Tech in Africa

Alarming disparity! The stats are clear: female-led startups in Africa are severely underfunded, receiving only 5% of startup funding in 2024. It's imperative that we bridge this gap by mobilizing more resources to support female founders. Collective action is needed to create a more inclusive and equitable startup ecosystem

𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮’𝘀 𝗘-𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻! 🌍 👋 Seller Africa is redefining global e-commerce for African entrepreneurs. 🎉 Empowering African entrepreneurs to access global markets 🇳🇬 Founded with a vision to connect authentic African products to the world 🏙️ Tailored to meet the unique challenges of African SMEs 💰 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀: • Local Payment Integration: Supporting mobile money and local currencies • Rural Connectivity: Optimised for low-bandwidth environments • Multilingual Support: Bridging communication gaps with multiple African languages 🚀 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗦𝗼 𝗙𝗮𝗿: 💵 Increased Seller Participation: A growing number of SMEs joining the platform 💵 Revenue Growth: Significant income increases through targeted marketing and reliable logistics 💵 Efficient Delivery Systems: Next-day delivery to fulfilment centres 💵 Affordable Cost Structures: Competitive fees and commission rates 🎨 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: • Vibrant textiles, jewellery, organic beauty products, and artisanal foods 🛡️ 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀: • Rigorous Quality Control and Verified Seller Initiatives • Positive Marketing Campaigns to reshape global perceptions 🌱 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 & 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: • Ethical, sustainable products appeal to conscious consumers • Upcoming mobile app enhancements and AI-powered shopping experiences 🌍 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵: Strategic collaborations with Prosper Africa, PAC-ADE, Nigeria Export Promotion Council, and global logistics providers to connect African products to international markets. To learn more( https://lnkd.in/dt4A-FQH)

🇹🇿 Join Our Team as a Startup Support Lead in #Tanzania! Do you have a drive for innovation and a knack for mentoring early-stage startups? Be part of StartHub Africa and help shape the success of startups in our portfolio. ➡️ Discover more and apply here: starthubafrica.org/careers #Hiringnow| #Tanzania

🌍 Looking for a mission-driven #GeneralPartner to help shape the future of sustainable #innovation in #Africa! 🌍 On behalf of one of our partners, we are seeking a seasoned investment professional to join the team of a new venture capital fund launching in Q2 2025. 💼 This fund will invest in innovative early-stage startups across Africa, focusing on #sustainable and impactful technologies. 🌱 Based in Nairobi, #Kenya, the team will source and support the most promising founders tackling some of the continent's greatest challenges. 💻 If you have 8-15 years of VC/PE experience, a track record of successful investments, and a deep understanding of the African startup ecosystem, we want to hear from you! 🔍 Interested in making a difference? Click 'Easy apply' to submit your CV or write us at admin@kili.ventures sharing brief cover letter. #VentureCapital #Africa #Sustainability #TechForGood #GrowthOpportunity

