Hi, welcome to Tech This Evening, an After-Work Tech Newsletter from Techparley Africa. Sure, there is a lot to unpack right now. Sit back, while I walk you through.
Top Story: How May Agbamuche-Mbu Can Deploy Technology to Achieve Free and Fair Elections. Will She?
Following the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), May Agbamuche-Mbu assumes leadership of the electoral body at a decisive period for Nigeria’s democracy.
The announcement was made on Tuesday at the INEC headquarters in Abuja during a stakeholders’ meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners. This comes following the formal handover of duties by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who is proceeding on a terminal leave.
“In the interim, I am handing over to one of the most senior national commissioners by date of appointment. Following consultation with other national commissioners, May Agbamuche-Mbu will serve in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive chairman of the Commission,” Yakubu said in a statement.
Agbamuche inherits a commission that has made progress in integrating digital tools into Nigeria’s electoral process; from the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV).
The question many are asking now is whether she can strengthen these systems, build institutional capacity, and steer INEC toward a future where technology guarantees, rather than jeopardises, free and fair elections.
Other Tech News Stories You Should Read:
Business Strategy: Instagram Launches “Rings” Awards to Honour Top 25 Global Creators. Read now.
AI Evidence Alliance Launched to Boost Responsible AI for Social Good in Africa and Asia. Read now.
How to Create and Manage Multiple Email Addresses Like a Pro. Read now.
On Startup Spotlight:
How Crypto Valley VC is Backing 13 African Startups to Build Blockchain Solutions Through a $20 Million Fund
Crypto Valley Venture Capital (CV VC), a Swiss-based blockchain-focused investment firm, has backed 13 startups across Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and Ghana, through its $20 million Africa Blockchain Fund.
The company says the fund began with an initial commitment of $125,000 for a 7% convertible note, but after confronting the realities of operating in Africa, it revised its model to $150,000 for a 6% note.
According to Brenton Naicker, CV VC’s Principal and Head of Growth, the adjustment was necessary to help African founders build stronger foundations.
“We are in a very privileged position to have had approximately 50% of the startups in our portfolio go on to raise further funding,” said Naicker. “Beyond that, our companies are serving tier-one clients across the continent, such as Standard Bank and Visa, and their work has been recognised globally.”
Quadri Adejumo brings you all the details. Read here.
Also Read:
How PayPal Plans to Commit $100m to Bridge Digital Commerce in Middle East and Africa. Yakub Abdulrasheed brings us the details, here.
Quote of the Day:
“Any sufficiently advanced technology is equivalent to magic.” – Arthur C. Clarke.
Thank you for joining me yet again this evening. Stay safe, and see you tomorrow for the next tech newsletter.
Best, Quadri
