Starlink in South Africa? Not until it follows the rules
- Elon Musk claimed Starlink can't operate in South Africa due to racial policies, leading to a government backlash.
- Access Bank and Visa launched a contactless payment method called Tap to Phone in Nigeria, allowing merchants to accept payments via NFC-enabled Android phones.
- A Ugandan startup, Chil Femtech Center, is using AI to provide mobile cancer screenings to women in remote areas.
The ongoing regulatory challenges faced by Starlink in South Africa highlight the complexities of entering new markets, especially in regions with strict compliance requirements. Meanwhile, the push for contactless payments in Nigeria, despite technological barriers, indicates a significant shift towards digital finance that could reshape the economy. The efforts of startups like Chil Femtech Center are commendable, as they address critical healthcare gaps in underserved communities, but scalability and sustainability remain key concerns.
