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IFC invests $10.5 million in new 4DX Ventures Fund to support tech startups in Africa
Africa is among the regions least served by venture capital, receiving just 2% of global venture deal volume in the third quarter of 2023.
Orange launches Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East to encourage entrepreneurship
Since 2011, the OSVP prize has been rewarding innovative start-up projects that use and develop new technologies to make a positive impact in Africa and the Middle East
[Column] Kevin Ng'ang'a: E-commerce can create a borderless and efficient market for Africa
One area that has the potential to create a borderless and efficient market as envisioned by AfCFTA is Africa’s e-commerce space which Statista estimated hit the $40 billion-mark last year.
Conference discusses the role of nature-based solutions in healing the planet
The Global EverGreening Alliance in partnership with the Government of Zambia, AFR100, and AUDA-NEPAD has convened a global conference bringing together global thought leaders and action-takers to deliberate and come up with actionable strategies to tap into the potential of nature to address challenges.
[Free Webinar] Accelerating FX Success: Expansion Strategies for Marketing Agencies in Eastern, Western Africa
This event is tailored for marketing executives and CFOs looking to gain actionable insights into international expansion, building a global clientele and establishing strong online presence.
Christine Namara joins Flat6Labs as partner for Africa Seed Fund
In a strategic move to strengthen its existing footprint in the vibrant African startup ecosystem, Flat6Labs, the seed venture capital firm in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region, has appointed Christine Namara as Partner for its Africa Seed Fund.
Global mobility firm inDrive launches venture targeting startups
inDrive, a global mobility and urban services platform, has announced the launch of a new venture and M&A arm aiming to invest up to $100 million in promising startups.
Kuramo Capital to invest $150m in women-led startups in Africa
Kuramo Capital Management has announced plans to invest $150m in female-led enterprises.
Mobility startup Treepz launches insurance program for car rentals in Africa
Treepz is introducing an insurance program for car rentals in Africa.
Sony launches Sony Innovation Fund Africa
Sony has launched ''Sony Innovation Fund: Africa" to support the growth of the entertainment businesses in Africa.
BFA Global, FSD Africa and IUCN launch Africa Blue Wave to support tech startups
BFA Global, FSD Africa, and IUCN have launched the Africa Blue Wave.
South African payments startup Revio raises $5.2 seed round to grow coverage across Africa
Revio has announced a seed investment round of $5.2m.
Google for Startups Growth Academy: AI for Health unveils the 2023 cohort
The Google for Startups Growth Academy: AI for Health has unveiled its 2023 cohort.
IFC invests in e-Commerce platform ANKA to support Africa’s creative Artisans
IFC has invested $3.4m equity investment in African e-Commerce platform ANKA.
[Column] Sandi de Souza: Why top-performing companies use AI to boost procurement
Leading organisations are augmenting their source-to-pay processes with AI
Flapmax announces 12 African startups selected for FAST Accelerator program
Flapmax announced the twelve companies selected for FAST Accelerator program.
50 African women to benefit from fellowship on agri food policies
The two-year career development program aims to grow a pool of confident and capable mid-career African women to lead policy changes to improve African smallholders’ livelihoods, particularly women.
Catalyst Fund marks its first close to back climate tech startups in Africa
The Catalyst Fund has reached the first close of its targeted $40m fund.
Investor-founder disconnect poses major threat to African tech funding
African tech investors will not invest follow-on funding in a startup failing to provide regular reporting updates.
[Column] Marcel Bruyns: AI is getting smarter and critical infrastructure is set to benefit
AI has emerged as a defining trend in today's business arena.
[Column] Dong Won Lee: Tech innovations should enrich the total customer experience
New technologies are now ingrained in our lives.
One Campaign urges African leaders to elevate policy changes to tackle climate change
The One Campaign is urging all leaders to use this pivotal moment to unite around a shared pan-African agenda – one that brings justice and prosperity.
African fintech startup Lipa Later gets greenlight for public fundraising in US
Lipa Later Group is a global trailblazing innovator recognized as one of Africa's Fastest-Growing Fintech Companies by the Financial Times that continues to reshape the finance, payments, and e-commerce landscape in Africa.
MEST Africa Challenge Startup Pitch Competition applications open
MEST Africa has opened applications for its 2023 Challenge Startup Pitch Competition for African startups.
Nigeria's Treepz among startups selected for 2023 VC4A Venture Showcase Africa
Treepz hes been selected to participate in VC4A Venture Showcase Africa.
Google launches AI First accelerator program for African startups
Google has announced the launch of a new accelerator program to support AI startups in Africa.
[Column] Ololade Odunsi: Global tech job cuts - what African techies can do to thrive
There have been nearly 160,000 Layoffs among US tech companies.
[Column] Mukesh Bector: How Augmented Reality is transforming print technology
The journey of print technology has been nothing short of remarkable.
Closing the capital gap on impact investment in Africa, report
African fund managers face unique obstacles that impede their access to capital for social impact.
FAST Accelerator launches 2nd Cohort of AI program for African startups
Flapmax has launched the second FAST Accelerator program.
Kenyan healthtech startup Zuri Health secures additional investment from Marula Square
Zuri Health has secured additional investment from Marula Square.
Nigeria's Remedial Health raises $12m to deliver financial services for neighborhood pharmacies
Remedial Health has secured $12m in an equity and debt funding round.
[Column] Hani Raad: Dedication, innovation, and education - the recipe for Africa’s digital prosperity
Africa has come a long way in terms of digital innovation and adoption.
[Column] Nchaupe Khaole: Unlocking South Africa's technology investment potential
Technology enabled businesses and the solutions they develop represent growth.
Visa opens applications for its Africa Fintech Accelerator Program
Visa has opened applications for startups to participate in the first cohort of the Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator program.
[Column] Patrick Evans: Boosting cybersecurity with robust digital risk assessment tools
Cybersecurity be boosted by building a strong cyber risk profile.
Startupbootcamp AfriTech opens cohort 4 of its ASIP accelerator program
Startupbootcamp AfriTech has opened applications its ASIP accelerator program.
[Column] Ronald Magondo: How cloud-native approaches are redefining business
Cloud-native approaches are rapidly redefining the business landscape.
[Column] Theo van Zyl: Connectivity on the go, why not all mobile internet services are the same
More consumers are taking a closer look at their connectivity requirements.
[Column] Rami Osman: 5G as a catalyst for economic opportunities, innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa is at the forefront of innovations.
Kenyan agritech startup Kyosk acquires KwikBasket, expands into fresh produce market
Kenyan agritech startup Kyosk, is expanding into the African fresh produce market.
Ayoba, Adanian Labs launch accelerator programme in Nigeria
Ayoba has partnered with Adanian Labs to launch an SME accelerator program in Nigeria.
[Column] Paul Selibas: Embedded finance in the age of e-Commerce
The African online e-Commerce market has grown rapidly in recent years.
Seedstars launches FIWAM program to boost financial inclusion for women migrants
Seedstars has launched a program to promote financial inclusion for women.
Empowering Africa's socio-economic landscape through innovative solutions, Plug and Play
Innovation is critical in shaping the future of Africa’s growth.
[Column] Zafir Junaid: Bridging the AI skills gap in Africa
As we navigate the contours of the 4IR, powered by AI, it is becoming increasingly evident that Africa has a critical role to play.
Kenyan fashion e-Commerce startup ShopZetu raises pre-seed funding to fuel growth of its marketplace
Kenyan fashion e-Commerce startup ShopZetu has raised $1m pre-seed funding.
Seedstars, Fondation Botnar launch youth Wellbeing Ventures with $20m investment in Africa
Seedstars Capital and Fondation Botnar have invested $20m for early-stage startups.
