- The African fintech space continues expanding with entrants like GoFree, a neobank launched in April 2023 that aspires to become Africa’s version of China’s WeChat super app. GoFree seeks to differentiate itself in the crowded financial services field by going beyond basic offerings like transfers…
- Morocco is striving to become a major global player in the electric vehicle (EV) battery production industry. The country’s latest move comes through a newly announced partnership between Moroccan investment fund Al Mada and Chinese battery component manufacturer CNGR Advanced Material Co. The two…
- Johannesburg-based startup FinanceGPT is using artificial intelligence to make financial analysis and reporting more accessible, with plans to offer services in African languages. Founded in 2020, FinanceGPT leverages proprietary AI models and tools like GPT-4 to generate financial ratios,…
- Interest in artificial intelligence (AI) has surged in Kenya, with Google searches up 400% over five years. Many Kenyans are seeking to understand this emerging technology, asking questions like “What is AI?” and “How does it work?” have spiked. The proliferation of new generative AI models has…
- Financial services company Watu Credit has announced a new partnership with battery swap startup ARC Ride, aimed at accelerating electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Kenya. Together, the companies plan to manufacture 1,000 EVs and establish over 300 battery swap stations in Nairobi by the end of 2024…
- Telecom giant MTN is expanding its Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities in South Africa through a new partnership while addressing electronic waste in Benin. MTN South Africa recently announced an agreement with Eseye, a global IoT services provider. This will enhance MTN’s infrastructure by…
- A new report reveals social media’s expanding role across Africa, with Facebook still the dominant platform despite TikTok’s rising popularity. The study by GeoPoll found over 384 million active social media users now exist on the continent. Facebook leads with 170 million users, comprising 44% of…
- Kenya has achieved a major tech milestone with the rollout of its first smartphones assembled locally within the country. Techweez can confirm the made-in-Kenya phones are now in pilot production ahead of an October market launch. Earlier this year, President Ruto announced a public-private…
- The Egyptian government is considering selling an additional 10-15% stake in Telecom Egypt after offloading 9.5% in May 2023 worth $121.6 million. The previous sale on the Egyptian Stock Exchange involved 162.2 million shares at 23.11 Egyptian pounds each, reducing the state’s ownership to 70%. An…
- Pan-African technology company Liquid Intelligent Technologies has launched two new terrestrial fibre links across Africa – connecting Kenya with Ethiopia and linking Zambia to Malawi. The over 1,000-kilometer Kenya-Ethiopia route provides Ethiopian businesses cloud access in Kenya, enabling…
- In today’s digital age, Nigerian dating and matchmaking app Trueflutter aims to help singles find compatible partners who share their values and aspirations for love. With over 2 million successful matches and 27 weddings facilitated last year alone, Trueflutter has impacted a society where…
- Blockchain software leader Consensys has announced the public launch of MetaMask Snaps, a new feature allowing unprecedented customisation of the popular MetaMask cryptocurrency wallet. Snaps are add-on tools and features developed by third-party creators that MetaMask users can install directly in…
- With TikTok Shop’s recent U.S. launch, the popular short-form video app is making a big move into e-commerce. This has significant implications not just in the U.S. but also in emerging markets like Nigeria, where online shopping is booming. TikTok Shop allows direct in-app purchasing from brands…
- The Kenyan government is poised to introduce a new national digital ID system called the Maisha Card. These unique personal identifiers (UPIs) will replace traditional physical identity cards in a major digital transition. The government has budgeted 1 billion Kenyan shillings for the Maisha Card…
- Bluesky, a new invite-only social media platform, has achieved 1 million users, an impressive feat given its exclusive membership model. Unlike mainstream social sites, Bluesky requires an invite code to join. This creates an air of exclusivity that has fueled intense demand – invite codes have…
- A recent hackathon in Lagos demonstrated the power of technology and collaboration to address challenges facing Nigeria’s tourism sector. Organised by the Bedouin Group, the second Tourism Hackathon Nigeria convened young innovators aged 18-30 to develop solutions for industry issues. The hackathon…
- WhoGoHost, a Nigerian company that provides web hosting and other digital services has acquired SendChamp, a startup offering cloud-based business communications solutions. The acquisition aims to expand WhoGoHost’s offerings to better serve African entrepreneurs and companies looking to establish…
