Technology
Apps Installation Across Sub-Saharan Africa Increases 55%
By Adedapo Adesanya
The number of apps installed across sub-Saharan Africa increased by 55 per cent in 2020 compared with 2019, a report by AppsFlyer, a global attribution leader, has disclosed.
The organisation said in its report that over 30,000 different apps recorded more than 48 billion installations in the period under review.
In the report, AppsFlyer’s mobile marketing analytics noted that COVID-19 forced more people to be on their mobile devices this year, especially because of lockdown and phone users found solace in apps that enabled them to shop, play games, keep fit, stream or indulge in social networking.
In sub-Saharan Africa, key app trends throughout 2020 showed that there was a 93 per cent growth in in-app purchases between April and May 2020 in South Africa, driven by strict COVID-19 lockdown measures and better access to online stores. This is compared to a 43 per cent increase between September and November 2019.
Nigeria saw a 57 per cent increase in organic app installs (44 per cent in non-organic app installs) in 2020 compared to 2019.
The average number of purchases per user in South Africa in general retail apps increased by around 20 per cent between March and April.
An analysis of 27 billion app installs across 495 media networks and 14,000 apps revealed that Google was the best platform for driving performance for app marketers in Africa, while Facebook was the best platform for remarketing across Africa and the Middle East.
It was further shown that Google dominated on Android due to its leap in developing countries where the operating system dominates, while Facebook controls much of iOS.
Globally, summary trends from 2020 showed that mobile app marketers spent $74.6 billion globally in 2020 to drive users to install mobile apps, indicating a 30 per cent increase compared to 2019.
It was revealed that the number of app downloads increased by 33 per cent in 2020, compared to 25 per cent in 2019.
An analysis of 45 apps (mainly eCommerce, Finance, Media & Entertainment, and Food & Drink) found that the number of app installs with a preceding visit to the brand’s website has almost doubled this year.
Speaking on the app trends for the year, the MD Latam & Africa, AppsFlyer, Mr Daniel Junowicz, commented: “Africa’s mobile-first economy has been one of the key markets that has shifted quickly to digital in recent years. Brands here understand more than any other region that mobile needs to be at the forefront of their business activity.
“Looking ahead to 2021, the signs look positive for SMEs looking to acquire more customers through their mobile devices.
“2020 was a challenging year globally for all businesses but with more users seeking to conduct numerous activities on their mobile devices, marketers need to meet consumers where they are to drive sales and mimic the in-person experience as some physical activities increasingly become digital experiences.”
Technology
Building Mods in Minecraft (And Where to Talk About Them)
Vanilla building is fine. But after your tenth dirt house, you want more.
That’s where a minecraft building mod comes in. More blocks. Better tools. Fancy features.
Here’s what actually helps.
What Is a Building Mod Minecraft?
A building mod minecraft is just… a mod for building. Adds new blocks. New ways to place them. Sometimes entire new mechanics.
Could be as simple as more colors of concrete. Could be as complex as machinery that builds for you.
Some popular ones:
- Chisels & Bits — lets you carve blocks into tiny pieces
- Create — gears, contraptions, moving parts
- MrCrayfish’s Furniture Mod — couches, tables, kitchen stuff
I use Chisels & Bits for detailed work. Create cool moving doors. Furniture mod for interiors.

Why Use Minecraft Building Mods?
Vanilla has limits. 16 colors of wool. Basic stairs. No furniture.
Minecraft building mods break those limits. Suddenly you have:
- Slopes and curves (not just blocks)
- Furniture that actually looks like furniture
- Micro-blocks for tiny details
- Schematics — copy and paste builds
It’s not cheating. It’s just more options.
But fair warning — mods can lag. Especially on weak computers. And servers need to install them too.
Finding Good Mods
CurseForge is the main spot. Also Modrinth. Both have tons of minecraft building mods.
