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Kenyan fintech Payd enables instant cross-border payments to more than 35 countries at fees up to 70% lower than traditional banks.
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The Nairobi-based startup launched in 2023 to serve freelancers, creatives and small businesses operating globally.
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Payd allows users to open virtual dollar and euro accounts and manage international payroll, invoicing and bulk payments.
Payd operates as a fintech solution developed by a Kenyan startup. The platform provides a suite of financial tools that allow users to receive, send and manage money internationally within seconds. The Nairobi-based startup launched in 2023 under the leadership of founders Benaiah Wepundi and Japheth Achimba.
“Our PayPal accounts were suspended due to address verification issues and irregular income,” Benaiah Wepundi told Disrupt Africa. “I was also running a distributed talent team across Kenya, Nigeria, Brazil and the Philippines for a U.S. company, and payroll was always delayed by a full day,” he said.
At the core of Payd’s offering, the platform delivers instant payments to more than 35 countries, with fees that can be up to 70% lower than those charged by traditional banks. Users can send funds through mobile money, bank transfers, cards or digital dollars, which removes the three- to five-day delays commonly associated with conventional banking services.
Payd also focuses on simplifying income generation for independent workers. Freelancers can create professional invoices within minutes, generate payment links and set up customized digital storefronts that allow clients to pay easily for services or products.
“Most users never directly interact with wallets, chains or tokens: they simply receive and use their money as they would with a bank account,” Wepundi said.
Another key feature allows users to open virtual U.S. dollar and euro accounts within minutes. This capability enables users to receive international payments without complex banking procedures and convert funds into local currencies at often more competitive exchange rates.
Payd also targets businesses through its Business offering. The platform provides advanced financial management tools, including international payroll management, automated invoicing, expense tracking and the ability to execute bulk payments to global partners and subcontractors.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J. A. de BERRY QUENUM
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Guinea completed the rehabilitation and equipping of its cybercrime directorate, financed by the National Development Budget.
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Authorities upgraded facilities and equipment to support digital investigations and evidence collection.
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The country ranked in the third performance tier in the ITU’s 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index, with strong legal and organizational scores.
Guinea continued to strengthen its digital security framework. On January 21, the Prime Minister’s Office announced the full rehabilitation and equipping of the Directorate of Cybercrime and the Fight Against Technological Traces. The National Development Budget financed the initiative.
Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah visited the new premises alongside the Minister of Security and Civil Protection, General Bachir Dial.
The infrastructure is located in the Minière district in Dixinn municipality. The facility includes a modern two-storey building designed to meet technical requirements for digital investigations. Authorities officially inaugurated the site on December 17, 2025, and they equipped it with specialized tools to analyze technological traces, collect digital evidence, and process information technology-related offenses.
This modernization comes as cybersecurity holds a strategic role in Guinea’s public policies. The progressive digitalization of administrative services, the expansion of electronic payments, and the growth of digital usage increase risks related to cyberattacks, identity theft, and online fraud. Authorities aim to adapt National Police operational capacities to a rapidly evolving digital environment.
In its Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, the International Telecommunication Union stated that countries must prioritize cybersecurity to fully harness information and communication technology potential. Guinea ranked in the third of five performance categories established by the UN agency.
The country recorded strong results in legal and organizational frameworks, with scores of 16.27 and 14.38 out of 20, but it still faces gaps in technical and operational capacity.
Through this investment, Guinea aims to improve the effectiveness of cybercrime enforcement, enhance training for specialized agents, and strengthen citizen confidence in security services. Over the long term, the framework should secure digital usage, support the country’s digital transformation, and provide a safer environment for economic actors engaged in digital development.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J. A. de BERRY QUENUM
Applications are open for the 2026 Female Founder Award, a global programme recognising women-led tech startups. Held during Viva Technology in Paris, the competition offers winners greater exposure, mentorship and support in raising funds. Applications close on Feb. 2, 2026, and selected finalists will be presented at the event.
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Internet shutdowns cost sub-Saharan Africa an estimated $1.56 billion in 2024, according to Top10VPN.
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Governments imposed at least 300 shutdowns worldwide over the past two years, making 2024 the worst year since 2016.
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Sudan accounted for about 72% of Africa’s total economic losses from shutdowns in 2024.
