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Zambian startup Padue is partnering with FasterCapital’s EquityPilot program to support the launch of its on-demand services app. The platform connects users with verified local service providers through geolocation, secure payments and customer support. The partnership will support the public rollout, the onboarding of providers across several cities, and a marketing campaign aimed at attracting 50,000 users in the first year.
South African fintech Orca has closed an oversubscribed $2.35 million seed round to strengthen its fraud detection platform, designed for mobile payments in Africa.
Founded by two former Stitch engineers, the company analyzes billions of transactions in real time to detect complex fraud patterns without blocking legitimate transactions. Orca plans to use the funds to accelerate its expansion into other emerging markets.
Tech Unite Africa 2026 will take place on Thursday, March 26, on Victoria Island in Lagos. The event will bring together startups, investors and decision-makers to showcase artificial intelligence, fintech, cybersecurity, cloud computing and blockchain. The program includes conference sessions, hands-on workshops and a pitch competition, where emerging startups will compete for visibility. The winner will earn a place in the global grand finale of the Startup World Cup.
Nairobi will host the third Gaming Tech Summit Africa from June 2-4, bringing together regulators, operators and innovators from across the continent. Participants will discuss key issues including licensing, taxation, compliance and regulation, with the aim of building a more cohesive and sustainable gaming sector that is attractive to investors in Africa.
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.
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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.