News
Ventures Platform Closes its Pan-African Fund Above the Initial Target at $46M

Ventures Platform, the pan-African VC firm championing the next generation of African technology entrepreneurs, has announced the final close of its early-stage and intercontinental fund, at $46M.
Surpassing its initial $40M target, the oversubscribed fund from one of the continent’s most prolific investors sees new participation from global investors with an array of top-tier commercial banks, corporates, DFIs, global institutional investors and HNIs, including Standard Bank, International Finance Corporation [IFC], British International Investment, A to Z Impact, Proparco with FISEA, AfricaGrow a Fund of Funds backed by BMZ [German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, DEG and Allianz, managed by Allianz Global Investors], and others.
The new fund will see Ventures Platform double down on backing a cohort of category-leading companies across the continent and will also allow for follow-on investments for portfolio companies, up to Series A.
In a bid to better support the companies it invests in, Ventures Platform has also established an innovative “platform and networks” practice that will provide scalable and world-class post-investment support and value creation to its portfolio companies.
Since the first close of the fund late last year, the early-stage “discovery” venture capital fund has deployed new capital and follow-on capital into companies across various verticals and regions on the continent, such as Remedial Health, Moni Notto, and Chargel.
To further consolidate its pan-African reach, Ventures Platform is actively seeking opportunities in regions such as Kenya, Egypt, and French-speaking West Africa.
In addition to the close of the fund, Ventures Platform has made a series of strategic team additions at partnership and senior management level.
The VC firm has added accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and former Principal at pan-African VC firm, Novastar Ventures, Dr. Dotun Olowoporoku, as Managing Partner.
Dotun’s addition to the partnership brings expertise and new opportunities across areas such as investor relations, corporate governance, international expansion, M&A, and growth marketing to the Venture Platform fold.
Prior to joining Ventures Platform, Dotun Olowoporoku had played key roles as a consultant or board observer in Flutterwave, Turaco, TeamApt, among others. He was, up to recently, the Chief Commercial Officer at TeamApt.
In addition, Ventures Platform has appointed another notable new member to further enhance its expert network as it brings onboard renowned technologist and investor, Desigan Chinniah, as a Venture Partner.
Having spent his career as a venture capitalist, serving in leadership and advisory roles across a blue-ribbon range of companies, Chinniah will harness his expertise in product innovation, sales intelligence and developer relations to support Ventures Platform portfolio companies.
Since its launch in 2016, Ventures Platform has leveraged its on-the-ground presence on the continent and expertise in corporate partnerships, talent, growth, regulation and operations to strengthen the venture capital ecosystem in Africa, acting as a key partner and conduit for international funds and stakeholders.
The pan-African VC firm has over 60 active investments, including Nomba (formerly Kudi), Reliance HMO, Brass, MarketForce, Mono and Piggyvest to add to the successful exit of Paystack (acquired by Stripe).
Whilst focussing on funding market-creating innovations that optimise for non-consumption, Ventures Platform has accrued one of the largest technology start-up portfolios on the continent.
Investing from pre-seed stage up to Series A, the fund invests in startups across multiple sectors, ranging from Fintech, Insurtech, Life Science and Health Tech, Edtech and Digital talent accelerators, Enterprise SaaS, Digital Infrastructure Plays, Agritech and Food Security.
Kola Aina, Founder and General Partner at Ventures Platform, stated, ‘We are honoured to have the breadth of both local and global investors who have bought into our vision and who equally are bringing immense value to our portfolio.
“This is a crowning close to an eventful year in which we made substantial advancements both in the tactical and the proprietary interventions that catalyze our portfolio companies.
“Dotun’s hands-on pan-African experience, from working with both start-ups and institutional investors, brings an invaluable perspective that will help with our continued growth.
“We look forward to helping our portfolio companies maximise their full potential whilst also consolidating our position as a key and dependable business partner for investors in Africa.
“We recognize the tougher macroeconomic climate at present, and whilst we remain cautious in terms of market dynamics and remain grounded in our long-standing belief in proper due diligence and corporate governance, we are also acutely aware that with our investment thesis, which is centred on market-creating innovations that thrive when value-chains and markets are restructured, there continues to be incredible opportunities across the market.
“As it’s been said, a true test is not how one handles moments of comfort and convenience but rather moments of adversity, and so we are glad to be partnering with often highly experienced, mission-driven founders who are positively impacting the livelihoods of their local communities even in these trying times.”
William Sonneborn, IFC’s Global Director of Disruptive Technologies and Funds, said: “IFC is the largest global development institution focused on boosting private sector investments in emerging markets. Championing tech innovation, digital talent, and connectivity are key to succeeding in our mission. We are also one of the largest tech investors in Africa.
“Like Ventures Platform, we believe that the power of technology, combined with the scale and reach of entrepreneurship, can help solve some of the most pressing challenges of our time. We are delighted to partner with Ventures Platform to help emerging, talented entrepreneurs scale their innovations across the continent and beyond.”
Babacar Seck, Senior Investment Officer for Venture Capital at PROPARCO, added, “We are thrilled to partner with Ventures Platform in their journey backing early-stage African startups creating new markets and jobs, while accelerating the continent’s digitization.
