Technology news around the ecosystem!

From Lagos to Nairobi

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

  • Women in DeFi to host 2026 summit boosting African women in Web3

    Women in DeFi, a leading advocacy group for gender diversity in blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi), has officially announced its 2026 summit, aimed at advancing African women’s leadership in the global Web3 economy. The event seeks to provide a platform for women across the continent to connect, learn, and lead in one of the fastest-growing…

  • Sterling Bank empowers Nigerians with ₦2 billion funding initiative

    Sterling Bank has announced a bold initiative to put ₦2 billion directly into the hands of everyday Nigerians, signaling its commitment to financial inclusion and community engagement. The program is designed to empower individuals and small businesses across the country, providing them with access to funds that can drive personal growth, support entrepreneurial ventures, and…

  • SA SMEs struggle with execution, not lack of funding

    While South Africa is often criticized for a lack of access to funding for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a closer look suggests the real challenge isn’t capital—it’s execution. Many SMEs struggle not because investors aren’t willing to back them, but because these businesses face operational inefficiencies, weak business models, and limited managerial capacity that…

  • Nigerian startup creates countrywide digital map in under a year

    The startup, which began as a small team of engineers and data scientists, set out with a clear mission: to provide accurate, real-time mapping data for a country where official geospatial information is often outdated or incomplete. Nigeria’s diverse geography—including bustling cities, sprawling towns, rural villages, and difficult-to-access regions—posed unique challenges. Traditional mapping methods, which…

  • Uber deepens fintech push for drivers and payments

    At the core of this shift is Uber’s effort to streamline how drivers earn, access, and spend their income. In many markets, especially across Africa, drivers face challenges such as delayed payouts, limited access to credit, and high transaction costs. Uber’s financial tools aim to address these gaps by enabling faster payments, digital wallets, and…

  • Novastar raises $147M Fund III to expand across Africa

    Novastar Ventures has announced the close of its third fund at $147 million, marking a significant milestone in its mission to back transformative businesses across Africa. The new fund underscores growing investor confidence in the continent’s innovation landscape, particularly in sectors addressing essential services and economic inclusion. Founded with a focus on supporting mission-driven entrepreneurs,…