Brief (809)
The CcHUB innovation center is accepting applications for GATEWAY, a five-year program that aims to train 340,000 young Nigerians in digital skills and connect them to online work opportunities. The initiative will offer training in digital marketing, graphic design, UI/UX, and video production, with support for computer access, internet connectivity, and learning spaces across ten states.
South African fintech Happy Pay has raised $5 million to scale its interest-free installment solution, in which merchants absorb the cost of monthly payments in return for higher conversion rates. The funding will support the expansion of its merchant network, reinforce its online and in-store presence, and improve its risk assessment and fraud detection capabilities.
The Innovate for Impact 2026 competition is inviting early-stage agricultural startups to present solutions aimed at improving food security, productivity and sustainability.
Open to companies from several regions, including Africa, the competition offers a total of $65,000 in prizes. Finalists will also have the opportunity to pitch their projects to investors and industry leaders in Des Moines, Iowa.
WhatsApp is testing a noise reduction feature on Android to improve the clarity of voice and video calls. The system reduces background sounds, including traffic and nearby conversations, while keeping the speaker’s voice clear. The feature is still under development and is expected to roll out in a future update, with an option to disable it.
Namibia has launched a startup accelerator in Windhoek to support the country’s startup ecosystem. Named Accelerate36, the initiative aims to help young companies scale, attract investment, and eventually list on the Namibia Stock Exchange’s SME board. Three local startups have already presented projects focused on education, healthcare, and digital skills.
South African sales management software startup Skynamo has been acquired by UK-based Klipboard Group. The company will continue to operate under its own brand, with additional resources to strengthen its platform and serve manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors. The deal is expected to expand its presence in Southern Africa, the UK and the United States.
Deel’s 2026 Pitch Startup Competition is now accepting applications from pre-seed, seed, and Series A startups. Selected startups will pitch at regional events, where up to 100 winners will receive $50,000 each and advance to the global final. The top ten finalists can secure up to $1 million in funding to accelerate their international growth.
The Botswana Innovation Fund and Scalar International have launched the Scalar Botswana Innovation Program, a 12-month accelerator supporting ten startups in climate tech and digital technologies. Selected firms will gain access to a $150 million fund targeting decarbonization in Southern Africa, aimed at scaling sustainable energy solutions and digital infrastructure.
Legal services platform Sidebrief is launching Signal, a quarterly event series organized with Diligence Africa and Impact Hub Lagos. The inaugural edition is scheduled for March 27, 2026, in Lagos and will feature 20 speakers across five panel discussions. It aims to bring together founders, investors, regulators and support organizations to address governance, funding and growth challenges.
On April 29, the Africa Blockchain, DeFi and Web3 Summit 2026 is scheduled to take place in Lagos, bringing together founders, investors, public officials and companies to discuss digital asset use cases.
The event will be held at the Lagos Oriental Hotel and will include keynote speeches, panel discussions, demonstrations and networking sessions. Registration and sponsorship details are available on the summit’s website.
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From March 16 to 27, the city of Gitega is hosting the second coding camp of the African Girls Can Code Initiative at the Rusi training center. Implemented by UN Women Burundi with support from the Kingdom of Belgium, the program aims to strengthen the digital skills of young Burundian women and prepare them for careers in technology.
Persistent, an African venture capital firm, is launching a $70 million fund dedicated to early-stage climate tech startups in Africa. The fund targets companies from pre-seed to Series A and includes $5 million set aside for operational support. It aims to accelerate startups in the energy, agriculture and resource management sectors across the continent.
On Wednesday, June 10, Bluechip Technologies will host its third Bluechip Data and Artificial Intelligence Summit. The event will bring together executives, innovators and experts to examine how data and AI are reshaping business and society. The program includes 12 focused workshops, real-world case studies, live demonstrations and networking opportunities.
Kinshasa is hosting the eighth regional workshop on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) from March 16 to 20. The event is co-organized by the Regulatory Authority for Posts and Telecommunications of the Congo and brings together authorities, operators and partners to discuss awareness, collection, recycling and the development of a circular economy for a more sustainable digital future.