This week’s Fintech Weekly Buzz highlights continued growth and innovation across Uganda’s digital finance and technology ecosystem. Key developments included stronger cybersecurity efforts, expansion of digital financial services, new digital government platforms, rising telecom and data demand, and strategic partnerships aimed at improving financial inclusion and customer experiences.
Across Africa and global markets, fintech activity continued to centre on interoperability, digital payments, AI, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, tokenisation, and access to capital. From regulatory sandboxes and cardless payments to digital bonds, data centres, and AI-powered platforms, the developments underscore the growing importance of secure, connected and inclusive digital ecosystems in shaping Africa’s digital economy.
Airtel Urges Uganda’s Digital Finance Sector to Build Fraud Protection Into Products
Airtel Money has called for stronger collaboration across Uganda’s digital finance ecosystem to combat cyber-enabled fraud. Speaking at the inaugural National Cybersecurity Conference organised by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Airtel Money Commerce Uganda Managing Director Japhet Aritho emphasised the need to move beyond customer awareness and embed stronger fraud protection directly into digital financial products. He highlighted social engineering, SIM-swap fraud and account takeover as interconnected stages of a broader fraud chain, calling for security measures that can detect and prevent attacks earlier.
Uganda Launches Two New E-Services to Digitise Teacher Training, Human Rights Cases
The National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U) has launched two digital platforms under the Uganda Digital Acceleration Project (UDAP-GovNet). The U-Learn Platform provides digital literacy, pedagogy and financial literacy training to teachers and instructors, with more than 6,600 users already enrolled across 26 Teacher Training Institutions. Meanwhile, the Uganda Human Rights Commission Case Management System digitises the handling of human rights complaints, enabling cases to be tracked from registration through investigation and resolution while improving institutional reporting and accountability.
Ecobank Uganda, Serena Hotels Partner to Offer Exclusive Travel, Lifestyle Benefits to Cardholders
Ecobank Uganda has partnered with Serena Hotels to provide debit and credit cardholders with exclusive travel, hospitality, dining and wellness benefits at participating Serena properties across Africa and Asia. The partnership reflects Ecobank’s strategy of extending value beyond traditional banking while encouraging secure digital payments and enhancing customer experiences. The collaboration was launched in Kampala with customers, partners and industry stakeholders.
Wendi Wins Financial Inclusion Impact Award at FITSPA Industry Awards 2026
Wendi, the mobile wallet operated by Pearl Bank Uganda, received the Financial Inclusion Impact Award at the FITSPA Industry Awards 2026. The award recognised Wendi’s contribution to expanding access to digital financial services, with the platform serving more than one million customers through a network of 13,000 agents. The award was presented during World FinTech Day Uganda celebrations under the theme “The Next Decade of Fintech: Infrastructure, Interoperability, and Trust for Inclusive Growth.”
Uganda’s Telecom Revenue Hits Record Shs1.73 Trillion as Data Demand Surges
Uganda’s telecommunications sector recorded gross revenue of Shs1.73 trillion in the second quarter of 2026, rising from Shs1.60 trillion in the first quarter. The growth was driven by increasing demand for mobile data, a growing active subscriber base and the expansion of digital services, even as traditional voice traffic continued to decline. The latest performance highlights the growing importance of data and digital connectivity within Uganda’s technology and digital economy.
DFCU Offers 100% Financing for Personal Vehicles in New Partnership
DFCU Bank has introduced a vehicle financing package offering up to 100% financing for personal vehicles and 90% for commercial vehicles through a partnership with Double Q and ICEA LION General Insurance. The initiative targets individuals, businesses, fleet owners, entrepreneurs and transport operators seeking to acquire vehicles without paying the full purchase cost upfront. DFCU said demand for asset financing has increased as businesses invest in vehicles and equipment to support economic activity.
Roke Telkom Calls for Stronger Collaboration to Strengthen Uganda’s Cybersecurity
Roke Telkom has called for stronger cooperation between government, telecom operators, financial institutions, technology companies and other stakeholders to address cybersecurity risks accompanying Uganda’s digital transformation. The call was made during the inaugural National Cybersecurity Conference organised by UCC under the theme “Securing Uganda’s Digital Future: Collaboration, Resilience and Trust.” The two-day event brought together stakeholders to explore ways of building a more secure and resilient digital economy.
