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56 Startups Join SIA Startup Foundry 3.0 to Build Stronger Businesses

Lindsay Eke
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56 Startups Join SIA Startup Foundry 3.0 to Build Stronger Businesses

A total of 56 early-stage startups from Nigeria, Ghana and Ethiopia have been selected for the latest cohort of the SIA Startup Foundry 3.0 programme, a one-month bootcamp designed to help founders turn ideas into solid, investment-ready businesses.

The programme started on April 7 and focuses on helping participants improve their business models, develop better products and test their ideas in real markets. At the end of the bootcamp, only 10 startups will move forward to a physical demo day, where they will present their businesses. From this group, six startups will be chosen to receive funding support.

This year’s cohort shows clear progress in the region’s startup space. About 58 percent of the selected companies are already at the seed stage, meaning they have moved beyond basic ideas and are beginning to grow their operations. In addition, 70 percent of the startups were founded within the last two years, showing a strong rise in new businesses across the three countries.

There has also been a shift in the type of startups taking part. While last year’s programme focused more on green energy and sustainability, this year’s group includes more technology-driven companies working across a wider range of industries.

The programme comes at a time when many African startups are finding it harder to raise funds. By helping founders build stronger businesses and prove their ideas, the SIA Startup Foundry aims to improve their chances of attracting investors and growing over time.

Overall, the new cohort highlights both the growing number of young founders in Africa and the need for structured support to help them succeed.

Tivvio Launches Community-Focused Ticketing Platform for South Africa’s Event Creators

Lindsay Eke
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Tivvio Launches Community-Focused Ticketing Platform for South Africa’s Event Creators

A new South African startup, Tivvio, is aiming to change how events are organised and experienced by focusing on small, community-driven gatherings rather than large-scale shows.

Launched in 2026 in Durban, the platform was founded by Siyabonga Ngcobo. It offers a simple digital ticketing system that allows event organisers to create and manage events quickly without needing advanced technical skills.

Through the platform, users can set up event pages, sell tickets, and track attendance. It also supports local payment methods and provides fast payouts, making it easier for organisers to manage their cash flow.

Ngcobo said the current ticketing market in South Africa focuses mainly on transactions, with little attention given to user experience or community building. He explained that Tivvio aims to go further by helping people discover events, connect with others, and build a sense of identity around the events they attend.

Unlike many established ticketing platforms, Tivvio focuses on small and medium-sized events. These include recurring gatherings such as community meetups, creative showcases, and local experiences that are often overlooked by larger platforms.

The startup says this approach fills a gap in the market, where existing tools may not offer the flexibility or features needed by independent organisers.

To support this vision, Tivvio has built social features directly into its platform. These include event feeds, attendee profiles, and discovery tools designed to make events more interactive and engaging, rather than just a one-time transaction.

The company operates on a commission-based model, charging a fee for each ticket sold instead of requiring subscriptions or fixed costs. This lowers the barrier for entry, especially for smaller creators and community-led events.

Although still in its early stages, Tivvio is currently focused on growing its user base within South Africa. The company has plans to expand into other cities and eventually into wider African markets, with a system designed to adapt to different local payment methods.

Tivvio’s approach reflects a broader shift in the ticketing industry, where platforms are moving beyond simple sales tools to become spaces that support communities and shared experiences.

10 Nigerian Startups Receive $560,000 to Tackle Rising Heat Crisis

Lindsay Eke
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10 Nigerian Startups Receive $560,000 to Tackle Rising Heat Crisis

Ten Nigerian startups have secured a total of $560,000 in funding to develop solutions that help people and businesses cope with rising temperatures across the country.

The funding was awarded under the TECA Heat Action Wave programme, supported by BFA Global, FSD Africa, ClimateWorks Foundation, and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in Nigeria.

Each startup received $56,000, along with technical and business support. The programme focuses on building practical tools to help sectors already affected by extreme heat, including agriculture, healthcare, energy, and climate data services.

Nigeria has been facing more frequent and intense heatwaves, which are putting pressure on food systems, health services, and power supply. Farmers are dealing with faster spoilage of crops, damaged soil, and loss of livestock. At the same time, hospitals and outdoor workers face growing health risks linked to heat stress and unstable electricity.

