By CHRIS MELORE, US ASSISTANT SCIENCE EDITOR

Published: 16:11 EST, 19 December 2025 | Updated: 17:19 EST, 19 December 2025

The Department of Justice has released a large number of the Epstein files, but Americans have already been blocked from accessing them because of network issues.

The files the DOJ released Friday afternoon were made public following a roughly hour-long delay in the court-mandated deadline to unseal all of the documents connected to the 2019 Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation.

However, countless Americans attempting to download the newly released files from the DOJ’s website were taken to an online queue which immediately rejected their attempt to wait in line.

Any attempt to refresh the page led to a message from DOJ stating: ‘Your queue number is no longer valid.’

The Daily Mail has gained access to the trove of documents connected to the Epstein case is currently reviewing them.

Among a collection of photos released Friday, former President Bill Clinton was pictured spending time with Epstein and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell. Clinton was also pictured frolicking in a hot tub with Maxwell.

Additionally, an image of President Donald Trump’s name was listed in a redacted version of Epstein’s ‘contact book’ released in the latest file dump. 

An image of the technical problems encountered when Americans try to access the Epstein files on the Department of Justice website

Images released by the US Department of Justice Friday revealed Jeffrey Epstein meeting with former President Bill Clinton

Dozens of the released photos contained nude images of young women, which were blocked out by federal officials.

Hundreds of images were completely redacted to conceal the identities of the alleged victims.

Many of the images featured Maxwell in various states of undress or in costumes at Epstein’s parties.

She was also seen posing with Clinton and actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of criminal sexual assault charges in the UK in 2023 and in a civil case in the US in 2022. Spacey has denied all allegations of wrongdoing.

Also seen in the thousands of documents were pictures of celebrities Michael Jackson and Mick Jagger posing with Epstein and Clinton. 

The newest file dump contained hundreds of records from Epstein’s trips around the world, including stops in Moscow, Copenhagen, and Paris.

The files also contained photos of Epstein with celebrities Mick Jagger (Pictured) and Michael Jackson

Multiple photos seen the Friday release included Jeffrey Epstein (Left) and the late singer Michael Jackson (Right)

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Americans blocked from Epstein files moments after secret documents are released

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Anonymous messaging app NGL announced on Friday that it has been acquired by Mode Mobile, a smartphone rewards company that makes money by flooding its users with ads.

NGL quickly climbed the App Store charts after its launch in late 2021, joining a group of similar apps popular among teens that allow users to send and receive anonymous questions and messages. But it’s been embroiled in controversy for most of its existence.

Anonymous messaging apps are problematic because they can encourage bullying among teens — Snapchat banned third-party apps like NGL, LMK, Sendit, and YOLO from its platform in 2022 after a parent sued the company for its alleged role in her teenage son’s suicide.

NGL also came under fire for its shady growth hacking tactics, like sending fake messages to users that seemed like they were from real people but were actually automated by the app. Some users were tricked into paying a $9.99 monthly subscription to get hints about who sent the messages, which were fake.

After a two-year investigation, the FTC announced in 2024 that it would ban NGL from offering its app to minors — one of its most drastic interventions to protect minors from harmful social media experiences.

“NGL’s bait-and-switch tactic prompted many consumers to complain, which NGL executives laughed off, dismissing such users as ‘suckers’,” the FTC said in a statement at the time. NGL paid a $5 million fine to the FTC and complied with its demands.

NGL’s two founders, Raj Vir and João Figueiredo, are moving on from the app, according to Business Insider. The remaining three employees of the app will work for Mode Mobile.

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Given NGL’s track record of dubious growth hacking, this partnership with Mode Mobile seems like a good match.

Mode Mobile makes a smartphone, which it calls the “EarnPhone,” that has “built-in earning features.” The company claims that users can make money by performing everyday tasks on their phone, like listening to music, playing games, and browsing the web. According to the company’s investor materials, Mode Mobile generates revenue from “digital advertising partners” that “pay for user attention and engagement.” Basically, your phone is constantly flooded with ads, but you might make enough money to buy a round of beers at a dive bar.

The terms of the sale were not disclosed.

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Sending money to Africa has become easier over the past decade, but the cost difference between services remains significant. The cheapest option for your specific transfer depends on where you’re sending from, where the money is going, how much you’re moving, and how quickly it needs to arrive.

Understanding how these services make money helps you avoid overpaying. Some charge upfront fees with transparent exchange rates. Others advertise zero fees but mark up the exchange rate. The total amount your recipient receives matters more than how the costs are structured.

This guide breaks down the services by category and explains what to look for when comparing options.

Digital-first remittance platforms

These companies operate primarily online and through mobile apps. They tend to have lower costs than traditional services because they don’t maintain physical locations.

Africhange

Africhange operates across key remittance corridors from Canada, the UK, and Australia into West and East Africa, with a focus on cost efficiency and speed. Part of Africhange’s appeal lies in its regulatory footing. Its Nigerian subsidiary holds an International Money Transfer Operator licence from the Central Bank of Nigeria, which allows the company to process remittances directly rather than through third-party intermediaries. This structure shortens settlement timelines and reduces avoidable costs once funds are received in Nigeria.

