By first linking their PayPal and M-PESA wallets, users can easily transfer funds from their PayPal accounts into their M-PESA wallets, and vice versa. This service is designed to enhance the experience for customers and businesses transacting between the two platforms. The solution is currently available to Safaricom M-PESA customers in Kenya, with plans to roll out the service to the other M-PESA markets in the future.

What Happens to the Old Paypal-mobilemoney.com/m-pesa?

The old PayPal to M-Pesa portal operated by Thunes will be discontinued on 16th August 2025 as a notification on the main website states. You are now required to directly link your PayPal account through the MPESA app, enabling you to transfer money in real-time.

“As globalization and digitization continue to reshape how people and businesses connect, our partnership with PayPal is a bold step forward in enabling seamless, worry-free, safe, secure, and inclusive digital payments. This collaboration empowers over thirty-five million customers and two million businesses and micro-entrepreneurs across Kenya to participate in the global digital economy by conveniently sending and receiving payments across more than 200 markets. It’s part of our commitment to unlocking opportunities and transforming lives through the power of M-PESA,” said Esther Waititu, Chief Financial Services Officer, Safaricom PLC.

“Building seamless connections between the global economy and local financial ecosystems is crucial to expanding digital financial inclusion,” said Otto Williams, Regional Head and General Manager for the Middle East and Africa, PayPal. “We are thrilled to enable millions of M-PESA’s customers across Africa connect more easily to PayPal’s international customer base.”

For 18 years, M-PESA has driven financial inclusion and bridged the digital divide. With M-PESA Kadogo, introduced in 2016, Safaricom waived fees for transactions of Kshs 100 and below, making digital payments more accessible. Now, through Ziidi MMF, customers can invest from as little as Kshs 100, promoting a culture of saving and financial wellness.

The partnership will tap into the emergence and growing popularity of the gig economy, that has seen a rise among Africans accepting online jobs for clients across the world.

It equally marks a growing trend of interoperability between fintech providers with a goal of providing customers with a digital financial ecosystem that meets their needs by combining different capabilities. 

PayPal is a leading global payment processor with more than 400 million active PayPal accounts operating across 200 markets, while M-PESA is Africa’s leading mobile money service connecting more than 50 million customers across Africa, 2 million businesses and micro traders, with more than $1.1 billion transacted daily.

EDITOR’s NOTE: Part of this story is from an official press release shared with the Tech Point Magazine team.

TECNO, the global technology leader has unveiled its vision for a more connected, personalized and intelligent future. At this event held in Uganda, TECNO launched an AI-powered ecosystem consisting of a series of flagship smartphones, laptops, PCs, tablets, headphones, and gaming devices that are set to transform personal and work experiences.

At the heart of the intelligent ecosystem is a commitment to offer African consumers more connected and personalized work and life experiences. This means going beyond the smartphone to provide a complete range of consumer electronics.

The flagship smartphones PHANTOM V Fold2 5G and PHANTOM V Flip5G deliver an enhanced work-play experience with its foldable design and cutting-edge AI features, while the CAMON 30S and SPARK 30Series bring AI-enhanced photography and stylish designs for a wide range of users. For professionals, the MEGABOOK T16 Series laptops offer top-tier performance and AI tools to boost productivity. The ecosystem also includes the Pocket Go handheld gaming device, the innovative Dynamic 1 Robotic Dog, the MEGA MINI Gaming G1 water-cooled mini PC, the MEGAPAD 10 tablet, and Sonic 2 noise-canceling earbuds.

“When we saw AI had the potential to be a true leveling force which everyone should benefit from, we knew we had to make sure everyone got the chance to experience AI. Our approach is to deliver ‘Practical AI’, where new features integrate seamlessly into daily life to truly help consumers, improve their quality of life and make everyday tasks simpler”,said Timmy Shen. “The technology we unveiled today represents not just a product launch, but a promise to innovation and progress; to bring the future closer and eliminate the digital divide.”

The impressive product lineup showcases TECNO’s comprehensive innovation across hardware and software, with breakthroughs in areas such as productivity, creativity, connectivity, photography, performance, and design, delivering smarter, more connected experiences for users.

Innovation in productivity and creativity

TECNO’s new product range leverages AI to enhance productivity and creativity. The Ella AI Assistant, built on Google Gemini, offers text generation and creative tools. Other key AI features include Smart Q&A, AI Writing, AI Search, AI Artboard, and AI Video Production, all designed to streamline tasks and enrich everyday experiences.