Organisers say the initiative aims to show that climate adaptation can also attract investment, not just aid.

Tyler Ferdinand, TECA director at BFA Global, said extreme heat is becoming one of the biggest risks to African economies but has received little funding. He explained that the programme supports businesses building tools and services that allow people and industries to operate safely in hotter conditions.

The selected startups are based in cities including Lagos, Kaduna, and Edo, and focus on solving urgent challenges linked to heat.

Several of the startups are working in agriculture. Ofemini Global is developing a logistics platform that helps farmers move perishable goods more efficiently, reducing losses caused by heat. Agiletech Operations Consulting is building local alert systems that warn farmers and small businesses about extreme weather, helping them prepare in advance.

Farmxic is using artificial intelligence to analyse soil conditions and guide farmers on how to respond to heat stress. Doorcas Africa is working on systems to detect diseases early in livestock, while Farmslate 

Technologies uses satellite and weather data to provide useful insights for farmers and financial institutions managing climate risks.

In healthcare, Emplaris is creating systems that help hospitals prepare for heat-related power failures and equipment strain. TheHyWing is combining artificial intelligence with telemedicine to support outdoor workers and vulnerable groups affected by heat-related illnesses.

Other startups are focusing on infrastructure challenges. Let-It-Cold is providing solar-powered cooling systems to preserve food during extreme temperatures and power cuts. Pod is designing sanitation systems that can function in both high heat and flooding conditions.

The programme highlights how climate challenges are shaping innovation in Nigeria, with startups stepping in to fill gaps in critical services. Organisers have indicated that supporting such solutions could help build stronger, more resilient systems as temperatures continue to rise.

Africa Hosts Largest-Ever Web3 Hackathon With $1 Million Prize Pool

Lindsay Eke
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Africa Hosts Largest-Ever Web3 Hackathon With $1 Million Prize Pool

Africa has hosted what organisers describe as the biggest Web3 hackathon ever held, bringing together more than 13,000 developers across 20 hubs to solve real infrastructure challenges. The event offered a total prize pool of $1 million.

The 2025 Hedera Africa Hackathon was organised by The Hashgraph Association and Exponential Science. Results were announced on April 29, 2026. According to the organisers, over 1,300 projects were submitted, while more than 45,000 participants joined training and certification programmes linked to the event.

A Nigerian team, GreenAfrica, won the top prize of $100,000. The team built a platform that tracks environmental and sustainability projects using distributed ledger technology, making it easier to verify claims and improve transparency.

Second place went to Egypt’s Carboni Renewable Energy Certificate Platform, which received $70,000 for its system that helps verify and trade renewable energy credits. The team said the award supports its goal of improving how clean energy projects are tracked and financed.

Effisend X Africa, a Mexico-based team, took third place and $60,000. The group developed an artificial intelligence-powered payment routing system designed to connect different African payment networks that often do not work well together.

Fourth place was awarded to Malaysia’s Silsilat Finance, which received $40,000 for building tools to improve cross-border payments. Nigeria’s Beyond Service came fifth with $30,000 for creating a gaming platform that allows users to own digital assets and identities within the game.

The hackathon focused on four main areas: digital finance, distributed ledger operations, immersive digital experiences, and AI-driven infrastructure systems. It was supported by partners including Orange Digital Centers, Sygnum Bank, and Nairobi Securities Exchange, with operations handled by Dar Blockchain.

Kamal Youssefi, President of The Hashgraph Association, said the event showed the scale of talent and ambition across Africa and beyond.

In addition to awarding prizes, the organisers announced plans to support leading projects after the competition. A new investment committee will provide funding, mentorship, and business support to help teams grow their ideas into real companies.

The organisers have also confirmed that another edition of the hackathon will take place in 2026, with more details to be announced.

The winning projects reflect key sectors gaining attention across Africa, including financial technology, clean energy, and health technology. Participants came from countries such as Nigeria, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, South Africa, Morocco, and Ivory Coast, showing the wide reach of the initiative.

OPay Targets $4 Billion US IPO with Backing from Global Banks

Lindsay Eke
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OPay Targets $4 Billion US IPO with Backing from Global Banks

OPay is preparing for a possible stock market listing in the United States, with a target valuation of about $4 billion. Reports on May 1, 2026, say the company has hired Citigroup, Deutsche Bank, and JPMorgan Chase to lead the planned initial public offering.

