Author: Tapiwa Matthew Mutisi

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…

Village Capital has officially announced the selection of five Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) as venture partners for its Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility (AECF), a groundbreaking US$4 million initiative aimed at supporting startups that are building context-specific solutions to enhance economic mobility and climate resilience in Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania. Launched in collaboration with the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO) and the Netherlands Enterprise…

Early-stage startups across Africa are encouraged to apply for the TractionBoost Accelerator, a globally-oriented initiative designed to prepare emerging ventures for successful pre-seed funding. This accelerator offers a unique opportunity for founders to gain the traction needed to attract early investment and scale their businesses. The TractionBoost Accelerator is a rigorous two-month programme…

Chery Group, the Chinese automotive giant behind popular brands such as Chery, Jaecoo, and Omoda, has announced plans to introduce a new energy vehicle (NEV) brand, iCAUR, to the South African market in the first quarter of 2026. This move marks a significant expansion of Chery’s electrification strategy on the African continent. Founded in 2023, iCAUR (pronounced “eye car”)…

Mediamax Network Limited, the parent company of K24 TV and People Daily, has announced plans to implement another round of job cuts—its sixth in just four years—as the company continues to grapple with a rapidly evolving media landscape. The number of affected employees has not been disclosed. In an internal memo circulated to…

African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), a leading infrastructure-focused private equity firm, has successfully completed the divestment of its equity interests in three major renewable energy projects in South Africa. The transaction, executed through AIIM’s IDEAS Managed Fund, is valued at over R750 million (approximately $41.8 million), marking a significant milestone in the firm’s renewable…

In a groundbreaking move for sustainable logistics in Africa, two innovative Kenyan startups—Roam and Keep It Cool—have partnered to unveil the continent’s first fully electric cold-chain delivery network. This pioneering initiative merges clean electric mobility with solar-powered refrigeration, setting a new benchmark for eco-friendly food distribution. Roam, a leader in electric mobility…

Private equity firm Amethis has announced a significant milestone for its portfolio company Vicenne, a key player in Africa’s medical equipment and healthcare services sector. On 15 July, Vicenne was officially listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s growth trajectory and a major success for private equity-backed ventures in…

MoneyBadger, a South African fintech startup focused on enabling everyday Bitcoin and crypto payments, has successfully closed its pre-seed funding round, raising $400,000 (approximately R7 million). This milestone reflects growing investor confidence in the company’s mission to make cryptocurrency a practical and scalable payment method across Africa. The funding round…