Reddit is bringing its AI-powered translation tool to more than 35 new countries, with plans to rollout the feature across Latin America in the coming weeks. Following a successful introduction in France earlier this year, users in Brazil and Spain are now able to translate posts and comments with a simple click, making Reddit more accessible to non-English-speaking communities. Seamless Translation Across Platforms This new feature allows Redditors to translate posts and comments into their preferred language across all platforms—mobile web, apps, and desktop. A translation icon in the overflow
In rural South Sudan, where venomous snakebites claim thousands of lives annually, a new AI initiative is giving healthcare workers a lifeline. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is piloting an AI-driven app that can identify dangerous snake species, offering hope in a region where access to effective treatments is scarce. With snakebites killing between 81,000 and 138,000 people globally each year, this solution could help save lives by ensuring the right antivenom is administered promptly. Tackling A Neglected Crisis Snakebite envenoming is one of the world’s most overlooked tropical diseases, with
Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15, honors the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latine communities in the US. It began as a week-long event in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was extended to a month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. The dates are significant because they coincide with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile. In keeping with this year’s theme, “Inspiring Innovation and Empowering Communities,” here are
Bolt Kenya has awarded 10 drivers with KSh 288,000 ($2,200) each in seed funding as part of its first-ever accelerator program. The awards, amounting to a total of €20,000 ($22,400) mark the culmination of a six-month program aimed at creating innovation in Kenya’s mobility sector. A Platform for Innovation The Bolt Accelerator, launched in April 2024, provided drivers with business training, mentorship, and funding to create innovative solutions for transport and delivery services. The program attracted over 800 applications from Bolt drivers and couriers, including ideas for electric vehicle charging
Nigerian e-health startup, Field, has unveiled a new service aimed at addressing Africa’s maternal mortality crisis. Backed by a $11 million investment from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Field’s initiative focuses on emerging therapies for maternal, newborn, and child health as well as improving nutrition across the continent. Helping healthcare access Co-founded in 2015 by Michael Moreland, Justin Lorenzon, and Peter Bunor, Field has already made significant strides in transforming healthcare delivery through its pharmaceutical supply chain solutions, operating in Nigeria and Kenya. The company has supported over 800
Kofa Technologies, a Ghanaian company specializing in portable clean energy solutions, has announced an expansion of its battery-swapping network, supported by a £6.15 million (approximately $5 million) initiative. The project, led by Kofa and impact investor PASH Global and backed by Shell Foundation, the UK Government, and PASH Global, aims to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption and clean energy access in Ghana. EV Battery Swapping Kofa’s battery-swapping network aims to provide a sustainable, cost-effective solution to reduce urban pollution and boost EV adoption. The system allows users to swap depleted
Out of Africa’s 100 most-funded startups since 2019, only three have female CEOs, according to Africa: The Big Deal. Of the three female CEOs, only two are Black women. Despite over $1 billion raised by giants like MTN-Halan, Sun King, and OPay, female leadership remains rare at the top. No Women Leading Top 10 Funded Ventures All top 10 ventures in terms of funding are led by men. In fact all startups that raised over $100 million since 2019 have male CEOs. Even beyond the top ventures, the disparity continues. Gro
The Black Founders Programme, by Digital Catapult and Sony Music UK, is back for its second year, supporting Black British entrepreneurs in creative technology. Ten new startups have joined the 2024 cohort, applying immersive technologies like virtual, augmented and mixed reality to creative industries. Supporting Black Deep Tech Innovation The initiative focuses on improving investment readiness through mentorship, knowledge sharing, and partnerships. Last year, over 80% of participants saw growth in investment readiness, securing key corporate partnerships and investor interest. This year’s cohort explores immersive technology in storytelling, music production,
The UK government has launched an initiative to strengthen science, technology, and innovation systems across West Africa, with a new £1.9 million ($2.5 million) funding package. The initiative, named Sankore, was announced by Lord Collins, UK Minister for Africa, at a press conference in Accra. This project is part of the West Africa Research and Innovation Hub (WARIH), designed to support economic growth in the region by driving innovation and strengthening digital services. Focus on Ghana and Nigeria The Sankore project will primarily focus on Ghana and Nigeria, two of
Uncap has launched Unconventional Capital, a new €30 million (USD 33.4 million) fund to provide early-stage African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with alternative financing. Backed by major institutions like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Bayer Foundation, the fund will focus on high-impact sectors such as agriculture, climate resilience, and financial inclusion, driving economic development across Africa. A New Approach to Financing Based in Munich and Nairobi, Uncap has been working to close the capital gap for African businesses since 2019, using a remote, data-driven approach. The