Africhange currently supports transfers from Canada to Nigeria, as well as to other markets including Ghana, Kenya, Benin, Togo, and Senegal. The platform also supports multiple currencies on both the sending and receiving sides, which makes it easier to manage cross-border payments without constant conversion headaches.

Read. also: Africhange launches UK bank accounts and Achieves Bank of Canada registration

LemFi

LemFi has emerged as one of the fastest‑growing platforms for remittances to Africa. It combines low cost with a smooth app experience that works well for people sending money from North America, the UK, and Europe. Users open an account, verify their identity, and then send money directly to bank accounts or mobile wallets in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Senegal, and others. Most corridors carry zero transfer fees, and many transfers arrive within minutes. 

You can hold balances in US dollars, British pounds, Canadian dollars, and other major currencies, then convert and send at competitive exchange rates. The platform is regulated in the UK and Canada and holds licences to operate remittances into key African markets. Funds typically reach a recipient’s bank or mobile wallet in minutes.

A loyalty or rewards component may appear, providing additional value for frequent senders.

Remitly

Remitly is one of the long‑standing players in cross‑border money transfers. It operates through a simple app and web interface that walks you through sending money step by step. When you use Remitly, you choose between two ways to send.

One option keeps fees low but takes a little longer. The other delivers faster if timing matters more than cost. You can fund transfers with a bank debit or credit card, and your recipient can get money straight into a bank account or popular mobile money wallets used in many African countries.

WorldRemit

WorldRemit is similar to Remitly but supports a wider range of payout methods in many countries across Africa. In addition to bank deposits and mobile money, WorldRemit sometimes offers cash pick‑up options at local partners if the recipient prefers that.

The interface is straightforward. You enter the amount, pick where you are sending it, choose how the recipient will collect the cash, and the app shows fees and delivery times before you confirm.

WorldRemit tends to settle transfers within a few hours for most corridors, though it can vary by country and bank processing times. 

Wise

Wise focuses on transparency and cost efficiency. Unlike many banks or money transfer services, it uses the real mid‑market exchange rate and charges a single, upfront fee. This means the recipient gets the exact amount shown before you confirm the transfer, without hidden markups.

Wise is particularly suitable if keeping costs low is your priority, and you can wait for the transfer to process. Delivery times vary depending on the destination bank, but most transfers arrive within a few hours to a couple of days. The platform supports multiple currencies and countries, making it convenient for repeat transfers with predictable pricing.

Traditional networks

These established services have extensive physical networks across Africa. They’re useful when recipients need cash pickup or live in areas without reliable banking infrastructure.

Western Union

Western Union has one of the largest agent networks in Africa, making it a reliable option for recipients who may not have access to a bank or mobile money account. The service supports cash pickup, bank transfers, and mobile money in many countries.

Cash pickup is fast, often available within minutes, but it is more expensive than other payout methods. Bank transfers and mobile money can be cheaper, though delivery times may vary depending on the destination and local partners. Fees are generally higher than those of digital-first platforms, and exchange rates include a markup.

You can send money through the Western Union website, mobile app, or at a physical agent location. Online bank transfers are typically less costly than cash pickup, making them the better option when speed is not the top priority.

MoneyGram

MoneyGram operates across Africa with a large agent network, covering many urban and semi‑urban areas. The service allows recipients to collect cash quickly, often within minutes or a few hours, though timing can vary depending on the location.

Transfers can be sent online, via the MoneyGram app, or at agent locations, including major retailers. In addition to cash pickup, the platform supports bank transfers and mobile money in many countries. Fees for cash pickup are sometimes slightly lower than Western Union, but the cost depends on the sending corridor and payment method.

MoneyGram provides a reliable alternative for recipients without bank accounts or mobile wallets, while also offering multiple ways to receive funds for those who prefer digital options.

Mobile Money and regional platforms

Mobile money has transformed how people send and receive money in Africa. In several countries, more adults now have mobile money accounts than traditional bank accounts. This widespread adoption has made it easier to move money quickly, securely, and without relying on banks.

Mobile Money overview

Mobile money lets people receive, store, and spend money using just a mobile phone, without needing a bank account. Major providers include M‑Pesa in Kenya and Tanzania, MTN Mobile Money across several countries, Orange Money in West Africa, and Airtel Money in multiple markets.

Most international transfer services now support sending money directly to mobile money accounts. This method is often faster and cheaper than using bank transfers or cash pickup, making it a popular choice for both senders and recipients in some countries.

Wave

Wave is a mobile money platform that operates in Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Benin. Transfers from the US to Wave accounts typically carry no transfer fees. The exchange rate is the main cost for the sender.

Recipients need a Wave account to receive funds, and creating one is straightforward. Wave functions as both a transfer service and a mobile money wallet, allowing users to send, receive, and spend money through the app.

Coverage is currently limited to the West African countries where Wave operates, but within those markets, the platform is fast, simple, and easy to use.