Haul247 secures $3m seed funding to drive innovation in Africa’s logistics industry
Haul247 has raised $3 million in a seed funding round.
Orange partners with Digital Africa to strengthen the growth of African startups
Orange has partnered with Digital Africa, to promote and strengthen African startups.
[Column] Patrick Ndegwa: Journey to the centre of the cloud; why Kenya should store data locally
Kenyan businesses are migrating to the cloud en masse.
Africa among top 3 regions prone to mobile financial scam, report
Throughout 2022 and the first quarter of 2023, 14% of installs of potentially unwanted mobile financial apps on Android phones were made.
[Interview] Renate Swanepoel, COO, INC. Networking
Renate Swanepoel is an entrepreneur, global networker and inspirational speaker.
[Column] Nixon Gecheo: Agtech, a pivotal force driving climate change action in agriculture
The agricultural sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
AWS selects 25 African startups for its Fintech in Africa accelerator
25 African fintech startups have been selected for the inaugural AWS FinTech Africa Accelerator cohort.
[Column] Somesh Adukia: Paper versus digital; the future of work
Digitization is revolutionizing the way businesses operate across the globe.
[Column] Mukesh Bector: A simple place to start if you’re lagging on digital transformation
Digital transformation: we’ve all heard the phrase a thousand times.
[Column] Joanne Mwangi – Yelbert: Entice more women in tech to bridge skills gap and bolster growth
Incredible improvements in tech are rapidly reshaping our world.
[Column] Darryl Pietersen: Africa’s digital dividend: The role of technology in remittances
The growth of Africa’s digital economy has resulted in many positive changes.
Climate tech startup Amini raises $2m to solve environmental data scarcity for Africa
Amini, Corp. has raised $2 million in pre-seed funding in an oversubscribed round.
Nigerian cold-chain startup Gricd rebrands as Figorr, secures $1.5m seed funding to support data-driven insurance for perishable goods in Africa
Gricd, a technology company that develops Internet of Things-powered solutions to support the last-mile delivery of perishable goods, has secured $1.5m seed funding.
The Futurelist launches to connect Africa's tech startups to global investors
African Leadership International (ALI), has obtained the rights to the 'Global Finder' platform for tech startups from Israel-based Start-Up Nation Central (SNC).
Nigerian payments startup Nomba raises $30m pre-Series B funding round
Nigerian payment service provider Nomba has raised a $30 million pre-Series B funding round to support the delivery of bespoke payment solutions for African businesses.
[Column] Oluwatobi Amusan: Financial inclusion in Africa with embedded trade finance
There can be no talk of financial inclusion in Africa without trade finance. Trade promotes economic growth, reduces poverty, fosters economic and cultural links between regions and countries, and facilitates capital movement.
Africa’s mezzanine debt fund manager Vantage Capital exits Dynamic Bedding
Vantage Capital, Africa’s mezzanine debt fund manager, announced it has fully exited its investment in Dynamic Bedding, a South African specialist bed manufacturer and retailer.
Fintech startup Pyypl rolls out social, micro-investment platform for African entrepreneurs and micro-SMEs
Fintech startup Pyypl has announced the commercial rollout of its social, micro-investment platform for self-employed entrepreneurs and micro-SMEs in Africa.
African blockchain startups raised $474m in 2022, report
The growth of the African crypto market has been remarkable in spite of the ongoing crunch the industry is experiencing globally.
Pan-African payments startup PayDay re-launches in Rwanda, partners with Starlink to enable internet access
Pan-African payments startup PayDay has re-launched in Rwanda and announced a partnership that will enable Startlink customers to purchase their subscription services through the platform.
Artificial intelligence: Africa takes up the subject
As AI systems like ChatGPT begin to disrupt our daily lives, the global race for innovation is accelerating. The biggest advances are taking place in the United States, China and Europe.
French-African Fund 2 completes final close at over €50 million
AfricInvest announced a final close of the French African Fund II (FFA II), the successor fund to the French African Fund (FFA), having raised over €50 million of subscriptions.
[Interview] Anne-Marie Chidzero, Chief Investment Officer, FSD Africa
Anne-Marie Chidzero is the Chief Investment Officer at the Financial Sector Deepening Africa (FSD Africa) Investments. In this interview, she talks about the risks and opportunities in backing Africa’s early-stage startups.
[Column] Alp Tilev: Why the transition to e-mobility in Africa must be expedited
Historically, Asia has been the birthplace of motorcycles. China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam are the world's four largest motorcycle markets. The continent is home to roughly 58% of all motorcycles in the world.
[Column] Gur Geva: Biometric attacks on the rise: the trends financial institutions need to be aware of in 2023
In the past year there has been a 149% increase in threat actors using emulators to attack mobile platforms. There has also been a 295% increase in novel face swaps.
Nigerian fintech firm Zone adopts ThetaRay AI Solution to screen payments
Zone (formerly Appzone) and ThetaRay announced they will collaborate to implement ThetaRay’s cloud-based SONAR solution to monitor and screen Zone’s transactions in Nigeria for illicit activities and sanctions violations.
Nigerian fintech startup Moni unveils new community-powered digital loans for African SMEs
Nigerian fintech startup Moni has launched a new range of business loans targeting SMEs in Africa.
Forces shaping the retail landscape in 2023, ESW
Brands and merchants are constantly adapting to the ever-changing forces that shape the retail landscape
Applications for inaugural AWS FinTech Africa Accelerator now open
Amazon Web Services’ Startup Loft Accelerator announced the inaugural launch of its AWS FinTech Africa Accelerator.
African market intelligence startup Rwazi raises $4m funding to accelerate growth
African market intelligence startup Rwazi has raised a $4 million seed funding round led by Bonfire Ventures and saw participation from Newfund Capital and Alumni Ventures.
[Column] Thabiso Foto: Fintech is a path to democratised financial services
Fintech has played a significant role in democratizing access to financial services across Africa in the past decade.
[Column] Jon Tullett: Cloud economics for enterprises
When looking at cloud economics for enterprises, it is important to determine whether the cloud spend within the organisation is optimal today and will continue to be so tomorrow.
Dream VC opens applications for its 2023 talent accelerator program in Africa
Dream VC, a Remote Venture Capital Upskilling Institute, has opened applications for its 2023 Accelerator Program for VCs in Africa.
[Column] Mukesh Bector: The ingredients of tech innovation
Time only moves in one direction, and with it, we must keep evolving. Technology has become central to our development as a species and is likely to remain so.
[Column] Takalane Khashane: Building a digital, sustainable bank for the future
Banking, like many other sectors, has responded to rapid change and evolving customer needs by developing a digital strategy.
[Column] Gur Geva: How biometrics can fuel inclusive growth in Nigeria’s ICT sector
Nigeria is at an inflection point where it needs to adopt enabling technologies at scale to support high growth in the telecommunications and digital sectors.
African fintech Flutterwave secures two additional licenses in Rwanda
Flutterwave, Africa's payments technology company, has announced that it has received its Electronic Money Issuer and Remittance Licenses from the National Bank of Rwanda.
African Media Agency, Africa Fintech Summit partner to promote fintech innovation in Africa
African Media Agency (AMA) and Africa Fintech Summit (AFTS), have announced a strategic partnership aimed at increasing awareness about the fintech industry's innovation in Africa and promoting the upcoming summit throughout the continent.
[Column] Imane Charioui: Addressing the gender gap in the technology sector
Today, innovations in the financial services sector are increasingly recognized for their acceleration of access to science, technology and innovation for all.
