Par Axel Toubson
#TechFriday n°2️⃣7️⃣2️⃣ – Issue of 20/02/2026
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This week on #TechFriday: patriotic SMS in Cameroon land directly in citizens’ phones, while Gabon suspends social media. Why does no one really leave WhatsApp? Kenya and Ethiopia push digital trade and AI sovereignty. Samsung and Apple double down on AI. Meta shuts Messenger.com… as WhatsApp Web gets calls. Africa and Big Tech are reshaping the digital landscape.
Texts From the State: Inside Cameroon’s New Civic Messaging Push 🇨🇲 📩
Since October 2025, millions of Cameroonians have been receiving text messages from the Civic Service promoting peace and unity. Direct and inclusive, these messages invade the private sphere. While they have not been met with widespread rejection, their actual impact on behaviour and community life remains difficult to measure. Click here for full story
Why you can’t quit WhatsApp… even when you want to ⛓️
Why does no one really leave WhatsApp despite bugs and alternatives? Network effect, Metcalfe’s law, switching costs and path dependency: four invisible forces explain why changing apps is virtually impossible. We explain everything. Click here for full story
Gabon suspends social media nationwide over security concerns 📵🇬🇦
Gabon’s High Authority for Communication has ordered the immediate suspension of social media in the country until further notice. It cites the dissemination of defamatory content, fake news and personal data. Justified on the grounds of institutional stability, the measure has reignited the debate between digital regulation and civil liberties. Click here for full story
Kenya launches digital platforms to close Africa’s trade execution gap 🇰🇪 🌍
Kenya has unveiled BiasharaLink and Deal House, two platforms aimed at transforming African embassies into business hubs. They aim to reduce the trade execution gap and accelerate the AfCFTA. The initiative focuses on digitalisation, SME inclusion and results-oriented diplomacy. Click here for full story
Ethiopia launches AI UniPod to become Africa’s next AI powerhouse 🤖 🇪🇹
Ethiopia has inaugurated AI UniPod, a national centre dedicated to artificial intelligence, in partnership with the UNDP. Part of the « Digital Ethiopia 2030 » strategy, the project aims to structure the AI ecosystem, train talent and strengthen the country’s technological sovereignty by 2030. Click here for full story
Galaxy Unpacked 2026: Samsung bets big on practical AI with the S26 ✨
Meta is making a big move: after Windows and macOS apps, it’s Messenger.com’s turn to bow out on 15 April 2026. Head to facebook.com/messages to chat on the web! Is this a strategy to boost Facebook and focus on WhatsApp/Threads? Your messaging habits are about to change… Click here for full story
WhatsApp Web finally adds voice and video calls—no phone required 📞
WhatsApp Web joins the fray: audio and video calls are gradually being rolled out! No more switching back and forth between the mobile or desktop app. Beta version available, with up to 32 participants in view, including screen sharing. Perfect for Linux and browser fans. A major step forward for smooth conversations. Teaser: your screen is about to ring ! Click here for full story
Apple swaps the keynote for an “Apple Experience” — and a new iPhone may be coming 🍏
Apple Podcasts adds full video support to compete with YouTube and Spotify 📺
Apple is finally enhancing Podcasts with a true video experience, so YouTube and Spotify no longer dominate the format. Smoother playback, offline viewing, new monetisation tools: an evolution that could change the way you follow your favourite shows. Click here for full story
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That’s it for this week. We wish you a good weekend and look forward to hearing from you in the comments.
TechGriot ✌🏾😁
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