In 2020, 60% of Africa’s population was under 25 and its tech-savvy youth population is set to double by 2030, making up 42% of the world’s youth. This represents a significant opportunity to expand Africa’s tech talent pool, create broad-based jobs within the AI industry, and drive economic growth.

Africa’s AI ecosystem is home to more than 127 hubs with South Africa hosting the largest concentration (22%), followed by Nigeria (12%), Egypt (12%), and Kenya (10%) all of which play instrumental roles in overcoming barriers and accelerating economic and talent development.

The report highlights six components of a cluster driving AI innovations in Africa: grassroots AI communities, academia, human capital, policymakers, Big Tech, and investors. Among them, grassroots AI communities comprising data scientists and AI professionals have emerged as a strong nucleus for Africa’s AI landscape. Groups like Data Science Africa, Deep Learning Indaba, and Data Science Nigeria are shaping the future by building skills, showcasing African AI research globally, attracting investments, and creating jobs. The communities bring people and ideas together, connecting local talent with global opportunities, from international events to everyday WhatsApp chats, sparking growth and innovation across the continent.

Using qualitative and quantitative methods to uncover key insights, it is assessed that while the grassroots initiatives remain critical in bridging the continent’s AI skills gap, offering upskilling opportunities and job placements, limited resources constrain their potential. This highlights a collective drive by all components of innovation clusters is essential to advance a thriving ecosystem.

To achieve this, the report offers the following recommendations:

• Academia should expand AI programs, train more professors, and align university curricula with industry needs.
• Policymakers and African governments should develop comprehensive national AI strategies that balance innovation with ethical safeguards.
• The government should also prioritize infrastructure development such as reliable electricity, affordable internet, and better data access to support AI growth.
• Big Tech should foster fair partnerships that empower local ecosystems, prioritize knowledge transfer, and protect data sovereignty.
• Investors should diversify funding beyond health and agriculture to unlock AI’s potential in other critical sectors including education and financial inclusion.
• Donors should invest heavily in human capital development initiatives, particularly those focused on youth employment. They fund training programs, scholarships, and fellowships that aim to build a pipeline of skilled AI professionals.

Commenting on the report, Abbie Phatty-Jobe, Research and Engagement Manager at Caribou Digital, said AI harnessed collaboratively has the power to positively shape the African employment landscape and boost the economy.

“In collaboration with our research partners, we have explored emerging clusters within the distinct context of Africa to address critical challenges and accelerate development; their success depends on a collective strategic approach that tackles inclusivity and targeted investment in local talent and infrastructure,” Phatty-Jobe explained in a press statement. “By empowering grassroots communities, strengthening academia-industry ties, and fostering equitable partnerships, we can build an AI ecosystem that truly reflects Africa’s unique strengths and aspirations.”

Speaking about the key role of grassroots communities in driving innovations, Wadzi Comfort a researcher and digital economy expert, noted that the emergent AI innovation clusters across Africa showcase remarkable ingenuity and potential in the face of scarce resources.

“Tech-savvy, motivated young people; —our greatest asset emerging from Africa’s youth population boom; are spearheading local AI-powered solutions to address local challenges, demonstrating exceptional agency and creativity,” said Wadzi. “These innovations span a wide spectrum, including AI-powered diagnostic tools, Informal educational academies, Large Language Models (LLMs) in local languages, community-driven knowledge-sharing platforms, and collaborative tech convenings.”

Wadzi further says youth-driven initiatives and their innovators merit substantial support and resources to accompany their agency and foster their growth and impact.

Private investors, African governments, and donors not only provide crucial financial resources but also shape the direction of innovation by prioritizing specific areas of investment. Venture capital for DeepTech startups has soared from USD$86 million (approx. UGX315.33 billion) in 2015 to USD$1.2 billion in 2023, with over 300 investors—65% based in Africa—and 127 innovation hubs driving growth.

Key government initiatives, like Nigeria’s AI Research Scheme and South Africa’s AI Institute, alongside philanthropic support from the Mastercard Foundation and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will keep creating an environment that addresses local challenges, drives innovation, and positions Africa at the forefront of AI technology.

The report employs the snowball research method to conduct in-depth interviews with 25 African AI experts, including policymakers, educators, and industry leaders, uncovering the state, challenges, and opportunities for AI innovation clusters. It also highlights insights from 18 young tech professionals involved in AI or tech fields from Zindi, Africa’s largest data science community, on their skills, job prospects, challenges, and AI’s impact on employment. Additionally, the report includes a comprehensive review of academic studies, policy documents, and reports on AI, innovation clusters, and youth employment across Africa.

