💸 Paystack Launches Zap

Plus: Airtel Money Now Accepted on Google Play in Kenya

Today’s Menu ☕️

 💸 Paystack Launches Zap: A Game-Changer for Instant Bank Transfers in Nigeria
🏦 KCB Group PLC acquires 75% stake in Riverbank Solutions, strengthening its digital financial services in East Africa
💰 Jem HR Secures $3.3 million funding to enhance WhatsApp-based HR solutions and expand across Africa
💸 Airtel Money Now Accepted on Google Play in Kenya
🤖 Nigeria Human Rights Body Plans to Regulate AI Amid Growing Concerns
🧑🏽‍💻 How AI-Powered Job Hunting Is Helping (and Hurting) Africans

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💸 PAYMENTS

Paystack Launches Zap: A Game-Changer for Instant Bank Transfers in Nigeria

Paystack, the Nigerian fintech company owned by Stripe, has officially launched Zap, a new application designed to facilitate rapid and secure bank transfers in just 30 seconds. This significant development marks Paystack’s entry into the consumer app market after spending nine years primarily focused on merchant-oriented solutions.

Initially released on November 14, 2024, and updated on March 3, 2025, the Zap app has already garnered over a thousand downloads on the Google Play Store alone. This launch has been highly anticipated, especially as competitors like Flutterwave, Opay, and various banking fintechs have already attracted users with their consumer offerings. Paystack’s unique selling proposition lies in its proven track record of success, including its robust API, which has processed over 3 billion requests with an impressive uptime of 99.992%.......…continue reading

🏦 ACQUISITION

KCB Group PLC acquires 75% stake in Riverbank Solutions, strengthening its digital financial services in East Africa

Paul Russo, KCB Group CEO

Kenya’s leading banking institution, KCB Group PLC, is making a bold move into the digital financial arena with its announcement on March 24, 2025, regarding the planned acquisition of a 75% stake in Riverbank Solutions Limited, a prominent local financial technology firm.

This strategic initiative underscores KCB’s ambition to strengthen its position as a regional leader in innovative payment solutions while expanding its footprint across East Africa.......…continue reading

💰FUNDING

Jem HR Secures $3.3 million funding to enhance WhatsApp-based HR solutions and expand across Africa

South African startup Jem HR, a pioneering WhatsApp-based platform for human resources and employee benefits, has successfully secured ZAR60 million (approximately US$3.3 million) in a pre-Series A funding round aimed at accelerating its growth and enhancing product development.

Originally founded in 2019 under the name SmartWage, the company underwent a rebranding in 2022 to become Jem HR. The platform initially focused on providing employees with instant access to a portion of their earned salaries and wages, allowing them to access funds for work they had already completed. This innovative approach addressed a critical need for financial flexibility among workers......…continue reading

💸 PAYMENTS

Airtel Money Now Accepted on Google Play in Kenya

Google Play users can now pay for their favourite apps and digital services using Airtel Money, a move that marks a deeper push into localized fintech solutions for global platforms.

Behind this upgrade is dLocal, a cross-border payments firm that specializes in bridging the gap between global tech giants and consumers in emerging markets. With this new integration, dLocal is giving millions of Kenyans easier access to the Google Play store—no debit card, no hassle, just a mobile wallet and a few taps.......…continue reading

🤖 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Nigeria Human Rights Body Plans to Regulate AI Amid Growing Concerns

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nigeria has announced plans to regulate the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the country, in response to growing concerns about its potential impact on human rights.

Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary of the NHRC, made this known during an AI Governance virtual event organized by the International Network for Corporate Social Responsibility (IN-CSR), in partnership with the United Nations Working Group and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

According to the NHRC, the forthcoming guidelines will focus on ensuring that AI systems are developed and deployed in ways that respect and protect human rights.......…continue reading

🧑🏽‍💻 HUMAN RESOURCES

How AI-Powered Job Hunting Is Helping (and Hurting) Africans

The African job market is evolving rapidly, with artificial intelligence (AI) reshaping how people find and apply for work. Technology is making employment hunting easier, from AI-driven work matching platforms to automated resume screening, but not without its downsides.

While AI is helping Africans access more opportunities, it also brings up concerns about bias, accessibility, and a lack of human-touch-empowered recruitment. Here is a look at how AI-Powered Job Hunting Is Helping (and Hurting) Africans......continue reading

OTHER STORIES

  • Samsung Electronics Co-CEO Han Jong-hee, 63, Dies from Heart Attack…..continue reading

  • I&P Accélération FARM unveils $4.3 million fund to support agricultural innovation in West and East Africa……continue reading

  • Mukuru leverages mobile money surge to drive African expansion…….continue reading

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Rowland Osahon
Innovation Village