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This week, technology moves into the personal and the everyday alike: some Cameroonians are confiding in AI, while others describe how mail went from days of waiting to seconds. Two WhatsApp rumors, about BEAC coins and fake 25, 50 and 100 FCFA banknotes, show how misinformation shapes behavior. Elsewhere, Togo teaches AI its languages, Zambia tracks its medicines, Côte d’Ivoire watches its forests and Rwanda trains cyber defenders. Finally, China tightens its AI export rules and Unitree unveils a guard robot. Happy reading, and happy #TechFriday!
People are telling AI their heartbreaks, and the risks are real 🤖💬
In Cameroon, some people turn to artificial intelligence to express their emotions, manage conflicts or seek advice. Whilst this practice helps people organise their thoughts, it raises questions about the reliability of the responses, data privacy and the role of human relationships. Click here for full story
From days in the mail to seconds on WhatsApp: how Cameroonians send documents now 📩🇨🇲
In Cameroon, the way documents are sent has changed with the advent of the internet and smartphones. WhatsApp and email now make it possible to send files quickly for study, work or family matters. Despite this speed, the postal service remains useful when originals or physical documents are required. Click here for full story
How a WhatsApp rumor got valid Cameroonian coins rejected before the BEAC deadline 🇨🇲💰
The announcement regarding the withdrawal from circulation of certain old BEAC coins has been misrepresented on social media. In Cameroon, coins that are still legal tender are already being refused in everyday transactions, highlighting the growing impact of online misinformation on everyday behaviour. Click here for full story
No, Cameroon isn’t printing 25, 50 and 100 FCFA banknotes: the BEAC says it’s fake 🇨🇲📱
Voix du Togo: the plan to bring public services into local languages 🇹🇬🤖
Togo, with the support of the UNDP, is developing ‘Voix du Togo’, an artificial intelligence programme initially focusing on Kabyè, Ewé and Moba. Thanks to contributions from speakers, the project aims to incorporate around 50 national languages to make public services more accessible. Click here for full story
Zambia wants to track every medicine pack from factory to patient 🇿🇲💊
Zambia is introducing a medicines traceability system based on barcodes, serial numbers and distinctive security labels. From May 2027, medicines without a valid label will be banned from the market, in order to curb diversion and illegal sales. Click here for full story
Côte d’Ivoire signs AI deal with TerraKora to monitor forests, cocoa and carbon 🌳🇨🇮
Côte d’Ivoire has signed a two-year agreement with TerraKora AI to monitor its forests using artificial intelligence, satellite data and field observations. The scheme aims to combat deforestation, improve agricultural traceability and facilitate access to carbon finance. Click here for full story
Rwanda taps MTN and Airtel to train its next generation of cyber defenders 🇷🇼💻
Rwanda is stepping up cybersecurity training through partnerships between the NCSA, MTN Rwanda and Airtel Rwanda. The agreements provide for work placements and practical training to align learners’ skills with the needs of businesses, against a backdrop of a shortage of qualified specialists. Click here for full story
From LLMs to compute clusters: inside China’s draft plan to control AI exports 🤖🌏
Unitree’s H2-X guard robot jumps four meters, but a stunt reel isn’t security 🤖💂
Chinese manufacturer Unitree has unveiled the H2-X Fu Legend Guardian, a humanoid robot capable of performing a series of kung fu moves, jumping four metres and lifting a car. With no price or release date announced, the model raises questions about its reliability and safety. 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 ✌🏾😁