UNESCO has expressed concern over the growing use of Internet shutdowns ordered by governments, particularly during political crises or election periods. In a statement published on Jan. 21, the UN agency stated that Internet access represents a cornerstone of freedom of expression and a central component of democratic rights. UNESCO urged states to prioritize policies that support connectivity rather than impose restrictions.
This position comes amid a global increase in government-imposed shutdowns, including across Africa. According to digital rights group Access Now, which UNESCO cited, authorities recorded at least 300 Internet shutdowns across more than 54 countries over the past two years. The data made 2024 the worst year for shutdowns since 2016.
Since the start of 2026, several countries have again imposed full or partial connectivity disruptions. Governments implemented these measures during large-scale protests or sensitive electoral processes.
In sub-Saharan Africa, these practices carry a particularly heavy economic cost. According to the Global Cost of Internet Shutdowns 2024 report published by British platform Top10VPN, Internet shutdowns and social media restrictions caused estimated losses of $1.56 billion in the region in 2024. Although losses declined slightly from $1.74 billion in 2023, the figures remain substantial and reflect the persistence of measures that slow Africa’s digital economic growth.
The report showed that shutdowns totaled 32,938 hours across sub-Saharan Africa in 2024 and affected 111.2 million Internet users. Sudan ranked among the hardest-hit countries, with estimated economic losses of $1.12 billion, or nearly 72% of the regional total, amid conflict and prolonged restrictions. Ethiopia and Kenya also posted significant losses of $211.2 million and $75 million, respectively, in contexts involving security tensions, protests, and information controls.
Authorities generally justify Internet shutdowns on grounds of national security, public order, or efforts to combat disinformation. In practice, governments often implement these measures through social media blockages, intentional bandwidth throttling, or complete shutdowns. These actions disrupt platforms that play central roles in news distribution, commercial activity, digital financial services, and social organization.
UNESCO said these disruptions extend far beyond access to information alone. The agency stated that shutdowns weaken media ecosystems, hinder journalists’ work, and encourage the spread of unverified information. UNESCO added that shutdowns also undermine related fundamental rights, including access to education, freedom of assembly, and participation in public life, while eroding trust in the digital environment.
Many African countries continue to rely on digital technologies to drive growth, expand financial inclusion, and modernize public services. Against this backdrop, repeated Internet shutdowns increasingly conflict with these objectives. Top10VPN said it calculated economic losses based on digital GDP, shutdown duration, and the number of affected users, highlighting direct revenue losses for businesses, telecom operators, and governments themselves.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J. A. de BERRY QUENUM
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Abdessabour Benzegane founded Sihhatech in 2016 to connect patients with doctors and dentists online at no cost to users.
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The platform allows 24/7 appointment booking across multiple medical specialties.
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Benzegane also leads the Algerian Foundation for Innovation & Development, which supports digital transformation in healthcare.
Abdessabour Benzegane is an Algerian entrepreneur and automation and software engineer. He founded and currently leads Sihhatech, an online platform that connects patients with healthcare professionals. The service allows users to quickly find a doctor or dentist and book appointments at any time without cost to patients.
Benzegane launched Sihhatech in 2016 to simplify access to healthcare services. The platform enables users to contact medical professionals remotely and book appointments without travel or intermediary fees. The company positions the service as fully free for patients.
Sihhatech covers a wide range of medical specialties to address diverse healthcare needs. The platform lists pediatricians, gynecologists-obstetricians, cardiologists, dermatologists, and general practitioners among its available disciplines.
The platform relies on a simple and intuitive user process. Patients search for a doctor or dentist based on their needs and book appointments directly online in a few steps. The service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including outside standard consultation hours.
Sihhatech also increases the visibility of medical practices by promoting their services to a broader audience. Some practitioners report higher activity levels after joining the platform, including more calls and improved patient recognition of their offices. Patients reduce search time and avoid unnecessary travel while securing faster access to available and qualified healthcare professionals.
Alongside Sihhatech, Benzegane has served since 2016 as chief executive officer of the Algerian Foundation for Innovation & Development. He founded the organization to support healthcare stakeholders in their digital transformation efforts.
Benzegane holds a state engineering degree in industrial process control, which he earned in 2012 from M’Hamed Bougerra University in Boumerdès. He later obtained a master’s degree in automatic control from the same university in 2014.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J. A. de BERRY QUENUM
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Amr Yassine Mouaqit founded Charikaty in 2025 as Morocco’s first fully digital company-formation platform.
