Anzisha Prize Fellowship Program 2025, a three-year fellowship for young African entrepreneurs between 15 and 22 years old, has opened call for applications for the 2025 for entrepreneurs aged 15 – 22 years from across Africa. The Anzisha Prize, a venture building fellowship program provides over $140,000 every year in business support and prize money to inspire entrepreneurs that show exemplary growth and initiative for the next level of growth. The applicants are equipped with tools and resources to run successful businesses and celebrate their entrepreneurial endeavors. They receive short courses, cloud services and cash stipends and pitch their…
Author: James Musoba
James Musoba
Studying Africa's startup and technology scene. I always look forward to discovering new exciting inventions and vibrant entrepreneurs.
Equator Africa Fund has received $5 million from the IFC to invest in startup in the climate sector. The $5 million is the fund’s final close, taking its size to $54 million. IFC’s investment is supported by a $1.5 million guarantee from the Korea Green Resilient and Innovative Development (K-GRID) Program, a $30 million initiative by the Government of Korea to support IFC projects that help reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate the development and commercialization of technologies to improve climate mitigation. According to Nijhad Jamal, Managing Partner at Equator, “We are thrilled to have IFC participate in…
Standard Chartered Kenya, in collaboration with @iBizAfrica – Strathmore University, on Tuesday 8th October 2024, awarded KES 8.75 Million to seven women-led startups in the sustainability sector as part of the seventh cohort of the Women in Tech Incubation Program. The 7 women-led startups for Women in Tech Cohort 7 are: Moma Renewable Energy, Hayah Cradle to Bloom, Zidallie, Gwiji for Women, Zaoshinani, AerialGIS and PsychCare Clinic. Since its inception, the program has attracted over 2,250 applications. It has trained 77 women-led startups leveraging technology by offering mentorship, business advisory, coaching, networking opportunities, access to seed capital, and investor forums…
Transform Health Fund (THF), a blended-finance fund targeting healthcare systems in Africa, has raised $111 million, through commercial, public, and private donor investments. Notable fund investors include Royal Philips, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Swedfund, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Proparco, Merck & Co., Inc., known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, FSD Africa Investments, Grand Challenges Canada (with funding from Global Affairs Canada), Impact Assets Inc and the Global Health Investment Corporation (GHIC). “Financing companies in Africa’s health sector through innovative financing models such as the Transform Health Fund is critical to address Africa’s…
Undoubtedly, the sports industry has fully adopted gambling as its new culture. Sports betting has its distinct language for various genres and general wagering activities. Understanding the unique terms helps you understand new betting concepts and guides you in executing specific bets correctly. If you’re wondering about the terms, they relate to normal betting activities. Perhaps you have already interacted with these concepts. In the following, we’ll look at the most important betting terms, their use, and their significance. Read on to discover common phrases/terms in sports wagering. Betting Markets No, this isn’t similar to the stock trade markets but…
Kenya has launched a digital nomad work permit for professionals and long connection travelers who want to explore Kenya’s unique tourism offerings. According to President William Ruto, the Digital Nomad Work Permit and Transit and Long Connection Travelers Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will allow visitors to Kenya to enjoy their stay – whether on long haul travel or working remotely and sample the country’s natural beauty and technological innovations. “The programs are aimed at complementing the visa-free policy by the government with the Digital Nomad Work Permit targeting global digital professionals looking to live and work in Kenya. On the…
On 5th July 2024, Arnold Okatch and his wife Grace Njoki, paid Titus Musemi, a land agent, Sh300, 000 to process a title deed for a parcel of land in Kilifi. To the couple, it appeared a little suspicious when the agent did not issue them with a receipt for the payment made. However, since the agent had been presented by someone well-known to them as a person they could trust to deliver their title deed, the couple did not make a big thing out of the matter. Two months would later lapse with the couple having received no documents…