This ground-breaking partnership reflects the deep commitment of Proparco to African entrepreneurship in line with the Choose Africa initiative, and is being funded through FISEA, an investment fund of the Agence Française de Développement, that finances African startups and small-medium enterprises through innovative fund managers.”
Martin Ewald, Lead Portfolio Manager Allianz Global Investors, Impact Investments, also stated, “The investment strategy of AfricaGrow is funding Private Equity and Venture Capital funds domiciled and active in Africa, which is both challenging and very rewarding.
In Ventures Platform, we have found an excellent partner generating real impact on the ground by building successful companies utilising their deep experience, network and local expertise. We are looking forward to a fruitful cooperation.”
“We feel that start-ups, technology and innovation are central to catalysing Africa’s economic potential. We are particularly excited to be contributing towards building a digital and self-sustaining continent and believe that Ventures Platform is well placed with a great leadership team and a solid investment thesis to help achieve these overarching objectives’ added Akash Maharaj of the Standard Bank Group.
News
Zamfara, Oracle Partner to Drive Digital Skills Development

The Zamfara State government has signed an agreement with Oracle to invest in youth development, workforce capacity building and the digital economy under Oracle University’s Skills Development Initiative (SDI).
The agreement was signed at Oracle’s Offices in London, United Kingdom, with Governor Dauda Lawal representing the Zamfara State government.
A statement on Wednesday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, explained that the development will foster collaboration between the Zamfara Information and Technology Development Agency (ZITDA) and Oracle.
Secretary to the State Government, two Special Advisers and the Executive Secretary of ZITDA were also present at the event, along with Siobhan Wilson, Oracle UK Country Leader and Senior Vice President, EMEA.
The statement said, “Zamfara State government has signed a strategic agreement with Oracle to drive digital skills development across the state.
“Facilitated through the Zamfara Information Technology Development Agency, the collaboration will use the expertise and learning services of both Oracle Academy and Oracle University in their digital transformation efforts.
“The collaboration signifies a commitment to education and a strategic investment in the future of Zamfara’s youth, workforce and digital economy.
“Oracle Academy, Oracle’s global philanthropic educational programme offers a robust portfolio of technology education teaching and learning resources, including curriculum and software access, to educators and students worldwide.
“With the support of the Zamfara Information Technology Development Agency, these resources will be made available to validate higher education institutions across Zamfara.
“ZITDA will help lead efforts to integrate Oracle Academy offerings into Zamfara’s higher education curriculum, equipping educators with the tools and resources they need to guide students in learning hands-on tech skills and toward Oracle’s professional certifications and foster a new generation of tech-savvy leaders.
“In addition, Oracle University’s Skills Development Initiative, a global programme that provides access to world-class learning and certification programmes at no cost to eligible learners, will further expand opportunities for learners in Zamfara.
“Through a co-branded Learning Portal in collaboration with ZITDA, Oracle University plans to provide free access to digital learning paths and foundational certifications for eligible participants across Zamfara. This includes curated learning journeys offering over 200 hours of professional-level training in high-demand areas such as Cloud, AI, Data Science and APEX development.”
In his remarks at the ceremony, Governor Dauda Lawal restated that the collaboration with Oracle is part of his administration’s commitment to transforming Zamfara into a hub of innovation, education, and digital excellence.
He said, “on behalf of the government and the good people of Zamfara State, I extend my deepest appreciation to Oracle for believing in our vision and for partnering with us on this transformative journey.
“What we are doing today goes beyond technology, it is about giving hope, creating opportunities and unlocking the future. By investing in digital education and innovation, we are offering real alternatives to poverty, to joblessness and to despair. I sincerely thank Oracle for standing with us, believing in the power of partnership, purpose, and shared dreams.
“Today, we are not just signing a document, we are making a promise, promise that every child in Zamfara will have a fair chance to dream, to learn, and to succeed. A promise that technology will be our bridge to a stronger, more inclusive economy. And, a promise that Zamfara will not merely participate in the digital revolution, we will lead it.”
News
Power Ministry, NAEC Partner to Unlock Nuclear Energy Potential

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has expressed willingness to collaborate with Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, NAEC, to facilitate the establishment of nuclear power plants in the country.
With power generation averaging 5,000 Megawatts for a population of over 230 million people, Chief Adelabu described nuclear energy as the energy of the future for Nigeria.
The Minister stated this in Abuja when the Acting Chairman of the Commission, Engr. Anthony Ekedewa, visited him.
A statement by the Ministry said the collaboration would boost power generation and stabilise the power sector as part of the reforms being undertaken in the sector.
As an advanced level of power generation, the Minister said the country would benefit significantly from a nuclear power plant especially, with the technology that will come in as it will make power generation less cumbersome.
He said the participation of the commission in the power sector was long overdue and promised to work with the agency.
Adelabu however advised against the proposed establishment of four power plants with capacity to generate 1200 MW each, by the Commission, explaining that modular nuclear reactor is the way to go especially with the way the government has decentralised the sector.
“This is an area that States can benefit from. A lot of investment has gone into the development of the commission over the years and Nigeria should start reaping from the investment”.
