Staff Writer

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Home Authors Posts by Staff Writer

1724 POSTS 0 COMMENTS

Lifestyle

Absa Bank Kenya names Yusuf Omari as new CEO

Staff Writer - October 17, 2022

Feature

Samsung Showcases Evolution of SmartThings and Introduces New Device Experiences at...

Staff Writer - October 17, 2022

Gadgets

THE IFC AND THE GLOBAL SME FINANCE AWARDS FETE EQUITY AS...

Staff Writer - October 12, 2022

Gadgets

KENYA PREMIER LEAGUE ENGAGES DESIGNSTUDIO AS OFFICIAL BRANDING AGENCY

Staff Writer - October 12, 2022

Feature

SAMSUNG LAUNCHES NEW SLEEK GALAXY A04S SERIES

Staff Writer - October 12, 2022

Lifestyle

MFS Africa Selects ThetaRay AI Tech for Transaction Monitoring and Sanctions...

Staff Writer - October 12, 2022

Feature

Ogilvy Africa Continues its winning streak with four wins at the...

Staff Writer - October 12, 2022

Gadgets

Stanbic Bank Takes Up Task Of Training Deaf Business Owners

Staff Writer - October 11, 2022

Gadgets

Coding Studies To Be Offered From Primary School

Staff Writer - October 11, 2022

Farming

Moringa announces strategic partnerships to provide quality laptops for their students

Staff Writer - October 11, 2022

1...767778...173 Page 77 of 173

MOST POPULAR

Tusker Lite Neon Rave slated for Mombasa

October 29, 2019

Liquid Intelligent Technologies and Orange partner to expand network reach across...

October 28, 2021

Africa’s storage moment

February 13, 2026

HUNTERS CHOICE WHISKY LAUNCH OF A NEW PACK

May 23, 2024

HOT NEWS

News

Mars Wrigley to invest Kes4.3bn in new Kenya sugar-free gum line

Smartphone For All (www.SmartphoneForAll.ai), a business committed to digital inclusion, has won the 2025 Pinnacle Awards (Telecoms and Wireless Category) Digital Inclusion & Accessibility Champion and the 2026 Merit Award (Telecoms and Wireless) Digital Divide. The Pinnacle Awards is a reputable global program honoring innovation and excellence across industries. According to Katie Lang, Executive Director of the Pinnacle Awards, “The Telecom and Wireless Sector continue to set the pace for innovation, connecting people and businesses worldwide. We are proud to recognize the organizations that exemplify ingenuity, reliability and impact in one of the most dynamic industries on the planet”. In the same vein, Marie Zander, Executive Director of Merit Awards states that “this year’s winners reflect excellence across the ecosystem—demonstrating the technologies and strategies that are shaping the future of communications”. Smartphone For All had earlier in the year 2025 unveiled an ambitious campaign to bridge Africa’s digital divide by providing affordable, high-quality smartphones and connectivity and AI at the edge to consumers who are excluded from the digital world across the continent. Established on the belief that exclusion from the digital ecosystem locks people out of opportunities and lifestyle enhancements. Smartphone For All aims that every individual—regardless of income, geography, or background- can fully participate in the digital economy and the evolving AI transformation. According to Mr. Babatunde Osho, Founder/CEO of Smartphone For All, “The digital divide is not just a technology gap—it’s an opportunity gap. When someone does not have access to a smartphone, they are cut off from education, jobs, healthcare, financial services, and even their own voice. Our mission is to close that gap, one device at a time and build Africa’s largest digital inclusion platform. We are glad that the Pinnacle and Telecom & Wireless Awards have recognized what we are doing to improve digital inclusion and accessibility in Africa” Smartphone For All partners with MNOs to provide smartphones to 2G/3G subscribers who cannot afford 4G smartphone across Africa. The initiative was launched with MTN in South Africa in May 2025 for an initial period of one year with a smartphone device at ZAR 99 or $5. The plan is targeting about 1.2m devices. The vision of Smartphone for All is to take the offering to other African countries like Cote D’Ivoire, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and other markets. Apart from the benefits for the subscribers, there are obvious MNO benefits of better spectrum utilization with 4G+ networks over legacy 2G/3G networks. For regulators and government, the benefits include productivity enhancements and digital inclusion among citizens. According to a report from the Economist Intelligence Unit, 10% growth in broadband connectivity results in 1.4% growth in GDP in low- and middle-income countries and 1.2% growth in high income countries. African countries like South Africa are actively incentivizing this growth through policies like a ban on new 2G/3G device activations starting from December 31, 2024, and a complete shutdown by December 31, 2027. The government has also reduced taxes on certain classes of smartphones to drive adoption. According to Jeff Miller, Director at Smartphone for all, ‘Smartphone For All is not just a business, it is a movement powering Africa into the next phase of development. Digital access is the foundation of inclusion in commerce, wellbeing and civic engagement. The pathway to growth for Africa is to bring more Africans into the digital ecosystem spanning financial, educational, public health, trade and other streams of innovation.’

