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Africa Digital Finance: MTN CEO Says Continent Set to Lead Global Transformation

Habeeb Ajala
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Africa Digital Finance: MTN CEO Says Continent Set to Lead Global Transformation

Africa Digital Finance Gains Global Momentum

MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita says Africa digital finance is entering a new growth phase, with the continent positioned to lead global innovation in financial services.

He said Africa’s rapid mobile money adoption and expanding digital ecosystems place it at the centre of the next wave of global financial transformation. He made the remarks during a fireside chat at the 3i Africa Summit in Accra.

MTN CEO Highlights Mobile Money Growth

Mupita said Africa digital finance growth has accelerated due to strong mobile money adoption across the continent. In addition, he noted that telecom operators have played a key role in expanding financial access to underserved populations.

According to him, Africa is now moving beyond basic mobile payments. Instead, the continent is shifting toward more advanced services such as digital credit, embedded finance, and cross-border remittances.

“Africa is poised to lead in the global digital finance evolution,” he said. He added that innovation across African markets continues to grow at a fast pace.

Telecoms Drive Africa Digital Finance Expansion

Mupita explained that telecom companies have helped bridge financial access gaps. As a result, millions of people who previously lacked access to banking services can now participate in the digital economy.

He also highlighted the growing role of new technologies. These include artificial intelligence and blockchain, which are expected to shape the next phase of Africa digital finance development.

At the same time, he urged regulators to support innovation while also protecting consumers. He called for balanced and forward-looking policy frameworks that can support long-term growth.

3i Africa Summit Focuses on Financial Innovation

The 2026 3i Africa Summit brought together policymakers, regulators, fintech leaders, and investors. The event was organised by Bank of Ghana, Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems, and Global Finance & Technology Network.

The summit focused on Africa digital finance, virtual assets, tokenisation, open banking, and digital public infrastructure.

In addition, discussions highlighted the growing influence of mobile financial services in Africa’s economic development.

MTN Ghana’s MobileMoney Fintech LTD was also noted for its role in expanding financial access. The platform now serves more than 17 million subscribers since launch.

Payaza Secures A- Rating as African Fintech Strengthens Market Position

Habeeb Ajala
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Payaza Secures A- Rating as African Fintech Strengthens Market Position

Payaza Earns Higher Financial Transactions Rating

Payaza has secured an A- rating in financial transactions following the latest ratings upgrade by Agusto & Co..

The upgrade strengthens Payaza’s position in Africa’s growing fintech sector and highlights increasing institutional confidence in the company’s operations, governance, and long-term growth strategy.

Payaza operates as a payment infrastructure company that provides solutions for collections, payouts, and embedded financial services. The company focuses on building scalable and reliable payment systems that support businesses and improve access to financial services globally.

CEO Says Upgrade Reflects Stronger Institutional Confidence

Reacting to the latest rating, Seyi Ebenezer, Chief Executive Officer of Payaza, said the development reflects the company’s commitment to building a sustainable and globally competitive financial institution.

According to him, the upgrade validates the company’s operational discipline, execution capacity, and long-term strategy.

“This upgrade is a strong affirmation of the discipline, consistency and long-term value we are building at Payaza. It shows that our growth is being matched by stronger institutional confidence, and that the market is recognising the strength of our model, our execution, and our vision for the future,” Ebenezer said.

African Fintech Industry Enters New Growth Phase

Ebenezer also noted that the latest upgrade reflects broader changes taking place across Africa’s fintech industry.

According to him, investors and market stakeholders now place greater importance on governance, resilience, and long-term sustainability rather than focusing only on rapid growth and innovation.

“The broader significance of this development goes beyond Payaza itself. Across Africa, fintech is entering a more demanding phase, one where the market is rewarding not only speed and innovation, but durability, governance and the ability to inspire trust,” he said.

He added that Payaza’s latest ratings upgrade demonstrates the emergence of African fintech firms evolving into credible financial institutions capable of competing globally.

