Author: Tapiwa Matthew Mutisi

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has officially launched the application process for social innovators who are dedicated to scaling hardware technology solutions aimed at tackling pressing global challenges. This initiative is part of the ISHOW accelerator, which falls under the broader ASME Hardware portfolio of programs. The ISHOW…

Tanzania’s Sumet Technologies, an innovative company specializing in the distribution of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), has successfully closed a pre-seed funding round, securing US$1.5 million to propel its expansion into key strategic markets. This funding marks a significant milestone for the company as it aims to reshape the FMCG distribution…

Inspired Evolution, a prominent pan-African private equity firm dedicated to clean energy investments, has announced the successful final close of its Evolution III Fund, which has garnered total commitments amounting to $238 million. This significant milestone marks a crucial step in the firm’s mission to drive sustainable energy solutions across…

Capitec Bank has officially announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Gerrie Fourie, will retire during the bank’s annual general meeting scheduled for 18 July 2025. Fourie has been an integral part of the executive management team for an impressive 25 years, playing a pivotal role in the bank’s evolution from…

Telkom has officially completed the sale of its masts and towers business, known as Swiftnet, to a consortium spearheaded by Actis and Royal Bafokeng Holdings. This strategic move marks a significant shift in Telkom’s operational focus and financial strategy. In this consortium, Actis holds a commanding 70% stake in Towerco…

South African AI startup NOSIBLE has successfully raised US$1 million in pre-seed funding to enhance its growth marketing initiatives, expand its sales operations, and expedite its go-to-market strategy. Founded in 2020 by Stuart Reid, NOSIBLE is an emerging player in the AI sector, offering two primary products: a robust search…

Lipa Later, a prominent Kenyan buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) fintech company, has officially entered administration as of March 24, 2025, following a protracted period of financial difficulties and unsuccessful attempts to secure additional funding. Joy Vipinchandra Bhatt from Moore JVB Consulting LLP has been appointed as the administrator to oversee the company’s…

AvtoVAZ, the largest automaker in Russia and predominantly owned by the Russian government, is embarking on an ambitious expansion into Nigeria as part of a strategic initiative to diversify its operations beyond its traditional market. This move is particularly significant as it marks AvtoVAZ’s most substantial entry into West Africa’s…

Senegal’s dynamic financial technology (fintech) sector is on the verge of welcoming a new player, Quickpay, a subsidiary of the influential EDK Group, owned by businessman Demba Ka. Quickpay has recently obtained an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license from the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), positioning it to…

Moniepoint, a prominent Nigerian fintech unicorn, is poised to introduce a new remittance product called “MonieWorld,” designed to facilitate money transfers from the United Kingdom to Nigeria. Currently in its beta testing phase, MonieWorld is expected to launch publicly soon, as confirmed by sources familiar with the development. This initiative…

First National Bank (FNB) has officially been appointed as the principal sponsorship partner of the Springboks, taking over from MTN South Africa, which held the main sponsorship role for the past eight years. This transition marks a significant shift in the sponsorship landscape of South African rugby. FNB has been…

Abidjan-based KeysFinance Partners has made a significant move in the technology sector by acquiring a 100% stake in Label, a company specializing in the integration of Sage solutions within Côte d’Ivoire. This acquisition was executed through its investment vehicle, Nouvelle Société Impact (NSI). Following the acquisition, Label will be merged…

MTN Group and Airtel Africa have announced a strategic partnership to share mobile phone network infrastructure in Uganda and Nigeria, as revealed in a joint statement on Wednesday. This collaboration aims to optimize investment expenditures while simultaneously enhancing service coverage across these key markets. As mobile operators in Africa experience…

NjiaPay, a pioneering payment service provider (PSP) based in South Africa, is revolutionizing the payment landscape for businesses across the region. Recently, Renew Capital has made a strategic investment in NjiaPay, recognizing its potential to streamline payment processes for merchants. NjiaPay stands out by offering a single integration solution, which…

Payhippo, a Nigerian fintech company that previously specialized in providing loans to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has undergone a significant rebranding and is now known as Rivy. The company has successfully raised $4 million in a pre-Series A funding round, which will enable it to pivot its focus towards…

Samsung has officially announced the expansion of its language support to include Kiswahili and Amharic, a significant step that underscores the company’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for users throughout Africa. Kiswahili, which is widely spoken across East Africa, and Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia, rank among the most…

Telkom is making a significant move into the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) sector by partnering with a leading Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE) platform provider. This collaboration goes beyond mere business interests; it also aligns with South Africa’s telecommunications regulations and paves the way for the emergence of more…

The Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) GROW programme is currently providing an exciting opportunity for young innovators in South Africa, offering funding ranging from ZAR 200,000 (approximately US$11,000) to ZAR 1 million (around US$55,000) to assist in scaling their businesses. OCIF GROW is specifically targeting ambitious entrepreneurs aged between 18…

Applications for the second phase of the Spark Accelerator programme will soon be open. This initiative, a collaboration between Safaricom, M-Pesa Africa, and Sumitomo Corporation, aims to foster the growth and scaling of commercially viable businesses that are making a positive impact on society. The Spark Venture Fund was initially…

For years, Zimbabwe, a nation of approximately 16 million people, has struggled with chronic power shortages, leaving it largely on the sidelines of Africa’s burgeoning tech startup ecosystem. While innovation hubs have thrived across the continent, Zimbabwe has faced a unique combination of economic and political challenges that have often…