Sending money to Africa is more efficient now than it was years ago. Digital platforms are driving down costs and forcing greater clarity in pricing. Whether you prioritise cost, speed, or convenience, some options fit your needs. Check fees and exchange rates before you hit send, and choose the right tool for your corridor and frequency.

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Joe Rogan invoked three words that still haunt Americans more than two decades later while discussing how the country might react to an alien threat.

Speaking on his podcast, Rogan said such a world-changing event could evoke reactions similar to those seen ‘after September 11th.’

‘It was a horrible tragedy, but there was a beautiful result temporarily, where everybody was really united,’ he said on Thursday.

‘There were American flags on everybody’s cars in Los Angeles. In New York, everyone was friendly.’ 

Rogan added that Americans had all decided that we were together and that we were faced with a real threat and that we had to be united, suggesting a similar reaction would unfold in the event of visitors from another world.

Along with the widespread displays of American flags, there were spontaneous memorial vigils, national unity under the ‘United We Stand’ theme, lawmakers singing ‘God Bless America,’ and a surge in support for military and first responders.

The discussion was sparked when Rogan referenced a famous moment from history, recalling Ronald Reagan’s speech at the United Nations. 

‘Imagine how united we would be if faced with an alien threat from another world,’ he said. ‘We’d forget our differences and realize that, at the core, we’re all connected.’ 

Joe Rogan released a new podcast on Thursday, where he shared his feelings about how Americans could react to an alien threat

Rogan said such a world-changing event could evoke reactions similar to those seen ‘after September 11th’

Rogan’s guest, Michael P. Masters, a professor of biological anthropology at Montana Tech, agreed, expanding on the idea by suggesting humanity may be linked by a deeper, shared consciousness, an idea he said some researchers associate with the UFO phenomenon.

‘If we recognize that we are just fingerprints on the same hand, then we’re all iterations of the same overarching consciousness,’ Masters said. 

‘And there may be aspects of that reflected in the UFO phenomenon.’

Rogan has a long-standing obsession with the topic of extraterrestrial life and UFOs, and in his stand-up comedy. 

He often expresses the view that aliens ‘are out there’ and that the government might be covering up the truth.

The podcaster also believes that, given the ‘hundreds of billions of galaxies’ and stars in the universe, it is mathematically certain that ‘for sure there’s something else out here.’

While often focusing on the physical evidence, he has also explored alternative theories with guests, such as the idea that aliens might be interdimensional beings or human time travelers from the future, which aligns with Masters’ theories.

Masters, who holds a PhD in anthropology from The Ohio State University, has gained attention beyond academia for his unconventional theories about UFOs. 

‘Imagine how united we would be if faced with an alien threat from another world,’ he said. ‘We’d forget our differences and realize that, at the core, we’re all connected.’

Rogan’s guest, Michael P. Masters, a professor of biological anthropology at Montana Tech, agreed, expanding on the idea by suggesting humanity may be linked by a deeper, shared consciousness, an idea he said some researchers associate with the UFO phenomenon

In his books, including Identified Flying Objects and The Extratempestrial Model, he argues that some UFO encounters may not involve extraterrestrials at all.

Instead, Masters has proposed that the beings described in many sightings could be future human descendants traveling back through time, a hypothesis he has publicly discussed for years.

‘The phenomenon may be our own distant descendants coming back through time to study us in their own evolutionary past,’ he said in a 2019 interview.

While Rogan expressed confidence that something unexplained is occurring, Masters emphasized caution, noting that many claims surrounding UFOs and alien encounters require further study as stigma around the topic continues to fade.

Masters also argued the ‘gray’ alien archetype, large heads, big eyes, thin bodies, mirrors projected human evolution amid declining robustness, fertility issues and genetic engineering. 

He linked abductions involving reproductive material extraction to future humans addressing fertility crises, citing cases like Jim Penniston’s Rendlesham Forest message, claiming the need for genetic material.

Rogan and Masters touched on government reverse-engineering, whistleblowers like Bob Lazar, transmedium craft, and Peruvian tridactyl mummies resembling grays, with Masters cautious pending further study.

Rogan expressed conviction in the phenomenon, while Masters shared a personal sighting and childhood ‘tasking’ inspiring his research. 

The episode framed UFOs as potentially intratemporal, urging discernment of encounter reports amid diminishing stigma. 

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Recently, Juice Jacking, a ‘renewed’ wave of cyberattack, has been the centre of conversation across social media platforms.

While the way Juice Jacking operates creates chances to compromise files and sensitive digital materials, it reminds us of how fraudsters continue to deploy new tactics.

There have been debates about its modus operandi: how it steals data using a ‘disguised’ power bank, and the type of file it can access. Most importantly, there were concerns about whether it’s possible that the device can unlock a phone or system.

With the guidance of two resource individuals, Jude Ozinegbe, Founder of Cyberchain and Mukaila Temitope Olajumoke, a cybersecurity practitioner, this article will provide a comprehensive explainer on all you should know about Juice Jacking.