Although no official filing has been made yet, the choice of three major global banks shows that the company is taking serious steps towards entering the US financial market. It also suggests that OPay is preparing to meet the strict rules on transparency and governance expected by international investors.

The company has also strengthened its leadership team by hiring experienced global executives, including a former Citigroup managing director as chief financial officer. This move is seen as part of its effort to align with global standards ahead of a public listing.

OPay’s expected valuation reflects its steady growth over the past few years. The company was valued at $2 billion in 2021 and is believed to have crossed $3 billion by the end of 2025. It has become one of Nigeria’s largest fintech platforms, offering services such as money transfers, bill payments, savings, and merchant tools. Its network includes more than 500,000 agents and serves tens of millions of users across the country.

The planned IPO comes at a time when Africa’s fintech sector has been waiting for a major public listing. Since Stripe acquired Paystack in 2020, there has been growing interest in when large African fintech firms would enter public markets. Companies such as Flutterwave and Moniepoint have been linked to similar plans, but none has yet completed a listing of this size.

If successful, OPay’s IPO could encourage more African fintech companies to follow and attract greater attention from global investors.

The timing also reflects increased activity in the sector. Airtel Money is reportedly preparing for a listing in London, while MTN Nigeria has recently reported strong financial results. These developments suggest that Africa’s fintech industry may be entering a new phase of growth and investment.

OPay’s journey has included major changes. Founded in 2018 by Zhou Yahui, the company first offered a mix of services, including ride-hailing. After Lagos banned commercial motorcycles in 2020, OPay shifted its focus to financial services. This decision helped it grow rapidly into a leading mobile money operator with one of the largest agent networks in Nigeria.

Recent support from the Central Bank of Nigeria has also strengthened its position as it prepares for a possible listing.

However, challenges remain. Currency fluctuations in Nigeria, rising competition from firms like PalmPay, and concerns linked to its ownership structure could affect investor confidence.

If the IPO goes ahead and performs well, it could mark an important moment for Africa’s fintech sector. For now, much will depend on how OPay manages the process in the months ahead.

Huawei Unveils AI Network Solutions in Cairo to Boost Africa’s Digital Growth

Lindsay Eke
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Huawei Unveils AI Network Solutions in Cairo to Boost Africa’s Digital Growth

Huawei has introduced a new set of artificial intelligence-driven network solutions in Cairo, aiming to support digital growth across Egypt and the wider African region.

The announcement was made during the Huawei Network Summit 2026, where the company presented an upgraded version of its Xinghe Intelligent Network. The system is designed to handle the rising demand for AI-powered services while improving network security, stability, and performance in key sectors such as government, education, and finance.

Yang Chaobin, Executive Vice President at Huawei, said businesses are changing how their networks are built. He explained that modern systems now need to process large amounts of data, work faster, and remain secure. According to him, traditional broadband networks are no longer enough, as organisations now require systems that can support complex AI tools without failing.

In Northern Africa, Huawei says artificial intelligence and cybersecurity are becoming central to how networks are developed. Rock Qin, a senior executive at the company, said Huawei is working with governments and private organisations to expand digital infrastructure across the region.

The company also revealed new tools and upgrades to improve network performance. Richard Wu, Vice President of Huawei’s Data Communication Product Line, said the improvements focus on three main areas: increasing capacity, making networks more reliable during disruptions, and adding more automation.

These solutions will be used across different systems, including campus networks, wide area networks, data centres, and cybersecurity platforms. Huawei also introduced improved wireless technology, stronger data centre protection tools, and better systems for monitoring network activity.

During the event, Huawei recognised long-term partners such as ACUD, ENR, and TMG, marking ten years of collaboration in building digital infrastructure.

The launch supports Egypt’s wider plan to become a leading digital hub in the region. The country is investing in data centres, cloud services, and stronger public digital systems to support the growth of artificial intelligence.

As more African countries adopt digital technologies, those with strong infrastructure are expected to attract more investment and innovation. With its growing network capacity and strategic location, Egypt is positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s digital future.

