Tanzania’s digital payments hit $11.6 billion as real-time system adoption rises
Tanzania’s digital payments more than doubled in value in 2024, with the country’s national switch processing TSh29.9 trillion ($11.6 billion) in transactions by December, up from TSh12.5 trillion ($4.9 billion) in the previous year, according to the Bank of Tanzania’s (BoT) latest financial stability report. The Tanzania Instant Payment System (TIPS),
Inside 54gene’s Journey: The Startup That Tried to Rewrite Africa’s Genetic Future
In 2019, Nigerian scientist Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong founded 54gene to tackle a glaring global health inequity: Africa’s vast genetic diversity was barely represented in global research, with less than 3% of genomic data coming from the continent. The mission was clear — build Africa’s first large-scale genomic database, revolutionize drug
Kenya’s DigiTax gets approved to offer e-invoicing in Nigeria
Kenyan e-invoicing startup, DigiTax gets approved by Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as an Access Point Provider and System Integrator, allowing it to connect businesses to the government’s e-invoicing platform as Nigeria ramps up digital tax enforcement for large companies. “This milestone solidifies DigiTax’s position as a trusted partner
5 African Countries Leading the Tech Boom in 2025
Africa’s tech industry is booming in 2025, with five countries standing out for their rapid growth, investment, and innovation: Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, and Rwanda. These nations are driving advancements in fintech, AI, agritech, and more, while attracting billions in funding. Here’s a quick breakdown: Country H1 2025 Funding
Today Africa Weekly: Tech news recap | July 28 – August 3, 2025
July 28 – August 3, 2025, Africa’s startup ecosystem kept up its fast‑paced momentum, powered by fresh ideas, new funding, and shifting market trends. From young startups finding their footing to established players pushing boundaries, the continent’s tech space is creating opportunities, solving local problems, and catching the world’s attention. Here’s a look
Nigerian court blocks sale of 54gene’s assets, as founder claims investor wrongdoing
In Lagos, the Federal High Court blocks the sale of 54gene’s assets, preserving the integrity of one of Africa’s most ambitious biotech ventures. The ruling comes amid an explosive legal dispute between 54gene’s founder, Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong, and its major investors—Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund and Adjuvant Capital—over allegations of corporate
What Investors Look for in African Startups
The days of winning over investors with flashy user numbers and rapid growth alone are over. In 2021, that may have sealed the deal. In 2025, the conversation starts with fundamentals. “Talk me through your unit economics,” an investor now asks as a baseline question. Across Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa,
8 African Startups that Raised Series A in H1 2025
In the first half of the year alone, startups on the continent raised over $1.35 billion, representing a 78% increase from the same period in 2024. At the heart of this funding surge are Series A rounds—critical for startups ready to move beyond seed funding and scale their operations across
8 Ways African Women Entrepreneurs Are Accessing Global Funding
African women entrepreneurs are rising as innovators and leaders, launching businesses that address real-world problems while supporting their communities. Despite their potential, many face major funding challenges due to structural inequalities, limited networks, and cultural barriers. However, a growing number are now accessing global funding through grants, equity financing, accelerators,
MTN Nigeria’s net income grows 180%, hits N414.9bn in H1 2025
The country’s largest telecom operator, with 84.7 million subscribers, MTN Nigeria’s net income grows 180%, reaching N414.9bn in H1 2025, reversing steep losses sustained amid macroeconomic headwinds last year. The rebound was driven by currency stability, improved FX liquidity, and tariff adjustments. The company’s revenue grew 54.5% to ₦2.3 trillion
