Elizabeth Ndembei

The week of 16–23 February 2026 delivered a concentrated set of technology and fintech policy developments across Southern Africa, reflecting a region that is actively modernising its digital infrastructure, financial regulatory frameworks, and data governance architecture. From landmark crypto asset reporting rules going live in South Africa to Lesotho’s culturally grounded AI strategy and Namibia’s

Sub-Saharan Africa’s tech regulatory landscape experienced a transformative fortnight in early July 2025, with governments across the continent advancing comprehensive policies that will define the region’s digital economy for the next decade. Nigeria’s Open Banking framework, Ghana’s crypto exchange registration mandate, and Uganda’s successful enforcement action against Google signal a new era of regulatory sophistication.
These developments reflect Africa’s evolution from reactive to proactive digital governance, establishing clear frameworks before markets fully mature rather than playing catch-up. With Smart Africa’s 40-nation coalition convening 11 member states to draft cross-border data exchange guidelines and 5G expansion accelerating across 27 countries, the continent is building the legal and technical infrastructure necessary for a truly integrated digital single market by 2030.

Kenya’s digital economy is growing at 9.2% annually, but can its regulatory system keep pace? Our latest Q1–Q2 2025 update explores the critical shifts shaping e-commerce, fintech, e-health, and energy. From sweeping tax reforms to new digital health strategies, this report offers a timely analysis of how policy is redefining innovation, investment, and inclusion across the country.