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Microsoft, Google.org, the Gates Foundation and the Masakhane Research Foundation have launched a call for proposals, open until Monday, June 15, aimed at advancing artificial intelligence in Africa.
Known as LINGUA Africa, the programme will fund local universities and companies to develop AI tools and datasets in African languages. The initiative aims to make AI more accessible across key sectors such as healthcare, education and agriculture.
Global tech conference Web Summit will hold its first African edition in Cape Verde this December, marking a milestone for the island nation’s growing digital ambitions. Organizers said the country was chosen for its investments in the digital sector and its strategic geographic position. The event is expected to bring together African entrepreneurs, investors and global tech players to strengthen innovation across the continent.
Investor 216 Capital announced last week that it has backed EYST, a Tunisian insurance technology company. Through EYST’s platform, policyholders instantly receive a virtual debit card preloaded with their reimbursement funds. Instead of paying out of pocket for medical or repair costs and waiting to be reimbursed, customers can access the money immediately. The innovation reduces wait times and paperwork while helping insurers strengthen fraud prevention.
Africa Global Logistics is partnering with the REasy platform to launch a shared container shipping service between China and Cameroon. The solution allows small businesses to combine shipments in a single container to reduce shipping costs. The platform includes digital payments, package tracking and customs clearance services, simplifying imports for local merchants.
Women entrepreneurs in Africa can apply until June 16 for the Cartier Women’s Initiative, an international competition that supports women-led businesses with social or environmental impact. Selected candidates will receive leadership and business management coaching, while winners will receive up to $100,000 in funding.
French cosmetics group L'Oréal has launched a call for applications for its innovation program targeting startups in Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. Startups working in artificial intelligence or sustainability can apply until July 3, 2026. Selected firms will test their technology with international brands, receive mentorship and scale their solutions across 35 markets.
On Wednesday, May 13, JuiceMe announced the acquisition of Ajiraworks as part of its expansion in Africa. Ajiraworks founder Catherine Ochako will join JuiceMe’s leadership team to lead the initiative. The deal will allow international companies to hire, pay and manage local employees across Africa while complying with local regulations. By integrating Ajiraworks’ systems, JuiceMe aims to position itself as a partner for companies seeking to quickly expand on the continent.
Fintech company Happy Pay announced on Wednesday, May 13, a partnership with Ozow to offer buy-now-pay-later services to South African merchants. Under the agreement, shoppers will be able to pay for purchases in monthly installments, with no upfront payment or interest charges. The solution integrates into e-commerce platforms, helping retailers attract new customers while giving consumers access to a flexible and secure payment option at no extra cost.
Nigerian classifieds platform Jiji has acquired Bikroy, Bangladesh’s leading listings site, marking its first expansion outside Africa. The deal expands Jiji’s international presence and introduces its technology to the online marketplace in the South Asian country of 170 million people, while retaining the trusted Bikroy brand.
Guinean fintech Cauridor has raised $2 million to improve cross-border money transfers in Africa. Its technology connects global operators such as Western Union with local banks and mobile money networks. The company aims to reduce transfer costs and speed up remittances to West and Central Africa, increasing the share of funds received by millions of households.
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The Accelerate Africa program is accepting applications for its fifth cohort until July 25, 2026. Over 12 weeks, 10 selected founders will receive hands-on mentorship to refine their product and go-to-market strategy. The program is fully free and does not take equity. The most promising ventures may then qualify for up to $500,000 in funding to support their expansion across Africa.
On Monday, May 11th, Eswatini's Ministry of Technology launched the "Startup World Cup" initiative to drive innovation. The program gives young local entrepreneurs a pathway to turn their ideas into real businesses and connect with global investors. The kingdom is looking to create jobs and make its mark on the world stage, with winners even getting a shot at competing in Silicon Valley.
The iHatch incubation program opened applications for its 5th cohort on Wednesday, May 6th. This one-of-a-kind initiative spans all of Nigeria's states and offers a ten-month support track. Selected entrepreneurs will receive hands-on training, expert mentorship, and product development assistance. The goal is to strengthen local innovation hubs and turn early-stage ventures into investor-ready businesses. The application deadline is Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
Sales app Bumpa and financial platform Vendorcredit have partnered to launch “Bumpa Capital,” a financing solution designed to support Nigerian merchants. The service uses merchants’ sales data to speed up access to loans, reducing the administrative hurdles associated with traditional bank financing. Through the partnership, thousands of small and medium-sized businesses will gain access to more flexible growth financing directly through the platform they already use to manage daily operations.