Dear Business Owners, I trust this message finds you well amidst your ventures in the dynamic landscape of African commerce. Today, I’m thrilled to share groundbreaking news that embodies the essence of digital empowerment for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across Africa. Tappi, the end-to-end digital commerce SaaS solution tailored for MSMEs, has expanded its operations to Côte d’Ivoire, solidifying its mission to revolutionise the online presence of businesses like yours. In partnership with telecom giant, MTN CI, Tappi’s arrival in Côte d’Ivoire marks a pivotal moment in ..read more

In the ever-evolving landscape of startup ventures, success is a coveted prize, yet failure remains an all-too-common outcome. The recent closure of Dash, a prominent Ghanaian financial technology startup, after amassing over $86 million in funding over five years, has sent shockwaves through the entrepreneurial community, prompting a closer examination of the factors contributing to its demise. Introduction: Reports indicate that a significant proportion of new businesses meet their demise within the initial years of operation, citing reasons ranging from market demand fluctuations to financi ..read more

In life, there are two types of people: those who ask, ‘Why?’ and those who ask, ‘Why not?’ – Robert F. Kennedy. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re the latter. You’re not afraid to challenge the status quo, to dream big, and to build something that changes the world. You’re a tech startup founder in the making. Starting a tech startup is an exciting yet challenging journey. It’s NOT like ordering a burger, you won’t get instant gratification, and there’s no guarantee your venture will be the next unicorn. But with the right ingredients – a sprinkle of passion, a dollop of perseverance ..read more

Two African e-commerce companies, Wasoko and MaxAB, have made a merger, described as the largest of its kind in Africa. While the terms of the deal are yet to be finalised, the merger is seen as a strategic response to the challenges faced by B2B e-commerce companies in Africa, many of which are scaling back operations due to funding scarcity. Wasoko and MaxAB seek to enhance the informal retail sector across the continent, aiming to drive digital retail transformation and establish the most successful e-commerce platform on the continent. With a combined customer base exceeding 450,000 mercha ..read more

We could say USSD, or Unstructured Supplementary Service Data, is an inclusive technology because it allows you to access information and services from your mobile phone without having to use an internet connection.  These codes provide customers with quick and convenient access to various banking services such as checking account balances, transferring money, paying bills and managing accounts using any mobile phone. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the USSD codes of some major Nigerian banks: Access Bank Balance Enquiry: *901*00# Airtime Recharge: *901*Amount# Transfer Funds: *901*Amoun ..read more

The African tech sector keeps blooming with innovative solutions across sectors and twelve startups selected by Techstars Lagos Accelerator program in partnership with ARM Labs, are about to embark on a 14-week journey that promises to transform the mundane and make the extraordinary even more accessible. But what makes these startups stand out? Are they using cutting-edge algorithms to teach cats how to code or developing an app that translates existential crises into memes? Let’s dive into the world of African innovation, where even long queues and the absence of solar power are no match for ..read more

In the latest chapter of Africa’s tech evolution, tappi, a rapidly growing digital commerce SaaS solution, has secured $1.5 million in a Pre-Seed funding round, marking a crux in the startup’s journey to facilitate the continent’s SME market. This is a development that promises to reshape the landscape of digital commerce across Africa. The funding round, which witnessed overwhelming investor interest, was spearheaded by Mercy Corps Ventures and Chui Ventures. Notable participants included industry heavyweights like Digital Currency Group, SOSV, Resilience17, growX ventures, Orbit Startups, Re ..read more

In Nigeria, Information and Communications Technology accounted for 17.47% of Nigeria’s total GDP, ₦3.1 trillion ($6.7 billion) in the first quarter of 2023. The tech scene in Nigeria is fueled by a thriving network of tech communities that provide support, mentorship, and networking opportunities for individuals and businesses alike. These communities are important in innovation, fostering collaboration, and driving the growth of the tech ecosystem in Nigeria. Some of these communities include: Datafest Africa Community Datafest Africa Community is a pan-African community dedicated to promoti ..read more

Bitmama Inc., an industry frontrunner in cross-border payment solutions, has acquired Payday, an innovator in the digital payment sector. The acquisition, led by Bitmama Inc.’s flagship product Changera, is a strategic move aimed at solidifying the companies’ positions in the fintech sector, promising astute benefits for customers and contributing to the overall growth of the financial technology sector. The joint decision to unite forces stems from the shared vision of Bitmama Inc. and Payday, recognising the immense potential for synergy in creating a more robust and comprehensive financial ..read more

Gone are the days when investing was the exclusive domain of the wealthy elite, confined to stuffy boardrooms and impenetrable jargon. Today, thanks to a surge of innovative investment apps, investing is becoming accessible to everyone, ensuring wealth creation and empowering individuals to take control of their financial futures. We have a handful of commendable apps that are bolstering investment in Nigeria. From micro-investing platforms that let you start with as little as ₦1,000 to sophisticated tools that cater to seasoned investors, these apps are making investing more inclusive than ev ..read more