FlexPay, Uber and Alan Make Headlines Across Africa’s Tech Sector
FlexPay, Uber and Alan Make Headlines Across Africa’s Tech SectorAfrica’s technology ecosystem is entering another period of major change, with developments ranging from fintech investigations and corporate exits to international healthtech expansion.
The latest Techpoint Digest brings together three notable developments attracting attention across Africa’s technology industry. They include a Kenyan court case involving directors linked to FlexPay, Uber’s decision to shut down its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria and Uganda, and French health insurance startup Alan’s expansion into Africa.
The three stories highlight different realities facing technology companies operating on the continent. For fintech businesses, the FlexPay case underlines the importance of financial controls, transparency and trust. Uber’s withdrawal from Nigeria and Uganda demonstrates the challenges that international technology companies can encounter in highly competitive and changing markets.
Alan’s expansion, meanwhile, shows that Africa continues to attract companies looking for opportunities in digital healthcare and insurance.
Here is a detailed look at the major developments.
FlexPay Directors Face Arrest Over KSh31.2 Million Allegation
One of the biggest stories in the latest Techpoint Digest concerns FlexPay, a Kenyan fintech platform operated by Flexitech Group.
According to the report, two Flexitech Group directors have been arrested in Kenya over allegations involving approximately KSh31.2 million.
The individuals identified are Martin Kariuki Maina and Johnson Gituma Mwangi.
The arrests reportedly followed a complaint from a major retail chain concerning money allegedly collected from customers.
Kenyan authorities reportedly allege that the directors, acting as agents for the retailer, received KSh31,213,700.95 from customers who purchased products from different branches.
Investigators allege that the funds were not remitted to the retailer as expected and were instead diverted. The suspects were reportedly being processed for arraignment at the Milimani Law Courts.
The allegations are not a conviction
Because this is an ongoing legal matter, it is important to distinguish between an arrest, an allegation and a conviction.
The reported allegations have not, by themselves, established criminal guilt. The suspects remain entitled to due process, and any charges will ultimately be determined through the Kenyan judicial system.
This distinction is particularly important when reporting cases involving company executives and financial transactions.
What is FlexPay?
FlexPay is a Kenyan fintech company that provides technology-enabled payment and savings solutions. The company’s model has included a “Save Now, Buy Later” approach, allowing customers to save toward purchases before obtaining products from participating merchants.
The model is designed to provide an alternative to traditional credit and instalment financing.
FlexPay has operated in Kenya for several years and has built relationships across the retail ecosystem. Its business history includes backing and participation from organisations within the technology and financial sectors, helping the company establish itself as a notable Kenyan fintech.
The current legal development therefore represents an important moment for the company and its stakeholders.
Why the FlexPay Case Matters to Fintech
The allegations surrounding FlexPay raise broader questions about governance and financial accountability within fintech.
Digital financial platforms frequently handle large volumes of customer and merchant transactions. This makes accurate reconciliation, internal controls, audit procedures and transparent reporting essential.
A fintech company can build an excellent product, but its long-term success also depends on whether customers, merchants, investors and regulators trust the systems behind it.
The FlexPay case should therefore be watched not only because of the amount reportedly involved but also because of what subsequent court proceedings may reveal about the company’s financial processes and relationships with merchants.
Again, however, conclusions about wrongdoing should be based on the outcome of the legal process rather than the allegations alone.
Uber Shuts Down Operations in Nigeria and Uganda
Another major development highlighted in the Techpoint Digest is Uber’s departure from Nigeria and Uganda.
The ride-hailing company reportedly stopped its operations in both countries on September 2, 2026.
The decision marks the end of approximately 12 years of Uber operations in Nigeria and about 10 years in Uganda.
Uber has reportedly said that the decision followed a review of its business priorities and where it intends to invest across Africa.
The company is not leaving the entire African continent. Instead, it is concentrating its resources on markets where it believes it can achieve stronger long-term opportunities.
Uber’s history in Nigeria
Uber entered Nigeria in 2014, initially launching its service in Lagos.
The arrival of Uber played an important role in popularising app-based transportation in the country.