AMACO Unveils AI-Driven Offshore Energy Plan Across Africa, Middle East and Europe

Lindsay Eke
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AMACO Unveils AI-Driven Offshore Energy Plan Across Africa, Middle East and Europe

AMACO ENERGY S.A. has announced a major strategy to build offshore energy systems powered by artificial intelligence across the Middle East, East Africa, and Europe.

The initiative, developed with AMACO ENERGY INC., aims to tackle one of the biggest challenges linked to the rapid growth of AI: rising energy demand.

As part of the plan, AMACO is proposing an Artificial Intelligence Smart Power Facility in East Africa. The project is designed to support data centres and digital infrastructure by providing reliable energy without depending fully on existing national grids.

Artificial intelligence is now widely used in many industries, from digital platforms to logistics and automation tools. However, this growth requires large amounts of electricity. According to the International Energy Agency, data centres consumed about 415 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2024, around 1.5 per cent of global demand. This figure could more than double by 2030 as AI adoption increases.

AMACO’s strategy focuses on regions where demand for digital infrastructure is growing quickly. In the Middle East, countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are investing heavily in AI and data centres as part of efforts to diversify their economies. Data centre capacity in the region is expected to grow significantly by the end of the decade.

In East Africa, digital growth is rising, but infrastructure challenges remain. Limited power supply, high energy costs, and slow development timelines have made it difficult to scale digital services. AMACO’s offshore model aims to bypass these challenges by generating power independently at sea, allowing faster deployment of data centres and related technologies.

Europe is also facing pressure to expand its AI capacity. Demand for computing power is increasing, but energy supply and regulatory barriers continue to limit growth. AMACO said its offshore approach could offer a more flexible way to build energy infrastructure without the usual delays linked to land-based projects.

While AI is driving higher energy use, it could also help improve efficiency. The International Energy Agency estimates that wider use of AI could reduce global emissions by up to five per cent by 2035 by improving how energy, transport, and industries operate.

With global spending on data centre infrastructure reaching about $500 billion in 2024, the need for stable and scalable energy solutions is becoming more urgent. AMACO said its plan is designed to support this demand while promoting more efficient and sustainable energy use.

The company, headquartered in Athens with operations in Houston, said the strategy marks a step towards combining artificial intelligence with modern energy systems to support future digital growth.

Kenya Launches AI Project to Support People with Disabilities in Digital Economy

Lindsay Eke
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Kenya Launches AI Project to Support People with Disabilities in Digital Economy

Kenya has introduced a new initiative aimed at using artificial intelligence to improve access to digital services for people with disabilities.

The programme, known as the AI for Disability Project, was launched at the closing ceremony of the Connected Africa Summit 2026 in Nairobi. It supports commitments made by African leaders to build more inclusive digital systems across the continent.

The project is led by Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, working with several partners. These include the Kenya Institute of Special Education, assistive technology group inABLE, the Assistive Technologies for Disability Trust, local technology firm Qhala, and Huawei.

Together, they aim to design and deliver tools that help people with disabilities access education, jobs, and digital services more easily.

Mary Kerema, a senior official at the ministry, said the initiative marks a shift in how inclusion is approached. Instead of adding accessibility features later, the government plans to build systems that are inclusive from the start.

The project will use national infrastructure such as the Konza Technopolis Data Centre, along with a growing network of digital hubs across the country. This is expected to support the development and testing of assistive technologies at scale.

Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for ICT, William Kabogo, said African countries must take an active role in shaping how new technologies are used. He urged governments to move beyond policy discussions and focus on real implementation.

The initiative also reflects wider goals set during the summit, including expanding digital skills, strengthening AI capacity, and ensuring that technology benefits young people, women, and underserved communities.

Irene Mbari-Kirika, founder of inABLE, said the project addresses long-standing barriers faced by people with disabilities. She noted that many have been left out of the digital economy because systems were not designed with their needs in mind.

By focusing on inclusive technology, the project aims to unlock new opportunities and help more people take part in economic and social life.

The AI for Disability Project forms part of Kenya’s national artificial intelligence strategy and is one of the first major programmes to come out of renewed efforts to turn digital policy into action.

