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West Africa Peering Forum 2026 to Bring Internet Industry Leaders to Benin

Lindsay Eke
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West Africa Peering Forum 2026 to Bring Internet Industry Leaders to Benin

The West Africa Peering Forum (WAPF) 2026 will take place in Cotonou on June 17 and 18, bringing together internet infrastructure experts, regulators, and technology companies from across the region.

IXP Nigeria (IXPN) announced the event while calling for participation from internet service providers, content companies, internet exchange operators, engineers, and policymakers across West Africa.

Organised annually by the Internet Society, the forum focuses on improving internet connectivity and interconnection across the region.

This year’s programme will cover topics including internet exchange point development, cross-border interconnection, cloud services, content localisation, data centre growth, internet resilience, routing security, and strategies to make internet access more affordable.

The event’s Call for Papers is now open through the AFPIF Indico portal, allowing industry experts and organisations to submit presentations and technical discussions for the conference.

The programme committee for the 2026 edition is co-chaired by Behou Brice Abba, Esther King, and Obinna Adumike.

Several organisations have already confirmed support for the event. Flexoptix will serve as the lanyard sponsor, while LINX joins as a bronze sponsor. Renumesh is also supporting the forum.

Registration for WAPF 2026 is free through the Internet Society’s official event page, although organisers say attendance capacity will be limited.

IXPN also said it is arranging logistics support for Nigerian operators travelling to Benin for the event.

WAPF has become one of the region’s leading internet infrastructure gatherings over the past decade, helping drive discussions around peering, local traffic exchange, content caching, and internet resilience in West Africa.

The 2026 edition comes at a time when new submarine cable projects and expanding data centre investments are changing how internet traffic is managed and delivered across West Africa, creating fresh opportunities for local interconnection and digital growth.

Electric Vehicles in Africa Surge as Ethiopia Leads Shift from Fuel

Habeeb Ajala
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Electric Vehicles in Africa Surge as Ethiopia Leads Shift from Fuel

Electric Vehicles in Africa Drive Ethiopia’s Transport Change

Electric vehicles in Africa are growing quickly, with Ethiopia leading the shift as rising fuel prices and shortages push countries toward cheaper and cleaner transport options.

Africa imported 44,358 electric vehicles from China in 2025, according to China’s Commerce Ministry. This is a sharp rise from 19,386 vehicles in 2024. The imports, worth over $200 million, show strong demand across the continent. Ethiopia has been a key driver of this growth after banning new petrol and diesel car imports in 2024.

More than 115,000 electric vehicles are now on Ethiopian roads, making up about 8% of the country’s total vehicles. In 2025, Ethiopia accounted for about one-third of Africa’s EV imports from China, ahead of South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, and Nigeria.

Fuel shortages linked to global supply disruptions have affected transport and daily life in Ethiopia. The country spends about $4.2 billion each year on fuel imports and up to $128 million monthly on subsidies. Supply has dropped by over 180,000 metric tons due to shipping challenges through the Strait of Hormuz.

To reduce this pressure, the government is promoting electric vehicles as a long-term solution. Officials say this will help cut fuel imports and protect the economy from global oil price changes.

Ethiopia has a strong advantage because over 90% of its electricity comes from renewable sources such as hydropower and solar energy. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is expected to increase power supply further, supporting electric transport growth.

Experts say electric vehicles can lower costs over time. A private EV owner may spend about $4 per month on charging, compared to about $27 previously spent on fuel. Public transport operators can save even more.

Other African countries, including Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco, are also pushing electric vehicles through policy support and investment in clean energy.

Electric Vehicles in Africa Face Infrastructure and Cost Challenges

Despite the progress, electric vehicles in Africa still face major challenges. Charging stations are limited, especially outside major cities like Addis Ababa. Power supply can also be unreliable in some areas.

Ethiopia is working to expand its charging network, including fast-charging hubs, but nationwide coverage will take time and investment. Experts say delivering electricity to all regions remains a key challenge.

