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African startups are invited to apply for the 5th edition of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award. With a total prize pool of $1 million, the award honors innovative solutions that use clean energy for water production, distribution, storage, desalination, or purification. The competition features several categories for projects, research, individuals, and crisis solutions. Applications are open through April 30, 2026.
Last week, Moroccan startup Woliz raised $2.2 million in a pre-seed round led by insurer Sanlam Maroc to modernize the country’s vast network of local retail shops. Its platform leverages automation, data, and AI to connect shopkeepers, suppliers, and financial partners, optimizing inventory management and streamlining access to financial services. Looking ahead, the company plans to expand into other African markets.
Tanzanian fintech NALA announced last week that it has secured Payment Service Provider and Payment System Operator licenses from the Bank of Uganda, adding to its existing money transfer license. This new status allows NALA to operate on the country's primary regulated payment rails and supports a $2 million investment plan to bolster local infrastructure and serve the diaspora.
Ghanaian startups are invited to apply for the sixth cohort of the UNICEF StartUp Lab, a six-month accelerator focused on tech-driven solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) impacting children and youth. Selected teams will receive expert mentoring, industry-specific support, and up to $6,000 in prototype funding. Additionally, the top three startups will be awarded $15,000 to help scale their impact. Applications are open until February 20.
Rwandan fintech Kayko recently raised $1.2 million in seed funding to scale its management platform for small businesses. Founded in 2021, the startup already supports over 8,500 SMEs in tracking sales, inventory, expenses, and taxes through its POS system. Kayko plans to leverage this data to develop credit scoring models and streamline access to financing.
Egyptian scientific services platform Nawah Scientific has closed a $23 million Series A round in mixed financing—comprising equity, debt, and grants—to accelerate its regional expansion. The group plans to use the funds to launch a research center in Rwanda and expand laboratory capacity in Egypt and Saudi Arabia while modernizing its equipment. The goal is to position the region as a major hub for research and testing, serving both Africa and the Middle East.
Twelve startups were recognized at the third annual South African Startup Awards, which selected 44 finalists from 221 entries across 12 categories. The winners span various sectors—including AI, fintech, healthcare, mobility, and climate—illustrating the dynamism of South Africa's tech ecosystem and the emergence of high-impact solutions for both consumers and businesses.
Stealth Money has launched a self-custody Bitcoin service in Nigeria, which the platform describes as a first for the continent. Users can purchase a hardware wallet using nairas for delivery anywhere in the country. The service also provides personalized support to help users secure their holdings away from exchanges deemed vulnerable, thereby strengthening their financial sovereignty over their digital assets.
Cavista Technologies will hold its fourth hackathon on February 21-22, 2026, in Ikeja, Lagos. Open to students from universities and colleges in and around Lagos, the event will feature a 24-hour team challenge focused on developing practical technology solutions. Participants will compete for prizes worth several million naira and receive mentorship from members of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
Nigerian platform Bildup AI, which specializes in AI-powered personalized training, has closed a $400,000 funding round backed by angel investors. The capital will be used to grow the team, expand online offerings, and launch physical AI learning centers in Abuja and Lagos starting in 2026. The initiative aims to make digital skills more accessible to young Africans.
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Delivery platform Chowdeck has partnered with startup GoLemon to stock its grocery warehouses and offer near-instant delivery through its app. While Chowdeck maintains control of its warehouse management and rapid logistics, GoLemon focuses on procurement, quality control, and scheduled grocery orders.
Tech group Yango has made a strategic investment in Nigeria’s Gigmile, a vehicle and financial services platform for gig workers in Africa. The partnership aims to support Gigmile’s regional expansion, improve last-mile delivery efficiency and promote financial inclusion for delivery drivers by combining technology, flexible financing and management tools.
The Aurora Tech Award has unveiled its list of 100 female tech founders to watch in 2026, selected from 3,400 applicants across 127 countries. The selection highlights the rising influence of women-led innovation in sectors such as healthcare, finance, and agritech, characterized by a strong adoption of artificial intelligence and a focus on Sustainable Development Goals.
Five African startups have been named winners of the second NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator, an initiative supporting innovation in the sports and creative industries. Morocco’s Reborn, Egypt’s Fitclan and Athlon Technology, and Nigeria’s Atsur and Songdis will share financial awards, 12 months of mentorship at Carnegie Mellon University Africa, and technology credits to accelerate their growth.