From Lagos to Nairobi

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clear mission: to provide accurate, real-time mapping data for a country where official geospatial information is often outdated or incomplete.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…

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 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,…

Cascador has officially opened applications for its 2026 ScaleUp Program, targeting Nigeria’s most promising growth-stage founders as part of its mission to build resilient, high-impact businesses across the country. The program is designed to support entrepreneurs who have moved beyond the early startup phase and are now navigating the complexities of scaling operations, managing teams,…

Fintech leaders, and Juicyway have joined a new Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)-led initiative aimed at strengthening compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT), and Countering Proliferation Financing (CPF) regulations. The move signals a deeper collaboration between regulators and fintech players as Nigeria seeks to reinforce the integrity of its financial…

The first quarter of 2026 has been a tough period for Africa’s crypto and Web3 ecosystem. Reports from industry analysts indicate that over 20 startups, ranging from exchanges to DeFi platforms and NFT marketplaces, have ceased operations, highlighting the fragility of the continent’s emerging digital finance sector. Several factors contributed to the closures. Liquidity challenges,…