M2P Fintech (M2P), a full stack Banking as a Service (BaaS) and Infrastructure API provider that caters to the banking, fintech and non-financial services sectors, has raised $100 million Series D funding from Helios Investment Partners to expand across Africa. M2P’s partnership with Helios will see it leverage Helios’ deep portfolio operations capability, guidance on navigating the regulatory space and dynamics, excellent network of key contacts in Africa as potential prospects, as well Helios’ deep fintech expertise across the continent. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Chennai, India, M2P offers next generation financial services technology to 200+ banks, 300+ lenders,…
The Global Startup Awards Africa (GSA) Africa, has named 16 category winners at the GSA Africa Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The GSA Africa launched in 2021, has nominated over 15,000 African innovators from 54 countries and hundreds of innovation hubs across the continent. The awards were held in collaboration with the Global Innovation Initiative Group (GIIG), the Ethiopian Ministry of Labour and Skills (MOLS), the Ethiopian Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MInT) with the support of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) Ethiopia, revealed In a statement, Jo Griffiths, co-founder of the GSA Africa and GIIG, said, “The Global Startup…
“NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator,” which was launched by NBA Africa launched in April 2024 to support the continent’s technology ecosystem and the next generation of African entrepreneurs has awarded the four winning businesses over $140,000. Nigeria’s Festival Coins and Salubata, Kenya’s HustleSasa and Egypt’s UBR VR will get financial support and mentorship, including an opportunity to participate in workshops and development programs facilitated by NBA Africa or its partners. Festival Coins is an event technology company that offers a customizable, no-code event registration and ticketing platform called Tix Africa for events in Nigeria and Ghana, won the first-place prize and…
Ampersand and CrossBoundary Energy are launching electric bike charging charging stations in Nairobi starting with 36 electric charging units and 150 lithium-ion batteries suitable for E2W vehicles, charged by a 37kWp solar PV system. Ampersand, which currently operates nearly 1000 electric motorbikes across Kenya and 3000 in Rwanda. It’s partnership with CrossBoundary Energy will help more users utilize charging stations and batteries at an affordable tariff, enabling it to scale more quickly and even more sustainably. According to Hezbon Mose, Kenya Country Director at Ampersand, “With CrossBoundary Energy’s solution, we are confident we can expand faster and more efficiently, bringing…
Infinix, has launched its HOT 50i, its latest model in the HOT 50 lineup in Titanium Grey, Sage Green, Dreamy Purple, and Sleek Black colours starting at KSH 13,699. The HOT 50i comes with a ultra-oval dual-rear-camera design, designed for users who seek an affordable device without compromising on performance. The HOT 50i is ultra-slim 8.1mm profile and lightweight 184g and is powered by the MediaTek Helio G81 chipset. The 6GB+6GB additional memory boost through Dynamic RAM Expansion (DRE) ensures an efficient experience even during heavy usage. The 6.7-inch punch-hole display, featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, enhances the visual experience…
Next Narrative Africa, a multimedia entertainment production company, and HEVA Fund, a creative industries-focused investments and advisory group, have announced the launch of The Next Narrative Africa Fund, a $40 million fund for creatives in TV, Film and New Media sectors. The Next Narrative Africa Fund is spearheaded by Akunna Cook and Wakiuru Njuguna and will offer up financing for the development, production and marketing of projects that confront and shift long-standing narratives about Africa. Akunna Cook is the CEO and Founder of Next Narrative Africa, who recently led Africa policy at the U.S. Department of State as Deputy Assistant…
In today’s fast-paced world, the legal landscape is more competitive than ever. The days of relying solely on traditional marketing methods like billboards and word-of-mouth referrals are fading fast. With the rise of the internet and social media, potential clients are increasingly turning to online platforms to research their legal options and find the right attorney for their needs. This shift towards digital means that law firms, regardless of their size or location, need to establish a strong online presence to attract and retain clients. Failing to do so risks being overlooked in a sea of competitors, especially in bustling…
In today’s highly connected world, cybersecurity is more important than ever. As technology continues to evolve, so do the threats that target individuals, businesses, and governments. From personal data breaches to large-scale cyberattacks on infrastructure, the risks are increasingly sophisticated and widespread. In this article, we explore the significance of cybersecurity, the various types of threats faced, and the measures individuals and organizations can take to protect themselves in the digital age. The Growing Digital Landscape With the advent of the internet, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT), the digital world has expanded exponentially. Everything from banking and…
