As the June 2025 deadline approaches, Mukuru’s customers in Eswatini will need to find alternatives.

The move comes as African nations seek to transition from consumer-driven digital innovation to science-based, IP-intensive ventures capable of solving structural challenges in energy, healthcare, agriculture, and climate resilience.

Aruwa’s gender-lens approach has been a distinguishing factor — 73% of its Fund I portfolio companies are founded or led by women.

The company is banking on its experience in unstable markets to deliver returns to its investors.

With major summits like AVCA’s Annual Conference underway, deal flow could accelerate — provided macroeconomic conditions stabilize.

The success has spurred Wave’s next move.

The funding follows significant internal achievements: OmniRetail became EBITDA positive in 2023 and net profitable in 2024, a rare milestone for African B2B commerce startups.

The timing of IFC’s reform push is hardly ideal. ESG investing, once the darling of asset managers and development financiers, is facing a growing global backlash .

Here’s a closer look at the notable under-the-radar investment activity we’re tracking this week.

"I've seen brilliant pitch decks from founders who crumble under pressure… Now, I look for scars."

“The only way to be certain about the future is by creating it.”

For startups entering South Africa’s financial or digital services space, this case is a valuable, if costly, lesson in how not to market a product — especially not to vulnerable or financially inexperienced consumers.