Author: Elan

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Kenya has given licenced crypto exchanges and other virtual asset companies a formal legal right to challenge regulatory decisions, one of the most significant additions to the country’s finalised cryptocurrency regulations. Under the finalised Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Regulations, exchanges, wallet providers, token issuance platforms, stablecoin issuers, and other virtual asset firms can appeal licence refusals, suspensions, revocations, and other regulatory sanctions imposed by the relevant authorities. “A person aggrieved by any decision of the relevant regulatory authority under these Regulations may appeal against that decision in accordance with section 43 of the Act,” the National Treasury said in…

Musa Mishamo speaks so softly that you find yourself leaning across the table to catch the end of his sentences. He smiles often, answers questions briefly, and does not embellish. This is slightly inconvenient when you are interviewing a man whose ambitions stretch hundreds of kilometres above the earth. We meet on July 30 at the Somerset Westview Hotel in Nairobi’s Kilimani neighbourhood. Mishamo is the co-founder of Rada 360, a Tanzanian agritech company using satellite imagery and agricultural data to help farmers understand what is happening on their land. Mishamo was born near the shores of Lake Victoria, around…

Google has now launched a special Gemini app for Windows, coming on the back of its previous release for macOS, as the company has announced.The free app allows users to activate the AI assistant using the Alt + Space keyboard shortcut and thus means that Windows users need not depend on the browser version anymore.The company characterises the app as “lightweight and quiet” and states that it “does not slow down your PC”, with more features to be added in the future. The app can now be downloaded from Google’s website.What Google’s Gemini App for Windows Can DoThe Gemini app…

Rosanne Whalley, CEO of AHL Venture Partners** For the best experience, download the free Africa Private Equity News app Android | iOS **AHL Venture Partners has closed a $7 million debt facility for Watu, an asset-financing company operating across Africa and Latin America.The facility will support working capital and the continued growth of Watu’s portfolio across some of its African markets. This investment builds on a financing relationship between AHL and Watu dating back to 2022.Watu provides financing for motorcycles and three-wheelers through its mobility business, and for smartphones through Watu Simu, its connectivity business. It is also expanding electric…

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested a director of Orequest (Pvt) Ltd over allegations that a syndicate smuggled more than 720 tonnes of unbeneficiated lithium ore out of Zimbabwe using fraudulent export documents. Ning Yaokun, a Chinese national also known as Tony surrendered to authorities on 10 September and is expected to appear before the Harare Magistrates’ Court. He faces charges including contravening the Customs and Excise Act attempted smuggling and unlawful dealing according to ZACC. Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn Yaokun joins several other suspects who are already on remand in connection with…

South Africa’s Grindstone Ventures has launched a R500 million, approximately $31.2 million, venture capital fund targeting technology-driven African companies seeking to move from Seed funding to Series A. Led by Grindstone Ventures CEO Thandiwe Maqetuka, the fund was established in partnership with Knife Capital and Thinkroom. It is targeting an initial close of R150 million and plans to invest in between 15 and 20 companies, with most investments expected to go to South African businesses alongside selected opportunities elsewhere in Africa. The fund is focused on startups that have already demonstrated commercial potential but still require capital and operational support…

A new coalition is challenging African fashion to turn its long traditions of repair, reuse and community production into a modern industrial strategy that keeps more jobs, knowledge and economic value on the continent. The most important collection at this year’s Lagos Fashion Week will not be on the runway. Organisers will use Africa’s largest and most influential fashion event to launch a continent-wide blueprint to encourage the industry to embrace regenerative fashion. Lagos Fashion Week is a multi-day fashion week held in Lagos, Nigeria. Founded in 2011 by Omoyemi Akerele, Lagos Fashion Week is a leading transformative movement. By…

In brief Senate Republicans released an updated Clarity Act on Thursday. The draft would require non-decentralized trading protocols to register with the CFTC. A Senate procedural vote is scheduled for September 15. Senate Republicans released a revised Clarity Act on Thursday that targets “decentralized-in-name-only” crypto trading protocols.The new language would require non-decentralized protocols, that is those controlled by people or groups, to register with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.Myriad: Will Congress pass the Clarity Act? Click to make your prediction.Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R., Wyo.) unveiled the 630-page updated legislation ahead of the September 15 procedural vote to pass the Clarity…

In 2025, Nigeria leads the world in cryptocurrency adoption, with over 33% of its population holding digital assets, per Statista. Fuelled by a tech-savvy youth and economic necessity, Nigeria’s blockchain ecosystem is a global force. Amid an evolving regulatory landscape, a group of influential voices is shaping not just Nigeria but Africa’s digital finance future. These crypto titans, educators, innovators, and advocates are driving blockchain’s transformative potential across the continent.  In this article, we spotlight Nigeria’s top 10 blockchain influencers, who are redefining Africa’s decentralised revolution: 1. Chimezie Chuta: The regulatory architect Chimezie Chuta, founder of the Blockchain Nigeria User…