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💵 Nomba Launches Global Payout API

💵 Nomba Launches Global Payout API

Plus: 📱Samsung Discontinues Galaxy Z TriFold

Innovation Village
March 23, 2026

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Happy New Week Valued Subscribers 👋

Today’s edition brings you a dynamic mix of fintech expansion, policy shifts, tech disruptions, and innovation across Africa and beyond. From Nomba launching a Global Payout API that signals deeper cross-border payment ambitions, to a new business visa agreement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom aimed at easing mobility for entrepreneurs, the landscape continues to evolve rapidly.

In entertainment, Showmax sets a final renewal deadline ahead of a looming shutdown, while Samsung pulls the plug on its ambitious Galaxy Z TriFold despite strong demand. Meanwhile, users of WhatsApp report a concerning status privacy glitch.

On the global stage, Bluesky secures a $100M Series B amid leadership changes, and in Africa, Paltech and Hurudza are pioneering AI-powered farming hubs in Zimbabwe.

Let’s dive in👇

Today’s Menu ☕️

💵 Nomba Launches Global Payout API
🤝 Nigeria, UK Sign Business Visa Deal
📺 Showmax Sets Final Renewal Deadline Before Shutdown
📱Samsung Discontinues Galaxy Z TriFold Months After Launch Despite Strong Demand
📲WhatsApp Users Report Status Privacy Glitch
💰 $100M Series B Boosts Bluesky Amid CEO Transition
🤖 Paltech, Hurudza Launch AI Farming Hubs in Zimbabwe

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💵 CROSS-BORDER PAYMENTS

Nomba Launches Global Payout API

Nomba has introduced a Global Payout API that enables Nigerian businesses to send international payments through a single integration. The solution addresses long-standing challenges like foreign exchange sourcing, liquidity management, and fragmented regulatory compliance.

The API allows companies to fund transactions in naira or stablecoins, automatically convert currencies, and complete payouts across multiple regions—including the UK, EU, Canada, and DR Congo—without maintaining separate currency reserves. It also features a five-minute FX rate lock to reduce volatility risks.....….continue reading

🤝PARTNERSHIPS

Nigeria, UK Sign Business Visa Deal

Nigeria and United Kingdom have signed new agreements to boost trade, ease business travel, and strengthen migration cooperation. At the center is a Business Visa Statement of Intent aimed at simplifying visa processes, reducing delays, and improving market access for companies operating between both countries.

The deal also includes Nigeria’s recognition of certain UK-issued documents, helping to reduce bureaucratic friction and speed up cross-border transactions.

With bilateral trade already exceeding £8 billion annually, the agreement is expected to unlock more opportunities in sectors like fintech, manufacturing, and the creative industry. It also supports broader goals—Nigeria’s push for investment and ease of doing business, and the UK’s strategy to deepen ties with emerging markets post-Brexit.......….continue reading

📱GADGETS

Samsung Discontinues Galaxy Z TriFold Months After Launch Despite Strong Demand

Samsung is winding down sales of its Galaxy Z TriFold just months after launch. Released in late 2025 as a $2,899 triple-fold smartphone, the device expanded from a 6.5-inch phone to a 10-inch display and sold out quickly due to limited production. However, Samsung confirmed it was never meant for mass-market adoption, but rather a showcase of advanced foldable technology.

High production costs, driven by expensive components, and its bulky design limited scalability and mainstream appeal. Despite its short lifespan, strong demand signals growing interest in multi-fold devices. Samsung is expected to refine its approach in future foldables, using lessons from the TriFold experiment to guide more commercially viable innovations......….continue reading

📺MEDIA

Showmax Sets Final Renewal Deadline Before Shutdown

Showmax has confirmed that March 31, 2026, will be the final day for subscription renewals and voucher redemptions ahead of its shutdown. From April 1, no new subscriptions will be accepted, though existing users can continue streaming until their plans expire or by the end of April.

Content from Showmax will be migrated to DStv Stream, where a dedicated section will host its originals and key titles. However, users will need a DStv subscription (Compact or Premium) to continue accessing this content.

The transition is part of a broader restructuring by Canal+, which plans to streamline MultiChoice Group and eventually launch its own streaming app.....….continue reading

📲SOCIAL MEDIA

WhatsApp Users Report Status Privacy Glitch

Users of WhatsApp are raising privacy concerns after noticing status updates from deleted or unsaved contacts still appearing in their feed. This unexpected behavior contradicts the app’s usual contact-based visibility system, leading to confusion and mistrust.

Possible explanations include retained chat data, contact interaction history, or gaps in privacy settings. Some users also suspect recent backend changes by Meta Platforms, though no official confirmation has been provided.

While users are attempting workarounds like blocking contacts or adjusting privacy settings, the issue highlights broader concerns about data control as messaging apps evolve into more complex social platforms.....….continue reading

🤖ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Paltech, Hurudza Launch AI Farming Hubs in Zimbabwe

Paltech Africa and Hurudza AI have partnered to launch The Farmers’ Bench, an agri-tech solution designed to deliver practical, real-time agricultural insights to farmers across Zimbabwe.

The system combines solar-powered hardware, edge computing, and multilingual AI to create offline-capable, community-based hubs where farmers can access information on weather, crop management, soil health, and market prices.

By addressing challenges like poor connectivity and limited access to extension services, the initiative aims to improve decision-making for smallholder farmers and strengthen food security.......….continue reading