Editor’s Note: To download the full report (HERE).

The post Report: AI Insights For Addressing Youth Unemployment and Empowering Africa’s Workforce appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the summit was organized by TotalEnergies in partnership with AWS Startups, Technology Innovation Agency, GIZ SAIS, ESquared Investments, Wesgro, and The City of Cape Town.

Alderman James Voss, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth in the City of Cape Town expressed his delight at being present at the event, describing Cape Town as South Africa’s leading tech ecosystem and he highlighted the importance of ensuring innovation and investment opportunities meet through catalytic partnerships that promote unique African designed solutions geared at solving world problems.

During his welcome address, Viarnaud acknowledged that the last two years have been tough for both founders and investors navigating the funding winter while they focus on solving complex problems. He reminded investors, startup founders, and ecosystem builders in the room that a downturn in the economy is a good time to invest, especially when it comes to investing in the African tech asset class. He said;

Now is the time to invest, Africa is not waiting for the future, we are shaping it.

Viarnaud reflected on the early days of AfricArena in 2017 when only about USD$300 million (approx. UGX1.097 trillion) in funding was flowing into the African continent; he highlighted the remarkable growth, noting that venture capital funding has now surpassed $2 billion this year.

His message to founders, investors, ecosystem organizations and government is that we must, “Believe we will prevail as an African tech ecosystem for if we believe we can build better, aim higher, think big and don’t go home, the investors will follow us because if we are long on this asset class, this asset class will ultimately lead.”

Over 100 startups from 31 African countries, including the TotalEnergies Startupper Challenge winners attended the summit and 45 were selected to pitch their ventures. Nine (9) out of the 45 startups emerged as winners among Africa’s best tech startups in their respective categories —and each won USD$25,000 (approx. UGX91.5 million) in AWS Activate credits.

The AfricArena Grand Summit winners were:

1. Best AI and Deep Tech Startup Award: OkHi (Nigeria).
2. Best Agri Tech Startup Award: Djoli (Ivory Coast).
3. Best Fintech Startup Award: Joro Cash (Morocco).
4. Best Climate Tech Startup Award: Gjenge Makers (Kenya).
5. Best SaaS Startup Award: Cynoia (Tunisia).
6. Best Seed Startup Award: Letsoela Agro-Aviation (Lesotho).
7. Best Startupper Award: Anda (Angola).
8. Most Value Add Investor Award: Knife Capital.
9. Most Promising Entrepreneur: Gael Egbidi (Togo).

Roger Norton, Chief Product Officer at OkHi was thrilled his startup won the Best AI and Deep Tech Startup Award in Africa. “We do address verification in an unsexy, regulated environment, and winning the top AI startup award is great validation that you can apply cutting-edge technology in typically slow-moving sectors.” He added, “Particularly to help accelerate digital transformation and enable economic agency for even the most disadvantaged communities.”

Solimi co-founder and CEO Gael Egbid was overwhelmed with her win. “I feel very proud and happy—this is huge for me, my country, and my company,” she said. “Being recognized as the Most Promising Entrepreneur means a lot because it highlights the innovation coming from Togo here in South Africa, where we have so many amazing startups. I want to thank AfricArena, my country, and my company for this incredible honor.”

Stunned at winning the best investor pitch, Ayanda Bolani, an Investor Associate at Knife Capital accepted the Most Value Add Investor Award on behalf of Knife Capital. “This is a very beautiful moment of recognition,” said Bolani.

Keet van Zyl, co-founder, and partner at Knife Capital, shared the significance of winning the Most Value Add Investor Award, highlighting Knife Capital’s commitment to supporting their portfolio companies beyond just providing capital. He emphasized that focusing on not only funding but also providing companies with networks helps to add strategic value and validates Knife Capital’s approach to attract quality companies seeking investors who contribute more than just funding.

Van Zyl also noted the pride in having team members represent the firm, reflecting its growth and evolution.

Knife Capital continues to play a key role in Africa’s tech and investment landscape, including the USD$50 million (approx. UGX182.87 billion) African Series B expansion fund, Knife Fund III, aimed at bridging funding gaps for scalable South African B2B tech companies.

Recognitions like this award reinforce Knife Capital’s leadership in supporting innovation-driven businesses across the continent.

