Africa Law & Tech Review Vol. 9

Welcome to the Africa Law & Tech Review, a publication, by Lawyers Hub, that delves into the intersections of law, technology, business, digital rights, and features policy advancements across Africa and beyond. The Lawyers Hub is an organization based in Kenya working at the confluence of Law, Policy, and Technology. Learn more about who we are and what we do.

Happy Easter from Lawyers Hub

The Lawyers Hub fraternity wishes you, your family and friends a Happy Easter filled with? happiness, love, and faith.?

Regulation

Namibian Communications Regulator to Empowers Communities Through Establishment of Tech-Hubs And E-Villages.?

As part of its Corporate Social Investment, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) will lead the establishment of tech hubs and e-villages in collaboration with the Government. These centres will serve as hubs for bridging the digital divide, expanding universal access, and fostering innovation and youth engagement in ICT nationwide. They will provide space where people can access computers, the internet, and other technological resources, promoting digital literacy, innovation, and socio-economic development.

Speaking at an occasion, CRAN's Chief Executive, Emilia Nghikembua, highlighted the authority's commitment to contributing meaningfully to the country's development. CRAN aims to achieve this not only by licensing and regulating the provision of telecommunications but also by ensuring that communities benefit from these services.

CRAN reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating the growth and accessibility of the ICT sector in Namibia, ensuring that all citizens have access to high-quality products at affordable rates.

Kenya Launches The Draft National Electric Mobility Policy

Kenya has launched the Draft National Electric Mobility Policy. The country's transport sector heavily relies on fossil fuels, making the national e-mobility policy a crucial framework to fulfil Kenya's commitment under the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement to reduce emissions by 32% by 2030.

The core objective of the e-mobility policy is to transition to a sustainable, efficient, and equitable transportation system. The draft policy draws insights from over 500 global policies to boost green transportation. The Kenyan government has taken significant steps to catalyse the adoption of e-mobility solutions, including implementing the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) for 2018-2022 and 2023-2027, reducing excise duty on electric vehicles, and enacting the Climate Change Act of 2016 and the Energy Act of 2019. This has led to a notable increase in electric buses from three in 2016 to twenty-two in 2023.

The Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry, Ms. Rebecca Miano, emphasized the urgent need to reduce fossil fuel dependency for industrialization. She praised the draft policy as an effective tool to attract investments. The Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry (MITI) launched the automotive policy to support local manufacturing of EV vehicles.

In his keynote speech, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Transport and Roads, Kipchumba Murkomen, stressed the importance of public awareness and local manufacturing support for the e-mobility policy's success. He highlighted the policy's role in reducing projected greenhouse gas emissions and pledged to leverage technology, such as instant fines and highway cameras, to improve public transport efficiency. Murkomen invited public engagement to refine the draft e-mobility policy, aiming for a progressive framework to uphold Kenya's leadership in climate change initiatives.

The draft policy will undergo public participation for further improvement, aiming to guide efforts to mitigate climate change effects and solidify Kenya's global leadership in renewable energy.

Kenya Introduce Special Number Plates For Electric Vehicles

The government has introduced new vehicle registration number plates coloured green for owners of electric vehicles and motorbikes. During the launch of the Draft National Electric Mobility Policy at KICC, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen stated that the initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in the country. CS Murkomen, working with Investment, Trade, and Industry counterpart Rebecca Miano, believes that the green plates will raise awareness and encourage more people to transition to e-mobility.

ICASA Proposes Significant Cuts to Call Termination Rates in South Africa

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has issued draft amendments to the Call Termination Regulations of 2014 and 2018, marking a significant development in reshaping the country's telecommunications landscape.

The proposed changes include substantial reductions in wholesale voice call termination rates, with decreases set to be implemented gradually from July 1, 2024, and further reductions by July 1, 2025.

These amendments, developed through thorough cost-modelling, aim to align termination rates with international standards, fostering competition and benefiting consumers. The proposed regulations also aim to address asymmetry between charges by mobile operators and international termination rates.

Stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback on the draft regulations by April 2024, as ICASA strives to create a more dynamic and consumer-centric telecommunications market, in accordance with the Electronic Communications Act of 2005.

Data Protection?

South Africa’s regulator fines TransUnion

South Africa's Information Regulator has issued an enforcement notice to TransUnion, citing six areas where the company had defaulted and providing recommendations for corrective actions. TransUnion has until May 26, 2024, to submit proof that all necessary actions have been taken.?

The US-based consumer credit bureau, which experienced a ransomware hack in 2023, was found to have not met the requirements of the Protection of Personal Information Act following a breach that affected approximately 5 million users.

Partnerships?

Telecom Egypt partners with Tejas to improve local manufacturing

The telecommunications company is partnering with Tejas Networks to create job opportunities for Egyptians through telecom and research skill development. As part of this collaboration, Tejas Networks will establish technical support services in Egypt to assist clients in Egypt, as well as across the larger Africa and Middle East region.?

Access Holding, Coronation Group partner with M-Pesa to dominate African remittances

Access Holdings has partnered with Safaricom, Coronation Group, and M-Pesa Africa to establish dominance in the remittance market in East and West Africa. The partnership aims to facilitate money transfers across Africa, with the initial phase focusing on Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania. However, full implementation of the partnership is pending regulatory approval from Kenyan authorities.?

Meta to combat election misinformation in South Africa

Meta has partnered with South Africa's Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to monitor its platforms during the 2024 elections. Nick Clegg, Meta's Global Affairs President, disclosed that the tech giant is training the IEC on using social media responsibly, particularly focusing on WhatsApp bots to disseminate reliable election information.

Fintechs in Congo partner with government to create industry standard

Several fintech companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo are collaborating with the government to establish the Congolese Fintech Network (CFN). This framework aims to enhance financial inclusion, promote information-sharing within the industry, and increase access to investment opportunities.?

With 15 companies already on board, the fintechs seek to create a cooperative and efficient fintech industry in the DRC. The CFN will not only include fintechs but also major banks like Ecobank and international organisations like Deloitte and PwC.

Other Tech News

Telecel Ghana takes advantage of tech neutrality to roll out 4G+

The CEO of Telecel Ghana has announced that the company leveraged the technology Neutrality Policy introduced by the National Communications Authority to enhance the 4G experience on its network to 4G+.?

The policy allowed non-dominant telcos to repurpose their existing spectrum slots in the 900MHz, 1800MHz, and 2100MHz bands for 4G networks, with the requirement to pay an annual premium to the NCA.??

Nissan To Test African Demand For Its E-Power Hybrid Car

Nissan Motor intends to introduce its e-power hybrid technology car in Tunisia, according to its Africa head, as part of efforts to gauge demand in the African market for electric vehicles (EVs). Africa is considered the world's last automotive frontier due to its low level of vehicle ownership. Nissan notes that the global motorization average is 182 vehicles per 1,000 people, compared to 42 per 1,000 in Africa.?

Meta to open up monetization to Kenyan & Nigerian creators

Meta is set to enable content creators in Kenya and Nigeria to monetize their content through ads and other features, aiming to retain top creators on its platforms. These options and features are expected to be available around June 2024. To qualify for monetization, creators must have at least 5,000 followers, be over 18 years old, have at least 5 active videos on their Facebook pages, and have accumulated 60,000 minutes of video views in the past 60 days, including live videos. This initiative follows the launch of "Ads on Reels" in 2023, a performance-based program that allows content creators in the United States, Australia, Canada, and South Korea to earn based on the number of plays their reels receive.

South African packaging giant, Nampak, hit by cyberattack

Nampak experienced a cyberattack where an unknown third party gained access to its IT systems. An initial notification has been submitted to the Information Regulator under the Protection of Personal Information Act (Popia). Further notifications to potentially affected data subjects will be made as the investigation progresses, in accordance with Popia requirements.

Ghana Smart Schools Project: 1.3 million SHS students to get free tablets

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has announced the government's intention to distribute Smart Tablets to 1.3 million Senior High School students nationwide as part of the newly launched Ghana Smart Schools Project. This initiative aims to equip students benefiting from the free SHS policy with essential technological skills, aligning with the government's commitment to advancing education through technology.?