The country also plans to build a local EV industry. There are 17 assembly plants in development, with a goal of reaching 60 by 2030. This could help reduce costs in the future.

However, many people still cannot afford electric vehicles due to high purchase prices. At the same time, restrictions on petrol and diesel cars have increased the cost of used vehicles.

Experts warn that the transition must be gradual to avoid affecting people who depend on traditional vehicles for their income.

Still, the long-term outlook remains positive. Lower operating costs could reduce transport expenses, lower the cost of goods, and improve access to jobs and services. Ethiopia is also learning from countries like China and Norway, where strong policies have supported rapid EV growth.

Somalia Launches Smartphone Financing Scheme for Low-Income Users

Lindsay Eke
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Somalia Launches Smartphone Financing Scheme for Low-Income Users

Hormuud Telecom has partnered with Mogadishu-based Get-Phone to launch a smartphone financing programme aimed at helping low-income Somalis gain access to smartphones and mobile internet services.

The initiative is designed to tackle one of the biggest barriers to digital access in low-income markets: the high cost of smartphones and mobile data compared to average incomes.

Under the new model, users can access both a smartphone and a daily package of 1GB of data and 40 minutes of calls for $0.60 per day. Previously, many customers already spent around $0.50 daily for the same amount of data and call time without receiving a device.

The programme targets lower-income users earning an average monthly income of about $150. Organisers say the aim is to make smartphones more affordable and increase access to digital services across the country.

Salah Ahmed Jama said smartphones have become important tools for education, business, and financial inclusion.

“A smartphone today is far more than a device; it is a gateway to commerce, education, financial inclusion, and opportunity,” he said during the launch.

The first phase of the programme will distribute 10,000 smartphones by June 2026, with plans to expand to 100,000 devices before the end of the year. Expansion is also planned across Puntland and Somaliland.

Ahmed Yusuf said the initiative is intended to unlock the full value of Somalia’s growing telecom infrastructure.

“For twenty years, we have built a network that we believe can transform Somalia. The barrier is not the mast in the distance; it is the handset in the pocket,” he said.

Hormuud has invested heavily in Somalia’s telecom sector over the past two decades, including fibre optic infrastructure, subsea cable investments, and the launch of the country’s first 5G service. The company says more than 70 per cent of Somalia’s population now has access to 4G internet coverage.

Omar Abdi described the initiative as a way to support entrepreneurship and economic opportunity in Somalia by making digital tools more accessible.

The financing model was first tested in a pilot programme in Mogadishu between February and March 2026. According to the companies, the pilot recorded default rates below 4 per cent and showed strong demand among low-income users.

In several cases, family members acted as guarantors for relatives living in rural and nomadic communities, helping extend smartphone access while lowering financial risk.

The initiative also supports Somalia’s Vision 2060 development agenda, which aims to expand digital inclusion, economic participation, and access to technology-driven services across the country.

One Vecta AI Summit 2026 to Bring Together Africa’s AI Leaders and Policymakers in Ghana

Lindsay Eke
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One Vecta AI Summit 2026 to Bring Together Africa’s AI Leaders and Policymakers in Ghana

The One Vecta AI Summit 2026 is set to bring together policymakers, technology leaders, investors, startup founders, and researchers from across Africa to discuss how the continent can move from artificial intelligence ambition to real-world implementation.

The summit will take place on September 8 and 9, 2026, in Accra and aims to focus on practical ways African countries can use AI to drive economic growth, innovation, and productivity.

Organisers describe the event as a practical AI summit centred on execution rather than theory. The programme will include workshops, live demonstrations, executive roundtables, and case studies showing how artificial intelligence is already being applied in sectors such as finance, healthcare, agriculture, education, climate technology, and regulatory technology.

A major part of the event will be the Government and Policy Track, which is expected to bring together government officials and private sector leaders to discuss AI governance, digital infrastructure, data-sharing systems, and regulatory cooperation across African markets.

The track will also include ministerial roundtables and direct discussions between policymakers and business leaders aimed at addressing barriers slowing AI adoption and innovation on the continent.