Jude Ozinegbe, Founder of Cyberchain and Mukaila Temitope Olajumoke, a cybersecurity practitioner

Juice Jacking: not new 

Juice jacking is a potential attack where a malicious charging station, usually a port cable or USB device, is used to compromise data. Fraudsters simply compromise data by installing malware via the charging. While a phone displays charging, Juice Jacking operates beyond mere charging. 

“It happens when a charger, power bank, or cable has been tampered with. Instead of just giving your phone power, it also opens a data connection. And if your phone allows it, information can move from your phone to someone else quietly—no noise, no warning,” Jude said.

He pointed out that Juice Jacking can easily occur in Nigeria as people charge phones anywhere (most especially in public places) due to the epileptic power supply. 

Notably, the suspicious power bank cannot be easily detected, they are like a normal power bank. Both experts said the power bank looks clean, and nothing outside will tell you it’s bad.

While the attacks seem to be gaining attention lately, Temitope noted that Juice Jacking is not a new attack. She explained that the attack became prominent recently due to the widespread use of Android smartphones and Type-C charging ports. 

“It’s not new now, it’s becoming rampant. People are getting to know about it recently, but it has been out for a while. And the adoption of type C cord makes it more vulnerable,” she added.

The user is in control 

Addressing concerns over who is in control of how Juice Jacking works and accessing data on the phone, Temitope noted that the phone owner is still in control. And that control comes into effect when a user decides whether to ‘charge only’ or ‘allow transfer of files.’

“When you connect your phone, a prompt displays to select charging or to transfer the file. So you’ll be the one to make the decision,” she added. 

A prominent concern is whether the charger (connected to the ‘disguised’ power bank or charger) can really unlock a phone itself. Both experts noted that this is impossible. 

Jude described the expression as a plain exaggeration. He said the attack does occur with given permission and is a normal human behaviour process. He emphasised that the risk is not that the charger or attacker is smart, it’s that we’re often in a hurry.

“The problem starts when you unlock the phone yourself. You’re charging, you unlock to reply to a WhatsApp message, check your account balance, and scroll through Instagram. Then one message pops up: “Allow data access?” You don’t read it. You just tap “OK.” Jude noted.

Juice Jacking is not about fear. It’s about sensible practice. Your phone is your wallet, your office, your business, your identity—everything. So treat charging like handling cash. It’s better to have a low battery than an empty account.

Temitope also mentioned that the attack works based on access. And without giving it access, it can not do the work on its own.

“The attack itself needs a host, which is you. You need to give it access to your data. So it cannot work on its own.” She added that “it cannot unlock the phone unless you unlock your phone.”

Also Read: Here are 7 habits that compromise your personal and data safety online.

What type of data can Juice Jacking compromise?

Once a phone is unlocked and access is gained, the attacker can access contacts, photos, documents, phone information, and other non-encrypted files. In some extra cases, the attacker can install spying software on the phone. 

Jude noted that fraudsters’ main gain is to access financial information, especially in a country like Nigeria. 

“Banking apps, fintech wallets, crypto, email, OTP alerts—everything is on one phone. Once that phone is compromised, your money and accounts can be at risk.”

“That’s when stories start like, ‘I just woke up, and money was gone.’ starts flooding everywhere, but you forgot when you plugged in an unsuspecting rogue charger, power bank, or cable to your phone,” he added.

Free electricity plug and USB plug, Battery charging station in the airport.

In addition, Temitope explained that the risk of Juice Jacking is very low because it needs a user to unlock the phone and also allow access beyond mere charging. She said it is also very low for people using the latest Android OS version and iOS. 

Preventive measures

Instead of trying to inspect chargers, experts highlighted the following preventive tips to avoid falling victim to Juice Jacking.

• Avoid public USB charging ports when you can.
• Plug into wall sockets with your own charger head.
• Carry your own power bank.
• Use charge-only cables (they don’t pass data), carry a spare cable.
• Avoid public charging ports such as bus terminals or trains. 
• Disable auto-unlock features. If there are features that, once they are on, your device will unlock itself, turn them off.
• Keep your phone locked while charging
• Stop tapping “Allow” without reading 
• If you’re not sure about the charger, just say, “I’ll charge later,” and put your phone on the battery saver.

While Juice jacking is not yet a rampant attack, it’s gaining prominence. The preventive measures are essential. Think of it like ATM rules. You don’t collect an ATM card from a stranger just because you’re in a hurry.

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Experts have revealed how many steps are needed to burn off the calories in popular Christmas foods and drinks – and it’s good news for lovers of champagne and cider.

The figures come from an index released by WeWard, a walking app that rewards users for the number of steps they take.

Researchers analysed the calories in standard servings of festive food and drink, then converted them into the number of steps and walking time required for an average adult walking at a moderate pace.

Among drinks, champagne topped the list as the easiest to burn off. A single glass contains around 90 calories, requiring just 1,692 steps – just a 17-minute walk.

Joint second were wine and cider, both containing 120 calories, which would take 2,256 steps or around 23 minutes to burn off.

In third place was the mimosa, which contains about 140 calories and would require 2,632 steps, or a 26-minute walk.

Even drinks further down the list did not require much longer walks.

