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Paystack Launches Holding Company, The Stack Group, as It Marks 10 Years and Group Profitability

Sam Wakoba
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Paystack Launches Holding Company, The Stack Group, as It Marks 10 Years and Group Profitability

Paystack, a Nigerian payments firm has launched The Stack Group (TSG), a new parent holding company as it expands from payments to banking, consumer finance, and emerging technologies.

TSG will serve as the corporate umbrella for a family of complementary brands, including Paystack, Paystack Microfinance Bank (MFB), Zap, and TSG Labs, a newly formed venture studio and incubator that will also build products beyond fintech, including AI-led offerings.

Founding shareholders of TSG include Stripe, Paystack Founder and CEO Shola Akinlade, and existing Paystack employees.

12x Growth and Profitability Since Stripe Acquisition

Founded in 2016, Paystack was acquired by global payments giant Stripe in 2020 and has since grown its payment volumes by more than 12x and has now reached profitability at the group level.

It’s currently licensed and operational in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa, with regulatory approvals in place for Egypt and Rwanda and these announcement coincides with Paystack’s 10-year anniversary.

Paystack Microfinance Bank

The launch of TSG follows the recent debut of Paystack Microfinance Bank (MFB) in Nigeria. Operating as a standalone bank, Paystack MFB allows the group to internalise critical financial rails and deliver banking and credit infrastructure to over 300,000 Nigerian merchants.

According to the company, these capabilities will enable the development of compliant, end-to-end money-movement solutions while strengthening Paystack’s mission of building technology to power African ambition.

Expanded Portfolio

While operating independently, companies under TSG will share values, talent, and deep experience in building technology products tailored to Africa-specific challenges.

At launch, the TSG portfolio includes Paystack which is focused on merchant payments, Zap which is focused on consumer payments and Paystack Microfinance Bank, it’s new banking and credit infrastructure and the TSG Labs, a venture studio building new products in fintech and emerging technologies such as AI.

The Next Decade

Commenting on the announcement, Shola Akinlade, Founder and CEO of Paystack, said the creation of TSG reflects the company’s broader ambitions beyond payments.

“The launch of TSG signals a larger scope of ambition for us and sets the tone for the next decade of our company. Having worked with thousands of companies across the continent since 2016, it is clear that there are significant opportunities to support businesses beyond payments, and TSG enables us to address the challenges African companies face.”

He also thanked Stripe for its continued support, noting the shared belief in Africa’s potential to produce transformative global technology companies.

With TSG, the firm positions itself not just as a payments company, but as a multi-vertical technology group focused on building the infrastructure that African businesses need to scale over the next decade.

 

President Ruto Launches Ksh.5 Billion World Bank-Backed NYOTA Program at Kasarani

Diana Mutheu
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President Ruto Launches Ksh.5 Billion World Bank-Backed NYOTA Program at Kasarani

In a move to integrate youth entrepreneurship with the digital economy, President William Ruto officially presided over the disbursement of Ksh.258.4 million on Monday.

The event, held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, marks the launch of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) business support programme.

This initiative, a five-year partnership between the Kenyan government and the World Bank, represents a flagship investment valued at Ksh.5 billion aimed at scaling the nation’s human capital.

Financing via Digital Rails: Pochi la Biashara and Haba na Haba

The government noted that the disbursement structure utilizes digital financial inclusion tools to ensure transparency and social security.

A total of 10,337 young entrepreneurs from Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kajiado counties are the initial beneficiaries.

Each recipient will receive a total start-up capital of Ksh.25,000, which is broken down as follows:

  • Ksh.22,000: Credited directly to the beneficiary’s Pochi la Biashara mobile money account for immediate business operations.

  • Ksh.3,000: Deposited into the Haba na Haba Savings Account, managed by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) to promote long-term financial resilience.

Furthermore, the Kenya Kwanza-led administration saidthis is only the beginning of the funding cycle.

In the second phase of the NYOTA project, these entrepreneurs will receive an additional Ksh.25,000, ultimately bringing the total individual support to Ksh.50,000.

The Vision: A “Digital Work Ecosystem”

Beyond the capital injection, President Ruto emphasized that the government is pivoting toward a tech-centric employment model.

He urged the youth to leverage the country’s growing ICT infrastructure to find work independently of traditional gatekeepers.

“Young people of Kenya, you have an opportunity to work on our digital work ecosystem without having to know anybody. You can assign yourself and work through the internet,” the President stated. “We are not just giving you money, we are also going to train you, mentor you and walk with you.”

The President highlighted that NYOTA is part of a broader strategy involving housing, labor, and ICT platforms, all designed to create a comprehensive support network for the “gig economy” and micro-enterprises.

Inclusive Innovation and Technical Support

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki praised the program’s inclusive architecture, noting that it lowers the barrier to entry for many Kenyans who might otherwise be excluded from the formal economy.

“NYOTA is promoting inclusivity in helping our youth because it doesn’t consider only those who have skills or have gone to school,” Kindiki said. “Today, 70 young people from every ward in Kiambu, Nairobi and Kajiado will leave here with financial support… This is not the only youth-empowerment program we are having under the President’s leadership.”

To ensure the sustainability of these ventures, the program mandates that funds be used strictly in accordance with business plans developed during training.

To facilitate this, the government will provide continuous technical support and mentorship.

Looking Ahead: National Expansion

While the initial launch focuses on the capital region, the program is slated for a massive national rollout.

The disbursement schedule for the third phase will be announced soon, covering 16 additional counties:

Region Included Counties
Coast Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River, Mombasa, Kwale, Taita Taveta
Nyanza Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Nyamira, Kisii
North/NE Marsabit, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir

By combining direct financial transfers with digital literacy and technical mentorship, the NYOTA program aims to turn thousands of young Kenyans into tech-savvy business owners, capable of navigating the global digital marketplace.

Financing a New Generation of Artists, Makers, and Innovators

Sam Wakoba
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In a vibrant art studio tucked between Nairobi’s lively streets, a young fashion designer fine‑tunes her latest collection. Her phone buzzes with mobile money alerts from customers who purchased accessories online. Across town, a music producer finalizes a beat, awaiting payment from a producer halfway across Africa. Their creative journeys are deeply woven into Kenya’s dynamic cultural tapestry — and yet, until recently, access to formal financing has been one of the biggest hurdles facing creative entrepreneurs.

Kenya’s creative economy is substantial and growing, contributing an estimated over 5 percent of GDP and driven by a digitally native youth population eager to turn passion into enterprise. Yet a large proportion of creative enterprises remain informal only around 16 percent are formally registered, according to surveys — limiting their access to structured finance, markets, and business development support.

This is where NCBA’s focus on the creative economy intersects with its broader financial inclusion and youth engagement agenda. The bank recognizes that today’s creative entrepreneurs don’t just need accounts — they need financial tools and support that fit the fluid, project‑based, and often unpredictable nature of creative work.

Initiatives like Elev8 LIVE are helping bridge that gap. These programs create spaces where young creatives can receive mentoring, financial literacy training, and exposure that extends beyond traditional arts circles, bringing them closer to investors, collaborators, and customers. These platforms complement the bank’s digital financial services, offering tailored pathways from inspiration to income.

Digital onboarding through platforms like Loop allows creatives to formalize their earnings in real time. Once onboarded, they can save towards production costs, access personal and business loans, and track revenue streams as they build clientele. This functionality matters because many artists and designers operate with irregular cash flows; having products that adapt to income variability helps smooth financial planning and reduce reliance on high‑cost informal credit.

NCBA’s engagement extends into partnerships and workshops designed to build business capacity. Collaborations with industry stakeholders, including educational bodies and market platforms, equip young creators with know‑how in brand building, digital marketing, and monetisation — areas that are not traditionally taught in arts training but are vital for commercial success.

What makes this approach particularly compelling is how it situates the creative economy within the broader financial ecosystem. The bank’s support links creative entrepreneurs not just to capital, but to networks and markets. This holistic view acknowledges that financial inclusion is not just about transactions, but about enabling sustainable livelihood growth for sectors that are culturally and economically significant.

As Kenya unveils its Creative Economy Vision 2025–2030, charting ambitious pathways to scale film, music, fashion, cultural heritage, and digital arts industries, financial partners like NCBA are playing a practical role in realising these goals. The Vision points to over 500,000 formal jobs and more than 2.1 million informal participants in the creative sector — numbers that will only matter economically if these enterprises can access the finance, markets, and skills they need to grow.

For the young musician tracking beats or the designer lining up her next collection, the support from financial institutions like NCBA is more than transactional. It is a bridge between creativity and commerce — transforming potential into sustainable livelihoods and positioning Kenya’s creative economy as both culturally rich and economically resilient.

 

Cardtonic Raises $2.1m to Build Pil, a Business Spend Platform for Nigerian Companies

Ronald Bwire
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Cardtonic Raises $2.1m to Build Pil, a Business Spend Platform for Nigerian Companies

After years of quietly bootstrapping its consumer fintech business, Nigerian startup Cardtonic has raised $2.1 million in seed funding to launch Pil, a standalone platform designed to help Nigerian businesses manage corporate card spending and recurring operational expenses.

The round was funded entirely by angel investors, a notable move at a time when early-stage venture capital remains cautious. Cardtonic says it had previously avoided fundraising, choosing instead to grow using revenue from its retail products, which include virtual dollar cards, gift cards, eSIMs and bill payments.

Pil marks Cardtonic’s first deliberate shift away from consumer fintech. Unlike its retail offerings, the new product is built specifically for businesses that deal with predictable, high-volume spending—subscriptions, advertising, software tools and cross-border payments.

With Pil, businesses can fund corporate cards using naira or stablecoins, assign controlled access to team members, set approval workflows and track spending from a single dashboard. Support for additional African currencies is expected as the product expands.

Founded in 2019 by Balogun Usman and Faturoti Kayode, and now led by CEO Emmanuel Sohe, Cardtonic says Pil was born out of frustration. As the company scaled, managing its own operational spend became increasingly difficult. Card limits changed without warning, payments failed at critical moments and foreign platforms came with high fees and little reliability.

“We spend tens of thousands of dollars every month on ads, tools and subscriptions,” one of the company’s co-founders said. “We tried multiple platforms for years because there were no better local options. Eventually, we built our own internal solution just to keep operations stable. That solution became Pil.”

The decision to raise external funding was driven by the need to build stronger infrastructure. Cardtonic says Pil requires deeper investment in compliance, liquidity and systems that can support large teams and consistent transaction volumes—something bootstrapping alone could not sustain.

The move mirrors a broader shift within Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem. As competition intensifies in consumer products, more startups are moving down the stack to build and control core financial infrastructure. Companies like Paystack and Flutterwave have expanded into payment rails and regulatory capabilities, reflecting the growing difficulty of scaling consumer-only fintech models.

Pil will operate independently from Cardtonic’s retail business, allowing the company to focus on the distinct needs of business users. The platform is scheduled to launch in January 2026, with plans to add advanced spending controls, accounting and ERP integrations, and APIs for larger organisations.

In a funding environment where pre-seed and seed deals remain scarce, Cardtonic’s raise stands out—not just for the capital secured, but for what it represents: a Nigerian fintech betting that the future lies less in flashy consumer apps and more in the infrastructure businesses rely on to operate every day.

