Author: Insider Editor

Fintech continues to dominate Africa’s tech ecosystem, securing 35% of total funding in 2024. As the sector evolves, innovative startups are emerging in four key areas—credit cards, contactless payments, payment infrastructure, and escrow services—driving the next wave of growth in 2025. These fintech pioneers are at the forefront of Africa’s financial innovation, reflecting the continent’s rapid growth and rising competitiveness in the global tech landscape.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) is now accepting applications for the eleventh edition of its Entrepreneurship Programme. This transformative initiative offers African entrepreneurs: Programme Overview TEF has committed $100 million to empower African entrepreneurs, providing training, mentorship, and funding to thousands of startups. Since its inception, the programme has supported over 15,000 entrepreneurs, connecting them with influential figures in both the private and public sectors to help scale their businesses and enhance their profiles. This year, successful applicants will also gain access to the TEF network of startups, fostering collaboration and growth within Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Eligibility How to Apply…

In 2024, Copia, a B2C e-commerce startup, and iProcure, a B2B agritech startup, entered administration after failing to secure new funding. Despite Copia’s co-founder, Tracey Turner, announcing plans to launch a new entity, no progress has been reported on this front. Meanwhile, M-KOPA successfully navigated a complex tax dispute in Kenya, expanded its investments, and launched new facilities, including an e-bike assembly plant and a phone assembly facility in Nairobi. “We are now profitable as an organisation and have been profitable for several quarters,” said Mayur Patel, M-KOPA Fintech MD, in November 2024. Kenya also witnessed its first two startup…

Palmpay, the Nigerian fintech platform, has formed a strategic partnership with Jumia, allowing Palmpay customers to purchase products on Jumia directly from their accounts. This collaboration highlights the growing trend among Nigerian fintechs to offer robust pay-by-bank solutions. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria, internet transfers made up 51.91% of all e-payment transactions in the first half of 2024. “Apart from Jumia, we have over a hundred partners working on this online payment solution,” said a Palmpay spokesperson during a press briefing on Wednesday. The fintech is focused on creating payment options for its 35 million users, with bank…

At the heart of Nigeria’s thriving tech ecosystem, Billboxx is making waves with a mission to simplify billing and payment processes for businesses. The innovative startup recently closed a $1.6 million pre-seed funding round, backed by Norrsken Accelerator, Kaleo Ventures, 54 Collective, P2Vest, and Afrinovation Ventures. Billboxx is dedicated to eliminating inefficiencies caused by outdated billing systems and manual errors. Its automated platform streamlines invoicing, payment workflows, and financial reporting, offering businesses a seamless and modern solution. The company primarily targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Nigeria and Africa, providing them with tools to enhance efficiency and financial management.…

Senegalese e-health startup Eyone has successfully secured $1 million in funding to solidify its position as a leader in the e-health sector and broaden its presence across the African continent. The company’s standout innovation is a medical interoperability platform designed to provide seamless access to real-time medical records for both healthcare professionals and patients. This platform aims to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of healthcare services across the region. Earlier this year, Eyone partnered with Senegalese authorities to launch the Unique Shared Patient File project, a groundbreaking initiative designed to ensure secure and seamless access to medical data throughout a…

Mhamed Harouchi (photo) is a Moroccan tech entrepreneur and the co-founder of ComptaCom Maroc, a company dedicated to advancing digital accounting. Since its establishment in 2022, ComptaCom Maroc has been empowering startups and very small enterprises (VSEs) with access to a fully online accounting firm and a robust management solution tailored to their unique needs. The company’s management software offers more than just accounting services. It includes features such as tax optimization, payroll management, and legal support. ComptaCom Maroc also provides Bleez, a cloud-based platform designed for flexibility and accessibility. Beyond handling billing and accounting, Bleez supports expense tracking and…

Linus Williams Ifejika, famously known as B-Lord, has become a household name in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape. As a cryptocurrency trader, real estate investor, and philanthropist, he is the visionary behind the B-Lord Group of Companies, which includes the B-Lord Bitcoin Store and B-Lord Real Estate. With an estimated net worth of $5 million, B-Lord has captivated Nigerian youth with his meteoric rise in the cryptocurrency world and his audacious claim as “Africa’s Richest Bitcoin Vendor.” His journey is a compelling blend of ingenuity and ambition, making him a standout figure in Nigeria’s evolving business scene. Early Life and EducationBorn on…

Enakl, a pioneering mobility startup based in Morocco, has successfully raised $1.4 million in a pre-seed funding round led by the renowned Catalyst Fund. The funding will be instrumental in enhancing the company’s technology and driving its expansion across Africa. Revolutionizing Mobility in Africa Enakl is on a mission to transform transportation and logistics in Africa by providing innovative mobility solutions. The startup leverages cutting-edge technology to address transportation inefficiencies, improve connectivity, and promote sustainability in the mobility sector. Fueling Growth and Innovation With this new funding, Enakl plans to enhance its technological infrastructure, enabling it to deliver better services…

Tunzaa, a fast-growing fintech startup based in Tanzania, has received funding from Warioba Ventures to support its scaling efforts. While the exact amount of the investment remains undisclosed, this funding marks a significant step in Tunzaa’s mission to enhance financial accessibility in the region. Empowering Financial Inclusion in Tanzania Tunzaa focuses on providing innovative financial solutions to underserved communities in Tanzania. By leveraging technology, the fintech startup enables users to save, make payments, and manage their finances with ease. The fresh funding will allow Tunzaa to expand its services, improve its platform, and reach more users across the country. A…