Multiple Ratings Upgrades Strengthen Payaza’s Position

The Agusto & Co. upgrade adds to several recent independent ratings validations received by Payaza.

In recent months, the company secured a ratings upgrade from DataPro, moving from A to AA-. Payaza also received an A- credit rating from Intelligent Africa.

In addition, Moody’s recently upgraded the company’s rating to A3.

Industry observers say the series of upgrades reflects Payaza’s growing reputation as a trusted fintech infrastructure provider across Africa.

Focus on Sustainable Growth and Financial Infrastructure

Payaza said its growth strategy focuses on prudent management, operational resilience, and responsible scaling within Africa’s competitive digital payments market.

The company noted that the latest ratings upgrades further strengthen its reputation as a mature and institutionally trusted financial brand rather than simply a fast-growing payments company.

As Africa’s fintech ecosystem continues to evolve, Payaza believes trusted financial infrastructure, strong governance, and long-term sustainability will become increasingly important in shaping the future of digital finance across the continent.

Africa Digital Transformation: GBB Pushes Stronger Regional Digital Partnerships

Habeeb Ajala
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Africa Digital Transformation: GBB Pushes Stronger Regional Digital Partnerships

Africa Digital Transformation Depends on Regional Cooperation

Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) says stronger regional collaboration will drive Africa digital transformation and improve digital growth across the continent.

The organisation explained that African countries must work together to build secure, connected, and inclusive digital systems. GBB also noted that no country can achieve large-scale digital progress alone.

The position appeared in a statement issued by GBB’s Head of Corporate Communications, Chidi Okpala, ahead of a major digital engagement in Abuja.

GBB to Host African Digital Leaders in Abuja

According to GBB, the Abuja programme will bring together policymakers, technology leaders, and development partners from across Africa. The event aims to strengthen discussions around Africa digital transformation and digital governance.

In addition, Okpala said the programme will combine policy dialogue with practical exposure to Nigeria’s digital infrastructure ecosystem. Delegates will see how shared ICT systems support governance, innovation, and public service delivery.

“This engagement will provide an opportunity for African stakeholders to not only discuss policy frameworks but also see firsthand how digital public infrastructure is being deployed to improve efficiency, connectivity and innovation in the public sector,” Okpala said.

Furthermore, he explained that the engagement strengthens GBB’s growing role in digital infrastructure development across Africa.

“Galaxy Backbone is increasingly positioned as a key enabler of trusted digital infrastructure, and this engagement reinforces that role within Nigeria and beyond,” he added.

Adeyanju Calls for Shared Digital Strategies

Ibrahim Adeyanju, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of GBB, said African countries must align strategies and share expertise to accelerate digital growth.

According to him, stronger partnerships will help countries build resilient systems that support economic growth and digital inclusion.

“No single country can achieve the level of transformation required on its own. We must share knowledge, align strategies, and invest in systems that can serve the entire continent,” Adeyanju said.

Digital Infrastructure and Cybersecurity in Focus

The statement revealed that the programme will feature a continental dialogue themed “Building Africa’s Digital Foundations Together.” Stakeholders from 11 African countries are expected to attend the event in Abuja.

GBB is organising the programme in partnership with Smart Africa, Co-Develop, and MicroSave Consulting.

Discussions will focus on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), digital identity systems, secure connectivity, interoperability, cybersecurity, and inclusive digital ecosystems.

Nigeria Showcases Its Digital Infrastructure

During the engagement, delegates will tour GBB’s infrastructure facilities in Abuja. The tour will give participants direct insight into Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.

Participants will also explore systems supporting cloud services, cybersecurity operations, government connectivity, and digital platforms that improve public sector efficiency.

Moreover, GBB said the tour will demonstrate how shared ICT infrastructure can strengthen governance and accelerate institutional reforms across Africa.

The organisation added that the initiative highlights Nigeria’s growing position as a regional hub for digital innovation and infrastructure development.

