Inside Paystack’s Journey: From Lagos Startup to a $200M Stripe Acquisition
Paystack has evolved from a scrappy Lagos startup to one of the most influential fintech companies in Africa, redefining how businesses accept and process payments across the continent. It emerged at a time when Nigerian merchants faced broken digital infrastructure: payment integrations were slow, expensive, and riddled with failure. By
How Amina Asu-Beks is Changing the Way Nigerians Shop
In a country where every naira counts and prices seem to rise by the day, one entrepreneur is on a mission to make shopping smarter, simpler, and more affordable. Meet Amina Asu-Beks, founder of Prizeless, an AI-powered shopping assistant designed to help Nigerians stretch their budgets, compare prices seamlessly, and
Lebara opens number reservation portal to woo customers ahead of Q3 launch
Lebara Nigeria, a subsidiary of the London-based global telecom operator Lebara Group, has launched its Number Reservation Portal, enabling customers to secure their preferred mobile numbers ahead of its official launch in Q3 2025. The system, built around the carrier’s 0724 prefix, allows users to lock in combinations with personal
Today Africa Weekly: Tech news recap | August 18–24, 2025
Last week (August 18–24, 2025) was quieter on the funding front, but eventful for the broader African tech ecosystem. Instead of big venture announcements, the spotlight shifted to policy reforms, infrastructure investments, and market-shaping moves that could redefine the landscape for years to come. From fresh capital commitments in telecoms
Google has launched AI Mode in Search for Nigeria, Kenya
Google has launched AI mode in Search for Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, great news for people who use Google every day. This new feature is called AI Mode, and it makes searching the internet much easier and smarter. Instead of just giving a simple list of links, AI Mode
22 Business Opportunities for Africans in the Diaspora
Across the globe, Africans in the diaspora wield tremendous influence and opportunity. More than 200 million people of African descent live outside the continent, and they send home tens of billions of dollars each year (for example, remittances reached $96 billion in 2021). In many countries these remittances far exceed
The Role of Women in the African Tech Ecosystem
The African tech ecosystem is booming. But behind the headlines of billion-dollar valuations and record-breaking venture capital lies a quieter, equally powerful story — the rise of women in tech. For decades, women were sidelined in science, technology, and business across much of Africa due to cultural norms, limited access
Kenya moves to split Safaricom as debt pressures mount
Kenya is considering splitting Safaricom, its largest listed company, into three separate units. The potential structure would see Safaricom operate as an independent telecommunications firm, a tower operator, and M-PESA, its widely used payments platform. The move follows an assessment carried out by regulators. Kenya’s National Treasury holds a 35%
Lagos plans ₦31 billion innovation fund to back startups, hubs
Lagos plans ₦31 billion innovation fund to back startups, innovation hubs, accelerators, researchers, and individuals or businesses building innovative products, according to the draft Lagos Innovation Bill. The amount is drawn from the state’s ₦2.07 trillion ($1.35 billion) capital expenditure in its 2025 budget. The proposed research and development innovation (RD&I) fund
How Green Startups are Creating Jobs & Sustainable Growth in Africa
What if Africa’s biggest challenges – energy shortages, food insecurity, and waste pollution—were also its greatest opportunities? Across the continent, a new wave of green startups is proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. From solar companies lighting up off-grid villages to recycling ventures turning trash into
