This Week in African Tech 🌍

Hey, Maryann here 👋🏽 

This week in African tech, Chery is bringing electric cars to South Africa, Zipline is stepping up medical deliveries in Ghana, Kenya is launching its first blockchain-powered digital exchange, and Twiga Foods is expanding its FMCG portfolio.

The roundup’s coming up in a sec—but first, a quick announcement:

Now, on to this week’s roundup….

Tech Roundup

• Chinese automaker Chery is expanding its South African footprint by introducing plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles. The new models will feature Chery’s Super Hybrid (CSH) technology, which offers 46.5% energy efficiency and fuel consumption rates between 2 to 3 litres per 100 kilometres.

• The Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund has teamed up with Capital Connect Africa to boost support for high-growth SMEs. The fund will channel businesses from its pipeline to the Capital Connect platform, widening its impact.

• The Government of Ghana has partnered with drone delivery firm Zipline to keep essential medical supplies moving across the country. The move comes in response to ongoing disruptions in USAID-funded supply chains.

• Kenya’s Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has partnered with DeFi Technologies, SovFi, and Valour Inc. to launch the Kenya Digital Exchange (KDX). The blockchain platform will enable Kenyan companies to tokenize assets like equities, debt, and commodities.

• Flutterwave, YellowCard, and Onafriq have joined Circle’s new Payment Network (CPN). The fintechs are backing Circle’s USDC to enable faster, cheaper cross-border payments and drive stablecoin adoption.

• Nigeria’s House of Representatives has ordered Remita operator SystemSpecs Ltd to refund ₦182.77 billion ($112.9 million) to the Federal Government. A forensic audit uncovered problems in the Treasury Single Account’s management since 2015.

• Access Holdings Plc spent $120.5 million on technology infrastructure and electronic business in 2024, marking a 147% increase from 2023. The spend is the highest in the banking sector, and with this investment, fraud-related losses dropped by 73%.

Deal Roundup

• Kenyan agri-tech Twiga Foods has acquired majority stakes in FMCG distributors Jumra, Sojpar, and Raisons as part of its shift from fresh produce to a full-service FMCG platform. The move strengthens its procurement capacity and extends its footprint across Central, Western, and Coastal Kenya.

• Global payments giant Visa has invested in Tunisia’s Konnect and Morocco’s PayTic following their participation in the company’s 12-week Africa Fintech Accelerator programme.

• South African fintech DigiSquad has secured an undisclosed amount of funding from Crossfin Ventures to support its push for financial inclusion across Africa. The startup plans to scale services for both public and private sector clients.

• Kenyan logistics startup Lori Systems raised $2 million in a bridge round at a $5 million valuation. The latest round, led by Delta40, brings Lori’s total funding to over $46 million.

Other Events and Opportunities

• CatalyzU just dropped a 12-week Micro-MBA in Venture Capital & Entrepreneurship for experienced pros looking to level up in startup building and venture capital. Learn more about the program and apply here by Tuesday, April 29. Use referral code “TECHSAFARI10” for 10% off tuition.

  

• Impact Hub Nairobi is back with Community Office Hours—this time on Scaling Smarter with Cloud & AI. It's happening Wednesday, April 30, 10AM-1PM at Ikigai Lower Kabete. Book your spot here.

• The EU-Kenya Business Forum returns on May 12-13, 2025 in Nairobi, under the theme "Digitalising Trade". Expect top policymakers, founders, and investors exploring how tech can drive trade and inclusive growth. Sign up here.

And that's a wrap!

That’s it for this week. See you on Wednesday 😃 

Cheers,

The Tech Safari Team

PS. refer five readers and you’ll get access to our private community. 👇🏾

Wow, still here?

You must really like the newsletter. Come hang out. 👇🏾