Author: Kaluka wanjala

Bitzero Holdings has partnered with Vertiv to expand its ecosystem of technology and engineering partners supporting the development of AI and high-performance computing (HPC) data centres. The partnership will strengthen Bitzero’s capabilities in delivering next-generation digital infrastructure. This will be happen by leveraging Vertiv’s expertise in critical power, thermal management and infrastructure deployment for hyperscale, AI and HPC environments. As AI workloads continue to drive demand for higher-density computing, efficient cooling and power management have become essential components of modern data centres. This partnership will give Bitzero access to Vertiv’s advanced liquid cooling technologies, engineering expertise and modular infrastructure solutions…

Google has opened applications for the 2026 edition of its Google for Startups Accelerator South Africa. The three-month hybrid programme aims to help startups improve their products and technical capabilities by providing access to Google’s AI tools, Cloud infrastructure, mentorship and strategic support. Selected startups will receive up to R1 million in non-dilutive funding to support their growth while the founders retain full ownership of their businesses and scale their operations. Participants will also gain hands-on access to Google’s AI tools, including Gemini, alongside one-on-one mentorship from Google engineers and industry experts. The accelerator will prioritise South African-led, historically disadvantaged…

Airtel Money has today introduced Bizna Wallet, a new digital wallet designed for small businesses. Bizna Wallet is Airtel Money’s equivalent of Safaricom’s M-PESA Pochi la Biashara, targeting Kenya’s micro and small businesses with a dedicated business wallet. The new solution enables entrepreneurs to separate business income from personal finances while providing tools to track transactions, monitor cash flow and receive payments across mobile money networks. The launch comes as digital payments are becoming more and more essential for Kenya’s small businesses. According to the Mastercard SME Confidence Index, 95% of SMEs in the country now accept mobile payments, indicating…

iHUB, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has selected 12 Kenyan startups for Cohort 4 of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship. The selected startups are developing technology solutions in four key areas: learners with disabilities, refugees and displaced communities, underserved populations and girls and young women. The cohort reflects the Fellowship’s transition to supporting early-stage innovators developing inclusive education technologies. According to iHUB Managing Partner Nissi Madu, the latest cohort prioritizes founders addressing long-standing barriers to equitable education through solutions designed with inclusion at their core. “Innovation has the greatest impact when it begins with the learners who have historically…

Visa has today announced the appointment of Anne Kinuthia Otieno as its new Vice President and Head of East Africa, effective August 4, 2026. Anne will oversee Visa’s operations across seven East African markets, leading efforts to expand digital payments, deepen relationships with financial institutions and partners, and accelerate financial inclusion across the region. The appointment comes shortly after Anne stepped down from her role as Managing Director of Airtel Money Kenya, where she oversaw a period of growth and market expansion for the mobile money business. Her career spans more than two decades across banking, telecommunications and digital financial…

KCB has secured a US$100 million (KShs. 12.9 billion) financing facility from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to expand access to credit for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). 30% of the funds will be allocated for eligible green investments to support businesses to adopt climate-smart technologies and environmentally sustainable practices. 35% of the funds will be allocated to women and youth-led enterprises. The partnership also marks EBRD’s first investment in Kenya’s financial sector. Speaking during the signing ceremony, EBRD Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, Dr. Heike Harmgart, said the facility will help channel much-needed financing to…

California-based electric vehicle startup Bingo has officially entered the Kenyan market with the launch of its E2 electric vehicle. The company says it is targeting ride-hailing and last-mile delivery operators with this electric vehicle.  The company is also introducing a broader electric mobility ecosystem that includes battery-swapping technology and DC fast charging infrastructure. If you have a startup you want featured on TechArena, let us know through this contact form here. The Bingo E2 features a dual-battery system consisting of one fixed battery and four swappable battery packs, enabling a claimed driving range of up to 440 kilometers on a full charge. The…

Onafriq has partnered with stablecoin infrastructure provider Privy to strengthen its digital asset infrastructure and accelerate the development of stablecoin-enabled payment services for businesses across its network. Onafriq will build and run embedded digital asset solutions for partners and, where regulation permits, for institutional clients. The first phase will focus on cross-chain stablecoin transfers, treasury management and settlement workflows. This will lead to faster cross-border payments and increased liquidity across African markets. Onafriq aims to simplify digital asset adoption while enabling banks, fintechs and mobile money operators to benefit from faster and more efficient payment services. Luke Kyohere, Group Chief…

Tether has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) to explore blockchain-powered financial market innovation, digital asset education and the tokenization of securities in Kenya. A key focus of this partnership will be on investor education through training sessions, workshops and awareness programmes for stockbrokers, retail investors and other market participants to improve their understanding of digital assets and their role in capital markets. The two organizations will also assess the use of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) to support tokenized securities, instant settlement, and fractional ownership of investments. The initiative will also explore the use…

Google has opened applications for the Google Africa Applied AI Lab, a new initiative designed to help African founders and researchers turn AI ideas into commercially viable products while accelerating the continent’s AI innovation ecosystem. Based at the Accra AI Community Centre (AICC) in Ghana, the lab will serve entrepreneurs from across Africa, offering technical collaboration with Google experts, early access to Google DeepMind’s latest AI models and mentorship from leading venture capital firms. Google’s AI for Africa program will focus on five key areas where the company sees AI having a significant impact – the future of work, knowledge,…