- Talk360, an innovative international calling app, has successfully secured $1.4 million in a Pre-Series A funding round. The investment was spearheaded by Havaic, a long-standing supporter of the company. This financial boost aims to propel Talk360 towards its ambitious goal of connecting seven…
- Safaricom, Kenya’s leading telecommunications provider, has entered into a strategic partnership with global payment giant Mastercard. This collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of digital payment solutions and enhance cross-border remittance services in Kenya. The initiative is set to…
- Bolt, a prominent player in Africa’s demand mobility sector, has concluded its pioneering Accelerator Program in Kenya. The initiative, aimed at fostering innovation among its drivers and couriers, culminated in an award ceremony at the Sarova Stanley Hotel. This program, launched in partnership…
- Pyvio, a Hong Kong-based fintech company, has joined forces with Kora, a pan-African payment infrastructure provider. This partnership aims to enhance payment capabilities for Chinese B2B e-commerce and media companies operating in Africa. The collaboration addresses a significant challenge in the…
- The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced its initiative to harness the 6GHz spectrum, aiming to significantly improve internet speeds across the country. This move positions Nigeria alongside South Africa and Morocco as African nations deploying this advanced spectrum. Dr. Aminu…
- Google and Jacaranda Health have embarked on an eight-month research project to transform maternal healthcare in Kenya. This initiative aims to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to combat the high rates of maternal and neonatal deaths in the country. Kenya faces significant…
- Kenya’s Court of Appeal has upheld a ruling by the Employment Court, allowing 187 Facebook content moderators to proceed with their lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. This decision holds Meta accountable for the treatment of these moderators in East…
- Safaricom, Kenya’s leading mobile operator, has doubled the speeds of its fibre internet packages in response to the growing presence of Starlink in Kenya’s broadband market. The 10 megabits per second (Mbps) package has been upgraded to 15 Mbps, while maintaining the price at KES 3,000 ($23).…
- Telegram, the popular messaging platform, has made significant changes to its privacy features and moderation policies. This shift comes in the wake of the recent arrest of Pavel Durov, Telegram’s founder, in France. Durov was detained on charges related to “crimes committed by third parties” on…
- The Republic of Kenya’s State Department for Diaspora Affairs has entered a partnership with the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce. This collaboration aims to create localized job opportunities through Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and IT outsourcing. Qhala Trust, a non-profit organization, has…
- Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has unveiled a new initiative aimed at enhancing the safety and well-being of teenage users on its platform. The company is rolling out specialized Instagram accounts for teens that come equipped with built-in safeguards designed to protect young users from…
- Uncap, a venture capital firm with offices in Munich and Nairobi, has introduced a groundbreaking $33 million fund aimed at fostering the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa.The Unconventional Capital fund presents a unique non-dilutive, revenue-based financing model…
- The Federal Ministry of Youth Development in Nigeria has taken a significant step towards addressing unemployment among the country’s youth. A recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) aims to train 5,000 young Nigerians as data protection…
- Farid, an innovative Egyptian edtech startup, has recently obtained $250,000 in pre-seed funding from Saudi entrepreneur Amal bint Abdulaziz Al-Ajlan. This financial boost will enable the company to expand its educational platform and venture into global markets, particularly Saudi Arabia and the…
- Foodpreneurs Hub, a Nigerian foodtech startup, has recently secured $500,000 in pre-seed funding to further its mission of addressing food insecurity across Africa. The company, which aims to bridge the gap between food production and post-harvest loss, plans to use this investment to accelerate…
- Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), the first Nigerian bank to achieve ₦905.57 billion in half-year profits, is in the final stages of transitioning its core banking platform to Finacle, a software developed by Infosys. The bank previously operated on Basis, a system also used by Providus and SunTrust.…
- Moove, the Nigerian startup backed by Uber that finances vehicles for ride-hailing companies, is expanding into the U.S. Since August, the company has posted job openings for positions in Los Angeles and California. This expansion aligns with Moove’s goal to become profitable by 2025. The U.S.…
- For fintech startups expanding into Kenya, obtaining an operating license is often the most challenging hurdle. A Payment Service Provider (PSP) license can take up to two years due to approval delays, pushing startups to seek alternative solutions like forming partnerships with telecoms, banks,…
- Cybersecurity is an increasing concern for African businesses as they continue to adopt digital technologies. Despite facing challenges such as limited awareness, regulatory shortcomings, and financial constraints, African businesses can improve their cybersecurity defenses by implementing…
- 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…
