Tech Tides Africa

#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 

#7 GTCO Bets on Transfers as the Future of Payments

In this episode of the Tech Tides Africa podcast, Kelvin and Karen discuss how loan defaults and economic struggles have forced Decagon to pivot its business model. They also cover Nigeria’s new digital platform bill, mandating Facebook, bloggers, and other digital platforms to have offices in Nigeria. Additionally, they explore Vendease’s salary restructuring, GTCO’s HabariPay fintech expansion with new licenses, and how Airtel Money is gaining market share over M-Pesa.
📢 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
Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com

#6 Tap, Pay, Go: Access Bank Launches Contactless Payment System

In this Tech Tides Africa episode, Kelvin & Karen discuss Access Bank’s new ‘Tap to Phone’ contactless payment system, Nigeria’s $4.6B startup funding lead, and YORA Technologies’ $1.9M raise for digital expansion. They also cover Uganda’s single-SIM plan, Whitepath’s data privacy fine, and Starlink’s rapid growth in Nigeria.
 
📢 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
Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com 

#5 Stories That Are Ours To Tell: The Power of Personal Narratives

In this Tech Tides Africa episode, Kelvin and Karen discuss how M-PESA slashed daily reversal requests from 12,000 to 4000, North West taxis’ shift to cashless payments, and Namibia’s CBDC plans. They also explore AWS’s 21% tax impact on Ghanaian startups, Ghana’s e-Cedi launch, and Sendstack's Former COO, Ifeoma Nwobu, and her response to her exit.