As this week comes to a close we take a look at the stories that resonated most with our readers.
Africa is on the verge of a technological revolution as the COVID-19 pandemic is either forcing or influencing companies and experts into planning ahead for a more digital future – a future online.
With this, investors look at what Africa can do the stave off the massive economic downfall. Loon and Vodacom set to increase Internet saturation in Mozambique using balloons, and GovChat set to digitize Africa’s largest COVID-19 relief campaign.
Likewise this week, Bitcoin halving and what it means for you, as well as more evidence that there is a new trend in the increase of cybercrime.
Find out more about this week’s top articles:
5. What to Expect from the 2020 Bitcoin Halving
A planned reduction in rewards that Bitcoin miners will receive should see prices rise as long as supply slows and demand remains constant.
This is a helpful article to understand what exactly the halving is, why it’s happening and what should come of it.
4. A Future Reimagined for Africa Post-Pandemic
With the entire continent of Africa reeling as COVID-19 locks the planet down, and economies suffer, investors and experts are asking if Africa will be able to deal with the resulting financial devastation.
Through a vast digital transformation, the absorption of next-generation wireless tech and the adoption of a shared holistic perspective, COVID-19 is creating an opportunity for Africa to launch itself into a high-speed Internet age.
3. Loon and Vodacom Increase Internet Access in Mozambique
Alphabet’s Loon and Vodacom have penned a deal to use Loon’s balloon-powered Internet solutions to expand Vodacom’s network in Mozambique.
Using the balloon solution, Vodacom will expand mobile network access to Cabo Delgado and Niassa provinces, two regions that have proven difficult to cover in the past due to the vast and logistically challenging geographical areas, together with low population density.
2. Cybercrime has Increased by 33%, Report Shows
A new report by Mimecast shows that the volume of cybercrime has increased significantly by 33% across the globe from January to March in 2020. In addition, more than 115 000 COVID-19 related spoof domains that are designed to steal personal information have been detected since January.
Mimecast warns that the large number of employees forced to work from home due to the pandemic are simply not prepared to deal with many of these attacks.
1. GovChat to Digitise Africa’s Largest COVID-19 Social Relief Campaign
GovChat, the South African civic engagement technology platform, has announced a partnership with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to support the digitisation of the COVID-19 social relief grant application process.
Accessible through WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, GovChat’s platform provides a secure portal for pre-qualifying citizens, automating filling, verification and applicant assessment.
The portal also features a chatbot feature in the hopes of strengthening citizen-government engagement.
By Luis Monzon
Follow Luis Monzon on Twitter
Follow IT News Africa on Twitter