African startups compete for £4.1 million funding to tackle pollution
Kenyan and Nigerian startups have dominated the cohort of finalists for the Afri-Plastics Challenge that is seeking solutions to plastic waste and reducing pollution that makes its way into the marine environment.
[Interview] Julie Davila, VP Global Field CTO Operations, Sophos
Cybersecurity has become one of the biggest global challenges facing businesses around the world. The industry is always shifting as new technological innovations emerge and modify firms’ security practices drawing in a more diverse group of professionals, including women.
Microsoft adds 13 new African languages on its translation service
Microsoft has added 13 new African languages to its Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services Translator, allowing text and documents to be translated to and from these languages across the entire Microsoft ecosystem of products and services.
Applications open for Google's 3rd cohort of Black Founders Fund 2023
Google has opened applications for this year’s Black Founders Fund for Startups in Africa and Europe. Startups from Africa applying for the fund must be headquartered in the continent or having a legal presence on the continent.
[Column] Luigi Marinus: Benefits of diversification during market volatility
Recently volatility has increased in markets as sensitivity to news flow, particularly with regard to global inflation, has increased.
EMURGO Africa and Kepple Africa ventures establish joint venture to further web3 strategic partnership
EMURGO Africa and Kepple Africa Ventures have announced the establishment of a business joint venture EMURGO Kepple Ventures to further accelerate its strategic partnership investing in African Web3 businesses.
[Column] Valerie Traore: Advocacy trends in Africa that are shaping the future
There is a strong reclaiming of the people’s voice in advocacy and creating change, and I am encouraged about the trends that are emerging.
How DeFi is disrupting traditional banking and financial services
The traditional banking and financial services industry has long been the cornerstone of the global economy. It has provided access to capital, enabled trade, and facilitated financial transactions for centuries.
[Column] Shabir Ahmed: Practical approach, clear business case needed for sustainability success
A growing wealth of evidence shows that sustainability has become a mainstream business and societal issue. Leading companies are embracing sustainability not only to reduce harmful practices but also to accelerate business transformation.
[Column] Darryl Pietersen: Improving innovation and technology for gender equality in Ghana
The digital revolution is fully underway, and the technology industry is reshaping our world. While it looks quite innovative and revolutionary from the outside, women remain a dramatically underrepresented group.
[Column] Marilyn Moodley: Conquering the biggest cloud adoption challenges with an effective strategy
As CIOs turn to the cloud to help streamline performance across key areas of operations, knowing exactly how to conquer the biggest cloud adoption challenges is more important than ever before.
[Column] David Meintjes: Unified communication and collaboration trends for 2023
As businesses continue evolving to meet changing customer behaviour, the uptake and investment in cloud unified communications platforms and tools will continue to soar.
[Column] Mark Wilson: The ERP and technology trends that will shape 2023
Following a year of disruption caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, supply chain disruptions and record-breaking inflation, we look to the year ahead and what 2023 might have in store for manufacturers and distributors.
Villgro Africa invests over $2m in African healthcare startups
Villgro Africa has invested over $1.36 million in 36 Kenyan healthcare startups over the last 7 years with plans to launch a Biotech Innovation Hub as part of its regional expansion.
[Column] Pierre Havenga: The data center revolution in Africa - deploying technology for tomorrow
Africa is rapidly emerging as a major player in the global data center market, with a number of countries investing heavily in the development of data centers.
[Column] Kevin Halkerd: Why humans should lead your business cybersecurity strategy
Most successful cyber breaches have one thing in common: People. Your company can be protected from every tech angle, with the latest security updates and most advanced threat detection.
[Column] Cathy Smith: With change the only constant, leaders will need to be adaptive in 2023
The last few years have revealed the futility of making predictions about what lies ahead. In our uncertain times, the only guarantee is that the world will keep changing, with change coming at an ever-accelerating rate.
Renewable energy startup PAM Africa launches first ever net zero villages in Nigeria
PAM Africa, a Nigerian renewable energy startup has launched Net-Zero Villages (NZVs) consisting of a community that is designed with a whole system thinking approach to offset more greenhouse gases (GHG) than it produces.
[Column] Dumisani Moyo: Navigating the winds of change in a digital-first world
Business leaders are facing an increasingly disruptive business environment, driven by supply chain constraints, critical skills shortages, hyperinflation, slowing economic growth, and persistent energy challenges, to name a few.
[Column] Chester Wisniewski: Artificial Intelligence now a match for natural ignorance
End-user security training has traditionally been an important aspect of cybersecurity efforts, as it aims to educate and empower employees to identify and prevent potential threats.
AfricaGoGreen Fund secures $47m to support tech-focused green projects in Africa
The AfricaGoGreen Fund (AGGF) has raised $47 million in combined investments from top financial organizations, including the IFC, AfDB, the Nordic Development Fund (NDF), and the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA).
Bolt announces plans to expand services in Africa with €500m investment
Bolt has announced plans to invest €500 million to enhance its operations across Africa over the next two years.
CcHUB launches $15m accelerator for edtech startups in Kenya and Nigeria
Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), touted as Africa’s largest innovation and incubation hub, announced it is launching a $15 million accelerator program for targeting edtech startups.
SC Ventures partners with Yabx to expand access to financial services in Africa
SC Ventures announced it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Yabx , a company incubated by Comviva and part of the Mahindra Group, to address a deep need for responsible consumer finance in Africa.
Identity verification platform Smile Identity raises $20m funding for Pan-African expansion
Smile Identity, Africa's Know Your Customer (KYC) onboarding and identity verification platform, announced the successful completion of its Series B funding round, raising $20 million.
[Interview] Seyi J. Matanmi, Founder, Hosteet, Nigeria
Seyi J. Matanmi is a technology product developer and entrepreneur. Educated in software development, research and analytics, he currently leads the cloud services outfit, Hosteet, operating out of Lagos, Nigeria.
Nigerian fintech Flutterwave expands into North Africa with new Egypt payments licenses
Flutterwave, Africa's payments technology company, has announced that it has received its Payment Services Provider and Payments Facilitator licenses in Egypt.
Partech Africa II reaches first close at €245m, above target fund size
Partech, the global technology investment firm, announced the first closing of Partech Africa II at €245 million, already above the target fund size.
Seven African startups to receive $385k to develop solutions for the blue economy
Climate resilience venture launcher Triggering Exponential Climate Action (TECA), has announced the selection of seven African startups to each receive $55,000 in funding to advance their solutions for the blue economy across the continent.
12 African startups selected for Techstars Accelerator program in Lagos, Nigeria
ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator, a Lagos-based program to build early-stage African fintech and proptech startups has announced its inaugural class. The cohort is made up of ten Nigerian and two Kenyan startups, with 50% female CEOs.
Google opens new accelerator program for women founders in Africa
Google has announced an accelerator program aimed at providing resources and opportunities for women founders in Africa.
Spotcovery, serving as a bridge between African Americans and Africans, launches optimization tool on site
Spotcovery, the innovative media platform that connects descendants of the African continent while promoting culture, creativity, entrepreneurship and economic growth, has launched the Slickstream optimization tool.
Adenia Partners announces $300m first close for fund V
Adenia Partners , a private markets investment firm committed to responsible investing and a sustainable Africa, has announced the first close of its fifth flagship fund, Adenia Capital (V) L.P. with $300 million commitments from investors.
Kenyan healthtech startup Zuri Health raises funding to expand across Africa
Kenyan healthtech startup Zuri Health announced it has raised an undisclosed amount of funding from Moroccan VC UM6P Ventures. The funds will be used to support Zuri’s growth and expansion across Africa.
