Nigerian fintech firm Fincra has received approval from the Bank of Ghana to operate in the country, allowing merchants to collect local payments and process transfers through mobile money and bank channels. The company said the move would help facilitate cross-border transactions between international businesses and African markets.
The African Union Development Agency has launched a call for applications to support early-stage startups using digital technology to strengthen healthcare systems or address climate change in Africa. Selected companies will receive practical support to expand their operations and strengthen long-term resilience. Applications are open until May 19, 2026, with the program focused on African-led solutions.
Bellatrix on Wednesday launched the “Ndjaba Seed” fund to support innovative early-stage companies across Southern Africa. Backed by $10 million in committed funding, the program plans to invest in 35 to 50 ventures in sectors including fintech, agritech, healthtech, education, clean energy, e-commerce and enterprise software. The initiative aims to help address the shortage of local funding and support entrepreneurs in building sustainable businesses.
- Huawei, Moroccan authorities, and Dott Medical signed an agreement to deploy telemedicine solutions and upgrade primary healthcare facilities.
- The partnership will combine digital infrastructure, medical equipment, and remote consultation platforms, starting with a pilot phase.
- The initiative supports Morocco’s broader healthcare reform and aims to reduce regional disparities in access to care.
On the sidelines of GITEX Future Health Africa, Morocco’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection signed a memorandum of understanding with Huawei Morocco and Dott Medical on May 4 in Casablanca. The agreement aims to structure the deployment of telemedicine solutions and modernize primary healthcare facilities.
Amine Tehraoui oversaw the signing of the agreement. The initiative aligns with Morocco’s ongoing healthcare reform, which includes the gradual expansion of universal health coverage and efforts to reduce disparities in access to care.
The partnership will develop an integrated solution that combines digital infrastructure, medical equipment, and remote consultation platforms. The stakeholders aim to improve patient care, optimize the use of medical resources, and streamline care pathways, particularly in underserved regions.
Huawei will provide connectivity and digital infrastructure, while Dott Medical will supply specialized medical equipment tailored to healthcare facilities.
At the same time, the partners will ensure compliance with national health data protection requirements, which remain critical to building a sovereign digital health ecosystem.
Before scaling deployment, the partners will launch a pilot project to assess the technical, clinical, and organizational viability of the system. In addition, they will implement training programs to help healthcare professionals adopt and use these tools effectively.
This initiative comes as e-health gains momentum across Africa, where governments are leveraging digital tools to address demographic pressures and infrastructure constraints. In Morocco, authorities are betting on these technologies to improve system efficiency, as the country has about seven doctors per 10,000 inhabitants, a ratio that remains below some emerging market standards.
Beyond healthcare modernization, Morocco aims to capture economic and strategic value from digital health. The country seeks to build a local ecosystem, stimulate innovation, attract investment, and position itself as a regional hub in the sector.
Authorities reaffirmed this ambition during the launch of the first edition of GITEX Future Health Africa Morocco, which brought together public and private stakeholders in Casablanca to advance healthcare system transformation.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Outalma offers an integrated e-logistics platform covering the full delivery chain from international purchase to final delivery.
- The startup addresses last-mile challenges in Africa through a dedicated delivery fleet and real-time tracking tools.
- The solution targets inefficiencies in African e-commerce logistics, including high costs, long delays, and limited transparency.
Outalma positions itself as a digital solution that aims to streamline logistics flows between Africa, Europe, and Asia. The company focuses on simplifying a segment often characterized by long delivery times, high costs, and complex procedures.
The platform operates as an integrated e-logistics system that manages the entire delivery chain, from international purchasing to final delivery to customers. The startup operates in several cities across Africa and Europe, and Alioune Mbengue launched it in 2019.
The solution allows individuals and businesses to purchase goods abroad, route them to partner warehouses, and ship them to multiple African countries via air or sea freight.
The model relies heavily on its ability to manage last-mile delivery, which remains one of the most significant logistical challenges in Africa. Outalma deploys a dedicated fleet, including vans and scooters, to handle final delivery and reduce constraints linked to local distribution.
The platform enables users to track parcels in real time, obtain quotes, and manage shipments end-to-end. This visibility addresses a critical need for transparency in a sector that still faces traceability gaps.
In addition, Outalma offers complementary services such as secure warehousing, customs management, and logistics flow optimization. These services position the company as a full-service player across the supply chain.
By addressing logistics bottlenecks, Outalma aligns with broader efforts to strengthen Africa’s e-commerce infrastructure. Over time, such solutions could play a key role in accelerating trade flows and integrating the continent into global supply chains.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Cheikh Gueye launched Nixacom in 2024 to finance consumer technology purchases through flexible credit.
- The platform uses artificial intelligence to assess creditworthiness and deliver near-instant financing decisions.
