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Paystack Launches AI Checkout in Nigeria

Habeeb Ajala
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Paystack Launches AI Checkout in Nigeria

Paystack Launches AI Checkout in Nigeria with Early Access to Paystack Index

Paystack AI Checkout has officially launched in Nigeria with the introduction of Paystack Index, an experimental platform that enables users to complete digital transactions through artificial intelligence (AI) assistants. The early access release marks Paystack’s latest move to redefine online checkout as AI increasingly becomes part of how consumers search, shop and make purchasing decisions.

Developed by Paystack with product support from TSG Labs, the venture studio and emerging technology arm of The Stack Group, Paystack Index extends the company’s existing payment infrastructure into AI-powered experiences while maintaining secure payment authorization and processing.

How Paystack AI Checkout Works

Paystack Index allows users to complete supported transactions by simply instructing compatible AI assistants. The platform currently works with ChatGPT, Claude, and OpenClaw, enabling users to purchase airtime, buy mobile data, fund Zap wallets, transfer money and order food through Chowdeck.

When a user submits a request through an AI assistant, Paystack Index interprets the instruction, routes it to the appropriate Paystack merchant or service provider, processes the payment through Zap and Paystack’s payment infrastructure, and completes the checkout process securely within the AI interface.

As a result, users can perform everyday financial transactions without leaving their preferred AI application.

Security Remains Central to Paystack Index

Paystack said users retain full control over every transaction completed through the platform.

According to the company, Index only executes requests that users explicitly authorize within the permissions and spending limits they choose. In addition, the platform does not store sensitive financial information such as card numbers, CVVs, PINs or bank account credentials. Instead, all payments continue to run through Paystack’s existing secure payment infrastructure.

This approach allows users to benefit from AI-assisted commerce while maintaining the security standards already established across Paystack’s payment ecosystem.

Paystack Bets on AI as the Future of Digital Commerce

Commenting on the launch, Paystack Chief Executive Officer Shola Akinlade said artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how consumers interact with digital services, making it necessary for payment experiences to evolve alongside user behaviour.

“Paystack has always focused on helping businesses get paid safely and reliably, wherever their customers are. As AI agents become a more common way for people to search, decide, and take action, we think checkout has to evolve too.”

He explained that Paystack Index represents an early experiment in extending the company’s checkout infrastructure into AI-powered environments while preserving trusted authorization, payment processing and user control.

Early Access Signals the Next Phase of AI Commerce

The launch is currently limited to early access users in Nigeria as Paystack evaluates how consumers interact with AI agents for everyday transactions.

Initially, the platform supports selected Paystack merchants and services, including Zap transfers, airtime purchases, mobile data subscriptions and food delivery through Chowdeck. However, the company is expected to expand supported merchants and use cases as adoption grows.

The introduction of Paystack Index also reflects a broader shift within the global fintech industry, where payment providers are increasingly exploring AI-powered commerce, conversational transactions and intelligent digital assistants as the next evolution of online checkout.

As AI adoption accelerates across consumer applications, Paystack’s latest innovation positions the company among the first African fintechs experimenting with AI-native payment experiences built on trusted financial infrastructure.

Why Africa’s Telcos Are Embracing Starlink Instead of Fighting It

Habeeb Ajala
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0
Why Africa’s Telcos Are Embracing Starlink Instead of Fighting It

Why Africa’s Telcos Are Embracing Starlink Instead of Fighting It

Africa’s telcos and Starlink are no longer competing for dominance. Instead, the continent’s largest mobile operators are increasingly partnering with satellite providers to expand rural connectivity, reduce infrastructure costs, and strengthen Africa’s digital economy.

When Starlink entered Nigeria in January 2023—its first African market—it introduced a new model for internet connectivity. Rather than relying on towers and fibre networks, the service delivers broadband directly from low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Initially, many analysts expected a fierce battle between satellite broadband and traditional mobile operators. However, the market has evolved in a different direction.

