The TechTrends AI Breakfast Forum in Nairobi brought together tech leaders and policymakers to discuss the promise and challenges of artificial intelligence in Africa, emphasizing practical applications, ethical considerations, and digital inclusion.

• Annepeace Alwala, Vice President of Global Service Delivery at Sama, highlighted human-powered data as critical for AI success, stating, "AI cannot breathe without people; data is its oxygen."
• Ryan Mule, Product Manager at Samsung Electronics East Africa, noted AI's role in addressing daily business issues like productivity and cybersecurity.
• The forum underscored the need for affordable data, localized solutions, and stronger digital literacy for true digital inclusion, as emphasized by Ryan Zhang of iTel Mobile.

Safaricom Business recently convened over 50 senior IT and security executives in Nairobi to showcase its Managed Security Operations Centre (MSOC) as a critical tool for enterprise resilience against escalating cyber threats.

• The Communications Authority of Kenya reported a staggering 4.6 billion cyber threats in Q2 2024, driven by system vulnerabilities, poor patching, and AI-powered attacks.
• Nicholas Mulila, Chief Corporate Security Officer at Safaricom, highlighted the accelerated threat landscape in Kenya, including a rise in ransomware, phishing, and insider attacks.
• The event included live threat simulations of the MSOC and serves as a prelude to the larger Safaricom Cybersecurity Summit 2025 scheduled for October 16.

TikTok has partnered with the Kenyan government to expand its #LevelUpAfrica program, an eight-month initiative aimed at upskilling and supporting 3,000 content creators across Sub-Saharan Africa. This collaboration highlights TikTok's commitment to fostering the region's creator economy and providing opportunities for young people.

• The program will train 3,000 creators across Sub-Saharan Africa.
• The partnership was announced at TikTok's annual #LevelUpAfrica Creator Education Day in Kenya.
• Amb. Philip Thigo, Special Envoy on Technology for the President of Kenya, emphasized Kenya's high social media usage and fast internet speeds as key drivers for digital innovation.
• The Kenyan government views this collaboration as a way to create jobs and enhance Kenya's "Silicon Savannah" reputation.
• Roy Kanyi, a Kenyan tech creator and alumnus, credited the program with helping him build a brand and attract partnerships.

itel has launched its SUPER 26 Ultra smartphone in Kenya, aiming to disrupt the budget market with premium features typically found in flagship devices. Unveiled in Machakos, the device boasts a curved display and advanced AI capabilities, priced under $175.

• The itel SUPER 26 Ultra features a 6.78-inch 3D Curved AMOLED screen with a 1.5K resolution and an impressive 144Hz refresh rate, protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass 7i.
• Powered by the new 6nm Unisoc T7300 processor, the phone achieves an AnTuTu benchmark of over 510,000 and includes a large 6000mAh battery within a thin 6.8mm profile.
• Notable AI features include an AI Camera Eraser and a Circle to Search function, alongside a new AI assistant named Sola, though some features like the full 144Hz refresh rate will arrive via future OTA updates.