Kenya has set a timeline for the publication of its national Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy, targeting May 2025. This move comes in response to the increasing adoption of AI technologies among Kenyans and follows earlier efforts to combat the spread of AI-driven misinformation in the country. Kenya will join several other African countries, including Algeria, Senegal, and Egypt, that have defined regulatory frameworks for AI.

In related news, Canal+, the French broadcasting giant, has extended the deadline to finalize its takeover of South Africa's MultiChoice from April 8, 2025, to October 8, 2025. This extension allows more time to set up a licensing company (LicenceCo) that complies with South Africa's foreign ownership laws, a key requirement for the deal's approval. Canal+ has had its sights on MultiChoice for years, viewing the pay-TV group as its most effective gateway into Africa, thanks to its operations across multiple countries.

The transaction was initially expected to close by April 2025, but regulatory hurdles, particularly South Africa's broadcasting ownership laws, slowed progress. The process was further complicated by Canal+'s separation from its former parent company, Vivendi, in December 2024, which led to its independent listing on the London Stock Exchange. Despite these challenges, the extension confirms Canal+'s commitment to acquiring MultiChoice under its new corporate structure.

To comply with South African regulations, a new entity, LicenceCo, will be established to hold the country's pay-TV licence and manage DStv subscribers. It will be controlled by South African stakeholders, including Phuthuma Nathi, Identity Partners, Itai Consortium, Afrifund Consortium, and a Workers' Trust. Meanwhile, MultiChoice Group will shift from being a broadcaster to functioning solely as a video content supplier.

Acquiring MultiChoice is a strategic move for Canal+, which aims to expand its influence in Africa's fast-growing media market. MultiChoice is the largest pay-TV provider on the continent; an acquisition will strengthen Canal+'s position in both traditional and streaming services, helping it compete with global streaming giants with a target of 100 million subscribers.

The full licensing and broadcasting takeover could bring increased investment in local content, improved streaming options, and potentially more competitive pricing. However, regulatory scrutiny and local content requirements will shape how Canal+ operates in the region.

In other tech news, Kenya's push to tax cryptocurrency transactions through a 3% Digital Asset Tax (DAT) has drawn more criticism from industry stakeholders. They argue that the challenges of taxing crypto extend beyond just setting a percentage. The approach Kenya is taking appears rushed and risks alienating key industry players.

Additionally, M-PESA, a leading mobile money service, has introduced a simple tweak to its transaction confirmation feature, Hakikisha, which has slashed daily reversal requests from 12,000 to 4,000. The impact extends beyond M-PESA, with Kenyan banks and rival mobile money services adopting similar verification steps to curb misdirected payments.

These developments highlight the rapidly evolving tech landscape in Africa, with countries and companies alike navigating the complexities of AI, media, and fintech regulations. As the continent continues to grow and innovate, it will be crucial to monitor these trends and their implications for the region's economic and social development.