The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are finalizing a new regulatory framework to fix one of the biggest headaches for mobile users: failed airtime and data purchases. Driving the news Starting March 1, 2026, banks and telecom operators must provide near-real-time refunds when a customer’s account is debited but […]

NALA, the African-led fintech focused on payments to emerging markets, is launching USD Global Accounts. The move aims to provide users in volatile economies with a stable way to store, earn, and spend money internationally. Why it matters In many emerging markets, local currency devaluation erodes purchasing power. By offering USD accounts backed by stablecoins, […]

Uganda’s top communications regulator is downplaying the hype around BITchat, an alternative messaging app being championed by opposition figures. The government claims it has the technical prowess to shut it down if it’s used to bypass local laws. Driving the News Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), sent a clear message […]

After years of “blitzscaling” and navigating a volatile funding winter, Africa’s tech ecosystem has entered an era of pragmatic dominance. In 2026, the conversation has shifted from “who is a unicorn?” to “who is indispensable?” The five companies below are no longer just startups; they are the critical infrastructure for the continent’s digital economy. 1. […]

The exit trail took an unusual turn in late December when African telecom Billionaire, Strive Masiyiwa, announced that Econet Wireless Zimbabwe Limited would delist from the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, after years of trading at a steep valuation discount to regional peers, which trade at 6–8 times EV/EBITDA. He said “the decision forms part of a […]

On January 1, 2026, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) officially introduced a federal 1% excise tax on outbound international remittances. While the tax applies globally, it could hit the African diaspora hardest. Why it Matters For Sub-Saharan Africa, remittances aren’t just “extra” money—they are the economy. The Digital Divide The law creates a […]

Flutterwave, Africa’s most valuable fintech firm, has acquired Nigerian open banking startup Mono in an all-stock deal valued between $25 million and $40 million. Why it matters The deal signals a major consolidation phase in African fintech. By combining the continent’s largest payment network with its leading data aggregator, Flutterwave is building a “full-stack” financial […]

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) just dropped a massive regulatory update for International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs), aiming to formalize the multibillion-dollar remittance pipeline and safeguard the cedi. Why it matters Remittances are Ghana’s financial lifeblood. These new rules, effective January 2026, signal the end of the “Wild West” era for fintechs and money transfer […]

SpaceX-owned Starlink has officially disabled all satellite internet terminals in Uganda as of Jan. 1, 2026, bowing to pressure from local regulators over the illegal importation of its hardware. The big picture The move highlights the friction between Western satellite firms aiming for borderless connectivity and African governments seeking strict control over communication infrastructure, especially […]

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is pivoting toward satellite-powered mobile connectivity to eliminate “dead zones,” according to its newly released draft Spectrum Roadmap for 2025–2030. Why it matters Nigeria still struggles with significant unconnected populations in rural and border areas where traditional fiber and cell towers are too expensive or dangerous to install. The Big […]

This is a republished article from The Labari Journal In a move that could significantly reshape internet access for its younger population, Ghana is currently debating legislation aimed at restricting minors from accessing adult content online. The proposed regulations, spearheaded by the Ministry of Communication and the Cybersecurity Authority (CSA), seek to create a safer […]

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has officially legalized virtual asset trading. The central bank confirmed that cryptocurrency activities are now permitted under a new regulatory framework, ending years of legal ambiguity. The Details Speaking at the Bank’s annual Thanksgiving Service in Accra on Friday, Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama assured the public that crypto participants […]

Absa Bank Ghana and Visa have debuted Absa Pay, a mobile tap-to-pay wallet that turns smartphones into contactless payment tools. Why it matters The launch signals a push to accelerate Ghana’s transition toward a “cash-lite” economy by digitizing everyday retail transactions. How it works The feature is integrated directly into the existing Absa Mobile Banking […]

Airtel Africa has announced a partnership with SpaceX to deploy Starlink’s “direct-to-cell” satellite technology across all 14 of its African markets. Why it matters The deal aims to eliminate “dead zones” in remote regions where traditional cell towers are physically or economically impossible to build. It positions Airtel to leapfrog infrastructure gaps that have long […]

Global tech giant Yango, through its venture arm, has invested in Ghanaian startup Gigmile, aiming to bolster the infrastructure for Africa’s rapidly growing digital logistics and e-commerce markets. Driving the News The Players Why it Matters What’s Next

The political path for Elon Musk’s Starlink to enter South Africa has hit a major snag after a key parliamentary committee demanded the withdrawal of a policy directive that would ease local Black ownership requirements for satellite-internet companies. The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies called for the policy directive to be scrapped, placing […]

It’s been a busy year for Tech Labari. In 2025, we cemented our position as one of the go-to sources for what’s next in the Ghanaian and West African tech ecosystems. We covered stories across Accra, Lagos, Nairobi, and Cape Town. How’s how we did in 2025: The Data Deep Dive Last year, we launched […]

In a world where borders blur and identities clash, few stories capture the raw pull of home like that of Kanessa Muluneh. Born in Ethiopia and raised in the Netherlands, Kanessa spent years navigating diaspora life. Three years ago, she upended it all, returning to the continent with her husband and children in tow. What […]

International payment service provider NALA has officially partnered with BigPay Ghana Limited to launch payment and remittance services in the country, a move poised to enhance convenience and security for the Ghanaian diaspora sending money home. The partnership has received the crucial stamp of approval from the Bank of Ghana (BoG). The announcement was made […]

Kenya is determined to split Safaricom Plc—East Africa’s largest company—into three separate units, a plan the government is pressing forward with even as it reduces its ownership in the mobile-phone operator. The Big Picture The administration of President William Ruto, which plans to sell a 15% stake in Safaricom to Vodacom Group Ltd., envisions carving […]

The influential Top Fintech Voices Magazine has officially unveiled its highly anticipated second edition, dedicated entirely to celebrating and showcasing Africa’s leading fintech innovators and the companies driving the continent’s digital financial revolution. Why It Matters Africa is widely recognized as a global hotspot for financial technology innovation, often leapfrogging traditional banking infrastructure. This publication […]

TikTok has temporarily suspended its late-night LIVE feature in Nigeria, citing a massive spike in broadcasts featuring explicit sexual acts and other adult content. Why it matters The restriction highlights the challenge platforms face in moderating content in high-growth markets and the immediate economic impact on creators, both legitimate and illicit. The Details What People […]

Republished from The Labari Journal In 2020, Ghana’s Ministry of Communication signed a financing agreement with the Chinese technology company Huawei. Under the agreement, Huawei would deploy 2000+ RuralStar sites for Ghana. The sites would provide voice and data services for over 3.4 million people in underserved and unserved communities. Launched in 2017, RuralStar was Huawei’s answer […]

In 2025, Tech Labari covered a number of stories that shed light on transformative shifts in Africa’s tech, fintech, and mobility landscapes. Here are the five standout stories and what they reveal about where things are headed. 1. Starlink Activates New Ground Station in Nairobi to Improve Service We reported that Starlink launched a Point […]

Algerian authorities officially launched 5G services on Wednesday, calling it a key step in modernizing the country’s telecommunications sector and boosting the digital economy. Why It Matters The Details The Big Picture The Challenges What’s Next