Author: Kaluka wanjala

Opera’s stablecoin wallet MiniPay, once only accessible via the Opera Mini browser, is now a standalone application available globally on iOS and Android. Built on Celo’s Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain, MiniPay is designed to make sending and spending stablecoins as easy as sending a text message. MiniPay was launched back in 2023 and has activated over 7 million wallets. Its Android standalone version released just last October has already surpassed 1 million downloads. The app supports all popular stablecoins like USDT, USDC, and cUSD. It allows users to store value and make low-fee, near-instant transfers globally. “MiniPay becoming a standalone app…

A recent report by Ookla, the company behind the Speedtest platform, shared data on Starlink’s download and upload speeds, latency, and comparative performance across multiple African countries. Starlink has been in a few African countries for a couple of years but its popularity is growing.  We spoke with Karim Yaici, Industry Analyst at Ookla, to learn more about the data, the methodology, and what Starlink’s rollout might mean for internet access across the continent. Speed and Latency Standouts According to the report, Starlink delivered median download speeds above 60 Mbps in most African countries it operates in, notably Nigeria, Mozambique,…

Every year, Google’s I/O developer conference is a sneak peek into the future of Android, and 2025 is no different. With Android powering over 3 billion active devices globally, it’s more than just an operating system; it’s how many of us connect, work, travel, and express ourselves. From Nairobi to Lagos, and Cape Town to Cairo, Android’s latest updates promise a more personal, intelligent, and secure experience—tailored to the needs of everyday users across Africa. Here’s what’s coming and why it matters: 1. Phones and Watches That Match Your Personality Android 16 and Wear OS 6 are turning your device…

Egyptian proptech startup Nawy has just raised a whopping $52 million in Series A funding, marking a bold step in its mission to reshape how real estate works across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). In addition to that, the company has also secured $23 million in debt financing from top Egyptian banks—cash that will go directly into growing its mortgage offering. The investment round was led by Partech, with support from several heavyweight investors including e& Capital, VentureSouq, Shorooq Partners, and Development Partners International through the Nclude Fund. Founded in 2019, Nawy began as a simple property listings…

Cross Switch has partnered with Pesawise to officially enter the Kenyan market. The partnership merges Cross Switch’s global payment infrastructure with Pesawise’s deep local market expertise. This has resulted in a seamless, secure, and scalable payment solution. The solution is built to meet the different needs of Kenyan businesses from hospitality and e-commerce to nonprofits and even delivery services. “We’re thrilled to take this next step in our journey with Cross Switch as our technology partner,” said Jamal Khan, CEO of Pesawise. “Their robust tech stack and global experience will enable us to provide truly tailored solutions for Kenya’s digital-first…

M-KOPA has been selected as Financial Times’ “Africa’s Fastest Growing Companies”. This is the fourth consecutive appearance for M-KOPA on the prestigious annual ranking. M-KOPA reported a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 42% between 2020 and 2023. In 2024, the company saw over 65% year-over-year revenue growth. The company is on track to surpass $500 million in annual revenue in 2025. All this, while maintaining profitability. “We are thrilled to make the FT Fastest Growing Companies in Africa list for the 4th year in a row,” said Jesse Moore, CEO and Co-Founder of M-KOPA. “Our growth continues to accelerate,…

Absa Bank Kenya has announced a strategic partnership with Women’s World Banking to support women entrepreneurs across the country. The announcement was made during a partners’ breakfast hosted in Nairobi by the global nonprofit focused on advancing financial inclusion for women. The partnership is set to enhance Absa’s existing Women in Business (WIB) proposition by tapping into the global expertise of Women’s World Banking (WWB). The two organisations aim to roll out tailored financial and non-financial solutions to women-led enterprises in Kenya. Many of these enterprises face significant barriers in accessing finance and support. “This partnership creates the perfect platform…

Westcon-Comstor Southern Africa has been named Value Added Distributor of the Year at the Intelligent ICT Awards Africa 2025, held in Johannesburg on May 8.  In a market where distribution often means moving boxes, Westcon-Comstor is changing what it means to be a value-added distributor. Through deep partner enablement, innovation-led services, and an unwavering focus on digital transformation, the company continues to lead from the front. “This award is a testament to everything we’ve worked to build with and for our partners,” said Louise Taute, Managing Director at Westcon-Comstor Southern Africa. “Being acknowledged as a true Value Added Distributor, rather…

Safaricom has partnered with Quickmart to take its 4G and 5G home internet solutions closer to its customers. Kenyans can now purchase Safaricom’s routers easily through Quickmart’s 61 retail outlets nationwide.  The move comes as demand for fast and reliable home internet is at an all-time high. This is driven by remote work, online learning, and streaming needs. Safaricom’s 4G network covers over 97% of the population, while its 5G network is now available in all 47 counties. “In line with our purpose of transforming lives, we are continuously innovating to provide our customers with the best connectivity solutions,” said…

BURN Manufacturing has received a $5 million investment from EDFI Management Company through the EU-funded Electrification Financing Initiative (ElectriFI). This funding will help over 100,000 Kenyan households shift from costly, polluting fuels like charcoal and LPG to affordable, electric cooking. The financing will support the rollout of BURN’s ECOA Induction Cooker (ECOA IDC). These locally manufactured IoT-enabled appliances offer a smarter and cleaner way to cook. The ECOA IDC is fitted with a Pay-As-You-Cook (PAYC) technology. With this, users will be able to make small daily payments through mobile money and gradually own the device within a year. Over 600…