It is already a week past the Africa Blockchain Conference, which was held at the Serena Conference Centre in Kampala under the theme “ The Role of Blockchain Technology in Africa’s Transformation “. The conference sought to showcase the different, yet relevant, use cases in a variety of sectors to demonstrate the value and importance of the technology.
The conference was hosted as a partnership between the Blockchain Association of Uganda and Uganda’s Ministry of ICT and National Guidance with a wide range of discussion topics such as cryptocurrencies and digital assets, governance, cybersecurity, regulation and policy, risk and investment opportunities, innovation and technology among others.
It featured representation from 23 countries, with over 750 attendees, 100 pitch competition submissions and over 60 speakers and panelists, all building a case for the adoption of the technology in Uganda and Africa as a whole.
What is Blockchain Technology?
Blockchain is a distributed collection of accounts that allows for the creation and management of decentralized systems and processes, so as to enhance efficiency and transparency of transactions across business operations. It is already disrupting and redefining traditional governance and business models across the world; from the way information is created, managed, and shared to the way products and services are delivered. Various presentations and use cases were brought forward during the summit, and it is from these that we pick the takeouts.
Key takeouts from the Conference
- Africa is ready for Blockchain
Dr. Bitange Ndemo, from the Blockchain Association of Kenya, noted that this is Africa’s opportunity to have a lead in an innovation.
“In Africa, we were sleeping when Americans were making Facebook , Twitter , WhatsApp , Snapchat etc. You want people to be saying, ‘yes,we had a Blockchain conference but we didn’t use the technology.’ Let’s quickly embrace Blockchain technology”
In addition, a presentation from the 6th president of Mauritius, Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, on how to secure herbal rare plant species, most of which endemic to the Mascarene Islands of Indian ocean, and how their potential is being threatened by habitat loss and species extinction.
“This is a game changer to Africa that has so much to offer and has lost so much…”
- Uganda is also ready for Blockchain, not crypto-currency
When we saw the list of key note speakers with the Bank of Uganda Governor, Tumusiime -Mutebile included, we could only wait to listen to his presentation, and whether he would allow or reject the entire technology – based on the institution’s previous remarks in regards to crypto-currency.
Nothing changed, the governor spoke at the Africa BlockChain C onference, and he asked the audience to explore the potential uses of the technology and the opportunity it offers, while warning of the risks that come with crypto-currency.
“We are here to talk about the Blockchain technology and the opportunity it offers. I thought I would use this opportunity to share [our] views about cryptocurrencies but also remind you that the emergence of cryptocurrencies should not divert us from the important role central banks play as a steward of public trust. Please note that cryptocurrencies and the technology that supports it, which is blockchain are two distinct things. Our focus today is blockchain, not cryptocurrency. Beyond its application in cryptocurrency, blockchain is viewed as a revolutionary technology with the potential to change the way we manage data as well as do business “
He further emphasized that no cryptocurrency can match a well-managed national or regional currency.
“Cryptocurrencies do not have the privileges of legal tender and are not backed by a central bank, which ensures that supply of currency is adequate to meet the demand. In view of the risks relating to cryptocurrencies, Bank of Uganda issued a warning to the users of cryptocurrencies to beware of the risks.”
In his address, the president of Uganda, H.E. Kaguta Museveni opened the two-day conference stating that it was necessary for blockchain technology to be studied in-depth to identify the risks and find ways of curbing the risks while enhancing the benefits.
“I congratulate the brains behind blockchain technology because this innovation will go a long way in providing important solutions in record management in areas of land, finances, revenue, health and public management. This technology should be appreciated because it is an innovation of professionals who are transparent and trust each other. They are elites working to replace the traditional way of secrecy with openness in doing business.”
The president concluded by saying Uganda would ensure regulatory frameworks that govern cryptocurrencies and blockchain in Uganda. He said despite the nascent nature of blockchain technology, it was unwise to ignore it since it would curtail innovation and fail to capture any potential benefits it presents.
- Blockchain can solve many of the Africa’s problems
Africa is engaged in big fights against issues like corruption, bad governance, mismanagement and lack of accountability. These have resulted in the loss of income to tax evasion, excessive spending, and mismanagement of public funds. But there have been applications of the blockchain technology in parts of the continent which indicate that it can actually solve these roblems to nil.
Land Fraud : In Ghana, where this is a serious concern, Bitland is providing land registry services using Bitshares blockchain, allowing nationals to register property ownership. This takes the burden of guaranteeing property rights and confirming transactions off corrupt and underfunded local authorities, and thus securing the property.
Education : In Kenya is developing an educational system built on an Ethereum blockchain.
Business : Project UBU aims to empower lower income South Africans with a blockchain-based digital currency. ChamaPesa uses blockchain to help local Kenyan cooperatives improve bookkeeping.
Governance : Sierra Leone recently used blockchain technology, which was put in place by Swiss tech firm Agora , to count votes during their recent parliamentary elections, allowing for a fair and transparent election.
What are the next steps?
- Formation of the National Blockchain taskforce
Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, said that his ministry will appoint a taskforce to explore how the Ugandan government can utilise blockchain technology.
“I have agreed with the Blockchain Association of Uganda, that in the coming weeks, the Ministry will appoint an advisory task force of eminent people on blockchain to further assess the opportunities of the technology and challenges, and advise the government on how to harness the technology. Blockchain technology like any other innovation will successfully take root in Uganda. If you push technology away, others will adopt it.”
- Sandbox to establish policy and regulatory framework
A sandbox is a virtual space in which new or untested software or coding can be run securely. Regulation frameworks and case studies of successful startups that are leveraging blockchain technology in Africa at the moment will be studied to come up with policies that will guide the stakeholders on how best to move forward. All these will be done within the designated sandbox.
- Training of developers and blockchain experts
The CEO of Binance, Zhao Changpeng, met with the Blockchain Association of Uganda to discuss collaboration which resulted in a partnership with Crypto Savanna, a Ugandan blockchain innovation hub, to aid in the economic development of the country’s blockchain literacy.
@binance will partner with @cryptosavannah @AggieKonde @HelenHaiyu to support Uganda’s economic transformation and youth employment through blockchain, embracing the 4th industrial revolution. We will do this by creating thousands of jobs and bringing investments to Uganda. — CZ ? BNB (@cz_binance) April 22, 2018
The partnership will help an overall improvement in Uganda. These include generation of employment, the attraction of investments and overall growth in the economy.
Large numbers of people across many regions of Africa do not have access to banks, and more than 30 million Africans work abroad and send money home, so technology that allows people to connect with the financial system could potentially find mass adoption there. For example, M-Pesa, a mobile phone-based payment service, processes over 25% of the entire gross national product of Kenya.
Uganda is not the only African country with a hub for Blockchain technology; others include South Africa, Kenya, and Zimbabwe.
- Africa Blockchain Conference 2019
With a successful and sold out event, the registration for the Africa Blockchain Conference 2019 conference is now open. You can visit this link to register and be a part of it.
We are going to run a series of articles, to let you know more about blockchain in a whole.
This account is managed by the in-house team at Dignited, a collective of passionate tech writers, editors, and enthusiasts dedicated to bringing you the latest insights, reviews, and news on consumer technology. For inquiries or feedback, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] .
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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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