Catalyst Fund invests $2m in 10 startups to improve resilience to climate change in Africa
Pre-seed venture capital (VC) fund and accelerator Catalyst Fund, announced a $2 million investment in 10 startups developing solutions to improve the resilience of communities most vulnerable to climate change in Africa.
Sustainable mobility startup eWAKA receives 500K CHF loan to accelerate growth
eWAKA, one of Africa’s most promising sustainable mobility startups, has received strategic support from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) Start-up Fund of the Swiss Confederation.
African tech ecosystem raised $6.5 billion in 2022, report
Partech Africa, the VC fund dedicated to technology startups in Africa, has issued its annual report on Africa Tech Venture Capital, which reveals that despite the global VC downturn, the African tech ecosystem grew faster than all other markets globally.
11 African startups selected for Cohort 3 of ASIP Accelerator Program
Eleven African startups have been selected to join the third cohort of the Africa Startup Initiative Program (ASIP). The accelerator program is powered by Startupbootcamp AfriTech together with its founding partner and leading telecom giant, Telecel Group.
[Column] Mikhail Marchenko: Major fintech trends that will affect online businesses in 2023
Digitalization and technological achievements, which have been observed in the African region for the past decade, have sped up the inevitable processes in fintech, changing its landscape completely.
African mobile game publisher Carry1st raises $27m funding round to accelerate growth
African mobile game publisher Carry1st, has raised $27 million in a funding round led by BITKRAFT Ventures, featuring participation from Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), TTV Capital, Alumni Ventures, Lateral Capital, Kepple Ventures, and Konvoy.
African startups land deals at European tech events
Seven African tech companies wooed investors, networked and showcased their products at two of the world’s biggest tech gatherings in Europe.
Nigerian fintech firm TeamApt reaches annualized payments volume of $170 billion, rebrands to Moniepoint
TeamApt Incorporated, the business banking platform in Nigeria, has adopted the name of its flagship product - Moniepoint, a testament to its success as the all-in-one digital banking solution for businesses.
Nigerian agritech startup Releaf secures $3.3m pre-Series A funding, unveils new technologies to drive profitability for consumer goods manufacturers
Releaf, a Nigerian agritech startup, has raised $3.3 million in an oversubscribed pre-Series A funding round.
Plesion Capital invests $500,000 funding in Ugandan fintech platform Xeno
Plesion Capital announced its formation as a social impact venture capital firm focused on partnering with mission-based entrepreneurs and companies to combat poverty around the world.
The Carbon Blockchain expands footprint in Africa with acquisition of Minerva Green
The Carbon Blockchain (TCB), a carbon finance and technology services company that produces high-integrity carbon credits has announced the acquisition of Minerva Green.
Kenya to host sixth edition of continental agriculture expo
Kenya will host the 6th edition of Africa Agri Expo in February 2023 , endorsed by Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development aimed at bringing the entire agricultural value chain under one roof.
Fintech enabler Ukheshe secures Series A funding to accelerate international expansion
Ukheshe International, the UK-headquartered division of digital-first, Banking as a Service (BaaS) enabler Ukheshe, announced the conclusion of an investment agreement that will help accelerate its international expansion.
Visa announces grant to help African women fund managers grow their businesses
Visa has announced a grant towards the African Women Impact Fund (AWIF), a collaboration between Standard Bank and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
Senegalese startup Kwely launches made in Africa online store
Kwely, a Senegalese-based startup has launched a B2B e-marketplace to provide African producers and manufacturers with a global window to sell their products at scale.
VC fund Ventures Platform closes its pan-African and early-stage fund at $46m
Ventures Platform, a pan-African early-stage Venture Capital firm, announced the final close of its intercontinental fund, at $46 million.
[Column] Thabiso Foto: Can Africa's startup sector keep up its record funding run amidst global turmoil?
Startups have become vital engines of change that can have an outsized impact on an economy. They are crucial in fueling innovation and enhancing economic and digital competitiveness.
African tech startup SeamlessHR picks Nairobi as its East African Hub
Nigeria’s tech startup SeamlessHR has launched its offices in the Kenyan market, choosing Nairobi as its East African Hub.
First investment of Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund goes to Aruwa Capital Management
The first investment of the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund has gone to Aruwa Capital Management, a gender-lens $20 million fund dedicated to Nigeria's SMEs, managed by a first-time woman-led fund manager.
Identity verification startup Verified.Africa launches in Kenya
Verified.Africa, the pioneer of ID verification, document verification and digital KYC compliance solutions, announced it has launched in Kenya.
VENCO secures $670K pre-seed funding to deliver digital solutions for residential and commercial properties in Africa
VENCO, a technology company that provides solutions to enhance living experiences in residential and commercial communities in Africa, has secured $670K pre-seed funding round.
Canadian B2B automotive trading startup TRADE X opens new trading facilities in Kenya
TRADE X, a B2B cross-border automotive trading platform based in Ontario, Canada, announced it has opened a new Kenyan trading corridor, which includes both a shared bonded warehouse in Mombasa and an office in Nairobi.
Nigerian foodtech Orda raises $3.4m seed round to digitize African restaurants
Nigerian foodtech platform Orda announced has raised a $3.4 million seed round to further digitize food businesses across the continent.
AWARD selects 50 African women for fellowship on improving policy in the agri-food systems
Inspired by the flagship AWARD Fellowship Model, the Gender Responsive Agriculture Systems Policy (GRASP) Fellowship, aims to grow a pool of confident and capable African women to lead policy changes to improve African smallholders’ livelihoods.
[Interview] Jennifer Feaster, Speaker, YouTube Creators Festival
Jennifer Feaster is a Managing Partner at Age Africa, an agency that combines data and creativity to develop performance driven YouTube channels, with unique content optimized for success.
Canadian B2B automotive trading startup TRADE X opens a trade route in Ghana
TRADE X, a B2B cross-border automotive trading platform with its headquarters in Ontario, Canada, announced it has opened a new trade route in Ghana, strengthening the company's presence in Africa.
Kenyan agritech startup Stable Foods raises $600k funding to grow its climate smart smallholder platform
Stable Foods, a Kenyan agritech startup offering a host of solutions to small-scale farmers, has raised $600k funding round, to build out its climate smart smallholder food production platform.
Modus expands to Sub-Saharan Africa with launch of $75m Africa-focused fund
Modus, a Venture Platform operating in MENA comprising VC funds, Venture Builders, and a Corporate Innovation arm, has announced the launch of Modus Africa – a $75 million SDG-focused VC fund that will invest in Africa’s boldest startups.
IBM announces five members selected for its Sustainability Accelerator programme
IBM has announced five global non-profits as new members of the Sustainability Accelerator programme. The programme is a global pro bono social impact program which seeks to help marginalized communities.
GhanaWeb, Age Africa Agency sponsor YouTube Creators Festival in Ghana
Ghana’s leading online media platform, GhanaWeb, and Age Africa Agency, the foremost YouTube agency with a Multi-Channel Network (MCN) in Africa, are co-sponsoring the second edition of the YouTube Creators Festival.
Demand for seamless, convenient way of shopping increase growth of e-Commerce in Africa
The electronic commerce (e-Commerce) transaction of goods and services between business-to-consumer (B2C), business-to-business (B2B), consumer-to-consumer, and consumer-to-business, has become rampant in this digital age.
Digital solutions startup Bantoo joins the Smart Africa Alliance
The Smart Africa Alliance announced it has welcomed digital solutions platform Bantoo to the alliance, to advance technological developments in the continent.
Startup Wise Guys selects the second batch of participants for Africa-dedicated fund
Startup Wise Guys (SWG), Europe’s startup accelerator and one of its most active investment funds, has selected the second batch of participants for its €7.5 million fund for African startup investment.
