A 2015 internet report by the internet society revealed that vast majority of content accessed by local users is hosted overseas. This according to the report posed a number of challenges; local ISPs incurred higher costs in delivering content to local user and secondly latency issues meant poor web user experience for end users. In other words you paid a lot higher for an internet link that buffers YouTube videos. It sucks, right?

That’s where Angani comes in.

Angani is a Kenyan-based public cloud computing provider located in Nairobi, offering services to the entire East African region. They have been busy raising seed funding from Africa’s Talking, Savannah Fund, and Africa Angels Network to boost their operations in Africa. The company joins Kili and MTN Group both of which are providing local cloud solutions to enterprise users in Africa.

I spoke to Rip Sohan, one of the founders of Angani about their services and their experiences so far with providing cloud computing services to their clients.

#1. What’s the motivation behind Angani?

The motivation for Angani was the observation that there is a need for a local cloud and hosting infrastructure provider. We believe a local cloud provider offers the following major advantages over an international one:

  1. Application Performance: With the move to the cloud, both for external (e.g. SAAS/PAAS platforms) and internal (e.g. Enterprise applications) applications, the connection between the cloud (where the application is running) and the device interacting with the application becomes a critical juncture. Specifically, we believe Angani offers performance advantages in the dimensions of latency and throughput.

Consider, for example, the distance between Nairobi and London as the crow flies. The minimum round-trip transmission latency to service a request for a single byte of data is approximately 60ms*. Similarly, round-trip latencies to the East and West coast of the US (where most cloud datacentres are located) are between 120-160* ms. Accessing data at these latencies is equivalent to storing it on a disk drive manufactures in 1981. Conversely, using Angani your round-trip time within Nairobi’s CBD is 60 us and only goes as high as 4.6 ms at the edge of the country in Mombasa.

Higher bandwidth is another advantage of using Angani. International bandwidth is expensive. When companies have lots of (internal or external) users the costs of bandwidth become quite dominant and so user experience can suffer due to insufficient capacity. We provide free local-loop access meaning companies can scale up their user-base without impacting existing user’s service levels.

  1. Reduced Capex and Opex Costs: We observed that, for the majority of SMEs, the CAPEX and OPEX cost of running IT infrastructure is a signficant financial burden. For these entities, while IT is a principle component in realising their business goals it does not directly generate revenue. Thus, we realised there is a market for providing solutions that allow SMEs to quickly and efficiently acquire the application tools required to run their business without an up-front and continual investment into keeping the hardware and software serviceable and current. Similarly, the labour cost of running IT is reduced as we handle all the day-to-day administrative tasks (e.g. backups, upgrades, etc) that require expensive manpower to perform. Because we are a pre-pay platform users only pay for what they use. This enables greater efficiencies of service for users.

  2. Localised solutions, services and products: The third principle of our foundation is localisation. We believe because we are physically present in the country and have a wealth of local business and operational experience we are best placed to offer solutions and products that add value and address the needs of the local market. Furthermore, we believe our service philosophy of closely supporting the customer every step of the way to cloud adoption means we are best placed to help customers realise the potential of the cloud for their organisations in this region.

*This result assumes a straight-line physical link between Nairobi and the location and does not include inter-hop buffering, switching and congestion overhead. It is therefore an idealistic lower bound. In practice the actual delay is usually 2x-3x higher than the quoted figure.

#2. Are businesses beginning to shift to the cloud? What would they benefit from moving their infrastructure to the cloud?

While these are definitely early days we are seeing increased interest in shifting to the cloud. This shift is premeditated by two trends: (1) CIOs and CTOs are embracing the cloud due to the efficiencies in economy it affords and (2) most major enterprise applications are shifting to cloud platforms. Thus there is a dual “push-pull” imperative for businesses to embrace the cloud.

The benefits of the cloud vary depending on what the business does and what operational infrastructure is migrated to the cloud but generally speaking we find that businesses in the region benefit from reduced CAPEX and OPEX expenditure on IT, increased economies of scale with respect to servicing users, the flexibility of being able to budget and spend monthly for IT infrastructure (due to our pre-pay model) and increased reliability and redundancy enabled by moving their computation to our cloud.

#3. What’s been the response so far to cloud adoption in Africa?

So far the response to our service has been overwhelmingly positive. We have worked hard with our early adopters to ensure a smooth transition but the feedback we have is that they are quite happy with the service, the end-result and the process.

#4. What are some of the barriers to adoption of cloud technologies by IT pros in the E/A region?

In general we have found that in the major cities infrastructure is no longer an issue as there is fibre to most buildings. For smaller cities it can be an issue but our partner, specifically, Liquid Telecom are working hard to ensure fibre is extended to the entire country.

Financially the issue with cloud adoption becomes the major up-front cost required to convert to a cloud based solution. Where the cost tradeoff is obvious (i.e. it’s cheaper to use the cloud) this is not an issue, it is however more of a challenge when there is an entrenched physical infrastructure. In this scenario we tend to work with our clients to migrate in a piecemeal manner allowing them to move to the cloud based on a speed that is comfortable to them.

In execution context we find there is some element of reticence from the users as there is a lot of FUD out there about solutions with vendors and providers pushing hard to sell bespoke and sometimes lock-in solutions. This obviously leads to confusion and reduces clarity which in turn makes people hesitant to adopt the cloud. Given that we provide base-level infrastructure we find that we are well placed to advise clients on tailor-made solutions and often do so.

I would refer you to our motivation. Specifically we offer value with respect to performance, reduced user CAPEX and OPEX outlay and localised products and customer service. In this regard I highlight that we are not the cheapest service nor could we hope to be so at this point as we don’t have the economies of scale enjoyed by the major providers. However, we believe that the specific value we offer outweighs the cost issue for the majority of users in the region.

#6. What are some of your solutions/packages and how much do they go for?

We have the following broad product categories:

  1. VM’s, pricing starts at around $20 per month, varies to a few hundred dollars per month, depending on the specifications.
  2. Voice – we allows companies to run their voice requirements in the cloud
  3. Media management – our media platform allows for companies to run entirely off our infrastructure. An infrastructure free media company, like Netflix, only locally in Africa.

David Okwii is the Editor-in-Chief of Dignited.com and a seasoned tech enthusiast whose journey began in the early 2000s. He started blogging while at university, diving deep into mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and operating systems—from testing Linux distros to tweaking Windows machines. David also explores Chromebooks, experiments with Raspberry Pi projects, and brings hands-on curiosity to every review. With vast experience in Uganda’s tech ecosystem and deep knowledge of Africa’s startup landscape, he offers informed, grounded perspectives on consumer technology. When he’s not writing or tinkering, David enjoys connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors.

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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.

This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.

This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.

READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”

Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”

The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:

  • SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
  • Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
  • Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
  • Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.

Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The key launches included:

  • CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
  • MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
  • MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
  • TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.

Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”

“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”

Laury Bai, TECNO CMO

Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”

James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek

CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography

TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.

Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer

The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”

Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud

The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.

TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability

To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”

Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK

Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.

MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers

The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.

World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14

Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.

TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.

Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm

In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.

The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series

TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.

TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future

Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.

Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.

Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.

With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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