- The startup targets underserved consumers in emerging markets who lack upfront purchasing power.
Cheikh Gueye, co-founder and chief executive of Nixacom, launched the company in 2024 to specialize in financing technological equipment. He aims to expand access to credit and accelerate financial services in emerging markets.
Founded in 2024, Nixacom acts as an intermediary between financial institutions and end users. The platform allows customers to acquire devices such as mobile phones and computers without paying the full cost upfront.
The company structures its model around tailored financing solutions, often in partnership with financial institutions. The platform evaluates each customer’s financial situation before approving access to products.
To streamline the process, Nixacom has developed a digital platform powered by artificial intelligence. The system analyzes user data, verifies identities, and assesses repayment capacity.
As a result, the platform delivers near-immediate responses, reduces processing times, and improves the reliability of credit decisions while expanding access to financial services.
In addition to leading Nixacom, Cheikh Gueye serves as strategy director at RentX Rewards, which offers flexible rent payment solutions. He previously founded VoitGo in 2020, an online service that manages vehicle imports from the United States, including sourcing, shipping, and customs procedures.
Cheikh Gueye graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a bachelor’s degree in corporate communication in 2013. He began his professional career in 2020 at LabEight, a technology startup incubator. He later joined Robinhood in 2022, where he worked in compliance before launching his fintech ventures.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Joel Parfait Kuate leads Digital House Company, which supports organizations in AI-driven digital transformation.
- The firm develops AI solutions such as Jurisis and Indibot to automate tasks and improve access to information.
- The company combines software, hardware, and training services to enhance enterprise productivity.
Joel Parfait Kuate, a Cameroon-born technology entrepreneur based in Brussels, specializes in generative AI, data, and digital transformation. He founded and leads Digital House Company, a company that supports organizations in their transition to digital operations.
Founded in 2014, Digital House Company operates across several complementary areas. The company delivers user experience (UX) services that simplify and improve digital interfaces.
At the same time, the firm develops artificial intelligence solutions and builds digital products, including websites, e-commerce platforms, and applications. These services aim to help organizations streamline operations and improve customer engagement.
Among its flagship solutions, the company offers Jurisis, an AI-powered legal platform designed for Belgian citizens. The platform provides contextualized answers through an interactive chat interface.
The firm has also developed Indibot, a generative AI tool that produces articles, posts, visual content, code, and business ideas. These tools allow companies to automate content creation and enhance productivity.
In parallel, Digital House Company supplies technology hardware tailored to business needs. The company also organizes training sessions to help teams master digital tools and adapt to technological change.
Joel Parfait Kuate teaches programming, generative AI, UX/UI design, and Web3 technologies. He also provides training in digital marketing and cybersecurity. In addition, he works as a data analyst at Hyla Benelux, a company specializing in air and water purification systems. He graduated from ST-LUC BXL École supérieure des arts with a bachelor’s degree in communication and media in 2022.
He later earned a bachelor’s degree in administration and information technology management in 2023 from the Institut des carrières commerciales de Bruxelles. He also obtained a master’s degree in design and applied arts in 2024 from the Institut supérieur libre des arts plastiques.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Burkina Faso launched a national portal to centralize public e-services and secure user access.
- The platform already lists 1,672 service guides, 95 digital procedures, and involves 183 public institutions.
- Authorities introduced a parallel citizen petition platform requiring 5,000 signatures for review.
Burkina Faso is accelerating the digitalization of public services as governments across Africa expand e-service delivery to improve efficiency and user trust.
The government launched a national portal on May 5 in Ouagadougou to centralize all online public services and secure access. Authorities designed the initiative as part of a broader digital transformation strategy aimed at improving service quality and strengthening user confidence in digital platforms.
The portal, accessible via www.service-public.gov.bf, aggregates digital services offered by the state and directs citizens to official channels. The government introduced the platform to address the growing issue of fraudulent administrative websites by ensuring the authenticity of online services.
At this stage, the platform provides 1,672 practical information sheets, 95 dematerialized procedures, and integrates 183 public institutions, reflecting the scale of the ongoing reform.
Authorities said the platform acts as a single gateway for digital administrative procedures. As a result, the system should simplify processes and improve the user experience in interactions with public administration.
In parallel, the government launched a dedicated citizen petition platform to strengthen public participation in institutional life. The system allows citizens to submit proposals and raise concerns directly with authorities. However, a petition must gather at least 5,000 signatures before authorities review it.
These tools demonstrate the government’s intention to accelerate public sector digitalization while increasing interaction with citizens. Officials said they will gradually integrate additional services into the portal to expand the dematerialization of administrative procedures.
Within this framework, each ministry will propose new procedures for digitalization in the coming months. Authorities will invite users to help prioritize these services, aiming to align digital public offerings with citizens’ actual needs.
