Smart4Africa

From all of us Smart4Africa wishing you a Christmas filled with love, laughter, and the beauty of being together. #Smart4Africa #MerryChristmas

🚀 Young Entrepreneurs in Lagos, We Need Your Voice! Are you 18-35 and passionate about entrepreneurship in Lagos? I’m researching “Media Strategies and Promotion of Youth Entrepreneurship in Lagos, Nigeria” to understand how traditional and digital media impact young entrepreneurs like you. Your insights could drive real change! 📝 Take 5-8 minutes to complete a confidential online survey and share your experiences. 🔗 Fill out the survey here: https://lnkd.in/dA_Mg7TS Help shape better opportunities for Nigerian youths. Let’s spark the future of entrepreneurship! #YouthEntrepreneurship #Lagos #Nigeria AfriLabs DAWN AI STUDY (VentureHue S24) Alabi Opeyemi Oladimeji Ugwumba Leadership Center 🚀💻 #TechForAll #EdtechInnovation #FundingAnnouncement #TechInvestment #StartupFunding #InnovationFunding #fintech #InvestInTech #EdTechGrowth #skincare #AgriTechInnovation #SustainableFood #EcommerceExpansion #BusinessGrowth #Renda #TechInnovation #BusinessScalability #AfricanStartup #ecommerce #agriculture #agritech #sustainability #GoGreen #Solar

Educatly Secures $2.5 Million in Funding to Expand Global Operations In 2020, Educatly emerged from Egypt with a vision to revolutionize how students across the globe find the right opportunities to study abroad. The company, founded by Mohamed ElSonbaty, Abdelrahman Ayman , and Joan Manuel is a beacon of hope for those aspiring to pursue tertiary education beyond their home countries. Educatly provides a comprehensive platform that consolidates accurate information about universities and other learning institutions worldwide. With a focus on leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence, the platform filters through an immense amount of data to identify legitimate opportunities, including scholarships and special programs, tailored to students' needs. Recently, Educatly secured $2.5 million in funding from prominent investors, including TLcom Capital LLP , Plus VC (+VC) , Egypt Ventures , and HBAN . This financial backing will fuel the company's ambitious plans to expand its operations across Africa and the Middle East. By reaching more students in these regions, Educatly aims to ensure that even more young minds can access better educational opportunities, empowering the next generation of global leaders. #Smart4Africa congratulates Educatly and wish the team well in democratising access to good and quality education opportunities. 🚀💻 #TechForAll #EdtechInnovation #FundingAnnouncement #TechInvestment #StartupFunding #InnovationFunding #fintech #InvestInTech #EdTechGrowth #skincare #AgriTechInnovation #SustainableFood #EcommerceExpansion #BusinessGrowth #Renda #TechInnovation #BusinessScalability #AfricanStartup #ecommerce #agriculture #agritech #sustainability #GoGreen #Solar

Africa's Diverse Economic Landscape: A Look at 2024 GDP Projections Home to 1.4 billion people, the nations of the African continent are widely diverse—not just in culture and language, but also in economic output. The continent's economies vary significantly, reflecting a broad spectrum of development and growth. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) provides a comprehensive view of Africa’s economic standing with its 2024 gross domestic product (GDP) projections. These estimates, updated in October 2023, showcase the varied economic landscapes across the continent. The data, presented in current USD, does not include projections for Eritrea. Ranked: Africa’s $3 Trillion Economy Here are Africa’s leading economies by GDP for 2024: 1. South Africa: $401 billion 2. Nigeria: $395 billion 3. Egypt: $358 billion 4. Algeria: $239 billion 5. Ethiopia: $192 billion 6. Morocco: $157 billion 7. Kenya: $115 billion 8. Angola: $93 billion 9. Côte d'Ivoire: $87 billion 10. Tanzania: $86 billion These figures highlight the economic powerhouses of the continent. South Africa leads the pack with a GDP of $401 billion, closely followed by Nigeria at $395 billion and Egypt at $358 billion. These three nations alone account for a significant portion of Africa’s total economic output. The Visual Capitalist infographic based on IMF estimates provides a clear picture of these projections, offering insight into the economic dynamics at play across Africa. From the bustling markets of Nigeria to the industrial hubs of South Africa, each country’s GDP reflects its unique economic activities and growth potential. #Smart4africa 🚀💻 #TechForAll #EdtechInnovation #FundingAnnouncement #TechInvestment #StartupFunding #InnovationFunding #fintech #InvestInTech #EdTechGrowth #skincare #AgriTechInnovation #SustainableFood #EcommerceExpansion #BusinessGrowth #Renda #TechInnovation #BusinessScalability #AfricanStartup #ecommerce #agriculture #agritech #sustainability #GoGreen #Solar African Union African Development Bank Group African Trade Chamber African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat AfCFTA Youth Advisory Council