Why Africa’s Telcos Are Partnering with Starlink

For decades, telecom companies invested billions of dollars in towers, fibre networks, spectrum licences and data centres to connect African communities. Although this strategy expanded mobile coverage significantly, serving remote regions remained expensive and technically challenging.

Starlink changed that equation.

The satellite provider now operates in 27 African countries and, according to Ookla’s Speedtest Intelligence, delivers download speeds that outperform many traditional fixed broadband providers across several markets.

Consequently, major operators including MTN, Airtel, Orange and Vodafone have shifted their strategy. Rather than viewing Starlink as a direct competitor, they increasingly see satellite connectivity as a complementary technology that extends network coverage into underserved areas.

Satellite Internet Complements Terrestrial Networks

Despite Starlink’s rapid growth, industry experts argue that satellite broadband cannot replace terrestrial telecom infrastructure.

Mukesh Chandra, former Chief Technology Officer at Globacom, explained that fibre networks continue to offer greater bandwidth, lower latency and significantly higher capacity than satellite systems.

“Bandwidth delivered through satellite cannot be compared with bandwidth delivered through fibre,” Chandra said. “Satellite communications are most effective in areas where fibre or microwave infrastructure cannot be deployed.”

In addition, satellite services require specialised equipment that typically costs between $200 and $700. Indoor reception also remains limited, while Direct-to-Device technology currently supports only basic services.

As a result, satellite broadband is better suited for rural connectivity than dense urban environments where fibre and 5G networks remain more efficient.

MTN, Airtel and Vodafone Embrace Satellite Partnerships

The industry’s changing perspective is evident through several major partnerships announced over the past year.

MTN has already launched proof-of-concept trials with Starlink’s Direct-to-Device technology in Zambia while also testing satellite voice and SMS services with Lynk Global in South Africa.

Speaking during MTN’s Capital Markets Day, Group CEO Ralph Mupita acknowledged that satellite connectivity will become part of Africa’s future communications ecosystem.

“Ultimately, we have to embrace LEO satellites; they are not going away.”

Likewise, Airtel Africa partnered with SpaceX in late 2025 to distribute Starlink broadband services across its 14 African markets. Vodafone has also partnered with Amazon’s Project Kuiper, while Orange signed a multi-year agreement with Eutelsat OneWeb to strengthen enterprise connectivity and mobile backhaul services.

According to Airtel Africa’s Head of Investor Relations, Alastair Jones, satellite technology complements—not replaces—the company’s terrestrial infrastructure investments.

Africa’s Connectivity Challenge Remains Rural Coverage

Africa still faces one of the world’s largest digital infrastructure gaps.

According to MTN, the continent accounts for approximately 18% of the global population but less than 1% of the world’s fibre infrastructure. Consequently, extending broadband into remote communities remains both expensive and time-consuming.

Satellite technology offers operators a faster alternative.

Instead of constructing hundreds of new towers across difficult terrain, telecom companies can use satellite networks to fill coverage gaps and provide essential connectivity where terrestrial infrastructure is economically unviable.

Furthermore, the emergence of Direct-to-Device technology could eventually allow smartphones to connect directly to satellites for messaging, emergency communications and basic internet services without requiring dedicated satellite terminals.

Africa’s Telcos Continue Investing in Fibre Infrastructure

Although satellite technology is gaining momentum, telecom operators are not slowing investments in terrestrial infrastructure.

Industry experts maintain that fibre networks, mobile towers, subsea cables and data centres will continue carrying the overwhelming majority of internet traffic across Africa.

Chandra noted that a typical 5G base station can provide several gigabits of capacity while simultaneously serving hundreds of users. Satellite systems, by comparison, cannot currently match that scale for mass-market broadband services.

This explains why operators increasingly view satellite connectivity as another layer within a broader digital infrastructure ecosystem rather than a replacement for existing networks.

MTN, for example, plans to triple its fibre footprint over the next five years while expanding subsea cable capacity, investing in new data centres and strengthening its edge computing infrastructure.

The Future of Africa’s Telcos and Starlink

The relationship between Africa’s telcos and Starlink reflects a broader shift in how digital infrastructure is being deployed across the continent.