MTN to Invest $28.9 Million in Free State and Northern Cape Network Expansion

Habeeb Ajala
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MTN to Invest $28.9 Million in Free State and Northern Cape Network Expansion

MTN Group plans to invest more than R480 million ($28.9 million) in network upgrades and expansion projects across South Africa’s Free State and Northern Cape provinces during 2026.

The investment forms part of the company’s broader infrastructure expansion strategy aimed at improving digital connectivity in both urban and rural communities.

MTN Prioritises 4G Reliability and 5G Expansion

According to MTN, the rollout will allocate R300 million to the Free State and more than R180 million to the Northern Cape.

The company said it will focus on improving 4G network reliability while also expanding 5G coverage across both provinces.

Key towns targeted under the expansion plan include Welkom, Bethlehem, Phuthaditjhaba, and QwaQwa in the Free State. Meanwhile, the Northern Cape rollout will cover Kimberley, Upington, Kuruman, and De Aar.

MTN aims to increase 5G availability to 82% in the Free State and 75% in the Northern Cape by 2026.

Rural Communities Remain Central to Rollout Plans

A major part of the infrastructure investment will target rural towns and farming communities where network connectivity remains limited or inconsistent.

The company noted that poor connectivity in these areas often affects access to online education, healthcare services, digital platforms, and business operations.

Therefore, MTN said strengthening digital infrastructure outside major cities remains a strategic priority as demand for mobile data and online services continues to rise across South Africa.

Investment Expected to Support Local Economic Activity

Beyond connectivity improvements, the rollout is also expected to create opportunities for businesses involved in telecom infrastructure deployment and maintenance projects.

Local contractors and service providers participating in network expansion activities could benefit from increased business opportunities linked to the upgrades.

The investment comes as telecommunications operators across South Africa continue expanding broadband and 5G infrastructure to meet rising demand for faster and more reliable mobile services.

MTN Says Expansion Will Improve Digital Inclusion

Commenting on the investment, Isabel Belle, General Manager for Central Region Operations at MTN South Africa, said the company aims to improve inclusion through expanded digital access.

“By extending our 5G footprint and strengthening network infrastructure in these provinces, especially in rural and farming communities, we are enabling greater inclusion and opening access to opportunities that can improve lives and livelihoods,” she said.

AdMinting Expands Creator Marketing With Data-Driven Advertising Infrastructure

Habeeb Ajala
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AdMinting Expands Creator Marketing With Data-Driven Advertising Infrastructure

AdMinting says it is building more than a traditional influencer marketplace. Instead, the startup describes itself as a creator economy infrastructure platform focused on performance, analytics, and measurable business growth.

The company combines creator discovery, campaign management, audience distribution, analytics, and performance tracking into one ecosystem. As a result, brands can manage creator-led campaigns from a single platform.

Platform Prioritises Engagement Quality

Unlike traditional influencer marketing models, AdMinting does not focus only on follower counts. Instead, the platform allows brands to work with nano, micro, and macro creators based on engagement quality, audience behaviour, niche relevance, and conversion potential.

This approach reflects a wider shift in digital advertising. Increasingly, brands want targeted engagement and measurable customer actions rather than broad visibility alone.

Brands Gain Access to Real-Time Campaign Data

The company said its platform tracks campaign outcomes such as clicks, app installs, leads, purchases, downloads, and customer acquisition metrics.

In addition, brands receive real-time analytics and campaign insights. This helps advertisers identify which creators, audience segments, and content formats generate the strongest results.

Consequently, businesses can make faster and more informed marketing decisions.

Creator-Led Campaigns Expand Across Multiple Sectors

According to AdMinting, campaigns on the platform have already generated millions of impressions across industries including fintech, entertainment, education, lifestyle, and public services.

The startup added that it uses creator-led distribution and niche online communities to improve campaign reach and audience engagement.

Meanwhile, Africa’s creator economy continues to grow as more businesses invest in digital advertising and social commerce.

Data and Accountability Becoming More Important

Industry analysts believe the creator economy is entering a more performance-focused phase. As competition increases, brands are demanding greater transparency, stronger analytics, and clearer returns on advertising spend.