As the gaming industry continues to grow and evolve, so too does the technology behind gaming peripherals, particularly gaming mice. With advancements in hardware, software, and user experience, the future of gaming mice promises to be exciting and filled with possibilities. This article explores emerging trends and innovations that are set to shape the next generation of gaming mice, enhancing performance, customization, and overall gaming experiences. 1. Artificial Intelligence: Smarter Gaming Mice One of the most significant trends in technology is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). Gaming mice are poised to leverage AI to provide smarter and more adaptive…
M-KOPA, a Kenyan fintech has surpassed 5 million customers across Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa with its affordable smartphones and embedded financial services for African adults. According to the World Bank, 75% of adults in sub-Saharan Africa remain financially excluded. To date, M-KOPA has supported its customer base with more than US $1.5 billion in financing. Starting with smartphone access, customers gain entry to the digital economy with an affordable daily repayment model, which fits their daily income and cash flow and makes it easier to manage. By leveraging rich payments data and proprietary AI-driven analytics, M-KOPA builds…
Kofa, a Ghanaian company re-engineering energy access through clean and portable battery solutions, and PASH Global, an impact investor, have expanded Kofa’s battery swapping network in Ghana backed by a £2.35 million commitment from Shell Foundation through its Transforming Energy Access (TEA) platform. Shell and TEA are committing an additional £1.4 million to support Kofa’s e-bike asset financing, research on the impact of Kofa’s multi-use battery technology, and operating expenses to promote clean energy access by providing cleaner backup power solutions that displace petrol generators, reducing fumes and noise pollution in urban areas. The expanded battery network will also reduce…
OPPO Kenya yesterday opened a new store at the Sarit Centre and launched the OPPO A3 and OPPO A3x, under the OPPO A3 Series. The new A3 series models are designed for all-around durability and everyday use, featuring a Military-Grade Shock Resistance. Additionally, the series equipped with a 5,100mAh battery and 45W SUPERVOOCTM Flash Charge, ensuring ideal performance for work, play for at least four years. OPPO A3 is available in three colour finishes – Starlight White, Sparkle Black, and Starry Purple – while the OPPO A3x comes in the Nebula Red and Ocean Blue. Both the Sparkle Black…
In the digital age, businesses are increasingly reliant on electronic devices to drive productivity and innovation. However, the rapid pace of technological advancements means that computers & other electric or battery-powered devices can quickly become outdated, leading to an accumulation of electronic waste (e-waste). As a responsible business, it’s crucial to implement an electronics waste program to manage this growing challenge. Partnering with a reliable e-waste management company like R2 Recycling ensures that your obsolete material is handled efficiently and securely, safeguarding both the environment and any sensitive information stored on computing devices. Why Businesses Need an Electronic Waste Program…
Safaricom has invested Sh104.8 billion in a healthcare partnership under the Ministry of Health in Kenya to digitize the nation’s healthcare sector. Set to take over ten years, the integrated Healthcare Information Technology System (IHTS) is being developed in partnership with Apeiro Limited and Konvergenz Network Solutions Limited, under the guidance of the Ministry of Health starting in February 2025. According to Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa, “We see technology as a tool for empowerment and transformation. This initiative represents a significant step in advancing our ambitions as a purpose-led technology company.” IHTS will include the implementation of a Health Information…
Safaricom has answered Starlink satellite service with the launch of new home and business internet speeds, with a new 1000mbps platinum package for businesses at KSh 20,000 per month, TechMoran reports. Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said in the statement, “The needs of our Enterprise customers are changing each day with the growing need to use technology. The enhanced fibre for business plans will allow our enterprise customers to have a worry-free experience with the provision of back up data.” The firm now has a 15Mbps, 30 Mbps, 80Mbps, 500Mbps and the 1000mbps plan beating Starlink which hits between 150Mbps and…
Goodwell Investments, an impact investor financing inclusive growth in emerging markets, is pleased to announce its investment in the Agent Banking Company of Uganda, Ltd (ABC), a technology-focused financial services firm with a mission to “improve lives by facilitating access to quality and affordable financial services”. Goodwell invested in ABC through uMunthu II, its EUR 150 million fund providing venture capital to impact-driven companies throughout Africa. The funding will enable ABC to pursue ambitious goals for growth, including expanding its client base, increasing agent coverage, and deploying new services. While the investment in ABC marks Goodwell’s entry into Uganda, in…