Innovation in connectivity

TECNO products offer advanced connectivity features that ensure seamless communication and interaction. Looking specifically at the African market, where over a billion people speak more than a thousand languages, the Ella AI Assistant enables real-time call translation, breaking down language barriers. AI-enhanced tools such as and AI Translation provide smooth, integrated experiences, ensuring users stay connected and productive wherever they are.

Innovation in photography

TECNO sets new standards for mobile photography. The PHANTOM V Fold2 5G boasts a 5-lens camera system with ultra-clear low-light shooting and professional portrait features like Universal Tone for accurate skin tones. The CAMON 30S features a 50 MP Sony IMX890 OIS main camera with AI-enhanced landscape, night, and portrait photography, making every shot stand out.

Innovation in performance

TECNO devices deliver outstanding performance for both work and play. The PHANTOM V Fold2 5G features a 120Hz display, a 5750mAh battery, and 70W Ultra Charge technology for all-day use. The MEGABOOK T16 Series laptops are equipped with Intel Core Ultra processors, advanced cooling systems, and large batteries, ensuring peak performance in any setting.

Innovation in design

TECNO continues to push design boundaries with sleek, functional devices. The PHANTOM V Fold2 5G’s foldable design provides a premium feel and enhances usability, while the CAMON 30S stands out with its 6.78” AMOLED curved screen, offering a vibrant, immersive display experience.

This highly anticipated event will showcase a range of AI-driven products, including the flagship smartphone PHANTOM V Fold2 5G, the CAMON 30S, SPARK 30 Series, and the MEGABOOK T16 laptops, together with other cutting-edge devices.

Each of the anticipated devices is crafted to deliver exceptional performance, intuitive AI features, and sleek designs to potentially match the market demands.

At the heart of the launch is TECNO’s commitment to providing more connected, personalized experiences for African consumers. The ecosystem goes beyond smartphones, offering a complete suite of devices that leverage AI to enhance productivity, creativity, and connectivity. From real-time language translation to AI-powered photography, TECNO’s new offerings are designed to meet the unique needs of Africa’s diverse market.

EDITOR’s NOTE: Part of this story is from an official press release shared with the Tech Point Magazine team.

With the previous iterations of the NOTE series being a huge success, Infinix-brand users are eagerly speculating about the potential features and upgrades that this new device might bring. While details remain scarce, the epitome of power, style, and innovation rumors surrounding the Infinix NOTE 30 leave you in awe.

Powerful Charging Capabilities: Sources suggest that the NOTE 30 series may come equipped with an astonishing 68W Thunder Charge and 15W wireless charging technology. If these rumors hold true, charging your device will be lightning fast, ensuring you can stay connected and powered up throughout the day.

Expanded Storage and Memory: The Infinix NOTE 30 series is rumored to offer a significant boost in storage capacity. Sources hint at a spacious 256GB internal storage, allowing users to store their favorite photos, videos, and apps without worrying about running out of space. Additionally, there might be a generous 16GB extended RAM via memory fusion to ensure smooth multitasking and effortless performance.

Advanced Camera System: Photography enthusiasts are in for a treat with the Infinix NOTE30 series. According to rumors, it may feature a powerful 108MP Master Triple Camera setup. This upgrade would enable users to capture stunning, high-resolution images with exceptional clarity and detail, giving them the ability to unleash their creativity like never before.

Cutting-Edge Processor and Software: The Infinix NOTE 30 series is speculated to come with the Helio G99 Ultra power processor, offering unparalleled performance and efficiency. Additionally, it is rumored to run on the latest Android 13 operating system, providing users with a smooth and intuitive user experience.

Immersive Display Experience: If the rumors are true, the Infinix NOTE 30 might sport a 120Hz 1080P 6.78″ Super Bright Display. This feature promises to deliver a visual extravaganza, with vibrant colors and stunning visuals that will bring your content to life.

While these rumors are certainly exciting but as we eagerly await more information, one thing is clear – the Infinix NOTE30series have the potential to be a game-changer, pushing the boundaries of what a smartphone can do and will come in 3 different models.

Keep an eye out for official announcements from Infinix, as they unveil the details about the highly anticipated NOTE 30 series. Until then, let’s embrace the excitement and anticipation that comes with the latest rumors in the tech world.

EDITOR’s NOTE: Part of this story is from an official press release shared with the Tech Point Magazine team.

Mostly it’s important to get a free TECNO, Infinix, or Itel Smartphone on loan if you are upgrading from a feature phone. Either way, if you have a smart feature phone like the MTN Kamunye, you may wish to upgrade to the world of touching icons on a 6-inch sized screen.

