand for high-speed Internet for activities such as streaming, online learning, remote work, and e-commerce,” according to the CA.

The CA reports that the telecoms sector witnessed substantial growth in the first quarter of the financial year 2024/2025, with an increase in internet subscriptions, mobile SIM, smartphone use, and mobile money.

The total number of mobile phone devices connected to mobile networks was 68.1 million, with a penetration rate of 131.5%. Smartphones take the lead with 37.4 million devices, representing a 72.6% penetration rate, while 30.7 million feature phones accounted for 59.6% penetration.

“Safaricom PLC leads the market share in mobile broadband subscriptions with 63.1%, followed by Airtel Networks Kenya Ltd with 32.6%. Telkom Kenya has 1.7% Finserve (Equitel) Ltd 1.6%while Jamii Telecommunications Ltd has one%,” says the CA.

Safaricom PLC has a 92.3% market share in mobile money services, followed by Airtel Money (7.6%), and T-Kash (less than 1%).

Source: According to a new report from Kenya’s Communications Authority (CA), smartphone penetration is increasing, which is encouraging the adoption of 4G and 5G technologies.

The CA’s First Quarter Sector Statistics Report for the financial year 2024/2025, says there was a slight decline in 3G broadband subscriptions and data consumption, but an increase in 4G and 5G technology adoptions from July to September 2024.

“The adoption of 4G and 5G technologies has continued to grow, mainly driven by the growing demand for high-speed Internet for activities such as streaming, online learning, remote work, and e-commerce,” according to the CA.

The CA reports that the telecoms sector witnessed substantial growth in the first quarter of the financial year 2024/2025, with an increase in internet subscriptions, mobile SIM, smartphone use, and mobile money.

The total number of mobile phone devices connected to mobile networks was 68.1 million, with a penetration rate of 131.5%. Smartphones take the lead with 37.4 million devices, representing a 72.6% penetration rate, while 30.7 million feature phones accounted for 59.6% penetration.

“Safaricom PLC leads the market share in mobile broadband subscriptions with 63.1%, followed by Airtel Networks Kenya Ltd with 32.6%. Telkom Kenya has 1.7% Finserve (Equitel) Ltd 1.6%while Jamii Telecommunications Ltd has one%,” says the CA.

Safaricom PLC has a 92.3% market share in mobile money services, followed by Airtel Money (7.6%), and T-Kash (less than 1%).

Source: extensia.tech

Telecom services provider e& Egypt and Ericsson have extended their managed services and customer support agreement for another five years to enhance customer-centricity, efficiency, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration.

Ericsson will continue to manage e& Egypt’s network operations and customer support, assisting the company in improving service quality, improving user experiences, and increasing scalability for future network growth by leveraging Ericsson’s network operations and optimisation, as well as AI and digital capabilities.

Amr Fathy, chief technology and information officer at e& Egypt, said: “This partnership highlights a shared vision to leverage AI-driven network technologies for next-generation advancements in telecommunications. We seek to build on Ericsson’s experience to integrate AI in the network operations, enhance service quality and user experience for our subscribers while paving the way for future growth.”

Meanwhile, Ekow Nelson, vice president and head of global customer unit for e& at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, said “Our extended partnership aligns with e& Egypt’s efforts to provide an elevated user experience for its customers as it transforms into a technology company powering the connected digital future.”

Source: extensia.tech

The Senate, the upper house of the Burundian Parliament, has unanimously adopted the bill ratifying the East African Community (EAC) protocol on information and communication technology networks. The country is particularly open to cooperation with countries in the sub-region to accelerate the development of its ICT sector.

“The adoption of this bill will enable the promotion and facilitation of cross-border interconnection, network interoperability, harmonization of ICT policies and the development of ICT skills,” the Senate on X said .

This initiative comes as the Burundian government is stepping up efforts to make up for the country’s ICT gap. Before the Senate, Léocadie Ndacayisaba, Minister of Communications, Information Technology and Media, pointed out in particular the slow pace of implementing the legislative and regulatory framework for the sector. The Electronic Communications Code was not promulgated until 2024, we learned.

Burundi is ranked 46th out of 47 African countries according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ICT Development Index 2024 with a score of 24.4 out of 100. The institution estimates the internet penetration rate in the country at 19%, compared to 25.6% for mobile telephony. In addition, only 50.6% of the population is covered by 3G, compared to 32.2% for 4G. In terms of e-government, the United Nations ranks the country 183rd out of 193 in the world with a score of 0.2481 out of 1, below the averages in East Africa (0.3903), Africa (0.4247) and the world (0.6382).

The ratification of the East African Community protocol on ICTs can accelerate the ambition of the Burundian authorities to provide the country with “a real technological leap likely to improve its economic growth by allowing the development of activities in a secure legal framework, using ICTs”. However, its success depends on the effective implementation of cooperation projects with other member countries of the community.

Source: extensia.tech

Kenya’s Konza Technopolis has so far attracted over 140 investors and $1.2 billion in investment.

This is according to John Kipchumba Tanui, principal secretary at the State Department of ICT and Digital Economy.

Tanui shared the details last week during President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau’s visit to Konza Technopolis.

He explained that Konza Technopolis provides opportunities in ICT, data centres, and other areas, with recent investments from various institutions affirming the facility’s ability to promote innovation.

Konza Technopolis, also known as Silicon Savannah, is a huge technology hub marketed by the Kenyan government as a key component of the east African country’s national development strategy, Kenya Vision 2030.

Tanui explained the importance of the facility, saying: “Plans are also underway to develop the Konza Media City, which will position Kenya as a leader in Africa’s creative and digital content industries. This initiative will include cutting-edge multimedia facilities, creating opportunities for economic growth and job creation in the digital era.”

He continued: “With over 140 investors and $1.2 billion in secured investments, Konza Technopolis offers vast opportunities in ICT, data centers, property development, healthcare, retail, light manufacturing, and more with recent investments by Riara University and GS1 Kenya further emphasize the city’s potential to drive innovation and economic transformation.”

Furthermore, he stated that the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kenya-AIST), modelled after South Korea’s AIST, is at the heart of Konza’s transformative objectives.

According to Tanui, Kenya AIST promotes research and innovation in science, technology, and engineering, addressing Africa’s demand for highly skilled scientists and engineers while also serving as a hub for knowledge creation, technology transfer, and capacity building to propel Kenya’s modernisation agenda.

Through the Konza Digital Skills Program, Jitume, the facility has also embarked on training Kenyans in digital skills to enable them to tap into global digital opportunities, Tanui said.

Also, he said Konza is home to the Green-tech Innovation Hub, which is part of a United Nations Development Programme project to construct ten innovation hubs across Africa. This centre was launched last year at an event attended by President William Ruto.

In closing, the principal secretary praised President Embaló’s visit, stating that it demonstrates international recognition of Konza’s critical role in shaping Africa’s technological and economic transformation.

Source: extensia.tech