Africa's technology sector is kicking off 2026 with remarkable momentum, as two major announcements this week demonstrate the innovation and strategic thinking driving the continent's digital future forward.

Flutterwave, Africa's leading payments company, has acquired Nigerian open-banking startup Mono in an all-stock deal valued between $25 million and $40 million. This acquisition represents far more than a simple merger—it signals a new era of strategic collaboration in African fintech, where established players and innovative startups join forces to build comprehensive financial solutions.

The brilliance of this deal lies in its structure and vision. Mono will continue operating independently under CEO Abdulhamid Hassan, preserving the entrepreneurial spirit and product innovation that made the startup successful. Meanwhile, Flutterwave gains access to Mono's sophisticated open-finance infrastructure, enabling deeper insights into customer financial behavior and opening doors to expanded services like lending and credit assessment.

Hassan emphasized to TechCrunch that this wasn't a distress sale, but rather the natural evolution of a strong working relationship between two companies. For founders passionate about building great products, joining forces with a well-resourced partner can mean focusing on innovation without the constant pressure of fundraising.

This acquisition mirrors Mastercard's successful $825 million purchase of Finicity, which transformed Mastercard's capabilities in identity verification, risk scoring, and open banking. Flutterwave appears poised for a similar evolution, potentially transforming from a payment processor into a comprehensive financial platform serving merchants, lenders, and enterprises across Africa.

The deal also continues an encouraging trend in African tech: growth-stage companies strategically bringing complementary players in-house rather than competing in silos. Last year's Chowdeck-Mira merger hinted at this shift, and the Flutterwave-Mono deal confirms that collaboration is becoming the playbook for sustainable growth.

In equally welcome news for millions across Africa, DStv subscribers can breathe easy knowing that twelve popular channels, including CNN and Cartoon Network, will remain available following a last-minute agreement. Canal+, MultiChoice's parent company, secured a multi-year, multi-territory deal with Warner Bros. Discovery on December 31st, averting what would have been a disappointing content loss.

This agreement doesn't just maintain the status quo—it expands possibilities. The deal positions Showmax, MultiChoice's streaming platform, to deepen its HBO Max catalogue, bringing beloved series like Game of Thrones and future Warner Bros. content to African audiences through multiple distribution channels.

Both stories reflect a maturing African tech ecosystem characterized by strategic thinking, collaboration, and customer focus. As we enter what historians call the second quarter of the 21st century—a period historically marked by transformative technological advances—Africa's digital leaders are positioning themselves not just to participate in global innovation, but to lead it.

The return to work after the holidays may feel challenging, but these developments remind us that 2026 holds tremendous promise. From fintech consolidation that strengthens infrastructure to entertainment deals that enhance consumer choice, Africa's technology sector is building foundations for long-term success that will benefit businesses and consumers alike.