Labas,
Victoria from Techpoint here,
Here’s what I’ve got for you today:
- Kenya goes all in on Bitcoin and blockchain
- Startups get 5% of Ethiopia’s ICT contracts
- Internet access leaps by 67% in Tanzania
Kenya goes all in on Bitcoin and blockchain
Kenya is making a bold move to embrace the digital economy, with Bitcoin, stablecoins, and blockchain tech now in its sights. The government, through the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy (MICDE), has confirmed plans to explore these technologies as part of a broader push to future-proof the economy. Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo announced on X, calling digital assets “the future of finance.”
In what feels like a complete shift from the usual caution, Kabogo said Kenya is “pivoting from apprehension to leadership.” The country is now supporting blockchain innovation, exploring stablecoin development, and even looking into Bitcoin reserves. While regulations are still in the works, this public commitment signals that Kenya wants to be taken seriously in Africa’s digital economy race.
Part of that vision includes a National Policy on Virtual Assets and a Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Bill, both currently in development. These will aim to strike a balance between innovation and safety while enabling financial inclusion. It’s a big step, especially for a country where crypto trading is already widespread. Kabogo revealed that Kenyans are trading over $500 million in digital assets every month.
The shift isn’t just talk. There’s grassroots momentum, too. On July 11, the ministry welcomed the Kenya Digital Token (KDT), a civic-led token launched on the Solana blockchain. Though not government-issued, the token aligns with national goals around inclusion and innovation. Kabogo called it a bold example of what’s possible when public and private sectors align.
He also pointed out that blockchain could be a game-changer for everyday Kenyans. “Someone in a village can now access global markets, raise capital, or invest in tokenised assets,” Kabogo said. This kind of access and participation is central to the country’s bottom-up economic transformation agenda, aimed at driving economic dignity and digital empowerment.
With all this momentum, Kenya is shaping up to be one of the most progressive African countries when it comes to digital finance. If regulation and trust can keep pace, the country might just become a blueprint for Web3 adoption across the continent. As Kabogo put it, “Kenya can’t afford to be left behind.”
Startups get 5% of Ethiopia’s ICT contracts
After nearly five years of back-and-forth, Ethiopia has finally approved its long-awaited startup law, a major win for the country’s growing tech scene. The “Startup Business Proclamation” got the green light from the Council of Ministers last Sunday, July 13, 2025, and it’s expected to give local startups the regulatory support they’ve been asking for.
For years, Ethiopian founders have been building without a clear legal framework. This new law changes that. It officially defines what a startup is and sets up the structure for supporting innovation, including the creation of a National Startup Council and a formal registration system. Finally, something concrete to work with.
It’s not just paperwork either. The law comes with tangible benefits like easier business registration, tax incentives, access to government training programmes, and a serious effort to cut red tape. Even better? Startups will now be eligible for funding from a newly announced 2 billion birr (about $36 million) Ethiopian Startup Fund.
And in a bold move, the government is reserving 5% of all ICT procurement for startups. That’s guaranteed access to public contracts, a massive boost for early-stage businesses. State-owned enterprises like Ethio Telecom and Commercial Bank of Ethiopia are also now required to work with startups at least once a year through proof-of-concept pilots.
This could be a game-changer. Founders who’ve worked in accelerators like blueMoon or weVenture and have long dealt with investor hesitation and policy uncertainty now have something solid to point to. The law is expected to boost investor confidence and put Ethiopia on the radar for tech talent and capital.
Of course, the details are still rolling out. Implementation is everything, and the real test will be how well the Startup Council delivers. But for now, this marks a major step forward, and Ethiopia is signalling that it’s ready to join the rest of the continent in betting big on innovation.
Internet access leaps by 67% in Tanzania
The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) just dropped its Q1–Q2 insights, and it’s good news: the telecoms, postal, and broadcasting sectors are all seeing steady growth, per The Citizen. TCRA also rolled out updates to regulations. Think service agreements and smoother reporting to boost service quality for consumers.
One big headline: network facility licences jumped from 35 to 44 in the past year, while network service licences rose from 14 to 18. That’s part of a broader surge. The country now has 144 application service licences (up from 135) and 151 postal/courier licences (up from 134).
On the tech side, Tanzania’s impressively certified Type-Approval lab issued over 5,100 certificates, more than double last year’s count of 2,281. That means a lot more phones and gadgets are getting the green light for the local market.
Broadcasting growth hasn’t been left behind, either: radio stations increased from 231 to 250, and subscription TV services climbed from 25 to 31. Free-to-air TV stayed steady at 30 channels, but the added options show a growing variety for audiences.
Even SIM card usage is on the rise. The number of registered SIMs went from 67 million to over 90 million, which is a 35% jump in just two years. That boom ties closely to Internet uptake, too: from 29 million app users in 2021 to 49 million in 2025.
Bottom line? With its mix of licence growth, improved regulation, and more people online, Tanzania’s digital scene is shaping up to be more robust and reliable.
In case you missed it
- Gamsole founder, and Techpoint Africa’s first angel investor, Abiola Olaniran dies at 36
- Nigeria’s healthcare crisis is too big for startups to handle
What I’m watching
- Why Is Male Fertility Crashing Globally? – Dr Michael Eisenberg
- Without time, without light – How do the brain and body react? | DW Documentary
Opportunities
- Spiro is hiring a Java backend engineer. Apply here.
- M-KOPA is recruiting a Senior Backend Engineer. Apply here.
- Mastercard Foundation is hiring a Lead, Associate Engagement and Services. Apply here.
- Jumia is hiring a Chinese-speaking key account manager. Apply here.
- AltSchool Africa is looking for a Program Associate. Apply here.
- MTN Nigeria is looking for a Manager (Public Sector, Southwest region). Apply here.
- Building a startup can feel isolating, but with Equity Merchants CommunityConnect, you can network with fellow founders, experts, and investors, gaining valuable insights and exclusive resources to help you grow your business. Click here to join.
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Have a productive week!
Victoria Fakiya for Techpoint Africa