AfricArena has established itself as a leading platform dedicated to creating market access and fostering investment opportunities for a growing community of tech founders, angel investors, corporate innovators, and venture capitalists. Designed with a digital-first mindset, AfricArena operates through a series of high-impact investment deal flow events, tailored interventions, and an open-source platform that champions the principles of open innovation and entrepreneurship.

In just eight years since its launch, they have earned significant credibility within the global tech startup ecosystem, with alumni startups collectively raising over USD$850 million (approx. UGX3.108 trillion) in funding.

The post Nine Startups Among Africa’s Best Recognized at AfricArena Grand Summit appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

With one in two people lacking access to essential healthcare, leveraging innovation and developing new models for scaling access to healthcare is critical. Health entrepreneurship, particularly women-led models, is fundamental to addressing this gap. WiNFUND is on a mission to transform healthcare access to the most vulnerable by leveraging the power of female entrepreneurship. It advocates for equitable access to financing and invests in the power of women-led startups addressing global health challenges.

WiNFUND is more than just a financial partner; it’s a movement to amplify women’s voices in healthcare innovation. By supporting female-led initiatives, they seek to drive meaningful change in the health sector while promoting gender equity in entrepreneurship.

The non-profit initiative is searching for ambitious and innovative women entrepreneurs whose solutions are already making a difference in healthcare across Africa. Here are the key criteria:

• Ventures must be women-led, emphasizing the power of women in shaping the future of healthcare.
• Solutions should directly address access to healthcare in Africa, tackling pressing challenges such as affordability, availability, or quality of services.
• Applicants should be operating ventures at the revenue stage, ready to scale, and able to demonstrate their investability.
• WiNFUND values innovative and sustainable business models that ensure long-term success while delivering measurable social and economic benefits.

Selected entrepreneurs will receive up to USD$250,000 (approx. UGX925.5 million) in funding. This significant financial boost is designed to help ventures scale their solutions, reach more communities, and achieve greater impact.

The prize goes beyond financial gain —as WiNFUND opens doors to an expansive network of industry partners, investors, and other entrepreneurs. This ecosystem is vital for building collaborations, securing additional resources, and navigating the challenges of scaling a business. In addition, WiNFUND provides bespoke support to help businesses thrive. From strategic guidance to operational advice, entrepreneurs gain access to the tools and expertise needed for sustainable growth.

WiNFUND’s initiative has already demonstrated the transformative potential of supporting women entrepreneurs. Previous funding cycles have enabled startups to expand their reach to underserved communities, innovate & scale solutions that improve maternal health, chronic disease management, and health education, and build sustainable models that attract additional funding and partnerships.

Women play a critical role in Africa’s healthcare ecosystem, often as caregivers, nurses, and community health workers. However, their contributions as innovators and entrepreneurs remain underrepresented. Supporting women in leadership positions ensures diverse perspectives in problem-solving, leading to more inclusive and effective healthcare solutions.

The WiNFUND initiative is a remarkable example of how technology and innovation can drive social impact, especially in the healthcare sector, which is critical for the growth and development of any nation. By supporting women-led health startups, WiNFUND is empowering women entrepreneurs to solve complex healthcare challenges, create jobs, and make a positive difference in their communities —in other words, it’s fostering systemic change that benefits entire communities.

WiNFUND is partly financed through the sale of WiNFUND non-fundable tokens (NFTs) designed by Rwandan artist Christella Bijou. The collection has been supported and made available in close collaboration with Tokenproof.

The deadline to apply for the fund is December 13, 2024, at 3pm CEST (5pm EAT). APPLY HERE (LINK)

The post Women-led Health Innovations Across Africa Invited to Apply For WiNFUND appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Speaking on the announcement, Zeineb Messaoud, the Director of Community at AfriLabs, said the addition of the hubs underscores AfriLabs’ commitment to building a united and inclusive innovation ecosystem that transcends borders and fosters impactful collaborations. “Each of these new members brings unique expertise and vibrant energy, further empowering communities to leverage technology and innovation for sustainable development,” she said in a press statement. “We are excited to work with them to create meaningful opportunities and drive growth across Africa.”

The newly added hubs include;

West Africa: from Nigeria; VORTEX CENTRAL, Lhaude Africa, darey.io (Xterns Community), KRISTINA JADE CENTER, and CorestreamNG — from Ghana; INOVTECH FOUNDATION & Centre for Enterprise Learning, Wislaw Education & Support Fund, and Enactus UMaT — from Burkina Faso; Mektoub.

