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Orange Egypt and Paragon ADeer Launch AI Campus to Boost Egypt’s Tech Growth

Sodiq Ajala
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Orange Egypt and Paragon ADeer Launch AI Campus to Boost Egypt’s Tech Growth

Orange Egypt has partnered with Paragon ADeer to launch a new artificial intelligence campus at Sumou Boulevard, aimed at supporting Egypt’s growing technology sector.

The AI campus is designed to serve as a hub for innovation, training, and business development. It will bring together startups, technology experts, and students to work on AI-driven solutions and build new digital products.

Located within the Sumou Boulevard development, the campus will provide modern facilities, including workspaces, training centres, and areas for collaboration. The goal is to create an environment where talent can develop practical skills and companies can test and scale new ideas.

The project focuses on preparing young professionals for jobs in artificial intelligence and related fields. Through training programs and partnerships, it aims to close the skills gap and support the next generation of tech workers in Egypt.

In addition to education, the campus will support startups by giving them access to resources, mentorship, and potential investors. This is expected to help early-stage companies grow faster and contribute to the wider digital economy.

Officials involved in the project say the initiative aligns with Egypt’s broader plans to strengthen its position as a regional technology hub. By investing in AI and innovation, the country hopes to attract more businesses and create new opportunities for economic growth.

The collaboration between Orange Egypt and Paragon ADeer highlights the increasing role of partnerships between telecom companies and developers in building digital infrastructure.

With the launch of this AI campus, Egypt is taking another step toward developing a strong and skilled workforce ready to compete in the global technology landscape.

UniCloud Africa Partners with Open Access Data Centres to Expand Sovereign Cloud Services

Sodiq Ajala
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0
UniCloud Africa Partners with Open Access Data Centres to Expand Sovereign Cloud Services

UniCloud Africa has partnered with Open Access Data Centres to expand sovereign cloud services across the continent.

The partnership aims to give African businesses and governments better control over their data by keeping it stored and managed within local borders. This approach, known as sovereign cloud, is becoming more important as concerns grow around data privacy, security, and compliance with national laws.

By working together, the two companies plan to combine UniCloud Africa’s cloud technology with Open Access Data Centres’ physical infrastructure. This will allow them to deliver reliable and secure cloud services in multiple African countries, supporting organisations that need to store sensitive information locally.

The initiative is expected to benefit sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, where strict data protection rules often apply. It will also help businesses that want faster access to data and reduced dependence on overseas servers.

Industry experts say demand for local cloud services is rising across Africa as digital transformation accelerates. Many organisations are looking for solutions that offer both global standards and local control.

The partnership also supports broader efforts to strengthen Africa’s digital economy. By investing in local infrastructure and services, companies can improve data security, create jobs, and support innovation within the continent.

With this move, UniCloud Africa and Open Access Data Centres aim to play a key role in building a stronger and more independent digital ecosystem for Africa.

Technology Now Decides Who Succeeds in Modern Trading

Sodiq Ajala
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0
Technology Now Decides Who Succeeds in Modern Trading

Technology has become the key factor that determines success in today’s trading environment, as businesses and traders rely more on digital tools to stay competitive.

According to a report by CIO Africa, companies that invest in modern trading systems are better positioned to respond to market changes, manage risks, and make faster decisions.

In the past, trading depended heavily on human judgment and manual processes. Today, digital platforms, data analytics, and automation tools are shaping how trades are executed. These systems allow traders to analyse large amounts of data in real time, helping them spot opportunities and avoid losses more effectively.

Speed has become a major advantage. Advanced technology enables trades to be completed in seconds, which is critical in markets where prices can change quickly. Businesses that still rely on slower, manual methods may struggle to keep up.

The use of artificial intelligence is also growing. AI tools can study patterns, predict trends, and support decision-making. This helps traders improve accuracy and reduce errors, especially in complex markets.

Security is another important factor. As trading becomes more digital, companies must protect their systems from cyber threats. Strong cybersecurity measures are now essential to maintain trust and prevent financial losses.

Experts say that access to the right technology is no longer optional. It is a basic requirement for survival in modern trading. Companies that fail to adapt risk falling behind competitors who are using smarter and faster systems.

