From Lagos to Nairobi

A group of Japanese venture capital (VC) firms has launched a $20 million fund targeting startups across Africa and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The fund aims to back early-stage companies in sectors such as fintech, healthtech, cleantech, and mobility, areas with high growth potential and pressing local needs. Japan’s growing interest in…

Nigeria’s ambition to become a $1 trillion economy by 2030 gained momentum at West Africa’s largest technology and AI exhibition, where global and local tech giants showcased innovations aimed at accelerating digital transformation. The event attracted policymakers, industry leaders, startups, and investors, highlighting Nigeria’s growing role as a technology hub in Africa. Key participants included…

Jaiz Bank, Nigeria’s pioneer non-interest financial institution, has unveiled a suite of innovative digital banking services aimed at capturing the growing market of Gen Z customers and freelancers. The bank is positioning itself to meet the evolving financial needs of younger, tech-savvy individuals who demand convenience, speed, and personalized experiences in their banking relationships. The…

Safaricom, Kenya’s largest telecommunications operator, has reintroduced its “Internet by the Hour” data bundles, allowing customers to access affordable, time-based internet packages. The service enables users to purchase data that lasts for a fixed duration—such as one hour—instead of being charged per megabyte or for a fixed data volume. This initiative targets price-sensitive customers and…

The Ethiopian government has signaled a slowdown in its plans to privatize a significant portion of Ethio Telecom, the state-owned telecommunications operator. Initially, Ethiopia had been pursuing an ambitious economic reform agenda aimed at liberalizing its telecom sector, including issuing new licenses to foreign operators and partially privatizing Ethio Telecom to attract foreign investment, boost…

Nigeria’s economic transformation is being driven by a new wave of innovative professionals across various industries. These individuals are leveraging technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship to solve pressing challenges while boosting the nation’s global competitiveness. From tech entrepreneurs and fintech innovators to agribusiness leaders and healthcare disruptors, their efforts are fostering sustainable growth and creating employment…