 

NALA and Noah Partner to Launch Instant Stablecoin Settlement Network

Diana Mutheu
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NALA and Noah Partner to Launch Instant Stablecoin Settlement Network

Tanzania-based fintech startup, NALA has announced a strategic partnership with global payments infrastructure provider Noah.

This collaboration aims to modernize cross-border payments by establishing an instant stablecoin settlement rail specifically designed for emerging markets.

Overhauling Global Money Movement

It’s noted that the traditional cross-border payment process often takes several days to complete.

However, by integrating Noah’s global USD collection infrastructure with NALA’s regulated stablecoin network, this new system allows businesses in Africa and Asia to collect USD and disburse local currency within minutes.

According to the companies, this partnership facilitates:

  • Instant USD settlement and real-time local currency payouts.
  • 24/7 cross-border treasury operations that bypass traditional banking hours.
  • Fully compliant flows between digital dollars and local fiat money.

Shah Ramezani, founder and CEO of Noah, noted that traditional systems have long failed these regions:

“For years, emerging markets have been underserved by global payment infrastructure that was never designed for its scale, speed, or realities. This partnership with NALA is about building a new payment network that removes structural friction… Stablecoins are not the story on their own – they are the rail that finally makes instant, compliant USD settlement possible at scale.”

Rapid Scaling and Financial Growth

This expansion follows a period of significant momentum for NALA.

Last year, the company secured a US$40 million funding round to fuel its growth. Consequently, in 2023, NALA expanded into the European Union, adding 19 additional send markets to its existing network, which connects the UK, US, and Europe to Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Ghana.

Furthermore, the demand for these services has reached record highs:

  • 18 Months: The time it took for NALA’s infrastructure business to scale from zero to US$1 billion in processed volume.
  • 30x Growth: The year-over-year increase for Rafiki, NALA’s infrastructure platform, which now powers major partners like MoneyGram.
  • 100x Demand: The surge in demand for stablecoin on- and off-ramps in emerging markets over the last 12 months.

A Vision Beyond Remittances

While NALA began as a money transfer platform, its leadership sees a much larger future in global business payments.

On his part, Benjamin Fernandes, founder and CEO of NALA, explained that the collaboration with Noah solves a critical bottleneck for international companies.

“We built NALA and Rafiki to power global money movement into emerging markets, not just remittances… Access to compliant USD collection and stablecoin settlement at scale has been one of the biggest constraints for global businesses operating in these regions. Partnering with Noah allows us to offer global account usage, where companies can collect dollars anywhere in the world and pay out instantly in local currencies, all through licensed, regulated rails.”

Through this partnership, NALA continues its mission to bridge the gap between Africans worldwide and the global economy, providing a secure, low-cost, and near-instant alternative to legacy banking.

Africa GoGreen Fund Raises $33m to Invest in Climate Startups Across Africa

Ronald Bwire
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Africa GoGreen Fund Raises $33m to Invest in Climate Startups Across Africa

The Africa GoGreen Fund (AGG), managed by Cygnum Capital, has raised €30 million ($33 million) from Germany’s development finance institution DEG to expand financing for climate-focused businesses across Africa, the fund said on Friday.

The funding will be used to scale investments in energy efficiency and climate-friendly solutions, including clean cooking, electric mobility, green buildings and distributed energy systems—sectors where demand is accelerating but access to long-term, structured debt remains limited.

DEG, a subsidiary of state-owned lender KfW, said the commitment is aimed at closing a persistent financing gap faced by climate startups and growth-stage companies whose business models and asset lifecycles are often ill-suited to conventional bank lending.

Although Africa’s climate investment needs are substantial, many companies deploying low-carbon and energy-efficient technologies struggle to secure appropriate financing. AGG was established to address this structural challenge by providing flexible medium- to long-term debt tailored to climate-focused business models.

Since becoming operational in 2021, AGG has built a diversified portfolio across multiple African markets. The fund has backed companies such as M-KOPA, which finances solar systems, electric motorcycles and energy-efficient appliances in East Africa; GOGO Electric, an electric mobility company serving boda-boda riders in Uganda; and AktivCo, which delivers energy-efficient power solutions for telecom towers across West and Central Africa. Other investments include clean energy providers BBOXX and Solarise, as well as Mawingu, an East African internet service provider expanding energy-efficient digital infrastructure.

Energy efficiency is widely regarded as one of the most cost-effective pathways for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, yet it remains significantly underfinanced across the continent.

“Our investment in the Africa GoGreen Fund underscores DEG’s commitment to advancing climate-friendly and energy-efficient solutions across Africa,” said Gudrun Busch, senior director at DEG. “By partnering with AGG, we aim to support innovative businesses that deliver measurable climate impact while driving sustainable economic growth.”

Laurene Aigrain, managing director at Cygnum Capital, said DEG’s commitment reflects growing investor confidence in energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies as scalable and bankable asset classes in Africa.

“Debt funds focused on energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies are critical to Africa’s energy transition,” Aigrain said. “This investment strengthens our ability to deploy tailored financing into high-impact sectors where financing constraints remain acute despite strong commercial and climate fundamentals.”

DEG said the investment contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry and innovation, and climate action.

Nigeria’s MAX Raises $24M to Scale Electric Mobility Across Africa

Ronald Bwire
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Nigeria’s MAX Raises $24M to Scale Electric Mobility Across Africa

Nigerian mobility technology company Metro Africa Xpress Inc (MAX) has raised $24 million in a mix of equity and debt to accelerate its expansion into electric mobility and clean energy infrastructure across West and Central Africa, the company said.

The equity round was backed by Equitane DMCC, Novastar Ventures and Triple Jump, alongside Endeavor Catalyst and other global investors. The debt portion includes asset-backed climate financing from the Energy Entrepreneurs Growth Fund (EEGF), which is managed by Triple Jump, as well as development finance partners.

MAX said the funds will be used to expand its electric vehicle (EV) fleet, roll out solar-powered battery-swapping stations, deepen its proprietary internet-of-things (IoT) and fleet management systems, and finance geographic expansion across the region.

The fundraising follows MAX’s return to profitability in Nigeria, its largest market, after the company restructured operations last year to focus on EV financing and asset-backed growth.

“Profitability in Nigeria proves that electric mobility in Africa is not a future concept. It is viable, scalable, and investable today,” said Adetayo Bamiduro, MAX’s co-founder and chief executive. “This capital allows us to scale faster, deepen clean energy infrastructure, and build a pan-African mobility platform.”

Founded in 2015 by Bamiduro and Chinedu Azodoh, MAX has evolved from a delivery and ride-hailing service into an integrated mobility platform spanning vehicle financing, EV assembly, battery systems and subscription-based access. Since 2019, the company has raised about $87 million in total funding, including a $31 million Series B round in 2021 and more than $40 million in institutional debt between 2021 and 2022.

MAX said it has deployed over $56 million in fleet financing, with $44 million repaid through its pay-as-you-go model, which allows commercial drivers to access vehicles with no upfront costs while gradually working toward ownership.

The company operates a local EV assembly facility in Ibadan, Nigeria, with capacity to produce up to 3,600 two- and three-wheel electric vehicles per month. It partners with regional and global manufacturers including Yamaha, Hero and Spiro to produce vehicles adapted for African operating conditions.

MAX currently operates in 20 cities across three countries, with expansion plans covering nine additional African markets. It said it aims to support 250,000 drivers by 2027, with at least half of new vehicle subscriptions expected to be electric, and to exceed $150 million in annual recurring revenue.

Investors said the round reflects growing confidence in Africa-focused electric mobility models that combine commercial returns with climate impact. Anish Jain, group chief executive of Equitane DMCC, said MAX strengthens the firm’s Africa portfolio, while Brian Odhiambo, a partner at Novastar Ventures, said the company was demonstrating that clean mobility can scale profitably.

Triple Jump said the financing aligns with its strategy of backing businesses that deliver both financial performance and climate-positive outcomes in emerging markets.

With battery costs declining and urban transport demand rising, MAX said Africa is approaching an inflection point in mobility and energy adoption.

In October 2024, MAX entered into a strategic partnership with PASH Global, a renewable energy and impact investment firm, to invest $10 million in expanding Nigeria’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. The two aimed developing a network of EV charging stations across urban centers, accelerating Nigeria’s transition to clean, sustainable mobility.

The initiative supports the adoption of electric motorcycles, three-wheelers, and cars, addressing transportation challenges and driving greener, more inclusive urban mobility solutions in Nigeria.

 

Tech Careers in 2026 and Beyond: Inside the Jobs, Skills, and Roles Defining Africa’s Digital Future

Ronald Bwire
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Tech Careers in 2026 and Beyond: Inside the Jobs, Skills, and Roles Defining Africa’s Digital Future

 

A Defining Moment for Africa’s Tech Workforce

Africa’s technology workforce is entering a decisive moment. What once felt like a future conversation about artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital jobs has become a present-day reality reshaping how companies hire, how governments plan, and how young people imagine their careers. As the continent’s digital economy expands, tech careers in 2026 and beyond will not simply create employment; they will define competitiveness, innovation, and economic resilience.

Across Africa’s major tech hubs—from Nairobi and Lagos to Kigali, Cape Town, and Cairo—technology is no longer a support function. It is becoming core infrastructure. Financial services are now software-driven, public services are increasingly digital, and startups are scaling across borders from day one. This shift is accelerating demand for skilled professionals who can design, build, secure, and scale digital systems in environments that are both resource-constrained and fast-moving.

Artificial Intelligence Moves From Experiment to Infrastructure

Artificial intelligence sits at the centre of this transformation. Once confined to research labs and global technology giants, AI is now embedded in everyday African use cases, powering mobile lending platforms, fraud detection systems, customer support chatbots, language translation tools, and agricultural forecasting models. By 2026, AI-related roles will no longer be niche or experimental. They will be foundational.

Engineers capable of training and deploying intelligent systems, product leaders who understand how to integrate AI responsibly, and specialists focused on governance and ethics are increasingly becoming strategic hires. For African companies, AI is less about novelty and more about efficiency, inclusion, and scale.

Why Software Development Still Anchors the Digital Economy

Even as AI-assisted coding tools gain traction, software development remains the backbone of the digital economy. The idea that automation will replace developers misunderstands how technology evolves in practice. African startups and enterprises still rely on engineers who can architect reliable systems, manage complexity, and adapt products to real-world conditions such as low bandwidth, fragmented devices, and diverse user needs.

Rather than eliminating development roles, AI is reshaping them. Developers are now expected to work faster, think more strategically, and take greater responsibility for performance, security, and long-term sustainability.

Cloud Computing and the Rise of Invisible Infrastructure

Behind nearly every digital service lies an expanding layer of cloud infrastructure. As banks, governments, telecoms, and startups move away from on-premise systems, cloud platforms are becoming the foundation of Africa’s digital services. This shift is driving sustained demand for professionals who can design, operate, and optimise cloud environments.

These roles often remain invisible to end users, yet they are critical to digital stability. Without reliable cloud and platform engineers, digital banking systems fail, government portals stall, and startups struggle to scale. By 2026, cloud expertise will be as fundamental as traditional software skills.