Instead of competing over every customer, telecom operators are combining fibre, mobile towers, satellites, cloud infrastructure and data centres into integrated digital platforms capable of supporting governments, enterprises and consumers alike.

As demand for digital services, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and cross-border connectivity continues to grow, collaboration between terrestrial and satellite providers is likely to become a defining feature of Africa’s next phase of digital transformation.

Ghana Promotes Digital Skills for Young Athletes Through Right to Dream Academy Partnership

Lindsay Eke
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Ghana Promotes Digital Skills for Young Athletes Through Right to Dream Academy Partnership

Ghana is encouraging young athletes to develop technology and digital skills alongside their sporting talents, with the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations highlighting the importance of preparing students for opportunities beyond the playing field.

The ministry recently welcomed students and coaches from the Right to Dream Academy, showcasing how the institution combines football training with education in robotics, artificial intelligence and other technology disciplines.

Although the academy is best known for producing professional footballers, its students have also earned recognition for their achievements in innovation. The academy’s technology team won first place at Ghana’s national AI for Good competition and secured second place in the senior category at the Robofest 2026 World Championship, demonstrating its growing strength in science and technology education.

Speaking during the visit, Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, praised the academy’s approach to blending sports with academic and technical learning. He said digital literacy and technology skills can provide young athletes with valuable career opportunities and educational pathways beyond professional sports.

The minister stressed that equipping students with expertise in science and technology helps prepare them for a rapidly evolving digital economy while complementing their athletic development.

The ministry also recognised the contributions of corporate partners supporting the academy’s technology initiatives. The MTN Ghana Foundation and Telecel Ghana Foundation were commended for helping the students participate in an upcoming international competition in Geneva.

As part of its support for the academy, the ministry announced plans to donate 30 laptops to improve its computer laboratory facilities. It also confirmed that the students will be enrolled in the government’s One Million Coders Programme, an initiative designed to expand coding and digital skills among young people across Ghana.

The collaboration reflects the country’s broader strategy to strengthen digital literacy and encourage greater participation in science, technology, engineering and innovation. By combining sports with technology education, Ghana aims to equip students with diverse skills that can support long-term career success and contribute to the nation’s digital transformation.

Guinea Seeks Chinese Partnership to Boost Digital Infrastructure and Technology Industry

Lindsay Eke
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Guinea Seeks Chinese Partnership to Boost Digital Infrastructure and Technology Industry

Guinea is exploring new partnerships with Chinese investors to strengthen its digital infrastructure and expand its technology sector following high-level discussions at the Summer Davos Forum 2026 in Dalian, China.

A delegation from Guinea’s Ministry of Communication, Digital Economy and Innovation, led by Minister Mourana Soumah, met with representatives of CRCC11 Group to discuss potential collaboration on projects aimed at accelerating the country’s digital transformation.

The talks focused on several priority initiatives, including the modernisation and rehabilitation of broadcasting centres, expansion of national digital infrastructure and improved telecommunications access for underserved communities that currently have limited connectivity.

Officials also discussed progress on Guinea’s planned technopole project, a key component of the country’s Simandou 2040 development strategy. The project is intended to promote innovation, encourage technology development and support the long-term growth of the digital economy.

Another major topic was the possibility of establishing a local digital equipment assembly industry. The discussions explored opportunities to manufacture and assemble smartphones and other connected devices within Guinea as part of efforts to strengthen domestic industrial capacity and reduce reliance on imported technology products.

The government believes that developing local production capabilities could create jobs, encourage technology transfer and support the growth of a stronger national digital ecosystem.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to continue technical discussions to assess the feasibility of the proposed projects and define a framework for future cooperation.

The engagement reflects Guinea’s broader strategy of attracting international investment to modernise its digital economy, diversify its industries and expand access to technology. As digital transformation becomes a priority across Africa, partnerships with global infrastructure and technology companies are playing an increasingly important role in national development plans.

