Tech Tides Africa

#24 Meta may face contempt charges in South Africa over WhatsApp scandal

In this episode of the Tech Tides Africa podcast, Kelvin and Karen discuss the intensifying legal drama between Meta and South African regulators, as the tech giant could face contempt charges over the WhatsApp privacy scandal. Is this a defining moment for digital rights and accountability on the continent?
They also spotlight a major milestone for African innovation, as Moniepoint, PiggyVest, M-KOPA, and Interswitch are recognized among CNBC’s top 300 global fintechs. What does this say about the future of Africa’s fintech scene on the world stage?
Also in this episode:
- South African PE fund to acquire 35% stake in Kenya’s Mawingu Networks
- Kenyan BNPL startup Wabeh halts operations due to rising defaults and cash crunch.
- LemFi wants into Egypt’s $20 billion remittance
- Rally Cap partially exits South Africa's Stitch
 
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stgrafrica/
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Kelvin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelvingobo
Karen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-maina-84154937/
Joyce (Producer): https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycejohnaliche/
Visit our website: https://startupgraveyard.africa
Support our work: https://selar.com/showlove/stgr-africa
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#23 Kenya recorded 2.54 billion cyber threats in Q1 2025

In this episode of the Tech Tides Africa podcast, Kelvin and Karen discuss Kenya’s alarming surge in cyber threat incidents, which spiked to 2.54 billion cases in Q1 2025, raising serious concerns about digital infrastructure and cybersecurity preparedness across the region. Is East Africa prepared for this scale of digital risk, or are we heading toward a full-blown cybersecurity crisis?
They also highlight a new report by BrighterMonday, which reveals a critical AI and digital skills gap across key African markets. As AI adoption accelerates, are we doing enough to build the human capital necessary to power the continent’s tech revolution?
Also in this episode:
- Temu launches a new warehouse in South Africa
- Kenyan logistics startup Leta expands to Ghana following its $5M seed round
- Egypt completes two subsea cable landings, boosting internet capacity with 126 Tbps infrastructure
- Eskom explores Bitcoin mining as a potential revenue model amid South Africa’s ongoing energy transition
📢 Connect with Us!
Twitter/X: @stgr_africa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stgrafrica/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stgr_africa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startupgraveyard.africa
Kelvin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelvingobo
Karen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-maina-84154937/
Joyce (Producer): https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycejohnaliche/
Visit our website: https://startupgraveyard.africa
Support our work: https://selar.com/showlove/stgr-africa
Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com

#22 Ethiopia allows foreign banks for the first time in 50 years

In this episode of the Tech Tides Africa podcast, we discuss Ethiopia’s historic decision to allow foreign banks into its financial sector for the first time in 50 years, a move set to reshape banking access and investment in the country.
We also cover Africa’s latest fintech milestone, the launch of a pan-African payment card aimed at easing cross-border transactions and fueling continental trade. Could this finally be the solution to Africa’s fragmented payments landscape?
Also in this episode:
- MTN Nigeria completes first phase of $235M data centre, entering the African cloud race
- Nigeria to link citizens’ borrowing history to NIN in new data policy push
- Rwanda leverages AI dataset to expand healthcare access
- AfricInvest exits $6B AFG Holding after doubling banking assets
- Stanbic Kenya launches $100M startup fund in rare VC-style move by a legacy bank
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Twitter/X: @stgr_africa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stgrafrica/
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Kelvin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelvingobo
Karen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-maina-84154937/
Joyce (Producer): https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycejohnaliche/
Visit our website: https://startupgraveyard.africa
Support our work: https://selar.com/showlove/stgr-africa
Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com 

