Launched in 2022, the Hustle Academy has already trained over 18,000 SMEs, reflecting a significant commitment to strengthening Africa’s economic landscape. The 2026 edition aims to reach an even wider audience, particularly focusing on helping businesses leverage AI tools to enhance their operations.

The program features 60-minute expert webinars and one-day bootcamps, making it accessible to individuals and small businesses across the continent. This collaboration between Google and UpSkill Universe marks the fifth year of their partnership, highlighting a strategic shift toward inclusivity in the digital economy.

As Gori Yahaya, a representative from Google, stated, “AI is reshaping how businesses succeed and how careers are built across Africa.” This sentiment underscores the importance of equipping SMEs with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the evolving digital landscape.

With 80 percent of jobs across Africa accounted for by SMEs, the Hustle Academy initiative is crucial for fostering economic growth and innovation. Participants will learn practical applications of AI in digital commerce, marketing, and growth strategy, bridging the AI skills gap that currently exists in the region.

The future of Africa’s digital economy lies in the hands of both individuals and entrepreneurs, as emphasized by a Google representative. By empowering SMEs through this program, Google aims to create a more robust and competitive business environment.

As the program unfolds, it remains to be seen how many more SMEs will benefit from this initiative and the tangible impacts it will have on the African economy. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific start date and locations for the 2026 training sessions.

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Kuda Technologies Limited, a prominent player in Nigeria’s fintech sector, has recently made headlines with its decision to lay off employees across various departments. This restructuring effort comes as a surprise to many, especially given the company’s rapid growth and expansion in the previous years. Prior to this development, Kuda was seen as a rising star in the African fintech landscape, boasting around seven million registered customers as of 2024.

However, the landscape has shifted dramatically. On March 25, 2026, Kuda announced that it would be laying off a significant portion of its workforce, particularly affecting the marketing department where 19 out of 40 employees were impacted. This decisive moment marks a stark contrast to the company’s previous trajectory, where aggressive hiring and expansion were the norms.

Kuda’s spokesperson emphasized that the layoffs were not a result of financial distress but rather a strategic review aimed at aligning the company with industry benchmarks. This shift is indicative of a broader trend within Nigeria’s startup ecosystem, where many companies are moving away from rapid expansion towards more sustainable, profitability-driven models. In fact, Kuda has managed to reduce its losses significantly, from $35.11 million in 2023 to approximately $5.83 million in 2024, showcasing a remarkable 84% decline.

The decision to lay off employees was communicated during a company-wide video call, a method that has become increasingly common in corporate communications. Affected employees were offered severance packages that vary based on their roles and length of service, with some receiving up to seven months of pay. This approach reflects Kuda’s attempt to mitigate the impact of the layoffs on its workforce, although the emotional toll on those affected cannot be understated.

As Kuda navigates this transition, the implications extend beyond the company itself. The layoffs resonate within the broader context of Nigeria’s fintech landscape, where startups are increasingly adopting leaner operational models. This shift is not unique to Kuda; it mirrors a wider trend among fintech companies in Africa that are recalibrating their strategies in response to changing market conditions.

Experts suggest that the restructuring at Kuda is a necessary evolution for the company, particularly as it aims to target 1.7 million monthly active users by 2026. The focus on operational efficiency and profitability is becoming essential for survival in a competitive market. As Kuda evolves its organizational structure to support future growth, it remains to be seen how these changes will affect its market position and customer engagement.

In summary, the Kuda Bank layoffs represent a significant turning point for the company and the fintech sector in Nigeria. While the immediate effects are felt by those laid off, the long-term implications for Kuda and its strategic direction are yet to fully unfold. As the company adapts to a new operational model, it will be crucial to monitor how these changes influence its future trajectory and the overall health of the fintech industry in the region.

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Kuda Technologies Limited, a prominent financial technology company in Nigeria, has recently laid off hundreds of employees as part of a company-wide restructuring effort. This decision comes in the wake of the company’s expansion into the United Kingdom in 2022, where it launched a remittance-focused product.

The layoffs have impacted multiple departments, including marketing, where nineteen out of forty employees were affected. Kuda’s spokesperson emphasized that the restructuring is not driven by financial pressure but is part of the natural evolution of the company, aiming to align its workforce with long-term goals following a strategic review.

In recent financial reports, Kuda’s losses narrowed significantly from $35.11 million in 2023 to $5.83 million in 2024. The company currently boasts about seven million registered customers and processed over 300 million transactions worth ₦14.3 trillion ($9.3 billion). Additionally, Kuda issued ₦16.4 billion in overdrafts, marking a 43% increase from the previous quarter.

As part of the layoffs, Kuda is offering severance packages that vary based on role and tenure, with some affected employees potentially receiving up to seven months’ pay. The spokesperson stated, “We are supporting those affected with enhanced severance packages and practical transition support, while staying focused on serving our customers and continuing our long-term growth.”

However, the enhanced severance payment is conditional upon entering into a legally binding settlement agreement, which includes an agreement not to bring any claims.

Observers note that Kuda’s restructuring reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies are increasingly aligning their operations with evolving market demands and operational priorities. This strategic shift is seen as essential for sustaining growth and competitiveness in a rapidly changing landscape.

As Kuda moves forward, industry analysts will be closely monitoring how these changes impact the company’s operational efficiency and customer service capabilities. The next steps for Kuda will likely involve further adjustments to its organizational structure to ensure alignment with its strategic objectives.

In summary, Kuda’s recent layoffs mark a significant shift in its operational strategy, aimed at fostering long-term growth while navigating the challenges of the fintech sector.

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“The decision to phase out Showmax shows our focus to building sustainable, competitive business for the long term,” stated a representative from MultiChoice. This announcement marks a significant shift in the company’s strategy as it officially discontinues its streaming service, Showmax, which has been operational since August 2015.

MultiChoice, the parent company of Showmax, revealed that the decision to close the service was made after a comprehensive review by the Showmax Board. The closure is attributed to unsustainable yearly losses that have plagued the platform, which operates in 44 sub-Saharan countries and was initially launched to compete with global streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Prior to the announcement, Showmax had been struggling with financial difficulties, with trading losses worsening by 88% before the recent takeover by Canal+. This acquisition occurred just five months before the announcement, indicating a shift in the strategic direction of MultiChoice under Canal+’s management.

Despite the discontinuation of Showmax, MultiChoice maintains that streaming remains a central part of its overall strategy. “Streaming remains central to our strategy. We will continue to invest in premium content, technology innovation and partnerships to deliver the best possible entertainment experience to our customers,” the company representative emphasized.

As part of the transition, MultiChoice plans to reassign Showmax staff to other positions within the company, aiming to retain talent while adapting to the new business landscape. The company is also expected to share further details regarding the shutdown timeline with its subscribers in the coming weeks.

Canal+, which has taken over MultiChoice, commented on the decision, stating, “This decision reflects our focus on strengthening our overall digital offering and ensuring long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive streaming environment.” This highlights the broader strategy of cost-cutting, with Canal+ aiming to reduce expenses by 400 million euros by 2030.

Showmax was initially established to meet the growing demand for online entertainment, but the competitive landscape has proven challenging. As the streaming market continues to evolve, MultiChoice’s focus on sustainable business practices may reshape its future offerings. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential new services or platforms that may emerge from this strategic shift.

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