Therefore, platforms that combine creator marketing with measurable performance tools could play a major role in shaping Africa’s digital advertising industry over the coming years.

Orange Corners Nigeria Opens Applications for 2026 Incubation Programme for Young Entrepreneurs

Habeeb Ajala
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Orange Corners Nigeria Opens Applications for 2026 Incubation Programme for Young Entrepreneurs

Applications are now open for the 2026 Orange Corners Nigeria Incubation Programme, an entrepreneurship development initiative designed to support young founders in Ogun State with training, mentorship, funding opportunities, and business support.

Launched in 2019 by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and implemented by the FATE Foundation, the programme focuses on helping entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 build sustainable and scalable businesses capable of driving economic growth and innovation.

Programme Targets High-Impact Sectors

The 2026 edition of the incubation programme is specifically open to entrepreneurs based in Ogun State who are building businesses across key sectors considered critical to sustainable development and economic transformation.

Eligible sectors include circular economy, agriculture, healthcare, renewable energy, technology, and water solutions.

Organisers say the initiative is aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and networks needed to strengthen their businesses and improve long-term sustainability.

Six-Month Programme to Support Startup Growth

Selected participants will undergo an intensive six-month incubation programme designed to strengthen business capacity and accelerate venture growth.

The programme includes enterprise management training focused on key business areas such as strategy, finance, operations, and marketing through practical workshops and interactive learning sessions.

Participants will also receive incubation and advisory support tailored to their business needs, alongside opportunities for industry visits and ecosystem exposure.

Funding Support of Up to €30,000 Available

One of the major highlights of the programme is access to funding support of up to €30,000 for prototype development and testing.

The funding is intended to help entrepreneurs validate ideas, improve products, and scale innovative solutions addressing local and regional challenges.

In addition to financial support, participants will gain access to mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and business experts, as well as networking opportunities with local and international markets.

Focus on Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Orange Corners Nigeria continues to position itself as one of the leading youth entrepreneurship support programmes in the country, particularly for early-stage founders seeking structured incubation and market access opportunities.

The initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s startup ecosystem by supporting innovation-driven enterprises capable of creating jobs and solving societal challenges.

Application Deadline

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline on May 30, 2026.

For more information and application details, applicants can visit the official Orange Corners Nigeria platform.

African Technology Forum Launches Fully Funded AI Challenge to Train 15,000 Young Innovators Across Africa

Habeeb Ajala
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African Technology Forum Launches Fully Funded AI Challenge to Train 15,000 Young Innovators Across Africa

The African Technology Forum (ATF) has officially launched the ATF AI Challenge, a fully funded artificial intelligence training and innovation programme designed to equip 15,000 young Africans with practical AI skills and hands-on experience in building technology-driven solutions.

The initiative is positioned as one of the continent’s largest AI learning and innovation programmes, targeting young innovators across Africa with the goal of transforming participants from passive technology users into active creators of AI-powered solutions capable of addressing real-world African challenges.

Programme Focuses on Practical AI Skills and Innovation

According to organisers, the ATF AI Challenge is structured to combine technical education, collaborative learning, mentorship, and product development into a single innovation pipeline.

The programme will guide participants through three major phases: an AI School, a competitive innovation challenge, and regional Demo Day events where selected teams will showcase their projects to investors, corporate partners, and industry stakeholders.

The first phase, known as the AI School, will run between June and July 2026. During this stage, participants will take part in a four-week virtual bootcamp covering core AI concepts such as Python programming, prompt engineering, and AI ethics.

ATF stated that the training is designed to accommodate beginners as well as participants with previous coding experience. Successful participants will receive industry-recognised certificates and access to additional learning resources.

Participants to Build AI Solutions for African Challenges

Following the training phase, participants will advance into the AI Challenge stage scheduled to run from August 2026 to April 2027.

During this phase, participants will form teams and develop AI-driven solutions focused on sectors including healthcare, agriculture, finance, and education.

Selected teams will receive mentorship from global technology experts, cloud computing credits, and support in building minimum viable products (MVPs).