Here’s how I pick:
- Check downloads. More downloads usually means it works
- Read recent comments. If people say “crashes on 1.20” — skip it
- Look at screenshots. Does it actually look good?
- Check the last update. Abandoned mods break on new versions
I avoid anything that hasn’t been updated in a year. Minecraft changes. Old mods die.
Installing Stuff
You need a mod loader. Forge or Fabric. Pick one.
Some mods support multiple loaders, but many are made specifically for Forge, NeoForge, or Fabric. Always check before downloading.
Steps:
- Install Forge or Fabric
- Download the mod .jar file
- Drop it in the mods folder
- Launch the game
- Done
If it crashes, you probably got the wrong version. Or missed a required library. Read the error. Google it. Fix it.
My Favorite Builds With Mods
Last month I made a working elevator with Create. Gears, pulleys, the whole thing. It took three hours. Broke five times. Worth it.
Also built a modern house with furniture mods. Couch, TV, kitchen sink. Actually, it looked like a real house. Not a dirt box with windows.
And a castle with Chisels & Bits. Carved stone faces into the walls. Tiny details you can’t do in vanilla.
That’s the thing — minecraft building mods let you make stuff that actually looks good. Without being a god-tier builder.

The Community Side
Building alone is fine. But showing people? Better.
I post on Reddit sometimes. r/feedthebeast for modded builds. r/Minecraftbuilds for anything.
But the real talk happens in Discord servers. Specific mod communities. Or general minecraft hosting discussion for communities where people share server ideas.
That’s where you find modpack recommendations. Troubleshooting help. People to play with.
Hosting Modded Servers
Want everyone in the same world? Then you’ll need a server for that. And modded servers are heavier than vanilla.
More mods = more RAM. More CPU. More potential crashes.
That’s why minecraft hosting discussion for communities matters. People share which hosts actually handle modpacks well.
Some hosts advertise “mod support” but lag with 5 mods. Others run 200 mods smoothly. Real user reviews tell the truth.
What to ask:
- How much RAM for my modpack?
- SSD or HDD? (SSD, always)
- Do they help with mod setup?
- What’s their actual uptime?
Common Mod Problems
I’ve hit all of these.
Version mismatch. Mod is for 1.19, you’re on 1.20. Crash.
Missing dependency. Mod needs another mod to work. Read the description. Install the required stuff.
Conflicting mods. Two mods change the same thing. Hard to fix. Remove one.
Server-client mismatch. You have mods the server doesn’t. Or vice versa. Exact same mod list on both sides. Every time.
Lag. Too many mods. Or one bad mod. Test by removing half. See if lag stops. Repeat.
Modpacks vs Individual Mods
Downloading mods one by one sucks. You forget dependencies. Version mix. Headache.
Modpacks fix this. Curated collections. Everything tested together. One download.
Examples:
- FTB Academy — teaches mods gradually
- All the Mods — huge collection, everything included
- Create: Above and Beyond — focused on Create mod with progression
I use modpacks for multiplayer. Individual mods for single player when I want specific stuff.
The Future of Building Mods
1.21 changed some things. New block formats. Mods had to adapt.
But the community is fast. Most popular minecraft building mods updated within weeks.
NeoForge vs Forge split affects things too. Some mods only support one. Check before you install anything.
Fabric is lightweight and full of performance mods, while Forge and NeoForge still support many of the biggest content-heavy modpacks.
Bottom Line
Building in vanilla is fine. But a good building mod minecraft makes it way better. More blocks. More detail. More fun.
Find mods on CurseForge. Test them. See what fits your style.
Join minecraft hosting discussion for communities if you need server advice. Real people, real experience. That’s it. Go download something and build weird stuff.