- After honing its offering out of the spotlight for a year, Nigerian startup OneLiquidity has emerged from stealth mode to provide infrastructure for Africa’s booming fintech industry. The company aims to handle critical backend work like technology, liquidity management and licensing so emerging…
- During the recent G20 Summit in India, Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s head of communications, innovation, and the digital economy, engaged with Indian digital public service transformation experts. He revealed intentions to collaborate with India to gain insights from their digital service experiences and…
- At the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Melbourne, Startup Genome unveiled “The Scaleup Report.” Spearheaded by JF Gauthier, Startup Genome’s Founder and CEO, this report delves into the nuances that differentiate successful scaling startups from the rest. It offers invaluable insights for…
- After a rigorous round of semi-final business pitches and evaluations conducted on September 1 and 2 at Norrsken House in Kigali, Rwanda, the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy-sponsored Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition, now celebrating its fifth year, has revealed the top…
- In today’s digital age, the significance of artificial intelligence (AI) is undeniable, especially with the recent launches of platforms like ChatGPT and Google Bard. But what is AI? AI is a subset of computer science that endeavors to design machines capable of emulating human intelligence. This…
- In the rapidly digitizing world, Sehatech, an emerging health insurance startup from Egypt, has successfully clinched funding of $850,000. This financial boost comes courtesy of A15 and Beltone Venture Capital, a subsidiary of the Beltone Holding Company. Sehatech’s primary objective is to harness…
- The digital transformation sweeping across the globe has significantly impacted Africa’s e-commerce landscape. The continent has witnessed a jump in e-commerce adoption, rising from 13% in 2017 to 35% in 2023. This shift has resulted in revenue growth from $138 billion to a staggering $435 billion…
- On Thursday, September 7, 2023, Mauritania took a significant step forward by unveiling its much-anticipated Startup Act. This move was announced during a Council of Ministers meeting and signifies a commitment by President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El innovation as the cornerstone for digital…
- Mecho Autotech, an automotive startup from Nigeria specializing in high-quality spare parts, vehicle servicing, and repairs, has successfully garnered $2.4 million in its recent pre-Series A funding round. This round saw Global Brain Corporation, Ventures Platform, and Uncovered Fund contributions…
- Nollywood is rapidly gaining international attention, and the financial backing from tech magnates is propelling it towards global prominence. Recently, Editi Effiòng, a renowned Nollywood filmmaker, unveiled the executive producers for his latest movie, “The Black Book.” The list boasts names of…
- Kotani Pay, a Nairobi-based crypto payments startup, has secured a $2 million pre-seed funding round. The investment round saw participation from DCG/Luno, Flori Ventures, and P1 Ventures, with P1 Ventures leading the 9 rounds. Founded in 2020 by Brian Kimotho, Daniel Kimotho, Felix Macharia,…
- Emata, a startup from Uganda that provides cost-effective loans to farmers, has successfully secured seed funding of $2.4 million. This funding will be channeled towards broadening its agricultural loan services throughout East Africa. The seed funding comprises $1.6 million in debt and $800,000 in…
- Germany has unveiled a novel platform to digitally gather and handle waste in Lagos, marking a transformative approach to the city’s waste challenges. In response to the escalating issues of urban growth and waste handling in Lagos, Germany has launched the innovative Circulary digital platform.…
- In a bid to champion eco-friendly transportation in Nigeria, Qore, supported by Sterling Bank, is on a mission to transform gas-powered vehicles into electric ones. The transportation sector in Nigeria is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Qore, a renewable energy mobility firm backed…
- Editi Effiòng has been a prominent figure in Nigeria’s digital landscape for years. His digital agency, Anakle, known for its data-driven marketing solutions, has been at the forefront of the digital marketing realm. Recently, he’s been recognized as a digital pioneer, especially with the rise of…
- Securing nutritious and prompt meals is a hurdle in the dynamic corporate scene, especially in areas like Nigeria with its infamous traffic jams. The luxury of receiving a freshly made meal without departing the office becomes invaluable for professionals immersed in continuous appointments. Here’s…
