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Egyptian startup Lucky has raised $23 million in a funding round to expand its credit offerings and grow across North Africa. The app already allows millions of users to save money, make payments and access flexible lines of credit. The new funding will support its technology, licensing and compliance efforts as it moves toward becoming a digital bank.
The African accelerator Innovate Now has selected 19 Kenyan startups for its 11th cohort focused on assistive technology. The ventures address issues in AI-powered accessibility, mobility, inclusive education and digital inclusion. Over the next eight months, founders will receive dedicated mentorship, test their solutions with people with disabilities, and take part in tailored coaching ahead of a final Demo Day.
Cyber Carnival 2026 will take place this June in Nairobi, Kenya, with dates yet to be confirmed. Framed as a full-scale festival, the event combines cybersecurity and technological innovation with elements of African culture. It will bring together professionals, tech enthusiasts, and the wider public through workshops, live demonstrations, and interactive exhibits designed to make digital security more accessible while showcasing local creativity.
Kenyan data protection authorities have launched an investigation into Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses amid concerns they may capture and expose sensitive information. The glasses, which can record video, take photos and respond to voice commands, are reported to capture private content that is then reviewed by human contractors. The case has reignited debate over privacy and consent in the era of wearable technology.
The EAI Africatek 2025 conference will take place from June 25 to 27, 2026, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The event will bring together researchers, government officials, companies, startups, and students to discuss how Artificial Intelligence can drive digital transformation. It aims to develop solutions tailored to African needs—particularly by supporting startups—and to expand the use of AI across society.
The Nigerian organization Cascador is accepting applications for its ScaleUp 2026 program, a 12-week initiative for founders of growth-stage startups. The program aims to help companies move from early traction to institutional funding by offering strategic guidance, mentorship, and support with blended financing. Its objective is to enable high-impact businesses to scale sustainably in Nigeria.
The fintech company Cashi is partnering with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to roll out an interoperable digital payments platform in Central Africa, initially targeting Chad. The platform, accessible via mobile phones, payment terminals and SMS, is designed to facilitate everyday transactions, reduce reliance on cash and broaden access to financial services, particularly for small businesses and underserved populations.
The Royal Academy of Engineering has selected 16 innovators from 11 African countries for the 2026 edition of its Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, with a total prize pool of £85,000 ($112,774).
Their projects cover sectors including healthcare, digital education, public transportation, clean energy, water and waste management. The grand prize winner will receive £50,000 (over $66,000), while additional prizes will go to the most promising runners-up.
The investment firm Novastar Ventures has closed its third fund, worth $147 million, to back high-impact African startups, particularly in climate, clean energy, mobility, and logistics.
Backed by major Japanese investors and development finance institutions, the fund aims to accelerate the growth of companies delivering both financial returns and social and environmental impact.
South Africa is modernizing its ID card application process by offering it through selected banks. Citizens can either start the process online and complete it at a branch or, at selected banks, complete the entire process on-site using digital services. Applicants must bring their ID documents, proof of address, and pay the required fees; they will receive a text message once their card is ready for collection.
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The FINCA Ventures Prize supports for-profit startups in Africa with at least one African founder that are already generating revenue. Applicants must operate in Sub-Saharan Africa and focus on fintech for financial inclusion or sustainable agriculture. Finalists can receive up to $100,000 in grants. Applications are open until Friday, April 10.
On Friday, March 27, BFA Global and FSD Africa announced $273,000 in funding, along with additional support, for four East African startups under the Triggering Exponential Climate Action (TECA) program. The companies are developing solutions in clean energy, cold chain logistics and carbon market access, aiming to help vulnerable communities cope with climate change impacts while working toward commercial viability.
WhatsApp is rolling out new features aimed at improving user experience. Users can now manage storage more easily, transfer chats between iOS and Android, and run two accounts on a single iPhone. The update, being released gradually worldwide, also adds sticker suggestions, photo editing tools and AI writing assistance.
On June 25, 2026, the Cultural Center of Kinshasa will host Africa Tech Invest, a conference dedicated to technological innovation, investment, and public-private partnerships. The event aims to strengthen collaboration among policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors in order to accelerate digital transformation and the growth of Africa's tech ecosystem.