ProvidusUnity Bank Begins Operations Following Merger of Providus Bank and Unity Bank

Lindsay Eke
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ProvidusUnity Bank Begins Operations Following Merger of Providus Bank and Unity Bank

ProvidusUnity Bank has officially commenced operations following the successful merger of Providus Bank and Unity Bank, creating a unified financial institution that aims to strengthen banking services and support Nigeria’s economic growth.

In a statement announcing the launch, the bank said the merger is intended to build a more resilient organisation capable of serving customers, businesses and communities more effectively while contributing to the country’s financial and economic development.

According to ProvidusUnity Bank, the integration goes beyond combining two businesses. It represents a strategic effort to create a stronger institution with the capacity to deliver improved services, encourage enterprise and play a greater role in Nigeria’s evolving banking sector.

The bank expressed gratitude to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for its guidance and support throughout the merger process, noting that the regulator’s efforts have helped maintain financial system stability and promote sustainable economic growth.

It also acknowledged the contributions of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), shareholders, customers, employees and other stakeholders whose cooperation and confidence made the merger possible.

ProvidusUnity Bank said the new institution combines the strengths of both legacy banks. Providus Bank brings innovation, flexibility and a customer-focused approach, while Unity Bank contributes extensive market reach, industry experience and an established presence across Nigeria. Together, these capabilities are expected to enhance the bank’s ability to serve individuals and businesses nationwide.

The institution assured customers that service quality will remain a priority throughout the integration process. It stated that clients can expect greater stability, improved banking experiences and broader access to financial products and services as operations continue to be consolidated.

The bank also highlighted its commitment to employees, describing the merger as the start of a shared future built on recognising talent, rewarding performance and providing opportunities for professional development.

Looking ahead, ProvidusUnity Bank said strong financial institutions are essential for supporting investment, boosting business activity and maintaining confidence in the economy. It pledged to focus on disciplined execution, responsible growth and the creation of long-term value for customers, shareholders, employees and other stakeholders.

Nigeria Moves to Tackle Unregistered POS Operators as CAC and EFCC Strengthen Fight Against Financial Crime

Lindsay Eke
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0
Nigeria Moves to Tackle Unregistered POS Operators as CAC and EFCC Strengthen Fight Against Financial Crime

Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is seeking closer collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to combat financial crimes linked to unregistered businesses and improve oversight of the country’s growing Point of Sale (POS) sector.

The proposal was made during a courtesy visit by the CAC Board Chairman, Senator Ibrahim M. Ida, to the EFCC headquarters, where both agencies discussed ways to strengthen Nigeria’s financial system and address emerging economic crimes.

Ida expressed concern that only about 20 per cent of POS operators in Nigeria are registered with the CAC, despite legal requirements under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s 2026 Agent Banking Regulations. These rules require businesses operating under a registered business name to be formally incorporated with the commission.

According to the CAC chairman, intelligence reports and investigations suggest that proceeds from criminal activities, including ransom payments linked to kidnapping cases, are sometimes channelled through unregistered POS terminals. He warned that the lack of proper registration creates vulnerabilities that can be exploited for financial crimes.

To improve oversight, the CAC proposed three key areas of cooperation with the EFCC. These include enhanced data and intelligence sharing on suspicious businesses, joint public awareness campaigns promoting corporate governance and financial crime prevention, and capacity-building initiatives to equip staff with the skills needed to tackle emerging risks involving company regulation and economic offences.

Responding to the proposal, EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede said that procurement fraud and the misuse of registered companies account for more than 80 per cent of financial crimes investigated by the agency. He added that investigations involving 200 companies previously referred by the CAC had produced significant findings.

Olukoyede acknowledged that regulating the expanding POS industry remains a major challenge and stressed the importance of taking swift action to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system.

He also called for a review of the existing memorandum of understanding between the EFCC and CAC to strengthen cooperation and support wider regulatory reforms.

The discussions reflect growing concern among regulators and law enforcement agencies about the potential misuse of digital payment channels. As electronic transactions continue to increase across Nigeria, authorities are placing greater emphasis on improving compliance, enhancing oversight and closing gaps that could facilitate financial crime.

