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The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) announced on Monday the addition of the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) as its thirteenth member, bolstering efforts to facilitate seamless cross-border payments and promote financial integration across Africa. This move reflects the BCT's aim to support economic growth in Tunisia and the wider region by offering Tunisian businesses and citizens benefits like improved payment efficiency, reduced transaction costs, and expanded opportunities for intra-African trade and payments.
The Fate Foundation, in collaboration with Orange Corners Nigeria and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has launched applications for the tenth cohort of its incubation program for Nigerian entrepreneurs. The six-month program offered both physically and virtually will provide participants with capacity-building sessions, expert advice and mentorship, industry visits, and networking opportunities. The deadline for applications is February 18.
Accelerate Africa has opened applications for its second cohort, seeking promising African startup founders. Selected participants will receive mentorship from experienced founders, access to a network of over 75 investors, and the opportunity to showcase their ventures at a demo day. The deadline for applications is February 16.
U.S. tech giant Microsoft announced plans to open a new data center campus in Centurion, South Africa, last week. The company said the facility represents "the next step in its commitment to enabling and accelerating the pace of digital transformation in South Africa, and Africa, in an inclusive, trusted, and responsible manner."
UNICEF StartUp Lab, an initiative supporting impactful technology-driven startups in Ghana, opened applications for its fourth cohort last week, the organization announced. The six-month program offers selected startups one-on-one mentorship, access to a network of UN partners, funding for prototyping, and various other support mechanisms.
Startups focusing on education, health, child protection, and other areas aligned with UNICEF's mandate are encouraged to apply. Applications close on February 29th.
Nigerian fintech startup Kippa is shifting gears and venturing into the education technology (edtech) space, according to a Wednesday report by Techcabal. The company is developing an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered e-learning platform to facilitate the creation of online course modules and deliver bite-sized training sessions.
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.
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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.