Innovation

African investment firm Heirs Holdings launches innovation-focused arm to back tech startups

Heirs Holdings has unveiled its latest subsidiary, Heirs Technologies that aims to drive Africa's digital transformation by offering innovative, locally tailored solutions. Heirs Technologies plans to invest in cutting-edge technological solutions and create platforms that encourage collaboration among various stakeholders. A key focus of the company is to enhance local capacity through carefully crafted skills development programs.

AI Model Capable Of Forecasting Floods Several Days In Advance.?

Google researchers have created an artificial intelligence system known as the "AI streamflow forecasting model," capable of predicting extreme floods several days in advance, even in ungauged river basins lacking stream data.?

The model utilises long short-term memory (LSTM) networks to simulate sequences of streamflow data necessary for water resources planning and management, using publicly available meteorological input data

Global News

Apple, Meta and Google to be investigated by the EU

Meta, Apple, and Google, are under investigation for possible violations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) introduced in 2022. If found guilty, these companies could face substantial fines of up to 10% of their annual turnover.

Florida Passes Law Banning Social Media for Minors Under 14

Florida has passed a law that prohibits individuals under 14 years old from having social media accounts, regardless of parental consent.?

$40 Billion Artificial Intelligence Fund

The Government of Saudi Arabia plans to establish a $40 billion fund for the development of Artificial Intelligence in the country, according to a New York Times report. The fund is expected to launch in the second half of 2024, making Saudi Arabia the world's largest investor in AI once realised. Saudi representatives have expressed interest in developing several tech startups utilising AI, including chip production and the creation of large-scale data centres to enable next-generation computing.?

Big Tech & Antitrust Regulators

Big Tech is facing its most significant challenge in decades as antitrust regulators on both sides of the Atlantic crack down on alleged anti-competitive practices. The increasing number of antitrust probes in various countries suggests that watchdogs worldwide may join in. Regulators now allege that companies like Apple and Google have created impenetrable ecosystems around their products, making it challenging for customers to switch to rival services. This has led to the coining of the term "walled gardens.”

Opportunity

South Africa startups invited to apply for Irish Tech Challenge 2024.

South African startups are invited to participate in the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa, aimed at fostering partnerships between South African and Irish startups. Companies in clean and green technology, healthcare, education, and water sanitation and hygiene are especially encouraged to apply. The challenge aims to address pressing global challenges while promoting economic development and job creation in South Africa. Applications are open here until April 26.

Bolt Accelerator Programme for its Drivers and Riders

Bolt has introduced an Accelerator Programme for its drivers and riders in Kenya. The program aims to support business plans developed by Bolt drivers, couriers, or their family members that relate to sustainable transport. Bolt plans to invest €20,000 (approximately Ksh2.92 million) in seed funds to assist selected participants. Applications are open until April 4 2024. Bolt Accelerator Program portal here.?

Applications open for AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge

Applications are now open for the AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge, seeking purpose-driven scientists and entrepreneurs developing agri-tech solutions for a more sustainable, efficient, and climate-resilient agricultural system in Egypt.

About us

The Lawyers Hub is an organization based in Kenya working at the confluence of Law, Policy, and Technology. We run capacity-building initiatives on data protection, AI policy and regulation, justice innovation, and the impacts of tech regulation on the African continent, all under the Africa Digital Policy Institute umbrella. We also offer technical legal support to innovators and startups through the Africa Startup Law Accelerator. Additionally, we convene weekly policy discussions and bring together digital policy and technology actors annually at the Africa Law Tech Festival in July. Every December we convene judicial actors during the Africa Legal Innovation Week. The Lawyers Hub is also the publisher of the Africa Journal on Law & Tech. Our thematic focus areas include AI and Data Governance, Digital Platforms and Infrastructure Regulation, Intellectual Property, Internet Governance, Justice-Tech, and Digital Democracy.Learn more about who we are and what we do.

www.lawyershub.org

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