Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its startup ecosystem have received a boost after eight young entrepreneurs secured ₦40 million (approximately $29,000) in non-dilutive funding through a government-backed business development programme. The initiative, jointly organised by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, through the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), and entrepreneurship support organisation Cascador, aims to help emerging…

Introduction Venture capital (VC) funds are designed to invest in promising startups, support their growth and eventually generate returns for investors through successful exits. However, one of the industry’s biggest challenges emerges when a fund reaches the end of its investment lifecycle while some of its portfolio companies are still performing well. These businesses may…

Nigeria’s electricity challenges extend beyond inadequate generation. Even when power is available, poor distribution infrastructure, inaccurate billing, electricity theft and significant technical and commercial losses prevent many consumers from receiving reliable and affordable electricity. Digitising power distribution offers an opportunity to address these problems, improve transparency and build a more efficient electricity market. For years,…

Zimbabwean fast-food group Simbisa Brands is strengthening its position in Kenya’s growing food delivery market after acquiring the remaining 25% stake in its delivery subsidiary, Kutuma Kenya, for approximately $664,000. The transaction gives Simbisa full ownership of a business that has become increasingly important to its restaurant operations as more Kenyan consumers turn to online…

Nigeria’s immunisation challenge is not simply about producing enough vaccines. It is also about ensuring that vaccines reach the children who need them, remain effective during transportation and are available at health facilities when families arrive. Across several parts of the country, particularly remote and underserved communities, weaknesses in healthcare infrastructure, unreliable electricity, poor road…

Nigeria’s payments industry has spent years building the infrastructure needed to make digital transactions faster, easier and more accessible. From bank transfers and USSD payments to QR codes and contactless cards, the country has gradually moved away from its dependence on cash. Now, tap-to-pay technology is adding another layer to that transformation. The concept is…