Climate tech VC firm Satgana announces first closing of its fund with €30m target size
Climate tech venture capital firm Satgana announced the first closing of a target €30 million VC fund to back the next generation of purpose-driven entrepreneurs building the Future of Earth.
Stellantis invests in Africar Group to create Auto24, African used vehicle startup
Africar Group and Stellantis have announced the launch of Auto24 activities in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Jobtech Alliance launches startup accelerator programs to improve livelihoods in Africa
The Jobtech Alliance, an ecosystem-building initiative around inclusive jobtech in Africa has launched two programs; the Catalyst Jobtech Accelerator and the Jobtech Innovation Lab.
Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa lead fintech growth in Africa, Mastercard
A report by payment services company Mastercard has revealed that South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya are among the most vibrant fintech markets in the continent.
Africa to take a common stand at COP 27
Aware of the lack of coordination between policymakers, scientists and negotiators to provide such evidence, the heads of states under the African Union decided in 2009 following COP15 that Africa should have one voice and negotiate as a block
Fintech emerging as Africa’s most vibrant sector, study
Fintech startups in Africa grew 81% in 2021, with South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya emerging as key hubs on the continent, found a Mastercard study on the state of fintech in African markets.
Tanzanian fintech startup NALA enables Google Pay payments from the US and UK into Africa
NALA, a Tanzanian fintech startup facilitating remittances from the African diaspora in the UK and US, has integrated Google Pay into its suite of payment options for users.
South African digital identity startup iiDENTIFii raises $15m growth capital to fuel expansion across Africa
Cape Town-based digital identity startup iiDENTIFii announced it has raised $15 million in growth capital to fuel its expansion across Africa.
Nigerian social commerce startup Bumpa raises $4m seed funding to build the future of commerce for African sellers
Nigerian social commerce startup Bumpa announced it has raised $4 million seed round led by Base10 Partners, the largest black-led fund in the world, with participation from Plug & Play Ventures.
Flourish Ventures launches Africa-focused pre-seed investment platform, Madica
Flourish Ventures, a global venture capital firm investing in mission-driven fintech entrepreneurs, announced the launch of affiliate Madica, a structured investment program for pre-seed stage technology companies in Africa.
President Buhari signs Nigeria Startup Bill into law
Nigeria has become the latest country to pass a Startup Bill, giving a more formal approach to how the startup ecosystem is governed.
LHoFT announces15 fintech startups selected for CATAPULT: Inclusion Africa 2022 program
LHoFT has announced the 15 fintech startups that have been selected to participate in the fifth edition of the CATAPULT: Inclusion Africa program.
36 African tech startups selected for MEST Africa Challenge 2022
MEST Africa has announced the 36 technology startups from 5 African countries that have been selected for the regional pitch competition stage of the 2022 MEST Africa Challenge.
Nigerian data and intelligence startup Stears raises $3.3m to solve Africa’s data dearth
Nigerian data and intelligence company, Stears has raised $3.3 million to enhance its data collection and analytics capabilities, acquire talent and expand into East and Southern Africa.
Vendease secures $30m to transform procurement and business operations for restaurants across Africa
Vendease, a Y Combinator-backed digital platform that allows restaurants in Africa to buy supplies, access financial services and power their business operations, has raised $30 million funding round.
Nigerian fintech startup Kippa launches business registration platform to support SMEs
Nigerian fintech startup Kippa has launched Kippa Start, a business registration platform to enable Nigerian MSMEs scale through their businesses.
Decentralized renewables are pointing entrepreneurs to sustainable jobs, report
The industry’s most comprehensive emerging markets employment census shows increased demand for DRE solutions is creating hundreds of thousands of formal and informal jobs.
Nigerian blockchain payments startup Bitmama closes $2m pre-seed round to scale growth
Nigerian blockchain payments startup Bitmama announced a pre-seed extension of $1.65 million, adding to the $350,000 it received last October, thus closing the round at $2 million led by Unicorn Growth Capital and Launch Africa.
Unicorn Growth Capital, EchoVC join Celo Foundation to support Web3 projects across Africa
Unicorn Growth Capital and EchoVC have joined the Celo Foundation to support growth of Web3 projects across Africa through newly dedicated Celo ecosystem investment funds.
Ghanaian health tech startup mPharma acquires majority stake in Nigeria’s HealthPlus
Ghanaian health tech startup mPharma has acquired a majority stake in HealthPlus, a pioneer pharmacy chain in Nigeria.
African fintech startup Flutterwave launches eNaira payments for businesses in Nigeria
Flutterwave, Africa's payments technology company announced its merchants can now process payments in eNaira, the Nigerian digital currency issued and distributed by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Kenyan insurtech startup Turaco secures $10m funding to drive insurance adoption
Turaco, the insurtech driving mass market insurance adoption, has announced the close of a $10 million Series A equity round led by AfricInvest, via the Cathay Africinvest Innovation Fund.
Nigerian fintech startup Kippa raises $8.4m seed round to accelerate growth
Nigerian fintech startup Kippa has raised $8.4 million in an oversubscribed seed round led by Goodwater Capital, TEN13 VC, Rocketship VC, Saison Capital, Crestone VC, VentureSouq, Horizon Partners, and Vibe Capital.
[Startup Interview] Tesh Mbaabu, CEO, MarketForce, Kenya
Tesh Mbaabu is a serial entrepreneur who lives to blend commerce and technology. He is the Co-founder and CEO of Kenyan-based B2B platform for retail distribution of consumer goods and digital financial services in Africa today, MarketForce.
Africa's gender equal tech VC fund Janngo Capital reaches first close of its €60m fund
Janngo Capital Startup Fund (JCSF) has announced its first close at €34 million in capital commitments, to invest 50% of its proceeds in companies founded, co-founded, or benefiting women.
Google announces 60 African startups selected for its second Black Founders Fund
Google has announced 60 qualifiers for its Google for Startups Black Founders Fund (BFF) for African startups.
Nigerian fintech startup NowNow raises $13m seed round to expand across Africa
Nigerian fintech startup NowNow Digital Systems has raised $13 million in its seed round for expansion across Africa.
African fintech startup Flutterwave secures switching and processing license from Central Bank of Nigeria
Flutterwave, Africa's payments technology company has been granted a Switching and Processing License by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), widely regarded as CBN's most valuable payments processing license.
Nigerian mobility fintech Moove joins forces with Uber UK to bring electric vehicles to London
Nigerian fintech moblity startup Moove has announced its launch in London as part of its global expansion through a new partnership with Uber.
Kenyan fintech startup Pezesha raises $11m to expand across Africa
Pezesha, a Kenyan fintech that has built a platform where small and medium enterprises can access funding, has raised $11 million in a pre-series A equity and debt funding.
FMO partners with SBC AfriTech to support next generation of early-stage African tech startups
FMO has partnered with a pan-African tech accelerator, Startupbootcamp (SBC) AfriTech, for the third installment of the Africa Startup Initiative Accelerator Program which is designed to scout skill and scale early-stage tech startups in Africa.
Nigerian fintech startup Grey raises $2m to simplify cross-border payments across Africa
Nigerian fintech startup Grey has raised $2 million in seed funding to simplify cross-border payments across Africa. The seed funding round included participation from Y Combinator, Soma Capital, Heirloom Fund and other high-profile investors.
UK-based Medi-science International partners with Kenyan healthtech startup Afya Rekod to enhance healthcare delivery
UK-based Medi-science International and Kenyan healthtech startup Afya Rekod have announced a strategic collaboration to transform healthcare delivery through improved access to personal health data.
