Author: Akin Naphtal

Luno, the global cryptocurrency and investment platform founded in Africa, is using MoneyHash’s payment infrastructure to simplify payment management and support its continued expansion across markets. The partnership aims to reduce payment complexity while improving transaction performance and customer experience. As Luno expanded, managing more than 25 payment provider and local bank connections created additional demands on its engineering and payments teams. Maintaining these integrations consumed time and resources that could otherwise be dedicated to developing core products and improving customer experience. Through MoneyHash, Luno has consolidated its payment connections into a more centralised system, making it easier to introduce…

Honourable Felix Mutati has been appointed Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, a development welcomed by MTN Zambia as the country continues to advance its digital transformation and technological development. In a congratulatory message shared on LinkedIn, the Board of Directors and staff of MTN Zambia extended their best wishes to Mutati as he assumes the national responsibility, expressing confidence in his new role. The telecommunications company wished the minister success in his new position and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration in advancing Zambia’s digital ambitions and strengthening its technology sector. MTN Zambia also expressed its readiness to maintain…

Google Play has announced the 10 independent game studios selected for the 2026 cohort of its first-ever Google Play Indie Games Fund in Africa, following an earlier call for applications backed by a $1 million commitment. The selected studios will receive a share of non-dilutive funding, alongside tailored technical guidance and one-on-one mentorship from Google Play specialists. The programme aims to help developers improve their games, achieve sustainable growth and introduce distinctive African stories and gameplay experiences to audiences worldwide. The 10 selected studios are Clockwork Acorn (South Africa), Deluxe Entertainment Studios (Nigeria), Fer Factor (Nigeria), Gazuntype Entertainment (Nigeria), Disputed…

Google Wallet, including Google Pay, is now available in Nigeria, offering Android and Wear OS users a fast, simple and secure way to make digital payments. Users can add supported cards from participating financial institutions to Google Pay and make secure, contactless payments using the “Tap to pay” feature in physical stores, apps and online, without needing to use a physical wallet at checkout. Beyond payments, Google Wallet allows users to store essential items such as loyalty cards, event tickets and boarding passes in one convenient digital location, making them easier to access when needed. READ ALSO: AIRTEL AFRICA APPOINTS…

Airtel Africa has appointed Goriola Bakare as Home Broadband Experience Lead for the continent, effective 1 October 2026. The appointment follows his leadership of Airtel Nigeria’s home broadband business and a six-month secondment to Bharti Airtel in India. The move comes as Airtel Africa seeks to grow its home broadband business in response to increasing demand for reliable household internet connectivity beyond traditional mobile data services. According to Airtel Africa’s 2026 annual report, the company recorded 903,000 home broadband customers at the end of the 2025/26 financial year, representing an 86% increase year-on-year. Home broadband revenue rose by 119% in…

Airtel Money, Centenary Bank and gnuGrid have launched Kwaata Sente, a digital lending service designed to improve access to short-term credit for eligible Airtel Money customers. The service allows users to apply for loans without conventional collateral or visiting a bank branch, subject to approval. Speaking at the launch, Centenary Bank Managing Director Godfrey Byekwaso said the partnership would extend the bank’s reach beyond its existing customer base, building on its digital banking services to serve more Ugandans. He explained, “You don’t have to be a Centenary Bank customer to access these services.” The partnership aims to make credit available…

Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology, H.E. Frehiwot Tamru, has called on the Space Science and Geospatial Institute to align its next five-year strategic plan with national development priorities, strengthen geospatial data infrastructure and accelerate digital transformation. The directive followed a review of the Institute’s capacity, performance and progress towards fulfilling its national mandate. During the session, Director General Dr. Abdissa Yilma presented an assessment of the Institute’s organisational structure, workforce, technical capabilities, infrastructure, ongoing projects and achievements and challenges over the past five years. The review was intended to identify institutional strengths and gaps, establish priorities and provide an…

Moniepoint is restructuring its product and engineering departments as part of a strategic shift aimed at improving efficiency, accelerating product development and supporting its next phase of growth. The changes will make some existing positions redundant while creating new roles within the company. The fintech plans to adopt a platform-group model comprising smaller, specialized teams responsible for specific product areas. Under this structure, each team will oversee its products throughout the entire process, from development to deployment and ongoing operations. “As part of Moniepoint’s regular strategic review of operations, the management is restructuring the Engineering and Product functions for the…

Mastercard and Beast Industries are joining forces to help creators and young people turn digital influence into business opportunities, combining financial tools, exclusive experiences and practical education to support their growth in the digital economy. As the creator economy continues to reshape how people build businesses, connect with audiences and generate income, the partnership aims to bridge the gap between online popularity and long-term financial success. Through co-branded consumer and creator card programmes, tools and educational initiatives, the organisations intend to equip the next generation with resources to develop their ideas, strengthen their financial knowledge and build sustainable futures. Founded…

Spotify has introduced audiobooks in Nigeria, allowing users to explore books alongside music and podcasts on its platform. The rollout began on 14 October, offering Nigerians another way to enjoy books while commuting, exercising or carrying out household activities. Through its Audiobooks+ subscription, users can access 15 hours of listening each month for ₦2,300. According to Spotify’s Nigerian website, the service is an add-on billed separately from eligible Premium subscriptions. Unused listening hours expire at the end of each month, while users can purchase extra hours or individual audiobook titles. The launch forms part of Spotify’s broader expansion of its…