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The pan-African organization Open Startup marked its 10th anniversary by launching a new strategy called "Science Road." Announced on Monday, June 29, the initiative aims to help move scientific research, deep-tech innovations and AI from the lab to global markets. To support the effort, the organization is also launching a venture arm that will invest directly in some of Africa's most promising startups.
The United Nations Development Programme's Timbuktoo initiative has opened applications for its pan-African MineTech Hub, an incubation program for African startups developing technologies that make mining safer, greener and more transparent. Selected entrepreneurs will receive tailored support, AI-driven training, and direct access to mentors and investors. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with the next cohort beginning this month.
Nigerian startup Siiqo launched a Telegram-based social commerce platform last week to help merchants boost sales. Rather than building a traditional mobile app, the startup enables vendors to set up online storefronts, manage orders, and accept secure payments without leaving Telegram. The platform also includes an escrow system to protect buyers and sellers against fraud.
Village Capital has awarded $500,000 in grants to 32 African startups tackling climate change. Implemented in partnership with Norway, the program supports projects focused on climate adaptation, food security, and renewable energy across five countries. The initiative aims to strengthen local startup ecosystems, making it easier for entrepreneurs to access global funding.
WhatsApp announced on Monday, June 29, the global rollout of its username feature, allowing users to connect without sharing their personal phone numbers. The update aims to enhance privacy, help reduce fraud, and simplify communication in large professional and community group chats.
Stabyl has emerged from stealth with $2.7 million in funding backed by e-commerce giant Konga. The startup is developing infrastructure that enables banks and other financial institutions to execute foreign exchange transactions more efficiently. By automating transactions and connecting traditional currencies with stablecoins, the platform aims to simplify cross-border payments.
South African investment firm Stocks & Strauss has closed a $24 million funding round for its university-focused fund. The capital will support the commercialization of technologies developed at universities and within their alumni networks. With the latest raise, the platform now manages more than $42 million in assets as it seeks to turn locally developed research into globally competitive businesses.
US tech giant Amazon has selected nine African organizations for the fourth cohort of its social accelerator program. Based in Nigeria, Kenya and Cameroon, the organizations use AI and digital technologies to address challenges in education, unemployment and food security. They will receive technical training and strategic mentorship to help expand their reach across the continent.
Fintech company OPay has extended the application deadline for its national student innovation competition to July 3, 2026, giving more young innovators the opportunity to participate. As part of the extension, OPay is partnering with the government's digital talent training initiative and Google to provide training and mentorship sessions for aspiring leaders in the digital economy. Interested students can apply here.
WhatsApp is rolling out a new security feature to help combat scams. Users will now see a warning screen before opening a message from an unknown number. The screen shows the country associated with the phone number and any groups they have in common with the sender, encouraging users to think twice before responding to suspicious contacts.
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Paystack has launched a support program for Nigerian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The initiative provides eligible merchants with significant discounts on accounting, logistics, and communication tools. It also offers personalized mentorship and financial grants to help entrepreneurs address day-to-day business challenges and accelerate their growth.
Senegalese startup Nixacom has launched Auto Apply, a digital platform that automates customer onboarding and identity verification. The solution enables financial institutions to replace lengthy paper-based procedures with a streamlined digital workflow. By centralizing data collection and contract generation, Auto Apply reduces processing times from several days to just a few minutes.
The StartCraft program is now accepting applications from Nigerian entrepreneurs, helping them transform promising ideas into sustainable businesses. This intensive training program offers personalized mentoring, practical business tools, and access to funding opportunities. Designed for startup founders looking to build strong foundations and scale their ventures, the program is accepting applications through its official portal until Tuesday, June 30.
PaidHR has partnered with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund to support Nigerian small businesses. One hundred selected companies will receive free HR and automated payroll software for one year. The program also includes training in financial and operational management to help these businesses scale, strengthen their operations, and sustain employment.