#21 This founder is building the credit OS of Africa using AI

In this episode of the Tech Tides Africa podcast, Kelvin and Karen are joined by Olufemi Olanipekun, the co-founder and CEO of Veend, a Lagos-based fintech startup transforming how Africans access credit.
Olufemi walks us through his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of building a tech startup in Nigeria, and the inspiration behind launching Veend. He introduces Vida, Veend’s proprietary AI-powered credit decision engine, and explains how it’s helping lenders make smarter, fairer, and faster credit decisions even in informal and underserved markets.
From navigating Nigeria’s tough regulatory landscape to using AI to boost Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) adoption, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in fintech in Africa, AI in financial services, and the future of financial inclusion.
Meet our Guest: 
Olufemi Olanipekun: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iolufemi/  
Learn more about Veend: https://www.veendhq.com
 
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Twitter/X: @stgr_africa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stgrafrica/ 
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Kelvin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelvingobo 
Karen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-maina-84154937/
Joyce (Producer): https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycejohnaliche/
Visit our website: https://startupgraveyard.africa
Support our work: https://selar.com/showlove/stgr-africa
Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com 

#20 Tesla extends its services to Africa

In this episode of the Tech Tides Africa podcast, Kelvin and Karen discuss Tesla’s bold move into North Africa with the opening of its Casablanca office, marking the company’s entry into the region’s electric vehicle and clean energy market. Is this just another EV launch, or the beginning of a clean energy race across the continent?
They also cover the controversy surrounding fintech giant M-KOPA, as a court petition reveals allegations of racial discrimination in its internal shareholding structure. What does this mean for African-led tech startups backed by foreign capital? And how is the tech community responding?
Also in this episode:
M-KOPA faces discrimination claims in court over internal shareholding structure
Nigeria and China sign satellite connectivity deal for direct-to-device access
Moove targets unicorn status with a planned $300 million funding round
Visa & Yellow Card team up to enable stablecoin payments for African businesses
U.S. Startup wave enters Cameroon via partnership with CBC Bank
South African AI energy Startup secures R32 million in fresh funding
 
* The correct designation of Bosun Tijani is the Nigerian Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (00:24:49)
 
📢 Connect with Us!
Twitter/X: @stgr_africa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stgrafrica/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stgr_africa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startupgraveyard.africa
Kelvin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelvingobo
Karen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-maina-84154937/
Joyce (Producer): https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycejohnaliche/
Visit our website: https://startupgraveyard.africa
Support our work: https://selar.com/showlove/stgr-africa
Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com
 

#19 Safaricom's $500M AI strategy, Moniepoint in legal trouble and African Startups raise $1B

In this episode of the Tech Tides Africa Podcast, Kelvin and Karen discuss Safaricom’s $500 million AI strategy and what it means for the future of AI investment in East Africa. This ambitious move positions Safaricom as a key player in Africa’s artificial intelligence landscape.
They also cover the Moniepoint legal controversy, where a former executive is suing the fintech unicorn and how the new U.S.-Nigeria trade deal could open the door to increased foreign investment in Nigerian startups, accelerating growth for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the region.
Also in this episode:
Africa to launch an Indigenous Credit Rating Agency
Safaricom unveils $500M AI strategy
Safaricom swipes left on Genghis
Silverbacks partially exits from OmniRetail with a 5x return
Ex-Moniepoint executive drags fintech unicorn to court
📢 Connect with Us!
Twitter/X: @stgr_africa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stgrafrica/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stgr_africa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startupgraveyard.africa
Kelvin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelvingobo 
Karen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-maina-84154937/
Joyce (Producer): https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycejohnaliche/
Visit our website: https://startupgraveyard.africa
Support our work: https://selar.com/showlove/stgr-africa
Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com 