Telecom Egypt, NTRA and AASTMT Open Cybersecurity Innovation Lab to Boost Tech Development

Lindsay Eke
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Telecom Egypt, NTRA and AASTMT Open Cybersecurity Innovation Lab to Boost Tech Development

Telecom Egypt, the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) have launched a new Cybersecurity Innovation Lab at the AASTMT Smart Village campus, reinforcing Egypt’s efforts to advance digital innovation, cybersecurity and technology entrepreneurship.

The facility was established under Telecom Egypt’s WE Innovate Star programme, which supports innovators from the early stages of research through product development, startup growth and commercialisation. The lab is designed to help bridge the gap between academic research and real-world applications by giving students, researchers, entrepreneurs and startups access to advanced tools for developing and testing solutions in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

The Cybersecurity Innovation Lab is part of Telecom Egypt’s wider strategy to build specialised innovation centres that nurture ideas and transform them into market-ready products. The company believes these facilities will help startups test technologies in practical environments and prepare them for commercial expansion.

During the launch ceremony, Tamer El-Mahdy, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Telecom Egypt, and Professor Ismail Abdel Ghaffar, President of AASTMT, signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining the operation of the new facility. The agreement includes specialised training programmes, technical mentoring, workshops and initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration between academia and industry.

El-Mahdy said the lab is an important part of Telecom Egypt’s mission to support local talent and create a complete innovation pipeline that takes projects from research and development through testing and market readiness.

Professor Abdel Ghaffar highlighted the value of closer cooperation between universities and industry, saying the lab will provide students and researchers with practical experience and access to advanced technologies that can help prepare future leaders in Egypt’s digital economy.

The NTRA also welcomed the initiative, noting that it supports the objectives of Egypt’s National Cybersecurity Strategy 2023–2027. Walid Zakaria, Deputy Head of the authority for Cybersecurity Affairs, said the project will contribute to developing skilled cybersecurity professionals capable of protecting the country’s digital infrastructure while encouraging the creation of competitive technology products and services.

The inauguration was attended by senior representatives from Telecom Egypt, NTRA, AASTMT and AGX Consultant, the implementation partner for the WE Innovate Star programme, alongside participating startups and technology teams.

By supporting scientific research, prototype development, product testing and startup acceleration, the Cybersecurity Innovation Lab is expected to play a key role in Egypt’s innovation ecosystem. Through the partnership, Telecom Egypt and its collaborators aim to strengthen the country’s position as a regional centre for cybersecurity, digital innovation and technology-led economic growth.

Applications Open for Standard Chartered Women in Tech Incubator South Africa 2026

Lindsay Eke
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Applications Open for Standard Chartered Women in Tech Incubator South Africa 2026

Applications are now open for the Standard Chartered Women in Tech (WiT) Incubator South Africa 2026, a programme aimed at supporting women-led businesses that use technology and innovation to solve real-world challenges.

The initiative is part of Standard Chartered’s broader commitment to promoting women’s economic empowerment and strengthening inclusive entrepreneurship across Africa. Through the programme, female founders will receive the skills, mentorship and business support needed to grow scalable and sustainable enterprises.

Selected participants will benefit from tailored business incubation, entrepreneurship training and one-on-one mentoring from experienced industry professionals. They will also gain access to investor and startup networks, technical advisory services, masterclasses, workshops and opportunities to present their businesses to potential partners and investors.

In addition, entrepreneurs will become part of a community of women innovators, allowing them to build valuable connections and collaborate with like-minded founders.

The incubator is open to women entrepreneurs based in South Africa who own or lead innovative businesses with strong growth potential. Applicants must operate ventures that make use of technology or innovation and demonstrate a clear commitment to expanding their businesses.

The programme welcomes startups and small businesses from a wide range of industries, including financial technology, health technology, education technology, agritech, climate and green innovation, e-commerce, digital solutions, artificial intelligence, enterprise technology and social innovation.

