- The green technology revolution is rapidly advancing in Africa, as governments, businesses, and communities collaborate to find innovative solutions for environmental challenges while fostering sustainable development. Africa’s distinct geographical and economic conditions present a unique…
- With the festive season approaching, road safety concerns are becoming increasingly important. The Department of Transport reported an alarming 1,184 fatalities during the 2023/24 festive period. As a company that prioritizes people and has been the second most downloaded app globally for two…
- Few narratives have captivated industry observers as intensely as the unfolding controversy surrounding Nigerian businessman Dozy Mmobuosi over the past year. Once seen, albeit through his own promotional efforts, as a shrewd figure in the realms of tech and finance, Mmobuosi’s assertions of a…
- Cleva is a fintech company supported by Y-Combinator. tappi is a SaaS startup focused on digitizing small businesses. Two African startups, Cleva and tappi, have been recognized among 50 global startups anticipated to achieve successful exits within the next five to ten years. This recognition…
- In recent weeks, numerous reports have surfaced about WhatsApp working on several updates. One of the most notable developments is a new support feature in progress that would allow users to create usernames, replacing phone numbers for messaging. Now, WhatsApp has started rolling out another…
- On September 16, Microsoft will unveil the “next phase of Copilot innovation” during its Wave 2 Copilot event, broadcasted on LinkedIn Live at 8 AM PT / 11 AM ET. CEO Satya Nadella and Jared Spataro will present the latest updates to Copilot, Microsoft’s AI assistant integrated across Microsoft 365…
- As Starlink’s internet service continues to navigate the intricate digital landscape of Africa, its entry into South Africa has not been without obstacles. Originally set to launch in 2023, the company owned by Elon Musk finds itself entangled in a maze of regulatory hurdles and prolonged…
- President Xi Jinping announced a commitment to enhance China’s support for debt-stricken Africa, pledging nearly $51 billion in funding over the next three years, alongside support for additional infrastructure projects and the creation of at least 1 million jobs. Speaking to delegates from over 50…
- Wattnow, a Tunisian startup specializing in smart energy management solutions, has announced the successful closing of an undisclosed funding round aimed at supporting its plans for global expansion. The newly acquired funding will allow Wattnow to penetrate new markets and enhance its services as…
- Malawi has announced its plans to initiate a Smart Village Initiative in collaboration with Huawei, a leading global telecom services provider, aimed at enhancing Internet access in rural and remote communities. The initiative includes the establishment of technical training centers in these areas…
- Telegram’s recent update to its policy now allows users to report private chats directly to platform moderators, potentially indicating a crackdown on groups in Nigeria and across Africa that engage in illegal activities, such as sharing stolen content. This update, which was quietly rolled out…
- AgDevCo, a specialized investor in African agriculture, has announced that it has secured $32 million in funding from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) to launch AgDevCo Ventures, a new investment initiative aimed at supporting early-stage agribusinesses in Africa. This…
- Lagos is preparing to overhaul its land registry by implementing blockchain technology, known for its robust security and transparency—an initiative that reflects a growing trend throughout Africa. The digital ledger, which serves as the foundation for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, is set to…
- TikTok is implementing new measures to safeguard its expanding user base in Africa by establishing its first-ever Safety Advisory Council on the continent. This initiative comes as the ByteDance-owned platform continues to rise in popularity, particularly among Africa’s youthful and tech-savvy…
- Airtel Nigeria, recognized as the country’s second-largest mobile network operator, has obtained three telecommunications licenses from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as part of its efforts to tap into new revenue sources. The licenses include an Internet Service Provider (ISP)…
- African payments giant Flutterwave has announced the appointment of Mitesh Popat as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), nine months after the departure of former CFO Oneal Bhambani. Popat previously held executive roles at Citi, including CFO for the Middle East and Africa and positions in…
- When Priscillah Wakerera and Soinato Leboo established Rhea, an agritech startup that offers soil testing services to smallholder farmers in Kenya, in 2022 securing funding from investors proved to be significantly more challenging. During that time, fintech and e-commerce startups remained the…