Cybersecurity as a Question of Trust and Survival

As Africa’s digital footprint expands, so too does its exposure to cyber threats. Cybersecurity has moved beyond being a back-office IT function to becoming a matter of trust, regulation, and economic resilience. Financial institutions, public sector platforms, and consumer-facing digital services all face growing pressure to protect data and maintain system integrity.

This reality is elevating the importance of cybersecurity professionals who can anticipate threats, secure digital assets, and respond decisively to incidents. Despite rising demand, the supply of skilled talent remains limited, making cybersecurity one of the most resilient and future-proof tech career paths on the continent.

Data as the Engine of Digital Decision-Making

Data now underpins nearly every major decision in the digital economy. From fintech credit scoring and logistics optimisation to public health planning and climate analysis, organisations increasingly rely on data professionals to convert information into insight. By 2026, data roles will be less about reporting and more about strategy.

As AI adoption accelerates, the importance of data quality, governance, and infrastructure becomes even more pronounced. Data scientists, analysts, and engineers are no longer peripheral contributors; they are central to how organisations compete and innovate.

Design, User Experience, and the Battle for Adoption

As digital markets become more crowded, user experience has emerged as a critical differentiator. In environments where users are cost-conscious and quick to switch services, intuitive and accessible design can determine whether a product succeeds or fails.

Designers who understand mobile-first behaviour, accessibility, and local context are playing an increasingly influential role within African tech teams. Their work sits at the intersection of technology and human behaviour, shaping trust, usability, and long-term adoption.

Emerging Careers Beyond 2026

Looking further ahead, a new generation of tech careers is beginning to take shape. Fields such as AI governance, climate and green technology, digital twins, extended reality, and quantum computing are still developing, but they point toward the next wave of opportunity.

For Africa, early engagement in these areas offers the possibility of shaping technologies rather than simply consuming them. While these roles may remain niche in the near term, they represent long-term strategic bets for the continent’s digital future.

Adaptability, Skills, and the Human Advantage

What will ultimately determine success in tech careers beyond 2026 is not only technical knowledge but adaptability. As tools evolve and job roles change, the ability to learn continuously, think critically, and act ethically becomes increasingly valuable.

While automation can handle routine tasks, human judgment, creativity, and collaboration remain difficult to replicate. The most effective professionals will be those who combine technical expertise with a deep understanding of context, people, and impact.

The Future of Work Is Being Written Now

For Africa’s young and rapidly growing workforce, the transformation underway presents both uncertainty and opportunity. Traditional career paths are being disrupted, but new ones are emerging just as quickly. Access to skills, mentorship, and global markets will determine who benefits most from this shift.

Tech careers in 2026 and beyond will shape how Africa builds, competes, and grows in a digital world. The future of work on the continent is already taking form, defined by those who are preparing today for the systems, challenges, and possibilities of tomorrow.

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This article is part of TechMoran’s ongoing Future of Tech Careers series, examining how Africa’s digital workforce is evolving and what skills will define the next decade.

Future of Tech Careers is a recurring TechMoran Future of Work editorial series exploring how technology is reshaping jobs, skills, and talent across Africa from AI and software engineering to cybersecurity, data, and emerging technologies. Future of Tech Careers is sponsored by Moran Technology & Management Institute.

 

Uber Drivers in Kenya Required to Upload Tax PIN Certificates by Jan. 30

James Musoba
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Uber Drivers in Kenya Required to Upload Tax PIN Certificates by Jan. 30

Kenya’s tax authority has directed ride-hailing firm Uber to ensure all drivers on its platform upload valid tax identification documents, in a move aimed at tightening compliance rules for gig economy workers.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) said drivers must submit a valid KRA PIN certificate through the Uber app by Jan. 30, 2026, warning that failure to comply could result in loss of access to the platform. Uber has instructed drivers to upload the certificate via Account > Documents > KRA PIN.

KRA estimates that more than 50,000 ride-hailing drivers in Kenya may be affected by the directive. Uber drivers are now expected to be fully registered with the tax authority, with income declarations and tax remittances aligned to their earnings. Drivers earning above the minimum tax threshold of KES 24,000 per month are required to file monthly returns under the current Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) or Turnover Tax regimes.

The move comes as the government continues to strengthen regulatory oversight of the digital economy. In addition to KRA compliance, Uber drivers must also meet National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) requirements, including valid driving licenses, vehicle inspection certificates, and registration of vehicles under public service rules. Non-compliance with NTSA rules can lead to license suspension, which would further prevent drivers from operating on the platform.

Analysts say the combined tax and regulatory requirements may have a modest short-term impact on driver earnings, particularly for part-time operators or drivers previously unregistered for taxes. Compliance costs, including accounting services, remittance of taxes, and potential fines, could reduce take-home pay by 5–15%, depending on income levels. However, authorities argue that formalization could provide drivers with long-term benefits such as legal protection, access to loans, and retirement contributions.

Ride-hailing services like Uber now play a critical role in Kenya’s urban transport system, offering flexible employment to thousands of drivers while expanding mobility options for urban residents. As digital platforms grow, government efforts to formalize income streams aim to broaden the tax base and support public spending, amid rising fiscal pressures in East Africa’s largest economy.

 

OpenAI Challenges Google’s Dominance with “ChatGPT Translate” Standalone Tool

Diana Mutheu
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OpenAI Challenges Google’s Dominance with “ChatGPT Translate” Standalone Tool

In a move that directly takes aim at one of Google’s most established services, OpenAI has quietly rolled out ChatGPT Translate.

While users have long utilized the main ChatGPT chatbot for language tasks, this new standalone tool is positioned as a dedicated challenger to Google Translate, sporting a remarkably similar interface and streamlined functionality.

A Familiar Interface with an AI Twist

The tool will look very familiar to Google Translate users at first glance. The layout features two primary text boxes—one for input and one for output—alongside automatic language detection. Currently, it supports translations to and from over 50 languages.

However, ChatGPT Translate’s real differentiator isn’t the translation itself; it’s what you can do after the text appears.

Unlike traditional services, OpenAI’s tool brings a distinct AI-first flavor by offering several one-tap prompt options at the bottom of the interface.

These allow users to instantly reshape the translated text to fit specific needs:

  • Fluency: Adjusting the output to sound more natural and less “robotic.”

  • Business Formal: Polishing the tone for professional correspondence.

  • Simplified: Rewriting the content as if explaining it to a child.

  • Academic: Tailoring the vocabulary for scholarly audiences.

Selecting any of these options instantly redirects the user to the main ChatGPT interface with a fully formed prompt, enabling deeper, generative customization that considers context and audience.

The Feature Gap: Google’s Current Lead

Despite these innovative “refining” features, the gap between OpenAI and Google remains significant.

For example, while the ChatGPT Translate page mentions support for uploaded images, the tool currently lacks a functional way to add an image to the box.

Feature ChatGPT Translate Google Translate
Language Support Over 50 languages Over 240 languages
Input Types Plain text (Web), Mic (Mobile) Text, Images, Docs, Handwriting
Offline Mode Not available Supported
Real-Time Conv. No Supported (Live Speech-to-Speech)

Furthermore, OpenAI’s tool does not yet support document uploads, website translation, or real-time conversations—all areas where Google has maintained a stronghold for years.

Google’s Counter-Strike with Gemini

Google is not standing still in the face of this new competition. Just last month, the company announced major translation upgrades powered by Gemini.

These updates include improved handling of nuanced phrases like idioms, slang, and local expressions.

Additionally, Google recently revealed a beta experience for live speech-to-speech translation using headphones, alongside the introduction of new languages specifically aimed at learning and skill-building.

The Future of Adaptable Translation

For now, Google is clearly ahead in the translation game. Nevertheless, ChatGPT Translate hints at a different future—one where translation isn’t just about accuracy, but about being adaptable to exactly who you are talking to.

If OpenAI successfully expands its language support and integrates multimodal features like image and document processing, this quiet launch could mark the beginning of a major product rivalry.

Safaricom Appoints Sylvia Anampiu as it Prepares Pay-as-you-go Fibre Broadband Rollout

Sam Wakoba
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Safaricom Appoints Sylvia Anampiu as it Prepares Pay-as-you-go Fibre Broadband Rollout

Safaricom has appointed Sylvia Anampiu as director of fixed business as Kenya’s largest telecoms operator moves closer to rolling out pay-as-you-go fibre broadband for homes and offices.

The appointment comes as Safaricom prepares to overhaul how fixed internet is sold, shifting from traditional monthly subscriptions to daily, weekly and monthly plans designed to mirror mobile data pricing. The model is central to the company’s plan to triple Kenya’s fixed broadband market over the next five years.

Sylvia Anampiu, who took up the role on Jan. 5, is leading strategy, growth and profitability across Safaricom’s fixed broadband business, spanning home and enterprise connectivity. She is also overseeing new pricing models aimed at lowering the cost of entry for households beyond high-income neighbourhoods.

Safaricom chief executive Peter Ndegwa said in December that fixed broadband sits at the centre of the group’s next phase of growth.

“We have just over 400,000 customers on fixed broadband today, in a market serving about 1.2 million,” Ndegwa said. “At a country level, the opportunity is closer to four million, leaving roughly three million people still to be connected.”

Safaricom expects the segment to grow by as much as 50% a year without reaching saturation, supported by a mix of fibre, 5G fixed wireless access and lower-cost customer devices.

The company plans to roll out tokenised Wi-Fi access and prepaid fibre in the second half of its financial year, which runs from October to March, allowing customers to buy broadband in time-based bundles rather than committing to monthly plans.

“In the same way we transformed mobile data with flexible pricing, we are now doing the same for fixed,” Ndegwa said.

Sylvia Anampiu joins from Bayobab Kenya, part of MTN Group, where she served as managing director and led fibre network expansion and business restructuring. She has previously held senior roles at Airtel Africa, Orange Kenya and Bayer East Africa.

Her appointment also supports Safaricom’s push to bundle fixed connectivity with ICT, cloud and IoT services for small and medium-sized businesses, a segment the company says remains underserved.

 

Google Unveils “Personal Intelligence” for Gemini: A New Era of Context-Aware AI

Diana Mutheu
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Google Unveils “Personal Intelligence” for Gemini: A New Era of Context-Aware AI

Google is making its AI assistant significantly more capable by granting it a memory.

On 14 January 2026, the tech giant announced the launch of Personal Intelligence, a new beta feature that allows Gemini to securely connect with a user’s ecosystem of Google apps—including Gmail, Google Photos, YouTube, and Search—with a single tap.

Beyond General Knowledge: The Power of Context

While traditional chatbots excel at retrieving general facts, Personal Intelligence is designed to understand the user’s specific world.

According to Josh Woodward, VP of Google Labs, Gemini & AI Studio, the system’s strength lies in its ability to reason across complex sources and retrieve hyper-specific details to provide “uniquely tailored answers.”

To illustrate this, Woodward shared a personal account of a recent trip to a tire shop for his 2019 Honda minivan.

“Standing in line at the shop, I realized I didn’t know the tire size. I asked Gemini,” Woodward recounted.

Not only did Gemini find the specs, but it also suggested all-weather options by referencing family road trips to Oklahoma found in his Google Photos.

When he reached the counter, Gemini even retrieved his seven-digit license plate number from a photo and identified the van’s specific trim via a Gmail search.