East Africa: from Kenya; The Lolwe AI Hub and JHUB Africa.

Southern Africa: from South Africa; Empire Partner Foundation, I’M IN STARTUP HUB, and Savant Technology Incubator — from Lesotho; Lesotho Entrepreneurship Hub & Seed Financing Facility, and the Makhala Thekiso Foundation.

Central Africa: from Cameroon; Boris Bison Youth Empowerment Business Incubator (BBYEBI).

Joanna Jacqueline Govender, CEO of Empire Partner Foundation and EPF Tech Fund noted that joining the AfriLabs Community is more than a partnership; it’s the convergence of shared dreams and a united vision for Africa’s future.

“As a Pan-African AI foundation, we are honored to stand alongside a network of changemakers committed to creating meaningful impact, empowering communities, and writing Africa’s next chapter of progress and resilience,” said Govender. “Together, we are building a legacy that will echo for generations.”

Govender further said, “At the Empire Partner Foundation, we are driven by the belief that innovation knows no borders and that through collaboration, we can scale transformative solutions that touch lives across the continent.”

Dr. Lawrence Nderu, Founder of JHUB Africa, said, “By joining AfriLabs, JHUB Africa unlocks a pan-African network of mentorship and collaboration, expanding opportunities and ensuring talent connects with the resources it deserves.”

These new additions mark a significant milestone in reinforcing AfriLabs’ role as a catalyst for transformative change and regional integration within Africa’s innovation landscape. The new additions bring the total to 496 hubs represented in over 260 cities across 53 African nations.

The post AfriLabs Welcomes 18 New Hubs to its Thriving Pan-African Network appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

“We’re delighted to welcome Raenest back as our headline partner for the seventh edition of ATS Nairobi,” said Andrew Fassnidge, Founder of Africa Tech Summit. “Our mission has always been to help ventures across the continent and beyond connect and scale, and Raenest’s commitment to empowering African businesses to manage global financial operations aligns perfectly with this.”

The seventh edition of Africa Tech Summit Nairobi which will powered by Raenest, will take place from February 12th to 13th, 2025, at the Sarit Expo Centre and is expected to gather over 2,000 industry leaders, corporates, investors and international delegation across Africa and globally.

Victor Alde, CEO and Co-Founder of Raenest sharing his thoughts on the renewed partnership, said, “We are thrilled to continue as the headline sponsor of Africa Tech Summit Nairobi. This platform is pivotal in celebrating African innovation and connecting the continent to the global economy.” He added “At Raenest, our vision is to empower African businesses and professionals by simplifying how they manage and move money globally.”

Raenest continues to redefine global financial management for African businesses and freelancers, providing innovative solutions that simplify cross-border transactions. Through its flagship platform, Geegpay, African professionals can easily open virtual USD, GBP, and EUR bank accounts, enabling them to receive payments from clients worldwide.

“With Raenest and Geegpay, we’re not just creating financial solutions, we’re building a bridge that enables Africa’s entrepreneurs, freelancers, and startups to thrive on the global stage,” Alde said in a press statement. “Being part of this summit allows us to amplify our impact and further support Africa’s dynamic tech ecosystem.”

Following the success of the past events, Africa Tech Summit Nairobi 2025 will feature four key track themes: Africa Money & DeFi Summit, Africa Climate Tech & Investment Summit, Africa Startup Summit, and the Africa Mobile & App Summit.

The summit will deliver a packed agenda of fireside chats, panel discussions, keynote addresses, and masterclass sessions, creating a platform for knowledge sharing and networking.

The event will also feature Africa Tech Summit Awards to celebrate outstanding achievements across the ecosystem. In addition, the Investment Showcase will be featured as well to connect startups with leading African and global investors.

Last year’s event saw a record 1,750 delegates and 800 companies from 64 countries convene, cementing Africa Tech Summit Nairobi one of the most vibrant and energetic cornerstone events of the African tech ecosystem.

The post Nigerian Fintech, Raenest Returns as Headline Sponsor for Africa Tech Summit Nairobi 2025 appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

With 31 live IPS in 26 countries and another 27 nations preparing to launch their own systems, the report paints a picture of a rapidly evolving financial ecosystem that holds immense promise for Africa’s underserved communities.