Instead of relying solely on traditional taxi services, passengers could request rides through a smartphone application, track drivers and make payments through digital channels.
Over time, Uber expanded its Nigerian footprint beyond Lagos to several other cities. Its presence also helped establish a competitive ride-hailing market that attracted other international and local companies. Today, Nigerian consumers have several ride-hailing options, including competitors such as Bolt and inDrive.
Why Is Uber Leaving Nigeria?
Uber’s departure comes at a time when Nigeria’s technology and transportation sectors are facing significant economic and regulatory pressures. Operating costs have increased considerably, while fuel prices, inflation and currency volatility have affected businesses and consumers.
Ride-hailing companies also operate in a competitive environment where drivers can move between platforms and passengers can compare prices before requesting a trip.
Regulatory requirements add another layer of complexity.
However, it is important not to assume that a particular regulatory dispute caused Uber’s departure unless the company or relevant authorities explicitly establish such a connection.
Uber and the Nigerian airport dispute
The company’s exit also follows a dispute involving commercial ride-hailing operations at airports. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria reportedly directed airport managers to prevent Uber and Bolt from conducting commercial operations at airports under its management until relevant licence arrangements were finalised.
The development triggered concerns among passengers and drivers, particularly because airport transportation is an important part of ride-hailing demand.
The Nigerian government subsequently intervened, and Bolt was allowed to resume airport operations.
However, according to the Techpoint Africa report, Uber said its decision to leave Nigeria was unrelated to the FAAN directive.
That clarification is important when assessing the reasons behind the company’s departure.
What Uber’s Exit Means for Nigerian Drivers and Riders
Uber’s departure will affect two major groups: drivers and passengers.
For drivers, the exit removes one of the platforms through which they could generate income.
Some drivers may migrate to competing services, while others could explore local ride-hailing platforms. For passengers, the immediate impact could be fewer platform choices, although the Nigerian market still has several competitors. The exit could therefore create an opportunity for rival companies to expand their driver networks and customer bases.
Companies that can provide competitive fares, reliable driver availability, strong safety features and efficient customer support could benefit from Uber’s departure.
Uber Has Been Reducing Its African Footprint
Uber’s decision is also part of a broader pattern. According to the Techpoint Digest report, the company has recently exited other African markets, including Côte d’Ivoire in 2025 and Tanzania in 2026.
The pattern suggests that Uber is becoming more selective about where it deploys resources. That strategy is not necessarily evidence that the company has lost confidence in Africa as a whole.
Instead, it may reflect a wider corporate strategy in which companies evaluate individual markets based on profitability, competition, regulatory conditions and future growth potential.
Uber’s broader restructuring also includes changes to its workforce and increased focus on areas such as autonomous vehicles.
Mbappé-Backed Alan Enters the African Market
While Uber is reducing its presence in two African countries, another technology company is expanding into the continent.
French health insurance and healthtech company Alan is entering Africa through its acquisition of Senegalese digital health insurer Tanel.
The transaction reportedly marks Alan’s first expansion into Africa. The financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed. Following the transaction, Tanel is expected to operate under the Alan brand.
The company’s founders, Mouhamed Ndoye and Makhtar Diop, are expected to continue leading the African business.
Why Tanel Is Important to Alan’s African Expansion
Rather than establishing an entirely new operation from scratch, Alan is entering Africa through an existing local health insurance company. Tanel reportedly already operates in Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, giving Alan an immediate foothold in West Africa.
The company reportedly serves approximately 70,000 people across more than 400 companies and has relationships with more than 1,200 pharmacies and healthcare providers.
That existing network could give Alan a faster route into the African market.
The company has also indicated ambitions to expand beyond Francophone West Africa into additional markets, including English-speaking countries in West and East Africa.
Kylian Mbappé’s Connection to Alan
Alan’s expansion has attracted additional attention because of its connection to French football star Kylian Mbappé.
Mbappé became a minority investor and ambassador for Alan through his investment vehicle, Coalition Capital.
His involvement came as part of Alan’s fundraising activities in 2026.
Mbappé’s investment has brought significant public attention to the company, particularly because of his global profile.
