Tech Tides Africa

#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

#14 Startup funding is on the rise, Airtel and SpaceX join forces

In this episode of the Tech Tides Africa podcast, Kelvin and Karen discuss the resurgence of funding in African startups in the month of April, with South Africa and Egypt leading the charge. 
They also cover how Airtel Africa’s partnership with SpaceX is set to bring Starlink internet to rural communities, marking a pivotal shift in digital connectivity across the continent.
Also in this episode:
Jumia predicts profitability in 2027 amid strong Q1 consumer growth.
PalmPay to enter 4 new African markets after 1.35B transactions in Q1.
Bayobab unveils East Africa Corridor to boost connectivity.
Kenya Power to build 45 EV stations across six counties to accelerate e-mobility.

#13 Paystack's ₦250M fine, Nigeria-UK cybersecurity pact & Mastercard’s crypto move

In this episode of the Tech Tides Africa podcast, Kelvin and Karen discuss how the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has fined Paystack ₦250 million in a major move to tighten oversight of fintech operations and enforce regulatory compliance in Nigeria's digital finance sector.
They also discuss how a Nigerian tribunal upheld a $220 million fine against Meta (Facebook’s parent company) for violating consumer data protection laws, marking a significant step toward stronger digital rights enforcement in Africa.
Also in this episode;
Nigeria to launch open banking system in August 2025 after four years of delays.
Mastercard introduces stablecoin payment support from digital wallets to checkout.
Nigeria and the UK sign a partnership to fight cross-border cybercrime.
Afreximbank launches AfCFTA training to help African businesses expand through intra-African trade.
 
📢 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://buymeacoffee.com/stgr_africa 
Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com 

#12 Aproko Doctor launches tech startup, Rwanda ditches paper records & more 5G expansion

In this episode of the Tech Tides Africa podcast, Kelvin and Karen spotlight Aproko Doctor’s bold mission to revolutionize healthcare access across Africa with his new health tech startup, aiming to become the first point of contact for millions across the continent. They also discuss Rwanda’s ambitious e-Ubuzima rollout, as the country pushes to eliminate paper health records by December 2025, a significant leap in digital public health.
Also in this episode:
Mobilis Paves the Way for 5G in Algeria with Successful Trials. South African crypto asset platform launches tokenised Krugerrands. Kenya partners with Canadian companies to create a blockchain-powered digital exchange, and Visa is banking on contactless payments for its next growth wave in Africa.
 
📢 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://buymeacoffee.com/stgr_africa 
Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com 

#11 Zimbabwe’s Mobile Policy, Nigeria’s Internet Expansion & Tech Meets History with Historiar

In this episode of the Tech Tides Africa podcast, Kelvin and Karen explore the controversy surrounding Zimbabwe’s mobile phone registration. Is it truly about tackling crime, or a move to suppress dissent? They also spotlight Historiar, a tech startup using digital tools to breathe new life into African history and heritage.
Also in this episode:
Equinix to invest $140 million to expand internet access in Southern Nigeria
Ghana’s 5G launch must happen by June, Minister warns NGIC
Starlink gets approval to operate in Guinea-Bissau and Lesotho
 
📢 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://buymeacoffee.com/stgr_africa
Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com

#10 Kenya’s AI Strategy, Crypto Bill & Africa’s First AI Factory

In this episode of the Tech Tides Africa podcast, Kelvin and Karen discuss Kenya’s bold leap into the future with the unveiling of the National AI Strategy 2025–2030 and Cassava Technologies’ plans to build Africa’s first AI factory powered by NVIDIA.
Also in this episode:
Kenyan court orders Umba to pay $21,600 over unfair dismissal of former executive
Kenya proposes first crypto bill to regulate ICOs, stablecoins, exchanges 
Purple Elephant Ventures secures $500K investment from Alphatron, bringing its seed round total to $5 million.
 
📢 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://buymeacoffee.com/stgr_africa 
Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com 

#9 A $100M Boost to Africa’s AI, Cloud and Fintech Infrastructure

In this episode of the Tech Tides Africa podcast, Kelvin and Karen discuss the deeper issues within Africa’s Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) space as Lipa Later faces administration and  Payhippo’s rebrand to Rivy alongside a $4M raise for clean energy financing.
The conversation also covers Raxio’s $100M raise to expand AI and cloud infrastructure through new data centers, and why Lagos’ coastline is becoming the hotbed for data center investors.
Plus, they discuss  Nigeria’s cNGN stablecoin as it seeks listings on Yellow Card, and how Caantin is using AI to reimagine the future of call centers in Africa.
📢 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://buymeacoffee.com/stgr_africa 
Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com 

#8 Trademark Wars Between Paystack’s Zap and Zap Africa

In this episode of the Tech Tides Africa podcast, Kelvin and Karen discuss MTN and Airtel’s new network-sharing agreement in Nigeria and Uganda, which aims to cut costs. 
They also cover Paystack’s launch of Zap, a new bank transfer app, and the legal battle that followed as Paystack issued a cease-and-desist notice to Zap Africa over a trademark dispute. 
Additionally, they discuss AltSchool’s upcoming hybrid learning program, Verve’s global expansion with Temu as it challenges Jumia’s dominance, and how UBA’s record-breaking profit is clouded by rising fraud losses.
 
📢 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://buymeacoffee.com/stgr_africa 
Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com