Author: Tapiwa Matthew Mutisi

Qoray, a Nigerian mobility company focused on electric vehicles (EVs), has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc to tackle one of the most significant barriers to EV adoption in the country: reliable after-sales service and infrastructure. This partnership directly addresses widespread concerns among current and prospective EV owners…

The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has secured a landmark $255 million loan facility from a consortium of leading banks in the United Arab Emirates, marking its first-ever entry into the UAE Dirham loan market. This strategic move not only diversifies AFC’s funding sources but also reinforces its commitment to sustainable infrastructure development across Africa. “This facility…

Standard Bank has proudly served as Joint Bookrunner in the successful $75 million accelerated bookbuild (ABB) for Karooooo, a Nasdaq-listed global mobility solutions provider. The transaction involved a secondary share sale by Karooooo’s founder and CEO, Zak Calisto, and was met with strong demand from institutional investors, particularly in the US and UK, with the order book oversubscribed more than three…

AfricInvest, a leading pan-African private equity firm, has announced a strategic investment in Unisystem Group, a Morocco-based provider of electronic security, digital infrastructure, and energy solutions. The investment comes at a pivotal moment as Unisystem undertakes a comprehensive corporate reorganization aimed at strengthening its market position and unlocking new growth opportunities across high-potential…

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $40 million equity investment in Project Zafiri, a landmark initiative designed to accelerate the deployment of decentralized renewable energy (DRE) solutions across Africa. This investment marks a significant step toward closing the continent’s energy access gap, particularly in underserved and remote communities. Project Zafiri is a collaborative effort spearheaded by…

Takealot Group, South Africa’s leading e-commerce company and a subsidiary of global tech investor Naspers, is transforming its food delivery platform Mr D into a full-fledged on-demand convenience marketplace. The move is part of a broader strategy to stay competitive in an increasingly crowded e-commerce landscape, especially following the entry of Amazon into the South…

WeBuyCars, the JSE-listed South African vehicle trading platform, has introduced two proprietary artificial intelligence tools—“Blue” and “Orange”—which the company believes will be foundational to its long-term growth and operational efficiency. The tools are designed to serve distinct but complementary functions within the business: “We’re scaling that up as we go,” said Beukes,…

Telkom, South Africa’s oldest telecommunications provider, has introduced a refreshed brand identity, marking a new chapter in its evolution as a modern, customer-focused tech company. The rebrand includes a redesigned logo and a vibrant new visual language, aimed at reinforcing Telkom’s commitment to innovation, connectivity, and relevance in a rapidly…

NucleusIS, a Nigerian e-health startup founded in 2019, has officially rebranded as RIGO Incorporated, signaling a bold new chapter in its mission to transform Africa’s healthcare economy through technology and financial infrastructure. The rebrand comes with an expanded product suite and a sharpened focus on building the digital backbone for healthcare…

TIM Motors, a Chinese automotive company long known in Nigeria for its heavy-duty trucks—including brands like FAW, Sinotruk, and Shacman—has officially entered the country’s passenger vehicle market. The move marks a bold attempt to disrupt Nigeria’s deeply entrenched second-hand car economy by offering affordable, brand-new vehicles tailored to local needs. At a launch event held…

Blueroomcare, a Nigerian digital mental health startup, has received a fresh $50,000 follow-on investment from EHA Impact Ventures, reinforcing its mission to transform mental health care across the country. This latest funding round reflects growing confidence in Blueroomcare’s innovative hybrid care model, strong user engagement, and expanding reach. Founded to address Nigeria’s escalating…

Abiola Olaniran, a trailblazer in Africa’s mobile gaming and tech startup scene, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the age of 36. The news of his sudden passing has sent ripples through the African tech community. He was laid to rest the same day in a private ceremony…

During its latest earnings call, Netflix revealed that it used generative AI technology to create a visual effects (VFX) sequence in The Eternaut, a Netflix Original series from Argentina that premiered in April 2025. This marks a significant milestone for the streaming giant, as it’s the first time generative AI-generated footage…

In a significant move, Microsoft has officially discontinued its Movies & TV app, which was previously available through the Microsoft Store on Xbox consoles and Windows PCs. This app allowed users to rent or purchase movies and television shows directly through their devices, offering a native entertainment experience within the…

Vodacom and Remgro have revised the terms of their high-profile R13 billion acquisition of fibre infrastructure group Maziv, signaling renewed confidence in finalizing the transaction. The restructuring comes amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny and aims to address competition concerns while optimizing the financial and operational structure of the deal. In coordinated…

The Global Innovation Fund (GIF) has announced a strategic investment in Keep It Cool (KIC), a Nairobi-based startup that is transforming agricultural and fisheries supply chains through its smart distribution platform, Markiti. This investment is part of a broader funding round led by impact investor Acumen and is aimed at…

The Credit Fund under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Adjustment Fund has officially made its inaugural investment, marking a significant milestone in the fund’s mission to support Africa’s economic integration. The fund has extended a $10 million senior secured amortizing loan to Telecel Global Services, a subsidiary of…

Ride-hailing company Bolt has unveiled a new Family Profile feature in Nigeria, aimed at transforming how families and small support networks coordinate transportation. This new addition enables a single user to manage and pay for rides on behalf of up to nine other people—all within one Bolt account. The move…

Rally Cap, an early-stage venture capital firm focused on emerging markets, has partially exited its investment in South African fintech Stitch, following the latter’s successful $55 million Series B funding round. While the exact size of Rally Cap’s initial investment and the financial return from the exit remain undisclosed, the move marks…

Pembani Remgro Infrastructure Fund II (PRIF II), a South Africa-based private equity fund, is poised to acquire a 35% equity stake in Mawingu Networks, a Kenyan internet service provider. This strategic investment will grant PRIF II a controlling interest in Mawingu, marking a significant milestone in the fund’s expansion into East…