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Nigerian crypto platform Obiex is preparing to expand into Ghana and South Africa after a sharp jump in trading volumes. Launched initially as a crypto off-ramp service, it took off with its “no-confirmation swap” feature, which locks in prices and protects users from volatility during confirmation lags. Already active in Cameroon, Obiex is now targeting some of Africa’s biggest markets.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation is now accepting applications for the latest round of its entrepreneurship programme. The initiative offers African entrepreneurs 12 weeks of online training, mentorship and $5,000 in seed funding. Successful applicants will also gain access to the foundation’s network and further financing opportunities. Applications close on March 1.
Qualcomm is now accepting applications for the latest round of its “Make in Africa” mentorship programme, aimed at tech startups across the continent. The equity-free initiative offers business coaching, engineering support for hardware and software development, and guidance on intellectual property protection. Applications close on Sunday, Feb. 15.
DRC Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Daniel Mukoko Samba on Thursday unveiled Loba, a digital platform designed to inform consumers of their rights and handle complaints across regulated sectors. The chatbot is due to officially launch in late February 2026, covering areas such as banking, insurance, telecommunications and healthcare.
Aya Data, a Ghanaian startup focused on data annotation and AI services, has raised $900,000 in seed funding to expand its AyaGrow and AyaSpeech products and hire new staff. Founded in 2021, the company trains workers for technical data jobs while developing tools for agricultural monitoring and speech recognition systems designed for African languages.
Enakl, a Moroccan startup founded in 2022, has raised $2.3 million in seed funding to speed up the deployment of its shared mobility services. Its technology helps corporate clients and public agencies build and manage flexible transport networks in real time. The company said the funds will support sales expansion, the launch of a new software product and pilot new shared-fleet models.
WhatsApp is testing a linked secondary account feature on Android that would let parents create child-friendly profiles with limited functionality. Messages could be restricted to approved contacts, while some parts of the app would remain inaccessible, though end-to-end encryption would still apply. The feature is still in development and has no announced release date, but it aims to bring parental controls directly into the platform.
Moroccan proptech Yakeey just closed a record $15 million Series A round to scale its operations across Africa. Founded in 2023 by Karim Beqqali, the platform secured backing from the IFC and Beltone Venture Capital, among others. Yakeey is set to redefine the real estate market by leveraging data and AI to streamline transactions and provide cutting-edge financing options.
Egyptian fintech leader Valu has secured a 3-billion-Egyptian-pound ($63.6 million) short-term financing agreement with the National Bank of Egypt. A pioneer in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) payment space, Valu also offers investment and payroll management solutions. This funding is set to fuel the company’s expansion following its recent launch in Jordan.
Nigerian fintech leader Paga has teamed up with PayPal to launch a new direct-link service. Starting Tuesday, January 27, users in Nigeria can receive global payments straight to their digital wallets. These funds are instantly available in Naira for bill payments, shopping, or bank transfers.
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CivicHive has launched its 2026 Civic Tech Fellowship, a 20-week program designed to support 15 West African innovators building tech-driven solutions for civic engagement. Projects focused on responsible AI, climate action, healthcare, or advocacy will receive expert mentorship, monthly stipends, and access to a powerful regional network. Applications are open until February 11 for those looking to turn bold ideas into lasting social impact.
The 2026 UN Global Pulse Accelerator is now supporting teams with proven, implementation-ready innovative solutions. Three selected projects will each receive $60,000 in funding, alongside technical support and mentorship to scale and measure their impact. The program is seeking initiatives that leverage data or AI to advance sustainable development, humanitarian action, and social inclusion. Applications are open through February 11, 2026.
Heifer International has launched the 2026 AYuTe Nigeria challenge, a competition awarding $40,000 in grants to climate-smart agritech solutions. The grand prize winner will receive $20,000, with second and third place taking home $12,000 and $8,000, respectively. Beyond the funding, these young innovators transforming Nigerian agriculture will receive professional mentorship. The grand finale is set for May 2026 in Abuja.
Cape Town will host the Africa Green Economy Summit 2026 from February 24-27. Centered on the theme "From Ambition to Action," the summit connects decision-makers with investors to accelerate green and blue projects. With a focus on closing the climate funding gap, the event will feature 50 bankable projects in sectors like renewables, sustainable farming, and electric mobility.