Ghana to Implement Electronic Payment Levy in 2022, Amazon to Stop Accepting UK Visa Credit Cards, and Google to Invest $740m in Australia

Africa

Meta launches Facebook Business Coach on WhatsApp

Meta has launched Facebook Business Coach on WhatsApp to help small and medium-sized businesses in Africa take advantage of Instagram and Facebook to grow their businesses. The programme is free to use.

Ghana government to implement electronic payment levy in 2022

The Ghana government will implement a new 1.75% electronic payment levy in February 2022. The levy will be applied to all daily electronic transactions above GHS100.

Nigeria’s DrugStoc raises $4.4m in Series A funding

Nigeria’s e-pharmaceutical distribution startup, DrugStoc, has raised $4.4 million in a Series A funding round. The funding was led by Africa HealthCare Master Fund and included Chicago-based Vested World.

Europe

The UK joins USA in fight against cyberthreats

The UK and USA are coming together to declare sanctions and impose penalties on cyberattackers who target the two countries. While adversaries were not named, reports indicate Russia could be one of the alleged targets.

London investigates crypto ad on London Tube

The Advertising Standards Authority is investigating a crypto ad by Floki Inu on London transport, it has been reported. Reports say little is known about the persons behind the crypto coin named after Elon Musk’s dog.

Amazon to stop accepting Visa credit cards in the UK

Amazon has said it will stop accepting Visa credit cards from the UK due to high service fees. Meanwhile, Visa debit cards will still be accepted on the retail giant.

The Americas

Facebook tells police to stop using fake accounts

Facebook has reportedly told the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to stop using fake profiles on the platform. The police used the fake accounts to conduct surveillance on users as part of their investigations.

Apple announces self-repair service programme

Apple has finally announced a new self-service programme for users who are comfortable with fixing their own devices. Individuals and independent repair shops will now be able to fix screens, cameras, and battery problems on their own.

US states are investigating how Instagram targets children

A group of US states are investigating how Instagram continues to target children despite claims it has poses potential threat against the children. This comes after a whistleblower testified that Facebook knew its products harmed children.

Asia

Google to invest $740m in Australia

Google has announced plans to invest up to $740 million in Australia over the next five years. The investment will be used to build more cloud computing capacity and fund partnerships with local organisations.

Paytm shares slide after market debut

Shares in India’s Paytm slid a massive 27% after its market IPO on the Mumbai Stock Exchange. While raking in $2.5 billion, investors questioned the firm’s business model as it continued to make losses.

China’s Huawei and ZTE face more restrictions in US

New restrictions from the US means that Huawei and ZTE will not be able to acquire telecoms licenses because they fall under the blacklist. Equipment from such manufacturers will, thus, not be used in telecoms networks in the US.