Well, this is possible through new ventures such as the recent TAKE Now partnership with MTN Uganda to offer TECNO and Infinix smartphones on loan. Inside the partnership, you simply fill in the necessary paperwork at a service center to receive a boxed Spark or Infinx Hot series smartphone.

Best ways to Get a Free TECNO, Infinix, or Itel Smartphone on loan

1. Visit a VIP SHOP

Officially, TECNO and Infinix offer smartphones on loan if you visit any VIP shop across Uganda. Mostly, these shops are fully branded a single brand such as Infinix and you simply notify any of the sales agents that you wish to get a smartphone, but pay back later to receive the necessary support. To get a device, make sure you have the following:

• A Valid National ID Card
• The Minimum Deposit Balance. Amount varies depending on the smartphone.

2. Visit an MTN Service Center and Sign the necessary paperwork

In partnership with TakeNow, MTN Uganda now offers smartphones on loan to all eligible customers. Aside from the MTN Kabode Supa, you can now get a free TECNO, Infinix, or Itel Smartphone on loan and pay back later from any MTN service center.

However, just like the official VIP shop offers, you are required to have a down deposit in order to get a smartphone of your choice. More so, you are required to pay the balance in 6 months without fail inorder to keep the device functioning with the monthly installations below:

Upon paying the initial payment deposit for your desired smartphone, you are required to have the following in order to receive your device.

• A Valid National ID
• An active MTN Uganda SIMCard

Conclusion

If you don’t have a smartphone, you have little to no excuses for not having one in Uganda. You can get a free TECNO, Infinix, or Itel Smartphone on loan and pay back later on your own pace. This helps you avoid the hustle and getting a full amount to pay for the smartphone at once.

Editor’s Note: As explained in this article, FREE does not mean 0/= or 0 USD. But rather the free will to acquire a smartphone and pay its full amount later.

The commands discussed in this article are essential for navigating and managing files on your Linux system. By practicing these top 5 basic Linux commands, you will be able to execute regular tasks like a professional user.

Within the wide array of beginner Linux commands, ls, cd, pwd,mkdir, and rm are the top 5 Linux commands you should know as a beginner or intermediate user to carry out terminal operations on your Linux powered system as explained below.

The Top 5 basic Linux commands you need

ls – List

The ls command list the files and directories in your current working directory.  The current working directory is your present cursor position in the file system. By default, it is set to your home directory ~.

$ ls

When you enter ls in the terminal, a list of all available files and directories display in alphabetical order. The command is essential for navigating and finding files easily, and you can also extend it by showing file sizes as described below.

Long list files with sizes in bytes.

$ ls -l

Long list files with sizes in Megabytes

$ ls -lh

For more information about the ls command, simply read it’s manual by running the following command.

$ man ls

cd – Change Directory

The cd command is used to change your current working directory by switching to a subdirectory, or to your home directory when run without any argument. It helps you switch to any directory on your system. For example, to switch to your Downloads folder, simply run:

$ cd Downloads

Please note that Linux directories and files are case-sensitive, so, Downloads and downloads are interpreted as two separate directories. For clarity, run the following command to switch to the Documents directory if it’s available in your home directory.

$ cd Documents

So, the cd command is important for moving around in the file system and accessing different directories on your Linux system. When you run the command directly as below, it will switch your position to the home directory.

$ cd

For more information about the cd command, view its manual as below:

$ man cd

pwd – Print working directory

pwd displays your current working directory path. It’s a simple yet very essential command that helps you keep track of where you are in the file system. For examole, when you use the cd command, you can switch to different directories. But to know the current path from your main directory, the pwd helps you print the position as below.

$ pwd

Output:

/home/user/myfiles

The pwd command supports several arguments, to find out more on the command, view its manual as below.

$ man pwd

mkdir – Make directory

If you want to create a new directory or a new subdirectory within a main directory, the mkdir command helps you achieve that. You can either create a directory path away from your current position, or simply add it to your current working directory as below.

Syntax

$ mkdir [option] directory-name

Example

$ mkdir -p myfiles

To create a directory using a path, run the following command as long as your account has write privileges to the destination directory.

$ mkdir ~/Documents/myfiles/hello-directory

mkdir is a very important command you can use to organizing files and keeping your file system tidy. For more about the mkdir command, view additional info as below.

$ info mkdir

rm – Remove

rm just like the name sounds gets rid of any files and directories you no longer need. Unlike desktop deleting options, when you remove files using the rm command, they are permanently deleted, and you can use the command as below.