#18 Moniepoint’s unicorn round made its employees billionaires

In this episode of the Tech Tides Africa podcast, Kelvin and Karen discuss Moniepoint’s historic unicorn funding round, which not only cements its place among Africa’s top fintech giants but also made billions of naira for its employees — a rare wealth-sharing moment in Africa’s startup ecosystem.
They also discuss Kenya’s Equity Group’s mass layoff of 1,200 employees following a $15.4 million internal fraud probe — a shake-up that could have ripple effects across the region’s banking sector.
Also in this episode:
Access Bank completes its acquisition of NBK, strengthening its position in East Africa.
Kenya plans to relocate health data from the US in response to Trump-era USAID cuts.
Nigeria’s Medsaf shuts down, highlighting ongoing struggles in Africa’s healthtech space.
Sierra Leone goes green with 5G, positioning itself as a pioneer in sustainable telecom innovation.
📢 Connect with Us!
Twitter/X: @stgr_africa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stgrafrica/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stgr_africa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startupgraveyard.africa
Kelvin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelvingobo
Karen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-maina-84154937/
Joyce (Producer): https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycejohnaliche/
Visit our website: https://startupgraveyard.africa
Support our work: https://selar.com/showlove/stgr-africa
Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com 
 

#17 US tax bill threatens diaspora remittances, Jumia loses largest investor & Starlink in SA?

In this episode of the Tech Tides Africa podcast, Kelvin and Karen discuss the implications of Trump’s new US tax bill on African migrants, making it more expensive for them to send money home. They explore how this potential shift in remittance costs could affect millions of families and economies across the continent.
They also discuss how South Africa’s new ICT policy may pave the way for Starlink’s entry, marking a strategic move to boost satellite internet accessibility in South Africa.
Also in this episode:
Jumia’s largest investor dumps shares, raising questions about the company’s future
Kenya’s Equity Group makes a strategic move into the health insurance sector
Cameroon bets on AI as a cornerstone of its digital transformation agenda
 
📢 Connect with Us!
Twitter/X: @stgr_africa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stgrafrica/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stgr_africa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startupgraveyard.africa
Kelvin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelvingobo 
Karen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-maina-84154937/
Joyce (Producer): https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycejohnaliche/
Visit our website: https://startupgraveyard.africa
Support our work: https://selar.com/showlove/stgr-africa
Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com 

#16 Lagos tops tech rankings, Tanzania bans X & China backs Nigerian EVs

In this episode of the Tech Tides Africa podcast, Kelvin and Karen discuss Lagos’ rise as the world’s fastest-growing tech city in 2025, highlighting how Nigeria’s commercial capital is cementing its place as Africa’s innovation powerhouse. 
They also cover Tanzania’s decision to block X (formerly Twitter), citing national security concerns following the hacking of a police account.
Also in this episode:
China to set up EV charging stations in Nigeria
Carrot Credit raises $4.2M to expand crypto- and stock-backed loans
Valu secures Egyptian exchange listing after $27M boost
Mimosa & MTN team up to expand wireless access across Africa
Uganda launches Internet-for-all pilot
📢 Connect with Us!
Twitter/X: @stgr_africa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stgrafrica/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stgr_africa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startupgraveyard.africa
Kelvin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelvingobo 
Karen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-maina-84154937/
Joyce (Producer): https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycejohnaliche/
Visit our website: https://startupgraveyard.africa
Support our work: https://selar.com/showlove/stgr-africa
Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com 

#15 ARCON vs. Meta, Stripe's snubs big four, and Zambia's AI revolution

In this episode of the Tech Tides Africa podcast, Kelvin and Karen discuss the growing tensions between Nigeria’s advertising regulator, ARCON and digital platforms in a bid to control digital advertising in Nigeria. 
They also cover why Stripe’s recent stablecoin rollout deliberately bypassed Africa’s Big Four economies.
Also in this episode:
Nigeria and Somalia sign a new cross-border data protection agreement
Africa’s fastest-growing fintech companies in 2025 feature seven from Nigeria
Zambia plans to embed AI training in its tertiary education curriculum
Jumia expands its delivery service footprint in Nigeria
Safaricom eyes satellite partnerships as Starlink’s presence grows
2025 UTME controversy: Did over 70% of candidates truly fail, or is there more to the story?
📢 Connect with Us!
Twitter/X: @stgr_africa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stgrafrica/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stgr_africa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startupgraveyard.africa
Kelvin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelvingobo 
Karen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-maina-84154937/
Joyce (Producer): https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycejohnaliche/
Visit our website: https://startupgraveyard.africa
Support our work: https://selar.com/showlove/stgr-africa 
Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com