Privacy by Design: A “Key Differentiator”

Addressing the inevitable privacy concerns of such deep integration, Google emphasizes that the feature is off by default.

Users retain total control, choosing exactly which apps to link and possessing the ability to disconnect them at any time.

Furthermore, Mr Woodward highlighted a critical architectural advantage:

“Because this data already lives at Google securely, you don’t have to send sensitive data elsewhere to start personalizing your experience. This is a key differentiator.”

Crucially, Google confirmed that Gemini does not train directly on your private Gmail inbox or Google Photos library.

Instead, the model is trained on limited info—like specific prompts and responses—after personal data has been filtered or obfuscated.

Current Beta Limitations and Safeguards

Despite extensive testing, Google admits the beta is not yet perfect.

Users may experience “over-personalization,” where the AI makes incorrect leaps in logic.

Woodward noted that the model still struggles with nuance in changing life situations:

  • Relationship shifts: It may not immediately grasp the context of a divorce.

  • Misinterpreted interests: Seeing hundreds of golf course photos might lead Gemini to assume you love golf, even if you are only there to support a family member.

Additionally, Gemini has built-in guardrails to avoid making proactive assumptions about sensitive data, such as health information, unless explicitly asked by the user.

How to Access the Beta

The rollout for Personal Intelligence begins this week for eligible Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S.

It is currently available for personal Google accounts on Web, Android, and iOS, with plans to expand to the free tier and Search’s AI Mode in the future.

UK–Kenya Tech Hub, Viktoria Ventures Launch Startup 360 Connect to Train Angel Investors

James Musoba
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UK–Kenya Tech Hub, Viktoria Ventures Launch Startup 360 Connect to Train Angel Investors

The UK–Kenya Tech Hub has partnered with Viktoria Ventures, Anza Village and advisory firm POV to launch Startup 360 Connect, a new programme aimed at strengthening Kenya’s early-stage investment ecosystem by training angel investors and expanding access to startup capital.

The six-month initiative aligns with the UK–Kenya Strategic Partnership in Science, Technology and Innovation, which seeks to support high-growth startups and attract sustainable investment into Kenya’s technology sector.

At the centre of Startup 360 Connect is the Angel Leads Programme, delivered by Viktoria Ventures, which focuses on building confident, well-trained angel investors and enabling structured capital deployment into early-stage startups. Participants receive training in deal evaluation, syndication and investment execution, and are required to commit USD 1,000 each into a syndicated investment at the conclusion of the programme.

“After years of building the foundations of angel investing in Africa, this programme represents the next phase — moving from awareness to action,” said Stephen Gugu, chief executive of Viktoria Ventures.

Kenya is home to one of Africa’s most active startup ecosystems, but early-stage funding remains concentrated among a small pool of investors. Ecosystem leaders say initiatives such as Startup 360 Connect are designed to broaden participation and reduce individual risk through a syndicate-based investment model.

In addition to investor training, the programme includes a founder readiness component delivered through Startup School Kenya, led by Anza Village in partnership with the UK–Kenya Tech Hub and industry partners. The initiative supports founders in areas including governance, financial literacy, product-market validation and investor engagement.

A third pillar, led by POV through its Growth Path programme, provides founders and investors with exposure to international market entry strategies, particularly into the United Kingdom, and insight into cross-border venture capital networks.

The Angel Leads Programme will run from February to June 2026, and is open to individual and aspiring angel investors, members of investment groups, professionals formalising startup investing activities and impact-focused investors. Applications close on Jan. 30.

Organisers said Startup 360 Connect is expected to help professionalise angel investing in Kenya while strengthening links between East African and UK startup ecosystems, as demand for early-stage capital continues to grow.

 

Sanivation Raises $3.3M to Scale Waste-to-energy Plant in Kenya

James Musoba
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Sanivation Raises $3.3M to Scale Waste-to-energy Plant in Kenya

Sanivation has raised $3.3 million to finance the expansion of its waste-to-energy operations, the group said on Tuesday.

The equity investment, made through PIDG’s project development arm InfraCo, will support the expansion of Sanivation’s Naivasha Treatment Plant, increasing its capacity to convert human waste into solid fuel briquettes for industrial use. PIDG has also provided an additional $500,000 grant through its technical assistance facility.

Sanivation, which partnered with the Nakuru County government to establish a pilot facility in 2018, produces fuel briquettes by treating faecal sludge and blending it with waste from sawmills and agricultural processors. The briquettes burn longer and more efficiently than firewood and can reduce energy costs for industrial customers by between 10% and 30%, the company says.

The expanded facility is expected to treat waste equivalent to that generated by 100,000 to 130,000 households, easing pressure on existing wastewater infrastructure and helping to curb pollution around Lake Naivasha.

“This investment marks a turning point, not just for Sanivation, but for how sanitation infrastructure can be delivered across Kenya and the region,” said Sanivation CEO and co-founder Emily Woods. She added that the project demonstrates how waste can be transformed into clean energy while improving environmental outcomes and supporting community livelihoods.

PIDG said the project reflects its focus on circular economy solutions and climate-aligned infrastructure development in emerging markets.

“By reducing costs for industrial customers while decreasing pollution of the local environment, Sanivation aligns strongly with our strategy,” said Omar Jabri, PIDG’s head of business development for Africa at InfraCo.

Operations at the expanded Naivasha Treatment Plant are expected to begin in 2027.

 

Spotify Announces New Price Hikes for 2026 Amidst Royalty and Recruitment Controversies

Diana Mutheu
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Spotify Announces New Price Hikes for 2026 Amidst Royalty and Recruitment Controversies

Following a pattern established in recent years, streaming leader Spotify has confirmed it is increasing the cost of its premium subscription plans by $1 to $2 across all tiers.

This adjustment, which mirrors the company’s previous price hike in 2024, is set to take effect this February.

Global Impact and Billing Updates

Subscribers located in the US, Estonia, and Latvia will soon receive email notifications detailing these updated rates.

These changes are scheduled to apply immediately to their February billing cycle.

To help users navigate the new monthly costs, the updated pricing structure is broken down as follows:

Plan Type New Monthly Rate Previous Rate
Individual Plan $13 $12
Student Plan $7 $6
Duo Plan $19 $17
Family Plan $22 $20

Consequently, any subscribers who find these rates unsustainable and wish to cancel their plans are encouraged to follow Spotify’s official cancellation guide.

Justifying the Increase: Experience vs. Royalties

In defense of the move, the streaming giant explained that periodic price adjustments are necessary to “reflect the value Spotify delivers,” ensure the “best possible experience,” and support artists.

However, despite these claims of support, the company remains embroiled in a debate over fair compensation.

While Spotify reported paying out $10 billion to music rights holders in 2024, controversy persists within the creative community.

For instance, several Grammy-nominated songwriters boycotted a Spotify-hosted awards event last year, protesting what they claim are declining royalties from streams.

Addressing Recruitment Ad Backlash

In addition to the financial updates, the company has recently faced criticism for running recruitment ads for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In response to the public outcry, Spotify clarified that these ads were part of a broader government campaign that also ran on platforms like Meta and Google.

Furthermore, the company confirmed that the campaign has ended and no ICE ads are currently active on its service.

A Quarter Century of Knowledge: Wikipedia Welcomes Tech Giants into Content Ecosystem for 25th Anniversary

Diana Mutheu
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A Quarter Century of Knowledge: Wikipedia Welcomes Tech Giants into Content Ecosystem for 25th Anniversary

SAN FRANCISCO – On 15 January 2026, Wikipedia celebrated 25 years of making trustworthy, human-created knowledge accessible worldwide.

While the milestone marks two and a half decades of volunteer-led information sharing, it also signals a massive shift in how the world’s most powerful technology companies consume and sustain that data.

The New Guardians of Human-Curated Data

To mark this historic occasion, the Wikimedia Foundation is highlighting the rapid expansion of the Wikimedia Enterprise ecosystem.

In a significant move for the industry, the organization is announcing Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Mistral AI, and Perplexity for the first time as they join an elite roster of partners.

These tech titans join existing members—including Google, Ecosia, Nomic, Pleias, ProRata, and Reef Media—in a formalized effort to support the infrastructure they rely on.

Consequently, these organizations are now utilizing Wikimedia Enterprise to integrate human-governed knowledge into their platforms at a global scale.

By doing so, they help ensure that the work of the global volunteer community reaches billions of people with the accuracy and transparency that Wikipedia represents.

Sustaining Truth in the Age of AI

In the current AI era, Wikipedia’s human-created and curated knowledge has never been more valuable.

Despite the rise of machine-generated content, Wikipedia remains among the top-ten most-visited global websites and holds the distinction of being the only one operated by a nonprofit.

The statistics surrounding the platform’s reach remain staggering:

  • Global audiences view more than 65 million articles.

  • Content is available in over 300 languages.

  • The site receives nearly 15 billion views every month.

Furthermore, this vast repository serves as the backbone for the modern digital experience, powering generative AI chatbots, search engines, and voice assistants.

Because of its rigorous community standards, Wikipedia remains one of the highest-quality datasets for training Large Language Models (LLMs).

High-Speed Infrastructure for Modern Tech

As the demand for real-time information grows, the Wikimedia Foundation is emphasizing that tech companies relying on this content must use it responsibly.

To facilitate this, Wikimedia Enterprise was developed as a commercial product for large-scale reusers.

The service provides reliable, high-throughput API access through three primary channels:

  1. The On-demand API: Returns the most recent version for a specific article request.

  2. The Snapshot API: Provides Wikipedia as a downloadable file for every language, updated every hour.

  3. The Realtime API: Streams updates as they happen.

Looking Ahead: Closing the Knowledge Gap

As knowledge on Wikipedia continues to grow to close knowledge gaps and include more languages, its value as a dataset for a broad spectrum of use cases also increases.

Beyond general searches, the Enterprise APIs provide access to other Wikimedia projects that complement the main encyclopedia.

This diversification makes the ecosystem valuable for specialized applications, such as knowledge graphs with travel data or Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) models trained on educational material.

For those interested in these collaborations, the Wikimedia Enterprise blog serves as a resource for understanding these partnerships, featuring in-depth articles about the challenges these companies aim to solve.

As the community looks toward the next 25 years, the message to the tech industry is clear: the vast, multilingual, human knowledge repository built by volunteers is available for those who wish to ensure high-speed, reliable access to the world’s most trusted source of knowledge.

Best eSIM for Kenya 2026

Ronald Bwire
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Best eSIM for Kenya 2026

 

 

In Nairobi, Malindi, Mombasa, and other major cities, mobile signals range from 5G, with 4G in coastal locations like Diani Beach, supported by 3G in rural regions. When signal quality varies that much, choosing the best eSIM for Kenya goes beyond reviewing mobile coverage and requires researching pricing, available activation options, hotspot support, and device compatibility.

For travelers, roaming costs are often high and charged by day, and the need to look for local SIM sellers is time-consuming and stressful, which is why digital SIMs have become a practical solution. Travel data apps – including Ohayu Kenya eSIM – connect users to local networks without the need to get a physical card or pay roaming fees. Other providers reviewed in this article are Holafly (unlimited data for $9.90/day), Airalo (3 GB plans for $20.00), GigSky, and Global YO.