The launch follows recent efforts to expand e-services. In early April, the public treasury introduced two digital platforms, Lanaya and e-BDT, to modernize financial operations management and simplify administrative processes.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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MainMoney introduced palm-vein biometric payments that eliminate the need for cards or mobile phones.
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The system targets over 29 million mobile money users while addressing persistent cash dominance.
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The solution aims to expand financial inclusion and improve transaction security across sectors.
MainMoney has introduced palm biometric technology into the Congolese financial market through the deployment of its payment terminal. The company officially launched the device on April 29. It aims to facilitate transactions and expand financial inclusion across the country.
The solution allows users to make payments without a bank card or mobile phone. It uses biometric authentication based on the palm of the hand. The system relies on “Palm Vein” technology, which analyzes the internal vein pattern of the hand to identify each user.
This method offers higher security than traditional fingerprint systems because it uses unique biological characteristics that are difficult to replicate. As a result, it strengthens transaction reliability. Users must first register their biometric data to link their physical identity to their payment profile.
“This is what we want to explain behind the MainMoney concept: your hand becomes your wallet. We created MainMoney because we know that at least 29 million Congolese have a mobile money account, and some also have a bank account, but cash still dominates in our community. We wanted to expand financial inclusion,” said Sylvain Mubenga, Chief Executive Officer of MainMoney.
The device targets both individuals and organizations. It serves civil servants, students, and everyday service users, including those in supermarkets, fuel stations, and healthcare facilities.
For businesses, the platform centralizes payments and improves payroll management. It enables use cases such as wage payments based on actual working days, which can streamline administrative processes.
In a country where cash usage remains widespread despite mobile money adoption, the solution addresses persistent barriers to financial inclusion. It aims to secure transactions, reduce risks associated with cash circulation, and simplify access to digital financial services for a population still heavily reliant on physical currency.
Therefore, MainMoney positions its biometric payment system as a tool to accelerate the transition toward a more inclusive and secure digital financial ecosystem in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Bobson Rugambwa co-founded MVend Group in 2013 to expand access to financial services.
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MVend Group enables payments, fund distribution, and large-scale financial transfers across multiple channels.
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The platform operates without requiring smartphones or internet access, using USSD and SMS systems.
Bobson Rugambwa, a Rwandan entrepreneur, co-founded and leads MVend Group. The company supports organizations in deploying and managing scalable financial solutions.
Founded in 2013, MVend Group targets businesses, institutions, organizations, and savings groups. The company aims to reduce inequalities in financial access, particularly for populations excluded from traditional banking systems.
The company develops a range of tools that enable multiple financial operations. These solutions include payment collection, fund distribution, and integration of financial services into existing systems.
As a result, organizations can process payments for invoices, subscriptions, and services. In addition, they can execute large-scale transfers, including salary payments, supplier settlements, and social assistance distribution.
MVend also connects multiple channels, including mobile platforms, banking systems, and messaging services. Therefore, the company centralizes operations on a single platform to improve efficiency.
At the same time, the company prioritizes accessibility. It enables users to access services without smartphones or continuous internet connectivity by relying on USSD menus and text messaging systems.
Bobson Rugambwa graduated from Makerere University in 2010 with a degree in computer science. He later obtained a master’s degree in information technology in 2018 from Carnegie Mellon University Africa.
He also worked as a technical manager at Imaginet between 2012 and 2015. His experience in technology development supported his later work in building scalable financial infrastructure.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Jamora Technologie launched Sendon to link blood donors with hospitals in real time.
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The platform uses targeted alerts based on blood type and location to speed up emergency response.
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The solution aims to reduce shortages and structure blood donation systems in Senegal.
Jamora Technologie has developed Sendon, an e-health platform designed to connect blood donors and hospitals through mobile technology. Ousmane Ndieguene founded the startup behind the solution.
The platform operates as an intelligent network. When an urgent need arises, healthcare facilities can issue targeted alerts based on the required blood type and geographic location. Registered donors receive notifications and can go to the nearest donation center.
As a result, the system significantly reduces mobilization time, which remains a critical factor in medical emergencies.
In addition, Sendon provides a structured and regularly updated database of voluntary donors. This feature allows healthcare providers to anticipate demand and organize donation campaigns more effectively.
Therefore, the platform reduces reliance on informal calls for donations, which often circulate on social media without coordination.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts to digitize the healthcare sector in Senegal, where startups increasingly contribute to service improvements. By addressing a concrete public health issue, Sendon demonstrates the potential of local solutions to enhance system efficiency.
Over time, authorities could integrate the platform into national blood management systems. The startup could also expand to other countries facing similar challenges.
If stakeholders support its deployment, the solution could help structure blood donation chains sustainably and save more lives by ensuring that blood becomes available at the right time and in the right place.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Nigeria-based Siiqo allows SMEs and freelancers to create online shops without technical skills.