Koolboks closes $2.5m seed round to scale solar refrigeration across Africa
Koolboks, the sustainable cooling company providing accessible cold storage solutions to businesses across Africa, has closed $2.5 million Seed funding round, led by Aruwa Capital Management.
AfCFTA Secretariat unveils digital hub to ease trade on the continent
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat has launched a digital platform aimed at easing trade on the African continent.
Kenyan insurtech startup Lami Technologies raises $3.7m to expand across Africa
Kenya-based insurtech startup Lami Technologies has raised a $ 3.7 million seed extension to expand its insurtech product across Africa.
Kenyan wealth-tech startup Ndovu partners with Tulix to empower Africa’s diaspora to invest back home
Africa’s wealth management platform Ndovu has announced a strategic partnership withTulix, an Antler & Catalyst Fund portfolio company.
Fintech startup Bizao raises €8m Series A funding to accelerate its footprint across Africa
Bizao, a fintech that facilitates payments for both local and international businesses operating in Africa, announced a €8 million Series A funding to accelerate its geographical footprint across the continent and invest in the design of new lines of products and services.
AfricInvest and Cathay Innovation complete final close of €110m Pan-African venture fund
Africa’s multi-asset investment platform AfricInvest and global venture capital firm Cathay Innovation, have completed the final close of their joint Pan-African venture fund, Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund (CAIF), at €110 million.
South Africa’s student housing startup DigsConnect secures investment to spearhead international growth
DigsConnect.com, South Africa’s digital student accommodation platform, announced the closure of its Pre-Series A seed extension round after securing undisclosed multi-million rand investment.
Yamaha partners with Nigerian startup MAX for vehicle financing and maintenance
Moto Business Service Nigeria (MBSN), a subsidiary of Japan’s Yamaha Motor Corporation, announced a strategic partnership with Metro Africa Xpress (MAX), to finance and maintain over 50,000 vehicles over the next 2 years.
African accelerator for European scaleups Chapter54 now in full swing
Chapter54, the first accelerator dedicated to European scaleups wishing to expand into African markets, launched in January 2022 by Partech, has started to support its first batch of European scaleups.
Pan-African talent marketplace Gebeya announces new innovation to accelerate hiring freelance professionals
Gebeya, the Pan-African marketplace for freelance professional talent, announced a new innovation to accelerate a more stable, dynamic African tech talent infrastructure.
The African Business Roundtable Project Preparation Masterclass Free Webinar, July 27
After discussions with a variety of advisory and investment institutions, and to further attract investment to projects, the African Business Roundtable Secretariat in association with Afreximbank has designed the “Project Preparation Masterclass”.
Celo announces new Web3 fund for African startups adopting crypto strategies
Mobile-first blockchain ecosystem Celo has launched a new programme to support African startups across payments, remittances, virtual assets, savings, and related financial services.
10,000 African startups to be equipped with skills to build blockchain technologies businesses
Three firms have joined hands to empower 10, 000 startups across Africa to build innovative technologies and businesses around blockchain technologies.
[Column] Patrick Ndegwa: Is 2022 the year for African startups?
Africa is the place to be if you want to discover and support new ideas. According to a Substack newsletter titled Africa: The Big Deal, the continent was the recipient of startup deals worth a combined $4.27 billion
African fintech Flutterwave appoints Gurbhej Dhillon as new CTO
Flutterwave, Africa’s payments technology company, announced the appointment of former Goldman Sachs’ Managing Director, Gurbhej Dhillon as Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
Nigerian fintech startup Mono launches in Kenya
Mono, a Nigerian fintech startup that builds open banking infrastructure to enable access to customer financial data and bank payments for digital businesses in Africa, announced it has expanded its services to Kenya.
BII invests $20m in African mobility fintech Moove to strengthen the informal transport industry
The British International Investment (BII), the UK government’s Development Finance Institution (DFI), announced a $20 million, 4-year structured credit investment in Moove, a mobility fintech democratising access to vehicle ownership in Africa.
Africa-focused VC firm TLcom Capital appoints Eloho Omame as Partner
TLcom, the Africa-focused venture capital firm, has appointed Eloho Omame as a Partner, bolstering its capabilities as it ramps up deployment of TIDE Africa Fund II, its new $150 million pan-African tech fund.
Nigerian Lab testing startup HealthTracka raises $1.5m funding for expansion to Kenya and Ghana
Nigerian at-home lab testing startup HealthTracka has raised $1.5 million in funding to expand its operations into Kenya and Ghana. The pre-seed funding which was led by Ingressive Capital.
Proparco completes pre-series-A investment in Moringa to fuel its expansion across Africa
Proparco announced the completion of a pre-series-A investment in Moringa to its expansion across Africa. The funding from Proparco will also facilitate the broadening of the range of courses offered by Moringa.
Proparco joins forces with Digital Africa to provide financing solutions for African tech startups
As part of its 2022-2025 roadmap, Digital Africa, in partnership with Proparco, will support 200 African startups at different stages of their growth with a wide range of offers at their disposal.
MFS Africa raises $100m funding to accelerate its expansion plans across Africa and Asia
MFS Africa, Africa’s digital payments network, announced it has secured an additional $100 million in equity and debt funding led by Admaius Capital Partners, taking the total amount raised in the series to $200 million.
AfricArena partners with FMO to accelerate tech startups in Ghana, Morocco and Tanzania
AfricArena, the African series of tech events, announced a partnership with FMO Ventures Program, the Rise Open Innovation Challenge, which focuses on accelerating the growth of startups looking to improve the state of Africa.
African tech startup funding will double by 2025, research
African business leaders are forecasting a surge in spending on tech start-ups as foreign direct investment and improved internet connectivity helps establish the continent as a tech superpower, new research for blockchain-based mobile network operator World Mobile shows.
Tunisian edtech startup GOMYCODE raises $8m Series A funding to expand across Africa
Tunisian edtech startup GOMYCODE, raised $8.85 million in series A funding, one of the highest African funding this quarter to expand across Africa.
[Column] Alexandra Fraser: Angel investors plugging the early-stage funding gap in sub-Saharan Africa
One of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurial startups in sub-Saharan Africa is funding – particularly early-stage financial support – even though the landscape across the region has evolved over the past few years with more funders and capital deployed in this space.
GreenHouse Capital announces 13 African startups selected for the Microsoft scale-up accelerator
GreenHouse Capital has announced the 13 African startups that have been selected for Microsoft scale-up accelerator program. The programme is targeted at startups a the pre-series A stage looking to expand into new markets.
Nigerian fintech startup Indicina raises $3m seed funding to expand into other African markets
Nigerian fintech startup Indicina announced it has raised $3 million in seed funding round to foster its commitment to the credit value chain.
Kenyan E-health startup Maisha Meds hits 1000 active facilities, expands to Nigeria
Kenyan digital pharmacy network Maisha Meds announced it has reached1,000 active facilities, making it one of the largest digital pharmacy networks in sub-Saharan Africa.
Nigerian fintech startup Grey partners with Cellulant for East Africa expansion
Nigerian fintech startup Grey, announced the launch of its service to East Africa starting with Kenya in partnership with payments company, Cellulant.
MaC Venture Capital closes out $5.6m seed round of African startup AMP Global with $2m investment
MaC Venture Capital, an LA-based seed-stage VC that invests in visionary founders, closed out the $5.6 million Seed round of African startup AMP Global Technologies, with a healthy $2 million investment.
Untapped Global raises $10.3m pre-seed round to build an investment platform for Africa and emerging markets
Untapped Global announced the launch of its public beta platform, which uses real-time data to provide transparency for investors looking to tap into Africa and emerging markets.
