NextBillion - A WDI Publication

Nigeria Anchors Africa’s $3 Billion Solar Push Amid Grid Collapse

In a sign that Nigeria may soon anchor West Africa’s energy leap, four states on Tuesday, October 14, inked solar mini-grid agreements as part of a sweeping push behind a $3 billion renewable energy fund.

Source

Business Insider Africa (link opens in a new window)

Categories

Energy, Technology

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Tags

innovation, partnerships, regulations, renewable energy, solar

M-KOPA Posts First Ever Profit, Bets on E-Mobility for Next Growth Phase

The Nairobi-based fintech swung to a US$9.2 million profit in 2024 from a US$20.6 million loss the previous year, according to audited results seen by The Kenyan Wall Street.

Source

The Kenyan Wall Street (link opens in a new window)

Categories

Finance, Technology, Transportation

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Tags

digital finance, digital inclusion, distribution, e-mobility, fintech, lending, mobile finance, PAYGO finance, scale

AgDevCo Expands Its Portfolio in Zambia With a New Investment in the Poultry Sector

AgDevCo says its "investments leverage private capital into socially responsible farming and agri-processing businesses in Africa, with benefits for smallholder farmers and local communities."

Source

AgDevCo (link opens in a new window)

Categories

Agriculture, Investing

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Tags

employment, food security, impact investing

World Bank Chief ‘Not Certain’ Developing Nations Can Leapfrog With AI

World Bank Group President Ajay Banga is skeptical about AI's leapfrogging opportunity, but experts believe that while challenges exist in Africa, so do opportunities for advancement.

Source

Connecting Africa (link opens in a new window)

Categories

Agriculture, Health Care, Technology

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Tags

agtech, artificial intelligence, digital inclusion, Digital Public Infrastructure, fintech, global development, partnerships

The Bank of Industry and Bumpa to Empower 200 Youth-led MSMEs

"The collaboration, implemented under the youth and skills thematic area of the bank, aims to address the critical challenge of market access for young entrepreneurs . . . "

Source

The Guardian (link opens in a new window)

Categories

Finance, Technology

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Tags

business development, digital inclusion, financial inclusion, MSMEs, partnerships, scale, skill development, youth

DigsConnect Founder Alexandria Procter Launches $1.4 Million Vehicle to Back African Startups

The new vehicle, named Pharos of Alexandria Ventures, is now accepting applications for a series of exclusive pitch sessions to be held in Cape Town this November.

Source

Launch Base Africa (link opens in a new window)

Categories

Investing, Technology

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Tags

business development, fintech, startups

Pyramidia Ventures Secures US $1.5 Million to Scale Agri-Tech Startups and Address Food Security Challenges in Africa

This latest funding round includes US$1.3 million in capital from the Dutch impact investor Triple Jump, alongside US$200,000 in technical assistance and business development support from the Dutch Good Growth Fund.

Source

Tech in Africa (link opens in a new window)

Categories

Agriculture, Technology

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Tags

agtech, business development, climate change, food security, impact investing, scale, startups, technical assistance

Viewpoint: Zero Tariffs Won’t Fix Ghana’s Real China Trade Problem

Ghana’s fundamental trade challenge with China, the massive imbalance between what each country sells to the other, will persist largely unchanged.

Source

News Ghana (link opens in a new window)

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Tags

international trade, manufacturing, regulations