Tuesday, April 22

Governance & Policy

From tracking public spending to monitoring elections, these Nigerian startups are using technology to make government more transparent, efficient, and responsive to citizens’ needs.


The House of Reps has ordered Remita to refund ₦182.77bn to the FG following an audit. This comes as the government introduces TMRAS to improve transparency in public fund management.


South Africa has suspended new SASSA card issuance over compliance concerns, affecting over 1.3 million grant recipients. A temporary extension of old cards offers relief, but the crisis highlights deeper…


Starlink has secured a 10-year license to operate in Lesotho, boosting rural internet access while regulatory hurdles continue to block its entry into South Africa.


South Africa’s Competition Tribunal is set to investigate a potential merger between MultiChoice and the SABC, even as the national broadcaster contends with ongoing challenges related to a proposed acquisition…


Ghana is the latest African nation planning to regulate digital speech, with a new bill targeting misinformation. Critics worry it could suppress free expression ahead of elections.


Kenya’s new bill to regulate stablecoins and crypto services could redefine fintech operations, with startups facing compliance requirements but gaining market legitimacy.


South Africa has launched a R15 billion smart city project in Shongweni, aiming to create over 23,000 jobs and transform the region’s development path through tech-driven urban planning.


South African shoppers could soon face higher prices on Temu and Shein as SARS moves to end tax breaks on low-value imports, aiming to support local businesses.


Despite grappling with an energy shortage, Nigeria plans to ban the importation of solar panels, a move that could potentially reverse much of the progress made in the sector.


UN agencies warn that rising satellite signal interference could severely impact Africa’s aviation and farming sectors, which depend on GPS for safety and operations.


Interpol’s Operation Red Card has led to 40 arrests in South Africa and over 300 across Africa, targeting cybercrime rings involved in SIM fraud, phishing, and online scams.


Nigeria’s data protection agency is investigating TikTok and Truecaller over alleged breaches, as compliance with privacy laws rises from 4% to over 55%.


Kenya’s data regulator has fined Whitepath $2,000 for listing a loan guarantor without consent. This comes amid a broader crackdown on digital lenders to enforce consumer protection laws.


South Africa’s finance minister, Enoch Godongwana, has announced a phased VAT increase from 15% to 16% by 2026 to address fiscal deficits. The move aims to generate R13.5 billion in…


Smartphones priced over $150 are now considered luxury in South Africa and will be subject 9% luxury goods tax in South Africa.


The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is exploring the possibility of introducing electronic voting (e-voting) to modernize the country’s electoral system.


Rwandan President Paul Kagame has called for African leaders to take the blame for brain drain on the continent. He said it’s a leadership failure and it’s time for African…


South Africa’s Competition Commission is pushing Google, Meta, and YouTube to compensate local news publishers, proposing payments of up to $27 million annually.


The Central Bank of Nigeria has retained its benchmark lending rate at 27.5%, citing exchange rate stability and reduced inflation.


Nigerian govtech startups bringing innovation to public services

From tracking public spending to monitoring elections, these Nigerian startups are using technology to make government more transparent, efficient, and responsive to citizens’ needs.

Follow the story

Federal lawmakers demand ₦182bn refund from Remita operator, SystemSpecs

The House of Reps has ordered Remita to refund ₦182.77bn to the FG following an audit. This comes as the government introduces TMRAS to improve transparency in public fund management.

Follow the story

South Africa halts new social security card rollout as over a million people face delays

South Africa has suspended new SASSA card issuance over compliance concerns, affecting over 1.3 million grant recipients. A temporary extension of old cards offers relief, but the crisis highlights deeper problems in the country’s public service systems.

Follow the story

Starlink receives 10-year license to operate in Lesotho as South Africa pushback continues

Starlink has secured a 10-year license to operate in Lesotho, boosting rural internet access while regulatory hurdles continue to block its entry into South Africa.

Follow the story

South Africa’s Competition Tribunal rejects MultiChoice appeal, clearing way for SABC merger review

South Africa’s Competition Tribunal is set to investigate a potential merger between MultiChoice and the SABC, even as the national broadcaster contends with ongoing challenges related to a proposed acquisition by Canal+.

Follow the story

Ghana to introduce anti-misinformation law as digital regulation trend spreads across Africa

Ghana is the latest African nation planning to regulate digital speech, with a new bill targeting misinformation. Critics worry it could suppress free expression ahead of elections.

Follow the story

Kenya moves to regulate digital assets with new crypto bill 

Kenya’s new bill to regulate stablecoins and crypto services could redefine fintech operations, with startups facing compliance requirements but gaining market legitimacy.

Follow the story

South Africa bets on futuristic smart city to create 23,000 jobs

South Africa has launched a R15 billion smart city project in Shongweni, aiming to create over 23,000 jobs and transform the region’s development path through tech-driven urban planning.

Follow the story

South Africans may pay more for Temu, Shein as revenue service plans to scrap import tax break

South African shoppers could soon face higher prices on Temu and Shein as SARS moves to end tax breaks on low-value imports, aiming to support local businesses.

Follow the story

Nigeria’s solar import ban threatens growth of solar financing startups

Despite grappling with an energy shortage, Nigeria plans to ban the importation of solar panels, a move that could potentially reverse much of the progress made in the sector.