Why eSIMs are changing connectivity in Kenya

Embedded SIM is changing the way mobile networks are used in Kenya. Unlike regular cards, which require physical handling, Kenya eSIM operates digitally. It can be quickly activated without visiting a carrier store – the process usually takes a few minutes and works well for travelers and short-term visitors who need mobile data right away.

Adoption among locals is developing slower, and travelers remain the main users of eSIMs. People arriving in Nairobi, Mombasa, or other regional centres often choose eSIMs to avoid standing in lines at vendors’ shops, registering, and dealing with verification processes. The main benefits of choosing digital options include:

  • Quick activation without paperwork or local verification requirements.
  • Predictable data costs compared to international roaming.
  • Simple plan management with the mobile app.
  • No need to remove and change the physical SIM cards.

The value comes from convenience, transparent pricing, and fast setup across the country’s main urban and tourist areas.

How to choose the best eSIM for Kenya

First, consider the area you are planning to visit. In rural and remote regions, expect mostly 2G or 3G coverage, while 4G LTE and 5G are widely available in major urban hubs such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru.

Other points to keep in mind:

  • For the most consistent coverage, focus on plans that connect to well-established local mobile networks such as Airtel, Safaricom, or Telkom.
  • Confirm device compatibility on the eSIM provider’s website by selecting your exact smartphone model (for example, iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel).
  • Make sure your device is unlocked. Phones locked to a specific carrier will not connect to other networks.

For this specific location, coverage quality matters more than any advanced features. A reliable network partner, stable speeds outside cities, and reasonable pricing will have a bigger impact on your experience than plan extras.

Source: https://ohayu.com/esim-compatible-devices/

  • Review the restrictions on transferring unused data based on the local or travel plan.
  • Determine whether you need calls and texts, which are mostly offered by local carriers, while most travel options are data-only.

 

You should also consider the plan activation options: this can be done before the trip or upon arrival. Activation can be completed using a QR code, manual code entry, or app-based setup.

Some key steps are:

 

  • For iOS: Settings → Cellular → Add embedded SIM;
  • For Android (Samsung, Pixel, Motorola, Oppo, etc.): Network & Internet → SIMs → Add embedded SIM.

Best global providers of eSIM for Kenya – plans comparison

We reviewed and compared the top global Kenya eSIM providers: Ohayu, Airalo, Global YO, GigSky, and Holafly, based on the most relevant criteria to travelers. Here are the detailed results:

 

 

Provider Data included Validity Price
Ohayu 3 GB 14 days $21.99
Airalo 3 GB 7 days $20.00
Global YO 3 GB 15 days $26.99
GigSky 3 GB 15 days $26.49
Holafly Unlimited 14 days $58.91
Ohayu global 2 GB 30 days $9.99

Most temporary data plans for Kenya have prices within a similar range, and vary by data limits and validity periods, so the choice between them depends more on the data needs than cost.

Kenya is also included in the Ohayu global plan, which starts at $9.99 for 2 GB of data per month and covers over 110 destinations. This option can be more cost-efficient for light data use or multi-country travel.

Use cases & network performance

Traveling to major cities. eSIMs generally perform well in Kenya’s main urban areas thanks to dense 4G coverage and 5G signal availability. Nairobi offers the smoothest performance, especially in districts such as Westlands, Upper Hill, Kilimani, and the central area. Mombasa and Kisumu are also covered by 4G in central zones and along main tourist locations. This coverage is more than enough for navigation, ride-hailing apps, video calls, and streaming.

Driving to remote areas. Outside major cities, connectivity depends on the location: in national parks, rural regions, and less populated counties, 3G remains common, and data speeds vary. During long road trips between towns or when going to safari destinations such asthe  Maasai Mara or Amboseli, coverage gaps might occur. In these cases, downloading offline navigation maps, translation apps, and other tools is strongly recommended.

Business travel. In business hubs, including Nairobi’s Westlands and Upper Hill areas or commercial districts in Mombasa,  the most stable connections are available. These locations have strong 4G infrastructure with 5G signals present, suitable for video conferencing, cloud-based work, and large file exchange with minimal interruptions during working hours.

What to avoid when choosing an eSIM

Avoid these mistakes when looking for the best eSIM for Kenya:

  • Trusting little-known providers;
  • Buying a plan before checking device compatibility;
  • Choosing a plan that doesn’t fit your needs;
  • Selecting an operator without checking the coverage;
  • Leaving roaming enabled for the main SIM card;
  • Choosing a provider without technical support.

Final thoughts

Choosing the best eSIM for Kenya is easier when your needs are clearly defined. Providers like Holafly are often selected for larger data allowances, while Airalo appeals to travelers looking for budget-friendly options. The right choice depends on the length of stay, data consumption, and exact destination – whether it is urban or rural regions.

For trips that include cities, tourist areas, and occasional travel outside major hubs, Ohayu is a reasonable choice because of its balance between simple setup, clear pricing, and predictable performance. The service automatically detects compatible devices and offers Android and iOS apps that help with plan selection, data usage tracking, and access to basic user guides, which reduces friction before and during the trip.

Kenya eSIM FAQs

How to get an eSIM for Kenya?

First, you need to select a provider and plan according to your needs. Activate the package before or after arrival using QR code, app-based setup, or with manual code entry.

Do embedded SIMs work outside Kenyan cities?

Yes, but coverage outside urban areas is usually more limited. In rural regions and smaller towns, including parts of Laikipia, Samburu County, and areas outside Nakuru or Eldoret, the primary signal is 3G, with some 4G coverage available depending on the local infrastructure.

Can one eSIM work in multiple countries?

Yes, the carriers we analyzed offer this option. Check the global or regional plans for traveling to different countries without the need to switch physical cards or data plans.

How does eSIM work in national parks and remote spots?

Connectivity can be unstable in remote locations and national parks like the Maasai Mara, Amboseli National Park, or Tsavo East and West. In these areas, data speeds are lower and might be patchy; limited coverage is common.

What if I’m out of data or need to extend the validity period?

Some providers have the option to extend the validity period for an additional price, while others offer to purchase a new package.

Tesla Cybertruck Makes Historic Debut in Kenya During Global Record Attempt

Diana Mutheu
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Tesla Cybertruck Makes Historic Debut in Kenya During Global Record Attempt

NAIROBI, KENYA — For residents in Nairobi and Utawala, the morning commute took a surreal turn earlier this week.

The familiar sights of the Eastern Bypass were briefly eclipsed by the sharp, glinting angles of a Tesla Cybertruck.

Consequently, onlookers and tech enthusiasts quickly flooded social media with clips of the “stainless-steel beast” as it navigated the bypass, drawing a massive crowd of excited Utawala residents who were eager to document the first-ever sighting of the vehicle in the capital.

Notably, this follows a similarly viral scene in Mombasa, where the truck was spotted charging at City Mall in Nyali and also in Nairobi Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) where fans shared pictures widely on the socials.

As fascinated coastal residents snapped photos, the video went viral across Kenya, subsequently sparking intense speculation about how this armored electric pickup reached Kenyan shores.

The CyberLocos: A Guinness World Record in the Making

Furthermore, it has been revealed that the vehicle is not a local purchase but the primary transport for Berni and Alex, the adventurers behind the global expedition team CyberLocos.

On January 13, 2026, the duo confirmed they are using the Cybertruck to set a Guinness World Record for the most continents crossed in an electric pickup.

The Expedition Thus Far:

  • United States: The journey began with a cross-country trek.

  • South America: In addition to North America, they navigated the Andes and the Amazon.

  • Europe & Central Asia: Testing high-speed infrastructure and rugged steppes.

  • The Middle East: Moreover, they spent time conquering desert dunes.

  • Africa (The Current Stage): Ultimately, Kenya marks the official entry point for their African crossing.

Engineering “For Any Planet”

As specified by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the Cybertruck is “a vehicle built for any planet,” largely because it is engineered from ultra-hard 30X cold-rolled stainless steel—the same material found in SpaceX’s Starship rockets.

“We want everyone to see that clean energy is powerful enough to take you around the world,” the CyberLocos stated.

In particular, their goal is to prove that electric vehicles can conquer Africa’s most challenging landscapes, from the deserts of northern Kenya to the highlands.

Tech Specs: Powering the African Crossing

While the Cybertruck is a bold design statement, it is simultaneously a high-performance machine designed for extreme endurance.

Feature Specification
Engine Output 845-horsepower
Acceleration 0–100 km/h in 2.6 seconds
Towing Capacity Over 4.9 tonnes
Range Up to 550 kilometres per charge
Material Bulletproof, cold-rolled stainless steel
Price Point Ksh 9.8 million to Ksh 16 million

Demonstrating Clean Energy’s Capability

Beyond the record-breaking attempt, the CyberLocos are using their three-ton pickup to demonstrate bi-directional charging, which allows the vehicle’s battery to power homes or other EVs directly.

As a result, as they head out of Nairobi, the team is inviting the public to “see it, touch it, and take photos” to normalize the presence of high-performance electric vehicles in the African savannah.

Background Information About Cybertrucks

The Tesla Cybertruck is the flagship electric pickup from Tesla, Inc., the American automotive and clean energy giant led by CEO Elon Musk.

Since its serial production began at Gigafactory Texas in late 2023, the vehicle has transitioned from a polarizing prototype to a multi-award-winning powerhouse in the EV sector.

As of early 2026, Tesla has further refined the lineup, centering its offerings on high-performance dual and tri-motor variants that define the “Foundation Series” currently seen in global expeditions.

Global Market Pricing (2025–2026)

While early reservations in 2019 teased a $39,900 entry point, the current global economic landscape and high demand for the truck’s unique “exoskeleton” have shifted prices significantly.

Model Variant Estimated Price (USD) Estimated Price (KES)
Long Range (RWD) ~$72,235 ~Ksh 9.4 Million
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) ~$82,235 ~Ksh 10.7 Million
Cyberbeast (Tri-Motor) ~$114,990 to $117,235 ~Ksh 15 – 16 Million

Note: These prices represent the base MSRP in the United States. Import duties, shipping, and local taxes can drive the “landed” cost in Kenya to well over Ksh 20 million for private owners.

Global Awards and Critical Accolades

Initially met with skepticism regarding its safety and utility, the Cybertruck has recently secured several prestigious industry honors:

  • IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (December 2025): In a major upset, the Cybertruck was named the safest pickup truck by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, outperforming the Ford F-150.

  • Tesla achieved this by updating the front underbody and footwell structures for units built after April 2025.

  • MotorTrend’s “Best Tech” Award (2025): Recognized for its revolutionary steer-by-wire system, which replaces mechanical steering columns with digital sensors and motors—a first for mass-market consumer vehicles.

  • American-Made Index Leader: The Cybertruck has been ranked as one of the most “American-made” pickups, with over 65% of its parts sourced from the US and Canada, a testament to Tesla’s vertical integration.

    Beyond hardware, the truck serves as a mobile power plant. Its Powershare technology (bi-directional charging) won praise for its ability to provide up to 9.6 kW of power—enough to run a job site or keep a home functioning during a blackout.

Uber Terminates Visa Payment in Kenya, Citing Global Payment Processing Costs

Diana Mutheu
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Uber Terminates Visa Payment in Kenya, Citing Global Payment Processing Costs

NAIROBI, KENYA — In a major shift that redefines the digital payments landscape for East Africa’s largest ride-hailing market, Uber has officially stopped accepting Visa card payments in Kenya.

