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The Fate Foundation, in collaboration with Orange Corners Nigeria and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has launched applications for the tenth cohort of its incubation program for Nigerian entrepreneurs. The six-month program offered both physically and virtually will provide participants with capacity-building sessions, expert advice and mentorship, industry visits, and networking opportunities. The deadline for applications is February 18.
Accelerate Africa has opened applications for its second cohort, seeking promising African startup founders. Selected participants will receive mentorship from experienced founders, access to a network of over 75 investors, and the opportunity to showcase their ventures at a demo day. The deadline for applications is February 16.
U.S. tech giant Microsoft announced plans to open a new data center campus in Centurion, South Africa, last week. The company said the facility represents "the next step in its commitment to enabling and accelerating the pace of digital transformation in South Africa, and Africa, in an inclusive, trusted, and responsible manner."
Nathan Nwachuku (photo), co-founder of Nigerian edtech Klas, announced on Monday, February 5 the successful completion of a $1 million funding round. The funds power up the startup's online schools worldwide.
The Orange Foundation inaugurated its 22nd Digital House in Côte d’Ivoire on Wednesday, January 31, at the Institution de formation et d'éducation des femmes (IFEF) in Soubré. This initiative aims to empower women and promote their digital inclusion by providing access to tailored digital tools and content. Ultimately, it seeks to facilitate their professional integration into the local economy.
"The inauguration of this new Digital House underscores the Orange Côte d'Ivoire Foundation's commitment to supporting women," said Habib Bamba, Director of the Foundation's Management Committee. "We believe that digital technology is an essential tool for their financial autonomy."
UNICEF StartUp Lab, an initiative supporting impactful technology-driven startups in Ghana, opened applications for its fourth cohort last week, the organization announced. The six-month program offers selected startups one-on-one mentorship, access to a network of UN partners, funding for prototyping, and various other support mechanisms.
Startups focusing on education, health, child protection, and other areas aligned with UNICEF's mandate are encouraged to apply. Applications close on February 29th.
U.S. satellite internet company Starlink's application for an operating license in Botswana has been rejected due to incomplete information. "There were issues regarding missing requirements with the application, which were identified and pointed out. [...] They are yet to respond to the issues," a source from the Botswana Communications Authority told Techcabal. Botswana is the third country in southern Africa to oppose the deployment of Elon Musk's company, after Zimbabwe and South Africa.
South African startup offerZen, which connects tech talent with businesses, announced last week it closed a €4 million funding round. The company plans to use the funds to develop its technology platform and expand its service offerings.
Ethiopia's Ministry of Education said last week it distributed 3,790 tablets to 18,000 schools nationwide, aiming to digitize the teaching and learning process. The initiative, in partnership with the World Bank, seeks to equip schools with digital tools and strengthen teachers' digital skills. This follows the distribution of 1,000 tablets to high schools in 2023 for similar purposes, bringing the total to 4,790 devices distributed.
The Seychelles Council of Ministers has approved a new law to regulate virtual assets (VAs) and virtual asset service providers (VASPs), Vice President Ahmed Afif announced. The legislation, awaiting National Assembly approval, aims to foster responsible and sustainable growth in the burgeoning industry.
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Nigerian fintech startup Kippa is shifting gears and venturing into the education technology (edtech) space, according to a Wednesday report by Techcabal. The company is developing an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered e-learning platform to facilitate the creation of online course modules and deliver bite-sized training sessions.
Ghita Mezzour (photo), the Moroccan Minister for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, outlined the Maroc Digital 2030 strategy at a Government Council meeting on Thursday, January 25. The strategy is anchored in two main pillars: the digitization of public services and the stimulation of a new dynamic in the digital economy. The goal is to foster the development of Moroccan digital solutions, create added value, and generate jobs, forming the basis for digital development in the country.
African fintech startups eager to scale their businesses are invited to apply for the Visa Accelerator program, offering three months of intensive training and support from the global payments giant.
The program provides selected startups with 1:1 mentorship, personalized training, and networking opportunities. With the deadline for applications set for February 18, interested parties can learn more by visiting the program’s page.
Nigeria's Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (MCIDE) on Friday announced 10 startups that will receive grants under its Fourth Industrial Revolution Technology Application (4IRTA) program in agriculture.
The selected companies, stand to gain up to 10 million naira ($10,977) each to scale their innovations.
"Congratulations to the 10 selected projects as we look forward to working with them in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture to support their path to scale and sustainability," said Bosun Tijani, Nigeria's Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.