Tech Tides Africa

#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/
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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
 

#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

#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