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15 African startups have been selected to to join the inaugural Google for Startups Accelerator: Women Founders Africa Programme.
This is an extension of the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme established in 2017 but with a focus on women to empower and support women founders by

Stellar's Q1 2025 report highlights its focus on bridging traditional finance and crypto through innovative solutions like Soroban smart contracts and USDC remittances. With growing user accounts and strategic partnerships, Stellar is reinforcing its role in global financial infrastructure.

6DOT50, a South African fintech startup, collaborates with BTS and Serti Solutions to facilitate cryptocurrency car purchases at over 1,400 dealerships. Users can transact with various cryptocurrencies while overcoming volatility risks through digital vouchers linked to bank accounts.

Grassroots Economics sedang mengalihkan jaringan Sarafu-nya ke blockchain Celo untuk meningkatkan model mata uang inklusi komunitas di Afrika. Langkah ini menjanjikan pengalaman pengguna yang lebih baik, dukungan migrasi, dan akses gratis yang berkelanjutan, sambil tetap menjaga keselarasan dengan nilai-nilai kemanusiaan.

Norrsken22, a Pan-African venture capital firm, has raised $205 million for its first fund to invest in growth-stage startups in fintech, edtech, and healthtech across Africa. They aim to support around 20 startups, addressing a funding gap in the continent's tech ecosystem.

The Digital Currency Group (DCG), a powerhouse in the crypto and blockchain investment space, has significantly ramped up its activity in Africa. In 2024 alone, the US-based firm closed 12 new deals, reinforcing its commitment to the continent’s rapidly evolving fintech, AI, and blockchain

Quidax, a Nigerian crypto exchange, laid off 20% of its workforce due to tough economic conditions after reducing salaries. CEO Buchi Okoro emphasized the need to adapt for survival, offering severance and potential re-hires.

Union54, a Zambian fintech startup, is launching ChitChat, a super-app in collaboration with MasterCard, after overcoming a chargeback fraud incident. ChitChat will enable secure messaging, money transfers, and online purchases.

SC Ventures of Standard Chartered plans to launch a $250 million digital asset fund in 2026, focusing on blockchain and financial services, along with a $100 million fund for African fintech and innovation startups, enhancing investment in growing regions.

The Interledger Foundation has announced 12 grantees of the financial services research and development grants for 2022.
Out of the 12 grantees, 5 are in Africa.
The Interledger Protocol is an open protocol that permits frictionless payments and micropayments across currencies and ledgers,