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Nigerian crypto startup Zap Africa has cut 44% of its workforce, reducing staff from 18 to 10 employees as part of a restructuring aimed at improving efficiency through automation. The layoffs mainly affected roles in design, operations, marketing and support, with many of those functions shifted to AI tools. Despite the downsizing, the company says it remains stable and continues to develop its products.
Truecaller has partnered with 365 Digital, appointing it as the exclusive reseller of its advertising inventory in South Africa and Kenya. Brands and agencies can now book targeted mobile campaigns on the Truecaller app through this local partner. The agreement expands Truecaller’s footprint in Africa and simplifies access to high-impact ad formats.
From March 16 to 20, 2026, the Technology Innovation Agency and the SA Innovation Summit will host the inaugural SA Innovation Week. This landmark event will bring together researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, corporate leaders, and policymakers to drive South African innovation. Activities will take place across several provinces, culminating in a three-day festival at the NASREC Expo Centre in Johannesburg, designed to accelerate funding, strategic partnerships, and the commercialization of new technologies.
M-KOPA said it has disbursed more than 231 billion naira ($170.5 million) in credit to over one million customers in Nigeria since 2019. Most of the loans finance smartphone purchases, followed by cash advances. The company requires no collateral and charges no hidden fees, relying instead on daily micropayments to expand access to digital services and credit for low-income households.
Digital lender Fido Ghana has secured $5.5 million in debt financing to scale its AI-powered lending platform. Using a proprietary credit scoring system based on mobile usage data, the company provides instant loans to small businesses and individuals underserved by traditional banks. The funds will support product expansion and growth across Africa.
The Mastercard Foundation has opened applications for the FAST Fund, an initiative for alumni of the YALI Network, African Leadership Academy, the Anzisha Prize and the Scholars Program. The fund aims to help alumni launch or scale their ventures through financial support and targeted assistance.
After graduating its 10th cohort, Founder Institute Abuja is now accepting applications for its 11th cohort. The program targets pre-seed and early-stage tech founders. Selected entrepreneurs will take part in a structured multi-week program that includes expert mentorship, hands-on workshops, and fundraising support. Applications close on May 3, 2026.
Bildup AI is launching its latest AI training cohort and opening new learning hubs in Enugu, Abuja, and Lagos. These centers complement our online programs by offering hands-on, guided learning for both students and professionals. Our mission is simple: democratize AI across industries and future-proof Nigeria’s workforce for the age of automation.
Plus Incubation Hub has launched the Plus Factor Grant Program to support high-potential African entrepreneurs from ideation to growth. The eight-week initiative offers equity-free grants of up to 1 million naira (about $740), alongside mentorship, training and market access support. Applications close online on March 15, 2026.
Morgan Stanley has launched the 2026 edition of its Inclusive Ventures Lab, a five-month accelerator offering mentorship and up to $250,000 in funding to early-stage startups and nonprofits. The program targets ventures delivering measurable impact in the environment, healthcare, economic empowerment or education. Applications, open to Seed through Series A companies, close on March 31, 2026.
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The Connect NextGen Hackathon 2026, a joint initiative by Ericsson, the Nigerian government and Tech Revolution Africa, is now accepting applications from local startups and teams with a working prototype. The eight-week program offers intensive support, including mentorship and investor networking, and concludes with a final Demo Day. Applications are open until Tuesday, March 10, 2026, on the official platform.
MarkHack 5.0 will be held in Lagos on 5 June 2026. The conference, themed “The Culture Algorithm: AI and the Human Experience,” will bring together marketers, content creators, startup founders and policymakers to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping culture, media and everyday life. The programme includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, a hackathon and demonstrations of emerging AI-driven solutions.
The 2026 National Cleantech Innovation Challenge seeks local solutions to South Africa’s energy, climate-related and economic-development objectives. The competition comprises nine province-level challenges, spanning regenerative agriculture, sustainable transport and renewable energy. It is open to innovators, small and medium-sized enterprises and research teams. Apply via the NCIC website by 21 April 2026.
Kenyan entrepreneurs developing emission-reduction solutions can now apply to the Climate Finance Accelerator to make their projects investment-ready. Funded by the UK government, the program provides technical support, strengthens funding proposals, and connects projects with investors, with a particular focus on those seeking more than $3 million. Applications close on March 11, 2026.