Tech Tides Africa

Startup Graveyard Africa

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UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

MAY 7

#38 South Africa’s AI policy fiasco and the race for satellite internet

The South African government’s attempt to lead the continent in AI regulation has hit an embarrassing snag. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies had to pull its 86-page Draft National AI Policy after eagle-eyed researchers found it was riddled with "AI hallucinations." From fake academic studies to non-existent bibliographies, the very tool the government sought to regulate ended up undermining the policy meant to govern it. We discuss the fallout and what this means for the credibility of digital policy-making in the region. Other interesting stories in this episode: Swoop’s Bold Gamble: The Lagos food delivery market is notoriously difficult, but Swoop is trying a 100% rider-income model to win loyalty. We look at the fragile unit economics of a "no-cut" delivery platform. Starlink Crackdown in CAR: The Central African Republic has suspended the use of "roaming" Starlink kits purchased abroad, citing national security and regulatory traceability. Nokia Targets Cairo: Nokia has officially selected Egypt as its regional hub for Middle East and Africa operations, leveraging the country's growing pool of technical talent. Amazon vs. Starlink: Project Kuiper (rebranded as Amazon LEO) is applying for a Tier 2 license in Kenya, signaling a major expansion of satellite internet competition in East Africa. Ethiopia’s Green Surge: Addis Ababa-based Dodai has raised $13 million to scale its electric motorbike and battery-swapping network, capitalizing on Ethiopia's aggressive ban on internal combustion engine imports. Connect with us! Twitter/X: https://x.com/techtidesafrica LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tech-tides-africa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techtidesafrica/ Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com

34 min
APR 30

#37 Netflix under fire, Binance frozen, and the $75M "Ghost" investment

Ghana is positioning itself as a continental hub for aerospace innovation. Terra Industries has announced plans to build Africa’s largest drone factory, a facility aimed at scaling domestic production of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This isn't just about manufacturing; it’s about reducing the continent's reliance on imported tech and creating a localised supply chain for industries ranging from precision farming to medical deliveries. We discuss what this means for high-tech manufacturing jobs in West Africa. Other interesting stories in this episode: Absa Kenya is set to spend $23.2 million a year on digital transformation to stave off competition from agile fintechs. Kenya’s DCI takes a hard line on crypto, requesting the freezing of multiple Binance accounts amid regulatory pressure. South African authorities are planning to investigate giants like Netflix and WhatsApp, likely examining how these global platforms affect local broadcasting and telecommunications. Mozambique’s parliament has unanimously approved a new Cyber Security Law, a critical step in modernising the nation’s legal framework against digital threats. Flutterwave officially denies reports of a massive Nigerian government investment, leaving the tech ecosystem wondering where the rumour started and why. Connect with us! Twitter/X: https://x.com/techtidesafrica LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tech-tides-africa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techtidesafrica/ Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com

41 min
APR 23

#36 The compliance goldmine— Navigating data breaches, layoffs, and smart schools

The African tech ecosystem is currently facing a cybersecurity stress test. From Standard Bank in South Africa exposing customer card details to coordinated hits on Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and Remita, the last few weeks have been a wake-up call for digital infrastructure. We dive into why these breaches are happening simultaneously and what it means for consumer trust in digital banking and government platforms. Other interesting stories in this episode: The Sama Exit: Over 1,000 Kenyan workers are facing layoffs as Sama pivots away from its former role as a Meta contractor, signalling a shift in the global AI supply chain. Enugu’s Smart School Gamble: 260 smart schools are being built to revolutionise learning in Nigeria, but we discuss whether the infrastructure can be maintained and replicated effectively. Compliance is the New AI: A provocative new look at the African market suggests that the next billion-dollar industry isn't just "building" tech—it's the compliance and regulatory tech required to keep it legal. MTN Nigeria Hits Pause: The telecom giant has suspended its popular airtime and data lending services, leaving millions of users looking for alternative ways to stay connected. Connect with us! Twitter/X: https://x.com/techtidesafrica LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tech-tides-africa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techtidesafrica/ Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com

37 min
APR 16

#35 Connectivity to Crypto: Africa’s Digital Rules are Changing

African startups kicked off 2026 with a strong $705 million raised in the first quarter. However, the "how" is just as important as the "how much." Debt financing has emerged as the dominant force, suggesting a shift in how founders scale and how investors perceive risk in the current economic climate. We break down what this "debt-first" trend means for the ecosystem’s long-term sustainability. Other interesting stories in this episode: New regulations require stablecoin issuers to back their tokens with reserves held strictly within Kenyan banks to ensure financial stability. The Conecta project is expanding, with 37 firms joining the mission to bridge the digital divide via satellite internet. in Angola. Africa’s first disability-tech fund launches, aiming to empower entrepreneurs building solutions for the millions of Africans living with disabilities. Internet usage has climbed to 71% in Kenya, pushing the country’s infrastructure to the limit and sparking urgent conversations about capacity upgrades. 🤝 Connect with us! Twitter/X: https://x.com/techtidesafrica LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tech-tides-africa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techtidesafrica/ Signup to our Newsletter: https://startupgraveyardafrica.substack.com

30 min
APR 10

#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
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
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
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

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.

Creator

Startup Graveyard Africa
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

38
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
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Tech Tides Africa