According to him, although the process is tedious and costly, the outcome is more beneficial to the country adding that nuclear power plant is an advanced stage of energy generation.
“I wish we are there already in this country, but we are not there yet. We should however ask ourselves, how much of the conventional source of energy have we exploited? Nuclear power plant tends to be at the lower end of concern over the years, but we have to understand that nuclear energy is the future of energy generation”, he added.
Earlier, Ekedawa briefed the Minister on the activities of the commission, which he said was established in 1976, by former President Olusegun Obasanjo as a military head of state.
He said, as a renewable energy, nuclear energy could power the entire country. He said the Commission is proposing the establishment of nuclear power plants with the capacity to generate about 1200MW.
“We want to work and partner with you in the area of power generation. We can be a base load for the country and we have two possible sites, Geregu in Kogi State and Idu in Akwa Ibom State. We have carried out the feasibility studies. This collaboration is part of our energy policy, but we are however limited by resources to undertake this project”, Ekedewa said.
News
Experts Urge Adoption of Digital Tools to Strengthen Nigeria’s Compliance Culture

At a recent high-level workshop organized by the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance which brought together lawmakers, regulators, and leaders from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to address Nigeria’s persistent challenges in regulatory adherence and governance, stakeholders have highlighted the urgent need for digital innovation to tackle deep-rooted compliance gaps and foster a culture of accountability across public institutions.
The two-day event, which held at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, themed “Consolidating Strategies for Strengthening Legislative Compliance by MDAs,” featured leading industry experts from EFCC, NBA, Ministry of Finance and key players in Nigeria’s financial sector, including fintech firms, championed the deployment of digital tools as essential for improving transparency and enforcing legislative resolutions.
In his opening remarks, the Senate President, represented by Senator Osita Izunaso emphasized that compliance is “fundamental to democratic governance, adding that it was not optional,” underscoring the Senate’s renewed commitment to robust enforcement and institutional reform.
Furthermore, he cited the constitutional provisions that granted legislative powers for lawmaking generally and to make laws for “peace, order and good government”. The workshop also highlighted, with a wide array of statistics, the high cost of non-compliance; root causes of non-compliance while attempting to proffer solutions.
Amidst calls for systemic reforms, Okechukwu Eke, General Counsel at Moniepoint Inc., delivered a keynote presentation focused on the responsibilities of fintechs in consumer protection and financial literacy.
Eke highlighted Moniepoint’s commitment to building a compliance culture that goes beyond mere formalities to drive genuine impact. “At Moniepoint, we believe innovation in financial services must go hand-in-hand with strong consumer protection and legal responsibility,” Eke stated.
He stressed the unique position of fintechs, which often serve vulnerable populations with low financial literacy, making robust consumer protection paramount. “Misuse or misunderstanding of products can cause significant financial harm,” Eke noted, adding that “legal compliance builds essential trust in digital financial services.”
The presentation outlined key legal responsibilities for fintechs, including transparency, data privacy, fair marketing, effective grievance handling, and responsible lending.
Other contributions advocated for leveraging technology to embed compliance more effectively. Suggestions arising from the workshop, supported by Moniepoint’s perspective, included empowering legislative oversight committees with real-time monitoring dashboards linked to MDAs and implementing Digital Compliance Tracking Systems.
These tools, it was argued, would allow for continuous monitoring and reporting, moving away from periodic checks towards a more dynamic and effective compliance regime.
The push for digital solutions aligns with Moniepoint’s drive to ensure that the rapid innovation characteristic of the fintech sector is matched by equally advanced methods for ensuring regulatory adherence and protecting consumers.
The call for enhanced digital oversight complements other recommendations from the workshop, such as regular reviews of legal frameworks to match innovation and strengthened collaboration between regulators like the CBN, FCCPC, NDPC, EFCC, and the National Assembly.
The workshop concluded with a reinforced commitment from legislative leaders, including Committee Chairman, Senator Garba M. Maidoki and Vice-Chairman, Senator Ede Dafinone, to pursue collaborative and innovative solutions for Nigeria’s compliance challenges.
They both averred that leveraging technology and cross-sector collaboration is vital for closing compliance gaps, enhancing oversight, and ensuring that resolutions passed by the National Assembly are fully implemented for the benefit of all Nigerians.
- E-Business1 day ago
Firm Finds Leaked Netflix, Roblox and Discord Accounts Registered on Corporate emails
- E-Financial2 days ago
CBN Spending on Naira Printing, Distribution up by 306 Percent
- News2 days ago
ABoICT Lecture 2025 to Focus on Governance, Standardization in Artificial Intelligence Era
- E-Business2 days ago
NDPC, Mastercard Partner to Strengthen Data Protection
- Telecom2 days ago
How MTN Employees Are Driving Social Change Through the Power of Corporate Volunteerism
- E-Financial2 days ago
PalmPay Reaffirms Commitment to Advancing Contactless Payments
- Telecom1 day ago
How Emerging Technologies Are Reshaping Trade – NITDA DG
- General News1 day ago
Afreximbank to Fund African Energy Bank with $19bn