The tech giant confirmed that the decision, which took effect in January 2026, follows an intensive review of global transaction economics.

Scaling Back Amid Rising Processing Fees

Uber said the move is a strategic response to the increasing financial burden of cross-border payment processing.

By narrowing its payment stack, the firm said it aims to mitigate the impact of rising interchange fees and scheme charges that typically accompany international card networks.

The New Payment Stack: Mobile Money Takes the Lead

While Visa cardholders are now required to add alternative methods, Uber’s platform remains accessible through several other high-traffic channels.

Supported Payment Methods include:

  • Mobile Money: M-Pesa (Safaricom) and Airtel Money.

  • Other Card Schemes: Mastercard and American Express.

  • Traditional Options: Cash and PayPal.

  • Corporate Vouchers: Uber Gift Cards.

Notably, mobile money remains the dominant force in Kenya. According to Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) data, Kenyans moved KES 636.2 billion ($4.93 billion) through mobile wallets in the 12 months to February 2025.

Uber’s integration with these local rails allows for near-instant driver payouts and reduces the friction of chargeback disputes common with international credit cards.

Impact on the Business and Expatriate Segments

The suspension of Visa—the current leader in Kenya’s card market—marks a significant reversal from Uber’s early strategy in Nairobi, where card adoption was touted as a hallmark of safety.

Industry analysts suggest that while local commuters are unlikely to be deterred due to high M-Pesa penetration, the change creates a “friction point” for:

  • Business Travelers: Who rely on corporate credit cards for expense claims and rewards.

  • Expatriates: Whose primary financial accounts are often tied to international Visa schemes.

  • Local Banks: Lenders such as KCB and Equity have spent years positioning Visa as the primary gateway for digital services.

Future Outlook for Digital Platforms in Africa

The move highlights a broader trend where global tech platforms are prioritizing local payment rails that clear instantly and avoid foreign exchange spreads.

While Visa confirmed they are “in touch with the Uber team” to resolve the issue, no timeline has been set for a potential return.

As of today, the app continues to operate normally, nudging users toward the more cost-effective local “Super-App” ecosystems that now define the Kenyan digital economy.

Safaricom’s Karen Basiye Honored by Schwab Foundation for Sustainability

James Musoba
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Safaricom’s Karen Basiye Honored by Schwab Foundation for Sustainability

Safaricom’s Karen Basiye has been honored as a Schwab Foundation Corporate Social Innovator of the Year, joining a select group of 21 global leaders recognized for their transformative work in social and environmental impact.

Karen, Director of Sustainable Business, Social Impact, and Foundations at Safaricom PLC, has been at the forefront of initiatives that integrate Digital Inclusion, Climate Action, and sustainable business practices into the company’s operations, ensuring that technology not only connects people but truly transforms lives across Kenya and Africa.

Karen believes that business thrives when society thrives and this mantra has led her to champion digital programs that bring connectivity to underserved communities, and implemented climate-focused initiatives that reduce the company’s environmental footprint.

She has consistently demonstrated how corporate leadership can create lasting social impact.

Under her guidance, Safaricom has launched programs such as M-Pesa Financial Literacy Outreach, Green Energy Initiatives, and community-based tech hubs, reaching millions of Kenyans with access not only to technology, but to opportunity. Young entrepreneurs in rural towns are using Safaricom platforms to start businesses, students are learning coding and digital skills in community hubs, and women previously excluded from financial systems are building sustainable livelihoods. These are the tangible outcomes of Karen’s vision, showing that profit and purpose can grow together.

“This year’s awardees highlight the extraordinary resilience and ingenuity at the heart of our social innovator and entrepreneur community,” said Hilde Schwab, Co-Founder and Chairperson of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship. “Leaders like Karen Basiye are not only transforming industries they are building a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.”

Being named a Schwab Foundation Corporate Social Innovator is not only a personal accolade for Karen is a recognition of Safaricom’s pioneering role in demonstrating how African companies can lead on responsible, impact-driven business at a global scale.

The recognition aligns with insights from the Schwab Foundation’s 2026 Built to Last report, which highlights that social innovators collectively mobilized nearly $1 billion in financial and in-kind resources despite widespread operational disruptions, shrinking resources, and other challenges.

For Karen, the award is a call to continue pushing boundaries. “Every initiative, every program, every connection we create is a chance to make life better for someone, somewhere,” she says. “When business and society grow together, we create lasting change that extends far beyond technology.”

As Karen Basiye joins the Schwab Foundation’s global network of social innovators, she carries not only Safaricom’s vision but Africa’s potential to lead the world in inclusive, transformative innovation. Through her work, she demonstrates that technology, combined with purpose and vision, can do more than connect—it can change lives, uplift communities, and shape the future.

Msossi, Kenya’s First App to Fight Food Waste, Set for January Launch

Ronald Bwire
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0
Msossi, Kenya’s First App to Fight Food Waste, Set for January Launch

Msossi, Kenya’s first innovative food app designed to reduce food waste and losses, is set to launch this month. The platform connects supermarkets, restaurants, and hotels with consumers to sell surplus and near-expiry food items at discounted prices.

The app allows food businesses to list excess stock for quick sale, helping reduce the millions of tonnes of food wasted annually while offering consumers affordable options and minimizing financial losses.

Kenya faces a major food waste challenge, with an estimated 30–40% of all food produced lost to spoilage and expiry each year. This results in billions of shillings in economic losses, worsens food insecurity, and adds environmental pressure. Msossi addresses this through a digital marketplace for discounted food packs, promoting sustainability while delivering cost savings for both consumers and retailers.

“With Kenya losing up to 40% of all food produced to wastage, worth billions of shillings every year, Msossi offers a timely solution to turn potential losses into opportunities for savings and sustainability,” said Kevin Otiende, Msossi co-founder and CEO.

The app targets individual consumers seeking affordable and eco-conscious food choices, as well as businesses looking to reduce losses linked to food waste. By offering deep discounts, it encourages fast turnover of surplus items and helps build a more efficient food ecosystem.

“Over the past year, we’ve studied supermarket and restaurant operations and found that supermarkets lose between 5–12% of fresh food to wastage, while restaurants lose up to 30%,” Otiende added. “Our platform enables businesses to sell surplus food quickly at attractive prices, helping consumers access affordable nutrition while tackling serious environmental and economic challenges.”

Msossi will roll out nationwide, with features designed for easy listing and purchasing that suit local market needs. The platform also provides measurable impact data, including the amount of food saved, carbon emissions reduced, and meals rescued—insights that can support ESG and CSR reporting and demonstrate a commitment to circular economy and zero-waste practices.

 

Spacecoin Secures Kenya License to Challenge Starlink’s Satellite Dominance

Diana Mutheu
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0
Spacecoin Secures Kenya License to Challenge Starlink’s Satellite Dominance

Spacecoin,  a U.S.-based startup has officially been granted a transmission license by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to operate in Kenya, in a major development for East Africa’s “Silicon Savannah.”

The approval allows the firm to deploy satellite internet and Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring services, positioning it as the first decentralized competitor to Elon Musk’s Starlink in the region.

The license specifically authorizes Spacecoin to conduct pilot programs and test its blockchain-based satellite network, targeting rural and underserved regions where traditional fiber and mobile infrastructure are economically unfeasible.

Decentralized Architecture vs. Centralized Scale

While Starlink dominates the current market with a vertically integrated system of over 8,000 satellites, Spacecoin is introducing a “permissionless” model. Unlike Starlink’s centralized control, Spacecoin utilizes a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) running on the Creditcoin blockchain.

Users access the network via tokenized payments, potentially bypassing traditional banking hurdles. The company promises a “no kill switch” architecture, designed to operate independently of centralized ground-based control and it has a “Starmesh” virtual network to provide structurally private browsing and decentralized web services.

Spacecoin has been rapidly validating its tech stack throughout the past two years.

In early 2024, the company successfully transmitted encrypted blockchain data across 7,000 km (from Chile to Portugal), proving that data integrity can be maintained entirely in space.

In November 28, 2025, the firm successfully launched three CTC-1 satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. In Q1 2026: Secured transmission licenses in Kenya and is pursuing similar Proof of Concept in Nigeria, Indonesia, and Cambodia.

The Battle for Kenya’s High-Growth Market

Kenya is a strategic battleground. According to CA and KNBS data, satellite subscriptions in Kenya grew twenty-six-fold between 2022 and 2024, largely driven by Starlink’s entry.

As of September 2025, Starlink reported 19,470 users in the country, maintaining a 0.8% market share of the fixed internet segment.

“Regulatory bodies in key regions are recognizing that decentralized satellite technology can deliver scalability and affordability that traditional infrastructure cannot,” stated Spacecoin founder Tae Oh.

Moreover, Spacecoin is not initially chasing mass-market rooftop dishes. Its Kenyan license emphasizes IoT monitoring, suggesting an early focus on institutional, industrial, and agricultural sectors.

Competitive Headwinds

Despite Spacecoin’s innovation, the gap remains substantial. Starlink is already operational in 26 African countries and benefits from SpaceX’s internal launch capabilities and manufacturing scale.

Spacecoin, by contrast, is betting on a partnership-driven model where local entities handle ground operations and user support.

As Africa’s digital moment accelerates, Spacecoin is banking on the idea that in markets where internet freedom and local collaboration matter most, a decentralized alternative will find its footing.

Global Expansion and Local Partnerships

Spacecoin is betting on a partnership-driven model. While the company provides the satellite and network stack, local partners manage ground operations and user support.

On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the firm reached a pivotal milestone by announcing the launch of strategic connectivity pilots in four key countries: Kenya, Nigeria, Indonesia, and Cambodia.

This initiative transitions the company from theoretical development to practical, real-world deployment.

Under this partnership-driven model, Spacecoin maintains its role as the primary technology provider, supplying the core satellite infrastructure and decentralized network stack.

Meanwhile, local partners in each nation will take the lead on the ground, managing day-to-day operations, navigating regional regulatory landscapes, and providing direct support to local users.

  .  Nigeria: Building on an existing Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) license to bring high-speed connectivity to rural communities.

  • Cambodia: Partnering with local ISP MekongNet to extend market reach.

  • Indonesia: Collaborating with government agencies to deliver access across the country’s fragmented archipelago.

By focusing on regions where internet freedom and affordability are paramount, Spacecoin aims to prove that decentralized satellite technology is “a real movement with momentum that will unlock permissionless connectivity.”

Acumen Reaches $250 mln Target for Hardest-to-reach Energy Initiative

Ronald Bwire
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0
Acumen Reaches $250 mln Target for Hardest-to-reach Energy Initiative

Impact investor Acumen said on Tuesday its Hardest-to-Reach Initiative (H2R) has secured $250 million in blended capital to expand clean energy access across sub-Saharan Africa, meeting its fundraising target.

The milestone follows the final close of H2R Amplify, the initiative’s scale-focused debt fund, at $180 million. The close was supported by a $7.8 million commitment from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), alongside $18 million in grant capital to provide impact-based incentives to borrowers, Acumen said.

