UBA refunded N2.3b after 3.2m complaints in 2024
The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has revealed that it received 3,210,708 complaints surrounding unsuccessful transactions in 2024, a 66.3% jump from 1,930,518 in 2023. Data shows that the financial institution was able to resolve 75% (2,090,122) of the total complaints received in 2024. According to the UBA 2024 sustainability
Hawala raises $3m to power financial infrastructure across MENA
A fintech startup serving the MENA region, Hawala Technology, raises $3 million in a funding round led by Pharsalus Capital, with participation from Alumni Ventures. The fund will be specifically deployed to reawaken the platform and power the Hawala app. The funding round also includes angel investors such as Naguib
With Gemini, Google Maps thinks like a co-pilot
Google Maps thinks like a co-pilot as it gets its biggest upgrade in years, this time powered by Gemini. The rollout introduces a more conversational, hands-free experience that lets users talk to Maps, ask complex questions, and get directions using real-world cues instead of distance-based prompts. “It can tell you
Ventures Platform closes $64 million fund with Nigeria’s government as an investor
Ventures Platform closes $64 million fund with Nigeria’s government as an investor and this the first time the Nigerian government is directly trying its hand at startup investing. Ventures Platform, one of Africa’s most active seed-stage funds, has announced a $64 million first close for its second fund, VP Pan-African
African Startups Tackling Energy and Waste: A Look into the Cleantech
Across African cities right now, you’ll find young companies tackling two of the continent’s biggest headaches: energy and waste. These may sound like isolated efforts. But together, they point to something bigger, a fast-emerging cleantech movement led by African startups tackling energy and waste with creativity and urgency. And it’s
T2’s internet user base falls below 800,000 despite roaming deal
T2 Mobile (formerly 9mobile)’s internet user base fell below 800,000 in September 2025, barely three months after it signed a roaming partnership with MTN Nigeria. The partnership was intended to boost coverage and improve user experience. According to the latest industry data, T2’s active internet users dropped from 1,002,224 in August
DisrupTech Ventures invests in Morocco’s YC-backed Chari
Chari, a Moroccan Y Combinator-backed B2B e-commerce startup, has raised an undisclosed amount from DisrupTech Ventures, an Egypt-based early-stage venture capital firm, as part of its Series A extension round. In October, Chari raised $12 million in a Series A round, led by SPE Capital and Orange Ventures, with participation from Verod-Kepple,
Spotify hits 713 million active users & 281 million premium subscribers
The world’s biggest music streaming platform, Spotify, hit 713 million active users, crossing 713 million monthly active users. This represents an 11% jump from last year, surpassing analyst projections and reaffirming the company’s grip on the global streaming scene. Of the total figure, 281 million are premium subscribers, indicating strong loyalty
MultiChoice cuts decoder prices in Kenya as pay-TV losses mount
MultiChoice cuts decoder prices in Kenya in a festive-season push to woo new customers after losing over three million subscribers in the past year. New customers will now pay KES 850 ($6.60) for a DStv Zapper decoder, down from KES 1,199 ($9.30), and KES 799 ($6.20) for a GOtv decoder,
Why Joan Kembabazi Won’t Stop Fighting Child Marriage in Uganda
There’s something deeply touching about the way Joan Kembabazi speaks. Maybe it’s the softness in her tone when she recalls losing her best friend to child marriage at just 13, or the strength in her voice when she says, “girls can be anything.” You can tell this isn’t a cause