As more African countries develop national AI strategies and digital transformation plans, experts say stronger cooperation between governments and the private sector will be necessary to build competitive AI ecosystems.

The summit will also feature an Innovation Track powered by MEST Africa. The programme is expected to connect emerging startups with investors, corporate partners, and industry stakeholders while showcasing AI-driven solutions built to solve African challenges.

The event is expected to attract delegates from across Africa and other regions, including corporate executives, development organisations, academics, regulators, and members of the startup ecosystem.

Early bird tickets for the summit are currently available through the official website, One Vecta AI Summit 2026.

India Pledges Support for Nigeria’s Textile Industry Revival

Lindsay Eke
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India Pledges Support for Nigeria’s Textile Industry Revival

India has pledged to support Nigeria’s efforts to rebuild its struggling cotton, textile and garment industry through technology transfer, investment partnerships, skills training, and stronger cooperation across the textile value chain.

The commitment was announced by Abhishek Singh during a textile business meeting in Abuja themed “Reviving the Textile Industry in Nigeria.”

The event, organised by the Indian High Commission, brought together government officials, business leaders, and industry stakeholders to discuss ways of rebuilding Nigeria’s textile manufacturing sector.

Speaking at the event, Singh said India and Nigeria have a long-standing economic relationship built on complementary strengths. He noted that Nigeria’s large population and growing demand for affordable textiles make it an important market for India.

According to him, India remains one of the world’s largest textile producers and exporters, with textile and apparel exports reaching 37.75 billion dollars during the 2024/2025 financial year.

“Nigeria is Africa’s largest democracy with a growing population and rising demand for affordable textiles, while India is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of cotton, yarn, fabrics and garments,” Singh said.

However, he noted that textile trade between both countries remains below its full potential due to import restrictions, high transport costs, foreign exchange shortages, and competition from cheaper Asian imports.

Singh revealed that Nigeria’s textile exports stood at 25.69 million dollars in 2024, with India accounting for only five per cent of that total.

As part of the new collaboration, India is encouraging its companies to establish textile processing facilities in Nigeria’s major cotton-producing states, including Katsina State and Zamfara State.

He explained that instead of exporting only finished fabrics to Nigeria, Indian firms could invest directly in local ginning, spinning, and processing plants to reduce import dependence and support Nigeria’s Cotton, Textile and Garment Policy.

India also plans to support Nigeria with modern textile machinery, digital printing systems, dyeing technology, and technical training for local workers and manufacturers.

According to Singh, discussions are already underway between India’s National Institute of Fashion Technology and fashion institutions in Lagos to strengthen design and technical skills in the sector.

He further announced plans to launch an India-Nigeria Bi-Monthly Trade Webinar Series in partnership with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry to improve business connections between exporters and importers in both countries.

“We need to move the textile trade from transactional to transformational. India brings scale, cost efficiency and technical depth, while Nigeria offers market size and design innovation,” Singh said.

Speaking at the event, Jani Ibrahim said Nigeria’s textile industry remains important for industrial growth, job creation, and exports.

Represented by Adesoji Adesugba, Ibrahim warned that Nigeria’s textile imports rose sharply from 726.18 billion naira in 2024 to around 1.06 trillion naira in 2025, while exports declined during the same period.

“This is not merely a trade statistic; it is an urgent call to rebuild productive capacity,” he said.

He added that reviving the industry would require rebuilding the full cotton-to-garment value chain, upgrading machinery, improving training, expanding access to finance, and creating stronger markets for locally made products.

Emeka Obegolu also said the textile industry could become a major source of jobs and economic growth if properly developed.

Represented by Agabaidu Jideani, Obegolu said Nigeria’s textile sector was once a major part of the country’s industrial economy and could become globally competitive again with the right reforms and investment.

Meanwhile, Greene Amakwe described Aba as a key industrial centre capable of leading Nigeria’s textile and garment revival.

He said that with better infrastructure, training, and standardisation, Aba could grow from an informal manufacturing hub into a globally competitive production centre.