Follow the story

UN agencies urge global action over escalating satellite navigation interference

UN agencies warn that rising satellite signal interference could severely impact Africa’s aviation and farming sectors, which depend on GPS for safety and operations.

Follow the story

Interpol busts cybercrime rings in South Africa, arrests 306 in continent-wide crackdown

Interpol’s Operation Red Card has led to 40 arrests in South Africa and over 300 across Africa, targeting cybercrime rings involved in SIM fraud, phishing, and online scams.

Follow the story

NDPC probes TikTok, Truecaller for alleged data privacy violations 

Nigeria’s data protection agency is investigating TikTok and Truecaller over alleged breaches, as compliance with privacy laws rises from 4% to over 55%.

Follow the story

Regulator fines Kenyan digital lender for listing guarantor without consent 

Kenya’s data regulator has fined Whitepath $2,000 for listing a loan guarantor without consent. This comes amid a broader crackdown on digital lenders to enforce consumer protection laws.

Follow the story

South Africa to increase VAT to 16% by 2026 to boost revenue

South Africa’s finance minister, Enoch Godongwana, has announced a phased VAT increase from 15% to 16% by 2026 to address fiscal deficits. The move aims to generate R13.5 billion in 2025/26, with measures to ease the burden on low-income households.

Follow the story

Smartphones over $150 are now subject to 9% luxury goods tax in South Africa

Smartphones priced over $150 are now considered luxury in South Africa and will be subject 9% luxury goods tax in South Africa.

Follow the story

South Africa considers electronic voting amid public interest and security concerns

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is exploring the possibility of introducing electronic voting (e-voting) to modernize the country’s electoral system.

Follow the story

African leaders should take the blame for brain drain on the continent — Paul Kagame

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has called for African leaders to take the blame for brain drain on the continent. He said it’s a leadership failure and it’s time for African leaders to fix it.

Follow the story

South African regulator wants $27m yearly from Google, Meta, others for local news publishers

South Africa’s Competition Commission is pushing Google, Meta, and YouTube to compensate local news publishers, proposing payments of up to $27 million annually.

Follow the story

Nigeria holds benchmark lending rates at 27.5% amid exchange rate stability 

The Central Bank of Nigeria has retained its benchmark lending rate at 27.5%, citing exchange rate stability and reduced inflation.

Follow the story

From tracking public spending to monitoring elections, these Nigerian startups are using technology to make government more transparent, efficient, and responsive to citizens’ needs.


The House of Reps has ordered Remita to refund ₦182.77bn to the FG following an audit. This comes as the government introduces TMRAS to improve transparency in public fund management.


South Africa has suspended new SASSA card issuance over compliance concerns, affecting over 1.3 million grant recipients. A temporary extension of old cards offers relief, but the crisis highlights deeper…


Starlink has secured a 10-year license to operate in Lesotho, boosting rural internet access while regulatory hurdles continue to block its entry into South Africa.


South Africa’s Competition Tribunal is set to investigate a potential merger between MultiChoice and the SABC, even as the national broadcaster contends with ongoing challenges related to a proposed acquisition…


Ghana is the latest African nation planning to regulate digital speech, with a new bill targeting misinformation. Critics worry it could suppress free expression ahead of elections.


Kenya’s new bill to regulate stablecoins and crypto services could redefine fintech operations, with startups facing compliance requirements but gaining market legitimacy.


South Africa has launched a R15 billion smart city project in Shongweni, aiming to create over 23,000 jobs and transform the region’s development path through tech-driven urban planning.


South African shoppers could soon face higher prices on Temu and Shein as SARS moves to end tax breaks on low-value imports, aiming to support local businesses.


Despite grappling with an energy shortage, Nigeria plans to ban the importation of solar panels, a move that could potentially reverse much of the progress made in the sector.


UN agencies warn that rising satellite signal interference could severely impact Africa’s aviation and farming sectors, which depend on GPS for safety and operations.


Interpol’s Operation Red Card has led to 40 arrests in South Africa and over 300 across Africa, targeting cybercrime rings involved in SIM fraud, phishing, and online scams.


Nigeria’s data protection agency is investigating TikTok and Truecaller over alleged breaches, as compliance with privacy laws rises from 4% to over 55%.


Kenya’s data regulator has fined Whitepath $2,000 for listing a loan guarantor without consent. This comes amid a broader crackdown on digital lenders to enforce consumer protection laws.


South Africa’s finance minister, Enoch Godongwana, has announced a phased VAT increase from 15% to 16% by 2026 to address fiscal deficits. The move aims to generate R13.5 billion in…


Smartphones priced over $150 are now considered luxury in South Africa and will be subject 9% luxury goods tax in South Africa.


The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is exploring the possibility of introducing electronic voting (e-voting) to modernize the country’s electoral system.


Rwandan President Paul Kagame has called for African leaders to take the blame for brain drain on the continent. He said it’s a leadership failure and it’s time for African…


South Africa’s Competition Commission is pushing Google, Meta, and YouTube to compensate local news publishers, proposing payments of up to $27 million annually.


The Central Bank of Nigeria has retained its benchmark lending rate at 27.5%, citing exchange rate stability and reduced inflation.