Brief (503)
Blockchain industry solutions provider StarkWare has launched a $4 million fund to accelerate blockchain adoption and support African startups. The fund, announced on February 4, is led by investor Kheireddine Kamal. It targets pre-seed and seed-stage startups deploying solutions on Starknet, StarkWare’s ZK rollup for Ethereum scaling.
Startups can apply for grants up to $150,000, with advanced teams eligible for investments up to $500,000. The fund will prioritize entrepreneurs in West, East, and South Africa, regions facing high fees, inefficient financial systems, and digital exclusion.
With this fund, StarkWare is paving the way for Africa’s blockchain-driven future by empowering startups and fostering financial inclusion.
Nigeria is set to develop a National Space Strategy to strengthen its position in the space sector, the Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy announced on February 6.
He met with Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science & Technology, to agree on the need for a clearly defined space policy. A committee with representatives from key government agencies will be established to shape the strategy.
Additionally, both ministries discussed the National Artificial Intelligence Trust, recently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). The initiative aims to drive AI innovation and governance in Nigeria, with Minister Nnaji playing a key role in its implementation.
Nigeria has launched the DeepTech_Ready Upskilling Program to train 20,000 young people in AI and Data Science, equipping them for high-demand tech roles, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital economy announced on January 31.
The initiative, led by the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, Data Science Nigeria, and Google, is part of a N2.8 billion grant under Google’s $5.8 million investment in Africa’s digital transformation.
The six-month program combines self-paced learning, project-based training, and job readiness support to bridge Nigeria’s digital skills gap. This initiative strengthens the country’s tech workforce, attracts investment, and advances its role in AI innovation across Africa.
Mobility solutions provider Moove announced, on January 28, the acquisition of Kovi, an urban mobility provider based in São Paulo, in a move to strengthen its presence in Latin America.
This acquisition expands Moove’s total fleet to 36,000 vehicles, with operations now spanning 19 cities across six continents.
The deal remains subject to regulatory approval from Brazil’s antitrust authority before its final completion.
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Remi Tinubu, officially commissioned the ICT Community Centre at Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin.
The initiative, announced on January 28, was launched in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative. It aims to bridge the digital divide and address the gender gap by expanding access to digital skills and technology.
The centre will serve as a hub for IT programs designed to empower women and youth, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s goal of driving economic diversification through digitization and innovation.
X has announced a partnership with Visa as the first official partner for the upcoming X Money Account, set to launch later this year. This collaboration marks a significant step toward transforming X into an all-encompassing financial platform.
Linda Yaccarino, X CEO, revealed yesterday, January 28, that the X Money Account will enable secure and instant funding to the X Wallet via Visa Direct, allowing users to seamlessly connect their debit cards for peer-to-peer (P2P) payments.
Additionally, users will have the option to transfer funds instantly to their bank accounts, enhancing financial accessibility and convenience.
The Innovators for Impact (i3) initiative is now accepting applications for its third cohort, aimed at ventures dedicated to improving access to affordable, high-quality health products and services across Africa. Applications will remain open until February 28, 2025, with the final cohort announced on April 30, 2025.
Eligible ventures must focus on addressing healthcare needs in Africa and have a legal presence or headquarters on the continent. They should provide tech-enabled solutions that enhance pharmacy services, excluding businesses solely focused on research.
This initiative seeks to empower innovators who can bring meaningful change to Africa’s healthcare landscape through partnerships, funding, and support.
The UAE will host the AI Everything Global Summit from February 4-6, 2025, in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, bringing together global tech leaders to explore AI's potential and connect innovators shaping the future.
On February 4, the summit kicks off at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi, where discussions will focus on AI-driven transformation across sectors, including research, policy, partnerships, and commerce acceleration.
Startups will compete in the world’s largest AI pitch competition for equity-free cash prizes, with semi-finals on February 5 and finals on February 6 at the Dubai Exhibition Center.
The summit will offer startups exclusive access to investors and growth opportunities in the UAE and beyond.
The Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), led by Secretary-General Rodney Taylor, recently visited the Abuja Secretariat of the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) to discuss strengthening partnerships and exchanging best practices in telecommunications and ICT regulation between the Caribbean and West Africa.
The meeting, announced on January 23, addressed shared challenges, opportunities, and strategies to leverage ICT for economic and social development. It also emphasized strengthening regional connectivity through operator agreements and improved roaming regulations.
The partnership is poised to transform regulatory practices, spur innovation, and promote significant growth in the telecommunications and ICT sectors.
African fintech Moniepoint has received investment from Visa. This partnership, announced on January 23, aims to expand financial access and foster economic growth across the continent.
The collaboration will leverage Visa’s expertise in global payments and Moniepoint’s deep understanding of African businesses to enhance payment infrastructure and support SMEs.
This partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing digital payments and empowering Africa’s economic future.
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The Director of the Egyptian Military Academy, Ashraf Salem Zaher, hosted ICT Minister Amr Talaat and his delegation at the Academy’s Strategic Command headquarters to discuss collaboration opportunities.
The meeting, announced on January 21, focused on launching a joint initiative between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and the Military Academy. It seeks to train 2,000–3,000 students in cutting-edge fields like AI, software development, data science, cybersecurity, and digital arts.
The program will offer academic pathways, including diplomas, master’s degrees, and professional certifications, alongside cultural and soft skills training.
South African insurtech Naked announced today, January 21, that it has raised $38 million (about R700 million) in a Series B2 funding round led by global impact investor BlueOrchard. Existing investors, including Hollard, Yellowwoods, International Finance Corporation (IFC), and DEG, also participated.
Naked revolutionizes insurance with its fully digital platform powered by AI and automation. Customers can get quotes, purchase coverage, file claims, or pause accident insurance entirely online, without human interaction.
The funding will strengthen AI and automation, expand products and markets, boost marketing to grow its customer base, and meet regulatory capital requirements for its rapid growth.
Data Community Africa (DCA), in collaboration with DataCamp Donates, is offering free DataCamp licenses worth $150 to $300 to African data professionals for 2025/2026.
Participants can choose from learning tracks such as Data Science with R, Data Science with Python, Data Analysis with R, Data Analysis with Python, and Data Analysis with SQL
To access this opportunity, individuals must join the Data Community Africa network. This initiative aims to build data expertise and support Africa’s growing digital economy.
In partnership with Telecom Egypt, the National Network for PWD Services (Taheel) has launched a training program to enhance English proficiency and computer skills for persons with disabilities (PwDs).
The initiative, announced on January 12 by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, aims to prepare 500 participants for the job market by equipping them with essential skills and boosting their employability.
The program is part of Taheel’s mission to provide tailored services, including training and employment opportunities, for PwDs.