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African fintech startups eager to scale their businesses are invited to apply for the Visa Accelerator program, offering three months of intensive training and support from the global payments giant.
The program provides selected startups with 1:1 mentorship, personalized training, and networking opportunities. With the deadline for applications set for February 18, interested parties can learn more by visiting the program’s page.
Nigeria's Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (MCIDE) on Friday announced 10 startups that will receive grants under its Fourth Industrial Revolution Technology Application (4IRTA) program in agriculture.
The selected companies, stand to gain up to 10 million naira ($10,977) each to scale their innovations.
"Congratulations to the 10 selected projects as we look forward to working with them in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture to support their path to scale and sustainability," said Bosun Tijani, Nigeria's Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
Ugandan e-mobility startup Safeboda is set to return to the Kenyan market in February 2024, two years after suspending operations there. The announcement was made on Monday, January 22, through a post on the X social network. Details regarding the company's Kenyan relaunch remain scarce, with the post only confirming the February timeframe and Nairobi as the initial operating city.
Global payments giant Visa announced a strategic partnership with Kenyan fintech company Pesaflow to transform and enhance digital payments within the Kenyan government. The collaboration aims to establish seamless and user-friendly digital payment platforms, incorporating virtual cards and secure gateway services for transparent and reliable transactions.
In Senegal, road fines can now be paid online, thanks to a recent initiative by the General Directorate of Public Accounting and Treasury (DGCPT). Launched on January 18, the digital platform simplifies the fine collection process, enabling drivers to pay their fines quickly and on the spot, without having to visit police or gendarmerie stations.
The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) has launched applications for its 12-month training program aimed at helping aspiring tech entrepreneurs in Africa turn their ideas into successful startups. The deadline for applications is March 18, 2024. More details about the program and the application process can be found here.
The U.S. Department of State's TechWomen program has opened applications for its 2024 edition, offering career development opportunities for emerging female leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from 11 African countries.
Qualified applicants must demonstrate at least two years of professional experience, hold at least one higher education degree, and possess proficient English language skills. The program targets Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Kenya, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe.
Last Tuesday, U.S tech multinational Mastercard launched its "Tap on phone", "QR Pay by link" and "Payment link" contactless payment solutions in Nigeria.
"As we navigate the evolving landscape of payments in Nigeria, Mastercard is proud to launch its contactless payment solutions. We understand the importance of seamless, secure, and cost-effective digital payment solutions, particularly for small businesses and consumers," said Kari Tukur, Vice President of Customer Solutions for East and West Africa at Mastercard.
US-based satellite broadband provider Starlink announced its rollout in Eswatini on Monday, December 18th, via a post on social media platform X. Accessing the services in Eswatini requires a one-time hardware purchase of 12,000 Rand (~$648) and a monthly subscription fee of 950 Rand, plus a 120 Rand regulatory fee. Shipping and handling costs 450 Rand. This rollout marks the eighth African country to welcome Starlink's high-speed internet services this year.
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The Smart Africa alliance, a policy initiative for the promotion of digital in Africa, announced on Wednesday, December 13 the signing of a three-year memorandum of understanding with the EoT Foundation.
The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the Digital Sovereignty Forum in Lausanne, Switzerland, aims to support African decision-makers on their digital transformation journey through capacity-building, forums, training, events, and networking between Africa and Europe.
Following a phone call on Tuesday, December 12, between Benin's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, and his Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita, Morocco has announced that Benin is now eligible for its e-visa program. The decision will become effective on January 1, 2024
Kenyan e-mobility startup BasiGo has announced the completion of a $5 million financing round. The funds, raised in the form of debt from British International Investment (BII), a British development finance institution, will be used to expand the assembly of electric buses in Kenya.
From December 21 to 22, Morocco's economic hub, Casablanca, will host the 3rd edition of the "Digital Now!" conference. Organized by the business network Club des Dirigeants (CDD), this event has established itself as a pivotal gathering for professionals driving Morocco's digital and entrepreneurial landscape. This year's edition will delve into critical topics shaping the digital landscape, including digital transformation, the impact of artificial intelligence on businesses, tackling cybersecurity challenges, and safeguarding data.