The ADI Foundation has partnered with M-Pesa to implement blockchain infrastructure across eight African markets where M-Pesa operates. This collaboration focuses on deploying ADI Chain, a regulatory-focused blockchain network, primarily for institutional use cases rather than direct consumer interaction.

• The partnership aims to introduce blockchain capabilities for behind-the-scenes improvements, such as cross-border settlement and SME payments.
• Key organizations involved are the ADI Foundation and M-Pesa, which is active in countries including Kenya, DRC, Egypt, and Ethiopia.
• The initiative is an infrastructure-level collaboration, with blockchain serving as an underlying layer to enhance efficiency and compliance within existing mobile money systems, without directly involving M-Pesa users in blockchain or cryptocurrencies.

Egyptian fitness and wellness SaaS startup FitXpert has secured a seven-figure strategic investment from Foras Investment to fuel its regional expansion across the Arab world.

• The fresh capital will enhance FitXpert’s technology stack, strengthen internal operations, and support its ambition to become a foundational platform for fitness and nutrition businesses.
• Founded by Salah Selim and Mostafa Mahmoud, FitXpert offers an end-to-end software platform for fitness trainers, nutrition centers, and clinics.
• Owner of Foras Investment, Mohamed Abouelnaga Negaty, highlighted FitXpert’s performance, team strength, and scalability as key investment factors, anticipating expansion into Gulf markets.

Terra Industries, an African defense technology startup, has successfully raised $11.75 million in a funding round, emerging from stealth mode. This capital will be used to expand its manufacturing capabilities and deploy autonomous defense systems across African countries.

• Terra Industries has secured $11.75 million in funding, led by 8VC, a U.S.-based venture firm.
• Founded in 2024 by Nathan Nwachuku and Maxwell Maduka, the company develops autonomous defense and security systems for the African operating environment.
• Their technology, powered by ArtemisOS, is already deployed to protect critical assets like power plants and mines across multiple African nations, securing infrastructure valued at approximately $11 billion.