Multiple financial developments have occurred across Africa’s tech ecosystem as 2025 comes to a close. Two African fintech startups, Optasia in South Africa and Cash Plus in Morocco, completed initial public offerings (IPOs) in November 2025, according to Max Cuvellier Giacomelli, co-founder of Africa: The Big Deal. In a Substack post, he further noted that these were the first major technology listings on the continent since 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Business Insider Africa, Optasia was listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange on Nov. 4, raising $345 million and reaching a $1.4 billion valuation. The company, as its website states, offers AI-driven financial services delivered through mobile networks and digital channels across several markets: Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Three weeks later, on Nov. 25, Morocco’s Cash Plus went public on the Casablanca Stock Exchange. The company, as Giacomelli noted, raised $82.5 million in its...

Free agent Odell Beckham Jr. is speaking out after comments he made about managing a five-year, $100 million NFL contract ignited conversation online. The wide-ranging discussion began in October during an episode of “The Pivot Podcast,” where Beckham outlined why a contract of that size may not last as long as it appears once expenses are taken into account. The wide receiver, who was drafted No. 12 overall by the New York Giants in 2014, went on to play for the Cleveland Browns and Las Angeles Rams. Beckham last played for the Miami Dolphins before he became a free agent in 2024. According to Spotrac, his total career earnings sit at $102 million. His podcast remarks resurfaced this week and drew reactions from fans, commentators, and former players. On Tuesday, Dec. 2, Beckham posted a response to the attention on X. “Boy u can’t say nothin in this world nowadays, that’s why I been in my own lane my own world n put the way,” he wrote. “People love to take Shxt completely outta...

Netflix’s latest deal marks a significant update in the entertainment landscape. In a press release, Netflix confirmed it has agreed to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. in a deal with a total enterprise value of approximately $82.7 billion ( equity value of $72.0 billion). The agreement, approved unanimously by the boards of directors of both companies, states that the acquisition includes Warner Bros.’ film and television studios, HBO Max, and HBO, but not Discovery. The deal is projected to be finalized in the third quarter of 2026 as Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. separates Discovery Global, its Global Networks division, into a new publicly traded company. Greg Peters, co-CEO of Netflix, noted in the press release that the acquisition will position the company to reach a broader audience while scaling its business model in the decades ahead, ensuring customers have an optimal streaming service and improving the entertainment landscape, which will also benefit shareholders....

iHeartRadio is making its stance loud and clear when it comes to AI’s use on its platform. According to Billboard, Tom Poleman, iHeartRadio’s chief programming officer and president, said in a letter that the company will not be using AI-generated personalities or “play AI music that features synthetic vocalists pretending to be human.” Additionally, its podcasts published will follow this new program, “Guaranteed Human,” as well. “…iHeart is one of the last truly human entertainment sources and our listeners come to us for companionship, connection, and authenticity — something AI can’t replicate,” Poleman said. The announcement comes at a time when AI artists are making waves in the music industry, including Solomon Ray, an AI-generated “Mississippi-made soul singer,” with an EP called “A Soulful Christmas,” Christian Today reports. Christopher “Topher” Townsend, a conservative Hip-Hop artist, is the human behind Solomon Ray. The AI artist he created has garnered more than 324,000...

AT&T has adjusted its policies around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). According to a Dec. 1 letter shared on X, the company had been examining recent executive orders, Supreme Court rulings, and direction from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This has informed AT&T’s decision to dismantle “DEI-related policies.” The company also stated plainly that it “does not and will not have any roles focused on DEI.” The letter further said AT&T will remove DEI training and career development as well as internal and external messaging to comply with the EEOC. “AT&T has always stood for merit-based opportunity, and we are pleased to reaffirm our commitment to equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination today,” the letter mentioned. “Consistent with applicable law, our multi-pronged approach allows employees to thrive in an environment free from invidious discrimination.” AT&T’s announcement follows its November 2024 agreement to purchase wireless spectrum...

Former Miami Heat player Udonis Haslem is looking to put an FTX-related lawsuit behind him. Lawsuit Explained According to Yahoo! Sports, an $11 billion class action lawsuit was filed in Florida in November 2022 against FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried and a handful of celebrities, including Haslem, Stephen Curry, Naomi Osaka, Shaquille O’Neal, Tom Brady, and others who had promoted the cryptocurrency exchange company in ads and other marketing. Earlier that November, FTX filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and went defunct. Claims in the lawsuit said the defendants were promoting the exchange in a “fraudulent scheme” that was “designed to take advantage of unsophisticated investors from across the country, who utilize mobile apps to make their investments,” per AFROTECH™. O’Neal settled for $1.8 million without admitting wrongdoing back in June 2025. “We are pleased to have this matter behind us,” counsel for O’Neal said in a statement, according to CNBC. Haslem Reportedly...

Louis Carr is the new president of BET. According to a press release shared with AFROTECH™, Paramount announced that Carr will step into the role after nearly four decades at the company. He is credited for his efforts in the multicultural advertising landscape and for bridging the gap between global corporations and Black and Brown communities. Under his leadership, BET has secured partnerships with Procter & Gamble, Walmart, Unilever, McDonald’s, Meta, and Toyota, among others. Carr’s impact at BET led to billions in advertising sales and investments in diverse communities. “Louis’ leadership has been integral to BET’s success for nearly four decades,” said Paramount TV Media Chair George Cheeks, to whom Carr will report in his newly appointed role, according to the release. “His vision for the future will drive innovation, deepen BET’s cultural impact, and position the brand for continued growth.” Carr will be tasked with carrying forward BET’s foundation of strengthening its...

Amazon employees are pushing back against the company’s AI-heavy pivot, accusing leadership of prioritizing AI investments over climate commitments and the human workforce. Thousands have signed an open letter to CEO Andy Jassy and senior leadership. The letter, published last week, has drawn more than 1,000 signatures from Amazon employees — who can sign anonymously while listing their roles — and over 2,000 people outside the company. “We, the undersigned Amazon employees, have serious concerns about this aggressive rollout during the global rise of authoritarianism and our most important years to reverse the climate crisis. We believe that the all-costs-justified, warp-speed approach to AI development will do staggering damage to democracy, to our jobs, and to the earth,” the letter states. “We’re the workers who develop, train, and use AI, so we have a responsibility to intervene.” In the letter, employees accused Amazon of “casting aside its climate goals to build AI,” noting...

Kayla Rowe turned pain into a business empire that is helping countless women and raking in major revenue. Rowe is a University of South Florida alum with a degree in public health , which she obtained in 2015, according to information on her LinkedIn. Her mother also planted the seed for her interest in health as a certified nursing assistant, Ebony reports. However, the catalyst for Rowe becoming a founder came after experiencing a miscarriage when she was five months pregnant in 2021. “That was very hard for me,” she told Ebony. “After that happened, I became more aware of everything, what I was eating, putting on my body, [and] I just became more cognizant and aware of health.” Her Fantasy Box A year later, Rowe launched Her Fantasy Box, a plant-based feminine hygiene and wellness brand. With a focus on transparency, safety, and women’s wellness, Rowe shared that it was important for ingredients to be nontoxic and not include parabens, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals...

The Prada Group finalized its $1.38 billion cash acquisition of Milan luxury fashion rival Versace on Dec. 2, 2025, after securing all regulatory approvals, The Associated Press (AP) reports . Prada — known for its minimalist aesthetic and use of unconventional materials — said the 47-year-old Versace label, famed for its maximalist aesthetic and sensual silhouettes, holds “significant untapped growth potential,” per AP. Donatella Versace, the brand’s artistic director and co-owner, celebrated the deal in an Instagram post that also honored her late brother, company founder Gianni Versace, on his birthday. “Today is your day and the day Versace joins the Prada family. I am thinking of the smile you would have had on your face,” Versace wrote.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Donatella Versace (@donatella_versace) First announced in April 2025, the highly anticipated deal is expected to help relaunch Versace’s fortunes. Capri Holdings, which also owns Michael Kors and...