News

Smartphone For All wins the Pinnacle Awards (Platinum) and Merit Awards...

Christine Gakii is a BIMAS customer from Mukothima, Tharaka North, Tharaka Nithi County. Her journey with BIMAS Microfinance began in 2014, after her life had taken a dramatic turn. Family disputes had stripped her of everything, leaving her in a state of despair. Just when all seemed lost, a trusted friend guided her towards BIMAS Microfinance. Her journey with BIMAS began with a modest loan of Ksh 30,000, which she invested in her dream of starting a cereal farm. Through hard work and perseverance, she repaid her loans faithfully and steadily climbed the loan tiers. Her farm flourished, expanding across multiple plots of land. With courage, she ventured into a new frontier: a pork butchery with a small kitchenette. Her determination paid off, and the business thrived. Seeing her dedication, BIMAS went further, helping her acquire a motorbike to transport her products more efficiently. As her pork business grew, the daily slaughtering of pigs demanded more water. Recognizing her relentless commitment, BIMAS provided funding for a water tank and an energy saving Jiko for her kitchenette. Christine's journey is truly inspiring. Despite facing many challenges, she has risen above them all. Now, she owns a thriving pork butchery, employs many people, and has become a successful landowner and farmer. She even owns three motorbikes. Christine dreams of building rental houses on one of her best pieces of land, which is close to an institute. With BIMAS ready to help, her dream is on its way to becoming a reality. She proudly refers to BIMAS Microfinance as her "father and mother," underscoring the profound impact it has had on her life. In a heartfelt message, she encourages those facing hardships not to turn to stress-induced drinking, but to seek support from BIMAS. She says, "At BIMAS, help is available for everyone." Christine's journey with BIMAS Microfinance exemplifies women empowerment and promotes multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Through initial funding and continuous support, BIMAS enabled her to break the cycle of poverty and establish a thriving business in cereal farming and pork butchery, enhancing food security in her community. By nurturing her entrepreneurship, BIMAS promotes gender equality and economic empowerment. Moreover, Christine's enterprise generates employment opportunities and sustains livelihoods. The provision of a water tank further ensures operational efficiency and supports her overall well-being.

News

Bimas Microfinance Impact Stories: Christine’s Journey With BIMAS

News

SBM Bank in Partnership to Deliver Global Business for Kenyan Women

EDITOR PICKS

Family Bank to List by Introduction on NSE on June 23

June 11, 2026

Shelter Afrique Development Bank Unveils New Brand Identity as it Marks...

June 11, 2026

Gen Z tech talent rewires Africa’s fight against hunger

June 4, 2026

Third Africa Islamic Finance Forum Confirmed for Nigeria March 2018

March 23, 2018

EABL signs lease deal for office space in upcoming Garden City...

March 14, 2018

Facebook Introduces Messenger Rooms and More ways to connect

April 27, 2020

Absa Bank Kenya names Yusuf Omari as new CEO

Samsung Showcases Evolution of SmartThings and Introduces New Device Experiences at...

THE IFC AND THE GLOBAL SME FINANCE AWARDS FETE EQUITY AS...

KENYA PREMIER LEAGUE ENGAGES DESIGNSTUDIO AS OFFICIAL BRANDING AGENCY

SAMSUNG LAUNCHES NEW SLEEK GALAXY A04S SERIES

MFS Africa Selects ThetaRay AI Tech for Transaction Monitoring and Sanctions...

Ogilvy Africa Continues its winning streak with four wins at the...

Stanbic Bank Takes Up Task Of Training Deaf Business Owners

Coding Studies To Be Offered From Primary School

Moringa announces strategic partnerships to provide quality laptops for their students

MOST POPULAR

Tusker Lite Neon Rave slated for Mombasa

Liquid Intelligent Technologies and Orange partner to expand network reach across...

Africa’s storage moment

HUNTERS CHOICE WHISKY LAUNCH OF A NEW PACK

HOT NEWS

Mars Wrigley to invest Kes4.3bn in new Kenya sugar-free gum line

Smartphone For All wins the Pinnacle Awards (Platinum) and Merit Awards...

Bimas Microfinance Impact Stories: Christine’s Journey With BIMAS

SBM Bank in Partnership to Deliver Global Business for Kenyan Women

EDITOR PICKS

Family Bank to List by Introduction on NSE on June 23

Shelter Afrique Development Bank Unveils New Brand Identity as it Marks...

Gen Z tech talent rewires Africa’s fight against hunger

POPULAR POSTS

Third Africa Islamic Finance Forum Confirmed for Nigeria March 2018

EABL signs lease deal for office space in upcoming Garden City...

Facebook Introduces Messenger Rooms and More ways to connect

POPULAR CATEGORY