In just five years, the volume and value of transactions processed through IPS in Africa have grown by 37% and 39%, respectively. This growth reflects a broader trend of digital payment adoption, driven by increasing mobile phone penetration, fintech innovation, and regulatory support.

However, while IPS systems are reaching more people, no system has fully achieved mature inclusivity, that enables a broad range of digital payment use cases, accessible to all, affordable and centered around transparent consumer recourse mechanisms. Women and other vulnerable groups still face barriers in adopting digital payments due to concerns around security, fraud, and network reliability.

The report underscores that while significant progress has been made, true financial inclusivity remains a challenge. Recourse mechanisms to address fraud and privacy concerns remain critical gaps, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women, who continue to report feeling unsafe using digital payment platforms.

“AfricaNenda and its partners are calling for a collective push to expand IPS and deliver solutions that cater to every citizen, particularly those in rural and underserved areas. The goal is to ensure universal financial inclusion by 2030, a vision that could be realized if the 27 planned IPS initiatives are successfully implemented,” stated Dr. Robert Ochola, CEO of AfricaNenda.

The report’s methodology integrates multiple data sources, including survey responses from IPS operators and central banks, a comprehensive cataloging of IPS systems across Africa, and consumer research conducted in five countries—Algeria, Ethiopia, Guinea, Mauritius, and Uganda. Additionally, experts’ interviews from across the continent, alongside detailed case studies from Mauritius, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, offer a nuanced view of the trends, barriers, and opportunities for IPS in Africa. Together, these insights provide a holistic understanding of the evolving digital payments landscape and the critical challenges that remain for achieving full financial inclusion.

“Access to safe, low-cost, and efficient digital payments has the potential to transform lives, remove the gender gap in finance, making people in emerging markets more financially resilient and foster growth of digital economy and access to capital for small businesses and women,” said Jean Pesme, Global Director of Finance at the World Bank.

“As SIIPS 2024 shows countries in the Africa region have made remarkable progress on fast payment systems, more needs to be done through new use cases, the promotion of fintech and the involvement of the private sector. As part of its financing and technical assistance and through Project FASTT, the World Bank is helping countries realize the transformative potential of fast payment systems, by learning from each other and driving change to meet market demands,” added Pesme.

“ECA is committed to partnering with AfricaNenda and key stakeholders to support Member States in building trusted, interoperable, and instant payment systems. This collaboration addresses the growing demand for seamless transaction systems, fostering continent-wide economic integration and financial inclusion, and significantly advancing frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) while aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 for an integrated Africa. The SIIPs report is a valuable contribution, offering the latest rigorous insights that guide progress toward these ambitious goals,” Stephen Karingi; Director at the Regional Integration and Trade Division of the Economic Commission for Africa.

The SIIPS Report 2024 highlights several opportunities to accelerate progress, from driving innovation through fintech licensing to addressing gender disparities, and ensuring every country has access to a domestic IPS. With more countries building the payment’ layer of their digital public infrastructure, there is a growing sense of momentum toward enabling seamless cross border payments across Africa through a mesh of inclusive and interconnected instant payment systems.

The post AfricaNenda Launch the 2024 SIIPS Report, Charting Africa’s Progress in Inclusive Digital Payments appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

These fellows play a pivotal role in analyzing AU’s unit systems, identifying challenges in data management, and co-creating innovative solutions tailored to enhance efficiency. By fostering capacity-building among AU staff, the fellowship drives immediate improvements and ensures the sustainability of these innovations well beyond the fellowship term.

Launched in March 2024, the second edition of the fellowship programme attracted over 3,000 applications from young African innovators —and only 19 exceptional fellows were chosen from a rigorous selection process and deployed to 13 AU host units —where they will work on strengthening data processes, improving digital systems, and gaining valuable skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, and professional development.

Nanko Madu, Director of Programmes at AfriLabs, expressing optimism for the program’s impact said, the programme exemplifies the power of innovation to drive sustainable change.

“By placing top innovators within the African Union, we’re bridging the gap between talent and opportunity, laying the foundation for future leaders who will champion digital transformation across Africa,” said Madu in a press statement.

The fellows are:

The fellows shared their aspirations and excitement as they embarked on this journey;

“I anticipate that this fellowship will be a pivotal opportunity to collaborate with experts and develop innovative digital health solutions that not only enhance healthcare delivery but also inform evidence-based policies,” said Thokozile Manaka from Lesotho. “By leveraging data and technology, I aim to contribute to a sustainable framework that addresses Africa’s unique health challenges and drives systemic improvements across the continent.”

