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WEDNESDAY, 21 JANUARY 2026, 02:56

South Africa

South African Startup Launches AI Platform to Improve Road Safety, Fleet Efficiency

Yesterday at 20:24 PM, via iAfrica

A newly established South African startup has launched an artificial intelligence platform aimed at reshaping transportation and mobility across Africa, targeting infrastructure and safety challenges that often limit growth in emerging markets. Founded in late 2025, the company is developing digital tools designed to reduce vehicle breakdowns and road accidents in fast-growing urban areas....

South Africa

UNESCO, World Bank Urge African Policymakers to Prioritize Sustainable AI

Yesterday at 20:22 PM, via iAfrica

UNESCO and the World Bank convened senior information and communication technology policymakers from across Africa to examine technical and policy approaches for building more resource-efficient and sustainable artificial intelligence systems. The workshop, held Nov. 11 in Conakry, Guinea, brought together policymakers, regulators and industry leaders alongside experts from UNESCO and the World...

South Africa

“Small AI” Is Driving Africa’s Next Wave of Adoption

Yesterday at 20:20 PM, via iAfrica

Across Africa, artificial intelligence is increasingly being shaped not by billion-dollar data centers or massive compute budgets, but by the rise of “Small AI” — lightweight, mobile-friendly tools designed for affordability, accessibility and real-world use. This shift is helping African countries overcome longstanding barriers such as limited infrastructure, uneven connectivity and...

South Africa

AI Literacy Is Becoming a Baseline Skill in South Africa’s 2026 Job Market

Yesterday at 20:18 PM, via iAfrica

South Africa’s job market is shifting as artificial intelligence literacy becomes an expected workplace skill, even in roles not traditionally linked to technology. Rather than focusing on coding or specialist technical expertise, the change is centered on the ability to work alongside AI tools to improve productivity, decision-making and output. In 2026, that capability is […]

Sport

US opens priority visa appointment system for World Cup

Today at 02:05 AM, via BBC News

World Cup 2026 ticket holders can now access priority visa appointments for travel to the United States – but doubt remains whether fans from every country to have qualified will be able to enter.

Education

‘Crunch time’ on rising costs of Send provision in England, says thinktank

Today at 02:01 AM, via The Guardian

IFS says system failing to deliver for those who need it and ministers face stark choices with white paper imminent

The government is facing “crunch time” over the rising costs and failures of special needs education for children in England, according to a report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies.

The IFS said government spending on educating children with special needs would double between...

Education

Sudan: Minister of Infrastructure Underscores Al-Nilein University’s Role in Scientific Advancement Mo

Today at 01:10 AM, via AllAfrica

[SNA] – Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Seif Al-Nasr Haroun lauded Al-Nilein University’s leading role in keeping pace with scientific and technical progress, praising its swift rehabilitation of facilities damaged during the Rapid Support Forces militia rebellion. He reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to cooperate fully to enable the university to carry out its mission.

Entertainment

24 hours in pictures, 20 January 2026

Yesterday at 20:46 PM, via The Citizen

Through the lens: The Citizen’s Picture Editors select the best news photographs from South Africa and around the world.

Science/Tech

HHS Announces New Study of Cellphone Radiation and Health

Today at 02:02 AM, via Slashdot

An anonymous reader quotes a report from U.S. News & World Report: U.S. health officials plan a new study investigating whether radiation from cellphones may affect human health. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said the research will examine electromagnetic radiation and possible gaps in current science. The initiative stems from numerous concerns...

Science/Tech

UK Mulls Australia-Like Social Media Ban For Users Under 16

Today at 01:20 AM, via Slashdot

The UK government has launched a public consultation on whether to ban social media use for children under 16, drawing inspiration from Australia’s recently enacted age-based restrictions. “It would also explore how to enforce that limit, how to limit tech companies from being able to access children’s data and how to limit ‘infinite scrolling,’ as well as access to addictive online tools,”...

Science/Tech

Majority of CEOs Report Zero Payoff From AI Splurge

Today at 00:40 AM, via Slashdot

A PwC survey of more than 4,500 CEOs found that over half report no revenue growth or cost savings from their AI investments so far, despite massive spending. Of the 4,454 business leaders surveyed, only 12% saw both lower costs and higher revenue, while 56% saw neither benefit. “26% saw reduced costs, but nearly as many experienced cost increases,” adds The Register. From the report: AI...