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Charikaty enables entrepreneurs in Morocco and abroad to create companies online within days, without physical travel.
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The platform covers company formation, legal filings, and trademark registration through a single digital process.
Amr Yassine Mouaqit is a Moroccan entrepreneur with a legal background. He founded and leads Charikaty, an online platform that supports entrepreneurs in creating companies in Morocco within a few days, without travel or complex administrative procedures.
Mouaqit launched Charikaty in 2025 as the country’s first fully digital platform dedicated exclusively to company formation. The service operates entirely online and targets both Morocco-based entrepreneurs and project holders living abroad. The platform aims to make company creation fast, smooth, and accessible, including for users unfamiliar with administrative processes.
Charikaty covers all key stages of a company’s lifecycle through three main service categories. The platform first manages all company formation formalities, from collecting shareholder information to securing official registration numbers and legal documents required for incorporation. Throughout the process, a dedicated advisor supports each user.
Charikaty also enables online registration of corporate deeds and meeting minutes, which removes the need for physical travel. In addition, the platform offers trademark filing and protection services, including file preparation, submission to the relevant authority, publication tracking, and renewal reminders.
The platform structures the company-creation journey into clear and guided steps. Users enter essential project information through an online form, after which Charikaty handles procedures with the relevant public administrations. At the end of the process, clients receive all identifiers and documents required for the legal operation of their companies.
Alongside Charikaty, Mouaqit also co-founded and co-chairs the Moroccan Innovation Circle. He launched the non-profit organization in 2024 to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological progress in Morocco.
Mouaqit graduated from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in law in 2023. He currently pursues a master’s degree in international relations and affairs at King’s College London. During his academic career, he completed several legal internships at Moroccan law firms, including Hajji & Associés in 2023 and A&O Shearman in 2025.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J. A. de BERRY QUENUM
The ICT Africa Summit, a flagship event on innovation, digital transformation and connectivity, will return for its sixth edition on April 21-23, 2026, at the SAFEX Exhibition Center in Algiers. The summit will bring together policymakers, companies, startups and investors, with the aim of supporting a more inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem across Africa. Following the 2025 edition, this year’s event will highlight innovation and cross-border collaboration to speed up the continent’s digital transformation.
Following a court order declaring its data collection illegal, the crypto project Worldcoin has purged all biometric data gathered in Kenya. Regulators confirmed that iris scans and other personal identifiers have been destroyed, ending a protracted legal dispute that underscores the clash between tech innovation and data privacy.
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Madagascar will train 1,000 young people for free in digital professions by the first half of 2026.
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The program relies on a partnership between the OIF and Madagascar’s vocational training ministry.
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Authorities aim to train 40,000 people in digital skills nationwide by 2028.
In Madagascar, the government and its partners will train 1,000 young people free of charge in digital professions by the end of the first half of 2026 under the “D-CLIC, train in digital skills with the OIF” program. Authorities officially launched this new phase of the project on Monday, January 19, in Antananarivo through a partnership between the International Organisation of La Francophonie and the Ministry of Technical Education and Vocational Training.
Le projet #DCLIC franchit une étape décisive à #Madagascar. Grâce à un partenariat entre l’OIF et le ministère de l’Enseignement technique et de la Formation professionnelle (METFP), 1 000 jeunes seront formés gratuitement aux métiers du #numérique d’ici la fin de l’année 2026.… pic.twitter.com/Cn7iVvBHqr
— La Francophonie (@OIFrancophonie) January 21, 2026
This phase marks the program’s transition to larger-scale operational deployment. The initiative begins with the training of national instructors, who will form a network designed to provide long-term support to beneficiaries across the country. The OIF developed the training pathways through an online learning platform, with a focus on digital skills in demand on the labor market as well as digital entrepreneurship.
The D-CLIC program forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen digital skills across the Francophone space. The program operates in several African countries and aims to improve youth employability, facilitate professional integration, and address rising demand for digital talent amid the gradual digitalization of African economies.
In Madagascar, the initiative comes as demand for digital training continues to intensify. The country faces strong demographic pressure, with a predominantly young population, while the formal labor market remains limited. Authorities now position digital skills as a core pillar of vocational training policy. The Minister of Technical Education and Vocational Training, Marie Marcelline Rasoloarisoa, recently said Madagascar aims to train 40,000 people in digital skills by 2028 in order to adapt the workforce to new economic and technological uses.