ABC Capital Bank Targets Digital, Retail Expansion After 285% Profit Surge
ABC Capital Bank is expanding its focus on digital and retail banking as it seeks to strengthen financial inclusion and increase access to financial services across Uganda. The strategy follows a 285% increase in Profit After Tax in 2025. The bank attributed the improved performance to stronger operational efficiency, risk management, corporate governance and customer-focused service delivery, while identifying digital banking and SME financing as important areas for future growth.
AFRICA
Safaricom Ethiopia CEO Calls for Greater Interoperability in Digital Africa
Safaricom Ethiopia has highlighted interoperability, inclusive digital infrastructure and sustainable investment as key drivers of Africa’s digital transformation. Speaking at the GSMA Workshop on Digital Africa, CEO Wim Vanhelleputte emphasised the importance of interoperable, real-time payment systems in expanding participation in the digital economy. Through M-PESA Ethiopia, Safaricom is supporting digital financial inclusion and innovation while contributing to the country’s digital payments ecosystem.
CBN Opens Regulatory Sandbox for Nigeria’s Virtual Asset and Fintech Sector
The Central Bank of Nigeria has opened applications for the second cohort of its Regulatory Sandbox Programme, targeting virtual asset operators, fintechs, financial institutions and technology companies. The programme includes a Virtual Asset Service Provider track covering stablecoins, payment and settlement services, custody and wallets, alongside a second track focused on secure digital infrastructure and permission-based data sharing. The initiative is intended to support innovation while strengthening regulatory oversight of Nigeria’s evolving digital finance sector.
Liberia Telecoms Authority to Automate Licensing and Renewal Process
The Liberia Telecommunications Authority is developing a digital platform to automate telecommunications licensing and renewal processes. The system will allow applicants to submit licence applications and renewals online, reducing the time, cost and physical effort associated with paper-based procedures. The initiative is expected to improve regulatory efficiency while maintaining physical access for applicants who require assistance or have limited access to digital services.
Malawi’s Lilongwe Gains Expanded 4G LTE Coverage Through Digital Inclusion Partnership
Converged Technology Networks has expanded 4G LTE fixed wireless coverage across additional areas of Lilongwe through a partnership with unconnected.org and the Internet Society. The initiative is also expected to provide more than 20 secondary schools with high-performance internet access free of charge on a permanent basis. The expansion aims to address connectivity gaps and support digital learning, access to online resources and broader participation in the digital economy.
M-PESA Ethiopia Launches Cardless ATM Withdrawals With Bank of Abyssinia
M-PESA Ethiopia has partnered with Bank of Abyssinia to introduce cardless ATM withdrawals, allowing customers to access cash directly from supported ATMs using the M-PESA app. Transactions are processed in real time and customers can authenticate withdrawals without using a physical bank card. The companies said the integration could be expanded to additional banks, supporting greater interoperability between Ethiopia’s mobile money and banking ecosystems.
Read more: https://techafricanews.com/2026/08/11/m-pesa-ethiopia-launches-cardless-atm-with-bank-of-abyssinia/
Ethio Telecom and ZTE Advance Network Modernisation as 4G Coverage Hits 92%
Ethio Telecom and ZTE are advancing a major network modernisation programme aimed at expanding high-speed connectivity across Ethiopia. The project has so far been implemented across 879 sites, including radio access network upgrades, microwave-link improvements and IP infrastructure expansion. Further plans include new sites, spectrum refarming and additional rural connectivity infrastructure to strengthen nationwide digital access.
UMAMI Launches AI-Powered Learning Operating System for MENA Institutions
Egyptian digital learning company UMAMI E-Learning Solutions has launched its Learning Operating System (LOS™), an AI-powered platform designed to help governments, ministries and large institutions connect learning activities with workforce development and organisational outcomes. The company is backing the initiative with phased investment exceeding EGP 50 million. UMAMI says the platform responds to growing demand for integrated systems that can measure skills development and workforce readiness.
