The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) is pivoting to a mobile-first strategy to end a decade-long IPO drought and democratize stock trading. By integrating with dominant mobile money platforms like M-Pesa, the exchange hopes to convert millions of phone users into active retail investors. Why It Matters For years, the NSE struggled with low retail participation […]

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has admitted six companies into its Regulatory Sandbox, a move designed to test and refine the country’s framework for digital assets over the next year. Why it matters As Ghana looks to formalize its crypto and digital asset sector, this “controlled experiment” allows the central bank to foster innovation while […]

Rwanda is set to deploy AI-powered technology in over 50 health clinics as the first step in a broader $50 million initiative by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and OpenAI. The Big Picture The program, dubbed Horizons1000, aims to scale AI tools to 1,000 clinics across Africa over the next two years to bridge […]

On Tuesday, X (formerly Twitter) made good on Elon Musk’s latest promise to open-source the code behind its recommendation engine. The big picture While Musk framed the release as a “new era of transparency,” the move comes as the platform faces mounting regulatory pressure in the EU and a growing crisis over AI-generated content. What’s […]

Paystack is marking its 10th anniversary with a massive structural shift, evolving from a payment processor into The Stack Group (TSG)—a multi-brand holding company. Why it matters The move signals a transition from a single-product startup to a diversified tech conglomerate, backed by global giant Stripe and a newly minted status of group-level profitability. Driving […]

Lagos-based mobility tech firm MAX has secured $24 million in fresh equity and debt to accelerate its pivot toward electric vehicle (EV) financing across West and Central Africa. Why it matters The deal signals a growing investor appetite for African “green mobility” as rising fuel costs and falling battery prices make electric two- and three-wheelers […]

Global payments leader Visa is in active negotiations with Uber to restore card acceptance in Kenya. The ride-hailing giant began phasing out Visa support late last year, culminating in a full suspension this month. Why It Matters The standoff highlights a growing friction between global card networks and local payment realities. For a market like […]

Bridge for Billions has officially opened applications for the Ghana Social Entrepreneurs in Healthcare Program, a seven-month incubation initiative designed to scale early-stage healthcare solutions. Developed in collaboration with Making More Health (an initiative by Boehringer Ingelheim), the program aims to strengthen Ghana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and address critical health challenges. The initiative specifically targets innovators […]

Paystack, the Stripe-owned fintech, has acquired Ladder Microfinance Bank, securing the regulatory license needed to offer lending, hold deposits, and provide banking-as-a-service (BaaS) in Nigeria. Why it matters For a decade, Paystack served as the “pipes” for digital transactions but had to rely on third-party banks to store money. By launching Paystack Microfinance Bank (Paystack […]

Amazon’s Project Kuiper—rebranded as Amazon Leo—has secured a landing permit from Nigeria’s Communications Commission (NCC), setting up a direct confrontation with Elon Musk’s Starlink in Africa’s most populous nation. Why it matters Nigeria is the ultimate testing ground for satellite internet. With over 23 million people currently living in unserved or underserved areas, the winner […]

Africa is no longer a marginal player in the global energy transition. New data from the Africa Solar Outlook 2026 reveals the continent is now the world’s fastest-growing solar market, with actual installations likely triple what was previously documented. By the Numbers Why it Matters For years, a lack of project-level data led global institutions […]

Outliers Venture Capital has officially launched the 2026 edition of its flagship Fellowship Program, partnering with Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC) to cultivate the next wave of tech leaders in Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region. Why it matters As the regional tech ecosystem matures, the bottleneck has shifted from a lack of capital […]

Ghanaian startups navigated a “quality over quantity” market in 2025, raising an estimated $56 million across the year’s major disclosed rounds. This figure was obtained from data from The Big Deal and Tech Labari’s internal database. While the headline figure is a step back from the $127 million peak of 2024, it reflects a global […]

A Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a ₦1 billion copyright and breach-of-confidence suit against MTN Nigeria, with the judge labeling the legal challenge a “gold-digging exercise.” Driving the news Walls and Gates Ltd, along with Managing Director Okechukwu Udeichi, sued MTN over its “20 For 20” 20th-anniversary promotion. The big picture The ruling […]

Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale and a heavy-hitting roster of VCs are backing Terrahaptix, an Abuja-based startup scaling drone production to combat the rising tide of extremism across Africa. Terrahaptix (also known as Terra Industries) announced Monday it has raised $11.8 million in a funding round led by Lonsdale’s firm, 8VC. The details Founded just last […]

Republished from The Labari Journal Across Africa, 2025 marked a decisive shift in how digital assets are understood, governed, and integrated into real economies. From policy consultations to regulatory frameworks, governments moved beyond debating whether crypto should exist toward defining how it should operate. Among these developments, one stood out. At the close of the […]