- In October 2024, the vibrant city of Cape Town will host one of the most exciting and forward-thinking events in the cryptocurrency and blockchain world: Crypto Fest 2024. Set against the backdrop of the stunning DHL Stadium, this festival promises to immerse attendees in the innovative…
- After two months of ongoing fuel scarcity and a recent acknowledgement from the national petroleum corporation regarding its financial difficulties, Nigeria has raised fuel prices by 40%. At various fuel stations in Lagos, the pump price has surged to approximately ₦897 per liter, up from ₦610 just…
- The IT opportunity in Africa highlights the continent’s advancement and growing paradigm shift through creativity and the spirit of entrepreneurship. From fintech firms to gaming and health sectors, companies around the continent are persistently emerging and scaling with possibilities that define…
- Believe it or not, a silent transformation is taking place within the walls of your data center. Amidst the buzzing servers and tangled cables, this subtle yet significant shift is driven by none other than artificial intelligence (AI). The new age of computing is characterized by AI data centers…
- In the ever-changing landscape of business, women in South Africa are not only shattering barriers but also establishing new benchmarks for success. As we approach the conclusion of Women’s Month, we highlight seven remarkable women who have shattered the glass ceiling and the invaluable wisdom…
- Blockchain technology is known by various names, such as game-changer, disruptive, futuristic, and impenetrable. These titles are all well-deserved and valid. Initially linked with cryptocurrency, blockchain has truly established itself and now extends to health, transportation, disaster recovery,…
- Africa’s tech sector, Wasoko and MaxAB have joined forces to create the continent’s largest digital platform serving the informal retail market. This merger, completed through an all-stock transaction, marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of B2B e-commerce across Africa. The newly formed entity…
- Kenya’s fintech landscape is evolving with the introduction of Tumatap, a groundbreaking contactless payment solution. This innovative system emerges from a strategic partnership between Nigerian fintech giant Interswitch and Kenyan-based Elie Technologies, also known as Tuma. Tumatap aims to…
- Nigeria’s fintech landscape is witnessing a significant transformation with Mira’s innovative approach to restaurant payment systems. Launched in January 2024, Mira initially introduced a QR code payment system aimed at streamlining restaurant orders and payments. This system allowed customers to…
- Ecobank Uganda has embarked on a significant collaboration with Ria Money Transfer, a global leader in cross-border remittance services. This partnership aims to revolutionize the remittance landscape in Uganda, offering enhanced options for both domestic and international money transfers. The new…
- TikTok has taken a significant step towards enhancing user safety by establishing its first Safety Advisory Council for Sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative, unveiled at the #SaferTogether summit in Nairobi, Kenya, marks a pioneering move in the social media landscape of the region. The council’s…
- Tanzania has implemented a restriction on access to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. This development comes amid rising political tensions in the East African nation. The internet observatory organization Netblocks confirmed the outage, reporting that X has been limited on…
- Starlink, the satellite Internet provider backed by SpaceX, has officially launched its services in Botswana and Ghana. This expansion brings high-speed, low-latency Internet access to remote areas in these African countries. The company announced the launch on X, confirming that its services are…
- As the second half of 2024 unfolds, Africa’s venture investment landscape is poised for a dynamic shift, influenced by a range of economic and geopolitical factors. A closer examination of these trends reveals strategic considerations that could shape investment decisions and economic policies…
- Africa’s venture capital (VC) landscape faced a significant downturn in the first half of 2024, particularly evident in the stark decline in exit activities across the continent. According to the latest Africa Venture Investment Report, the region recorded only nine exits, marking a 40% decrease…
- The first half of 2024 has witnessed significant shifts in the African venture investment landscape, marked by notable trends across various industries. Despite economic challenges and global investment headwinds, certain sectors have shown resilience, while others have struggled to attract…