Bank of Ghana Warns Fintech Data Gaps Are Driving Loan Defaults

Lindsay Eke
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Bank of Ghana Warns Fintech Data Gaps Are Driving Loan Defaults

The Bank of Ghana has warned fintech lenders that poor data sharing across digital lending platforms is increasing loan defaults and exposing Ghana’s financial sector to growing risk.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 3i Africa Summit 2026 in Accra, Kwasi Osei-Yeboah said many fintech companies still operate in isolated systems that prevent lenders from seeing a borrower’s full credit history.

According to him, this lack of shared borrower data allows serial defaulters to move from one lending platform to another without being detected.

He explained that when borrowers fail to repay loans on one platform, other fintech firms often have no way of knowing. As a result, the same individuals can continue applying for fresh loans elsewhere, leaving multiple lenders with unpaid debts.

“Inability to share common data brings separation and makes it difficult to identify the history of creditors,” Dr Osei-Yeboah said.

He called on fintech companies to work together on shared data standards and borrower information systems that would make loan defaults visible across all participating platforms.

Dr Osei-Yeboah said a stronger credit data framework would improve underwriting decisions, build trust within the fintech industry, and encourage more responsible borrowing behaviour among customers.

He warned that without coordinated action, Ghana’s digital lending sector could continue expanding while quietly building deeper financial risks beneath the surface.

The central bank official stressed that better collaboration should not be viewed only as a regulatory requirement, but as an important business strategy for fintech companies seeking long-term growth and stability.

Beyond concerns around borrower data, Dr Osei-Yeboah also criticised high interest rates charged by some digital lenders. He argued that aggressive pricing models may hurt customer relationships and weaken trust over time.

He urged fintech firms to focus on sustainable customer retention rather than prioritising short-term profits from expensive loans.

The comments reflect the Bank of Ghana’s wider efforts to strengthen oversight and accountability in the country’s fast-growing fintech sector while still supporting innovation and digital financial inclusion through reforms such as open banking initiatives.

Interswitch Admits Biggest Developer Academy Class to Grow Africa’s Tech Talent

Habeeb Ajala
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Interswitch Admits Biggest Developer Academy Class to Grow Africa’s Tech Talent

Interswitch, one of Africa’s top digital payments and commerce companies, has welcomed the third and largest group of interns into its Developer Academy programme. The move shows the company’s continued effort to train skilled technology professionals and support the growth of Africa’s digital economy.

The new group of interns was selected from more than 20,000 applicants. Candidates went through several stages of screening, including technical tests and interviews, before being chosen for the programme. The large number of applications highlights the growing interest in software engineering careers among young Nigerians and the increasing demand for opportunities in the tech industry.

The Developer Academy is a nine-month training programme designed to prepare participants for careers in software engineering and technology. Interns will receive training in important areas such as Backend Development, DevOps, Mobile Development, Frontend Engineering, and Quality Assurance.

According to the company, the programme combines classroom learning with practical work experience. This approach is meant to help participants gain real industry skills and prepare them for the fast-changing global technology sector.

Speaking about the initiative, Mitchell Elegbe said Interswitch remains focused on long-term investment in technology talent despite the challenge of skilled workers leaving the country for opportunities abroad.

He explained that the company’s goal is not only to meet its own staffing needs but also to help build a stronger technology ecosystem in Nigeria and across Africa. Elegbe added that by training more highly skilled professionals, Nigeria can continue to strengthen its reputation as a source of globally competitive engineering talent.

Nigeria and South Africa Lead Africa’s Growing Crypto Economy

Sodiq Ajala
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Nigeria and South Africa Lead Africa’s Growing Crypto Economy

Africa’s cryptocurrency industry is often spoken about as if every country is moving at the same speed and for the same reasons. In reality, a few major markets are shaping most of the growth on the continent. Right now, Nigeria and South Africa are leading that movement and helping define what the future of crypto in Africa could look like.