Launched at COP28 and anchored by the Green Climate Fund, H2R is Acumen’s largest energy initiative to date. It aims to reach nearly 70 million people, including about 50 million first-time energy users, in underserved and fragile markets where traditional financing has been limited.

H2R combines a market-building facility, Catalyze, with the Amplify debt fund to finance distributed clean energy solutions for households and small businesses across 17 countries, including Malawi, Zambia and Somalia.

“The full close of Amplify marks a shift from announced ambition to fully committed capital,” said Jiwoo Choi, Acumen’s chief of strategic initiatives and head of H2R.

SDC said its participation reflects its focus on expanding access to affordable and reliable energy while strengthening resilience and local development in vulnerable regions.

Amplify’s investors include the Green Climate Fund, International Finance Corporation, British International Investment, Shinhan Bank, Soros Economic Development Fund, Nordic Development Fund, Signify Foundation and ImpactAssets. Catalyze is supported by partners such as Norad, the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, the UK government’s Transforming Energy Access platform and several philanthropic foundations.

Acumen said H2R was recently named the 2025 Deal of the Year by the African Solar Industry Association.

Security Guard Becomes Latest Millionaire in Safaricom Shangwe @ 25 Promotion

Brand Voice
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0
Security Guard Becomes Latest Millionaire in Safaricom Shangwe @ 25 Promotion
Geoffrey Kipkoech, a 49-year-old security guard from Gachie, is the latest KES 1 million winner in Safaricom’s ongoing nationwide Shangwe @25 promotion.
Kipkoech, a father of five who works at Rosslyn Estate in Nairobi, received the life changing news while attending a training session. After missing several calls, he was finally reached by Safaricom and informed of the win, news that left him shocked and overwhelmed.
“I have been a security guard for the past fifteen years, struggling to take care of my family on a modest income. This win is truly life changing for me and my family. I sincerely thank Safaricom for this wonderful gift. I will use the money to support my family, pay school fees for my children, and buy more dairy cows to grow my small dairy and tea farm back at home,” said Kipkoech.
Mr. Kipkoech became a winner after purchasing airtime through M-PESA. A regular user of the service, he relies on it for his daily transactions, making it an essential tool in managing his responsibilities and supporting his family.
Beyond his security role, Kipkoech is also a small-scale farmer. He keeps cattle in his village and owns a tea farm in Nandi, which helps supplement his family’s income.
He plans to invest part of his prize money in building rental houses in his hometown of Nandi to create a stable, long-term source of income for his family. He also intends to expand his dairy farming activities by purchasing additional cows to further strengthen his household’s livelihood.
Driven by gratitude and a strong desire to give back, Kipkoech has chosen to support Kipsiori Catholic Church in Nandi and to build a small house for a vulnerable family in his village as part of his community initiative. He also plans to donate chairs to the church to enhance comfort and support community development.
“With the community project, I want to support my local church in Nandi by purchasing chairs and also build a small house for a vulnerable family in my village,” said Kipkoech.
Since its launch, Shangwe @25 has been rewarding customers daily and weekly with cash prizes, data bundles, devices, and business support tools. Each week, more than 50,000 customers win KES 10,000, KES 50,000, or KES 100,000. Over the course of the promotion, more than five million customers are expected to win prizes worth KES 250 million, with 25 customers set to become millionaires by the end of the campaign.
The promotion also supports businesses of all sizes. Micro and small enterprises are rewarded with tuk-tuk pickups to enhance logistics such as stock transportation and deliveries, while selected businesses receive stock worth KES 250,000 to accelerate growth. Medium and large enterprises receive KES 500,000 to support corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects of their choice.
The Shangwe @25 campaign forms part of Safaricom’s 25th anniversary celebrations a nationwide initiative to thank customers, uplift communities, and celebrate 25 years of connection, innovation, and impact. To access M-PESA services, dial *334#.

Treasury CS Defends Strategic Divestiture: Sh204 Billion Safaricom Tech Deal Under Scrutiny

Diana Mutheu
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0
Treasury CS Defends Strategic Divestiture: Sh204 Billion Safaricom Tech Deal Under Scrutiny

 Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi appeared before a joint parliamentary committee on Tuesday to defend a high-stakes partial divestiture of the government’s stake in Safaricom PLC.

This comes as the state intends to offload 15 per cent of its 35 per cent controlling interest to South Africa-based tech giant Vodacom.

The transaction, structured as a strategic sale rather than a retail offer, is expected to generate approximately $1.576 billion (Sh204.3 billion).

According to an instant analysis, this represents a 19 per cent premium over the current market price of roughly Sh28.5 per share.

Financing Infrastructure through Tech Capital

Lawmakers, including Daniel Manduku (Nyaribari Masaba) and David Mboni (Kitui Rural), challenged the CS on the security of the proceeds.

Consequently, Mbadi assured the Finance and National Planning and Public Debt and Privatization committees that the Sh204 billion would be strictly ring-fenced as “seed capital” for commercially viable projects.

“The money is not to fill our fiscal deficit, it will be used to set seed capital for commercially viable infrastructure projects,” Mbadi stated. “Kenyans objected to any more taxes and borrowing; therefore, we have to think of innovative steps of raising revenues.”

The CS confirmed that these funds will not support the 2025-26 budget but will instead prioritize:

  • Energy and Water infrastructure.

  • Roads and Airports.

Protecting the Safaricom Workforce and Local Identity

A major point of contention during the joint sitting, chaired by Kuria Kimani and Shurie Abdi, involved the potential for tech-sector layoffs.

In response, the Treasury CS revealed that the agreement with Vodacom includes specific safeguards for Safaricom’s workforce.

Key Labor and Governance Commitments:

  • Job Security: A moratorium on acquisition-related redundancies for three years post-transaction.

  • National Identity: Requirements that the Chairman and independent directors remain Kenyan.

  • Social Impact: Continued support for the Safaricom Foundation.

However, Kitui MP Irene Kasalu criticized the three-year window as “too short,” noting the difficulty of the current job market.

Strategic Rationale: Why Vodacom and Not an IPO?

Lawmakers questioned why the government settled on Vodacom without a competitive bidding process or a local retail offer.

Mbadi defended the “Economics 101” behind the decision, arguing that a mass retail dump of shares would have crashed the stock price.

Moreover, the CS highlighted several strategic advantages:

  1. Market Stability: Avoiding a price distortion caused by a sudden increase in share supply.

  2. Foreign Currency: Attracting significant inflows of US dollars.

  3. Efficiency: Avoiding the underwriting costs of a retail offer, which would have coincided with the planned divestiture of the Kenya Pipeline Company.

Independent Valuation and Transaction Costs

To ensure transparency, the National Treasury engaged KCB Capital as a transaction adviser for an independent valuation.

The government incurred Sh3 billion in transaction costs, representing 1.36 per cent of the total deal value.

Mbadi noted that this was well within the 1.8 per cent legal limit allowed for such transactions.

By opting for a strategic partner with a long history in the telecommunications industry, the CS argued that the state is maximizing value for money while reducing the long-term debt burden on taxpayers.

How NCBA’s Digital Onboarding Is Turning Kenya’s Mobile Users into Bankable Citizens

Ronald Bwire
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0
How NCBA’s Digital Onboarding Is Turning Kenya’s Mobile Users into Bankable Citizens

For years, financial inclusion in Africa was framed as a problem of access. More branches, more agents, more paperwork. In Kenya—home to one of the world’s most vibrant mobile money ecosystems—that problem has largely been solved. Today, formal financial access among adults in Kenya sits at a record high of about 85 per cent, driven largely by digital channels that reach far beyond physical branches.

Yet access alone doesn’t guarantee inclusion. Millions save, transact, and borrow each day without ever building a formal financial identity that banks can measure and leverage. That’s where NCBA’s digital onboarding ecosystem—anchored by products like M-Shwari, Loop, and NCBA Now—is reshaping the landscape. Instead of merely opening accounts, these platforms turn everyday mobile behaviour into verifiable financial profiles—laying the groundwork for credit, protection, and investment opportunities.

From Cash to M-PESA

Kenya’s rise as a global fintech leader began with mobile money, led by M-Pesa. In 2007, only about 23 per cent of adults were banked; by the early 2020s the figure had risen sharply, substantially driven by the adoption of mobile wallets. Today, more than half of Kenyans use mobile money daily, a key foundation for digital onboarding platforms to engage customers.

Yet formal banking participation still doesn’t guarantee meaningful financial inclusion. According to Kenya’s latest FinAccess survey, only about 18 % of adults are considered financially healthy, signaling that many banked individuals still lack deep engagement with savings, credit, or investment instruments.

Onboarding That Converts Activity into Identity

In this context, NCBA’s onboarding ecosystem does more than register accounts—it formalises behaviour.

M-Shwari remains the best-known entry point for many. Born from a landmark partnership between NCBA and Safaricom, M-Shwari lets users open savings and loan accounts directly through their phones, with no branch visit required. Over the years, tens of millions of Kenyans have used M-Shwari, turning everyday mobile money usage into a track record that banks can recognise.

For customers seeking broader functionality, Loop offers a fully digital microbanking experience. With instant onboarding, customers can open accounts, access debit cards, and transact without ever entering a branch—making full-service banking as accessible as messaging apps on a smartphone.

Meanwhile, NCBA Now acts as a gateway to the bank’s wider digital ecosystem. Its tiered onboarding allows users to start with minimal information and unlock richer services as they transact more. This progressive approach is especially important in markets where formal identification and digital literacy vary widely.

Onboarding as an Ongoing Process

Traditional banking treats onboarding as a one-time compliance step. NCBA treats it as a dynamic journey.

Each deposit, withdrawal, or loan repayment feeds into an evolving profile. Over time, this behavioural data enables NCBA to adjust credit limits, tailor offers, and introduce customers to protection and investment products that make sense for their financial lives. It’s the difference between simply being “banked” and being bankable.

Digital Loan Growth Reflects Inclusion in Action

The numbers show this strategy working at scale. NCBA’s digital lending infrastructure—spanning M-Shwari, Loop, Fuliza, and related offerings—has disbursed hundreds of billions of Kenyan shillings in loans annually, underlining the depth of engagement across demographics.

These platforms are not fringe products; they are central to how Kenyans manage liquidity, smooth income volatility, and meet everyday financial needs—turning mobile phones into on-ramps to credit and savings.

Why This Matters for Kenya and East Africa

NCBA’s digital onboarding story is also a story about Kenya’s digital economy. With over 90 per cent mobile phone ownership and high uptake of digital payments, the country leads Sub-Saharan Africa in account ownership and mobile financial engagement. Neighboring markets like Uganda and Tanzania are following similar trends, with fintech innovation lowering barriers to entry and deepening inclusion.

For policymakers and development actors, Kenya’s experience offers a test case: digital channels can dramatically expand financial visibility—but only if the onboarding journey creates real, usable financial identities that institutions can understand and serve.

Visibility as the New Currency

In Kenya’s digital economy, simply having an account is no longer enough. The real leap occurs when everyday actions—saving a little in M-Shwari, repaying a Loop loan, or moving money in NCBA Now—translate into measurable financial behaviour.

NCBA’s digital onboarding turns mobile phones into engines of inclusion, transforming invisible savers into data-driven economic participants. Convenience may draw customers in, but visibility is what unlocks opportunity—credit access, protection against risk, and the possibility of long-term investment.

