BitKE

Techstars, recently recognized as the most active startup investor on the continent, has unveiled the 12 startups selected for the second cohort of its innovation program based in Lagos, Nigeria, conducted in collaboration with

Paymob, a fintech leader in MENA and Pakistan, has secured a retail payment services license from the UAE's Central Bank, enhancing its regional footprint. Fueled by a $72 million funding round, Paymob aims to support over 350,000 merchants with diverse payment solutions and financial services.

AjoMoney is a Nigerian startup that enhances community savings schemes by offering a credit platform for micro-loans. It facilitates zero-interest credit through its app for informal savings groups, enabling members to access funds quickly while continuing to save. The startup has gained over 12,000 users and aims to expand into Rwanda.

Ethiopian startup, WAGA, is looking to tap into the country’s vast agricultural potential by piloting a blockchain-powered platform in the coffee supply chain by mid-2025.
The Co-Founders, Emanuel Acho (PhD) and Hana Terefe, conceived WAGA while interning at Nethermind, a London-based blockchain re

Oze, a Ghanaian fintech, has secured funding from VISA and DEG to scale its Lending Management System, enhancing digital lending for small businesses. The platform helps MSMEs manage finances while offering banks tools for automated lending.

Capitec Bank has announced restrictions on electronic fund transfers to crypto exchanges to protect clients from fraud, promoting Capitec Pay as a secure alternative. However, crypto community members criticize the higher costs and argue it is an overly broad measure against fraud.

Smile Identity has announced its acquisition of the parent company of Appruve, Inclusive Innovations, Inc, and is currently working on meeting regulatory requirements to complete the transaction for all affiliated entities in Africa.
Operating for 6 years now, Smile Identity sees the acquisition as

BlackRock, the largest asset manager globally has been in the headlines after it submitted an application to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to register a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF).
Following this application, atleast two investment firms have made similar

Global cryptocurrency exchange, FTX, has partnered with fintech company, AZA Finance, formerly BitPesa, to expand the adoption of Web3 and cryptocurrencies in Africa.
AZA Finance is Africa’s biggest non-bank currency broker leveraging digital assets.
In a press release on the AZA Finance

Kenya's government, under President William Ruto, plans a new digital identity scheme to replace the halted Huduma Number program, addressing concerns over data protection. The new plan includes a Unique Personal Identifier for various services, aiming for better integration while using blockchain for data security.

Ethiopia is stepping into the global spotlight for Bitcoin mining, becoming the first African country to support large-scale, state-backed operations. With the government signing agreements with 21 mining firms in 2024 – including UMINERS — the country is positioning itself as a major player in the

Umba, a fintech company that started operations in Nigeria, has recently launched its services in Kenya providing an opportunity for the firm to expand its market share.
Umba’s introduction to the Kenyan market is a result of its purchase of a controlling stake in Daraja Microfinance Bank which