The crypto sector in Africa is no longer only about excitement, trading, or speculation. It is increasingly becoming part of everyday financial systems, including payments, regulation, digital infrastructure, and cross-border transfers. Terms linked to global crypto markets, including XRP and the U.S. dollar exchange conversation often referred to as “xrp usd,” are now tied to larger discussions about liquidity, international payments, and access to global finance.

Nigeria and South Africa are driving this shift in different ways, but together they are influencing the direction of digital assets across the continent.

Nigeria’s Crypto Growth Is Driven by Everyday Financial Needs

Nigeria has become one of the world’s most watched crypto markets. The country has a large population of young, internet-connected users and a strong culture of entrepreneurship. Many Nigerians have turned to cryptocurrency as a practical tool for dealing with economic challenges.

For many people in Nigeria, crypto is not simply an investment trend. It has become a way to save money, move funds across borders, and gain access to assets linked to stronger foreign currencies. This practical use has helped fuel adoption beyond the usual excitement seen in many other markets.

The country’s economic pressures, including currency instability and limited access to international financial systems, have pushed more users toward digital assets. As a result, cryptocurrency in Nigeria is often seen as a financial solution rather than just a technology trend.

Global crypto exchange Binance has also played a major role in raising awareness in the country. Because of its size and visibility, Binance became one of the most recognized names in African crypto discussions. Although the company has faced legal and political scrutiny in Nigeria, its presence highlighted the country’s growing importance in the global digital asset industry.

South Africa Is Building a More Regulated Crypto Industry

While Nigeria’s crypto market is largely driven by urgent financial needs, South Africa is developing a more structured and regulated approach.

The country is working toward integrating digital assets into the formal financial system. Crypto in South Africa is increasingly connected to discussions around regulation, compliance, investment products, and long-term market planning.

This approach gives South Africa a different kind of influence on the continent. Instead of relying mainly on grassroots demand, the country is helping bring digital assets into the mainstream through policy development and institutional involvement.

South Africa’s growing focus on regulation and financial integration is important because the wider African crypto market needs both innovation and stable systems. Nigeria provides rapid user-driven growth, while South Africa offers institutional structure and policy direction. Together, they create a more balanced model for crypto adoption in Africa.

Two Different Approaches Are Shaping Africa’s Crypto Future

Nigeria and South Africa are leading Africa’s crypto industry in very different ways.

Nigeria’s market is fast-moving and heavily influenced by immediate financial pressures. Many users adopt crypto because it helps solve daily economic problems, such as currency instability or expensive cross-border payments.

South Africa’s market is more measured and closely linked to regulation and institutional development. The country is focusing on how digital assets can fit within existing financial systems and legal frameworks.

These differences are helping shape a broader African crypto ecosystem. Some countries may adopt crypto mainly for practical financial use, while others may focus more on investment products, licensing systems, and institutional participation.

Nigeria and South Africa show that both paths can exist together and support the continent’s digital economy.

Other African Countries Are Paying Attention

The progress made in Nigeria and South Africa is being closely watched across Africa. Entrepreneurs are studying the products and services gaining traction in these markets. Policymakers are observing how each country manages the risks and opportunities linked to digital assets.

If Nigeria continues to prove that crypto can solve real financial problems for ordinary users, adoption may grow faster in other developing markets. At the same time, South Africa’s regulatory approach could offer a model for governments and financial institutions across the continent.

Large international companies are also watching these markets carefully. Binance, for example, remains a major topic in African crypto discussions because its activities often reflect the continent’s growing strategic importance in the global digital asset industry.

Africa’s Next Crypto Phase Is Already Taking Shape

Nigeria and South Africa are shaping the next phase of cryptocurrency growth in Africa because each country represents a different part of the industry’s evolution.

Nigeria shows why people turn to crypto when traditional financial systems fail to meet their needs. South Africa demonstrates how digital assets are gradually becoming part of formal markets and institutions.

Together, these two countries are giving Africa’s crypto story more direction and credibility. The future of digital assets on the continent is unlikely to follow one single model. Instead, it will be shaped by different economic realities, regulatory approaches, and local needs.