The programme will also provide startup-style development support aimed at helping teams refine their ideas into scalable and impact-focused innovations.

ATF revealed that the top 1,000 teams will be paired with dedicated mentors who will provide strategic and technical guidance throughout the development process.

Regional Demo Days Planned Across Africa

The programme will conclude with regional Demo Day events scheduled for May 2027 in cities including Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, and Johannesburg.

At the events, participating teams will present their AI solutions to investors, employers, and technology ecosystem stakeholders.

Organisers said the showcase is intended to create opportunities for funding, partnerships, internships, and career advancement for outstanding participants.

Programme Removes Financial Barriers to AI Education

The ATF AI Challenge is fully funded, meaning participants are not required to pay tuition or programme fees.

The initiative is open to university students and recent graduates with up to three years of post-graduation experience.

Eligibility is currently limited to applicants from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.

Participants are expected to commit between five and ten hours weekly during the AI School phase, while no prior AI experience is required for entry-level participants.

Applications Open Until May 31, 2026

Applications for the 2026–2027 cohort opened on March 9, 2026, and will close on May 31, 2026.

The AI School phase is expected to begin on June 15, 2026, while the innovation challenge phase will officially commence in August 2026.

Organisers say the programme forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Africa’s artificial intelligence ecosystem and prepare young people for emerging opportunities within the global digital economy.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE

AfricaNenda Foundation Opens Applications for Six-Month Paid Remote Internship

Lindsay Eke
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AfricaNenda Foundation Opens Applications for Six-Month Paid Remote Internship

The AfricaNenda Foundation has opened applications for its Program Support Intern role, a six-month paid remote internship set to begin in May 2026.

The internship is part of the organisation’s wider effort to strengthen research, project management, and advocacy work as it expands support for inclusive instant payment systems across Africa.

AfricaNenda Foundation is an African-led institution focused on helping countries build instant payment systems that improve access to digital financial services. The organisation works with governments, regulators, financial institutions, and private sector partners to support safer and more accessible digital payments, especially for underserved communities.

Its long-term goal is to help achieve universal access to financial services across Africa by 2030 through interoperable and scalable payment infrastructure.

The foundation also supports broader continental digital trade and financial integration efforts linked to the African Continental Free Trade Area and the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy.

According to the organisation, the internship will give selected candidates hands-on experience across several operational areas, including research, stakeholder engagement, project coordination, and advocacy support.

The role is fully remote and will run full-time for six months.

Successful applicants will help conduct research on digital financial services and inclusive payment systems, support the preparation of reports and presentations, and assist with event planning for both virtual and physical engagements.

The intern will also support project tracking, meeting documentation, reporting processes, and stakeholder database management.

AfricaNenda said the role is designed to expose young professionals to the fast-growing digital payments ecosystem while helping them build practical skills in project management, research, and policy support.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in areas such as project management, business administration, international relations, social sciences, or related fields.

The organisation is looking for candidates with strong research, analytical, communication, and organisational skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required.

Knowledge of French or Portuguese will be considered an added advantage.

AfricaNenda also said candidates with an interest in financial inclusion, digital payment systems, and Africa’s digital economy are encouraged to apply.

As part of the application process, candidates must submit a CV outlining their relevant experience and provide details for three referees.

Applications should be sent to the organisation before the 29 May 2026 deadline. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

The organisation also encouraged female candidates to apply as part of its diversity and inclusion efforts.

234Finance Launches Pan-African SME Bootcamp with Access to $2 Million Funding Opportunities

Lindsay Eke
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234Finance Launches Pan-African SME Bootcamp with Access to $2 Million Funding Opportunities

234Finance has launched the 234Finance SME Bootcamp 2026, a new Pan-African business support programme designed to help more than 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises grow across over 10 African countries.

The initiative comes as African businesses increasingly look to take advantage of opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to strengthen cross-border trade and economic integration across the continent.

According to 234Finance, the programme was created to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing African SMEs, including limited access to funding, weak export readiness, fragmented regional markets and a lack of long-term business support.