Technology
The Best AI Face Swap Tools in 2026: A Complete Guide
The Rise of AI Face Swap Technology
AI face swap technology has evolved from a novelty into a powerful creative tool. What once required professional video editing software and hours of manual work can now be done in seconds with a single click. Fueled by advances in deep learning and generative AI, face swap tools have become remarkably realistic and accessible. By 2026, millions of content creators, marketers, filmmakers, and everyday users rely on these tools for entertainment, business, and personal projects. As the technology matures, choosing the right tool has never been more important — or more competitive.
How to Use AI Face Swap in Your Work and Daily Life
AI face swap tools are no longer just for fun — they’re reshaping how we work and communicate:
- Content Creation & Social Media: Swap faces to create viral memes, funny videos, or personalized content that drives engagement on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
- Marketing & Advertising: Brands use face swap to localize ad campaigns by replacing models with regional faces, saving time and budget on reshoots.
- Film & Video Production: Indie filmmakers use AI face swap for de-aging effects, stunt doubles, or recreating scenes without expensive CGI.
- E-Commerce & Fashion: Virtual try-on experiences let shoppers see how they’d look in different outfits or hairstyles.
- Personal Fun: Swap your face onto movie characters, historical figures, or your favorite celebrities for entertaining social content.
- Education & Training: Create realistic training simulations or educational videos with customized faces.
How to Judge a Good AI Face Swap Tool
Not all face swap tools are created equal. Here’s what to look for:
- Realism & Quality: Smooth blending, accurate skin tone matching, and consistent lighting.
- Speed: Results in seconds, not minutes.
- Ease of Use: An intuitive interface for non-technical users.
- Privacy & Security: Clear data policy — no storing images without consent.
- Multi-Format Support: Handles photos, videos, and real-time swaps.
- Customization Options: Fine-tuning for expression, angle, and lighting.
- Pricing & Value: Transparent pricing with a free tier or trial.
Part 4: Top 5 AI Face Swap Tools in 2026
🥇 1. Easemate — Best Overall Pick
Website: https://www.easemate.ai/

🔑 Key Features: Supports photo & video face swapping with real-time preview, batch processing, automatic skin tone matching, intelligent lighting adjustment, and multi-face detection for group photos. Privacy-first design — images are never stored without consent.
✅ Pros: Exceptional realism with accurate edge detection and shadow rendering. Lightning-fast even for HD video. Beginner-friendly interface with zero technical knowledge required. Flexible, affordable pricing for individuals and teams. Strong privacy policy for peace of mind.
❌ Cons: Batch video processing and 4K export require a paid plan.
2. DeepFaceLab — Best for Advanced Users & Filmmakers

🔑 Key Features: Deep neural network-based swaps with full control over face alignment, blending modes, mask refinement, and custom model training on personal datasets.
✅ Pros: Completely free and open-source. Unmatched customization for experienced users. Huge active community with tutorials and pre-trained models. Ideal for long-form video and cinematic-quality projects.
❌ Cons: Steep learning curve, requires high-performance GPU, no cloud version.
3. Reface — Best for Fun & Social Media
🔑 Key Features: Mobile-first app with a massive library of celebrity clips, movie scenes, GIFs, and meme templates. Real-time facial landmark mapping and one-tap social sharing to Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp.
✅ Pros: Extremely easy to use — just take a selfie and pick a template. Library updated regularly with trending pop culture content. Perfect for casual entertainment and viral social content.
❌ Cons: Mobile only; not suitable for professional or high-resolution output.
4. FaceSwapper.ai — Best for Quick, No-Fuss Photo Swaps
🔑 Key Features: Browser-based, one-click photo face swap with no account required. Supports JPG, PNG, and WEBP formats. Developer-friendly API for app integration and automated workflows.
✅ Pros: Zero-signup experience — incredibly accessible for one-off tasks. Fast, straightforward, and frictionless. Robust API for developers needing programmatic access.
❌ Cons: Limited video support and fewer customization options. Best for simple, single-image use cases.
5. Vidnoz AI — Best All-in-One Video Platform
🔑 Key Features: Full video creation suite including face swap, AI avatar generation, text-to-video, voice cloning, lip-sync dubbing, and multilingual video translation. Face swap integrates seamlessly with the broader production workflow.
