South African green-tech pioneer maxwell+spark raises $15M Series B led by Klima, Chevron Technology Ventures, and Idemitsu to expand its unified lithium-ion battery ecosystem. The funding accelerates global electrification across forklifts, transport refrigeration, and backup power — replacing diesel and lead-acid systems with cleaner, data-driven solutions.
Malengo Secures $12.9 Million from The Shapiro Foundation to Expand International Education Pathways & Financial Security
Malengo, a non-profit organization empowering young people in East Africa through international education, has secured $12.9 million in impact funding from The Shapiro Foundation to expand vocational training and university programs for low-income students and refugees in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Founded by Cornell University Professor Johannes Haushofer, Malengo enables educational migration to Germany, helping students move from living on $1.40 a day to earning over $40,000 annually. The investment will scale Malengo’s income share agreement (ISA) model, creating sustainable education and financial pathways that reduce poverty and boost community development.
Building with Women: How Microfinance Is Powering Women-Led Businesses in Africa
Across Africa, women-led businesses face challenges including limited access to collateral, financial literacy gaps, and gender norms restricting decision-making. Advans’ programs—such as El Beya in Tunisia, AdvansHer in Ghana, and VSLA-linked savings in Côte d’Ivoire—offer loans, coaching, and flexible financial tools designed for women. These initiatives have increased incomes, supported job creation, and expanded access to education, demonstrating how microfinance, women’s entrepreneurship, inclusive finance, and gender-focused financial services drive economic resilience and sustainable development.
Shadow AI vs Managed AI: Kaspersky reviews the use of neural networks for work in the META region
Kaspersky’s latest report, “Cybersecurity in the workplace: Employee knowledge and behaviour,” reveals that over 81% of professionals in the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa (META) region use AI tools for work, but only 38% have received cybersecurity training on safe neural network use. The study highlights a growing divide between “Shadow AI” —unregulated, employee-driven use of generative AI tools—and “Managed AI”, where organisations enforce policies and training to mitigate risks like data leaks and prompt injections. With AI now widely used for writing, content creation, and data analytics, Kaspersky urges companies to adopt structured AI governance policies, tiered access models, and employee education to balance innovation with security.
Madica Expands Portfolio With Two New AI Startups
Madica, the structured investment program for pre-seed African startups, has expanded its portfolio with two new AI-powered companies—Anavid (Tunisia) and Hypeo AI (Morocco). Each receives up to $200,000 and joins Madica’s 18-month program offering mentorship, global exposure, and investor connections. Madica also announced a strategic partnership with the African Business Angel Network (ABAN) to boost local investment flow and co-investment opportunities across Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
How Africa’s gaming sector can power impactful development
Africa’s gaming sector is emerging as a powerful driver of social and economic development. Valued at $1.8 billion in 2024, the industry is not only growing rapidly but also funding education, infrastructure, and community projects across the continent. According to Alex Mabunda, Group CEO of Ntiyiso Consulting Group, Africa’s lotteries and gaming operations can evolve beyond entertainment to become a “fifth estate” of development—fueling innovation, responsible gaming, and inclusive growth through the African Lotteries & Gaming Association (ALGA). By harmonizing regulation, promoting integrity, and reinvesting revenues strategically, the gaming industry can help tackle poverty, unemployment, and inequality, shaping a more unified and prosperous Africa.
First-Ever Large-Scale Climate Funding Targets Low-Emission, Climate-Resilient Dairy Systems in East Africa
A groundbreaking US$358 million Dairy Interventions for Mitigation and Adaptation (DaIMA) programme, led by IFAD and co-financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), is transforming East Africa’s dairy sector into a low-emission, climate-resilient system. Operating across Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, DaIMA will directly benefit 2.5 million farmers, boost milk production by 34%, and cut emissions by 2.1 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. Through innovation, policy reform, and climate finance, the programme strengthens food security, supports smallholders, and advances the region’s sustainable agricultural transformation.
Bridging Infrastructure Gaps: Tech and Distribution in Africa’s Gaming Ecosystem
Africa’s gaming industry is on the brink of transformation. With its youthful population, mobile-first culture, and creative energy, the continent is emerging as a key player in global gaming. Yet two critical challenges—technological infrastructure and game distribution—continue to hold back progress. In this article, Chris Meredith, SVP of Business Development (EMEA) at Xsolla, explores how addressing Africa’s internet connectivity gaps, limited payment integration, and developer support systems can unlock sustainable growth. By improving local payment solutions, empowering creators, and investing in digital infrastructure, Africa can redefine the future of gaming and become a global innovation hub.
SoftwareOne’s climate targets successfully validated by the Science Based Targets initiative
SoftwareOne, a global software and cloud solutions provider, has had its near-term greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This validation confirms that SoftwareOne’s Scope 1, 2, and 3 targets align with the latest climate science to limit global warming in accordance with the Paris Agreement. The company commits to reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% and select Scope 3 emissions by 25% by FY2030 from a 2024 base year. Additionally, 75% of its suppliers by emissions will be required to have science-based targets by the same year. Following its recent merger with Crayon, SoftwareOne will maintain separate climate targets during the integration phase. The move underscores SoftwareOne’s commitment to corporate climate responsibility and science-based sustainability leadership.
Finance with Purpose: Unlocking Homes for South African Women
“Finance with Purpose: Unlocking Homes for South African Women” explores the transformative power of finance in bridging the gender wealth gap in South Africa, with a focus on homeownership. The article highlights the challenges women face in accessing housing due to unequal pay, limited collateral, and cultural norms, compounded by a national housing backlog. Alex Area, a Development Finance Specialist at the African Development Bank, outlines how sustainability-linked loans (SLLs) and gender-focused bonds are opening new doors for women to secure property, build wealth, and strengthen their financial independence. By tying financing to measurable social outcomes, these financial innovations not only tackle housing inequalities but also promote inclusive growth. The piece argues that gender-responsive finance, supported by institutional frameworks and rigorous monitoring, is essential to ensuring sustainable, long-term impact in closing the gender wealth gap.