Hello,
Here is your latest briefing:
- WellaHealth brings healthcare services directly into everyday digital platforms
- COMESA initiates a probe into the MaxAB-Wasoko consolidation
- South Africa nears a critical policy decision that could allow Starlink‘s market entry
COMESA Begins Review of MaxAB and Wasoko Merger
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), tasked with ensuring competitive fairness in the region, has officially launched an investigation into whether the recent merger between MaxAB and Wasoko could potentially diminish competition or create monopolistic conditions within the market.
As part of this process, COMESA is inviting input from various market participants including competitors, suppliers, and consumers. Interested parties have until October 24, 2025, to submit their feedback in writing.
Wasoko, based in Kenya, and MaxAB, headquartered in Egypt, began merger talks in December 2023, culminating in an all-stock transaction completed in August 2024. This merger has resulted in one of Africa’s largest B2B eCommerce entities.
Post-merger developments include the departure of MaxAB co-founder Mohamed Ben Halim shortly after the deal’s closure. Early in 2025, the merged company expanded its footprint by acquiring Fatura, an Egyptian B2B marketplace now active in 16 cities across Egypt. More recently, Wasoko’s co-founder and co-CEO Daniel Yu resigned to pursue personal projects.
WellaHealth Launches Integrated Healthcare Services Within Popular Apps
Nigerian health technology pioneer WellaHealth has introduced ZOI-embed, a flexible plug-and-play solution that seamlessly incorporates healthcare services into widely used digital platforms such as PalmPay and MTN. This innovation allows users to effortlessly book medical appointments, order pharmacy products, request lab tests, and subscribe to micro-insurance plans without leaving their favorite apps.
ZOI-embed is designed to cater to fintech, eCommerce, and mobility platforms, offering a customizable healthcare integration that fits naturally into everyday digital experiences.
Partner companies can customize the branding, set pricing models, and earn a portion of subscription revenues. Coverage options range from basic malaria protection to full diagnostic and consultation packages, with payment methods including cards, mobile wallets, bank transfers, and recurring billing.
Currently, ZOI-embed is deployed by major brands such as PalmPay, MTN, and Airtel. While this integration broadens healthcare accessibility, it also creates reliance on partner platforms for user engagement and revenue sharing to drive adoption.
For a comprehensive exploration of how WellaHealth is transforming healthcare delivery across Africa, read Delight’s in-depth feature.
South Africa Nears Policy Decision That Could Open Doors for Starlink
South Africa’s Minister of Communications, Solly Malatsi, has revealed that a new regulatory framework is close to being finalized. This policy could alter how international ICT firms meet the country’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) requirements, potentially enabling satellite internet providers like Starlink to enter the South African market.
In a recent interview with TechCentral, Malatsi explained that the upcoming policy might allow foreign companies to satisfy empowerment obligations through equity equivalent investment programmes (EEIPs), rather than the current mandate requiring a 30% equity transfer as per the Electronic Communications Act.
Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet initiative led by Elon Musk, has repeatedly cited the equity ownership rule as a significant barrier to launching services in South Africa. Musk has publicly criticized the country’s BEE laws, suggesting that racial considerations have obstructed Starlink’s licensing process.
Following a public consultation on the draft EEIP policy in May, which attracted over 19,000 submissions, Malatsi stressed that the review is being conducted meticulously despite some political resistance.
Notably, ANC MP Khusela Diko, chairperson of the parliamentary communications committee, has accused Malatsi of tailoring the policy to benefit Starlink, an allegation the minister denies.
Additional News and Career Opportunities
- Bolt is hiring a Senior General Manager for Nigeria and Ghana. Apply here.
- Standard Bank Group is recruiting a Virtual Banker for Africa China Banking. Apply here.
- Kuda Technologies seeks a Fraud Analyst. Apply here.
- Stay informed on African technology developments by joining Techpoint Africa’s WhatsApp channel here.
Have a successful week ahead! Chimgozirim Nwokoma for Techpoint Africa.