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The platform combines storefront creation, business management tools, and escrow-based payments.
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The startup targets informal businesses seeking visibility and trust in a growing digital commerce market.
Siiqo, a Nigerian startup, has launched a digital commerce platform designed as a “local commerce operating system.” The company is based in Abuja and was founded in 2026 by Okerere Innocent Chinweokwu and Linda Kolapa Ogochukwu.
The platform allows small and medium-sized enterprises and independent sellers to create customized online stores in just a few clicks. It does not require technical expertise. Unlike traditional marketplaces, Siiqo focuses on branded storefronts. As a result, sellers can build a full digital identity rather than list isolated products.
At the same time, the platform integrates a hyperlocal discovery system. Users can identify sellers located in their neighborhood or city. Therefore, the system facilitates proximity-based commerce while expanding seller visibility.
In addition, the solution incorporates an escrow payment mechanism. The system holds funds until the buyer confirms delivery. This approach strengthens trust in online transactions, which remains a major barrier to e-commerce adoption across the continent.
Beyond sales, Siiqo provides integrated management tools, including invoicing, order tracking, and inventory management. Consequently, the platform positions itself as an all-in-one solution for running a commercial activity.
The startup remains in its early stages. However, it aligns with a broader trend of building digital infrastructure adapted to African market realities. Over time, Siiqo aims to structure informal commerce by providing entrepreneurs with tools to improve visibility, credibility, and operational efficiency within a still-developing digital ecosystem.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Boniface Wainaina launched Constantnople to modernize aquaculture operations and improve yields.
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The company combines durable fish cages with digital monitoring of water quality, fish health, and feeding.
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The solution targets small and mid-sized fish farmers facing high losses and limited resources.
Boniface Wainaina, a Kenyan entrepreneur, founded and leads Constantnople. He aims to improve production conditions and make fish farming more profitable and sustainable.
Constantnople builds its offering on the design and manufacture of modern fish cages. The company replaces traditional wooden or metal structures, which operators often consider inefficient and short-lived.
The company uses durable materials that withstand prolonged immersion. As a result, it reduces degradation, maintenance costs, and replacement frequency. Consequently, farmers can secure their operations and improve long-term productivity.
Beyond hardware, Constantnople provides an integrated monitoring system that allows fish farmers to track production in real time. The platform continuously monitors key parameters such as water quality, fish health, and feeding.
This system enables farmers to detect anomalies early. Therefore, it helps reduce losses and optimize yields. In addition, it supports better decision-making across the production cycle.
The company primarily targets small and medium-sized fish farmers, who often face financial constraints and significant production losses. Although the solution remains in its deployment phase, Constantnople has already started equipping its first users, mainly independent fish farmers.
Boniface Wainaina trained as an accountant. He graduated from KCA University and obtained a degree in business administration and management in 2023 from the European Business Institute of Luxembourg.
He began his career in 2016 as an accountant at Infotech Management. He then joined Kirvam International in 2017 in a similar role. From 2019 to 2024, he worked as an accountant at Danco Capital, a manufacturer and supplier of pipes and fittings in East Africa.
Therefore, Wainaina leverages his financial background and industry experience to build solutions that address structural challenges in aquaculture while supporting income stability for fish farmers.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Tanzania is building a Kiswahili-based AI language model as part of its 2026/2027 digital transformation strategy.
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Kiswahili is spoken by over 100 million people across East Africa and the Great Lakes region.
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Mobile subscriptions reached 111.9 million and internet users rose to 58.9 million by March 2026.
The Government of Tanzania has accelerated the development of a Kiswahili-based language model under its national digital transformation strategy. Angellah Kairuki, Minister of Communication and Information Technology, announced the initiative on April 30 during the presentation of her ministry’s 2026/2027 budget framework.
The Tanzania ICT Commission is leading the project. The commission aims to adapt AI tools to local linguistic realities to make them accessible to a broader population. The model will allow users to interact with digital systems in Kiswahili, a language spoken by more than 100 million people across East Africa and the Great Lakes region.
Authorities expect this approach to expand access to digital services, particularly in rural areas where language barriers continue to limit technology adoption. The future model will also support the production and distribution of educational and informational content in an accessible language. At the same time, it will foster the development of local digital tools.
Beyond accessibility, the project aims to structure a Kiswahili-language data ecosystem to strengthen the capabilities of local developers and innovators. It also seeks to improve the representation of African languages in AI systems, which remain largely dominated by Western languages.
This initiative comes amid strong growth in Tanzania’s digital sector. Official data show that mobile subscriptions reached 111.9 million in March 2026, up from 90.4 million a year earlier. Over the same period, the number of internet users increased to 58.9 million.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum