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- Africa’s Tech Ecosystem Digest | Issue #13 | July 2, 2025
Africa’s Tech Ecosystem Digest | Issue #13 | July 2, 2025
We’re kicking off July with the inspiring Moniepoint story, exciting new scoops, and fresh funding opportunities.
Thalo Group
July 02, 2025
Hi Thalo Fam! 👋
Welcome back to Thalo, your insider’s guide to Africa’s tech scene.
Last time, we were buzzing about Telecoms flipping the script & startups snagging big bucks. This time? there’s the inspiring Moniepoint story to hype about, funding opportunities and events to keep the vibes going. Let’s dive in!
In Today’s Edition
Duru “The Guru“ says goodbye to Moniepoint, in style
Fresh Funding Rounds & Accelerator Programs
Can’t-Miss Events with Networking Opportunities
🚨 Duru “The Guru“ says goodbye to Moniepoint, in style
Julian Dumebi Duru just pulled a move that’s got the entire tech scene talking, he resigned from Moniepoint at 28 after a decade of building some of the most critical infrastructure powering the billion-dollar fintech. From virtual accounts to FX systems and fraud detection, Julian’s fingerprints are all over the pipes that keep Moniepoint running. He joined fresh out of school, grew with the company from its early apartment days, and reportedly walked away with a serious payout, rumoured to be at least $850k (₦1.3 billion) in ESOPs. But this isn’t some “I’m done” exit; in his own words, he’s not retiring, just resigning from paid employment to focus on deeper work: decentralized systems, cryptography, and privacy-first infrastructure. If this is what a “career break” looks like, then Julian’s next chapter might just be as disruptive as his last.
Guess what? Julian’s been that guy from day one. Before he was building billion-dollar fintech infrastructure, he was already a certified prodigy, named one of the top 100 students nationwide in the 2009 WAEC exams… at just 13 years old! Yep, while most of us were still figuring out JSS math, Julian was already flexing his brainpower on a national stage.
Yep, the guy’s been on a winning streak since his teenage years. It’s wild to think the same kid who aced WAEC at 13 went on to help build one of Africa’s biggest fintech infrastructures before 30.
💰 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
 | Afeximbank Flagship Accelerator Program (Deadline Extended)* A groundbreaking initiative designed to empower African entrepreneurs who are developing solutions to drive intra-African trade. Prize pool: up to $250,000 Deadline: 4 July 2025 |
 | ShowcaseHER by Afreximbank and powered by ImpactHER. Afreximbank Export Readiness Online Training for Women Entrepreneurs in Africa (6-Month Training ,Up to $1,000 Grant+ a fully paid trip to participate in the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 in Algiers, Algeria) Prize pool: Up to $1,000 Grant+ a fully paid trip Deadline: 6 July 2025 |
 | Enugu Campus Hackathon 2025 This is more than just a competition. It’s a state-backed innovation movement designed to awaken and empower the boundless creativity of Enugu’s youth. Prize pool: Up to N16m in Grants Deadline: 16 July 2025 |
📅 UPCOMING EVENTS
 | Lagos Startup Week 2025 LSW is a dazzling, future-facing reflection of our connectivity ecosystem, one that unleashes the convergence of technology, community, and commerce. |
 | TechUnwind Lagos 2025 The event aims to create an open space for networking and discussions around the future of technology(AI) in Africa - work system. |
🤝 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
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That's a wrap for this issue! We're just getting started, and we've got tons of exciting stuff planned. See you next week!
Cheers,
The Thalo Team