An espresso martini, for example, contains around 160 calories and would need 3,000 steps – about half an hour of walking – to offset.

The number of steps needed to burn off popular festive drinks has been revealed by experts

A hot toddy made with whisky, honey, lemon and spices would take 3,196 steps, or roughly 32 minutes, to burn off.

None of the drinks analysed required more than 40 minutes of walking.

Hot chocolate ranked third highest, requiring 3,647 steps, equivalent to a 36-minute walk.

Eggnog and beer topped the list, needing 3,948 and 3,910 steps respectively – both around 39 minutes of walking.

The index also analysed festive foods, including several staples of a traditional British Christmas dinner.

Roast turkey was the easiest to burn off, with a standard portion containing 142 calories. This would require 2,858 steps, or a 29-minute walk.

However, the researchers noted this estimate is based on a set portion size, meaning larger servings would require more walking.

Roast potatoes ranked second, containing around 190 calories and requiring 3,572 steps – about 36 minutes of walking.

They also revealed the number of steps needed to burn off classic festive foods

Stuffing proved the most demanding. A portion contains around 356 calories and would require 6,693 steps, or roughly 67 minutes, to burn off – more than double the time needed for roast turkey.

Health experts have long advised that increasing daily step counts can improve heart health, aid weight loss and boost mental wellbeing, with 10,000 steps a day often cited as a popular goal.

However, research published earlier this year suggests a more modest approach may still bring major benefits.

Scientists found that building a steady 15-minute walk into the day could significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and early death.

Those who walked consistently for around 15 minutes a day saw their risk of early death fall by up to 85 per cent compared with people who only walked in short five-minute bursts.

The researchers concluded that ‘modest changes in step patterns, without dramatic increases in step number’, could still deliver meaningful health benefits.

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Celeste Amadon and Asher Allen were working on an app that used AI to book restaurants for dates, when they stumbled on a bigger idea that encourages people to meet in person. And now it’s catching on with investors.

The duo created a voice-powered AI onboarding system for its app that helped them learn more about users without them having to fill out a form. What they discovered: people loved to talk, and that increased the length of the onboarding session with the app clocking 26 minutes on average. That is how San Francisco-based dating startup Known was born. 

“Our take is that for the first time, we could know enough about somebody to serve them a date that would make sense. And if we could do that much faster with less rejection rate, we could create a user experience that could get people out on more dates,” she said.

Image Credits: Known

And early results suggested they were on to something. 

In its test phase in San Francisco, Known said it observed 80% of its introductions led to physical dates, which is much higher than swipe-based dating apps. Buoyed by these signals, the startup has raised $9.7 million from investors, including Forerunner and NFX, along with PearVC and Coelius Capital. Notably, this is the first dating app investment for Forerunner.

“Celeste is a really thoughtful founder to understand the mindset of the consumer, which is a young female, to be honest. There are other people who can be focused on the male demographic, but she is focused on the young female who has a lot of unspoken desires and needs that, if you put them in a profile, they would never say, this versus that. And I think in a conversation, you can get a lot of those nuances out, but in the past, the conversation required a $10,000 matchmaker,” Eurie Kim, a partner at Forerunner, told TechCrunch.

Amadon said she has always been very interested in social impact at scale, and thinks dating is inherently one of the biggest problems facing her generation. 

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“There’s been a million pieces written about the loneliness epidemic in the U.S. And I do really think that it’s our generation’s largest problem,” said Amadon, who, along with Allen, dropped out of Stanford to build the startup. 

Image Credits: Known

The app, which is under testing in San Francisco in beta, uses voice AI-powered onboarding to ask several questions to users without having them fill out any forms. Amadon said because of this modality, the startup is able to know more about users and provide them with great matches, with one user clocking in at an hour and 38 minutes long onboarding. 

When people typed their responses out, they would edit them, according to Known. With voice, the onboarding is more personable. The company’s AI can ask dynamic follow-ups based on the conversation. For instance, if someone has newly moved to the city, AI can ask them about what they like and dislike about their experience thus far.

Once the onboarding is complete, the AI suggests potential matches to users. They can ask AI agents about those profiles. If they like a profile, they can tap on “interested.” When two people are matched, they have 24 hours to accept the introduction and 24 hours to agree to a date. The company said that with this mechanism, the app is trying to avoid lingering chats and ghosting while encouraging people to meet in real life. Post their dates, users can provide their feedback to AI and get more refined recommendations for matches.

Known hasn’t completely ditched the restaurant idea. The app also helps in picking restaurants based on user likes and dislikes. Using the AI chat and calendar integrations, users can also inform about their availability for the first dates. In the beta phase, the company charged $30 per successful date. However, the startup is not set on the price and said it will experiment with different models to find out what payment modality works the best.

Image Credits: Known

Today the startup has three full-time engineers and four people working on go-to-market, with several contractors working in all areas. Amadon, whose previous experience includes internships in politics, and Allen, who worked on product at AI-powered online shopping app Phia, plan to bolster headcount with this fundraiser. 

Known is currently testing in San Francisco and plans to launch early next year.