Nigeria and South Africa are already leading that transformation, while the rest of the continent continues to watch and learn from their progress.

Yoco Appoints New CEO as South African Fintech Targets Expansion

Lindsay Eke
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Yoco Appoints New CEO as South African Fintech Targets Expansion

South African fintech company Yoco has appointed Carsten Höltkemeyer as its new chief executive officer, as the business prepares for its next stage of growth.

The appointment takes effect from 1 June 2026 and follows a global search process that began after co-founder Katlego Maphai stepped down from the CEO role nine months ago.

Yoco said Höltkemeyer brings extensive experience from the fintech and banking sectors, having previously held leadership roles at Solaris, Barclays, and Royal Bank of Scotland. The company said his background in scaling product-focused financial businesses made him a strong fit for Yoco’s future plans.

During the transition period, co-founders Lungisa Matshoba and Bradley Wattrus served as co-CEOs. Both will now return to their previous positions, with Matshoba continuing as chief product and technology officer and Wattrus resuming his role as chief financial officer.

Co-founder Carl Wazen will remain chief business officer, while Maphai will continue supporting the company’s strategic direction.

Speaking about the appointment, Höltkemeyer said he was drawn to Yoco’s mission of supporting small and independent businesses across South Africa.

He described independent businesses as an important part of the country’s economy and said Yoco had built a strong platform to support their growth.

Founded in 2015, Yoco first became known for its mobile card payment machines aimed at helping small businesses accept digital payments more easily. Since then, the company has expanded into a wider range of financial and business services.

Yoco said it now serves more than 200,000 merchants, processes roughly 30 million card payments each year, and has provided billions of rand in funding to businesses.

The company’s next growth phase will focus on building a broader commerce platform that combines payments, point-of-sale systems, business funding, and artificial intelligence-powered tools into a single ecosystem for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Yoco added that its founders will remain actively involved in developing products and guiding innovation as the company expands beyond payments into a more complete business platform.

Paga and Sui Partner to Improve Cross-Border Payments and Digital Finance in Africa

Lindsay Eke
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Paga and Sui Partner to Improve Cross-Border Payments and Digital Finance in Africa

Paga has announced a strategic partnership with Sui to build new digital financial services aimed at improving cross-border payments and financial access across Africa.

The partnership was announced by Tayo Oviosu, who said the collaboration is designed to address major financial challenges facing millions of Africans, including slow international transfers, unstable local currencies, and limited access to global financial systems.

According to Oviosu, the partnership supports Paga’s long-term goal of making financial services easier to access for one billion people. He noted that although Africa’s fintech sector has grown rapidly in recent years, many people still struggle to move money across borders, protect their savings, and participate in global commerce.

Paga said it currently processes about $1.5 billion in transactions every month. Since launching, the company has handled more than $42 billion through over 653 million transactions.

Under the agreement, Paga and Sui plan to introduce four major financial products focused on expanding financial inclusion and improving access to digital assets.

One of the planned services will offer high-yield US dollar accounts powered by the Sui Dollar stablecoin. The companies said this will help users protect their savings from local currency depreciation, a growing concern in several African economies.

The partnership will also build stronger on-ramp and off-ramp systems that allow users to move more easily between local currencies and digital assets. The goal is to improve liquidity and simplify digital transactions across African markets.

Another part of the collaboration will focus on tokenised real-world assets, allowing Africans to invest in global assets with as little as $100. The companies believe this could open access to investment opportunities that are often unavailable to ordinary users.

Paga and Sui also plan to develop blockchain-based financial rails that support faster and cheaper cross-border payments across the continent.

Oviosu said Africa’s growing population and rising middle class create a major opportunity for digital finance innovation. He added that the partnership is focused not only on technology, but also on removing barriers that have limited economic participation and financial inclusion for many Africans.

The collaboration highlights a wider trend among African fintech companies exploring blockchain technology and stablecoins as tools for improving payments, savings, and access to international financial services.

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