AAEC and WAEMU renew partnership with additional funding of 10 million CFA
The support will go towards improving the performance of the Africa e-Trade Hub platform to cater for the exchange of electronic certificates of origin as well as consolidating ongoing initiatives and further support Member States in the process of simplifying procedures and formalities.
Crypto Valley Venture Capital firm launches early-stage fund targeting African blockchain startups
Crypto Valley Venture Capital (CV VC), announced the launch of its African Blockchain Early-Stage Fund targeting blockchain startups from across Africa.
Pan-African fintech app Bamba raises $3.2m seed funding to scale growth
Kenyan fintech startup Bamba secured $3.2 million in seed funding to scale its app and build out its team. Venture capital firm 468 Capital led the round with participation from Presight Ventures.
Autochek acquires Morocco’s automotive tech startup KIFAL Auto to drive North Africa expansion
Autochek, the automotive technology company making car ownership more accessible and affordable across Africa, has announced the acquisition of KIFAL Auto, a Moroccan automotive technology startup, to drive its expansion into North Africa.
Fintech startup MooveBeta merges with ImpalaPay to provide a connected economy for Africa
Adanian Labs Africa incubated fintech startup MooveBeta has announced its merger with ImpalaPay, a fintech blockchain company with operations across 42 African countries and 134 worldwide.
Habitat for Humanity launches ShelterTech accelerator seeking affordable housing innovations in sub-Saharan Africa
Global nonprofit organization Habitat for Humanity has opened applications for the ShelterTech sub-Saharan Africa accelerator program.
Pan-African VC firm Ventures Platform appoints Dotun Olowoporoku as new Venture Partner
Pan-African VC firm, Ventures Platform has appointed Dotun Olowoporoku as the new Venture Partner. The appointment comes less than 6 months after the firm closed its $40 million fund.
realme addresses internet coverage gap with affordable smartphones
Phone manufacturer realme has captured the Kenyan market by making smartphones affordable hence closing a widening internet coverage gap, despite huge investments in high-speed internet across Africa.
Nigerian retail tech startup TradeDepot appoints Chidi Akubuiro as Managing Director for West Africa
TradeDepot, a B2B e-Commerce and embedded finance platform in Africa, has appointed former Coca Cola HBC and Hayat Kimya Nigeria Executive, Chidi Akubuiro as its Managing Director for West Africa.
[Column] Berenice Chassagne: Engaged Employee Experience: Balancing human and technology
Employee engagement is a key driver of the overall performance of a business.
Nigerian trade tech firm Norebase raises $1m pre-seed round to scale African growth
Norebase, a Nigeria-based trade technology firm announced it has secured $1 million pre-seed funding round, co-led by Samurai Incubate and Consonance Investment.
Viva Technology, IFC announce 45 emerging African startups to compete for the 2022 AfricaTech Awards
Viva Technology and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), announced the top 45 startups that have been long-listed for the first edition of the AfricaTech Awards.
Logistics startup Swvl acquires Volt Lines, enters European market
Swvl Holdings, a global provider of transformative tech-enabled mass transit solutions announced a definitive agreement to acquire Volt Lines, a Turkey-based B2B and Transport as a Service mobility business.
African B2B marketplace Kwely nabs $1m seed round to accelerate growth
African B2B marketplace Kwely finalized a $1 million seed funding round with a $700,000 injection of fresh capital led by WIC Capital with participation from Loftyinc Capital, Afropreneur Angels, Haskè Ventures and other angel investors.
Insurtech startup ETAP secures $1.5m pre-seed funding to drive car insurance penetration in Africa
ETAP, an insurtech startup that makes it easier to buy and claim insurance, has secured $1.5 million in pre-seed funding to grow its team and drive the adoption of much-needed car insurance across Africa.
Microsoft launches accelerator program for East and West African startups
Microsoft has announced a new partnership with GreenHouse Labs to facilitate the acceleration of African startups that are at the pre-series A stage.
Shirley Somuah named partner at African private equity fund manager CardinalStone Capital
African private equity fund manager, CardinalStone Capital Advisers (CCA), has appointed Shirley Somuah as a Partner, as it strengthens its presence in Ghana with a new office opening in Accra in Q2.
What Africa requires to attain sustainable and effective food systems
A variety of factors constrain those who are reliant on farming for their livelihoods – particularly smallholders, including women and youth – from stepping up or stepping in to agriculture.
AliExpress Co- Founder Tom Gong appointed CTO of Kenyan BNPL company Lipa Later
Tom Gong, Co-Founder AliExpress and former Technical Program Manager for Google Wallet, will be joining Lipa Later as the new Chief technology Officer effective March 2022.
Swedish AI Fund announces new fund targeting AI startups in Africa
Swedish AI Fund (SAIF), an NGO providing financial aid, grants and scholarships to AI projects has announced a new fund targeting AI startups in Africa.
South African tech startup SmartWage raises $2m to bridge gap between enterprises and frontline employees
SmartWage, an innovative HR and communications technology startup, raised $2 million oversubscribed seed funding round to support its vision of transforming Africa’s workforce.
Fintech startup Credrails partners with Access Bank to foster the future of finance in Africa
Access Bank has partnered with financial infrastructure startup Credrails to develop open finance rails that will dramatically improve the experience of banking customers across the continent.
African fintech Flutterwave goes live in Tanzania
African fintech Flutterwave announced it has gained approval from the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) to launch its payment service in the country.
10 African fintech startups selected for CATAPULT: Inclusion Africa Special Dubai Edition
The LHoFT Foundation has announced the 10 African fintech startups that will take part in the special edition of CATAPULT: Inclusion Africa which will be held in Dubai, UAE.
Flutterwave founder appointed to the advisory board of Lipa Later Group
Lipa Later Group, Africa’s Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) firm, has announced the appointed Flutterwave Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Mr. Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola as a member of its advisory board.
Nigerian Big Cabal Media raises $2.3m to fuel audience growth and build new verticals
Big Cabal Media [BCM], a pan-African media company headquartered in Nigeria, has announced the close of its Seed Series fundraising round at $2.3million, led by MaC Venture Capital.
Kenyan e-Commerce startup Sokowatch raises $125m, rebrands to Wasoko
Kenyan based B2B e-Commerce startup Sokowatch has raised a $125 million Series B equity round, the largest venture financing round ever raised for a non-fintech startup in Africa.
Ghanaian fintech startup Dash closes $32.8m seed round to create a unified payments app for Africans
Dash, the unified and accessible payments app, announced it has raised $32.8 million in an oversubscribed seed round, one of the largest seed rounds for an African technology startup.
Nigerian mobility fintech startup Moove raises $105m series A2 round to scale growth
Mobility fintech, Moove, which provides revenue-based financing to mobility entrepreneurs across Africa, has raised $105 million in an oversubscribed Series A2 round consisting of equity and debt.
15 startups selected for Google for Startups Accelerator Africa Class 7
Google has announced the 15 African startups that have been selected for its Startups Accelerator Africa Class 7 programme. The startups are developing solutions in areas such as healthcare, education, fleet management, logistics automation and recruiting.
African crypto startup Basqet launches payment gateway to enable businesses accept Bitcoin
African blockchain payments startup Basqet announced the launch of its cryptocurrency payments gateway which will allow businesses to accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as payment.
EV startup BasiGo flags off first electric buses in Kenya
Nairobi headquartered e-mobility startup BasiGo flagged off the first electric buses in the country for passenger use.
