Google has added 15 African languages to its Voice Search, Gboard’s talk-to-type, and Translate dictation, bringing online access to around 300 million more Africans. The newly supported languages include Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Nigerian Pidgin, Chichewa, Kikuyu, Oromo, Rundi, Shona, Somali, Tigrinya, and Twi, allowing more people to interact with Google services in their native languages. More Languages on Voice and Gboard With this update, Google Voice Search and Gboard talk-to-type now support 12 more African languages, raising the total to 25. Google Translate has also added voice input for 13
Moniepoint, a Nigeria-based fintech company, has successfully raised $110 million in a Series C funding round. This raise gives the company a valuation of at least $1 billion for the first time, according to the Financial Times. The financing was led by Development Partners International’s African Development Partners III (ADP III) fund, with participation from investors such as Google’s Africa Investment Fund, Verod Capital, and Lightrock. Strategic Focus on Business Banking and Financial Access Founded in 2015 by Tosin Eniolorunda and Felix Ike, Moniepoint originally launched as TeamApt. The company
African venture capital firm Janngo Capital has closed its second fund at €73 million (approximately $78 million), surpassing its original €60 million target by 20%. Janngo Capital states that fund now positions the venture capital firm as the largest accelerating gender equality in Africa. Investment Focus on Gender Equality and Diverse Sectors Janngo Capital positions itself as a “gender-equal” investor, with 56% of its portfolio companies founded or led by women. Notable women-led investments include the Nigerian B2B platform Sabi and expense management company Expensya. According to Janngo, its investment
Earthbond, a Nigerian startup that helps small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) go solar, has raised $200,000 in pre-seed funding from Madica, an Africa-focused investment firm. The funding will help Earthbond expand its solar services to more businesses, offering a cleaner and more affordable energy option as Nigeria faces rising fuel prices. Making Solar Power More Accessible Founded in 2023 by Chidalu Onyenso, Earthbond connects businesses with solar power providers, including installers and loan options, to make adopting solar energy easier and more affordable. Onyenso, a Harvard MBA and experienced product
Octavia Carbon, a Kenyan startup in Direct Air Carbon Capture (DACC) technology, has raised $3.9 million in seed funding. This funding, co-led by Lateral Frontiers and E4E Africa, will allow the startup to scale its efforts to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, aiding the global fight against climate change. Pioneering Carbon Capture Technology in Africa Founded in 2022 by Martin Freimüller, Duncan Kariuki, and Mike Bwondera, Octavia Carbon is Kenya’s first DACC company. Its machines capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and store it underground to help reduce
Klasha, the fintech company changing cross-border B2B payments between Africa and Asia, has raised an additional $2 million in funding. This latest investment round, backed by existing investors such as Expert Dojo, Alumni Ventures, and Breega, brings Klasha’s total funding to $6.5 million. The new capital will be used to accelerate its expansion into the Asian market, including opening an office in Hangzhou, China, the hub of e-commerce giants like Alibaba. Scaling Payment Solutions for Emerging Markets With a focus on enabling seamless cross-border payments between merchants in Africa and
In a development for South Africa’s renewable energy sector, Grid Africa has raised R50 million ($2.8 million) in equity from Rifuwo Energy Partners. This investment comes at a pivotal time as the nation faces rising energy costs, exacerbated by Eskom’s – a government-owned company that is South Africa’s main supplier of electric power – proposed 36% tariff hike. The fresh funds will fuel the acceleration of solar energy projects across the country, offering businesses a cost-effective alternative to grid electricity. Timing Amidst Rising Energy Costs With South Africa’s state-owned power
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is exploring technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning to detect and combat tax evasion. This move is part of KRA’s broader strategy to enhance revenue collection through improved efficiency and compliance. AI and Machine Learning to Transform Tax Collection “AI and machine learning will analyze vast data sets to identify tax evasion patterns, optimize resource allocation, and predict future revenue streams,” Humphrey Wattanga, the KRA Commissioner General said according to Kenyan Wall Street. “Integrating these technologies will not only boost tax collection but
Registered non-profit organization Darkies in Tech has launched a new website designed to drive inclusion by providing a centralized platform for professionals of color within the South African tech industry. Founded by Ntsako Mgiba in February 2021, Darkies in Tech has become the largest vetted community of its kind in South Africa, with over 450 members, including founders, investors, and ecosystem builders. The community has consistently hosted educational and social events aimed at creating a more inclusive environment for Black professionals in tech. Addressing Exclusion in South Africa’s Tech Scene
Southeast Asian investment network XA Network has expanded to the African continent with the launch of XA Africa. XA Africa aims to connect local founders with international investors, offering both capital and mentorship to help scale their ventures globally. Co-founded by Nitin Gajria, former Managing Director of Google Sub-Saharan Africa, Black Angel Group Co-Founder Jason Scott, and YouTube marketing director Marek Dawidowicz, XA Africa brings a wealth of experience to the continent’s entrepreneurial landscape. Their mission is to equip African startups with the resources and expertise needed to solve critical
