From Lagos to Nairobi

Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, widely credited with transforming M‑PESA into one of Africa’s most influential digital finance platforms, is leaving the company to take on a new challenge at ABSA Bank Kenya. His departure marks the end of a remarkable era, but it also signals the beginning of a new wave of fintech-inspired innovation in traditional banking.…

Tactful AI, an emerging enterprise customer experience (CX) startup, has raised $1 million in funding to accelerate the deployment of its agent-based automation solutions across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The investment underscores growing interest in AI-driven customer support tools that help businesses improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enhance user experiences…

SolarAfrica has secured $85 million (R1.5 billion) in funding to develop SunCentral 2, the next 114 MW plant in its flagship utility-scale solar initiative in South Africa’s Northern Cape. The financing, provided by RMB and Investec Bank, represents a major step in expanding access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy for commercial and industrial customers,…

Aruwa Capital has taken a significant step in advancing gender-focused investing in Africa, securing support from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for its $50 million Gender-Lens Investment Fund. The initiative aims to channel capital into businesses led by women or those promoting gender equity, addressing persistent funding gaps that limit women entrepreneurs from scaling their…

When Mark Essien launches a product, the market tends to pay attention. Best known as the founder of Hotels.ng, Essien has built a reputation for identifying underserved problems and solving them with focus and restraint. His latest venture reinforces that reputation: a four-month-old product that has already generated $2.3 million in revenue from fewer than…

OceanHub Africa, in partnership with The Coca-Cola Foundation, has launched a $120,000 Pan-African call for bold, innovative solutions aimed at accelerating plastic circularity across the continent. The initiative seeks to empower entrepreneurs, startups, and changemakers working to tackle Africa’s growing plastic waste challenge through scalable and sustainable business models. Plastic pollution remains one of Africa’s…