Dopay Secures $13.5 Million Series A Extension to Expand Digital Payroll Services dopay , a digital payroll and payments solution provider founded in 2014 by Frans van Eersel and Ahmed Nassef , has raised $13.5 million in a Series A extension funding round led by Argentem Creek Partners . Dopay specializes in serving underbanked and unbanked workers in emerging markets, offering virtual banking and cash payment digitization for employers looking to streamline wage payments. With this new funding, Dopay aims to enhance its expansion efforts by entering new markets and launching a range of additional financial services. This strategic growth will help Dopay further its mission of providing accessible and efficient payroll solutions, ensuring financial inclusion for workers in nascent markets. Smart4Africa congratulates dopay and wish the team well in its expansion. 🚀💻 #TechForAll #EdtechInnovation #FundingAnnouncement #TechInvestment #StartupFunding #InnovationFunding #fintech #InvestInTech #EdTechGrowth #skincare #AgriTechInnovation #SustainableFood #EcommerceExpansion #BusinessGrowth #Renda #TechInnovation #BusinessScalability #AfricanStartup #ecommerce #agriculture #agritech #sustainability #GoGreen #Solar

MNT-Halan Secures $157.5 Million to Accelerate Fintech Ecosystem Expansion MNT-Halan , an Egyptian fintech startup founded in 2018 by Mounir Nakhla , has raised $157.5 million in a recent funding round. The investment comes from a notable group of investors, including the IFC - International Finance Corporation , Development Partners International (DPI) , Lorax Capital , Apis Partners , Lunate , and GB Corp Partners. MNT-Halan offers a wide range of digital finance solutions, including a consumer-transaction product, a merchant app, distributed payment processing software, and other payment services. The startup operates a proprietary fintech ecosystem that seamlessly connects vendors, microenterprises, and customers, serving millions across Egypt. With this significant funding boost, MNT-Halan aims to enhance its strategic growth and expansion plans, further solidifying its position as a leader in the fintech sector. The company is poised to scale its operations, extend its market reach, and continue innovating within the digital finance landscape. #Smart4Africa congratulates MNT-Halan and wish the team well in scaling up its operations. 🚀💻 #TechForAll #EdtechInnovation #FundingAnnouncement #TechInvestment #StartupFunding #InnovationFunding #fintech #InvestInTech #EdTechGrowth #skincare #AgriTechInnovation #SustainableFood #EcommerceExpansion #BusinessGrowth #Renda #TechInnovation #BusinessScalability #AfricanStartup #ecommerce #agriculture #agritech #sustainability #GoGreen #Solar

Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) Reopens Applications for 2024 The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Youth Development, has reopened applications for the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) program. Announced on the Ministry’s official X handle, the relaunch invites young entrepreneurs to apply for financial support aimed at fostering business growth and innovation. Approval of the NYIF In May, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), under the leadership of the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, approved the allocation of N110 billion in capital. This funding is designated for startups and early growth stage businesses targeting the youth demographic. Dr. Bio-Ibrahim emphasized the program's goals of promoting well-being, excellence, national unity, and sustainable development, enabling young Nigerians to realize their potential and contribute to national progress. About the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) The NYIF, launched by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, aims to empower Nigerian youth by providing financial support to start or expand their businesses. The fund addresses challenges young entrepreneurs face in accessing capital, offering a variety of financial instruments including loans, grants, and equity. This initiative promotes economic growth, job creation, and youth empowerment across various sectors. Initially established in 2020 with ₦75 billion, the NYIF aims to generate at least 500,000 jobs between 2020 and 2023, funded with an initial seed capital of N12.5 billion. The Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan, developed by the FMYSD, seeks to address youth employment challenges and provide the necessary investment inputs for successful, sustainable businesses. Objectives of the NYIF a. Reduce youth unemployment** by fostering entrepreneurship. b. Provide affordable finance** to young entrepreneurs. c. Support youth-led businesses** in achieving sustainable growth. d. Encourage innovation and creativity** among the youth. e. Create job opportunities** and improve the standard of living. Highlights of the 2024 NYIF Program 1. Fund Size: N110 Billion 2. Disbursement Limits: N50,000,000 3. Tenor: Maximum of 5 years 4. Interest Rate: 5% For more information and to apply, visit the official application link for the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund NYIF 2024. https://lnkd.in/d46WkCjW #Smart4africa AU-EU Youth Cooperation Hub Youth Opportunities 🚀💻 #TechForAll #EdtechInnovation #FundingAnnouncement #TechInvestment #StartupFunding #InnovationFunding #InvestInTech #EdTechGrowth #skincare #AgriTechInnovation #SustainableFood #EcommerceExpansion #BusinessGrowth #Renda #TechInnovation #BusinessScalability #AfricanStartup #ecommerce #agriculture #agritech #sustainability #GoGreen #Solar

d.light Secures $176 Million Securitization Facility to Scale Solar Energy Solutions d.light , a pioneer in sustainable energy founded in 2007 by Nedjip Tozun and Sam Goldman, has secured a $176 million securitization facility from African Frontier Capital. Specializing in the production and distribution of solar lighting and power products, d.light serves Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia with an array of sustainable energy solutions, including portable solar lanterns. The company’s innovative PayGo finance product enhances accessibility to solar-powered products for individuals in low-income households and underserved communities. With this substantial funding, d.light plans to scale up its PayGo consumer finance solution, further extending its reach and impact on providing affordable, sustainable energy to millions of people. #Smart4Africa congratulates d.light and wish the team well in scaling up its PayGo consumer finance solution. _ 🚀💻 #TechForAll #EdtechInnovation #FundingAnnouncement #TechInvestment #StartupFunding #InnovationFunding #InvestInTech #EdTechGrowth #skincare #AgriTechInnovation #SustainableFood #EcommerceExpansion #BusinessGrowth #Renda #TechInnovation #BusinessScalability #AfricanStartup #ecommerce #agriculture #agritech #sustainability #GoGreen #Solar

Bio-Logical Secures $1.3 Million to Expand Carbon Sequestration and Fertilizer Production Bio-Logical , a climate tech startup founded in 2022 by Rory Buckworth and Philip Hunter , has raised $1.3 million in funding. The investment comes from CrossBoundary Group , Redshaw Advisors Ltd , and Steyn Group . The company leverages technological innovations to sequester carbon from agricultural waste, converting it into useful fertilizers. Bio-Logical's solutions are utilized in various land and forest regeneration projects, contributing to environmental sustainability. With the new funding, Bio-Logical plans to expand its biochar facility to increase production capacity. This expansion aims to enhance the productivity of smallholder farmers in Kenya, supporting sustainable agriculture and boosting crop yields. #Smart4Africa congratulates Bio-Logical and wish the team well in their expansion efforts _ 🚀💻 #TechForAll #EdtechInnovation #FundingAnnouncement #TechInvestment #StartupFunding #InnovationFunding #InvestInTech #EdTechGrowth #skincare #AgriTechInnovation #SustainableFood #EcommerceExpansion #BusinessGrowth #Renda #TechInnovation #BusinessScalability #AfricanStartup #ecommerce #agriculture #agritech

If you’re a startup at the pre-seed or early seed stage. Apply to the call antler.co/apply#location They are specifically looking for teams in the following areas: ✔ Big problem statements ✔ Tech or tech-enabled ✔ Building out of East Africa Antler #Smart4Africa -+ 🚀💻 #TechForAll #EdtechInnovation #FundingAnnouncement #TechInvestment #StartupFunding #InnovationFunding #InvestInTech #EdTechGrowth #skincare #AgriTechInnovation #SustainableFood #EcommerceExpansion #BusinessGrowth #Renda #TechInnovation #BusinessScalability #AfricanStartup #ecommerce