In this week's tech review, we explore among other things, the growing attention that African startups are collecting for their unique ideas and angle. We look at the Tecno Phatom X2, a new addition to Tecno's flagship Phantom series plus a look at the one of the major upcoming tech events on the continent. Lets dive right in...
Africa Tech Summit 2023
Africa Tech Summit Nairobi 2023 will bring together tech pioneers from the African ecosystem and global players under one roof on February 15–16, 2023, following a sold-out Summit this year.
Over 1,000 attendees, 450+ companies, and 150+ presenters will be brought together for the fifth edition's three Summits. The event is an opportunity for tech players to connect with other tech corporates driving business and investment ahead, such as tech corporations, mobile industry leaders, fintech companies, DeFi & crypto ventures, investors, start-ups, regulators, and industry stakeholders. Africa Tech Summit Nairobi 2023 will bring together tech pioneers from the African ecosystem and global players under one roof on February 15–16, 2023, following a sold-out Summit in 2022.
The three deep dive summit tracks at the 2023 Africa Tech Summit in Nairobi will include a number of sessions that will provide a cross-sectional look of technological advancements and prospects from all around the continent. Quality networking time will be added to a variety of keynotes, fireside chats, panels, and breakout sessions from tech leaders, corporations, entrepreneurs, and investors.
More details here.
Microsoft, Visa Investing Big In African Startups
Big tech companies like Microsoft are paying close attention to the boom in the number of start-up launches on the continent solving Africa's unique problems and they are reaching out to support their growth.
In 2021, Google committed to investing US$1 billion over the next five years to support Africa’s digital transformation through a range of initiatives – from improved connectivity to investments in startups and nonprofits as well as low-interest loans to help small businesses.
Now, Microsoft has established industry alliances and partnerships with venture capital investors that facilitate access to US$500 million in potential funding to accelerate the growth of 10,000 African startups over the next five years.
Microsoft's Africa Transformation Office (ATO) managing director Kunle Awosika during a virtual media briefing said that; "There is huge potential for Africa to become a thriving hub of digital innovation on the global startup landscape."
"Our ambition is to see an explosion of local invention and innovation that will contribute positively, not just to Africa's digital economy, but to global society," added Awosika.
In order to expand its operations, introduce cutting-edge technologies, and strengthen its partnerships with African partners, Visa has also promised to invest $1 billion in Africa over the next five years.
The world's largest provider of financial services made the disclosure this week in Washington, DC, at the US-Africa Business Forum and US-Africa Leaders Summit.
The investment will help Visa expand its operations in Africa and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders like merchants, governments, financial institutions, mobile network carriers, and fintech companies.
New Tecno Phantom X2 Specs
Since launching its brand in the Middle East and Africa, TECNO has gone a long way in winning favor there by foreseeing and promptly meeting local users' needs.
The Tecno Phantom X2 Pro is a premium product that Tecno offers. It boasts a striking unibody design that takes ergonomics into account. It has a retractable portrait camera system and is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 SoC.
The 6.80-inch AMOLED screen on the Phantom X2 Pro has a 19.5:9 aspect ratio. Its huge 5160mAh battery can power the smartphone for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Phantom X2 also comes with its own respectable features and powers.
As part of scaling up availability outside its home market, Tecno plans to make the Phantom X2 series available in markets worldwide.
Phantom X2:
General
Android v12 - Good
Thickness: 8.9 mm - Thick
210 g - Heavy
In Display Fingerprint Sensor
Display
6.8 inch, AMOLED Screen - Large
1080 x 2400 pixels - Average
387 ppi - Poor
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
120 Hz Refresh Rate
Punch Hole Display
Camera
64 MP + 13 MP + 2 MP Triple Rear Camera - Average
4K @ 30 fps UHD Video Recording
32 MP Front Camera - Average
Technical
MediaTek Dimensity 9000 Chipset
3.05 GHz, Octa Core Processor - Fast
8 GB RAMAverage
256 GB Inbuilt Memory - Large
Memory Card Not Supported
Connectivity
4G, 5G, VoLTE
Bluetooth v5.3, WiFi, NFC
USB-C v2.0
Battery
5160 mAh Battery - Large
45W Fast Charging
