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

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. ----more----   📢 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   

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 

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 

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

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 

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 

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 

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

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 

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.

In this Tech Tides Africa podcast episode, Kelvin and Karen discuss Sendstack co-founder Ifeoma Nwobu’s exit as the startup pivots again. They also explore Risevest’s U.S. broker-dealer license, Africa’s deeper cross-border payment challenges, and Edukoya’s shutdown after three years in Nigeria’s edtech space.   📢 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 

In this episode of the Tech Tides Africa podcast, Kelvin and Karen discuss the transformative landscape of embedded finance in Kenya, spotlighting NCBA Loop's pivotal role in driving this revolution. They also discuss Jumia's strategic cost-cutting in 2024 and celebrate Oui Capital’s 53x return on their $150K investment in Moniepoint. Additionally, they unpack recent findings that reveal eight African nations rank among the top 20 cyber-attacked countries and explore NITDA's new regulations mandating cloud providers to store critical data within 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/ Visit our website: https://startupgraveyard.africa Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com

In this episode of the Tech Tides Africa podcast, Kelvin and Karen discuss the emergence of stablecoins in Nigeria and Kenya, focusing on the distrust and regulatory challenges surrounding cryptocurrencies. They also touch on the shutdown of Nigerian Fintech startup Zoto and the fallout of Bento, which faced allegations of tax fraud and subsequently shut down operations in Nigeria. Additionally, they explore the strategic shift by Metro Africa Express (MAX) to focus on financing electric vehicles amidst the recent layoffs of 30% of its workforce. 📢 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  Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com  Visit our website: https://startupgraveyard.africa Kelvin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelvingobo Karen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-maina-84154937/

In this episode, Kelvin and Karen unpack a series of transformative tech developments across Africa. First, we explore Uganda’s decisive move in detaining nine officials linked to a $16.87 million central bank hack. Next, we dive into Nigeria’s bold vision of achieving 70% internet penetration by 2025, driven by its National Broadband Alliance. We also examine how Safaricom and key Kenyan banks are pushing for Pesalink to boost digital payments. Finally, we highlight Flutterwave CEO’s new venture studio, Resilience17, which is set to invest $200,000 in promising AI startups.  Join us as we break down what these moves mean for Africa’s tech landscape and future 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/  Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com  Visit our website: https://startupgraveyard.africa