It was an all truths session regardless of the brutal honesty of the questions asked. ReadyPay Solar in conjunction with MTN Uganda is selling high quality solar kits that can power several ultra bright lights, a radio and charge mobile phones. But the most interesting aspect to this is that the payment options are relaxed. You can either pay the whole sum upfront or get it on credit; paying a paltry 800/- per day distributed over time. You can check out all the most relevant Tweets in our Storify Post

The #readypaysolar kit was designed in Uganda with local context in mind. It was in test mode… https://t.co/vlFNG6FJdR Advertisement - Continue reading below — TMS Ruge (@tmsruge) December 8, 2015

There was a Tweetchat yesterday hosted by the company behind ReadyPay Solar, Fenix Intl, with distinguished thought leaders, and the entire twitterati, moderated by yours truly, the Dignited team. For starters, the question that continued to makes recursive rounds was: What is this ReadyPay Solar? The ReadyPay Solar is a Solar kit designed by Fenix International a power company. They have designed a many kits to suit different customers and needs.

For example they have the 17W solar kit that powers 4 Ultra bright LED lights, has a squid phone charger with multiple tips, battery clip charger, mains grid charger, a radio with built in torch and a Nokia big pin charging cable. Some kits can even power a TV or charge multiple phones at a go Sounds interesting already, or pretty hard? Worry not. Everything was explained in bit digestibles of less that 140 characters. The other questions resolved around the why, how, where of the solar kit, although the theme of the Tweetchat was Bringing Clean (and affordable) Energy to the last mile.

You can’t push the digital economy to the last mile without affordable energy in the last mile @tmsruge #readypaysolar — David Okwii (@oquidave) December 8, 2015 Advertisement - Continue reading below

Sure, only 12% of the 6.5 million households are connected to the national grid electricity. Where the reasons for this disparity are macroeconomic, it doesn’t connote that the remaining percentage should be let alone to figure this stuff. This implies that the majority, and mostly those in rural areas have no access to electricity.

They usually resign to using cheap and potentially disastrous products like Tadooba’s (oil lamps) and kerosene powered lanterns and they also purvey in the bushes for firewood which is used to cook a quick meal. It’s tight. And that is the point TMS Ruge, a global digerati and founder of RT farms highlighted. Uganda and emerging markets have been generally locked in traditional systems. The only option left there is to leapfrog and that’s why alternative sources of energy –clean energy– such as wind, geothermal and solar are vital and such a big deal for Africa’s renaissance men and women.

Africa has been locked in traditional sys. Now we leapfrog. Small grid systems like wind, solar energy are vital #ReadyPaySolar ~ @tmsruge — Mwesigwa Daniel (@valanchee) December 8, 2015

The session was soon followed by a discourse and a couple of hilarious questions from Bernard Olupot aka @Beewol, who is a celebrity social media and radio personality. He asked whether the solar kit beamed off energy and signals that would cause cancer or potentially make women go barren. The context befitted what most of the not so schooled rural folk would ask, surprisingly.

Of course, the answer was no. At least, there hasn’t been any scientific research that shows that using solar energy can make women barren. And for the men, as well, same applies, no documented evidence of impotence of which solar energy is putatively casual of. The solar kits pass the international standards test and are safe to use affordable consumer products.

Wise words from @tmsruge : Affordability and accessibility is the key to making #ReadyPaySolar succeed in the market. — ReadyPayUganda (@ReadyPayUganda) December 8, 2015

Even where the laws regulating this kind of technology are not yet up to speed. ReadyPay Solar gives its word on compensating or hedging against any shortcomings. They have a 24 months guarantee on their solar products and have a toll free customer care center which serves customers in 23 local languages, regardless of their geographical location.

@miclovich Preventing problems in the first place most scalable. We also have 13 service centres and counting #ReadyPaySolar — ReadyPayUganda (@ReadyPayUganda) December 8, 2015

The market has slowly been proliferated with low quality solar products, that are associated with inefficiency and lack of durability. The Ready Pay Solar was conceptualised and designed in Uganda, save for the manufacturing, the assembling of the kits is still done in the country too.

And it’s built to last; endurance the humidity of Karamoja, the extreme heat in Northern Uganda, load balance the coldness in Kabale, and stall tall against the torrents of dust in Kampala. I tell you, the force in this one is strong. The resilience dividend is eventually paid off, you just have to own it to have the experience.

The #ReadyPaySolar kit is rugged and designed for conditions in Uganda. Dust, heat are contained & can withstand hard falls. @ReadyPayUganda — Dignited Events (@dignitedLive) December 8, 2015

The solar kit comes in types; one for home use and another for small commercial traders. Below is a curation of tweets that you will find informative and interesting. In reply to @Beewol’s question of how he can buy the kit from Olio in Serere district (Eastern Uganda)

Hey @beewol – call us on 0800 202 933 and our customer service team will put you in touch with a salesperson. We have the country covered! — ReadyPayUganda (@ReadyPayUganda) December 8, 2015

@Kanyvelink almost missed the live chat, but he was quickly brought to speed. Ps: You can ask them anytime you wish.

Here’s everything you need to know @kantvelink … pic.twitter.com/ZUFWWaCppc — ReadyPayUganda (@ReadyPayUganda) December 8, 2015

There is just 1 day to go in a promotion to win 1 of the 5 ReadyPay Uganda solar kits to be given out. If you have yet entered the competition read a story of how the kit changed the life of the writer’s mum or you can as well just enter the competition here . By the way, we had first impressions of the solar kit, you may as well want to have a quick glance . Image: BBC’s Cathy Kemi (Twitter)

Daniel Mwesigwa is a curious mind at the intersection of technology, media, and politics. Passionate about emerging trends and critical thinking, he’s known for cutting through noise—calling out conspiracy theories when they don’t hold up. When he’s not writing or analyzing the digital world, Daniel enjoys listening to music and playing soccer.

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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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