“As I embark on this fellowship, I see it as a crucible for transformative change. I’m eager to learn from Africa’s brightest minds, contribute my expertise in digital development, network with visionaries across the continent, and ultimately take actions that will catalyze Africa’s digital revolution and transformation,” said Mekitmfon Herbert AwakEssien from Nigeria. “This is my chance to turn ideas into action, and action into impact.”

Kofi Mensah Abaya from Ghana said, “I am determined to collaborate on initiatives that enhance public health infrastructure and promote sustainable health outcomes across Africa.” Adds “In alignment with Agenda 2063, which envisions ‘an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa,’ I am of the view that digital health innovations can play a pivotal role in achieving these goals.”

The African Union Digital and Innovation Fellowship Program continues to embody the vision of Agenda 2063 by developing a network of skilled innovators who contribute directly to the growth and integration of digital solutions across AU’s core operations.

AfriLabs on the other hand remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster collaboration and advance Africa’s innovation landscape.

See also: TechBuzz Hub founder, Keneth Twesigye secures board position at AfriLabs

The post African Union Announce the 2nd Cohort of Fellows of its Digital and Innovation Fellowship Programme appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Instant Payment Systems (IPS) enable fast, reliable, and 24/7 digital transactions, a critical development in a world moving rapidly towards cashless economies. These systems allow users to transfer funds in real-time, across various platforms, and operate around the clock. However, IPS is not just about moving money quickly; it’s about fostering an equitable financial environment. AfricaNenda, a pioneer in the realm of IPS, is working to establish a uniquely Inclusive Instant Payment System (IIPS) framework in Africa. IIPS goes beyond efficiency, prioritizing accessibility and ensuring financial services reach all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic background.

Now in its third year, the State of Inclusive Instant Payment Systems (SIIPS) 2024 Report has become a trusted resource for understanding the IPS landscape in Africa. The report introduces the Inclusivity Spectrum, a categorization tool developed by AfricaNenda that maps IPS across Africa based on inclusivity, interoperability, and governance standards. This spectrum highlights the current standing of IPS while identifying areas with high potential for improvement. Each year, the SIIPS report offers an updated view of IPS inclusivity, measuring progress and suggesting key adjustments that could enhance financial access and inclusivity across the continent.

AfricaNenda’s Inclusivity Spectrum evaluates IPS based on several key benchmarks:

• Governance and Structure: Examines how inclusive and representative the governance of IPS is within each nation.
• Interoperability: Assesses the ease of transaction flows across different banks, platforms, and networks.
• Channel and Functionality Diversity: Looks at the various channels, functionalities, and use cases available within each IPS, measuring how adaptable and relevant these systems are to users with varying needs and economic profiles.

This spectrum is not only a measurement tool but a roadmap that guides the progression of IPS toward higher inclusivity, supporting African nations in the development of a financially inclusive ecosystem.

AfricaNenda stands as a leading advocate for inclusive digital payments in Africa. Through their dedicated work in IPS, they are addressing challenges that limit access to financial services for underserved communities. AfricaNenda envisions an Africa where financial access is a reality for everyone, from urban centers to remote regions. Their leadership in producing the SIIPS report, in partnership with UNECA and the World Bank, underscores their commitment to elevating financial inclusion on the continent and supporting economic growth through digital financial services.

What to expect from the SIIPS 2024 report

The 2024 SIIPS report promises to deliver a comprehensive analysis of Africa’s IPS, including an updated Inclusivity Spectrum with detailed evaluations of the IPS in various African nations. Attendees of the launch event in Accra will gain exclusive insights into the methodology and categorization criteria used in the Inclusivity Spectrum, enabling a better understanding of where each system stands and how it has evolved.

A glimpse of the key highlights in the report:

1. In-depth Analysis of Inclusivity and Consumer Trends: Examines trends in consumer behavior, access, and IPS usage across different demographics in Africa.
2. Case Studies: Presents real-world examples of IPS models in Africa that exemplify inclusive digital payment solutions.
3. Policy Recommendations and Strategic Goals: Provide policymakers, financial institutions, and other stakeholders with actionable recommendations to drive IPS inclusivity across the continent.

Financial inclusion is essential for equitable economic growth, particularly in Africa, where many individuals still lack access to basic financial services. Inclusivity in IPS enables all individuals, particularly those in rural and low-income communities, to participate fully in the digital economy. By fostering an environment where digital transactions are accessible to everyone, IPS not only facilitates economic activity but also empowers individuals by providing a secure and convenient way to manage their finances.

