Ecommerce in Africa is growing, but scaling remains difficult
E-commerce in Africa has entered a more measured and consequential phase of development. After a decade of experimentation marked by rapid platform launches, aggressive customer acquisition, and uneven capital deployment, the sector is now being reshaped by economic pressure, infrastructure constraints, and a sharper focus on unit economics. The narrative
GoCab raises $45M to expand its drive-to-own model across Africa
London-based mobility fintech GoCab raises $45 million to expand its drive-to-own vehicle financing model across Africa and other emerging markets. The round consists of $15 million in equity and $30 million in debt and forms part of a broader $60 million Shariah-compliant debt facility currently being structured. The company launched
50 home business ideas for women to start this year
More and more women are using their skills, creativity, and passion to build businesses. As entrepreneurs, they’re leaving their mark across various industries. With these 50 home business ideas for women, you can do it too! Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom looking to start a business on the side or
73 best businesses to start in a small town this year
According to recent global Google Trends data, the new year is being driven less by vague resolutions and more by deliberate plans for growth and business creation. In early January, searches related to self-improvement and entrepreneurship rose sharply, with “how to start a business” ranking among the fastest-growing “how-to” queries
Today Africa Weekly | January 25 – 31, 2026
Happy New Month… If you haven’t read the ‘100+ Entrepreneurs in Africa to Watch in 2026‘, you’re missing out on the entrepreneurs making a difference on the continent. These founders aren’t just building startups. They’re filling structural gaps across sectors, creating jobs, expanding access to essential services, and turning ideas
Companies that help businesses grow: Structures, services, & outcomes
Growth is the objective of virtually every enterprise, yet the processes by which businesses scale, innovate and expand are complex and multifaceted. In an increasingly competitive and data-intensive global economy, many companies rely on specialized partners for growth consultancies, accelerators, expert networks, and service providers to augment internal capabilities and
Franchises in South Africa as an engine of business growth
Franchising has established itself as a significant component of South Africa’s private sector, operating across diverse industries and contributing materially to employment, gross domestic product (GDP), and entrepreneurial participation. Unlike informal micro-enterprises or traditional small businesses, franchised models leverage standardized systems, recognized branding, and scalable operating frameworks, features that have
What the PayPal–Paga partnership reveals about Nigeria’s remittance infrastructure
Nigeria’s remittance and digital payments market has entered a more mature phase, where scale, regulatory alignment, and infrastructure depth matter as much as customer growth. As global payment companies reassess exposure to complex markets and local fintechs move up the value chain, partnerships, rather than standalone market entries, are increasingly
Why HR services are no longer optional for small businesses
Globally, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for more than 90% of businesses and over 50% of employment, according to the World Bank. In Africa, SMEs contribute approximately 80% of employment in many economies, while in the United States, they employ nearly half of the private workforce (World Bank; U.S.
Business loans in South Africa: Access, costs, & constraints
Access to finance remains one of the defining constraints for business growth in South Africa, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro-enterprises. In an economy where SMEs contribute a significant share of jobs and economic output but frequently face structural credit constraints, business loans are not merely a