Overall, the shift toward technology-driven trading is changing how markets operate, making efficiency, speed, and data analysis more important than ever.

Algeria Launches First AI and Cybersecurity Startup Cluster

Lindsay Eke
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Algeria Launches First AI and Cybersecurity Startup Cluster

Algeria has launched its first startup cluster focused on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, as part of a wider plan to turn its strong pool of technical talent into real economic growth.

The new cluster is based at the Scientific and Technological Pole Chahid Abdelhafid-Ihaddaden in Sidi Abdellah. It was introduced under the joint supervision of three government officials: Kamel Baddari, Noureddine Ouadah, and Sid Ali Zerrouki.

The move signals a shift in how Algeria supports innovation. Instead of backing startups individually, the government is now building organised clusters that bring together universities, research centres, and businesses in one place. The goal is to help ideas move more quickly from research into real-world use.

The cluster is expected to close the long-standing gap between academic research and industry. It will support the development of solutions in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, energy, and digital services. Officials say the model could be expanded to other campuses across the country, with 2027 set as a target for broader rollout.

The hub itself was opened in 2024 by Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Covering 87 hectares, it includes four national schools specialising in mathematics, nanoscience, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence. The site can accommodate up to 20,000 students, with housing for 11,000. It also includes the National School of Artificial Intelligence, which opened in 2021 and now plays a key role in the cluster.

Algeria currently has more than 7,800 registered startups, with a government target of reaching 20,000 by 2029. With youth unemployment close to 30 percent, officials are under pressure to create more opportunities in the digital economy.

The new AI and cybersecurity cluster is seen as a practical step towards that goal. By connecting students, researchers, and businesses, the initiative aims to turn academic knowledge into jobs, startups, and scalable technologies, helping to build a stronger and more competitive digital sector.

Four Nigerian Startups Join Google Accelerator’s 2026 Africa Cohort

Lindsay Eke
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Four Nigerian Startups Join Google Accelerator’s 2026 Africa Cohort

Four Nigerian tech startups have been selected for the 10th cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa, marking a strong showing from the country’s growing digital ecosystem.

The selected companies – Bani, MasteryHive AI, Regxta, and Termii – were chosen from nearly 2,600 applications. They are part of a final group of 15 startups from across Africa, with an acceptance rate of less than one percent.

Google said the Nigerian startups are using artificial intelligence to tackle key challenges across the continent.

Bani is building a platform to simplify cross-border payments for African businesses by reducing delays in transactions. MasteryHive AI focuses on automating financial processes such as transaction reconciliation, fraud detection, and anti-money laundering checks. Regxta uses alternative data and a mix of digital and physical agent networks to provide financial services to small, underserved businesses. Termii offers communication tools that help ensure secure and reliable financial messaging, including login codes, payment alerts, and fraud notifications.

Google noted that African startups are increasingly addressing major infrastructure gaps in areas such as finance, healthcare, and supply chains using advanced technology. The company also highlighted that Africa’s venture capital ecosystem raised $3.9 billion in 2025, showing continued growth despite economic challenges.

However, Google said funding alone is not enough. Startups also need strong technical support, access to cloud infrastructure, and guidance from experienced mentors to scale their solutions effectively.

Gbolade Emmanuel said the programme is already helping his company improve its technology and expand globally. He explained that Termii is focused on ensuring financial transactions work smoothly, from login verification codes to payment alerts, and that early support from the accelerator has been valuable.

Folarin Aiyegbusi said the selected founders represent a new wave of innovation driving economic growth and social progress across the continent. He added that Google aims to support them with the tools and networks needed to grow their businesses and increase their impact.

The programme runs from April 13 to June 19, 2026, and combines virtual and in-person sessions. Participants will receive mentorship, technical training, and workshops focused on artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Since its launch in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa has supported 106 startups from 17 countries. These companies have gone on to raise more than $263 million and create over 2,800 jobs.

12 Agritech Startups Reach AYuTe Rwanda 2026 Bootcamp Stage

Lindsay Eke
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12 Agritech Startups Reach AYuTe Rwanda 2026 Bootcamp Stage

The 2026 edition of the AYuTe Africa Challenge in Rwanda has selected 12 young agritech startups to move forward to an intensive training bootcamp, as part of the journey towards the competition’s grand finale.