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are finalizing a new regulatory framework to fix one of the biggest headaches for mobile users: failed airtime and data purchases. Driving the news Starting March 1, 2026, banks and telecom operators must provide near-real-time refunds when a customer’s account is debited but […]

NALA, the African-led fintech focused on payments to emerging markets, is launching USD Global Accounts. The move aims to provide users in volatile economies with a stable way to store, earn, and spend money internationally. Why it matters In many emerging markets, local currency devaluation erodes purchasing power. By offering USD accounts backed by stablecoins, […]

Uganda’s top communications regulator is downplaying the hype around BITchat, an alternative messaging app being championed by opposition figures. The government claims it has the technical prowess to shut it down if it’s used to bypass local laws. Driving the News Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), sent a clear message […]

After years of “blitzscaling” and navigating a volatile funding winter, Africa’s tech ecosystem has entered an era of pragmatic dominance. In 2026, the conversation has shifted from “who is a unicorn?” to “who is indispensable?” The five companies below are no longer just startups; they are the critical infrastructure for the continent’s digital economy. 1. […]

The exit trail took an unusual turn in late December when African telecom Billionaire, Strive Masiyiwa, announced that Econet Wireless Zimbabwe Limited would delist from the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, after years of trading at a steep valuation discount to regional peers, which trade at 6–8 times EV/EBITDA. He said “the decision forms part of a […]

On January 1, 2026, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) officially introduced a federal 1% excise tax on outbound international remittances. While the tax applies globally, it could hit the African diaspora hardest. Why it Matters For Sub-Saharan Africa, remittances aren’t just “extra” money—they are the economy. The Digital Divide The law creates a […]

Flutterwave, Africa’s most valuable fintech firm, has acquired Nigerian open banking startup Mono in an all-stock deal valued between $25 million and $40 million. Why it matters The deal signals a major consolidation phase in African fintech. By combining the continent’s largest payment network with its leading data aggregator, Flutterwave is building a “full-stack” financial […]

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) just dropped a massive regulatory update for International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs), aiming to formalize the multibillion-dollar remittance pipeline and safeguard the cedi. Why it matters Remittances are Ghana’s financial lifeblood. These new rules, effective January 2026, signal the end of the “Wild West” era for fintechs and money transfer […]

SpaceX-owned Starlink has officially disabled all satellite internet terminals in Uganda as of Jan. 1, 2026, bowing to pressure from local regulators over the illegal importation of its hardware. The big picture The move highlights the friction between Western satellite firms aiming for borderless connectivity and African governments seeking strict control over communication infrastructure, especially […]

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is pivoting toward satellite-powered mobile connectivity to eliminate “dead zones,” according to its newly released draft Spectrum Roadmap for 2025–2030. Why it matters Nigeria still struggles with significant unconnected populations in rural and border areas where traditional fiber and cell towers are too expensive or dangerous to install. The Big […]

This is a republished article from The Labari Journal In a move that could significantly reshape internet access for its younger population, Ghana is currently debating legislation aimed at restricting minors from accessing adult content online. The proposed regulations, spearheaded by the Ministry of Communication and the Cybersecurity Authority (CSA), seek to create a safer […]

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has officially legalized virtual asset trading. The central bank confirmed that cryptocurrency activities are now permitted under a new regulatory framework, ending years of legal ambiguity. The Details Speaking at the Bank’s annual Thanksgiving Service in Accra on Friday, Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama assured the public that crypto participants […]

Absa Bank Ghana and Visa have debuted Absa Pay, a mobile tap-to-pay wallet that turns smartphones into contactless payment tools. Why it matters The launch signals a push to accelerate Ghana’s transition toward a “cash-lite” economy by digitizing everyday retail transactions. How it works The feature is integrated directly into the existing Absa Mobile Banking […]

Airtel Africa has announced a partnership with SpaceX to deploy Starlink’s “direct-to-cell” satellite technology across all 14 of its African markets. Why it matters The deal aims to eliminate “dead zones” in remote regions where traditional cell towers are physically or economically impossible to build. It positions Airtel to leapfrog infrastructure gaps that have long […]

Global tech giant Yango, through its venture arm, has invested in Ghanaian startup Gigmile, aiming to bolster the infrastructure for Africa’s rapidly growing digital logistics and e-commerce markets. Driving the News The Players Why it Matters What’s Next

The political path for Elon Musk’s Starlink to enter South Africa has hit a major snag after a key parliamentary committee demanded the withdrawal of a policy directive that would ease local Black ownership requirements for satellite-internet companies. The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies called for the policy directive to be scrapped, placing […]

It’s been a busy year for Tech Labari. In 2025, we cemented our position as one of the go-to sources for what’s next in the Ghanaian and West African tech ecosystems. We covered stories across Accra, Lagos, Nairobi, and Cape Town. How’s how we did in 2025: The Data Deep Dive Last year, we launched […]

