Visa Selects 19 Startups for the Third Edition of the Africa Fintech Accelerator
Visa selects 19 startups for the third edition of the Africa Fintech Accelerator, which provides ventures with access to tools, industry connections, and mentorship to help them scale their innovative solutions. Launched in 2023 in line with Visa’s pledge to invest US$1 billion in financial inclusion in Africa by 2027. The
Kenyan Energy Startup Hydrobox Raises $9m in Debt Funding
Kenyan energy startup Hydrobox raises $9m in debt funding to support eight small hydro projects across four mini-grids in Kenya, providing over 10,000 people and local businesses with reliable, affordable electricity. Hydrobox builds, owns and operates mini-grids in underserved regions. These mini-grids serve a combination of anchor clients like factories and
MultiChoice Fights Competition Commission Ruling Over SABC Deal
MultiChoice fights Competition Commission ruling over SABC deal which amounted to an unreported merger. The case revolves around the controversial encryption clause in digital terrestrial television (DTT) migration. MultiChoice insists the agreement was a standard business deal, while opponents claim it stifled competition. South African pay-TV giant MultiChoice has lodged an appeal
MTN Launches 5G in Benin
MTN launches 5G in Benin and this 5G rollout is expected to boost economic activities across various sectors. MTN’s move intensifies competition in Benin’s telecom industry and aligns with MTN’s broader strategy to expand 5G services in Africa. The introduction of 5G technology by MTN is expected to significantly influence
ariika Secures $3 Million Series A Extension to Fuel Expansion
Egyptian home furnishing eCommerce platform, ariika secures $3 million Series A extension to fuel MENA expansion, led by Beltone Venture Capital, a subsidiary of Beltone Financial Holding, and UAE-based Citadel International Holdings. This investment aims to accelerate ariika’s growth and regional expansion, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Founded in 2016 by Khaled
Top 20 Best Business Podcasts in Africa This Year
Experience, books, blog posts, and videos usually make up the curriculum of the self-taught entrepreneur, but business podcasts offer their own distinct value. They let you listen, learn, and grow while you’re getting ready in the morning, going for a jog, driving around, or even working on your business. But, with more than
Early-stage VC Fund Launch Africa Ventures Makes First Exits
Early-stage VC fund Launch Africa Ventures has begun making its first exits, while also confirming slight tweaks to its investments strategy as it begins deploying from its second fund. Launched in July 2020 by Zachariah George and Janade du Plessis, with chairperson Margaret O’Connor also on the board, Launch Africa Ventures closed
South Africa’s VALR Adds 500k Users to Reach 1 Million Users This Year
South Africa’s VALR, the largest crypto trading platform in Africa by trade volume, doubled its user base in 2024, surpassing the one million mark. Established in 2018, VALR is a digital asset platform that allows customers to buy, sell, store and transfer Bitcoin and 60 other cryptocurrencies – the widest selection of
Chidimma Adetshina: Rejected in South Africa, Crowned by the World
The story of Chidimma Adetshina began when she was announced as a contestant for Miss Universe South Africa 2024. Although she was born in Soweto and has been a permanent resident of South Africa for over five years, as required by eligibility rules, Chidimma faced scrutiny regarding her eligibility. This
Egyptian Insurtech Startup Amenli Raises $1m to Fuel Growth
Egyptian insurtech startup Amenli raises $1m equity funding round to help it expand its team, further build its product and grow its brand. Founded in 2020 by Adham Nauman, Omar Ezz El Din and Shady ElTohfa, Amenli offers its clients all types of insurance, with a focus on medical, car, home and