The company said many SMEs remain trapped in local markets despite playing a major role in economic activity and job creation across Africa. The bootcamp aims to help businesses become more scalable, investor-ready and competitive across borders.

Speaking on the launch of the initiative, Ezinne Nwazulu, Managing Partner at 234Finance, said Africa’s economic future depends heavily on the growth and sustainability of SMEs.

She said the programme is intended to provide entrepreneurs with practical support, stronger networks and access to opportunities that can help businesses expand successfully into regional markets.

The two-month programme will offer virtual training, mentorship sessions, business assessments, investor readiness support and guidance on cross-border expansion.

The bootcamp is open to SMEs operating in sectors including agro-processing, manufacturing, logistics, technology services, fashion, creative industries and climate innovation.

Participating businesses will also receive access to business diagnostic tools, networking opportunities and support designed to improve operational growth and market expansion.

According to the organisers, eligible businesses selected for the programme will benefit from free trademark registration support as well as Amazon Web Services cloud credits to help strengthen their digital infrastructure and scalability.

One of the major attractions of the programme is access to funding opportunities valued at up to $2 million through grants, debt financing and equity investment.

Top-performing SMEs will also secure free exhibition opportunities at the eighth edition of the Mentor MatchUp Challenge (MMC), a continental business showcase organised by 234Finance and scheduled to take place in December 2026.

During the event, selected businesses will pitch directly to investors, venture capital firms, lenders and strategic partners during dedicated Deal Room sessions.

The programme is being supported by several organisations, including SMEDAN, WIPO, IESE Business School, Amila Africa, Pentagon Partners, Modhamba Partners, ICOYACA and Zutafa.

Apply now for the 234Finance SME Bootcamp programme. Registration closes on October 30, 2026.

Spiro Expands to Cameroon as Electric Motorcycle Fleet Reaches 95,000 Across Africa

Lindsay Eke
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Spiro Expands to Cameroon as Electric Motorcycle Fleet Reaches 95,000 Across Africa

Spiro has expanded into Cameroon after deploying 95,000 electric motorcycles across Africa, marking another major step in the company’s push to grow electric mobility infrastructure across the continent.

The expansion means Spiro now operates in seven African markets, including Benin, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Togo, Uganda and Cameroon. The company also continues to run a pilot programme in Tanzania.

Alongside the Cameroon launch, Spiro announced a new partnership with Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners, also known as ESP, to support greater participation of women in Africa’s growing e-mobility sector.

The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding and will begin with a Women in E-Mobility initiative in Rwanda. The programme aims to help women access electric motorcycles, financing support and technical training while connecting them to mobility and logistics platforms.

ESP, which operates offices in Kigali, Abidjan, Nairobi and Dakar, will oversee programme design and implementation, while Spiro will provide battery-swapping infrastructure and financing support.

The company’s latest deployment figures show significant growth in a short period. In February 2026, Spiro reported operating 80,000 electric motorcycles after securing a $50 million debt financing round led by Afreximbank to support expansion plans.

Spiro now says it has deployed more than 2,500 battery-swapping stations across its markets and completed over 30 million battery swaps. According to the company, its electric motorcycles have collectively travelled more than one billion kilometres using low-carbon transport systems.

Kenya remains one of the company’s strongest markets. Spiro said it captured around 60% of all new electric motorcycle sales in Kenya during 2025, selling more than 15,000 units out of the 25,277 electric motorcycles registered in the country that year.

The company’s business model separates battery ownership from motorcycle ownership. Riders purchase or lease the motorcycles while paying separately for battery swaps as needed. This approach is intended to lower upfront costs for commercial riders who are often affected by rising fuel prices.

In Nigeria, however, Spiro’s operations remain smaller as the company continues adjusting its strategy in a market reshaped by changes in local fuel pricing linked to the Dangote Refinery.

Spiro currently assembles motorcycles in Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda and says it plans to increase local sourcing of components from about 30% to 70% within the next two years as it strengthens manufacturing capacity across Africa.

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