Wasoko expands to the Democratic Republic of Congo

Africa’s largest B2B e-commerce network launches cross-border operations into DRC leveraging its existing e-commerce hub in neighbouring Rwanda.

Okra Solar raises $12M to power mesh-grid electrification in Africa

Cleantech startup, Okra Solar has raised a $12 million Series A to enable mesh-grid electrification in Africa.

BD Insider 186: Why Nigerian telcos may increase tariffs

In this letter, we explored the rising cost of Nigerian telcos’ energy, Uber's first electric bikes in Africa, and Safaricom's plan to introduce standing orders on M-PESA.

BD Insider 185: Piggyvest hits ₦1.1 trillion payouts within six years

“The situation is being handled,” according to investors at Float. We also covered the payouts made by Piggyvest since 2016.

Kenyan blockchain experts are challenging the legality of the crypto tax

Blockchain Association of Kenya has moved to court to challenge the legality of the digital asset tax introduced by the Kenyan government through the 2023 Finance Act..

BD Insider 184: Airtel Uganda plans $216 million IPO

Most of the over 600,000 graduates produced by Nigerian universities lack digital skills, according to a report by GetBundi. We also covered Airtel Uganda's planned IPO.

Uber launches electric bikes in Kenya, its first in Africa

As part of its efforts to be a zero-emission company by 2040, Uber has rolled out electric bikes in Kenya, its first in Africa.

Ugandan mobility fintech, Asaak acquires FlexClub, expands to Latin America

Asaak has acquired FlexClub Mexico, as part of its expansion into Latin America. The undisclosed acquisition does not include FlexClub South Africa.

Anonymous Sudan hacked X because they want Starlink in Sudan

Anonymous Sudan has taken responsibility for X's (formerly Twitter) outage, stating that it is pressuring Elon Musk to launch Starlink in the country.

India wants to expand its Unified Payments Interface to Africa

The Indian government is planning to expand its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Africa through commercial partnerships between payment platforms. According to Mint, an Indian business publication, the government is in talks with "several African countries", including Namibia, Mozambique, and Kenya.

Black Ostrich Ventures launches $20M fund to back startups outside Africa’s “Big Four”

US-based firm, Black Ostrich Ventures has raised a $20 million fund to invest in cleantech, supply chain, agritech, and edtech in Tanzania, Zambia, Morocco, and Uganda.

ICT was the second-highest contributor to Nigeria’s GDP in Q2 2023

Despite a substantial funding gap between male-led and female-led startups on the continent, four investors see immense potential in these women entrepreneurs and consider them a must-watch.