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🚲Chowdeck Sued Over Hidden Menu Charges

🚲Chowdeck Sued Over Hidden Menu Charges

Plus: 💼 Beltone Acquires Baobab Group for €197.6m

Innovation Village
February 12, 2026

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Good Morning Valued Subscribers👋

Samsung is rolling out the red carpet on February 25 for its Galaxy S26 series — and yes, AI is coming along for the ride (and possibly running the entire event). The Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra are expected to debut with deeper Galaxy AI integration, faster charging, upgraded processors, and a new privacy display feature that finally lets you shield sensitive notifications from that one friend who reads your screen faster than you do.

The funny part? Some people are still discovering hidden features on the Galaxy S25 series — and now the S26 is already knocking on the door. Just when you’ve figured out the camera tricks, optimized battery settings, and memorized the AI shortcuts, Samsung politely reminds you that innovation waits for no one.

With pre-reservations already live and promotional credits on offer, the countdown has begun. Whether you’re ready or not, the future of Galaxy is arriving — and it’s moving faster than your software updates.

Let’s dive in👇

Today’s Menu ☕️

🚲 Chowdeck Sued Over Alleged Hidden Menu Charges
💼 Beltone Acquires Baobab Group for €197.6m ($235.9m) in Major Pan-African Expansion in Kenya
💵 Payaza Secures Uganda PSO License
📱Samsung Galaxy S26 Launch Set for February 25 with New AI and Privacy Features
💵Delta40 Raises $20M to Launch Africa’s First Venture Studio-Fund
🪙Onafriq Partners Conduit to Scale Stablecoin Cross-Border Payments

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💼 ACQUISITIONS

Beltone Acquires Baobab Group for €197.6m ($235.9m) in Major Pan-African Expansion

Egypt’s Beltone Holding has completed the acquisition of Paris-headquartered Baobab Group for €197.6 million ($235.9 million), marking the largest transaction in Beltone’s history and its first major cross-border deal.

Executed through its investment arm, Beltone Capital, the acquisition follows a strategic share purchase agreement signed on February 11, 2025, and was finalized after receiving all necessary regulatory approvals. The deal positions Beltone as a pan-African financial services player with operations spanning seven African markets including Nigeria.

For Beltone, the acquisition significantly accelerates its regional diversification strategy and strengthens its position in high-growth Sub-Saharan African markets...........….continue reading

🚲 DELIVERY SERVICES

Chowdeck Sued Over Alleged Hidden Menu Charges

Chowdeck is facing legal action at the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) over allegations that it inflates menu prices while also charging separate delivery and service fees.

The lawsuit, filed by Nigerian consumer Dolapo Adedeji, claims the food delivery platform hides its commissions—reportedly up to 30%—by increasing menu prices by as much as 20–50% compared to in-store rates. The plaintiff argues that this pricing model misleads customers, who may believe delivery and service fees are the only additional charges.

The case also challenges Chowdeck’s policy of marking certain fees as non-refundable, alleging this violates provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA)...........….continue reading

📱SMARTPHONES

Sun King Launches PAYG Smartphone in Kenya

Sun King has introduced its first proprietary smartphone, the EZ 1, in Kenya, expanding beyond off-grid solar into asset financing. The device targets first-time smartphone users transitioning from feature phones and is offered under a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) model. Customers pay a KES 2,999 deposit, followed by daily instalments of KES 60, with the phone remotely locked if payments are missed.

The EZ 1 features a 6.56-inch HD+ display, 4GB RAM (plus 4GB virtual), 128GB storage, and a 5000mAh battery. It is assembled locally at Sun King’s Tatu City facility, which has an annual production capacity of 700,000 units, helping the company reduce import costs and compete with established budget smartphone brands..........….continue reading

💵PAYMENTS

Payaza Secures Uganda PSO License

Payaza has obtained a Payment System Operator (PSO) license in Uganda, strengthening its regulated payments infrastructure and deepening its presence in East Africa. The approval allows the company to operate directly within Uganda’s financial ecosystem rather than relying on third-party intermediaries, reinforcing its strategy to build compliant, cross-border payment rails across Africa.

With the license, Payaza can process local and international payments, integrate dominant mobile money platforms such as MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Money, and offer multi-currency settlement under Uganda’s regulatory framework. The move enhances transaction security, compliance oversight, and operational control for merchants..........….continue reading

💵 FUNDING

Delta40 Raises $20M to Launch Africa’s First Venture Studio-Fund

Delta40 has closed a $20 million funding round to establish what it describes as Africa’s first fully integrated venture studio and early-stage investment fund. The model combines capital with hands-on operational support, aiming to reduce startup risk and accelerate company building across the continent.

The raise drew backing from 54 investors across 13 countries, including development finance institutions, foundations, family offices, and 25 startup founders from Africa and Silicon Valley. The participation of experienced founders reflects a “founders backing founders” approach, reinforcing Delta40’s emphasis on practical, operator-led support............….continue reading

🪙CRYPTOCURRENCY

Onafriq Partners Conduit to Scale Stablecoin Cross-Border Payments

Onafriq, which operates across 40 African countries, has partnered with blockchain payments firm Conduit to integrate stablecoin infrastructure into its cross-border operations. The collaboration will use USDC, a dollar-pegged stablecoin, to modernize Onafriq’s treasury management and settlement processes.

The partnership focuses on backend financial operations rather than consumer-facing crypto products. By leveraging stablecoins, Onafriq aims to accelerate settlement times, improve liquidity management across multiple jurisdictions, and reduce reliance on correspondent banking networks and the SWIFT system, where transfers can take days and incur layered fees.........….continue reading