Airtel’s $150M Kenya Data Centre Now Targets July 2027 Launch
Airtel Kenya has revised the target launch date of its $150 million Nxtra data centre in Tatu City to July 2027. The facility is designed with 44MW of power capacity across two phases and will support high-density, GPU-ready infrastructure for AI and cloud workloads. The project is expected to strengthen East Africa’s data infrastructure and position Kenya as an important regional hub for emerging technologies.
Read more: https://techafricanews.com/2026/08/07/airtels-150m-kenya-data-centre-now-targets-july-2027-launch/
Africa’s Cybercriminals Are Adopting AI Faster Than the Institutions Chasing Them
African cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to enhance phishing, identity fraud, impersonation and other cyberattacks, according to Interpol’s African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026. AI was involved in 55% of cybercrime cases observed by surveyed African countries in 2025, while deepfake incidents increased significantly. At the same time, law enforcement agencies continue to face shortages in AI expertise and technical capacity, highlighting the growing need for investment in cybersecurity skills and tools.
Read more: https://techcabal.com/2026/08/13/africa-cybercriminals-adopting-ai-institutions-them/
Nigeria’s Identity Law Raises Questions Over Who Regulates Digital Signatures
Nigeria’s new identity legislation is raising questions about the regulation of digital signatures and the country’s wider digital trust infrastructure. Under the NIMC Act 2026, the National Identity Management Commission has been designated as Nigeria’s Root Certification Authority, giving it responsibility for root digital certificates, electronic identity verification and aspects of the digital signature framework. The development could create areas of overlap with other proposed digital economy legislation.
Read more: https://techcabal.com/2026/08/13/nigerias-identity-law-raises-questions-over-digital-signatures/
Standard Bank Wants to Own More of Africa’s Digital Payment Flows
Standard Bank is seeking to expand its position in Africa’s rapidly growing digital payments market, supported by increasing transaction volumes and digital banking adoption. The bank reported that domestic payment values increased by 11% in the first half of 2026, while cross-border payment values grew by 7%. Its payments business is increasingly supporting deposit growth, merchant acquiring, cross-border revenues and other value-added financial services.
Read more: https://techcabal.com/2026/08/13/standard-bank-wants-to-own-more-of-africas-digital-payment/
African Investors Highlight Funding Squeeze Facing Early-Stage Startups
African early-stage startups continue to face difficulties accessing venture capital as funding becomes more concentrated among fewer deals. While total African tech funding reached approximately $1.44 billion in the first half of 2026, deal numbers fell from 252 to 174 year-on-year. Funding reaching early-stage startups also declined sharply, highlighting growing pressure on young companies that require capital to scale.
Read more: https://techcabal.com/2026/08/10/african-vc-funding-squeez/
MTN Uganda Launches MTNTV to Expand Digital Entertainment Access
MTN Uganda has launched MTNTV, a digital entertainment platform bringing live television, radio, movies and sports together through a single streaming service. The platform is designed not only to expand access to digital content but also to create opportunities for Ugandan creators, including filmmakers, musicians, educators and broadcasters. The initiative reflects the broader evolution of digital inclusion from simply consuming technology to participating in and earning from the digital economy.
NITDA Moves to Accelerate Implementation of Nigeria’s Startup Act Incentives
Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), through the Office of Nigerian Digital Innovation, has convened stakeholders to accelerate implementation of incentives under the country’s Startup Act. Discussions focused on translating the legislation into practical benefits for startups and businesses. Stakeholders also reviewed the role of the Startup Consultative Forum and its governance structures in supporting sustained engagement across Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
World Bank’s IFC Invests $25m in Jumia to Boost Africa’s Digital Commerce
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has invested $25 million in Jumia to support the expansion of digital commerce across Africa. The investment is expected to strengthen participation by approximately 60,000 local active sellers annually, support around 1,800 direct jobs and create income-generating opportunities for more than 100,000 independent sales agents. The investment highlights the role of digital commerce platforms in expanding economic participation.
Flutterwave and Caliza Partner to Expand Global Payment Access for African Businesses
Flutterwave has partnered with financial infrastructure provider Caliza to expand access to global payment and treasury services for African businesses. The solution will provide dedicated USD accounts connected to payment rails including ACH, Fedwire, RTP and SWIFT, while allowing customers to receive, transfer and convert funds across fiat currencies and stablecoins. The partnership aims to address challenges around USD liquidity and international payments while enabling faster and potentially more cost-effective cross-border transactions.
