Author: Oladi Samuel

iCart Africa, a subsidiary of the Dalsman Group, is redefining the quick service restaurant (QSR) landscape in Africa with its solar-powered mobile kiosks.Founded three years ago, the Nigerian tech company has been a trailblazer in creating sustainable solutions for local food entrepreneurs, addressing critical challenges in the sector.In a conversation with Nairametrics, CEO Usman Dalhatu highlighted the company’s journey, stating, “We started iCart Africa with a clear vision to empower food entrepreneurs and transform the QSR industry. Three years ago, we deployed our first prototype for a pilot program, and through this experience, we gained exclusive insight and implemented a…

Israel has implemented two new electronic systems to simplify its entry procedures: the eVisa for visa-required travelers and the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) for visa-exempt visitors.These systems, launched this January, look to improve both security and efficiency for international travelers entering the country.These new measures are part of Israel’s ongoing efforts to modernize its travel processes, making it easier for visitors to apply for and receive travel authorization.The country hopes these systems will create a more seamless entry experience while enhancing security at its borders.Overview of the eVisa-B2 system The eVisa-B2 is an online platform that allows foreign nationals to apply…

Dr. Margaret Harris, spokesperson for the World Health Organization (WHO), has said that the respiratory virus surge in China is expected for winter, and no emergencies have been declared.Dr. Harris clarified this while addressing the rising concerns about respiratory viruses in China during a press briefing in Geneva on Tuesday, shared in a post on X.According to her, there has been considerable media interest in respiratory viruses circulating in China, particularly the human metapneumovirus (hMPV).Reports confirm that there has indeed been a rise in the number of common respiratory infections in the country.“This rise in common respiratory infections is entirely…

2025 is here, and with it comes new opportunities to grow your wealth. But where exactly should you put your money this year? Inflation is still a challenge, so smart investments are key. The stock market had a fantastic run last year, and sectors like banking, consumer goods, and industrials are still looking strong. Real estate is also heating up, thanks to urban growth, while tech startups and fintech are creating buzz with their massive potential.Want the full scoop? Head over to our latest Money Brief episode on YouTube, where we break it all down in detail!

Leading U.S. tech companies, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta have urged President Joe Biden to reconsider plans for a new regulation on global AI chip exports.The companies under the aegis of the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), voiced concerns over the last-minute rule of the administration, warning that the move could undermine U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence.The rule, expected as early as Friday, is part of efforts to curb the use of advanced AI technologies by adversaries, particularly China by imposing sweeping restrictions on the sale of AI chips overseas.While the target is China, this would also limit access to AI…

X, formerly known as Twitter, is exploring the possibility of live streaming as part of its evolving platform capabilities, aligning with Elon Musk’s ambition to transform the platform into an “everything app.”On January 7, 2025, Musk tested the platform’s streaming capabilities by broadcasting himself playing a video game.The live stream lasted for 1hr 38 minutes, attracting a lot of attention, with viewers tuning in to watch Musk navigate the game, sparking discussions in the comment section.If X ventures into live streaming, it could challenge established platforms like Amazon’s Twitch and Google’s YouTube, which dominate the space.The interactive nature of the…

The naira settled marginally lower in the official market on Tuesday amid high demand for the safe-haven currency in global financial markets.CBN data showed that the naira depreciated and settled at N1,538 against the greenback in the official market on Tuesday, compared to N1,536 quoted on Monday at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market.The Nigerian naira held steady at N1,660 to the dollar on the black market.The parallel market remained stable in contrast to the slight oscillations seen in the official FX market. This development shows that activity in the unofficial market is gradually adjusting in the new year.The naira experienced…

Landmark Group has secured waterfront land in Port Harcourt, in partnership with the Rivers State Government, to redevelop the once-popular Port Harcourt Tourist Beach into a world-class leisure, hospitality, and tourism destination.The disclosure, made in a statement by Elsie Ogianyo, Brand and Corporate Communications Manager for Landmark Group, came days after CEO Paul Onwuanibe announced the company’s expansion into two African countries, three Nigerian states, and relocation of its headquarters from Lagos.“The Landmark Group has secured a waterfront land in Port Harcourt, in partnership with the Rivers State Government to undertake the redevelopment of the once popular Port Harcourt Tourist…

The National Tomato Growers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NATPAN) has urged the federal government to intervene in curbing post-harvest losses in the tomato sector.The Chairman of NATPAN’s Kaduna State chapter, Mr. Rabiu Zuntu, made this appeal during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.Zuntu emphasized that government intervention is crucial for reducing post-harvest losses in the tomato sector.He explained that providing farmers with the appropriate equipment and facilities would significantly minimize these losses. This, in turn, would enhance value addition and promote the sector’s growth.“Most farmers are smallholders and cannot afford loans…

Anthropic, the artificial intelligence startup founded by former OpenAI executives, is reportedly in late-stage discussions to secure up to $2 billion in funding at a valuation of $60 billion.The funding round is led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, according to a CNBC report, the development, highlights Anthropic’s rapid growth in the competitive generative AI space.Anthropic is renowned for its AI chatbot, Claude, which rivals OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.Claude has gained traction among businesses integrating generative AI into sales, marketing, and customer service operations.The company’s annualized revenue is estimated at $875 million, driven primarily by enterprise sales.In September 2024, Anthropic launched…