African fintech is regaining investor attention as the sector matures beyond venture-led growth into sustainable, revenue-generating businesses capable of attracting institutional capital. Recent IPOs by South Africa’s Optasia and Morocco’s Cash Plus, alongside expectations around Airtel Africa’s mobile money business and OPay, signal renewed confidence in African fintech’s long-term potential. With fintech revenues projected to reach $65 billion by 2030, the continent continues to benefit from rising smartphone penetration, mobile money adoption, and a young, urbanising population. Increased merger and acquisition activity, stronger local partnerships, and improved funding momentum in 2026 suggest African fintech is entering a new phase focused on scalability, profitability, and liquidity opportunities for investors.
Author: AfricaBusiness.com
Kaspersky Warns of Rising AI Cyber Threats in Kenya and East Africa
Kaspersky has warned that the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence across Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa is driving a new wave of cyber threats, including deepfake fraud, AI-powered social engineering, spyware, ransomware and “Shadow AI” risks within organisations. Speaking at AI Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya, the cybersecurity company highlighted sharp increases in password stealer and spyware attacks in 2025, while urging businesses to strengthen cybersecurity controls, implement AI governance policies and prioritise employee training to safely manage emerging AI-driven risks.
New Study of 10,000 South African Youth Reveals the Future of Youth Marketing
A new ReachPlayers study surveying 10,000 South Africans aged 13 to 25 reveals major shifts in youth marketing and consumer behaviour. The research shows that young audiences prioritise financial stability, family support, and quality over fame, influencers, and repetitive advertising. While TikTok remains the leading platform for brand discovery, gaming environments generate significantly higher attention and engagement than social media. The findings highlight how brands can better connect with Gen Z and Gen Alpha through immersive, participatory experiences that build trust and relevance.
The leadership gap behind Africa’s implementation challenge
Africa’s new Transformative African Leadership (TAL) programme argues that the continent’s biggest development challenge is not policy creation, but implementation. Backed by leading African universities and governance institutions, TAL focuses on building leadership models rooted in Ubuntu, Agenda 2063 and African institutional realities. The programme aims to equip leaders across government, business and civil society to improve policy execution, regional integration and cross-border collaboration under frameworks such as AfCFTA.
From AI to capital expenditure reality: Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa 2026 brings procurement-ready tech to Africa’s hospitality sector
Africa’s hospitality sector is accelerating investment in AI, automation and smart infrastructure as hotels prioritize procurement-ready technology with measurable ROI. The Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa 2026 in Cape Town will connect over 5,000 hospitality professionals with suppliers offering energy management systems, property management platforms, RFID security, automation tools and foodservice solutions designed to improve operational efficiency, sustainability and guest experience.
Climate action key to affordable housing, but buildings decarbonisation stalls
A new report from the United Nations Environment Programme and Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction warns that global buildings decarbonisation is slowing despite rising climate risks and housing affordability pressures. Buildings and construction now account for 37% of global emissions and 28% of energy consumption. The report calls for faster energy-efficiency upgrades, stronger building codes, expanded renewable energy use, and USD 5.9 trillion in investment by 2030 to keep the sector aligned with net-zero climate goals.
Perion, Mediamark and McSorely Media Launch Exclusive AI Advertising Partnership Across Africa
Perion Network, McSorely Media, and Mediamark have launched an exclusive AI advertising partnership across Africa, bringing Perion’s Outmax AI-native execution platform to agencies and brands throughout the continent. The collaboration aims to improve programmatic advertising performance, transparency, and measurable outcomes as Africa’s digital advertising market continues rapid growth.
Naked Insurance ChatGPT App: How AI Car Insurance Quotes Work
South African insurtech Naked Insurance has launched a ChatGPT app that connects to its live underwriting system to generate final car insurance quotes.
China’s zero-tariff offer is a test of Africa’s export readiness
China’s new zero-tariff policy for imports from 53 African countries could reshape Africa-China trade, but tariff-free access alone will not guarantee export success. The article examines whether African economies are prepared to meet China’s market demands through stronger logistics, standards compliance, value addition, and regional supply chains under AfCFTA. It argues that Africa’s long-term gains will depend on moving beyond raw commodity exports toward competitive, value-added production that can strengthen industrial growth, jobs, and trade resilience.
Why Brands Must Humanise the AI Narrative to Preserve Consumer Trust
As artificial intelligence transforms industries, brands face growing pressure to manage not only AI adoption but also public perception. Mandy Davis, Managing Director at Penquin, explains why transparency, ethical AI practices, and human-centred storytelling are essential for maintaining consumer trust. The article explores how brands can address concerns around privacy, misinformation, and job displacement while using AI responsibly to strengthen credibility and customer relationships.