Google is backing the Artificial Intelligence push in Africa with an initiative valued at USD 37 million which is aimed at addressing food security and boosting local language access in the region.
The fund from Google will support researchers and non-profits AI building tools to fight hunger and climate-driven crop threats in Africa, as well as addressing farming inefficiencies on the continent.
On the other hand, Itana has launched Africa’s first full-stack Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data zone to support startups and researchers building locally grounded AI tools.
The initiative is part of its digital free zone strategy to attract frontier tech talent.
Meanwhile Visa has opened its first African data centre in South Africa and committed USD 56.9 million to support digital growth initiatives across the continent.
In another development, 54 Collective has shut down its venture studio after fallout with the Mastercard Foundation led to legal action.
Court filings show the firm used restricted grant funds for a rebrand, prompting MasterCard’s objection.
Also, a former manager at M-KOPA Kenya Limited has sued the company, claiming its shareholding structure excluded Kenyan staff in favor of white expatriates and foreign investors. M-KOPA denies the claims and wants the petition struck out.
Still in Kenya, the country’s electric mobility startup BasiGo has launched the country’s first pilot program for electric commuter buses (Matatu) on inter-city routes. The new vehicles can travel up to 300 kilometers on a single charge and take just 90 minutes to recharge.
Egyptian SME lending startup Flend has raised USD 3 million in seed funding through a blended equity and debt round led by Egypt Ventures. The capital will help Flend expand operations, grow its team, and deepen partnerships.
Meta has also acquired Egyptian voice Artificial Intelligence startup PlayAI as it ramps up efforts to rival OpenAI and Google in the generative AI space. The full PlayAI team will join Meta and report to its AI leadership.
Moroccan superapp ORA Technologies has raised USD 7.5 million in a Series A round led by Azur Innovation Fund. The funding will go towards accelerating its last-mile business and boosting digital cash collection capabilities.
Reckitt Catalyst is now accepting applications for its global program supporting health and hygiene startups led by women and underrepresented founders.
Visa has opened applications for the fifth edition of its Africa Fintech Accelerator. The program offers startups access to tools, mentorship, and industry connections to help scale their solutions. Applications are open here until August 15.
MEST has opened applications for its newly revamped AI Startup Program, aimed at preparing Africa’s top tech talent to build and scale AI-driven ventures. The updated program positions African entrepreneurs to lead in the global AI wave. Applications for the 2026 intake are now open.
Visa has opened applications for its She’s Next programme to women-led businesses in South Africa. The initiative offers grant funding, training, mentorship, and networking to support female founders. Applications are open here until July 30.
The Africa Money & DeFi Summit returns to Accra on September 24–25, bringing together more than 500 fintech and Web3 leaders. Applications are open for its Investment Showcase, where selected African startups will pitch to investors for funding and partnerships
Servercore is researching the IT infrastructure needs of Kenyan businesses and would appreciate your support in sharing their survey. The insights will help shape better, locally-informed cloud solutions — with findings to be published in the coming months