Kenya Eyes Chinese Investment in Broadband, Smart Cities and Digital Infrastructure
Kenya is exploring deeper cooperation with China on digital infrastructure, broadband connectivity and smart-city development. Discussions between the Kenyan government and Guodong Network Communication Group focused on attracting investment, innovation and technical expertise to strengthen the country’s digital economy. Expanding broadband access to underserved communities and improving citizen-centred digital government services remain key priorities.
BII and Africa50 Strengthen Partnership to Scale Infrastructure Financing Across Africa
British International Investment (BII) and Africa50 have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to increase collaboration and mobilise investment into infrastructure projects across Africa. The partnership will support co-financing, co-investment and capital mobilisation, with BII committing $20 million to the Africa50 Infrastructure Acceleration Fund. The fund targets projects across energy, water, transport, logistics, digital and social infrastructure.
Coinbase Secures Abu Dhabi Approval for International Tokenisation Hub
Coinbase has received regulatory approval from Abu Dhabi Global Market to establish an international tokenisation hub in Abu Dhabi. The approval allows the company to arrange investment deals and provide custody services as it prepares to introduce tokenised securities backed by underlying shares. The initiative highlights the growing use of blockchain infrastructure in capital markets and the increasing focus on regulated digital asset ecosystems.
e& UAE Becomes First Telecom Operator to Test eRedCap on Live Network
e& UAE has announced the successful testing of enhanced Reduced Capability (eRedCap) technology on its live network. The 5G-native technology is designed for large-scale Internet of Things applications that do not require the full capabilities of traditional 5G, including smart meters, industrial sensors, payment terminals, security devices and asset tracking. The development could support more efficient and energy-conscious IoT deployments.
DRC Explores Digital Public Service Solutions With Kenya’s Pesaflow
The Democratic Republic of Congo is exploring digital solutions to modernise public services through discussions with Kenyan fintech company Pesaflow. The engagement focused on technologies that could improve public administration, including digital business registries and other platforms for government services. The initiative forms part of the DRC’s broader efforts to accelerate digital transformation and improve service delivery.
Nigeria and Burkina Faso Explore Project BRIDGE to Cut Internet Costs by 50%
Nigeria and Burkina Faso are exploring a connectivity partnership under Project BRIDGE that could reduce internet access costs in Burkina Faso by as much as 50%. The initiative forms part of efforts by both countries to deepen digital cooperation and expand access to faster, more affordable and resilient internet infrastructure. The discussions highlight the role of regional partnerships in addressing connectivity and affordability challenges.
Africa Finance Corporation Breaks New Ground With CHF350m Digital Bond
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has raised CHF350 million through a five-year digital bond, becoming the first African institution to issue a digital bond listed, traded and settled on a regulated digital exchange. The transaction is also the largest digital bond issued in the Swiss franc market. The milestone demonstrates how digital capital-market infrastructure is opening new avenues for African institutions to access international financing.
Ghana Strengthens Online Child Protection With CSA-UNICEF Initiative
Ghana is strengthening its response to online child sexual exploitation and abuse through a stakeholder initiative led by the Cyber Security Authority in collaboration with UNICEF Ghana. The engagement reviewed the country’s existing response mechanisms and identified areas requiring stronger coordination, prevention and intervention. Stakeholders also emphasised the importance of strengthening frontline capacity and tailoring interventions to challenges at both national and district levels.
TISEZA and Vodacom Tanzania Partner to Strengthen Digital Investment Environment
Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) has signed an MoU with Vodacom Tanzania to strengthen the country’s investment environment through digital connectivity and technology solutions. The partnership will focus on digital infrastructure, investment promotion and business opportunities. The collaboration reflects efforts to combine public-sector investment facilitation with private-sector digital expertise to support Tanzania’s long-term digital and economic development.
FAB Launches Salary Transfer Offer With Up to AED 9,000 Annual Cashback
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has launched a salary transfer campaign offering eligible customers up to AED 9,000 in annual cashback. Customers transferring a minimum monthly salary of AED 5,000 can receive up to AED 750 per month, with the rewards linked to their financial activity after payday. The initiative reflects the growing use of digital and personalised financial incentives to attract and retain customers.
