Salaam Somali Bank, Somalia’s largest financial institution, has partnered with Visa to introduce Visa Debit and Visa Prepaid cards nationwide, marking a significant advancement in digital payment capabilities across the country. This collaboration aims to enhance the speed, efficiency, and security of transactions, benefiting both consumers and businesses in Somalia.
Zambia is leveraging Starlink’s presence to revolutionize its healthcare system, aiming for enhanced service delivery and efficiency, as per Felix Mutati, the Minister of Science and Technology. With Starlink’s satellite internet, the country has transformed 95 post offices into ‘Digital Transformation Centres’, providing free online access to over 300 government services. The goal is to connect all 106 post offices to Starlink, ensuring widespread digital accessibility across Zambia.
Three Tanzanian startups have emerged victorious in the Vodacom Digital Accelerator Program 2024, demonstrating their potential to become revenue-generating businesses. AltituteX, represented by Frank Mussa, Afya Lead Co-Founder, and Lusekelo Nkuwi from GO GO App, have been recognized for their innovative contributions to Tanzania’s startup ecosystem. Established by Vodacom Tanzania in 2019, the Vodacom Digital Accelerator Program aims to nurture early-stage and growth-stage startups, providing them with essential support to thrive in the competitive digital landscape.
Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) has launched its 7th edition of the National Science and Technology Annual Exhibition 2024, receiving an impressive 1,780 project abstracts focused on addressing climate change issues. Ben Roberts, Chairman of the YSK committee and Group Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Liquid Intelligent Technologies, highlighted a significant 138 percent increase in submissions compared to last year, underscoring growing interest and commitment to STEM education in Kenya.
Bio-Logical, a Kenyan climate startup, has secured $1.3 million in funding to expand its Mount Kenya biochar facility, boosting production capacity and supporting smallholder farmers across the country. The funding round was led by CrossBoundary, Redshaw Advisors, and existing investors like the Steyn Group, marking a significant step towards scaling up operations.
TurnStay, a South African travel-focused fintech, has secured R5.4 million ($300,000) from U.S.-based venture capital firms DFS Lab and Digital Currency Group (DCG). This new funding round will be used to expand across Africa and solidify TurnStay’s position in the local market.
d.light, a global provider of transformational household products and affordable finance for low-income households, has closed a new securitization facility valued at $176 million. This facility will purchase receivables in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, significantly scaling up d.light’s PayGo consumer finance offering.
DIB Bank Kenya has launched a new internet banking platform as part of its digital transformation strategy, aimed at enhancing customer services. This move aligns with the bank’s commitment to offering Shariah-compliant banking solutions and services, catering to the increasing demand in the market.
