Author: Staff Writer

In a move that sounds like the plot of a sci-fi novel, Albania has become the first country in the world to appoint an AI-generated minister. Prime Minister Edi Rama introduced Diella—a virtual assistant powered by artificial intelligence—as the country’s new overseer of public tenders and government contracts. “Diella is…

Nigeria’s quest to expand energy access has received a significant boost with the announcement of a new $7.5 million financing facility for Odyssey Energy Solutions, a technology platform driving distributed renewable energy projects across emerging markets. The facility, provided by British International Investment (BII) – the UK’s development finance institution…

African startups raised a combined $117 million in August 2025, continuing the continent’s growth momentum even after a record-breaking July. Although the August total was smaller compared to July’s $555 million, the month still showcased a healthy mix of venture equity and growth capital across sectors such as clean energy,…

Airtel Africa has officially broken ground on what will become the largest data centre in East Africa, a 44MW facility located in the Tatu City Special Economic Zone (SEZ) outside Nairobi. Through its data centre subsidiary, Nxtra, Airtel is positioning itself as a key driver of Africa’s digital transformation by…

South African fintech startup Float has raised $2.6 million (R46 million) in new funding as it accelerates efforts to reshape how consumers use credit cards. The round was co-led by Invenfin and SAAD Investment Holdings, with participation from Lighthouse Venture Partners and existing backers, including Platform Investment Partners. The capital…

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has moved decisively to clarify its position on the taxation of social media influencers, a rapidly growing segment of the country’s digital economy. With influencers increasingly shaping consumer behavior and commanding significant marketing budgets, SARS has placed them firmly under its tax compliance spotlight.…

Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, is preparing to make a landmark move into South Africa with the launch of its first branded stores later this year. This development marks a new chapter in Walmart’s African journey, signaling renewed confidence in a market long regarded as both challenging and promising. The…

In early September 2025, the Nepalese government ignited a political storm by banning 26 major social media platforms—including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn, Reddit, and Snapchat—for failing to comply with new rules requiring local registration and oversight. While TikTok and Viber remained accessible, having met government criteria, the sweeping…

Accion, a nonprofit dedicated to building a fairer financial system, has announced the final close of a $61.6 million venture fund aimed at supporting early-stage fintech startups tackling financial exclusion. The new vehicle, Accion Venture Lab Fund II, LP, marks the evolution of the organization’s decade-long investment strategy and has…

The European Commission has once again taken aim at Google, this time handing the tech giant a €2.95 billion fine (about $3.5 billion) for antitrust violations in its advertising business. Regulators in Brussels concluded that Google unfairly favored its own ad exchange, AdX, within its publisher ad server and its…

inDrive, the ride-hailing company that disrupted markets with its bidding-based pricing model, is making a bold shift toward becoming a “super app” for frontier economies. The California-headquartered company is widening its scope from mobility to everyday essentials, beginning with a grocery delivery launch in Kazakhstan. The move reflects a larger…

Nigeria’s pension industry has recorded a major milestone as Leadway Holdings Limited (“Leadway”), one of the country’s most diversified financial services groups, announced the acquisition of 100% equity interest in Pensions Alliance Limited (PAL), a leading Pension Fund Administrator (PFA). The transaction involves the transfer of ownership from FSDH Holding…

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has officially commenced the implementation of the Digital, Electronic, Online, or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations (DEON Consumer Lending Regulation), 2025, marking a decisive move to curb widespread malpractice in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital lending space. Addressing Consumer Exploitation For years, Nigerians have raised…

Nigerian agri-tech platform Babban Gona has secured a $7.5 million debt investment from British International Investment (BII), strengthening its mission to transform smallholder farming and build climate resilience in Northern Nigeria. Tackling Barriers for Smallholder Farmers Across Northern Nigeria—responsible for over half of the country’s maize output—millions of smallholder farmers…

Union Bank of Nigeria has officially completed its merger with Titan Trust Bank Limited, closing a chapter in Nigerian banking history and opening a new era for one of the country’s oldest financial institutions. The consolidation, approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), marks the full absorption of Titan…

Twelve months ago, Peerless Technologies made a bold commitment: to build a modern core banking solution in Africa that truly reflects the realities of African markets. One year later, that promise has taken firm root with SeaBaas, its flagship platform, now powering institutions across Nigeria and beyond. What began as…

Samsung’s latest mid-range models, the Galaxy A56 and A36, share many core traits—a large 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution and a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, both powered by 5,000 mAh batteries and equipped with 45W fast charging. But dig deeper, and meaningful differences emerge. FeatureSamsung Galaxy A56Samsung…

Google has confirmed a massive security breach that exposed data tied to 2.5 billion Gmail users, after hackers infiltrated the company’s Salesforce database in a sophisticated social engineering campaign. The attack, carried out by the cybercriminal syndicate ShinyHunters, highlights how even the most advanced technology companies remain vulnerable when employees…

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has emerged as one of the leading voices shaping the global conversation on artificial intelligence (AI). His recent inclusion in the TIME100 Most Influential People in AI for 2025 marks not only personal recognition but also a validation of Nigeria’s…

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has struck a landmark $2.5 billion agreement with the Ethiopian government to build one of the world’s largest fertilizer plants, positioning Ethiopia as a regional hub for agricultural inputs while advancing his own pan-African industrial ambitions. The deal, signed in Addis Ababa, will see Dangote…