Against this backdrop, the D-CLIC program functions as an operational component of the national strategy. By expanding access to certified training and promoting the acquisition of immediately applicable skills, the new cohort could improve youth employability, support self-employment, and contribute to the emergence of a more structured digital ecosystem in Madagascar.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J. A. de BERRY QUENUM
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Zimbabwe will deploy 8,000 Starlink internet kits to primary and secondary schools nationwide.
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The government aims to close the digital divide, especially in remote and underserved areas.
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Authorities already connected 3,500 of the country’s 7,000 schools through international programs.
The Zimbabwean government decided to equip primary and secondary schools with 8,000 Starlink internet kits. Authorities said the initiative seeks to guarantee nationwide connectivity for schools, with a particular focus on remote and poorly served areas.
The Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Hon. Tatenda Mavetera, today donated 8,000 Starlink internet kits to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education under the Presidential Internet Scheme.
— Ministry of ICT, Postal & Courier Services - Zim (@MICTPCS_ZW) January 21, 2026
The consignment was officially received by the Minister of Primary and… pic.twitter.com/GK3CGoJoek
The Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies formally handed over the equipment to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. During the ceremony, ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera said the program aims to reduce the digital divide and provide learners across Zimbabwe with access to affordable and reliable internet services.
In a statement published on X, the Ministry of ICT said that “this initiative should strengthen digital learning, improve access to global educational resources, and prepare students to participate competitively in the digital economy.” The ministry added that the project forms part of government efforts to modernize the education sector and promote inclusive access to information and communication technologies.
Zimbabwe already benefits from the GIGA project, a joint initiative of the International Telecommunication Union and UNICEF, which aims to connect all schools worldwide to the internet. According to official data cited by GIGA in March 2025, 3,500 Zimbabwean schools out of a total of 7,000 already have internet connectivity. The ITU committed to working with national authorities to identify the most efficient and cost-effective connectivity solutions for the remaining schools.
While international institutions, including UNESCO, widely recognize the potential of ICT to improve education systems, the use of Starlink’s satellite technology raises several questions. These concerns include the availability of connection devices in schools such as computers, tablets, or smartphones, the digital skills of teachers, access to electricity, the relevance of digital educational content, and the sustainability of the model, given that Starlink operates on a monthly subscription basis.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange Jason A. de BERRY QUENUM
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Burundi launched the e-KORI system to digitalize tax declaration and payment.
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The Burundi Revenue Authority leads the project with World Bank support.
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Authorities aim to expand the tax base, improve transparency, and strengthen budget planning.
The Burundian government officially launched the implementation phase of the e-KORI system on Monday, January 19, in Bujumbura. The Burundi Revenue Authority is leading the project with financial and technical support from the World Bank. The program focuses on online tax declaration and payment for both taxes and fees.
“The implementation of such a system represents a crucial step toward the digital transformation of our country by allowing the state to mobilize its own resources more effectively,” Finance, Budget, and Digital Economy Minister Alain Ndikumana said. “The e-KORI project is a strategic tool because it will allow Burundi to collect its own funds and finance its development projects without relying exclusively on external aid,” he added.
The e-KORI program aims to digitalize all processes related to domestic tax collection and non-tax revenue. The system allows taxpayers to submit declarations and make payments online, track transactions remotely, and reduce physical interactions with tax offices. Authorities also present the platform as a tool to improve revenue traceability, reduce errors, and strengthen tax control.
The launch comes as Burundi accelerates its transition toward a digital public administration. In recent years, authorities have implemented reforms to modernize public financial management, improve governance, and strengthen transparency. However, domestic revenue mobilization remains a challenge in a country characterized by a large informal sector and tax procedures that many economic actors consider complex.
Project officials said e-KORI will roll out in nine phases, with authorities validating each deliverable before moving to the next stage. The program also includes training and awareness sessions for tax officials and taxpayers. Authorities placed system security at the center of the project. A technical partner is responsible for infrastructure protection, data security, and cyber-risk prevention amid growing cybersecurity challenges linked to the digitalization of public finances.