Smart addressing startup OkHi secures $1.5m seed funding to drive smart address verification in Africa
Smart addressing startup, OkHi, has secured a $1.5 million seed extension, bringing the total of its seed funding to $3 million. This raise is supported by notable firms and individuals who, beyond funding, bring a wealth of expertise to OkHi.
Dream VC opens applications for its VC Fellowship Program in Africa
Dream VC, a Remote Venture Capital Upskilling Institute, has opened applications for its 2022 fellowship program for VCs in Africa.
Salary on-demand startup Cadana partners with Flutterwave to expand into Nigeria
Cadana, the salary on-demand startup has expanded operations into Nigeria following a strategic partnership with Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payments technology company.
26 startups selected to join African Tech Vision's 2nd mentorship program for African female founders
African Tech Vision, a non-profit-organization supporting early-stage female tech founders, has announced 26 startups that will be joining its 2nd mentorship program.
South African cryptocurrency exchange VALR raises $50m Series B funding to expand across the continent
VALR.com, a South Africa cryptocurrency exchange, announced it has raised $50 million, Africa’s largest ever crypto funding round, bringing the company`s valuation at $240 million.
Venture Noire partners with Remote Year to launch global accelerator program for Black and minority startups
Venture Noire, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving black quality of life through economic development, has partnered with Remote Year to expand its signature 8-week accelerator program.
Fintech platform M-KOPA secures $75m growth equity round to scale its African footprint
M-KOPA, the fintech platform that provides connected financing and digital financial services to underbanked consumers across four markets in Africa, announced its $75 million growth equity round, bringing its total equity funding to $190 million.
GE Healthcare partners with Kenyan healthtech startup Afya Rekod to simplify access to medical records in Africa
GE Healthcare and Kenya-based startup Afya Rekod have announced a collaboration that seeks to transform care delivery through improved access to personal health data in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Four African startups selected for 10th cohort of Catalyst Fund fintech accelerator
Four African fintech startups have been selected to join the tenth cohort of the Catalyst Fund accelerator. The startups are among the six selected that are building solutions designed to improve the resilience of underserved.
Kenyan retail tech startup MarketForce raises $40m Series A to scale up super app for Africa’s informal merchants
MarketForce, the Nairobi-headquartered B2B platform for retail distribution of consumer goods and digital financial services in Africa, announced the closing of a $40 million Series A round.
African fintech Flutterwave rebrands, introduces new products and services
African fintech startup Flutterwave has unveiled a significant re-brand and identity during the Flutterwave 3.0, virtual event held on Friday, 18th February 2022.
[African Startup Review] Pie Kamau: Nigerian fintech Flutterwave is now Africa's highest valued Unicorn
As the African fintech industry continues to bloom, so does the funding. Flutterwave has now become Africa's highest valued startup after closing $250 million Series D funding, bringing the company’s valuation to over $3 billion.
Flutterwave becomes highest valued African startup after closing $250m Series D funding
Technology company Flutterwave, announced it has raised $250 million in Series D funding, valuing the company at over $3 billion as the brand continues to transform the way Africans transact on the continent and worldwide.
Remedial Health joins Y Combinator, raises $1m pre-seed funding to digitize Africa's neighbourhood pharmacies
Remedial Health, a healthtech startup that develops solutions to make Africa’s pharmaceutical sector more efficient, has raised $1 million in pre-seed funding to roll out its digital procurement.
[African Startup Review] Pie Kamau: Capital funding for tech startups gain momentum in 2022
The startup ecosystem in Africa is taking shape. A lot of technological innovations especially in the areas of fintech, e-mobility, e-commerce, healthtech, foodtech and cleantech have seen accelerated growth towards Africa’s digital transformation and innovation.
Kenyan logistics startup Amitruck raises $4m seed funding to accelerate digital solutions across Africa
Kenya-based digital trucking logistics startup Amitruck has announced it has secured $4 milllion in a seed funding round that had the participation of investors from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S.
African mobility fintech company Moove secures $10m financing to support expansion to West Africa
NBK Capital Partners Mezzanine Fund II has announced that it closed a $10 million financing facility with Uber's exclusive vehicle supply partner in Africa, the mobility fintech, Moove.
Nigerian proptech startup Seso Global launches regional offices in US and the UK
To better engage with communities in the diaspora, Nigerian proptech startup Seso Global has launched regional offices in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK).
African focused VC firm TLcom secures first close of $150m Pan-African tech fund
TLcom, the Africa-focused venture capital firm announced a first close of $70 million for its $150 million Africa focused tech fund making it the largest independent VC firm fully dedicated to the continent.
Call for startups to Pitch Live at 2022 Africa Startup Summit in Nairobi, Kenya
Africa Tech Summit has opened applications to the 2022 edition of Pitch Live at the fourth Africa Startup Summit.
Online platforms lift the fortunes of Kenyan artists
Kenyan artists have not been left behind and are embracing digital platforms with impressive results.
Swedish-Kenyan electric vehicle tech startup Opibus launches first electric bus designed and developed in Africa
Swedish-Kenyan electric vehicle technology startup Opibus has introduced the first all-electric bus in Kenya as well as the first African designed electric bus ever.
Tech startups key to Africa’s digital transformation but urgently need investment, report
The World Economic Forum’s latest report, “Attracting Investment and Accelerating Adoption for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Africa” analyses the challenges Africa faces in joining the global knowledge-based digital economy.
Kenyan mobile commerce startup Copia raises $50m to ramp up African expansion
Kenyan-based mobile commerce platform Copia Global raised $50 million in a Series C equity round led by Goodwell Investments.
VC firm QED Investors hires Gbenga Ajayi as Partner to focus on fintech investments in Africa
QED Investors, a global venture capital firm focused on investing in disruptive financial services companies, has hired Gbenga Ajayi as a Partner, to focus on fintech investments in Africa.
Kenya's Poa Internet announces first close of $28m financing round by Africa50
Poa Internet and Africa50 announced the completion of Africa50’s equity investment into Poa. This funding is part of the $28 million financing round led by Africa50.
Canadian fintech startup Periculum launches in Nigeria to build credit assessment infrastructure for Africa
Canadian fintech startup and credit assessment company Periculum, has launched in Nigeria to tackle the challenge of domestic credit to the underserved markets.
Kenyan BNPL startup Lipa Later secures $12m funding to expand across Africa
Lipa Later, one of it’s kind buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) company operating in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Nigeria, has raised $12 million from a consortium of investors.
Interviews.
[Interview] Caroline Mutuku, General Manager, Glovo, Kenya
Caroline Mutuku is Kenya's General Manager of multi-category app Glovo. Caroline joined Glovo in December 2022 from Swvl Kenya where she also served as the General Manager from December 2021. In this interview...read more here
[Interview] Renate Swanepoel, COO, INC. Networking
Renate Swanepoel is an entrepreneur, global networker and inspirational speaker that has helped thousands of people around the world to find their purpose. She has gained significant networking and communication...read more here
[Interview] Anne-Marie Chidzero, Chief Investment Officer, FSD Africa
Anne-Marie Chidzero is the Chief Investment Officer at the Financial Sector Deepening Africa (FSD Africa) Investments. In this interview, she talks about the risks and opportunities in backing Africa’s early-stage startups...read more here
[Interview] James Kilpatrick, Chair, Gravitilab, UK
Gravitilab is a "Space as a Service" business providing research, testing and qualification facilities to space agencies, government, academia and commercial enterprises. The company’s Chair and Chief Finance Officer...read more here
[Interview] Ramanjeet Singh, CEO, Woosper, USA
Woosper is a US-based digital advertising and marketing agency focused on creating experiences that help clients discover their place in the digital world. The CEO Ramanjeet Singh...read more here