Tech Tides Africa

Startup Graveyard Africa
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The Tech Tides Africa Podcast brings you the week’s most important stories on startups, technology, and innovation in Africa. Listen in every Thursday by 10 AM (WAT). You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.

  1. 3H AGO

    #34 Ghana turns its National ID into a Digital Wallet

    Flutterwave has officially crossed a massive $40 billion in lifetime payments and secured a Nigerian banking licence, marking its evolution from a payment processor to a financial powerhouse. This milestone raises critical questions about the future of traditional banks as Africa’s most valuable startup gains the power to hold deposits and offer direct banking services. Other interesting stories in this episode: Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses face privacy probe in Kenya Flutterwave and Paystack join the CBN’s new initiative to tighten anti-money laundering (AML) compliance. Ghana turns National ID into a payment card South Africa’s SARS plans to provide every taxpayer with a digital identity to streamline tax collection. 🤝 Connect with us! Twitter/X: https://x.com/techtidesafrica LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tech-tides-africa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techtidesafrica/ Support our work: https://selar.com/showlove/stgr-africa Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com

    33 min
  2. #33 Binance pushes for a quiet deal with Nigeria to bury its $2 billion tax evasion case

    APR 2

    #33 Binance pushes for a quiet deal with Nigeria to bury its $2 billion tax evasion case

    Is Binance trying to settle its legal battle with the Nigerian government behind closed doors? In this episode, we break down Binance’s push for an out-of-court settlement and what it could mean for Nigeria’s crypto landscape, regulation, and investor confidence. Other stories in this episode: Namibia slammed the door on Starlink Moniepoint enters Kenya with a 78% stake in Sumac Microfinance Bank Kenya moves to phase out low-end mobile phones to drive digital inclusion. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) proposes removing the VAT threshold   🤝 Connect with us! Twitter/X: https://x.com/techtidesafrica LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tech-tides-africa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techtidesafrica/ Support our work: https://selar.com/showlove/stgr-africa Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com

    27 min
  3. #32 Selar vs Mainstack: The rivalry over Africa’s $30Billion creator market

    MAR 26

    #32 Selar vs Mainstack: The rivalry over Africa’s $30Billion creator market

    Is competition in Africa’s creator economy getting out of hand? In this episode, we discuss the growing tension between Selar and Mainstack, where a simple banner ad spiralled into a public clash—raising bigger questions about rivalry, ethics, and the future of Africa's booming $30B creator market. Other interesting stories in this episode: Kenya moves to criminalise unapproved “high-risk” AI deployment MTN moves to take full control of IHS Towers in a $2.2 billion deal. Nigerian fintechs are doubling down on building full-stack financial services. Showmax shutdown sparks concern, with Parliament stepping in over potential job losses. 🤝 Connect with us! Twitter/X: https://x.com/techtidesafrica LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tech-tides-africa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techtidesafrica/ Support our work: https://selar.com/showlove/stgr-africa Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com

    29 min
  4. #31 Nigeria’s CBN is using AI to fight money laundering

    MAR 19

    #31 Nigeria’s CBN is using AI to fight money laundering

    Is Nigeria’s financial system ready for AI-powered regulation? In this episode, we break down Nigeria’s CBN move to embed AI into anti-money laundering rules—a bold step that could reshape how financial crimes are detected and prevented across the country. But with innovation comes concern: how will this impact businesses, fintechs, and everyday users? Other interesting stories in this episode: Kenya and Rwanda move toward a single fintech license for expansion MultiChoice shuts down Showmax after 11 years. Zap Africa cuts 44% of its workforce for “AI-driven restructuring.” UK and South Africa launch an AI-driven observatory programme to automate telescope operations.

    27 min
  5. #30 Africans are being lured into foreign wars via fake online remote gigs

    MAR 5

    #30 Africans are being lured into foreign wars via fake online remote gigs

    Is the internet quietly turning Africa into a recruitment ground for foreign wars? The internet promised African talents a gateway to global wealth, but a disturbing new trend shows it also facilitates recruitment for foreign combat. We discuss how digital platforms are being used to draft Africans into international wars as mercenaries under the guise of legitimate employment Plus, we discuss why the partnership between Unilever and Google is dangerous for startups. As global giants tighten their grip through powerful alliances, it also creates a dangerous environment for smaller startups trying to compete. Will this consolidation of AI and data power make it nearly impossible for emerging brands to be discovered by consumers in the future? Other interesting stories in this episode: Alerzo Begins Asset Sale Amid ₦4.38bn Moniepoint Debt Pesalink & PAPSS Unlock Cross-Border Payments in Kenya Spiro Raises $50M to Expand Electric Motorcycle Network 🤝 Connect with us! Twitter/X: https://x.com/techtidesafrica LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tech-tides-africa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techtidesafrica/ Support our work: https://selar.com/showlove/stgr-africa Signup to our Newsletter:  https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com