Syntax

$ rm <option> file

Remove a single file. For example hello.txt.

$ rm hello.txt

To remove a directory, use the command recursively with the -r argument as below.

$ rm -r myfiles

To delete everything within your current directory, run the command as below.

$ rm -r *

For more information about the rm command, please view its manual with the following command.

$ man rm

Conclusion

You have learned some of the best top 5 Linux commands every beginner or intermediate user should know. You don’t need to be an expert or developer to use the Linux operating system, you simply need to have commands ready at your finger tips to perform most operations.

To extend your ability, you can use the best Linux commands for system management that entail more commands to automate and execute tasks on your system.

In the early days of its rollout, StarTimes packages and prices in Uganda became available in all parts of the country including remote areas such as the Karamoja region. In some of these areas, Analog signals are hard to receive on TV sets, and the use of a StarTimes decoder offers digital coverage within the same areas.

In comparison to other PayTV services in the same class such as Azam, Zuku, and GoTV, StarTimes packages and prices in Uganda are averagely ranked with improvements shipped in per year.

By pricing, the lowest StarTimes package is priced at UGX 13,500, and the highest click at UGX 30,000 as the monthly recharge fees for Antenna decoders. If you have a StarTimes dish in Uganda, then, the prices change, and more packages are available starting from UGX 15,000 to UGX 80,000 as illustrated in this article.

The StarTimes Packages and Prices in Uganda

StarTimes packages and prices in Uganda are ranked in two categories depending on your receiving decoder, the Antenna decoder, and the StarTimes satellite dish decoder. Both offer different packages and prices as listed below.

StarTimes Antenna Decoder

StarTimes Satellite Dish Decoder

How to Watch StarTimes for free in Uganda

StarTimes has active partnerships with MTN and Airtel, through these, you can watch StarTimes for free in Uganda using your smartphone. This is achievable through the StarTimes ON App which is available on the Google Play store and Apple store.

To watch StarTimes for free in Uganda using the mobile application, simply contact a friend or family member with a decoder to share with you their account number. Enter the account number in the App, and start watching StarTimes content for free.

However, make sure your friend or decoder owner does not use the App as well, because if they do, your access is revoked, and you’ll need to buy a decoder to register again. Nonetheless, with the current StarTimes packages and prices in Uganda, you can recharge to any of your desired packages using MTN Mobile Money or Airtel Money.

As a basic rule of thumb, you can spike through from beginner to advanced by taking time to learn programming online for free. There are various resources available online that can help you launch your career straight from scratch.

Among these, Freecodecamp has garnered popularity in recent years, but W3Schools and Udemy continue to be good choices. Well, if you’re looking to learn programming online for free, below is a step-by-step guide on what you need and how you can get started.

Step 1: Choose your Focus programming language

Before you learn programming online for free, the very first step you need to consider is choosing a programming language to start with. Much as you may be interested in an array of development languages, you need to first focus on one programming language at a time.

There are many popular programming languages to choose from, for example, HTML + CSS, Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, C, Kotlin, Ruby, PHP, and others that may match your preferences.

Every programming language has its unique features and benefits. For instance, if you’re into Android development, you have to choose between Java and Kotlin. However, it’s recommended to start with a language that is easy to learn and has a large community you can get support in case of any bugs in your code.

Step 2: Find a Free Online Programming Course

With your preferred programming language well set in the chamber, it’s time to find online courses to start learning. Most crash courses range between 3 hours to 48 hours depending on the instructor, in some cases, some break down into 3 or more parts for easy follow-up.

There are many online courses you can select from, but what matters most is the course provider or target platform you may choose. Among the best platforms you can learn programming for free online include the following.

• W3Schools – HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, C++, Kotlin, PHP, C#
• FreeCodeCamp – Java, PHP, C++, Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS
• Learn Python – Python
• Cisco Skills for All – Python, JavaScript, Linux
• Youtube – All languages.
• ChatGPT – All languages.

Free, but with paid plans.

• Codecademy – HTML, Java, C++, C#, PHP, Rust, Python
• Udemy – HTML, Java, C++, C#, PHP, Rust, Python & all languages.
• Coursera – HTML, Java, C++, C#, PHP, Rust, Python, and all languages.
• edX – HTML, Java, C++, C#, PHP, Rust, Python and all languages.
• LinkedIn Learning (Free Trial) – All languages.

Depending on your preferences, we highly recommend W3 Schools as the best platform you can learn programming online for free, it does not have any hidden costs or payment plans, and offers trials when running code. Free Code Camp is another alternative that focuses on Video production as its main delivery mechanism.

