TechStream

Technology news around the ecosystem!

From Lagos to Nairobi

We give you summaries of happenings around tech, from developer stand-ups to the boardrooms.

  • “MacTay’s VR innovation for training emergency responders in Lagos

    MacTay, a long-established Nigerian human resources and workforce development company, is transforming emergency response training in Lagos through the use of virtual reality (VR) technology. By combining immersive simulation tools with real-world emergency scenarios, the firm is helping first responders build practical skills in a safer, more scalable way. The initiative places trainees inside highly…

  • Why women remain underrepresented in Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry

    Women remain significantly underrepresented in Nigeria’s ride-hailing sector, where only about 4% of drivers are female. This disparity reflects broader structural, cultural, and economic barriers that limit women’s participation in transport and mobility jobs. Many women face challenges such as safety concerns, limited access to vehicle financing, and social expectations that discourage them from working…

  • Refiant AI Secures $5M Funding to Develop Efficient, Lightweight AI Models

    South Africa-founded AI startup Refiant AI has raised $5 million in seed funding to accelerate its mission of building leaner, more efficient artificial intelligence models. The funding round marks a significant milestone for the company as it looks to challenge the prevailing trend of increasingly large and resource-intensive AI systems. The startup is focused on…

  • Raenest Unveils Free E-Book Simplifying the U.S. Banking System

    Raenest, a fast-growing fintech platform focused on simplifying global banking for Africans, has released a free e-book aimed at demystifying how the U.S. banking system works. The initiative is designed to empower freelancers, remote workers, and entrepreneurs who increasingly interact with U.S.-based financial systems but often lack a clear understanding of how they operate. The…

  • Takealot Expands Global Marketplace to Rival Shein and Temu

    South Africa’s leading e-commerce platform, Takealot, is ramping up its strategy to compete with global low-cost rivals by expanding its marketplace to include more international sellers. The move is widely seen as a direct response to the rapid rise of Shein and Temu, both of which have reshaped online shopping expectations with ultra-cheap products and…

  • Fintech Innovators to Gather in Nairobi for Africa Fintech Live 2026 Summit

    Africa’s fast-growing financial technology sector will take center stage as Africa Fintech Live 2026 convenes leading innovators, regulators, investors, and entrepreneurs in Nairobi, Kenya. Scheduled for May 7 at the Sarit Expo Centre, the event is expected to draw key stakeholders from across banking, payments, telecommunications, and digital commerce to explore the future of finance…