There are several other new startups, including Hinge CEO Justin McLeod’s new app called Overtone, that are trying to use AI to know more about users and try to find matches for them. Some of them want to claim that they are bringing bespoke services of matchmakers that cost thousands of dollars at a fraction of the cost. Incumbents like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge are also pushing AI features to keep their userbase engaged. Despite the growing number of startups, Amadon is happy with the competition.

“When it comes to other startup dating products, I’ve been so happy to see a lot of people building in the space because I think it shows that it’s time to shift away from a swipe-based model. And I think most of them that I’ve seen have been pretty different from what we’re building at Known,” She said.

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As we move further into the holiday season, Africans earning in foreign currencies are once again looking for the best ways to send money to friends and family back home on the continent. The challenges that once plagued money transfers to Africa have largely faded, thanks to ambitious cross-border payment apps that have stepped in to fill the gap.

Whether you’re planning a trip to Lagos for Detty December or simply want to send money home, there are now numerous apps — many built by Africans on the continent — designed to meet these needs.

That said, not every app offers the level of speed and efficiency users expect. That’s why we spent the past few days testing multiple platforms for speed, reliability, and overall performance.

Here are 10 of the best cross-border payment apps for sending money to Africa, and why they stand out.

Image Credit: Chipper Cash

 Chipper Cash remains one of the most reliable cross-border payment apps on the continent. Valued at over $2 billion, the startup, which began in Lagos, has become a go-to option for many users looking to send money back home. 

Chipper Cash is particularly popular for its USD accounts, which allow customers to hold and receive dollars. The app has also built a reputation for reliability, with very few reported downtimes, and has largely avoided major controversy in a still-nascent industry. 

However, some users have raised concerns about high exchange rates, which are among the highest on the continent and remain a key drawback of the service. 

Why it stands out: One of the oldest and most reliable native cross-border payment apps in Africa. 

Image Credit: LemFi

LemFi is fast becoming the number one choice for Africans living abroad looking to move money to West and East Africa. With a recent $53 million Series B raise, the company has expanded from a simple remittance tool into a multi-currency bank. 

Its multi-currency wallet is a feature that has garnered a cult following, allowing users to hold funds in foreign currencies before swapping them. The app has also built a robust fraud detection system and offers competitive rates that often beat traditional high-street banks. 

However, its popularity is a double-edged sword. During peak transaction windows, LemFi can suffer from congestion delays, leading to “processing” hang-ups that can frustrate users in a rush, an issue that it has attributed to infrastructure problems on the side of some of its partners.  

Why it stands out: It comes with a multi-currency wallet worth boasting about. 

Image Credit: NALA

NALA has carved out a reputation as the “Rate King” of the ecosystem. Pivoting from a general financial tool to a specialised remittance player, it consistently offers exchange rates that beat the market average for East Africa, making it a preferred choice for many sending lump sums where a tiny difference in rate adds up to significant value. 

NALA is particularly popular for its seamless integration with M-PESA (another regional favourite), making it nearly flawless for transfers into Kenya and Tanzania. 

However, the downside is often speed in high-traffic corridors outside of East Africa. Users in West Africa have occasionally noted lags compared to competitors, forcing a trade-off between the best rate and the fastest delivery. 

Why it stands out: It provides some of the best rates in East Africa. 

4. Send App by Flutterwave 

Image Credit: Flutterwave

Send App is backed by Flutterwave, one of the highest-valued fintechs in Africa. Because Flutterwave owns the underlying payment rails that many other apps rent, Send App is arguably one of the fastest. It cuts out intermediaries, making it an ideal choice for business-to-business transfers or heavy lifters who need to move large sums directly into their bank accounts. 

At over $20,000 per transaction, Send App has become popular for its high transaction limits and professional assurance. If you are paying a supplier or a contractor, the app provides a level of paper trail and security that peer-to-peer apps often lack. 

However, the reality is that when it fails, it fails hard. Because it relies on its own infrastructure, any downtime at the Flutterwave gateway can bring the app to a complete halt. 

Why it stands out: Arguably one of the fastest transaction processing speeds. 

Image Credit: M Pesa

Part app, part economic infrastructure, Safaricom-operated M-PESA Global has become the premier service for anyone in East Africa, allowing users to send money across borders to Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda as easily as sending a text message. It integrates directly with the contacts on your phone and requires no traditional bank account to function. 

M-PESA Global is particularly popular for its ecosystem integration, allowing users to link directly to PayPal and Western Union to receive funds from abroad and spend them instantly at local merchants. It is the definition of “liquid cash” in the region; if you have M-PESA, you have money. 

However, users often cite transaction limits and tiered fees as a drawback. Unlike newer apps that offer flat fees, M-PESA Global’s pricing structure can become expensive for higher-value transfers, and the interface, while functional, is utilitarian compared to other cross-border payment apps. 

Why it stands out: The undisputed king of mobile money that powers the entire East African economy.

The strength of Accrue lies in its specificity. In an industry where having many options is often seen as an advantage, Accrue chooses focus, offering payments specifically from the United States to Africa. It also provides users outside the US with a dollar account that can receive payments. 