So what’s going on in the African startup, tech & investment ecosystem? Here are a few announcements, opportunities & resources worth checking out. Week 49 (2024) Post #112 Links in 1st comment - reference emojis👇 SPOTLIGHT 🧐 Last week saw the 2nd annual South African Startup Awards ceremony in Cape Town. After weeks of anticipation, thousands of public votes & careful adjudication by the 25-person all-star judging committee, startups across twelve categories were showcased & celebrated. Big congratulations to Mathew Marsden & the entire team Startup Club ZA - winners tagged in image below. NEWS & RESOURCES 🇪🇺 $270m growth debt fund Bootstrap Europe opening Africa franchise. 🏆 15 winners at Africa leg of Global Startup Awards. 📝 Climate Investment Funds launch bond on London Stock Exchange. 🪑 ariika, the Egyptian home decor e-commerce platform, raises $3m. 💰 Hydromax, Kenyan energy startup, raises $9m to support hydroprojects. 🇿🇲 Digmo, a financial planning tools fintech startup, launches in Zambia 🇿🇦 SA township e-commerce platform, Word of Mouth, makes 30K+ deliveries. 👩🏽💻 StartupFuel wants to use its technology to combat misinformation for VCs. PROGRAMMES & OPPORTUNITIES 🔎 Stears is looking for a Head of Alternative Investments Data. 🇳🇬 EchoVC Partners is hiring an associate in Lagos, Nigeria. 💡Mastercard’s EdTech Fellowship is accepting applications for Cohort 3. ✅ Apply to the ABX Xelerate fintech accelerator now. EVENTS 📅 Mon 2nd: Visa Accelerator, Cape Town, South Africa. 📅 Tues 3rd-5th: SuperReturn Africa, Cape Town, South Africa. 📅 Tues 3rd-4th: AfricArena - Grand Summit, Cape Town, South Africa. 📅 Thurs 5th-7th: AfricaStartupConference Algiers, Algeria. 🇿🇦 Over the next month Cape Town will play host to the Pan-African Tech & Investor Ecosystem for key events & we put together a live calendar for it. 👉 To find out more about Africa Tech & Investment focused events then check out my annual African Tech Events Watchlist - 2024 Edition. 🔥 Person to Follow #79 - Tamim El Zein is an investor who has years of experience working in private equity and venture capital. Previously, he worked in strategy at firms like Arthur D. Little and IDEMIA before, taking up a senior position at Newfund as the Venture Capital Investment Director. He is currently a partner at Seedstars Africa Ventures where he primarily invests in early-stage startups across the sub-Saharan Africa region. 🎙️ Afrobility: Africa Tech and Business Podcast hosted by Olumide Ogunsanwo and Bankole Makanju. The podcast discusses and analyses African tech startups and companies and the impact and contribution these companies have made to the continent. The latest episode of the podcast covers Piggyvest, the Nigerian savings and investment platform. #Startups #Tech #Investment #Africa

🌟 Investors are looking to explore opportunities in SA’s start-up scene🌟 Angel investor Tendai Shamu has his sights set on South Africa’s growing startup ecosystem, emphasizing that the country is filled with potential but requires stronger support structures to foster innovation. 💡 Shamu believes the time is ripe for investors to dive into South African startups. "We need more accelerators, incubators, and interdisciplinary collaboration," he says. With the right backing, Shamu sees immense potential in the country's infrastructure and entrepreneurial spirit. 📈 Growth and Challenges: South Africa's startup scene is vibrant, led by young, ambitious entrepreneurs—particularly in fintech and edtech. However, it faces hurdles, like brain drain and infrastructure issues. The South African Startup Act and supportive organizations like the Silicon Cape Initiative and Endeavor South Africa are crucial in addressing these challenges and creating a robust foundation for entrepreneurs. 💰 Investor Interest: International investors, especially from Europe, are increasingly eyeing South Africa as an entry point into Africa's burgeoning markets. However, Shamu highlights the importance of trusted local partnerships to navigate the unique landscape. 🤝 Advice for Startups: Shamu encourages founders to validate real problems, test solutions, and focus on significant market opportunities. “If you can clearly show your value to customers, the investors will follow.” South Africa is evolving as a global startup hub—one with challenges but vast opportunities. Let’s continue building an ecosystem that empowers local talent and attracts international investment. 🌍🚀 Click the link in bio to read more on this article: https://bit.ly/4eIHTId #SouthAfrica #Startups #AngelInvestment #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Investment