Organisers say the initiative seeks to address the challenges many women entrepreneurs face in accessing finance, mentorship and business development opportunities. By equipping founders with practical knowledge and industry connections, the programme aims to help them build successful businesses that create jobs and contribute to economic growth.

Interested entrepreneurs can find more information and submit their applications through the programme’s official application portal.

Take that big leap. APPLY HERE.

Smart Africa Launches SAVR Bootcamp to Support 15 Women-Led Startups in Côte d’Ivoire

Lindsay Eke
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Smart Africa Launches SAVR Bootcamp to Support 15 Women-Led Startups in Côte d’Ivoire

Smart Africa has launched a new edition of its Smart Africa Venture Readiness Program (SAVR) Bootcamp in Côte d’Ivoire, bringing together 15 women-led startups in the digital and green technology sectors to strengthen their investment readiness and business growth.

The bootcamp, running from 22 to 26 June 2026, is designed to help participating entrepreneurs prepare for fundraising by improving their business strategies, sharpening their investor pitches and gaining a deeper understanding of what investors look for in high-growth startups.

Participants are taking part in an intensive programme that includes mentorship from industry experts and investors, training on fundraising and investment readiness, business model refinement, growth planning and networking sessions with key players in the innovation ecosystem.

The initiative is part of the Africa-Europe Digital Innovation Bridge (AEDIB 2.0), a programme that supports the development of innovative African startups while encouraging stronger collaboration between African and European innovation ecosystems.

By focusing on women-led businesses in the digital and greentech industries, the programme aims to empower entrepreneurs developing solutions to environmental, economic and social challenges across the continent.

Smart Africa said the SAVR Bootcamp is intended to equip founders with the practical skills, industry knowledge and professional connections needed to attract investment and scale their businesses successfully.

The organisation also noted that further details about the 15 participating startups will be announced in the coming days.

RoboCare Secures 216 Capital Investment to Expand AI-Powered Farm Intelligence Across Africa and the Middle East

Lindsay Eke
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RoboCare Secures 216 Capital Investment to Expand AI-Powered Farm Intelligence Across Africa and the Middle East

Tunisian agritech startup RoboCare has secured a six-figure investment from 216 Capital to accelerate the expansion of its artificial intelligence-powered farm intelligence platform across Africa and the Middle East.

The funding comes as farmers across both regions face mounting challenges from water shortages, unpredictable weather patterns and rising agricultural input costs. Investors are increasingly backing technologies that help improve efficiency and strengthen food production under these conditions.

Founded in Sfax, Tunisia, RoboCare has developed a precision agriculture platform that combines satellite imagery, drone surveillance, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, weather data and agronomic expertise into a single digital system. The platform uses AI to analyse these data sources, detect crop stress, identify potential disease outbreaks and recommend more efficient use of water, fertilisers and other farming inputs.

According to the company, farms using its technology have recorded water savings of up to 35 per cent, reduced input use by as much as 25 per cent and increased crop yields by up to 20 per cent. The platform is already monitoring thousands of hectares of farmland and provides real-time alerts that help farmers address problems before they become more serious.

RoboCare has focused on crops that are particularly important across North Africa and the Middle East, including olives, cereals and processing tomatoes. This regional approach allows the company to tailor its technology to local farming conditions rather than applying a generic global model.

The new investment will support RoboCare’s expansion into additional markets, strengthen its commercial operations and further develop its AI capabilities for different agricultural environments.

For 216 Capital, the deal reflects its strategy of investing in technology companies that address long-term economic and sustainability challenges. Agriculture remains one of the region’s most resource-intensive industries, and improving efficiency has become increasingly important as pressure on water supplies continues to grow.

RoboCare’s emphasis on measurable outcomes such as lower water consumption, reduced input costs and higher yields could help distinguish it in a competitive agritech market where practical results are often valued more than ambitious technology claims.

As the company expands beyond Tunisia, its ability to deliver consistent performance across diverse farming conditions will be key to establishing itself as a leading provider of AI-driven precision agriculture solutions in Africa and the Middle East.

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