Organised by Heifer International, the AYuTe programme, which stands for Agriculture, Youth and Technology, focuses on supporting young innovators using technology to solve problems faced by smallholder farmers.

This year’s competition attracted more than 1,200 applications from Rwandans aged between 18 and 35. After a detailed screening process, 12 startups were chosen based on the strength and potential of their ideas.

The bootcamp runs from April 20 to 24, 2026. During this five-day programme, participants will receive training to help them grow their businesses. This includes mentorship, business development support, financial planning, and opportunities to connect with industry experts and potential investors.

Verena Ruzibuka said the bootcamp is designed to prepare participants for the next stage of their journey. She explained that many young innovators have strong ideas but need support to turn them into scalable businesses.

Ruzibuka added that the initiative is not only about supporting individual startups but also about strengthening Rwanda’s wider agricultural system. She noted that youth-led innovation can help create jobs, improve farmers’ incomes, and build more stable food systems.

One of the selected participants, Abdu Usanase, said the opportunity marks an important step for his company. His firm provides farmers with guidance on seed selection, fertiliser use, pest control, and profit planning.

He said the bootcamp will give his team access to valuable knowledge, networks, and practical skills needed to improve their solution and expand their impact.

Throughout the programme, participants will take part in workshops focused on refining their business models, preparing for investors, and improving market strategies. At the end of the bootcamp, they will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges, with five finalists moving on to the grand finale.

This year’s competition offers a total prize of 65 million Rwandan francs, an increase from 50 million francs in 2025. The higher prize reflects growing support for young entrepreneurs working in agriculture.

The AYuTe Challenge aims to support businesses that can improve productivity, raise farmer incomes, and strengthen agricultural systems. Previous winners have used the platform to grow their companies, create jobs, and build partnerships across the country.

The 12 selected startups represent a new wave of innovators working to reshape Rwanda’s agriculture sector and support long-term, inclusive growth.

Africa Pushes for Data Control as UniCloud and OADC Sign Sovereign Cloud Deal

Lindsay Eke
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Africa Pushes for Data Control as UniCloud and OADC Sign Sovereign Cloud Deal

UniCloud Africa and Open Access Data Centres have announced a new partnership aimed at keeping African data within the continent and reducing reliance on foreign cloud providers.

Under the agreement, UniCloud Africa will deploy its sovereign cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure inside OADC’s data centres located in Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Africa. These facilities will provide local hosting for governments and businesses, helping them meet data protection rules and keep sensitive information within national borders.

The deal comes as concerns grow over “data colonialism”, a term used to describe how African data is often stored and controlled outside the continent. Both companies say building local infrastructure is key to ensuring digital independence and stronger control over data.

Krish Ranganath said the partnership supports the company’s “One Cloud, One Africa” vision. He explained that hosting services locally will reduce delays in data processing, improve performance, and allow customers to pay in local currencies while still meeting global security standards.

Ranganath added that relying on overseas cloud systems can create risks around data privacy and unclear regulations, which many African organisations have struggled with.

“Our goal is to build a strong foundation for Africa’s digital and economic independence,” he said, noting that keeping data within the continent will give clients faster access and more secure, compliant services.

Ayotunde Coker described the agreement as an important step towards building a connected digital system across Africa. He said OADC’s Tier III-certified facilities will provide the reliability needed to support advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and large-scale data processing.

The partnership will make use of OADC’s growing presence across key markets. In Lagos, Nigeria, the data centre campus will support the country’s expanding fintech and business sectors. In Kinshasa, the project will introduce local cloud services to help speed up digital adoption in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In South Africa, a network of facilities will provide both primary and backup data services.

Beyond infrastructure, UniCloud Africa plans to introduce a GPU-as-a-Service model. This will allow companies, researchers, and startups to access high-performance computing for AI and data analysis without needing to invest heavily in hardware.