🌍🚨MAPPING THE AFRICAN TECH ECOSYSTEM🚨🌍 🇰🇪 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪 Today, the Kenyan startup ecosystem goes live - the first tech ecosystem platform in Africa. (👀 Rwanda & Ethiopia coming soon too!) Comprehensively mapped for the very first time, this detailed and open access resource is proudly powered by Dealroom, in strong collaboration and partnership with Systemic Innovation and GrowthAfrica #Kenya is one of the fastest growing sub-Saharan economies and it’s fast emerging as one of Africa’s most innovative tech hubs. Explore the entirety of Kenya’s tech ecosystem, including 🏙️ 2,530 companies 💰 Funding: Kenyan startups have raised more than $2B since 2019 🕵️♀️ Deep dive into the Fintech, Health and Food & Agritech sectors The RISA Fund Dr. Tonny K. Omwansa, PhD Ian Lorenzen Cecil Kang'ara Agnes Tsuma Mercy Kimalat George Windsor Lydiah Zachary Mbadi Olila, PhD. Obama Joseph Nick Graham Leonardo Brucato Nanae Nomura Geofrey Oduwo Trudy Natabona - MPRSK Belinda Bowling Professor Florence Muindi Jackson Kinyanjui Grace Wachori Mark Lawler Joy Kiiru Micah Kiplagat Jordan Kyongo MSc, MPH, PhD Christine Rukunga

Startup Business in Africa: A Marathon, Not a Sprint Startup business in Africa is not an #EASYRIDE but rewarding endeavor. However, it's important to recognize that it's not a sprint, but a marathon. The African market is complex and diverse, and it takes time to build a sustainable business that can withstand the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities. Africa's diverse markets, infrastructure constraints, cultural differences, limited access to funding, and fierce competition pose significant challenges for startups. To succeed, entrepreneurs must embrace a long-term vision, prioritize customer-centricity, and be adaptable and resilient. Building a successful startup in Africa requires a marathon mindset. Entrepreneurs must set realistic goals, understand their customers' needs, and be prepared to adjust their business model as the market evolves. Resilience and grit are also essential to overcome the inevitable challenges. Collaboration is key in the African startup ecosystem. Startups should seek partnerships with other startups, investors, and industry experts to leverage resources and expertise. By working together, startups can increase their chances of success. Building a successful startup in Africa is not an easy task, but it is possible with the right mindset and approach. By embracing the marathon mindset, overcoming challenges, and collaborating with others, entrepreneurs can navigate the complexities of the African market and achieve their goals.

𝗠𝗧𝗡 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗟𝗘𝗢 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮’𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 🌍 🚀 MTN is exploring partnerships with Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite providers to expand network coverage in Africa’s rural and remote regions, where broadband and fibre connectivity remain limited. 🌐 LEO satellites orbit closer to Earth, offering faster speeds and lower latency, making affordable, reliable internet access a reality for underserved communities. 📈 This initiative is part of MTN’s broader strategy to connect unserved areas and strengthen its continental presence. Pilot projects are already underway in key regions. 🛡️ Meanwhile, South Africa’s Independent Communications Authority is preparing regulations for LEO satellite operators to ensure fairness and compliance. 🔬 This move builds on MTN’s 5.5G trials, Africa’s first, showcasing a commitment to innovation as a driver for growth after recent financial challenges, including declining revenues in Nigeria. 🌟 If successful, this satellite initiative could position MTN as a leader in bridging the digital divide while boosting its financial performance. Learn more(:https://lnkd.in/dB5GQrbT

𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗴𝗮 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 $𝟳𝟱𝗠 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱 🌍 🚀 Breega known for supporting startups like Moneybox and Curve has secured $52m for its new $75m African fund, with a final close expected by year-end. 📍 The firm has opened offices in Lagos, Nigeria, and Cape Town, South Africa, focusing on investments in: 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇰🇪 Kenya, and Francophone countries like Morocco, Senegal, and Ivory Coast. 💵 Breega will invest $100k to $2m in seed-stage startups, reserving 30-40% for follow-on rounds. 🔑 Focus Areas include agritech, edtech, healthtech, fintech, logistics, energy, and climate solutions. 🗨️ Co-founder Ben Marrel highlights Africa’s booming population (2.5 billion by 2050) as a massive opportunity: “You need to feed, house, educate, and care for these people. The opportunities are endless.” 🌟 Breega has already invested in nine African startups, including Sava, Kwara, and Numida, with plans to drive even greater impact. Learn more: (https://lnkd.in/g9uaYZZw) #Innovation #AfricaTech #Breega #Startups