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OpenAI is developing a suite of smart devices, including a speaker, glasses and a lamp, aimed at embedding its AI more deeply into everyday life. The speaker, equipped with a camera to enable context-aware responses, is expected to sell for between $200 and $300 and launch in 2027. The smart glasses are not expected before 2028.
Egyptian e-commerce platform Breadfast has raised $50 million in pre-Series C funding from regional and international investors, including Mubadala Investment and SBI Investment. The funds will be used to strengthen its logistics infrastructure and support expansion into new African markets. Originally launched as a bread delivery service, the company has since diversified into groceries, pharmacy products and payment services.
Nigerian fintech Risevest, which enables users to invest in dollar-denominated assets, has secured a fund and portfolio management license from Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The license was issued to its subsidiary, RV Fund Management, following months of regulatory review. The approval resolves uncertainty stemming from a 2025 public warning by the regulator over the company’s unlicensed status.
Applications are now open for the tenth edition of the App Africa Challenge, themed “Tech for a Cleaner World.” The competition is open to Francophone African entrepreneurs with high-potential digital projects. Candidates have until Saturday, February 28, 2026, to apply on the official App Africa Challenge website.
African startups led by young women are invited to apply for the AI Ventures Accelerator, a free 12-week program aimed at supporting early-stage ventures. Selected teams will receive technical and business training and may qualify for up to $10,000 in equity-free seed funding. Applications close on Sunday, February 22.
The Government of Burundi is hosting the 2025 Central Africa Internet Governance Forum in Bujumbura. The event, which began on Monday, February 16, and concludes on Saturday, February 21, centers on the theme of “Digital Technology: A Catalyst for Innovation, Inclusion and Resilience in Central Africa.” Key topics on the agenda include expanding digital access, strengthening digital sovereignty, and closing the digital divide.
On Wednesday, March 11, Nairobi will host the 26th Connected Banking Summit, bringing together banks, fintech startups, regulators and technology companies to advance the transformation of East Africa’s financial services sector. The summit will focus on payment interoperability, fraud prevention, AI, digital identity and cross-border payments. The event will also feature an awards ceremony recognizing industry initiatives.
Senegal’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy is now accepting applications for Goin’ Digital, a program dedicated to startups innovating in AI, deep tech, and geospatial solutions. Selected participants will receive technical and business mentorship, access to high-tech infrastructure, seed grants, and exclusive networking opportunities with partners and investors.
On May 27-28, 2026, the Healthcare Innovation Summit Africa will bring together hospital executives, policymakers, digital specialists, healthcare providers, investors and health-tech startups in Johannesburg. This year’s edition will focus on connected care and smarter health systems, highlighting practical approaches to improving access, efficiency and patient outcomes through digital health and artificial intelligence.
Spiro, a company specializing in rent-to-own electric motorcycles, has secured $7 million in debt financing from Nithio, a US-based climate investor. The funding will accelerate the rollout of electric bikes and the expansion of battery infrastructure, including swapping stations, across several African markets.
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South African organization WomHub is accepting applications for the second edition of its Green Acceleration Programme, aimed at women entrepreneurs driving sustainable innovation. The programme supports projects in circular manufacturing, climate-friendly technologies and sustainability. Applications are open until February 18, 2026.
Startup Club ZA, a South African network of early-stage tech companies, is launching Platform ZA, a free nationwide platform designed to streamline access to jobs, resources and opportunities. The initiative aims to connect founders, investors and partners, making the tech ecosystem more inclusive and collaborative. Open to all, the platform will continue to evolve based on feedback from the local tech community.
Interswitch has launched Season 8 of InterswitchSPAK, a national STEM competition in Nigeria. The scholarship prize pool exceeds 40 million Naira (approximately $30,000) and includes five-year academic grants, laptops for the nine finalists, and cash prizes for their teachers. Parents and guardians can register students by May 24, 2026.
KPMG has opened applications for the 2026 'Female Founders in Africa' competition, targeting women entrepreneurs leading high-potential startups across the continent. The program spans various sectors, including tech, healthcare, and agriculture. Participants can benefit from mentorship, increased visibility, and networking opportunities with investors. Applications are open through Saturday, February 28.