However, Alan’s acquisition of Tanel should be understood as part of the company’s wider corporate expansion strategy rather than simply a celebrity-backed project.
The transaction gives Alan access to an established African health insurance business and provides a potential foundation for future expansion.
Alan’s Major Funding Could Support African Expansion
Alan’s African expansion follows significant fundraising. According to the Techpoint Digest report, Alan raised substantial capital during 2026, including a €100 million funding round in March and a further €480 million investment in June.
The June investment reportedly valued Alan at approximately €5.5 billion.
The company’s substantial funding gives it the financial capacity to invest in new markets, technology and healthcare infrastructure.
For Africa, the development is significant because digital health insurance remains a relatively underdeveloped but potentially large market.
Why Digital Health Insurance Could Grow in Africa
Healthcare access remains a major challenge across many African countries.
Digital technology can potentially improve how people access healthcare, manage insurance and interact with healthcare providers.
Healthtech platforms can help simplify areas such as:
- Insurance registration
- Claims management
- Healthcare payments
- Provider networks
- Pharmacy access
- Patient communication
- Preventive healthcare
- Digital health records
However, successful expansion will require more than technology.
Companies entering African healthcare markets must understand local regulations, healthcare infrastructure, consumer behaviour, affordability and relationships with healthcare providers.
Alan’s decision to acquire an existing local business could therefore help it navigate some of these challenges.
Three Stories, One Changing African Technology Landscape
The FlexPay, Uber and Alan stories may appear unrelated, but together they reveal important trends within Africa’s technology ecosystem.
Fintech needs trust
The FlexPay case demonstrates the importance of strong governance and financial controls for technology companies handling money.
Global companies must adapt
Uber’s exit demonstrates that operating in Africa requires careful consideration of local competition, regulations, economic conditions and market dynamics.
Healthtech remains attractive
Alan’s expansion demonstrates that international companies continue to see significant opportunities in Africa’s healthcare and insurance markets.
What to Watch Next
Several developments will be worth following in the coming months.
For FlexPay, attention will focus on the Kenyan court proceedings and any further investigation into the alleged KSh31.2 million transaction.
For Uber, the focus will shift to how drivers and riders respond to its withdrawal and which competing ride-hailing platforms gain the most from the change.
For Alan, investors and industry observers will be watching whether the company successfully expands from Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire into additional African markets.
These developments could provide important lessons for startups and investors considering the continent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were FlexPay directors arrested?
According to the reported investigation, two Flexitech Group directors were arrested in Kenya over allegations involving approximately KSh31.2 million collected in connection with a retail business.
How much money is involved in the FlexPay case?
The amount reported is KSh31,213,700.95.
Has FlexPay been found guilty?
No. The reported arrest and allegations should not be treated as a conviction. The matter is subject to the Kenyan legal process.
Is Uber leaving Africa?
No. Uber’s latest decision concerns its operations in Nigeria and Uganda. The company continues operating in other African markets.
When did Uber start operating in Nigeria?
Uber launched in Lagos in 2014 and later expanded into other Nigerian cities.
What is Alan?
Alan is a French health insurance and healthtech company. It is entering Africa through its acquisition of Senegalese digital health insurer Tanel.
What is Kylian Mbappé’s role in Alan?
Mbappé is a minority investor and ambassador for Alan through Coalition Capital.
Final Takeaway
The latest Techpoint Digest provides a useful snapshot of the opportunities and challenges shaping Africa’s technology industry.
The FlexPay legal case highlights the importance of accountability and trust in fintech. Uber’s exit from Nigeria and Uganda demonstrates how global technology companies continually reassess individual African markets.
At the same time, Alan’s acquisition of Tanel shows that international investors and technology companies continue to identify opportunities in Africa’s growing digital health sector.
For consumers, entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers, these developments demonstrate that Africa’s technology ecosystem is neither simply expanding nor contracting. It is changing market by market, with companies making increasingly strategic decisions about where to invest, where to compete and where to expand.
Source: Techpoint Africa, Techpoint Digest #1424, September 3, 2026.