Over the long term, authorities expect e-KORI to broaden the tax base, strengthen taxpayer compliance, and improve state budget planning. By facilitating access to tax services and securing digital exchanges, the system could also improve the business climate, strengthen trust between the administration and citizens, and support Burundi’s ambition to build a more efficient, transparent, and digitized state.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
- South Africa–based entrepreneur Paulo Matos leads AI startup Ageiro, founded in 2025.
- Ageiro raised $3 million in December 2025 to scale its autonomous agent platform.
- The company targets faster execution and productivity gains for organizations of all sizes.
Execution remains a major friction point for many organizations between strategy and outcomes. Paulo Matos is betting on artificial intelligence to close that gap.
Paulo Matos is a South Africa–based technology entrepreneur and the co-founder and chief executive officer of Ageiro. He leads the company’s mission to help organizations transform ideas and operational needs into tangible results using artificial intelligence.
Founded in 2025, Ageiro develops a platform designed to allow companies to execute tasks rapidly on their computers. The platform aims to help teams work faster and more efficiently in order to deliver practical results without unnecessary delays.
The startup positions itself as a productivity and time-saving tool. Ageiro removes long and repetitive steps so teams can focus on core objectives, including turning vision and ideas into actionable outputs. The company targets organizations of all sizes, from small teams to large enterprises, that want to reach objectives without traditional development or digital tool constraints.
In December 2025, Ageiro raised $3 million to accelerate the development of its autonomous agent platform. The company plans to use the funding to strengthen decision-making models, compliance frameworks, and commercial expansion.
Before launching Ageiro, Paulo Matos co-founded Manex Systems in 1995. He served as chief executive officer of the South African technology company until 2001. He graduated from Nelson Mandela University and earned a master’s degree in business management and administration in 2016.
Alongside his entrepreneurial career, Matos held senior roles in several technology companies. In 2001, he joined UK software publisher McGuffie Brunton as product manager and pre-sales director. From 2005 to 2024, he worked at UK-based SYSPRO, where he successively served as business development manager and product director.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange Jason de BERRY QUENUM
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South African entrepreneur André de Wet founded Flood to digitize local commerce through mobile-first platforms.
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Flood aims to become a “Shopify for physical stores” by turning existing audiences into local marketplaces.
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The platform targets telecoms, digital banks, and SMEs seeking monetization and proximity-based engagement.
André de Wet is a South Africa–based entrepreneur operating from Cape Town. He founded Flood, a platform designed to help neighborhood retailers remain visible and competitive in a mobile-driven economy without imposing complex technologies.
Founded in 2020, Flood positions itself as a commerce solution built for a smartphone-centric world. The company aims to create the equivalent of Shopify for physical stores that serve customers in person while extending relationships into digital channels.
The platform converts existing audiences, including telecom subscribers, digital bank customers, and radio listeners, into localized marketplaces. The audience owner becomes the central access point where consumers discover offers, select products, and complete payments.
Flood primarily targets organizations that control large user bases, including telecom operators and digital banks, but underutilize their commercial potential. The platform allows these organizations to become their customers’ main digital destination by combining offer discovery and payment within a single environment.
For small and medium-sized businesses, Flood simplifies engagement with geographically nearby customers and places merchants at the center of a local digital ecosystem. For consumers, the platform enables mobile wallet usage, contactless payments, instant rewards at purchase, and real-time interaction tracking.
Alongside Flood, André de Wet founded consulting firm 2ndBase in 2018 and serves as its chief executive officer. The firm supports corporate clients in understanding and adopting digital technologies. He launched his first entrepreneurial venture in 2005 with the creation of IT services company WebTec.
From an academic perspective, de Wet holds a bachelor’s degree in medicine earned in 1989 from the University of the Free State in South Africa. He later earned a master’s degree in international management from the University of Salford in 2020. He began his professional career in 1997 at Global Visual Media, where he served as senior marketing manager.
In 2010, de Wet joined fintech company PayU as head of business development. In 2011, he became chief executive officer of price-comparison platform PriceCheck. Between 2016 and 2017, he served as Africa head at on-demand entertainment platform iFix.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange Jason de BERRY QUENUM
Algeria will host the African Digital Transformation Summit this March 28-30. Preparations are already in full swing following a meeting between the Secretary-General of the ATU and Algerian Minister Sid Ali Zerrouki at the 2026 Algeria Optical Summit. The summit aims to turn high-level discussions into measurable actions that drive the continent’s digital transition and attract sustainable investment.