Development Partners International (DPI), through its venture capital arm, DPI Venture Capital, has reached the final close of its Nclude Fund at more than $112 million, with 93% of its capital commitments coming from African investors. Announced in October 2026, the milestone highlights the growing role of African financial institutions in financing technology businesses and…

Manufacturing is entering a new phase as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, connected sensors and data analytics transform how factories operate. Technology once reserved for advanced industrial facilities is increasingly becoming central to production, helping manufacturers improve efficiency, reduce waste and respond more quickly to changing market demands. This shift, often described as Industry 4.0, involves…

South African financial technology company CrissCross has secured an undisclosed investment from Circle Ventures to expand its stablecoin-powered cross-border payments infrastructure across Africa. Announced on October 26, 2026, the investment was made through CrissCross’s parent company, Stitch Group, as demand grows for faster and more efficient ways to move money between African markets. The investment…

Flourish Ventures has committed an additional $6 million to Madica, its Africa-focused pre-seed investment programme, to support another 25 to 30 early-stage startups across the continent. Announced on October 27, 2026, the funding will extend Madica’s investment pilot by three years and expand its support for entrepreneurs who struggle to access traditional venture capital. The…

Nigeria is preparing to expand its digital infrastructure with plans for two new artificial intelligence-ready data centres under a proposed $1 billion investment. The development could strengthen the country’s capacity to process large volumes of data, support AI-driven businesses and attract technology companies seeking reliable computing infrastructure across Africa. The investment comes as demand for…

South Africa’s banking sector could face a significant shift as the country’s central bank moves to open its national payments infrastructure to fintech companies, telecommunications operators and retailers. The proposed reforms could weaken banks’ traditional control over payment processing while creating new opportunities for non-bank businesses to compete for customers and transaction revenue. The South…