Facebook has a clear and inspiring mission — “to give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected.” The social network isn’t stopping at anything until it has achieved its vision. Whether it’s building orbital drones, creating digital colonies in emerging markets, betting on unproven technologies or pioneering new online business models, Facebook is constantly reinventing itself to stay relevant and ahead of its competition.
Facebook latest stats and Facebook in Africa
In July this year, Facebook announced Internet.org App in partnership Airtel Zambia. The app that first launched in Zambia and soon coming to other countries is meant to make the internet accessible to more people by providing a set of free basic services. These services such as health information, market prices etc will show users the value of the internet and therefore a bait to bring more people online.
The Drone cold war
Google and Facebook are on a fierce race to dominate the information age. Only about 2 billion people have access to the internet most of whom are from the developed world. The remaining 5 billion are still cut off from the digital world which the two companies see as potential growth areas. The two companies have hatched a plan that will connect the next billion users to the internet — drones.
Using high-altitude orbiting drones that beam internet to the earth below is seen as a sure way to bring internet access to the developing world, at least so they think. Google earlier this year in April acquired Titan Aerospace , a New Mexico-based maker which Facebook had courted for a reported $60 million. Apparently Google raised a higher value and snatched the drone company from Facebook. But Facebook didn’t relax. It started the Facebook Connectivity Lab, its hacker program that’s challenged to build drones, satellites and lasers to deliver the internet to everyone.The social network bought a UK-based company, Ascenta, which is designing high-altitude, solar-powered drones that can fly for weeks, Zuck revealed in a Facebook post .
The scramble for Africa part two
When western imperialists came to Africa, they robbed her of her natural resources which were used to build industrial complexes in Europe or provide cheap labour for agricultural plantations in America. That’s in the history books. But history has a way a way of repeating itself.
Forget the industrial revolution where we have had things like the British Empire, now we are experiencing the information revolution that ushers in new kinds of empires like the “Facebook Empire”. In this information age, western companies aren’t using more aggressive methods such as physical occupation, oppression and exploitation. Instead they are using virtual or digital elements driven by advances in information and communication technology to establish strong digital colonies in Africa as I earlier laid out .
To drive the point home, go to www.alexa.com and select the top 10 most visited sites in your country. The results are obvious; Google and then Facebook. This is not about to change. Facebook already has 100 million users in Africa which is increasing annually while Google’s approach to dominate the digital landscape on the continent is well documented .
Facebook disrupting itself before it’s disrupted
Let’s now look at Facebook itself and how its fending off potential prey from its territory. Has the social giant thought of the fact that it could get disrupted by some new cool-kid silicon valley start-up the same way it killed Myspace?
Well Facebook is continuously scanning the radar to fish out those new companies. That’s the reason it bought the likes of Whatsapp for an eye-popping $19B, Oculus Rift and even wanted to buy Snapchat for a cool 3 Billion, but the guys, like Zuck in his early days, turned down the billion-dollar acquisition. Facebook is fragmenting itself in different platforms so that it can get you wherever and whatever you use. Like Google which has fragmented itself into other products other than its main cash cow product — search monetized through its ad network called Adsense — Facebook is breaking itself into small semi-autonomous companies managing their own products. Each has its own audience and cultivates its own business model independent of the main Facebook as Zuck explains while revealing the company’s third quarter earnings on Tuesday evening;
“Over the next five years, our goals are around taking our next generation of services, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp and Search and helping them connect billions of people and become important businesses in their own right.”.
Besides the big mainstream Apps, Facebook also has 4 more independent Apps from its creativity lab namely Rooms, Paper, Mentions, Slingshot that “apps to support the diverse ways people want to connect and share”
The social network is using this strategy to “disrupt” itself before its disrupted by an emerging technology. Zuck and team seem to have followed Clayton Christensen’s advice on managing disruptive Innovation. Clayton who is the author of the book The Innovator’s Dilemma advises companies to breakup or create independent semi-autonomous companies that create disruptive products that serve an emerging market that seems unattractive to invest in. He argues that established companies have cost structures that forbid them from investing in emerging markets which often have very low profit margins that can’t sustain them. Hence spinning off a separate company or making an acquisition seems be a logical step towards managing disruption.
Augmented Reality is the future of networking
Even though virtual and augmented reality company Oculus Rift which the company bought for a whooping $2 billion won’t bring in huge amounts of revenue in the near-term, Zuck is betting that this mode of communication is the future in the next 10 years.Zuck said;
“As I’ve said before, with Oculus, we’re making a long-term bet on the future of computing. Every 10 to 15 years, a new major computing platform arrives and we think that virtual and augmented reality are important parts of this upcoming next platform”. Advertisement - Continue reading below
The company is already working with the developer community to create Apps that use the platform. Facebook has now already shipped more than 100,000 of Rift developer kit to over a 130 countries. The company isn’t in a rush to make a profit just yet.
“Our efforts here will take longer to achieve their full impact, but we’re going to continue preparing for the future by investing aggressively” Zuck said.
Controlling the Newsroom as Algorithms are the new Editors
Gone are the days when journalists and experienced editors hand-picked what news users would read. The media houses controlled the whole news gathering, production and distribution chains. Well, not anymore. Today what comes to you as news is exclusively determined by fancy mathematical computer programs also known as algorithms running on Facebook’s vast server firms. These algorithms are often too complex for news editors or ordinary news readers to understand except Facebook folks themselves.
Facebook’s power to drive the news agenda has caused a lot of stir in the media industry. The social network has however, repeatedly denied this influence that it wields. Speaking to the New York Times , Facebook NewsFeed Engineer Greg Marra denied that his company exerts editorial judgment over the content that users see;
“We try to explicitly view ourselves as not editors,” he said. “We don’t want to have editorial judgment over the content that’s in your feed. You’ve made your friends, you’ve connected to the pages that you want to connect to and you’re the best decider for the things that you care about.”
Agitated long-time media practitioners are questioning the competence and legitimacy of Facebook to hold this position especially without their involvement. Others have been forced to play along with Facebook’s rules in order to maximise traffic to their site and therefore revenue.
The death of the banner is here, but Facebook isn’t affected
The next wave of sustaining online businesses is upon us and its not the banner Ad anymore. Google has been reaping off the lucrative business of banner Ads thanks to its vast Adsense Ad network. But the web/internet is finally maturing into a more content-centric, mobile-App driven and social platform where the use of banner Ads seems to be way of out line.
Now, the industry is shifting towards less-intrusive, organic ways of advertising that blend comfortably well with media properties in which they are being run as New York Times writer Farhad Manjoo puts it ;
“But if native ads do become the de facto standard of online advertising, they will be a major improvement over banner ads. Both technologically and aesthetically, they do not sit apart from the content with which they appear. This makes them far less annoying to users.”
So there you have it. A roundup of the Facebook Empire, its operations in Africa and how the social giant hopes to stay ahead of its game. For African aspiring internet entrepreneurs, Facebook should serve as an inspiration of what is possible in the information economy. They should study and learn from it and use those lessons to build their own startups.
Image: lrandcom.com/
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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