In a world where borders blur and identities clash, few stories capture the raw pull of home like that of Kanessa Muluneh. Born in Ethiopia and raised in the Netherlands, Kanessa spent years navigating diaspora life. Three years ago, she upended it all, returning to the continent with her husband and children in tow. What […]

International payment service provider NALA has officially partnered with BigPay Ghana Limited to launch payment and remittance services in the country, a move poised to enhance convenience and security for the Ghanaian diaspora sending money home. The partnership has received the crucial stamp of approval from the Bank of Ghana (BoG). The announcement was made […]

Kenya is determined to split Safaricom Plc—East Africa’s largest company—into three separate units, a plan the government is pressing forward with even as it reduces its ownership in the mobile-phone operator. The Big Picture The administration of President William Ruto, which plans to sell a 15% stake in Safaricom to Vodacom Group Ltd., envisions carving […]

The influential Top Fintech Voices Magazine has officially unveiled its highly anticipated second edition, dedicated entirely to celebrating and showcasing Africa’s leading fintech innovators and the companies driving the continent’s digital financial revolution. Why It Matters Africa is widely recognized as a global hotspot for financial technology innovation, often leapfrogging traditional banking infrastructure. This publication […]

TikTok has temporarily suspended its late-night LIVE feature in Nigeria, citing a massive spike in broadcasts featuring explicit sexual acts and other adult content. Why it matters The restriction highlights the challenge platforms face in moderating content in high-growth markets and the immediate economic impact on creators, both legitimate and illicit. The Details What People […]

Republished from The Labari Journal In 2020, Ghana’s Ministry of Communication signed a financing agreement with the Chinese technology company Huawei. Under the agreement, Huawei would deploy 2000+ RuralStar sites for Ghana. The sites would provide voice and data services for over 3.4 million people in underserved and unserved communities. Launched in 2017, RuralStar was Huawei’s answer […]

In 2025, Tech Labari covered a number of stories that shed light on transformative shifts in Africa’s tech, fintech, and mobility landscapes. Here are the five standout stories and what they reveal about where things are headed. 1. Starlink Activates New Ground Station in Nairobi to Improve Service We reported that Starlink launched a Point […]

Algerian authorities officially launched 5G services on Wednesday, calling it a key step in modernizing the country’s telecommunications sector and boosting the digital economy. Why It Matters The Details The Big Picture The Challenges What’s Next

Vodacom Group is significantly strengthening its grip on the high-growth East African market, announcing a massive $2.1 billion (R36 billion) deal to acquire a controlling interest in Safaricom. The Big Picture Vodacom, a leading pan-African telecommunications group, is increasing its shareholding in Safaricom to deepen its leadership in the region, a core pillar of its […]

Ghana’s government is set to launch a fresh nationwide SIM registration exercise by the first quarter of 2026, according to the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George. The Minister asserted that the previous registration effort, conducted under the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration and led by former Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, […]

Binance is rolling out a new product aimed squarely at the next generation of crypto users: Binance Junior. The move highlights how mainstream financial giants are increasingly looking to integrate digital assets into family finance, starting with children and teens. The Big Picture Binance Junior is a parent-controlled sub-account and app designed for users aged […]

As 2025 concludes, the performance of the Africa tech ecosystem is under scrutiny, prompting various projections for 2026. I largely agree with Ido Sum’s comprehensive, data-driven review, “Early. Not Broken,” which analyzes the ecosystem I helped build. His analysis conclusion specifically highlights the landscape of exits, noting: “Nearly half of those exits are South African, […]

Black Swan, a FinTech startup based in Mauritius, has clinched the top prize at the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) 2025 Grand Finale, held at Innovation City, Cape Town on November 26. Why It Matters The Winning Pitch Co-founded by Derick Kazimoto, Black Swan’s mission is to “Make Africa Bankable” by solving the challenge of data […]

The global fintech company Wise has received conditional approval from the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to operate as a “Category 2 Authorised Dealer in Foreign Exchange with Limited Authority,” paving the way for its launch in Africa’s most developed financial hub. Why it Matters The Details What’s Next Wise did not confirm a go-live […]

As we look ahead to 2026, Tech Labari is refining its focus. Our goal has always been to give you the most relevant view of technology in Ghana and Africa. With this new refined focus, we’re doubling down on what we do best: timely news, insights powered by data, and partnerships that deliver real value. […]

The Accra Lawtech Hangout 2025, hosted by Legaltech Lounge, cemented its place as a key convener in Africa’s legal tech space, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) dominating discussions on the future of law across the continent. The event, themed “AI in Legal: The Next Decade in Africa,” gathered over 200 legal professionals, innovators, and tech entrepreneurs […]