The model is expected to lower costs and make advanced technology more accessible, especially as global cloud providers often charge high fees and require payments in foreign currencies. The partnership will also remove data transfer charges and offer pricing in local currencies, addressing a major challenge for African businesses.

The move aligns with wider efforts across the continent to strengthen digital infrastructure, support local innovation, and reduce dependence on foreign technology systems. As more governments introduce data protection laws and policies that require data to be stored locally, demand for such services is likely to grow.

For UniCloud Africa and OADC, the agreement marks a long-term plan to build an African-owned digital backbone, aimed at supporting economic growth while ensuring that the continent retains control over its data.

Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga Agboola Earns Endeavor Outlier Honour for Sixth Year Running

Lindsay Eke
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Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga Agboola Earns Endeavor Outlier Honour for Sixth Year Running

Olugbenga Agboola, chief executive of Flutterwave, has been named to the 2026 Outlier Class by Endeavor for the sixth year in a row. The recognition highlights his continued work in improving payment systems across Africa and other emerging markets.

Endeavor said its 2026 Outlier group reflects a new phase in global entrepreneurship, where founders are building strong, competitive businesses despite uncertain economic conditions.

Agboola first joined Endeavor in 2019 as an Endeavor Entrepreneur. Since then, he has taken on a more active role within the network, including serving on its board and supporting younger founders. His involvement also includes investing in the ecosystem to help grow fintech and other sectors.

Under his leadership, Flutterwave has reached several milestones. The company was listed among the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies in 2025 and received the Excellence in Cross-Border Payments Award at the Africa Tech Summit. Agboola was also honoured with the Fintech Pioneer in Africa Award for his impact on the industry.

In 2025, Flutterwave expanded its global reach by opening new payment routes, including connections between Africa and Asia. The company processed close to $1 billion in the first half of the year and has now handled more than $40 billion in total transactions across over 1 billion payments.

Flutterwave has also strengthened its technology through partnerships with Polygon and Turnkey. These partnerships focus on improving access to payments and making cross-border transfers faster and more efficient.

Beyond his role at Flutterwave, Agboola is active as an investor and mentor. Through his venture platform, Resilience17, he supports early-stage companies, especially in fintech and digital identity. The platform has backed more than 70 startups worldwide, including Vesti, Klasha, LemFi, and Bamboo.

His investment work earned him the Tech Investor of the Year award from Business Insider Africa in 2022. One of his portfolio companies, Brass, was successfully acquired in 2024, further strengthening his track record.

Agboola has also entered the field of artificial intelligence with the launch of Go Time AI, Nigeria’s first dedicated AI accelerator. The programme provides funding and computing resources to founders in the Global South building AI solutions for local markets.

His investments extend beyond technology. They include Lagoon Hospital, a healthcare provider, and Nairobi City Thunder Basketball Club, a two-time national champion.

In 2026, Flutterwave has taken further steps to expand its services. The company acquired Mono to improve access to financial data across Africa. It also secured a microfinance banking licence, allowing it to offer a wider range of financial services to businesses.

Agboola joins other founders from more than 50 underserved markets in the 2026 Endeavor Outlier Class. Together, they are recognised not only for building successful companies but also for mentoring others and supporting innovation in their regions.

Bfree Raises $3.1 Million to Tackle Rising Bad Loans Across Africa

Lindsay Eke
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Bfree Raises $3.1 Million to Tackle Rising Bad Loans Across Africa

Lagos-based fintech firm Bfree has secured $3.1 million in new funding from undisclosed investors, as it expands its work in buying and managing bad loans across Africa.

The latest funding comes after a series of earlier investments. In 2024, the company raised $2.95 million in equity led by Capria Ventures, with backing from firms including Angaza Capital, GreenHouse Capital, Launch Africa, Modus Africa, and Axian CVC.

The same year, TLG Capital provided a $3 million debt facility to support what both parties described as ethical microlending. Another $3 million came from the Verdant Capital Hybrid Fund. Altogether, Bfree has raised more than $12 million in funding since it was founded in 2020.

Bfree operates in a less crowded part of the fintech space. While many startups have focused on digital lending and buy-now-pay-later services, fewer have built systems to manage loans that are not repaid. This gap has often led to high default rates for lenders and harsh recovery methods for borrowers.

The company was founded in 2020 by Julian Flosbach, Chukwudi Enyi, and Moses Nmor. It was created as an alternative to aggressive debt collection practices such as public shaming and repeated harassment, which have drawn criticism in several markets.

Instead of using pressure tactics, Bfree applies machine learning to analyse unpaid loans. Its system studies borrower behaviour, estimates their ability to repay, and then suggests flexible repayment plans. Customers interact through automated tools such as chatbots and self-service platforms, and the company avoids penalties like late fees or blacklisting.

So far, Bfree says it has managed over $740 million in distressed loans, working with about 6.6 million borrowers across Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. It also serves more than 30 financial institutions, including digital lenders and traditional banks.

The new funding will mainly support Bfree’s move into buying bad loan portfolios directly. Rather than only offering software to lenders, the company is now purchasing non-performing loans and handling the recovery process itself.

This approach aims to solve a long-standing problem in Africa’s financial sector. Selling bad loans has been difficult due to poor data, unclear pricing, and legal challenges. For lenders, however, selling these debts can help clean up their accounts without long legal battles or full losses.

Bfree is working to turn these troubled loans into a more predictable investment opportunity. By combining its repayment prediction tools with a more respectful approach to customers, the company hopes to attract investors such as asset managers and hedge funds.

The firm is also exploring new technologies. Its engineering team, led by Konrad Pawlus and Yohan Theatre, is testing how blockchain and decentralised finance tools could make buying and selling debt easier.

This comes at a time when regulators across Africa are paying closer attention to digital lending. Countries such as Nigeria and Kenya have introduced stricter rules to protect borrowers from unfair treatment, pushing lenders to adopt safer and more transparent recovery methods.

Flosbach has said the company’s goal is to help borrowers recover financially while also supporting lenders. As economic pressures continue and more people struggle to repay loans, firms like Bfree are becoming an important part of Africa’s growing financial system.

Microsoft Invests $329 Million to Expand Data Centres in South Africa

Lindsay Eke
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Microsoft Invests $329 Million to Expand Data Centres in South Africa

Microsoft has announced a new $329 million investment to grow its cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure in South Africa. The funding will go towards building more data centre capacity, buying land, and improving power and water systems needed to support large-scale computing.

This latest investment adds to an earlier $1.2 billion already committed by the company, showing a continued long-term focus on strengthening its presence in the country.

Speaking about the expansion, Brad Smith highlighted the importance of physical infrastructure in developing artificial intelligence. He explained that AI systems depend heavily on data centres, which require reliable electricity, strong computing power, and efficient cooling systems to operate effectively.

These needs present real challenges. AI workloads must run continuously, meaning they require stable power and controlled environments. In places where these conditions are not consistent, it becomes harder and more costly to scale up operations.

South Africa remains an attractive location for large technology firms due to its relatively strong internet connectivity, established business environment, and clearer regulations compared to many other countries in the region. This makes it easier for companies like Microsoft to build infrastructure that can also serve nearby markets.

Beyond infrastructure, Microsoft is also forming local partnerships. The company is working with Lelapa AI to develop language models trained on African data. This aims to improve how AI systems understand and respond to local languages, which are often underrepresented in global datasets.

In education, Microsoft has teamed up with the South African Broadcasting Corporation to deliver digital skills training through the SABC+ platform. The programme is designed to reach students, teachers, and people looking for work.

The investment comes as other global cloud providers expand across Africa. Oracle has launched a cloud region in Casablanca, allowing businesses in Morocco to access computing and AI services locally while meeting data rules and reducing delays.

Oracle already operates in Johannesburg and plans to open another region in Nairobi as part of its expansion into East Africa. Other firms are also entering the market with smaller infrastructure setups, including edge networks linked to regional hubs.

Microsoft’s latest move strengthens its position in a growing market where demand for cloud services and AI is rising, but infrastructure gaps remain. Rather than entering a new country, the company is focusing on deepening its investment in a location that already supports large-scale operations.

The strategy reflects a longer-term approach, where future growth will depend on how quickly key systems such as power supply, land availability, and connectivity can keep pace with demand.

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