MTN Roundtable in Accra Explores How AI Is Shaping Africa’s Business Future

Lindsay Eke
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MTN Roundtable in Accra Explores How AI Is Shaping Africa’s Business Future

The MTN Group CTIO Roundtable Africa 2026 has taken place in Accra, bringing together business leaders, technology experts, and innovators to discuss how artificial intelligence is changing the way organisations operate across the continent.

Held at the Labadi Beach Hotel under the theme “AI and the Future of Business,” the event focused on how companies can use AI to improve efficiency, serve customers better, and make smarter decisions in a fast-changing digital economy.

Speaking at the forum, Bernard Acquah, Chief Information Officer of MTN Ghana, described artificial intelligence as a powerful tool that can be used across many industries. He explained that unlike older technologies designed for single tasks, AI can support multiple business functions, making it one of the most important shifts in modern technology.

He noted that many organisations are no longer treating AI as optional. Instead, they are building it into their core operations to drive productivity and innovation.

Acquah also addressed concerns about job losses. He said businesses should move away from the idea that AI will replace workers and instead focus on how it can support and improve human work. According to him, AI should be seen as a tool that helps people do their jobs better, not a threat to employment.

He added that companies already using AI are seeing real benefits, including faster processes, better customer service, and improved use of resources. These results are driving increased global investment in the technology.

However, Acquah warned that the growth of AI must be matched with strong safeguards. He stressed the need for proper governance, data protection, and cybersecurity as AI systems become more widely used. He also pointed out that cybercriminals are beginning to use AI tools, making digital threats more complex.

He emphasised that human oversight remains essential. Business leaders must take responsibility for decisions supported by AI, while workers need training to understand and use these systems effectively.

Saed Sayed, Chief Executive Officer of Chenosis, called for a more structured approach to AI adoption. He said many companies are using AI simply because it is trending, rather than aligning it with clear business goals.

According to Sayed, artificial intelligence is already helping businesses make faster, data-driven decisions. In sectors like financial services, it is improving credit assessment, reducing risk, and creating more personalised customer experiences.

Despite these advances, he stressed that human factors such as trust, empathy, and strong leadership remain critical. He said technology alone cannot drive success, and organisations must invest in their people and build a culture that supports change.

The roundtable highlighted a clear message: while AI offers major opportunities for growth, its success in Africa will depend on how well businesses balance innovation with responsibility and human development.

Wego Partners Türkiye Tourism Agency to Boost Travel Discovery for MENA Visitors

Lindsay Eke
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Wego Partners Türkiye Tourism Agency to Boost Travel Discovery for MENA Visitors

Wego has announced a new partnership with the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency to improve how travellers in the Middle East and North Africa plan and experience trips to Türkiye.

The collaboration aims to make it easier for users to discover and explore the country by offering richer travel content, clearer insights, and simpler trip planning tools. By bringing Türkiye’s tourism offerings onto Wego’s platform, travellers can explore both well-known attractions and lesser-known destinations in one place.

Türkiye is known for its mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the historic streets of Istanbul, the unique rock formations of Cappadocia, and the coastal cities of Antalya and Bodrum. Other highlights include the thermal springs of Pamukkale and a range of newer destinations that offer quieter travel experiences.

Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego, said Türkiye remains a popular choice for travellers in the MENA region because of its blend of culture, food, and easy access. He explained that the partnership will help users plan trips more easily while encouraging them to explore more parts of the country throughout the year.

The agreement also adds curated travel ideas, seasonal guides, and practical tips to support travellers at every stage of their journey. This reflects growing demand for destinations that offer both familiarity and variety, whether for short city breaks, family holidays, or longer trips.

Sinan Seha Türkseven, General Manager of the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency, said the partnership allows the country to reach more travellers through a platform they already trust. He added that Türkiye offers a wide range of experiences, from historic cities and coastal regions to food and nature-based travel.

Through Wego, users can access detailed information about Türkiye’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, local cuisine, beaches, and wellness destinations. The platform also provides a wide choice of accommodation, from boutique hotels to large resorts, along with flight options through several international airports.

Both organisations said the goal is to encourage more meaningful travel by helping visitors see Türkiye not just as a popular destination, but as a country with diverse landscapes, rich history, and unique cultural experiences.

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