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Moroccan proptech Yakeey just closed a record $15 million Series A round to scale its operations across Africa. Founded in 2023 by Karim Beqqali, the platform secured backing from the IFC and Beltone Venture Capital, among others. Yakeey is set to redefine the real estate market by leveraging data and AI to streamline transactions and provide cutting-edge financing options.
Egyptian fintech leader Valu has secured a 3-billion-Egyptian-pound ($63.6 million) short-term financing agreement with the National Bank of Egypt. A pioneer in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) payment space, Valu also offers investment and payroll management solutions. This funding is set to fuel the company’s expansion following its recent launch in Jordan.
Nigerian fintech leader Paga has teamed up with PayPal to launch a new direct-link service. Starting Tuesday, January 27, users in Nigeria can receive global payments straight to their digital wallets. These funds are instantly available in Naira for bill payments, shopping, or bank transfers.
CivicHive has launched its 2026 Civic Tech Fellowship, a 20-week program designed to support 15 West African innovators building tech-driven solutions for civic engagement. Projects focused on responsible AI, climate action, healthcare, or advocacy will receive expert mentorship, monthly stipends, and access to a powerful regional network. Applications are open until February 11 for those looking to turn bold ideas into lasting social impact.
The 2026 UN Global Pulse Accelerator is now supporting teams with proven, implementation-ready innovative solutions. Three selected projects will each receive $60,000 in funding, alongside technical support and mentorship to scale and measure their impact. The program is seeking initiatives that leverage data or AI to advance sustainable development, humanitarian action, and social inclusion. Applications are open through February 11, 2026.
Heifer International has launched the 2026 AYuTe Nigeria challenge, a competition awarding $40,000 in grants to climate-smart agritech solutions. The grand prize winner will receive $20,000, with second and third place taking home $12,000 and $8,000, respectively. Beyond the funding, these young innovators transforming Nigerian agriculture will receive professional mentorship. The grand finale is set for May 2026 in Abuja.
Cape Town will host the Africa Green Economy Summit 2026 from February 24-27. Centered on the theme "From Ambition to Action," the summit connects decision-makers with investors to accelerate green and blue projects. With a focus on closing the climate funding gap, the event will feature 50 bankable projects in sectors like renewables, sustainable farming, and electric mobility.
Nigerian stablecoin-focused fintech OneDosh has raised $3 million in pre-seed funding to build out its cross-border payment infrastructure. Operating in both the U.S. and Nigeria, the platform enables rapid transfers, stablecoin storage, and payments via Apple Pay and Google Pay-compatible cards. The capital will fuel expansion into new payment corridors and the growth of its engineering teams.
Last week, Central Bank of Congo (BCC) Governor André Wameso met with GSMA representatives to discuss potential partnerships to expand connectivity nationwide. Talks focused on digitalisation, financial inclusion and infrastructure, key priorities in the BCC’s drive to modernise the financial sector.
Applications are open for the 2026 Female Founder Award, a global programme recognising women-led tech startups. Held during Viva Technology in Paris, the competition offers winners greater exposure, mentorship and support in raising funds. Applications close on Feb. 2, 2026, and selected finalists will be presented at the event.
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The ICT Africa Summit, a flagship event on innovation, digital transformation and connectivity, will return for its sixth edition on April 21-23, 2026, at the SAFEX Exhibition Center in Algiers. The summit will bring together policymakers, companies, startups and investors, with the aim of supporting a more inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem across Africa. Following the 2025 edition, this year’s event will highlight innovation and cross-border collaboration to speed up the continent’s digital transformation.
Following a court order declaring its data collection illegal, the crypto project Worldcoin has purged all biometric data gathered in Kenya. Regulators confirmed that iris scans and other personal identifiers have been destroyed, ending a protracted legal dispute that underscores the clash between tech innovation and data privacy.
Algeria will host the African Digital Transformation Summit this March 28-30. Preparations are already in full swing following a meeting between the Secretary-General of the ATU and Algerian Minister Sid Ali Zerrouki at the 2026 Algeria Optical Summit. The summit aims to turn high-level discussions into measurable actions that drive the continent’s digital transition and attract sustainable investment.
Chipper Cash is officially operating in the black. The African payments specialist reported that it covered all operating expenses in Q4 2025, successfully halting its cash burn after two years of restructuring. By doubling down on key markets like Nigeria and Uganda and leveraging the success of its dollar-denominated cards, Chipper Cash is now signaling that its business model is built to last.