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Lyft and Baidu enter London’s robotaxi battleground as testing begins

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2 weeks ago

July 28, 2026

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Chinese tech giant Baidu has started testing autonomous vehicles in London as part of its partnership with Lyft and Freenow, the German taxi and multi-mobility app that Lyft now owns. Baidu is the latest in a string of companies to test self-driving technology in the UK ahead of commercial robotaxi deployments.

The testing, which began Tuesday with human safety operators, comes nearly a year after the two companies struck a strategic partnership to deploy Baidu’s purpose-built Apollo Go RT6 robotaxi across key European markets through the Lyft platform. The vehicles will eventually be available through Freenow, which Lyft acquired in 2025 for about $197 million.

That deal gave Lyft a foothold in Europe’s ride-hailing market, where a handful of well-funded companies are now jockeying to be first to market with robotaxis.

London is particular is shaping up to be a key battleground in the region. In April, Waymo began testing its autonomous vehicles with human safety operators in the city. Uber and its self-driving tech partner, Wayve, also announced plans to launch a robotaxi service in London this year. That initial service — which customers can now sign up for on an interest list — will have human safety operators behind the wheel before fully driverless operations begin later.

Baidu and Freenow by Lyft (as the latter service is now called) said they expect to invite the public to hail their robotaxis in 2027. The companies, which didn’t provide a more detailed timeline, noted that the launch will depend on regulatory approval.

For now, dozens of test vehicles will operate within London’s borough of Brent. Lyft and Freenow said they continue discussions with safety and city officials, including Transport for London (TfL) and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV). The UK government is in the process of creating autonomous vehicle regulations and opened applications in May for companies interested in an AV pilot program that lets companies test self-driving vehicles under government oversight.

When the service does launch, Freenow by Lyft said it will operate a hybrid network — employing the same language rival Uber has used — meaning human drivers operating taxis and private-hire vehicles will work alongside the robotaxis.

“As a platform with deep roots in the taxi industry, our priority is ensuring that autonomous technology supports the professional drivers who keep London moving,” Thomas Zimmermann, CEO of Freenow by Lyft, said in a statement.

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Related Topics:Baidu battleground Begins enter Londons Lyft robotaxi testing

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Motsepe Urges Calm as FIFA Crisis Deepens, Backs March 2027 Election

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1 hour ago

August 14, 2026

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WhatsApp Image 2025 11 20 at 12.26.16 PM.jpeg

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has called for calm and unity amid the growing crisis within world football’s governing body, insisting that the FIFA presidential election in March 2027 should provide the appropriate platform for members to determine the organisation’s direction.

Speaking in Salzburg around the UEFA Super Cup, Motsepe said the current disagreements should not descend into prolonged internal conflict, urging all sides to respect FIFA’s electoral and governance processes.

Read Also: ‘Africa Must Protect Its Interests’ — CAF’s Lux September Speaks on FIFA Crisis | Sports247 Nigeria

FIFA’s 211 member associations are expected to decide the organisation’s leadership at the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on March 18, 2027. Current president Gianni Infantino is seeking another term.

Motsepe maintained that the election should allow the various candidates and member associations to make their positions clear through the established democratic process rather than through continued public confrontation.

The CAF president also reiterated his support for Infantino, describing him as a leader who has shown commitment to African football.

“Gianni Infantino has been loyal to Africa and has shown a deep commitment to African development and growth.”

His comments come amid a major dispute over FIFA’s proposed Forward Enterprise, which involved plans for private investment in FIFA competitions and triggered strong opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF and other stakeholders. FIFA eventually abandoned the proposal after widespread criticism over transparency and the consultation process.

Motsepe said the current situation should instead encourage dialogue, cooperation and respect for due process.

Africa’s position could be particularly influential at the election because CAF’s 54 member associations represent the second-largest voting bloc in FIFA, behind UEFA’s 55.

With the FIFA presidential contest approaching, Motsepe’s position keeps CAF firmly aligned behind Infantino while other confederations continue to demand changes in FIFA’s leadership and governance.

Business

Guinea Insurance Positions for Next Growth Phase Following NAICOM Recapitalisation Approval

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2 hours ago

August 14, 2026

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BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—Emerging from National Insurance Commission, (NAICOM), sector-wide recapitalisation drive with a capital base exceeding ₦15 billion, Guinea Insurance Plc on Friday said its positioning itself for a major market transformation.

With NAICOM verification now completed, the non-life insurer plans to deploy its strengthened capital position toward underwriting larger corporate risks, expanding digital infrastructure, and competing more aggressively for market leadership within Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.

A statement released by the insurer noted that, recapitalisation is not the destination. It is the platform for growth.

The statement further said is now focused on converting its enhanced capital position into greater underwriting capacity, stronger customer propositions, improved service delivery, strategic partnerships and sustainable market growth.

Commenting on the development, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ademola Abidogun, said:

“Recapitalisation has given Guinea Insurance the strength to think bigger, compete harder and pursue opportunities with greater confidence. We have strengthened our capital; now we are focused on strengthening our position in the market.”

“Nigeria is a market of enormous opportunities, and Guinea Insurance intends to be at the forefront of capturing those opportunities. Whether it is supporting major corporates, SMEs, institutions or individuals, we are ready to provide the capacity, expertise and confidence that businesses need to grow.”

The completion of the recapitalisation also reinforces Guinea Insurance’s ambition to become a more competitive, innovative and customer-focused insurer, with increased capacity to participate in larger risks, develop relevant insurance solutions and deepen its relationships across the insurance value chain.

The Company will build on this stronger foundation through disciplined underwriting, technology and innovation, operational excellence, robust risk management and a relentless focus on customer experience.

It will also pursue strategic opportunities that expand its market reach and create sustainable value for shareholders and other stakeholders.

According to the Company, the objective is clear: to turn capital strength into market strength.

Guinea Insurance expressed its appreciation to its shareholders, investors, policyholders, brokers, employees, business partners, regulators and other stakeholders whose confidence and support contributed to the successful completion of the recapitalisation exercise.

As Guinea Insurance enters its next phase, the Company is looking beyond compliance and capital adequacy. It is preparing to compete for bigger opportunities, serve more customers, support more businesses and deliver greater value across the Nigerian economy.

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