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Paystack has partnered with Vendy, a marketplace that helps merchants create customizable WhatsApp Shops, to simplify mobile commerce and streamline sales directly on WhatsApp, techcabal reports.
Buyers can browse catalogs, place orders, and pay without needing additional apps or sign-ups. Merchants can choose from over 60 shop templates tailored to their needs, ensuring a personalized and efficient setup.
This collaboration marks a major step in advancing mobile commerce in Africa, leveraging WhatsApp’s popularity to create seamless and trusted buying experiences while helping businesses grow.
Africa’s domestic payment card scheme Verve International has announced its cards are now accepted on AliExpress, one of the world’s largest online retail platforms.
This collaboration marks a significant step in Verve’s global expansion efforts, providing millions of cardholders access to AliExpress’s extensive product offerings.
By adding their Verve card details during checkout, cardholders can pay in local currency for a wide range of products.
Namibia’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRAN) has issued an order for Starlink to cease operations in the country, citing the lack of a required telecommunications license, according to Reuters.
The cease-and-desist order, issued on November 26, 2024, follows an investigation confirming unauthorized network activities by Starlink.
Starlink has applied for a license in Namibia, but CRAN stated the application is still under review. Meanwhile, the regulator has advised consumers against purchasing Starlink equipment or subscribing to its services, calling such actions illegal.
Egyptian digital payment provider e-finance has partnered with UK-based Cassava Technologies to drive digital transformation across Africa.
The agreement, signed at the 28th Cairo ICT Exhibition and Conference held Nov 17- 20, aims to enhance Egypt’s digital landscape while introducing advanced solutions across the continent.
The collaboration focuses on fostering financial inclusion and supporting digital economies across Africa.
On November 26, Huawei handed over smart boards and other technology to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, received by Permanent Secretary Maambo Hamaundu.
This move reaffirmed Huawei’s commitment to supporting Zambia's digital transformation through enhanced collaboration with the government.
The equipment, featuring video conferencing and wireless sharing, aims to boost connectivity and streamline operations, reducing the need for travel.
Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) briefed stakeholders, on November 26, about the upcoming Communications Electronic Equipment Type Approval Regulations, set to take effect Dec. 1, 2024.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance Malawi's communication infrastructure. This approach is intended to facilitate interoperability among communication networks and equipment while also protecting public health.
Stakeholder sessions were also held in Blantyre, with another planned for Mzuzu.
The London Internet Exchange (LINX) will launch LINX Accra, a new interconnection platform at PAIX Data Centres, in early Q1 2025.
This expansion responds to rising demand in Ghana’s networking community and will improve local and international internet traffic through faster, more reliable, and cost-effective connections.
LINX Accra will reduce latency and boost connectivity for businesses and consumers. The platform supports local ISPs while positioning Accra as a key internet gateway for West Africa.
Beyond Limits, an advocate for digital innovation, in partnership with the U.S. Consulate General Lagos, has unveiled the Beyond Limits Fellowship for Founders Cohort 3.0.
The 12-week program, running from January to March 2025, will equip 30 early-stage Nigerian startups with skills, mentorship, and resources to build scalable tech ventures.
Applications, open until November 29, 2024, will select startups from across Nigeria. The top three startups will receive $10,000 in resources to fuel growth.
Visa has announced investments in four African fintech startups from its Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator, underscoring its commitment to financial inclusion and Africa’s digital ecosystem.
The investments focus on startups addressing Africa’s unique challenges including: Workpay, a Kenyan HR and payroll platform operating across 35 countries; Oze, a Ghana-based digital platform providing SMEs with record-keeping tools and an ML-powered credit scoring system; OkHi from Nigeria, a smart addressing solution to verify and locate physical addresses; and ORDA, a Nigerian restaurant management software supporting over 1,500 restaurants with inventory and order processing tools.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has awarded Currenzo, a Nigerian subsidiary of global financial platform Africhange, an International Money Transfer Operator (IMTO) license. This license allows Currenzo to process remittances directly into Nigeria without intermediaries, offering faster and more affordable transfers for Nigerians locally and abroad.
With this approval, Currenzo can now partner directly with Nigerian banks to streamline payments and reduce costs. The company has already partnered with three Nigerian banks and is actively seeking a settlement partner to secure transactions.
By using blockchain technology, Africhange aims to offer low-cost, efficient cross-border transfers, particularly for the African diaspora.
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Bitcoin Events is organizing The Blockchain Africa Conference 2024. This 10th edition aims to showcase advancements in Africa’s blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors.
The event will convene blockchain developers, investors, and industry leaders at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria on November 20, 2024.
Speakers include Charles Hoskinson, Founder of Cardano, Ernest Mbenkum, CEO of Interstellar Inc., and Stafford Masie, former CEO of Google Africa. A special fireside chat will feature blockchain pioneers Elizabeth Rossiello and Ernest Mbenkum reflecting on a decade of industry growth.
Pan-African venture capital firm Janngo Capital has finalized its second fund at $78 million, it announced on October 30. This further advances its commitment to early-stage tech startups across Africa.
Janngo distinguishes itself as a "gender-equal" investor, with 56% of its portfolio companies being women-led, given that Africa has the highest rate of female entrepreneurship globally, yet receives minimal VC backing for female founders.
The firm’s investments target diverse sectors including healthcare, logistics, financial services, retail, agritech, mobility, and the creator economy.
Nigeria-based fintech Moniepoint has raised $110 million in funding from investors, including Google, to expand digital payments and banking solutions across Africa. The investment, announced Tuesday, October 29, supports Moniepoint's goal to become a key player in Africa's financial ecosystem.
Existing investors Development Partners International and Lightrock led the round, with Google’s Africa Investment Fund and Verod Capital joining as new backers.
Moniepoint will use the capital to grow its business across Africa and build a unified platform for digital payments, banking, FX, credit, and business tools.
The Zambian government has formalized the Information and Communication Technology Association of Zambia (ICTAZ) Statutory Instrument Act of 2018, introducing vital regulations to establish professional standards and enhance cybersecurity in the ICT sector.
The new regulations mandate the registration of ICT professionals across Zambia. It aims to foster an accountable ICT sector, with standards professionals must adhere to as Zambia builds a digitally secure and ethical economy.