Step 3: Practice makes perfect

Learning programming requires a lot of practice. You need to write a lot of code to become proficient in a language. Make sure you practice simple programs and gradually move on to more complex ones as you learn. You can find a lot of programming challenges and exercises that are offered in your course that can help you improve your programming skills.

Step 4: Join online developer communities

Joining online communities is a great way to connect with other programmers and get help when you need it. You can find many online communities dedicated to programming on platforms like Reddit, Stack Overflow, Quora, and GitHub.

Developer communities are great for asking questions, sharing your code, and getting feedback from other programmers when you find bugs in your code.

Step 5: Build Real-World projects

The era of building console applications that you can’t apply in real-world Apps is long gone. Now that you have advanced with a course of your choice, start building projects to apply your programming skills and learn more things on the go.

Build simple projects such as a calculator, or a to-do list application, then, gradually move on to more complex ones. You can find a lot of project ideas in developer communities you can work on, or simply fork and improve projects on GitHub.

Conclusion

When you learn programming online for free, it’s a great way to start your journey as a developer. By following the steps explained in this article, you can learn programming at your own pace and without spending any money on courses.

So, remember to choose a programming language you love, find a free course provider, practice a lot, join online developer communities, and try building real-world projects. With persistence and dedication, you can become a proficient programmer in no time. If there are any missing steps in this article, please share them in the comment section below.

The major causes of WhatsApp bans include using modified versions such as GBWhatsApp, FMWhatsApp, and TMWhatsApp. Also, having your account reported by multiple users as fraudulent attracts a WhatsApp ban to safeguard other users. In most cases, if you‘re using WhatsApp business, your account is closely tracked for violations.

Additionally, when someone blocks your number, WhatsApp often asks the user for a reason as to why they are blocking you. If multiple users block you and state the same reason, your account may get banned to save guard the privacy of others.

So, the best ways to avoid WhatsApp banning your account or suspending it for a good amount of time include the following listed below:

1. Keep your WhatsApp number in good books by refraining from getting blocked by many contacts or users for the same reasons.
2. Don’t over-register your WhatsApp account on different devices in different locations (Countries & ISPs) in a short time. This is possible if you’re using a bad VPN that’s deleting your Apps forcing you to re-register.
3. Avoid using WhatsApp web if you’re using a modded WhatsApp version like GBWhatsApp.
4. When using WhatsApp business, make sure you sell genuine products & services than looking like a fraud that may force users to report your account. If you’re selling hacked products, chances are high that you’ll be reported and banned on WhatsApp.
5. Use the original WhatsApp version. If you’re a fan of modded versions, then follow the steps below.

If you are using a modified version of WhatsApp such as GBWhatsApp, then, try your level best to refrain from the following:

• Forwarding so many messages at once.
• Posting of long statuses. For example, Videos with 7+ minutes.
• Activating the auto-reply function.
• Too much uninstalling and reinstalling of modded WhatsApp versions, and switching between mods. For example, switching from GBWhatsApp to TMWhatsApp and vice versa.
• Sharing unwanted messages, pictures, and videos in bulk.
• Deleting many people from a group continuously.
• Hiding Blue ticks and the second tick.

In conclusion, these are the best ways you can avoid WhatsApp banning your account. The good thing is that bans are often temporary and will not be permanent. But if you can avoid getting banned, try and keep in the good books since it will affect your number on other applications as well such as Facebook and Instagram.

In Kenya, you can enjoy local content on Maisha Magic, and broad African content that’s most ruled by Nigerian movies on Africa Magic channels. With sports as the key genre on DSTV, Soccer is the norm on most Supersport channels that are activated depending on your package.

The current DSTV Packages in Kenya range from Lite which offers the lowest number of channels to Premium which unlocks all channels offered on DSTV. Whether you love movies, or sports, or prefer cartoons, the current DSTV packages and prices in Kenya may suit your needs.

The Current DSTV Packages and Prices in Kenya

All DSTV Packages in Kenya including Lite, Access, Family, Compact, Compact Plus, and Premium are all priced differently based on the number of available channels as below.

On average, the base DSTV package offers at least 10+ HD channels while the rest are offered in standard quality. The same applies to all mid-priced packages like Access and Family which means high-quality channels contribute to the expensive price tag for Premium and Compact + packages.

When choosing any DSTV package in Kenya, consider its attached price tag to be clear of your monthly renewal fees, and plan your expenses better. And as a standard, the same DSTV packages are offered in other countries like Uganda, Nigeria, and South Africa where multichoice operates.