    26 min
  6. #29 Is the African B2C dream over? Inside Eden Life’s shift to B2B

    FEB 26

    #29 Is the African B2C dream over? Inside Eden Life’s shift to B2B

    Eden Life is pausing its consumer-facing operations to focus entirely on corporate clients. This move serves as a wake-up call for the African tech ecosystem, proving that even the most popular startups must adapt quickly to survive economic pressures. Are these signs of a maturing market or a continent in crisis? Plus, Gabon’s sudden decision to suspend social media access has sparked a massive debate over the thin line between national security and digital censorship. The government claims the move is necessary to maintain stability, but the impact on the country's digital economy remains a major concern. Other interesting stories in this episode: NDPC launches investigation into Temu over alleged data privacy violations Risevest secures its SEC license, ending a long period of regulatory uncertainty for the investment platform. Terra reaches a $100 million valuation after extending its funding to $34 million.   🤝 Connect with us! Twitter/X: https://x.com/techtidesafrica LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tech-tides-africa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techtidesafrica/ Support our work: https://selar.com/showlove/stgr-africa Signup to our Newsletter:  https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com

    24 min
  7. #28 Safaricom launches stocks trading app "Ziidi Trader" for M-PESA users

    FEB 19

    #28 Safaricom launches stocks trading app "Ziidi Trader" for M-PESA users

    Safaricom is no longer just a digital wallet; it’s becoming a wealth engine. This week, we discuss the launch of Ziidi Trader, a move that allows millions of Kenyans to trade stocks directly via M-PESA. Is this the ultimate democratization of wealth, or a systemic risk waiting to happen? Plus... the robot cop has arrived. Ethiopia just unveiled Africa’s first unmanned smart police station to digitize law enforcement. From AI-powered reporting to automated governance, we explore whether this is the future of public safety or a new frontier for digital surveillance. Other interesting stories in this episode: Chowdeck's price transparency suit could set a precedent for Nigeria’s food delivery industry Jumia ends Algeria operations in latest profitability drive Sun King Expands Beyond Solar into Smartphones, Cooling, and Clean Cooking Skoot Technology Launches Smart Electric Tuk-Tuk In Kenya 🤝 Connect with us! Twitter/X: https://x.com/techtidesafrica LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tech-tides-africa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techtidesafrica/ Support our work: https://selar.com/showlove/stgr-africa Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com

    31 min
  8. #27 From Green Promise to Administration: What Happened to Koko Networks?

    FEB 12

    #27 From Green Promise to Administration: What Happened to Koko Networks?

    Is the dream of socially-driven tech in Africa under threat? In this episode, we discuss PwC’s takeover of Koko Networks after the Kenyan government’s refusal to sign a critical carbon credit "Letter of Authorization," sent the $300M startup into a tailspin. Is this a regulatory failure, or a necessary evolution for African CleanTech? We also cover the Kenya Revenue Authority’s (KRA) new AI-driven validation system. The taxman is no longer just waiting for your filing—they are now cross-referencing iTax data with your bank and mobile money records to catch "side-hustle" income hiding behind "nil" returns. Other interesting stories in this episode: CinetPay customers owed over $1 million months after alleged cyberattack Google pushes to localise AI for African languages with speech database Namibia calls for increased 4G device adoption amid infrastructure expansion 🤝 Connect with Us! Twitter/X: https://x.com/techtidesafrica LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tech-tides-africa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techtidesafrica/ Support our work: https://selar.com/showlove/stgr-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/ Signup to our Newsletter:  https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com

    26 min
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About

The Tech Tides Africa Podcast brings you the week’s most important stories on startups, technology, and innovation in Africa. Listen in every Thursday by 10 AM (WAT). You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.

Information

  • Creator
    Startup Graveyard Africa
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Tech Tides Africa