True to its name, Accrue is also focused on helping users grow their money. The app offers investment options, including gift cards and top-performing assets. 

Where it truly excels is its interest programme. Users who hold money on the app earn daily interest, making it an attractive option for those looking to preserve value while keeping funds accessible. 

Why it stands out: Users receive daily interests. 

Image Credit: Grey

Grey has fast become the primary banking option for African freelancers and remote workers. Backed by Y Combinator, the app addresses a specific pain point: the difficulty of receiving international payments for work abroad in Africa. It acts as both a remittance app and a neobank, bridging the gap between Western employers and African talent. 

Grey is particularly popular for providing virtual foreign bank accounts (IBANs) in the US, UK, and Europe. This allows users to receive salaries directly in foreign currency and hold funds in their wallet to shield against local currency devaluation, converting only what they need for daily spending. 

Why it stands out: It has an actual, sleek interface that makes sense.

Image Credit: Taptap Send

Taptap Send operates in over 40 countries worldwide, including major sending markets like the UK, Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, and the UAE, with strong support for transfers into African destinations such as Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.  

Users praise Taptap Send for its transparent fees and competitive exchange rates, which are often more favourable than traditional banks and legacy remittance services. Transfers typically arrive within minutes, especially when sent to mobile wallets or bank accounts, making it ideal for urgent support to family or friends.  

However, regulatory hiccups can occasionally impact service continuity in some markets. For example, in 2025, the Bank of Ghana temporarily suspended remittance partnerships with TapTap Send due to compliance reviews, though its services were later restored after engagement with the regulators. 

Why it stands out: Supports one of the widest ranges of foreign currencies for transfers into Africa. 

Image Credit: Afriex

Afriex has rapidly established itself as one of the most cost‑effective ways to send money to Africa. It allows senders to fund transfers in USD, EUR, GBP and deliver funds into local bank accounts, mobile wallets, or even directly into Afriex wallets, depending on the destination.  

A major pillar of Afriex’s appeal is its real‑time exchange rates and low to zero fees on transfers, making it competitive with, or cheaper than, traditional remittance services and banks. Most transfers are completed within minutes, and the platform automatically handles currency conversion at transparent rates before payout. 

Afriex continues to scale its reach: the service supports transfers from key sending countries into over 30 African destinations, and it has recently expanded into new markets such as Benin and Congo‑Brazzaville, while also facilitating payouts in countries like Mozambique, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Zambia. 

Why it stands out: Has one of the lowest fees on transactions. 

Image Credit: Kredete

Offering transfers to over 40 African countries, Kredete has become a preferred option for many Africans, particularly immigrants looking to send money back home. 

With every transaction, users build their credit score on Kredete, unlocking a feature that is only just gaining traction across Africa. This gives Africans a pathway into the global credit market, an area many have historically been excluded from. 

Kredete also provides a virtual credit card, further empowering users to participate in global commerce and online markets. 

Why it stands out: Allows users to build a credit score with every transaction. 

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With white-wired headphones endorsed by celebrities including Lily-Rose Depp, Paul Mescal, Bella Hadid and Apple Martin, a growing number of people are breaking away from wireless listening.

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For inspiration, there is the Instagram account @wireditgirls, or a Balenciaga campaign featuring the model Mona Tougaard reclining bed, wired headphones in place.

Daniel Rodgers, the fashion news editor at British Vogue, is familiar with the trend. “[It says] ‘I’m very effortless. I’m very nonchalant,” he says. “It’s become a real styleable accessory.”

But in a culture where the forward march of technology is often treated as compulsory, wired headphones represent more than aesthetics. “It’s an analogue way of opting out – of both tech but also life,” says Rodgers. “They’re visible in a way that AirPods aren’t. There is a sense of ‘do not disturb’.”

Retro tech is making a comeback, with some users of wired headphones embracing tangles as part of the charm. Photograph: Tara Moore/Getty Images

That symbolism is on full display on the cover of New York magazine’s latest issue, which features celebrities riding the subway: Debbie Harry with the Geese frontman Cameron Winter, Ben Stiller with the Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns and Macaulay Culkin with the SubwayTakes presenter Kareem Rahma. The real story, however, is not the star power but the shared accessory in each image: wired headphones.

The pictures were taken by Hannah La Follette Ryan, the Brooklyn-based photographer behind the Instagram account @SubwayTakes, which documents New Yorkers on public transport. She says: “I see the revival as an extension of digital fatigue. Who wants another glitchy expensive gadget to charge?”

Price is clearly part of the appeal of wired headphones – Apple’s EarPods cost £17 compared £99 for AirPods – but nostalgia is also a factor.

“We’re seeing retro tech come back,” says Tom Morgan-Freelander, the deputy editor of the technology magazine Stuff. “And as part of that, brands are starting to bring back wired headphones.”

He says some younger consumers are switching to wired for sound quality, which is typically better with cables. “Bluetooth became the norm, and there was an acceptance that for wireless convenience – you’re going to lose a bit of quality,” he adds.

