Author: Tapiwa Matthew Mutisi

Global payments leader Visa has officially opened applications for the fifth edition of its Africa Fintech Accelerator, a flagship initiative aimed at nurturing and scaling high-potential fintech startups across the continent. The three-month accelerator program offers selected ventures access to mentorship, cutting-edge technology, strategic industry connections, and potential funding opportunities. Launched in 2023, the Africa…

Gaia Renewables 1, a renewable energy investment fund listed on the Cape Town Stock Exchange, has officially completed the acquisition of equity stakes in two major solar photovoltaic (PV) plants located in South Africa’s Northern Cape province. The transaction follows the successful financial close last week, after receiving project lender…

In a landmark move to strengthen Zambia’s small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector, British International Investment (BII), the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA), and Swedfund have jointly announced the launch of Growth Investment Partners Zambia (GIP Zambia). This newly established investment platform is designed to provide long-term, flexible capital—primarily in local currency—to Zambian SMEs, addressing a…

Palm, a rising Egyptian fintech startup focused on incentivized, goal-oriented saving, has successfully closed its pre-seed funding round. The round was led by prominent venture capital firm 4DX Ventures, with additional backing from Plus VC and a group of international angel investors. Palm is on a mission to transform how individuals in Egypt…

Private equity firm Adenia Partners has announced two significant leadership promotions as part of its ongoing strategy to deepen expertise and strengthen its pan-African investment capabilities. Florent de Boissieu Appointed Chief Investment Officer Florent de Boissieu, a veteran of the firm, has been promoted to the role of Chief Investment Officer (CIO).…

Kenyan device financing startup Lipa Later, which entered administration in March 2025 due to financial distress, is now at the center of a competitive acquisition race involving at least three interested firms. The development signals a potential revival for the once-prominent fintech player in East Africa’s “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL)…

Lillian Barnard, who has served as President of Microsoft Africa and acting Managing Director of Microsoft South Africa, is stepping down from both positions to take on a new regional leadership role. Microsoft has appointed her as the Chief of Enterprise Partner Solutions for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, marking a significant…

Sahel Capital, a prominent investment management firm specializing in food and agriculture across sub-Saharan Africa, has successfully closed a $1 million loan facility with Camino Ruiz, a Kenyan-based company engaged in fish processing and distribution. The financing was extended through Sahel Capital’s Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA),…

Blue Label Telecoms has announced a proposed name change to Blu Label Unlimited, signaling a pivotal shift in its corporate identity and strategic direction. The company formally notified shareholders of this proposal on Friday, 11 July 2025, and will seek their approval at a general meeting scheduled for 11 August 2025. This proposed…

Verdant Capital is proud to announce the successful completion of a USD 3 million investment loan through its Verdant Capital Hybrid Fund into Bfree, a pioneering ethical digital credit collection company operating across Africa. This strategic investment will be used to finance the acquisition of distressed loan portfolios from inclusive financial institutions across the continent—an area that…

In a bold and unexpected move, South African pay-TV giant MultiChoice has entered the mobile gaming space, launching its first-ever game, Shaka iLembe: Match Challenge. The game is inspired by the popular South African television series Shaka iLembe, and marks the company’s first step into interactive entertainment. The launch comes at a critical time…

Standard Bank has successfully reached financial close on Phase 2 of the Overberg Wind Farm, a landmark 158MW renewable energy project that is poised to become South Africa’s largest commercial wind farm with multiple off-takers. This milestone marks a significant advancement in the country’s transition toward cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. Located…

Thinkroom, in collaboration with The Oracle Group, has announced the launch of the Oracle Innovate Lab, a dynamic new initiative designed to accelerate the growth of early- and growth-stage entrepreneurs in Eswatini. This founder-centric programme is designed to equip local business leaders with the tools, mentorship, and strategic guidance needed to…

LemFi, a fast-growing fintech startup specializing in international payments, has officially launched its services in Egypt, marking a significant step in its mission to provide affordable and reliable cross-border financial solutions. With an already strong footprint in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and across Europe, this expansion further…

Ride-hailing company Bolt has announced a significant reduction in offline trips — rides conducted outside the app’s full oversight — with a 42% decline recorded over the past three months. This development was shared during a Public Safety Summit hosted by the company in Lagos, Nigeria, where Bolt also highlighted a sharp increase in the…

The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has increased its equity stake in Telkom, effectively restoring the South African government’s majority control over the telecommunications company. This development marks a significant reversal, less than a year after the state relinquished its controlling interest. In a shareholder notice issued on Thursday, 10 July, Telkom confirmed a change…

Phatisa’s Food Fund 2 has finalized the sale of its stake in Deltamune, a South African-based vaccine manufacturer specializing in animal health, to Vaxxinova International, a global player in the animal health sector and a subsidiary of the Germany-based EW Group. While the financial terms of the transaction remain undisclosed, the deal marks a…

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Proparco, the private sector financing arm of the French Development Agency (AFD), have jointly announced an equity investment of up to $50 million in Helios Sports and Entertainment Group (HSEG)—a dedicated investment platform focused on the growth of Africa’s sports, media, and entertainment sectors. This strategic investment aims to accelerate…

Kenyan subscribers to DStv will face higher monthly bills starting August 1, as MultiChoice Kenya implements another round of price increases, continuing a trend that has seen regular hikes over the past five years. The new pricing structure will see subscription fees rise by 4% to 7% across all residential packages. The Premium package, DStv’s top-tier…

The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST), a pioneer in tech entrepreneurship education and startup acceleration across Africa, has officially opened applications for its newly reimagined MEST AI Startup Programme. This initiative marks a bold step forward in equipping African tech talent to lead in the rapidly evolving field of artificial…