IBM and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have launched new interactive models to analyze complex energy issues through IBM’s advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology and UNDP’s knowledge and global leadership in sustainable development. The scientists used UNDP’s global GeoHub platform and IBM watsonx AI and data platform to easily upload, visualize and analyze datasets, combining time-oriented and geographic data with satellite imagery. According to Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM Vice President and Chief Impact Officer, “By making innovative models freely accessible to the public, we aim to empower leaders, organizations and community members alike with the insights to make impactful energy decisions…
Latitude59, Estonia’s startup and tech event, is seeking the boldest early-stage startups from Kenya and across Africa to compete for a prize pool of non-equity funding of one million euros. Now in its 12th edition, Latitude59 held in Tallinn, Estonia in May, attracted over 3,500 attendees, including more than 900 startup representatives and nearly 600 investors. The event featured 195 speakers, 40% of whom were women. In total, participants came from 65 countries worldwide. One African startup will receive an invitation to participate at the semi-finals of Latitude59 2025 in Tallinn, Estonia.According to Latitude59’s CEO Liisi Org, “Last year’s strong…
Wananchi Group, which owns the Zuku brand across Africa, is set to be acquired by Mauritius’ based Axian Telecom for undisclosed sum. Axian is set to buy 99.63 per cent of Wananchi Group according to filings at the Comesa Competition Commission. Axian, owned by Hassanein Hiridjee of Madagascar operates Tigo and Zantel in Tanzania and other operations in Uganda, DR Congo, Mauritius, Madagascar and Comoros. Wananchi will be required to its stake in satellite communications firm iSat Africa Limited. iSat Africa Ltd FZC, iSat Africa’s holding company is incorporated in the United Arab Emirates with subsidiaries in Kenya and Zambia.…
ASUS Zenbook S 16 is this year’s best PC in the market going with its key specs compared with competitors in the same price range. The Asus Zenbook S 16 is the first ultrathin 16-inch new-era ASUS AI PC, with a new Ceraluminum™ 1.1 cm chassis. The ultra-slim Zenbook design comes in a high-tech ceramic in a range of nature-inspired colors and is powered by the latest AMD Ryzen™ AI processor and comes in Zumaia Gray and Scandinavian White colours. Key Specs of the UM5606WA Processor and Performance Asus’ Zenbook S 16 is the company’s first model with AMD’s flagship…
Safaricom and Mastercard have signed a partnership to accelerate the adoption of payment acceptance and cross-border remittance services in Kenya. This collaboration is set to benefit over 636,000 merchants using M-PESA, Safaricom’s leading mobile money service. Kenya’s payment acceptance market continues to grow, with mobile wallet payments driven by M-PESA showing a 12.7% CAGR between 2020 and 2024. Leveraging M-PESA’s extensive merchant network and Mastercard’s global payment infrastructure, this partnership will make more seamless, secure, and scalable payment solutions available to merchants, enabling them to serve customers across global markets. The partnership will also boost remittance services, streamlining cross-border transactions…
LabLabee, the Algerian platform for hands-on training in telecom networks of the future, has secured $3.4 million to provide affordable hands-on training to empower professionals in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. This round was led by Reach Capital and supported by Classera, along with existing investors Brighteye Ventures and e& capital. Notable business angels such as Cedric Sellin (Investor & Advisor in Tech) and Mohammed Husamaddin (VP of Business Development at Naseej) also joined the funding round. According to Esteban Sosnik, General Partner and Co-Founder at Reach Capital, “New technologies like 5G, IoT and cloud computing are transforming how telecommunication…
Happy Pay raises $1.8 million pre-seed round and secures inaugural debt facility as it accelerates its mission of bringing the cost of consumer credit to zero for South Africans. Happy Pay, South Africa’s only independent BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) provider, now with 150,000 active users, announced today that it has raised $1.8 million in pre-seed funding. The funding round was led by a group of prominent South African venture capital investors, including co-lead investors E4E Africa and 4Di Capital, with participation from DotExe Ventures, Launch Africa, Equitable Ventures, Felix Strategic Investment, U.S.-based Gaingels, and local angels. In addition, Fin…