🏢 Nigeria Launches iDICE Startup Bridge

Good Morning Valued Subscribers 👋

Today’s developments across Africa’s innovation ecosystem highlight a powerful convergence of fintech, infrastructure, and digital platforms shaping the future of the continent. Nigeria is deepening its startup ecosystem with the launch of the iDICE Startup Bridge, while Duplo’s licensing to power the national e-invoicing system signals progress toward a more structured digital economy. Retail giant Shoprite is also making a bold move into fintech, reflecting the growing overlap between commerce and financial services.

Across the region, partnerships are unlocking new opportunities—Uber’s collaboration with Fido to offer instant loans to Ghanaian drivers points to the rise of embedded finance. On the global stage, Mastercard’s planned acquisition of BVNK underscores the increasing importance of stablecoin infrastructure. Meanwhile, MTN’s investment in AI data centres signals a push toward digital infrastructure, as FIFA’s partnership with YouTube highlights the evolution of content distribution in the streaming era.

Let’s dive in👇

Today’s Menu ☕️

🏢 Nigeria Launches iDICE Startup Bridge
📜 Duplo Secures Licenses to Power Nigeria’s E-Invoicing System
💰Shoprite Expands Into Fintech With R&A Cellular Deal
🤝 Uber Partners Fido to Offer Instant Loans to Ghana Drivers
🪙 Mastercard to acquire BVNK in landmark $1.8 billion stablecoin infrastructure deal
🤖 MTN to Build AI Data Centres in Nigeria and South Africa
⚽️ FIFA names YouTube as preferred platform for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in groundbreaking partnership

🏢STARTUPS

Nigeria Launches iDICE Startup Bridge

The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched the iDICE Startup Bridge, a new initiative aimed at funding and supporting entrepreneurs across the country. Part of the broader Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, the project offers a two-track approach: grants for early-stage founders and equity investment for startups with existing traction.

The Founders Lab will train 250 idea-stage entrepreneurs annually, with top participants receiving grants to develop and launch their products, while the Growth Lab will provide up to $100,000 in funding and scaling support for more advanced startups. Implemented by the Bank of Industry, the initiative seeks to expand access to funding beyond major hubs like Lagos and Abuja, promoting a more inclusive and nationwide innovation ecosystem........….continue reading

📜INVOICE

Duplo Secures Licenses to Power Nigeria’s E-Invoicing System

Duplo has obtained Systems Integrator and Access Point Provider licenses from the Nigeria Revenue Service, enabling it to support businesses under Nigeria’s new mandatory e-invoicing framework. The licenses allow Duplo to generate compliant invoices, integrate with enterprise systems like ERP platforms, and securely transmit data to tax authorities while handling payments within a single workflow.

The development aligns with Nigeria’s push to digitize tax administration through the Electronic Fiscal System, aimed at reducing revenue losses and improving compliance. With a July deadline approaching for mid-sized businesses, Duplo is positioned as a key provider of end-to-end invoicing, tax submission, and payment solutions, supporting companies as they transition to the new digital tax regime..........….continue reading

💰ACQUISITIONS

Shoprite Expands Into Fintech With R&A Cellular Deal

Shoprite Group plans to acquire a majority stake in R&A Cellular, a payments and POS provider serving South Africa’s informal retail sector, marking a significant move into fintech. The deal aims to extend Shoprite’s Money Market platform beyond its stores by turning spaza shops and small merchants into hubs for services like bill payments, airtime sales, remittances, and card transactions.

By integrating financial services into everyday retail locations, Shoprite is targeting underserved communities with limited access to traditional banking. The acquisition also strengthens its position in South Africa’s competitive fintech landscape, leveraging its extensive physical network to bridge the gap between digital finance and informal commerce........….continue reading

🤝PARTNERSHIPS

Uber Partners Fido to Offer Instant Loans to Ghana Drivers

Uber has partnered with Fido to provide instant, collateral-free loans to drivers in Ghana, offering up to GH₵10,000 to help cover operational costs such as fuel, maintenance, and repairs. The initiative aims to ease financial pressure on ride-hailing drivers by giving them quick access to working capital through a fully digital application process.

Beyond loans, the partnership also includes additional financial support such as insurance, discounted data and airtime, and a flexible savings product developed with Access Bank. By combining credit access with broader financial tools, the collaboration is designed to improve both short-term stability and long-term financial resilience for drivers in Ghana’s gig economy.......….continue reading

 🤖 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

MTN to Build AI Data Centres in Nigeria and South Africa

MTN Group plans to build AI-enabled data centres in Nigeria and South Africa as part of its Ambition 2030 strategy to evolve from a telecom operator into a digital infrastructure provider. The project, led by its subsidiary Bayobab, aims to meet rising demand for cloud computing, data storage, and artificial intelligence across Africa.

By hosting data locally, MTN seeks to reduce latency, improve service reliability, and support data sovereignty requirements, while positioning itself to serve businesses adopting AI and digital services. The move comes amid rapid growth in Africa’s data centre market and increasing competition from global and regional players investing in cloud and connectivity infrastructure.............….continue reading

 🤖 CRYPTOCURRENCY

Mastercard to acquire BVNK in landmark $1.8 billion stablecoin infrastructure deal

Mastercard has announced a definitive agreement to acquire BVNK, a leading global provider of stablecoin payments infrastructure, in a transaction valued at up to $1.8 billion, including $300 million in contingent, performance‑based payments.

This acquisition represents Mastercard’s largest move yet into the digital currency and blockchain payments sector, significantly expanding its end‑to‑end capabilities for digital asset settlement, cross‑border value movement, and tokenized payment innovation......….continue reading

⚽️ SPORTS

FIFA names YouTube as preferred platform for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in groundbreaking partnership

FIFA has announced a groundbreaking partnership naming YouTube as a Preferred Platform for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. This collaboration will work in tandem with the tournament’s official Media Partners and global creator community, unlocking new ways for fans to experience the world’s biggest sporting event.

Under this forward‑thinking agreement, Media Partners will gain expanded opportunities to engage audiences through their official YouTube channels. They will be able to publish a wide range of premium content tailored to YouTube’s global audience, including extended match highlights, exclusive behind‑the‑scenes access, Shorts, and on‑demand videos designed to maximize reach and fan interaction.....….continue reading

OTHER STORIES

• AfricaWorks Investment Partners Appoints Anthony Anziani as Co‑Founder and Chief Investment Officer…….continue reading

• Vodacom Tanzania, M-Pesa Africa, and Paymentology launch Africa’s first mobile-money tap-to-pay feature……continue reading

• Mastercard to acquire BVNK in landmark $1.8 billion stablecoin infrastructure deal…continue reading

• Standard Bank funds Notsi solar project, South Africa’s largest single‑phased PV development…continue reading

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