Author: Tapiwa Matthew Mutisi

Ride-hailing platform inDrive has quietly launched in-app advertising in Nigeria, marking a strategic shift to broaden its revenue base beyond ride-hailing and delivery services. The feature went live in November 2025 and is powered by Bookings.com, placing ads within the app interface—particularly during post-booking wait times and while passengers are…

Spotify is increasing the cost of its premium subscription plans by $1 to $2 across all tiers, effective February. This adjustment mirrors the company’s previous price hike in 2024. Subscribers in the US, Estonia, and Latvia will soon receive email notifications outlining the updated rates, which will apply to their…

OpenAI has quietly introduced ChatGPT Translate, a standalone translation tool powered by its flagship AI model. While users have long relied on ChatGPT for translation tasks, this marks the first time OpenAI has offered a dedicated interface for the feature, as spotted by Android Authority. According to OpenAI, ChatGPT Translate…

X has announced significant changes to Grok’s image-editing capabilities following weeks of public backlash over allegations that the chatbot was generating sexualized images of minors and non-consensual nudity. In an update posted from X’s official @Safety account, the company stated that it has implemented new technological safeguards to prevent Grok…

The Pyramid Continental Hotel in South Sudan has introduced a groundbreaking innovation in its hospitality services—the country’s first robot waitress. This move underscores the hotel’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance service delivery and elevate the guest experience. The humanoid robot, named Ayen, is powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and…

Nigeria is set to introduce a groundbreaking law to regulate Artificial Intelligence (AI), positioning itself among the first African nations to enact comprehensive AI governance. The National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, expected to be approved by the end of March, will grant regulators broad authority over data, algorithms, and…

Visa is actively working to integrate stablecoins into its existing payment infrastructure, aiming to maintain its leadership position as these digital tokens gain traction globally. The initiative reflects Visa’s strategy to bridge emerging blockchain-based payment models with its vast merchant acceptance network, according to Cuy Sheffield, Visa’s Head of Crypto.…

American satellite internet startup Spacecoin has received regulatory clearance to roll out satellite broadband services in Kenya, setting the stage for the first serious challenge to Starlink’s near-monopoly in the country’s satellite connectivity market. The licence, granted by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), authorizes Spacecoin to provide satellite-based broadband…

British American Tobacco (BAT) has announced plans to close its sole manufacturing facility in South Africa by the end of 2026, citing the devastating impact of the illicit cigarette trade on the local market. The decision marks a significant shift for the company, which has maintained a manufacturing presence in…

Woliz, a Moroccan retail-tech startup, has raised US$2.2 million in pre-seed funding to accelerate the development of its AI-powered, fintech-enabled platform aimed at transforming the traditional retail landscape. The round was led by Sanlam Maroc, the Moroccan subsidiary of the global financial services giant Sanlam Group. Founded by Kamal El…

Egypt-based MoneyHash, a leading payment orchestration platform serving both emerging and global markets, has announced a strategic partnership with Spare, a prominent open banking infrastructure provider operating across the GCC in full compliance with regional regulatory frameworks. This collaboration is set to empower merchants in the UAE to offer Pay…

The European Union (EU) has officially removed South Africa from its list of “High-Risk Third Country Jurisdictions,” marking a significant vote of confidence in the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its financial integrity and combat money laundering. According to a statement released by the National Treasury on Tuesday, 13 January…

Private equity firm Inside Capital Partners has announced the final close of its second fund, Inside Equity Fund II, at $72.2 million, marking a major milestone in its growth trajectory and commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Southeast Africa. This achievement represents a significant scale-up from the…

Alta Semper Capital, a London-based private equity firm specializing in healthcare and consumer investments, has successfully raised $57.5 million in commitments for its latest vehicle, Alta Semper Growth Fund II. This milestone underscores the firm’s mission to scale businesses that deliver affordable, high-quality healthcare and consumer products across Africa and…

Ride-hailing giant Uber has stopped accepting Visa cards in Kenya, removing a payment option that was once central to its appeal among business travelers and expatriates in East Africa’s largest e-hailing market. The decision, which took effect in January, was confirmed by Uber in a statement, citing a global review…

Kenya’s National Treasury has initiated the formal process of divesting its stake in Safaricom Plc to the Vodacom Group, engaging lawmakers to outline the terms and safeguards of the proposed transaction. Treasury officials appeared before key parliamentary committees, including the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning and the Committee…

Uganda has once again plunged into digital darkness ahead of a highly contested presidential election scheduled for tomorrow. The nationwide internet blackout, ordered just hours before the vote, raises serious concerns about transparency and fairness in one of East Africa’s most closely watched polls. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) directed…

The UK–Kenya Tech Hub has joined forces with Viktoria Ventures, Anza Village, and POV to launch Startup 360 Connect, a comprehensive initiative aimed at strengthening Kenya’s early-stage investment ecosystem. The program seeks to bridge critical gaps by connecting talent, capital, and market access, ultimately fostering sustainable growth for startups. The…

Paystack Inc., the Stripe-owned Nigerian fintech giant, has officially entered Nigeria’s banking sector through the acquisition of Ladder Microfinance Bank, marking a strategic shift after a decade of focusing primarily on payments. This move gives Paystack greater control over the funds flowing through its network and positions it to offer…

As anticipated, Meta has started laying off over 1,000 employees from its Reality Labs division, the unit responsible for developing virtual reality (VR) and metaverse products, according to a report by Bloomberg. The restructuring marks a significant pivot in Meta’s long-term strategy, as the company plans to refocus on wearable…