Then there is the issue of tangles. While wireless headphones are stored neatly in a case, wired varieties are often found in a knot at the bottom of a bag.

Despite the revival of wired headphones, Bluetooth models continue to outsell them. Photograph: Blend Images/Alamy

La Follette Ryan suggests this is part of the appeal. “The tangle is inevitable,” she says. “Think of a headphone knot as a more user-friendly Rubik’s Cube. Relish the opportunity to slow down and solve a little puzzle.”

If wired headphones have become the choice of the fashion-conscious despite these inconveniences, that could change soon. AirPods remain the bestseller at Currys but the retailer reports sales of Beats Solo 4 over-ear headphones have risen by 193% since last year.

Morgan-Freelander also points to the £20 FiiO Snowsky Wind, a design that looks like the earphones worn with a Sony Walkman in the 1980s.

Rodgers still believes wired headphones have the edge. “Even though we are constantly being [sold upgrades], there’s a sort of disengagement [with wired headphones], which is always really hot, right?” he says. “You never want to look like you’re too into anything.”

La Follette Ryan, however, thinks there is room for every option. “I just bought a Discman and Sony headphones,” she says, “but I will always keep my wired headphones for sharing an earbud with a friend.”

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An urgent weather alert has been issued for thousands in Wyoming and Colorado, warning of a ‘particularly dangerous situation’ expected on Friday. 

The National Weather Service (NWS) said a strong wind event is ongoing across the region, with sustained winds of 40 to 50 mph and gusts up to 75 mph, creating extreme conditions for wildfires and potential property damage.

Red flag warnings have been issued, signaling that a combination of strong winds, low humidity, and dry fuels is creating a heightened risk for rapid fire growth.

Areas under threat include southern Wyoming’s Laramie Range and most of Laramie County, as well as Colorado’s Front Range foothills, nearby high plains, portions of the I-25 urban corridor, and some southern counties, all at risk through at least midnight.

The NWS designated a ‘Particularly Dangerous Situation’ for the southern Laramie Range and foothills in Wyoming, and for the Front Range foothills and adjacent lower elevations in northern and central Colorado.

That includes Boulder, Jefferson, Larimer, and parts of Douglas, Gilpin, Clear Creek and Park Counties.

The NWS warned that conditions mirror those that fueled the 2021 Marshall Fire, which destroyed more than 1,000 homes in Colorado. 

Red flag warnings are also in effect in the central and western Nebraska Sandhills, the eastern Panhandle and the southwestern Texas Panhandle.

Louisville, Colorado is in Boulder County is specifically mentioned as being under the ‘Particularly Dangerous Situation.’ Pictured is a home burning in a wildfire that sparked in 2021

Red flag warnings have been issued in Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska and Texas

‘This is a Particularly Dangerous Situation that poses a significant threat to life and property in the event of a wildfire start,’ the NWS stated regarding specific regions in Wyoming and Colorado.

‘Residents are urged to assemble an emergency supply kit and know their evacuation routes. 

‘In some cases, safe and timely evacuation may not be possible should a fire approach. Have multiple ways to receive instructions from emergency services, and evacuate if ordered to or if a fire threatens.’

The Wyoming Department of Transportation has imposed travel restrictions on several key routes. Interstates 80 and 25 are closed to light and high-profile vehicles in multiple areas, including I-25 from the Colorado state line to Whitaker Road, and I-80 from Rawlins through the Laramie Valley into Cheyenne. 

A cold front moving through the region tonight is expected to ease conditions by Saturday afternoon. 

It could bring mountain snow, prompting a winter weather advisory for affected areas. 

In Colorado, this is the first time the NWS office in Boulder has issued ‘A Particularly Dangerous Situation’ alert for northwest Jefferson and western Boulder counties due to possible wind gusts of 85 to 105 mph.

The most dangerous conditions are expected on Highway 93 into the higher foothills. Coupled with single-digit relative humidity. 

The NWS warned that conditions mirror those that fueled the 2021 Marshall Fire (PICTURED), which destroyed more than 1,000 homes in Colorado

For the northern Front Range, the strongest winds are expected west of I-25, reaching into the foothills. Along and east of the I-25 corridor, including the Denver metro area, gusts could reach 40 mph with humidity dropping as low as eight percent.

Meteorologists warned that the top wind gusts could be comparable to those of a Category 2 or 3 hurricane.

Multiple Red Flag Warnings across parts of Nebraska and the Texas Panhandle, warning that critical fire weather conditions are likely on Friday afternoon. 

In Nebraska, Red Flag Warnings are in effect from 10am to 5pm local time for the eastern Panhandle and western Sandhills, and from 11am to 6pm for the central and western Sandhills, including areas near the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge and Nebraska National Forest. 

In Texas, warnings cover the southwestern and northwest Texas Panhandle from 10am to 6pm local time. 

Forecasters said gusty west to southwest winds of 15 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, combined with low relative humidity as low as 10 to 20 percent and temperatures climbing into the mid-60s, could cause any fires that ignite to spread rapidly and become difficult to control. 

Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning and activities that could spark fires during the warning period. 

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