For a country that once struggled with financial exclusion, this shift marks a new chapter in how banking can serve the many, not just the few.

 

Outliers Venture Capital Launches Fellowship Program to Develop MENA Tech Talent

Ronald Bwire
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Outliers Venture Capital Launches Fellowship Program to Develop MENA Tech Talent

Outliers Venture Capital has unveiled the Outliers Fellowship Program 2026, its flagship initiative aimed at identifying and developing the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders, operators, and builders across Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region.

The program will be delivered in exclusive partnership with the Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC), marking the first formal backing by a regional fund-of-funds for a dedicated talent pipeline for high-growth technology companies.

Building on last year’s inaugural cohort, which attracted applicants from 14 countries and included students from institutions such as UC Berkeley, Purdue University, King’s College London, and KFUPM, the Fellowship combines hands-on internships with leading tech companies, one-on-one mentorship, and structured in-person programming. More than 40% of Fellows in the previous cohort secured extended or follow-on roles, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in developing high-performing talent.

The Fellowship addresses a critical need in the region: the shortage of experienced operators, limited early exposure to company-building, and retention of top talent within MENA. Fellows are embedded in high-growth technology companies such as Lean, Strataphy, Stream, Lendo, Penny, Soum, Ejari, and Stitch, receiving training and mentorship designed to accelerate their careers.

H.E. Dr. Nabeel Koshak, CEO of SVC, said the partnership “represents a practical model for developing talent that can operate at global standards and support the Kingdom’s economic transformation.”

Applications for the 2026 program open on January 26 and close on February 27. More information is available at https://fellowship.outliers.vc.

 

NCBA, Inchcape Team Up to Offer 95% Tractor Financing to Kenyan Farmers

Ronald Bwire
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0
NCBA, Inchcape Team Up to Offer 95% Tractor Financing to Kenyan Farmers

NCBA Group, one of Kenya’s largest banks, has partnered with machinery distributor Inchcape to provide farmers with up to 95% financing for New Holland tractors, a move aimed at accelerating mechanisation in the country’s agriculture sector.

The partnership, announced on Wednesday, includes support for up to two farm implements and access to KES 500,000 ($3,200) in working capital for business customers. Repayment plans are designed to align with harvest cycles, and farmers on monthly plans can defer their first payment by 60 days.

“By matching repayment schedules to the realities of farming and offering up to 95% financing, we are removing barriers that have historically held back the sector,” said Lennox Mugambi, Group Director of NCBA Asset Finance and Business Solutions.

Kenya’s agriculture sector contributes about 21% of GDP but remains heavily reliant on manual labour, limiting productivity. NCBA’s initiative also involves collaboration with development finance institutions and NGOs to make credit more affordable and sustainable.

Inchcape, which has a dealer network in Nakuru, Nairobi, Eldoret and Kisumu, said it would expand services to Mombasa, Nanyuki, and Meru. “Our network and factory-trained technicians ensure farmers get long-term value from their investment,” said the company’s managing director.

All financed tractors will be insured through NCBA Bancassurance Intermediary Limited. Farmers and agribusinesses interested in the programme can contact NCBA branches or authorised Inchcape dealers.

Here are the 12 ventures Showcasing at Africa Tech Summit Nairobi 2026

Dennis Mathu
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Here are the 12 ventures Showcasing at Africa Tech Summit Nairobi 2026

Africa Tech Summit holding on 11th and 12th, 2026, at the Sarit Expo Centre has selected companies, spanning payments, Web3, EdTech, climatetech, healthtech, and more, represent the next wave of African ventures ready to attract investors and global partners.

According to Mark Mugenwa, Business Development Manager at Africa Tech Summit, “Driving investment is the core goal of the Africa Tech Summit. This year’s selected cohort features ventures that are solving Africa’s challenges with sustainable, scalable impact models. These companies have demonstrated incredible traction and we look forward to hosting them and the wider ecosystem in Nairobi next month.”

The 2026 investor-ready ventures include:

Bekia (Egypt) is tackling inefficient waste collection and low recycling rates across Africa by offering a digital platform that streamlines disposal and helps businesses reduce environmental impact.

Bosso Africa Inc (Zambia) is streamlining Africa’s fragmented, slow, and inefficient process of sourcing construction materials. Bosso’s AI-powered platform delivers instant sourcing, price comparisons, and reliable logistics.

Chefaa (Egypt) is addressing unsustainable access to recurring prescriptions that undermine patient compliance and adherence in fragmented pharmacy markets.

Hizo (Africa) is revolutionizing intra-African payments. Hizo is solving Africa’s fragmented financial systems by enabling users to seamlessly spend, send, and receive money across the continent using their local currency and card payments.

Innobid (Kenya) leverages AI to democratise access to procurement opportunities for marginalized entrepreneurs in Kenya.

Niteon(Nigeria) is bridging the gap for millions of African manufacturers and farmers who remain unseen, underpaid, and disconnected from global opportunity.

Pretium (Kenya) is bridging the existing payment rails with the blockchain ecosystem.

Timart (Nigeria) is tackling Nigerian SMEs’ inventory challenges: manual tracking losses, staff fraud, scattered debt records, and offline tool failures that leak revenue and cripple cash flow.

TIBU Health (Kenya) is revolutionizing primary and chronic care access in Kenya’s underserved communities. TIBU brings clinic-grade care, AI-powered tools, and seamless care directly into high-traffic pharmacies, making healthcare faster, cheaper, and more reliable for low-income households.

Vepay (Nigeria) enables fast and secure cross-border payments, facilitating global transactions for individuals and businesses.

Winich Farms (Nigeria) is connecting smallholder farmers directly to markets and financial services

Zerobionic (Kenya) is a disability-led African startup that transforms plastic waste into AI-powered humanoid robots that translate speech into real-time sign language with 92% accuracy. Zerobionic empowers deaf learners to thrive in STEM education.

The Investment Showcase remains a core feature of the Summit, giving startups opportunities to secure funding, form strategic partnerships, and gain the visibility they need to scale.  The session features a Q&A from a host of experts from across the ecosystem who are keen to provide constructive feedback and support founders on their growth journey.

Startups under three years can benefit from the Early Bird Pro Startup Pass, which provides full access to the Africa Tech Summit experience. This includes an invitation to the exclusive ATS Welcome Reception on February 10th, priority access to early networking sessions for deal-making, inclusion in the official Deal Book shared with investors and partners, and more opportunities throughout the event. Register for final passes here

Uganda Communications Authority Orders Pre-Election Internet Blackout

Diana Mutheu
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0
Uganda Communications Authority Orders Pre-Election Internet Blackout

KAMPALA, UGANDA — In a major disruption to the nation’s digital infrastructure, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has issued a formal directive to all service providers to suspend internet access.

The order issued comes just ahead of the high-stakes general election scheduled for tomorrow, January 15, 2026.

Technical Suspension and Scope

According to reports by BBC, the UCC’s technical directive specifies that the suspension of services was to commence at 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT) on Tuesday.

While a specific restoration date has not been provided, the following service impacts have been observed:

  • Mobile Data: Standard users report a total loss of connectivity.

  • WLAN/Fixed Lines: Some large business facilities, including major hotels, reportedly maintain wireless access.

  • Critical Services: Voice calls and basic SMS functionality are expected to remain operational throughout the period.

Justification and Security Protocol

The regulator cited a “strong recommendation” from the Inter-Agency Security Committee, which includes the army and police, as the primary driver for the move.

Furthermore, the UCC justified the intervention as a measure to safeguard national stability.

“This temporary suspension is a precautionary intervention to ensure peace, protect national stability and prevent the misuse of communication platforms during a sensitive national exercise,” the commission stated in its letter to operators.

Moreover, the authority argued that the blackout is necessary to prevent “online misinformation, disinformation [and] electoral fraud… as well as preventing [the] incitement of violence.”

This marks a significant pivot from earlier this month, when the UCC dismissed reports of an impending blackout as “mere rumours,” asserting its role was to “guarantee uninterrupted connectivity nationwide.”

Digital Resilience and Opposition Response

The 2026 election features a rematch between 81-year-old President Yoweri Museveni, who is seeking a seventh term after four decades in power, and 43-year-old Robert Kyagulanyi (popularly known as Bobi Wine).

In response to the digital crackdown, the opposition leader utilized X (formerly Twitter) to share the leaked UCC directive.

Consequently, he urged his supporters to adopt decentralized communication methods.

  • Alternative Tech: Supporters were encouraged to download apps that utilize Bluetooth technology to bypass centralized network requirements.

  • Counter-Measures: However, the UCC has issued a technical warning, stating it possesses the capability to restrict such applications from operating.

Historical Context of Digital Shutdowns

This move echoes the events of the 2021 election, where a similar internet cut lasted for at least a week amid widespread protests.

Essentially, the government remains focused on its campaign message of “Protecting the Gains,” while the opposition mobilizes one of the world’s youngest electorates under the slogan “Protest Vote.”

Reacting to the technological restrictions, Bobi Wine described the architects of the communication suspension as “cowards.”

Continent’s Review on Internet Shutdowns

As of January 2026, internet blackouts and digital repression in Africa have reached critical levels, transitioning from temporary measures to more permanent legislative and technical control.

The year 2025 set a record for shutdowns, with the momentum carrying into early 2026 as several countries face pivotal elections and transitions.

Key Highlights of 2026 Digital Restrictions

Uganda’s Pre-Election Blackout (January 2026): Ahead of the general election scheduled for January 15, 2026, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) reportedly issued a directive to suspend internet and mobile money services. Although officials later described specific notices as “fake news,” rights groups have noted an escalating crackdown on VPN users and journalists.

The Rise of “Quiet Repression”: Beyond total blackouts, governments in Kenya(Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2025) and Zambia (Cyber Security Act, 2025 (CSA) and Cyber Crimes Act, 2025 (CCA)),have entered 2026 with new cybersecurity laws passed in 2025.

These allow for continuous monitoring and “throttling” of networks, which are harder to challenge legally than a total shutdown.

Uganda: Facebook has remained blocked for five consecutive years (since 2021).

Nigeria: Meta (Facebook/Instagram) faces a potential service shutdown in early 2026 due to unresolved regulatory fines totaling nearly $290 million.

Economic and Human Impact in 2026

Metric Estimated Impact (Sub-Saharan Africa)
Economic Loss (2025) $1.11 Billion (Sub-Saharan Africa alone)
Duration of Disruptions Over 24,000 hours of recorded regional downtime in 2025
Top Economic Loser Tanzania ($889.8 Million lost due to 2025 election-day outages)
Users Affected Approximately 116 million users in the region

2026 Critical Zones

1. Ethiopia and Sudan: The Permanent Blackouts

Ethiopia remains the country with the most extensive history of blackouts (30 instances since 2016).In 2026, regions in Sudan and eastern DRC continue to face intermittent “conflict-related” shutdowns that cripple humanitarian aid and cross-border remittances.

2. West Africa and Legal Pushback

Following a landmark ruling by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice in May 2025—which declared Senegal’s previous shutdowns unlawful—governments in the region are facing increased legal scrutiny.

However, Senegal and Zimbabwe have countered by restricting “unlicensed” satellite services like Starlink to maintain control over the digital gateways.

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