BitKE

Tunisia is set to witness the first Hedera hackathon which will take place between Janauary 26-28 2024.
The hackathon is a collaborative effort between the following entities:
Dar Blockchain – Tunisian Web3 company and a pionner of the blockchain space in the country
The Hashgraph Association (H

Unstoppable Domains has launched **.brave**, an official onchain domain for Brave's 86 million users, enhancing digital identity ownership and crypto transactions. Minted on Polygon, it enables decentralized website creation and strengthens Brave's privacy-focused ecosystem.

The Plateau State government in Nigeria has partnered with the Algorand Foundation to explore blockchain technology applications, aiming for increased efficiency and economic opportunities. Initiatives will include pilot programs and workshops to educate software developers and creatives.

Emtech, a software solutions company for central banks, raised $4 million in seed funding to enhance its CBDC and regtech solutions, boosting total investment to $10 million. The company collaborates with six central banks and offers innovative digital currency tools and regulatory platforms.

Nigerian fintech Billboxx has raised $1.6 million in pre-seed funding to address cash flow issues for SMEs in Africa through its integrated billing-to-payment platform, streamlining invoicing and enhancing payment efficiency.

SIMAD iLab, a tech hub established by SIMAD University in Mogadishu, has seen substantial growth in five years, supporting startups and creating jobs. Its recent upgrade enhances its role in Somali innovation, making it one of Africa's top tech hubs.

Kenyan fintechs M-PESA and Pezesha are launching Mkopo wa Pochi, a credit service for small business owners to borrow through M-PESA accounts. Available from June 2024, it aims to utilize both firms' strengths, offering quick loans with flexible terms and a credit assessment process.

Stripe has launched stablecoin-based accounts across over 100 countries, including several African nations, to enhance financial inclusion and offer users a blockchain-powered alternative to traditional banking. This initiative aims to provide easier global commerce and reliable value storage in volatile markets.

Safaricom PLC's H1 2024 profits dropped 17.7% to KES 28.1 billion due to the Ethiopian Birr's depreciation. Despite this, subscriber growth rose significantly in Ethiopia, increasing customer engagement and revenue in key offerings like voice and mobile data.