September 14th 2021
SouthAfrica’s FoondaMate is helping students with limited internet study using WhatsApp, Messenger
Foondamate, launched in August 2020 is helping students with limited internet, study through WhatsApp. Basically, by sending a text to the FoondaMate’s number on WhatsApp you can search anything you are confused by, get help with maths, and download practice questions and memos.
Nigerian Startup launches ‘Sabi’ to connect informal merchants with B2B companies
Nigerian Startup Rensource has created “Sabi” a B2B Marketplace that will connect informal merchants with leading service operators giving them the tools to manage and expand their businesses, and bringing these businesses online. Understanding that informal businesses drive the economies of many African countries, especially Nigeria, yet they are far behind when it comes to efficient logistics, supply chain management, business reporting tools, and access to finance, “Sabi” aims to gives these merchants access to the types of services that have previously only been accessible by formal businesses.
September 7th 2021
Nigeria’s Autochek acquires Cheki Kenya and Uganda from ROAM Africa
Autochek, a Nigerian automotive company, announced that it has purchased Cheki Kenya and Cheki Uganda from Ringier One Africa Media (ROAM) for an unspecified sum.
After successfully acquiring Cheki Nigeria and Ghana as part of its West African launch, Auto-Chek has now entered into an agreement with ROAM Africa to buy Cheki Kenya and Cheki Uganda, as part of its intentions to grow further into the African market.
M-Pesa hits 50m active users in Africa
Safaricom’s flagship mobile money platform M-Pesa has hit 50 million active customers in Africa, boosting its position as the continent’s largest fintech company. The telco announced it reached 50 million monthly active customers on Tuesday.
M-Pesa is run by Safaricom and Vodacom and is now available in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lesotho, Ghana and Egypt. It provides customers with access to the widest agent network across the continent with more than 430,000 agent outlets and cashless payments in more than 400,000 businesses.
August 31st 2021
Kenyan MotiSure launches API-powered Insuretech Platform to help Commuters.
Kenyan startup MotiSure has launched an API-powered insurtech platform that provides personal accident cover for commuters and riders through embedding insurance in tickets and other points of sale within mobility.
Zambian startup plans regional expansion for maternal health-focused digital platform.
Dawa Health, an e-health startup company in Zambia, has announced plans to expand its digital health platform across nearby countries. It aims to empower women to receive remote maternal health services, thereby reducing the mortality rate of mothers in the region.
August 24th 2021
Nigeria’s Utiva is helping young African’s learn tech skills with Zero Internet.
Fast-rising technology education company, Utiva has launched ‘The Nucleus’, an encrypted device with more than 40 well-curated pre-installed learning content with zero reliance on the internet, that allows Africans in the remote regions now access tech skill training.
Facebook’s undersea internet cable to cover Nigeria and 3 other African Countries.
The 2Africa project, championed by social media giant, Facebook and seven other companies, is adding four new branches to its 37,000km undersea Internet cable. The new branches extend the cable’s connectivity to Seychelles, Angola, the Comoro Islands and a new landing in South-East Nigeria. They will join the recently announced extension to the Canary Islands.
August 17th 2021
KENYA’S PAYLEND TO HELP MSMEs IN NIGERIA AND TANZANIA RECORD DATA AND ACCESS LOANS
Kenyan fintech startup Paylend, which is helping MSMEs better record data and access loans, is conducting surveys in Tanzania and Nigeria ahead of beta tests in those markets.
ABSA BANK INTRODUCES WHATSAPP BANKING IN KENYA.
Absa Bank Kenya, a subsidiary of South Africa’s Absa Group, has launched a WhatsApp banking solution called “Abby” to assist users in making basic transactions. According to the Bank, customers can use the service for bill payments, balance enquiry, inter-account transfers, as well as transfers between bank accounts and M-Pesa/Airtel money.