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Nairobi will host the inaugural Africa Digital Assets Summit on April 29-30, 2026, at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. More than 1,000 decision-makers, investors, experts and civil society representatives are expected to attend to discuss the role of blockchain, cryptocurrencies and tokenization in expanding financial inclusion in Africa, while complying with regulatory frameworks and supporting the continent’s development goals.
The Tunisian Ministry of Communication Technologies is inviting applications from innovative startups in digital education, culture, gaming, AI and robotics. Selected startups will be able to exhibit free of charge at the ministry’s pavilion during the 40th Tunis International Book Fair, scheduled for April 23 to May 3, 2026. Applications are open until Sunday, March 15.
Benin has opened applications to prepare for its participation in the 2026 International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI) in Abu Dhabi. Secondary school students interested in AI, mathematics and programming will have the opportunity to take part in intensive training and selection rounds. The programme aims to train hundreds of students, identify top talent and represent the country at the international competition. Applications are open until Friday, March 20.
Google now allows the use of its AI-driven search features, such as answer summaries and conversational mode, in Yoruba and Hausa. Nigerian internet users can ask questions in their language, either in writing or by voice, and receive more natural responses. In total, thirteen African languages are now supported in these features.
Payment provider Flocash is partnering with Quest Financial Services to launch a new prepaid Visa card in Zimbabwe.
The card can be reloaded at Quest branches and through digital wallets. It enables secure online and in-store payments locally and internationally. Users get high transaction limits, real-time tracking via a mobile app, and virtual cards for online purchases.
Fintech startups Noah and Nafolo are launching virtual bank accounts in euros and U.S. dollars backed by stablecoins for remote workers, students and families in sub-Saharan Africa.
Payments are processed within minutes rather than days, with fees significantly lower than the roughly 9% typically charged on remittances. The platforms also allow withdrawals via mobile money or virtual cards.
The UNICEF Venture Fund is inviting early-stage startups from UNICEF programme countries to propose blockchain-based solutions that improve transparency, financial efficiency, and digital public goods. Selected projects will receive up to $100,000 in equity-free funding, technical mentorship, and 12 to 18 months of support. Applications are open until Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
Applications are now open for the Africa’s Business Heroes 2026 competition, which targets African entrepreneurs leading impact-driven businesses that have been registered on the continent for at least three years. Ten finalists will share $1.5 million in grant funding and receive support including increased visibility, mentorship and networking opportunities. Applications can be submitted by April 28, 2026.
Google.org has opened applications for the "Impact Challenge: AI for Government Innovation," aimed at organizations developing artificial intelligence solutions with public partners to improve essential services. Selected projects may receive grants ranging from $1 million to $3 million and access specialized technical support to scale their impact. Applications are open until Friday, April 3, 2026.
CcHUB is accepting applications for the fourth cohort of its EdTech startup fellowship in Nigeria. Twelve projects will receive $100,000 each in non-dilutive funding and 12 months of support. The program prioritizes solutions targeting marginalized learners, including those in rural communities, refugees, people with disabilities, and women and girls. Applications close on April 10.
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Nigerian crypto startup Zap Africa has cut 44% of its workforce, reducing staff from 18 to 10 employees as part of a restructuring aimed at improving efficiency through automation. The layoffs mainly affected roles in design, operations, marketing and support, with many of those functions shifted to AI tools. Despite the downsizing, the company says it remains stable and continues to develop its products.
Truecaller has partnered with 365 Digital, appointing it as the exclusive reseller of its advertising inventory in South Africa and Kenya. Brands and agencies can now book targeted mobile campaigns on the Truecaller app through this local partner. The agreement expands Truecaller’s footprint in Africa and simplifies access to high-impact ad formats.
From March 16 to 20, 2026, the Technology Innovation Agency and the SA Innovation Summit will host the inaugural SA Innovation Week. This landmark event will bring together researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, corporate leaders, and policymakers to drive South African innovation. Activities will take place across several provinces, culminating in a three-day festival at the NASREC Expo Centre in Johannesburg, designed to accelerate funding, strategic partnerships, and the commercialization of new technologies.
M-KOPA said it has disbursed more than 231 billion naira ($170.5 million) in credit to over one million customers in Nigeria since 2019. Most of the loans finance smartphone purchases, followed by cash advances. The company requires no collateral and charges no hidden fees, relying instead on daily micropayments to expand access to digital services and credit for low-income households.