📱M-KOPA Nigeria 1m Customers

Plus: 💵 Tunisia’s nextProtein Bags €18M

Innovation Village
November 06, 2025

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Good Morning Valued Subscribers👋

Nigeria’s fintech scene just hit a new high. M-KOPA Nigeria has crossed one million customers, becoming the fastest market in the company’s history to reach that milestone. It’s a sign of how quickly access-driven innovation can scale when it meets the real needs of everyday earners.

From smartphone financing to micro-loans, M-KOPA’s model has helped thousands move from cash-only transactions to digital financial services. Behind the numbers are over 7,000 young sales representatives and a growing team of 200+ staff working to make financial progress real across the country.

It’s one thing to talk about financial inclusion; it’s another to watch it unfold at scale. Every milestone like this widens the path for the millions still outside the formal financial system — and reminds us that Africa’s digital revolution is just getting started.

Let’s dive in👇

Today’s Menu ☕️

📱 M-KOPA Nigeria Becomes Fastest Market to Hit One Million Customers
📺 CANAL+ Shakes Things Up Globally After MultiChoice Merger
💵 Djibouti Scores $10M Boost to Supercharge Its Digital Future
💵 Tunisia’s nextProtein Bags €18M to Turn Insects into the Future of Food
🌱 Belgian Investor Backs Kenya’s Limbua to Grow Greener
💵 Kenyan Startup Turns “Ugly” Produce into Profit and Just Bagged $1.5M to Do More
💰Sawa Energy Scores €2.5M Boost to Power East Africa’s Clean Future

📱 FINANCIAL INCLUSION

M-KOPA Nigeria Becomes Fastest Market to Hit One Million Customers

M‑KOPA’s Nigerian arm has announced that it has reached the milestone of 1 million customers, marking the fastest growth of any country in the company’s footprint.

According to a statement released by the company, the achievement was supported by its full-time workforce expanding from approximately 60 employees in 2020 to more than 200 today. Simultaneously, the network of Direct Sales Representatives (DSRs) has grown to 7,786 individuals, 66 % of whom are under the age of 35.

In addition to membership growth, M-KOPA Nigeria reports that it has provided cash loans to over 140,000 customers, thereby advancing access to digital financial services for those in informal sectors of the economy........…..…continue reading

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💵 INVESTMENTS

Djibouti Scores $10M Boost to Supercharge Its Digital Future

Djibouti just got a major digital win! The country has secured a $10 million investment from TLG Capital (UK) and International Investment Bank (IIB) to help turbocharge its digital transformation and empower local SMEs.

The funding will go into building better broadband, stronger internet access, and smarter digital infrastructure — all key to turning Djibouti into the tech and logistics hub of the Horn of Africa.

It’s a big deal for a small nation that already handles 95% of Ethiopia’s maritime trade but has long struggled with pricey, limited internet. This new push aims to fix that, making business easier and faster across the board........…..…continue reading

💵FUNDING

Tunisia’s nextProtein Bags €18M to Turn Insects into the Future of Food

Tunisia’s nextProtein just raised a whopping €18 million to prove that bugs are the next big thing in global food production!

The Paris- and Tunis-based agritech startup is using Black Soldier Fly larvae to create eco-friendly protein powder, insect oil, and fertilizer — all aimed at feeding fish, livestock, and even pets in a more sustainable way.

The fresh funding, led by SWEN Capital’s Blue Ocean Fund and British International Investment (BII), will help the company build its biggest production plant yet in Tunisia — capable of churning out 12,000 tons of insect-based ingredients every year.

Co-founders Mohamed Gastli and Syrine Chaalala say they’re done proving the concept works — now it’s about making insect protein as cheap and accessible as traditional animal feed. And with rising food costs and climate concerns, the timing couldn’t be better............…..…continue reading

🌱AGRICULTURE

Belgian Investor Backs Kenya’s Limbua to Grow Greener

Big news for Kenya’s nut lovers and farmers alike! The Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries (BIO) is investing in Limbua Kenya, one of the country’s top macadamia processors — and a real champion of sustainable, farmer-powered agriculture.

Limbua already works hand-in-hand with nearly 10,000 smallholder farmers, helping them grow organic nuts, oils, and dried fruits while earning fair incomes and protecting the environment. Now, with BIO’s support, the company plans to expand its operations, boost processing capacity, and strengthen Kenya’s position as a global macadamia powerhouse........…..…continue reading

WAAW Foundation Scholarship 2025/26 — Empowering young African women in STEM
New Africa Fund “Africa Impact Fundraising Grant (AIFG)” — Grant support for African social enterprises; next call opens 17 Nov 2025 and closes 16 Dec 2025
EJS Center “Amujae Initiative” for African women public leaders — Applications open for 2025 cohort
African Astronomical Society Seed Research Grant — Supports early-career researchers in Africa conducting astronomy and astrophysics-related projects.
D-Prize Challenge 2026/2027 — Provides up to $20,000 in seed funding to help social entrepreneurs pilot and scale solutions that fight poverty in low-income regions.

💵 FUNDING

Kenyan Startup Turns “Ugly” Produce into Profit and Just Bagged $1.5M to Do More

Ever wondered what happens to those “imperfect” fruits and veggies that never make it to the supermarket shelves? Kenyan agri-tech startup Farm to Feed has built a business around saving them — and just scored $1.5 million in seed funding to take its mission across Africa.

Founded in 2021 by Claire Van Enk and her team, Farm to Feed connects farmers with businesses that actually want those surplus and misshapen crops. The result? Less food waste, more farmer income, and a happier planet.

So far, the startup’s platform has registered 6,500 farmers, sold 2.1 million kg of produce, and even prevented 247 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. With this new funding (led by Delta40 Venture Studio and backed by Mercy Corps Ventures and others), they’re planning to scale across Africa, upgrade their tech, and create semi-processed products to open up new markets for local farmers.......…continue reading

💰INVESTMENTS

Sawa Energy Scores €2.5M Boost to Power East Africa’s Clean Future

Big news for East Africa’s clean energy scene! Sawa Energy, a Ugandan–Rwandan renewable energy startup, just landed €2.5 million from ElectriFI to supercharge its mission of helping businesses ditch diesel for solar.

Founded in 2021, Sawa Energy builds and operates custom solar and battery systems for companies — offering long-term, worry-free energy deals that keep the lights on without the pollution or high fuel bills.

This new investment will help them expand across Uganda and Rwanda, bringing more affordable, reliable power to factories, offices, and small businesses that have struggled with unstable grids and costly generators.........…continue reading