- Jonathan Elcock (CEO at rather.chat) with his Co-Founder Matthew Kloos (CFO at rather.chat) In South Africa, traditional marketing channels are witnessing an all-time low in terms of their consumer reach. Call center contact rates have dropped by 20-30% in the past year, a figure that is…
- Despite a waning interest from venture capitalists in startups at the growth stage, LipaLater, a Kenyan Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) entity with five years under its belt, is embarking on a crowdfunding campaign to raise $1.2 million. However, it’s not just about the funds. LipaLater, in collaboration…
- Despite a waning interest from venture capitalists in startups at the growth stage, LipaLater, a Kenyan Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) entity with five years under its belt, is embarking on a crowdfunding campaign to raise $1.2 million. However, it’s not just about the funds. LipaLater, in collaboration…
- Wetility, a South African startup specializing in solar energy solutions for both residential and commercial sectors, has successfully secured funding of R903 million (approximately $48 million) through a combination of debt and equity. This solar energy innovator from South Africa, Wetility, has…
- Since its inception in 2021, AltSchool Africa has provided close to 3 million hours of tech-focused training in software development, data analytics, and product creation following a successful $1 million pre-seed funding round in 2022. Recognizing the rise of unconventional careers like music…
- With the endorsement of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Flutterwave has unveiled Swap, a digital solution aimed at transforming the Nigerian foreign exchange (FX) market. This initiative is a collaboration with Wema Bank, ranked tenth in Nigeria by assets, and Kadavra BDC. Flutterwave’s Swap is…
- Prepare for these exciting updates coming to WhatsApp, enhancing the experience of managing multiple accounts and using the app. Over time, the need for operating multiple accounts within a single app has increased. Other social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (now 𝕏) have…
- In Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital banking landscape, traditional banks have been slow to adapt, opening the door for banking-as-a-service (BaaS) platforms to step in and provide more personalized and cost-effective financial services. One of these platforms, Nigerian fintech Anchor, backed by Y…
- The fintech sector in Africa has witnessed impressive growth in recent years, with startups thriving. However, the funding landscape for 2023 shows signs of change, hinting at potential challenges ahead. As outlined in “Finnovating for Africa,” a biennial publication by Disrupt Africa in…
- In its pursuit of establishing a digitally-driven and favourable business environment in Nigeria, with the aim of positioning the country as a hub for the burgeoning digital and service industry in Africa, a Nigerian startup is gaining significant attention with its innovative project. It’s worth…
- To enhance mobility and environmental sustainability in Latin America, FSD Africa Investments (FSDAi) has forged a significant alliance with the ride-hailing service InDrive. Recognizing the increasing demands of office communication in the era of remote and hybrid work, FSD Africa Investments (…
- To promote transportation and financial accessibility in Latin America, the Uruguayan fintech entity, Bamboo Payment, has announced a pivotal alliance with the ride-hailing service InDrive. The essence of this union is to refine the customer journey by delivering prompt and streamlined payment…
- In the wake of the WorldCoin incident, Kenya’s ICT regulatory body is contemplating revising its existing laws. The Communications Authority (CA) is now advocating for creating regulatory sandboxes to monitor and regulate emerging technologies, especially digital currencies. The recent scrutiny…
- Nestcoin, a Nigerian-based Web3 startup, has successfully garnered $1.9M in what they describe as a strategic funding initiative. As per an official statement from Technext, Hashed Emergent took the lead in this funding round, with contributions from an international group of investors. This group…
- Addis Ababa, 8 September 2023: The Global Innovation Initiative Group (GIIG), the exclusive rights holder to the Global Startup Awards (GSA) Africa, has welcomed UNICEF Ethiopia as a sponsor and strategic partner for the 2022/23 GSA Africa Summit. The event is scheduled to be held from 26 to 28…
- Data has emerged as a valuable commodity in the ever-evolving fintech sector, greatly coveted by both financial institutions and businesses. Its potential to improve decision-making and risk management drives this demand. In this swiftly changing fintech landscape, Finch Technologies has delved…
- Ride-hailing platform Bolt is set to reward its loyal drivers with up to N50 million in the latest edition of its Drive for a Prize campaign. The campaign, which is open to new and existing drivers in Bolt’s markets across Nigeria, will run for eight weeks and will see drivers across the country…