At AfroTech 2025 in Houston, The Walt Disney Company showed up with a clear message: the future of storytelling belongs to those who blend bold imagination with breakthrough technology. Across animation, visual effects, sports, and immersive experiences, Disney’s technologists and creators gave AfroTech attendees an inside look at how the company continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible and why the next generation of innovators has a place in shaping that future. “Being at AfroTech with creators and leaders who recognize that technology and storytelling are inseparable was inspiring. We were proud to showcase our team and share how Disney continues to innovate across every corner of our businesses,” said Anastasia Ali, Vice President, Inclusive Marketing & Audience Growth at Disney. Engineering Innovation: Inside Walt Disney Imagineering Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development leaders Jonathan Becker and Lanny Smoot invited attendees into the world where robotics,...

Tracy Morgan finds fulfillment in his charity work. The actor and comedian recently told PEOPLE that through his partnership with the Edison, NJ–based Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation, he has donated more than $200,000 to provide food and support to 19,000 families. According to the foundation’s website, it raises funds for programs and services across the Hackensack Meridian Health network, helping modernize facilities, advance treatments, support research, train future physicians, and strengthen healthcare delivery in local communities. “It’s fun to get the love and support, but it’s better when you give it back,” Morgan said, according to PEOPLE. “That’s what I want to teach my children. More than a great education, I just want [Maven] and her brothers to be empathic.” Morgan, 57, told the outlet that his personal experiences, including a serious car crash in 2014, shaped his outlook on life. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, he was among several people injured in a...

Aliko Dangote, the richest Black man in the world, is looking to expand his business into India. In a recent conversation with Business Today’s Riddhima Bhatnagar, Dangote, the Nigerian billionaire industrialist, founder, and president of Dangote Group, explained why India has become a crucial partner in powering the next generation of large-scale projects for his company. Dangote’s Long Bet On India In the interview, Dangote discussed his relationship with India spans two decades, underpinning many of his most significant industrial ventures. “Our dealings with Indian companies actually go back to 2003,” he said, recalling the early expansion of his cement business. That partnership evolved into today’s megaprojects, including his refinery and petrochemical operations. He noted that companies such as Engineers India Ltd. (EIL) have been central to that growth. “We used EIL … and they did a very very great job,” he said. Dangote added that his refinery sourced over $2.5 billion...

It’s a family affair over at the Shaq Brand. Walking Away From Reebok As AFROTECH™ previously told you, Shaquille O’Neal had a multi-million-dollar shoe deal on the table from Reebok. However, he walked away from the deal in 1998 to launch an affordable shoe line in partnership with Walmart. This was prompted after a mother told him that his younger fans couldn’t afford his shoes being sold by Reebok . O’Neal recounts on “The Big Podcast” that he went to his mom in hopes she would counter what the woman had said. However, his mother not only agreed but she also reminded him about his hometown of Newark, NJ. “She’s like, ‘Remember, you ain’t never had no shoes that cost more than $40.’ So, I said to myself, ‘All right, I’m gonna start my own line.’ I called Reebok and said, ‘Hey, we’re not going to renew.’ I had like $50 million on the table. I had no idea what I was going to do. So, I was thinking about where do my people go. Walmart. Walmart is the best distribution in the world....

Fanbase continues to find new ways for its users to profit from their content. The Atlanta, GA-based company was founded by Isaac Hayes III in 2018. Through its social media platform, users are paid from day one for their content, including videos, photos, audio, and stories, as AFROTECH™ previously told you. Fanbase is now teaming up with pocstock, a global diversity content company that offers royalty-free diversity stock photos, videos, and illustrations of Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Indigenous people, as well as people with disabilities. According to separate coverage from AFROTECH™ , pocstock secured $500,000 in seed funding in a 2023 round led by 9.58 Venture Partners, with a portion of the funding used to integrate AI to improve the customer experience and ensure photographers have access to “cutting-edge, diversity-imaging solutions.” “As with any frontier, especially technology, there will be a rush to get products out to the market,” pocstock CEO Steve Jones said in a...