✅ Pros: Outstanding value as a multi-function platform. Solid video output quality with regular improvements. Generous free tier available. Great for businesses producing localized or multilingual video content at scale.
❌ Cons: Face swap is a secondary feature — lacks the depth and advanced controls of dedicated tools.
Part 5: Conclusion
AI face swap in 2026 is smarter and more accessible than ever. Among all options, Easemate stands out as the best all-around choice — combining professional-grade quality with an effortless experience and a privacy-first approach. Start with Easemate today.
Part 6: FAQ
Q1: Is AI face swap legal?
Yes, for personal and creative use. Using it for deception or non-consensual imagery is illegal in many jurisdictions.
Q2: Is Easemate free?
It offers a free tier; premium plans unlock batch processing and high-res video output.
Q3: Can these tools work on videos?
Yes — Easemate, DeepFaceLab, and Vidnoz AI all support video face swapping.
Q4: How do I protect my privacy?
Choose platforms with clear privacy policies. Easemate is known for its privacy-first approach.
Q5: Photo vs. video face swap — what’s the difference?
Photo swap is faster and simpler. Video requires frame-by-frame processing but delivers more impressive results.
Q6: Do I need technical skills?
Not at all! Tools like Easemate are designed for everyday users — just upload and let the AI handle the rest.
Technology
Nigeria Jumps to 38th Globally, Tops Africa in Responsible AI Index
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria has emerged as Africa’s highest-ranked country in the latest Global Index on Responsible AI (GIRAI), climbing 42 places globally in just two years.
Nigeria rose from 80th globally in 2024 to 38th in the world with a score of 45.93.
The GIRIA ranking boosts Nigeria’s appeal as a destination for AI talent, innovation and investment.
According to the Cape Town-based independent research and policy think tank, the ranking is one of the world’s most comprehensive assessments of responsible AI. It evaluates 135 countries across five pillars: inclusion and diversity, ethics and sustainability, labour and skills, trust and safety, and AI use in public services.
Despite that rapid adoption, the report found that public governance capacity remains weak. Average GIRAI scores stand at only about 35 out of 100 globally, while evidence of implementation exists in just 55 per cent of countries with responsible AI frameworks, dropping to 45% across the Global South.
Nigeria’s rise reflects deliberate policy efforts to strengthen its AI ecosystem.
According to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani, the government has accelerated work on its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS), expanded digital public infrastructure, invested in digital skills, developed governance frameworks for emerging technologies, and strengthened international partnerships to ensure AI is deployed responsibly.
“This recognition is a testament to Nigeria’s deliberate efforts to build an AI ecosystem that is inclusive, responsible, and aligned with our development priorities,” he said.
“We believe that Africa must not only participate in the AI revolution but also contribute meaningfully to shaping how these technologies are governed and deployed globally.
“Our focus remains on creating the infrastructure, talent, and policy environment that will enable AI to deliver real value for our people and support President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy,” he added.
The report identified Nigeria as a global “Bright Spot” for combining AI skills development with safeguards for children and vulnerable groups.
The index noted that Nigeria is among the few African countries that have attempted to simultaneously prepare citizens for an AI-driven future while strengthening protections against the risks posed by emerging technologies.
It highlighted the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which mandates AI literacy programmes, teacher training and broader capacity-building initiatives across the country.
The report also cited the Federal Government’s flagship 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme for delivering structured AI and machine learning training through a hybrid model designed to reach young people nationwide.
In terms of regulation, GIRAI recognised the Nigeria Data Protection Act and the General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID) 2025 for introducing enhanced safeguards for children’s personal data, including parental consent requirements and restrictions on decisions based solely on automated processing.
The report said these initiatives position Nigeria as an example of how governments can pursue AI adoption without overlooking digital rights and citizen protection.