- Workpay, a cloud-based HR, payroll, and benefits platform designed for organizations with employees across Africa, has announced securing $5 million in a Series A funding round. This round was led by Norrsken22 and saw participation from notable investors such as Visa, Y Combinator, Saviu Ventures…
- In the first half of 2024, Africa’s venture capital landscape experienced significant shifts, with major deals continuing to attract attention despite a broader market contraction. According to the H1 2024 Africa Venture Investment Report, the top deals and leading investors reflect the region’s…
- Proparco has granted a €400,000 loan to Rubyx through the Bridge by Digital Africa facility. This funding will allow the African start-up to accelerate the deployment of its new algorithmic loan offering, targeting both start-ups and microfinance institutions across the continent. Supported by…
- TymeBank, a South African digital bank with customer deposits totaling R4 billion ($222 million), is set to launch in Indonesia by the end of 2024. This will mark the bank’s entry into its third Southeast Asian market, following its launch in the Philippines in October 2022 and Vietnam in January…
- The first half of 2024 saw significant geographical shifts in the landscape of venture capital investment across Africa. With a total funding of $393 million and only 119 deals, the region experienced the lowest H1 funding since 2019, marking a 57% year-on-year (YoY) decline. This downturn was…
- The smartphone market in Nigeria is facing a significant slump, primarily due to economic difficulties and escalating prices. As inflation climbs and disposable incomes shrink, many Nigerians are struggling to afford new smartphones. In response to the decreasing demand for smartphones, device…
- In H1 2024, Africa saw a significant reduction in the number of unique investors, with a 29% year-on-year (YoY) decline compared to H1 2023. This decrease is largely attributed to a marked pullback from investors based in key African markets, such as South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, which…
- The Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) has imposed a €290 million ($324 million) fine on Uber Technologies in a landmark decision for illegally transmitting the personal data of European drivers to the US. This penalty, one of the largest ever under the European Union’s General Data Protection…
- Ampersand, a Rwandan electric motorcycle company, recently secured an additional $2 million in a Series A extension, boosting its total funding to $21.5 million. The funding round featured a mix of new and returning investors, including AHL Venture Partners, an Africa-focused venture fund, and…
- The first half of 2024 marked a significant shift in the valuation trends within Africa’s venture capital scene, demonstrating a departure from previous years’ investment patterns. Despite a global slowdown in venture funding, certain segments within the African market showed surprising resilience…
- In the first half of 2024, Africa’s venture capital (VC) ecosystem experienced a significant downturn, mirroring global economic uncertainties and shifts in investor sentiment. Total funding in Africa reached just $393 million, a steep 57% decline compared to the same period in 2023, and the lowest…
- Tom Kinyanjui, co-founder and CEO of Neural Labs Africa, a medical technology firm specializing in using artificial intelligence to enhance medical imaging diagnosis, emphasized the need for greater support for technology innovators from the African continent. According to Kinyanjui, this support…
- Three months after obtaining its operating license, Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk, is now available in Botswana. The hardware is priced at P4,820 ($363), with shipping costing P314 ($24), and a monthly subscription fee of P688 ($52). Starlink’s launch in Botswana…
- Amidst a backdrop of global economic uncertainty and a notable decline in overall venture capital funding, the African startup ecosystem has seen several significant developments in the first half of 2024. Despite a 57% year-on-year drop in total funding, new venture capital funds and strategic…
- Three weeks after Meta introduced monetisation tools for content creators in Kenya, the Kenyan government has begun discussions with TikTok to introduce similar monetisation options for local creators. Mary Kerema, the Secretary of ICT, e-Government, and Digital Economy, highlighted that this…
- Abdulazeez Ogunjobi, the entrepreneurial mind behind successful ventures like Simbibot and Fixit45, has returned with a new project—Scandium. This software testing startup, although only a year old, is already turning heads with an impressive 90% profit margin, making significant strides across…
- Starlink is gearing up to launch in Ghana by August 2024 and will follow with a September 1 launch in Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, in South Africa, users are facing disconnection from SpaceX’s satellite Internet service. SpaceX has issued a second warning, stating that customers using Starlink outside the…