The Future of Inclusive Payment Systems in Africa

The SIIPS 2024 report will highlight the transformative potential of IPS and underscore the importance of continuous progress toward inclusivity. With AfricaNenda and its partners working tirelessly to enhance and expand IPS, the future of Africa’s financial landscape looks promising. As IPS systems across the continent evolve to meet higher inclusivity standards, Africa inches closer to achieving a financially inclusive economy where all voices are heard, and no one is left behind.

The SIIPS 2024 report launch in Accra on November 20 represents a step forward in advancing digital financial inclusion in Africa and an invitation for stakeholders to contribute to this transformative movement. The report’s findings and the discussions will spark a stand to benefit financial leaders, policymakers, and African citizens alike, driving sustainable, inclusive growth across Africa.

You can attend the event virtually (HERE IS THE LINK) to register.

The post AfricaNenda and Partners Will Launch the SIIPS 2024 Report in Accra appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Member at Large is a special board seat that allows the holder to take on special assignments as may be delegated by the board and oversee full execution. It’s an important position that allows the organization to respond to emerging high-priority interventions to serve better the welfare of Afrilabs members.

Stepping into this influential role, Twesigye will bring strategic acumen, passion, and drive to advance AfriLabs’ vision across Africa and globally. He joins fellow board members in shaping the strategic direction and governance of AfriLabs —this includes attending board meetings, contributing to decision-making, and supporting the engagement of internal and external stakeholders. However, what truly distinguishes this role is its focus on fostering collaboration within AfriLabs’ extensive network, a mission that perfectly aligns with Twesigye’s personal and professional aspirations.

“This position presents an incredible opportunity not only for my professional growth but also for contributing meaningfully to AfriLabs’ success,” Twesigye told PC Tech Magazine in a phone call. “I am thrilled to help build strategic networks that foster collaboration across the continent, propelling Africa’s innovation, technology, and entrepreneurial landscape forward.”

The selection for this prestigious role was highly competitive, with talented candidates from across Africa vying for the seat. Their journey to the board was driven by a deep-rooted passion for advancing technology and innovation across Africa. The nominees were Faten Aissi, Associate Director of Flat6Labs (Tunisia); Tochukwu Chukwueke, CEO of Clintonel Electronic Engineering (Nigeria); Ichraf Jarray, CEO and Founder of Hive12 in Sousse (Tunisia); and Kenneth Twesigye, CEO and Founder of TechBuzz Hub (Uganda).

Twesigye emerged victorious securing the role that will span an initial two-year term, with the possibility of re-election for an additional term.

“It’s a big win for East Africa to have an extra voice in Afrilabs,” David Ogiga; Co-founder of Sote Hub Kenya, and a Board Member for Afrilabs representing East Africa told PC Tech Magazine. “Twesigye is an astute leader who recently won recognition as best co-working space at the Global Startups Awards. With his new energy and vision, Afrilabs will eventually be a winner.”

This role will be performed remotely, with occasional in-person board meetings to strengthen collaboration and ensure strategic alignment. Ogiga noted that they expect Twesigye to bring new ideas and visions and to make AfriLabs more vibrant and impactful.

With a focus on strengthening AfriLabs’ impact, Twesigye’s responsibilities will include advising on policy, expanding strategic opportunities, leading committees, and fostering vital stakeholder relationships. These efforts are all aimed at advancing AfriLabs’ vision: a thriving innovation economy in Africa, supported by a strong, collaborative community.

“Serving AfriLabs aligns with my passion for empowering national startup networks, building capacity, and fostering strategic collaborations,” Twesigye commented. “I look forward to contributing to a future where African innovation is globally recognized and celebrated.”

Twesigye’s experience at TechBuzz has equipped them with a unique perspective that they aim to leverage in contributing to AfriLabs’ growth.

Commenting on Dr. Itoro Emembolu, whom Twesigye succeeded, Ogiga said, “Dr. Itoro played a crucial role, especially in research on key interventions needed and priorities for members.” He added, “It’s from her report that Afrilabs developed Moonshot ambitions to unlock USD$1 billion in funding for programs and projects; therefore, I expect Kenneth to follow in these giant footsteps.”

Jeremy Riro; Founder and Innovations Lead at Fie_Labs Innovation Hub in Kenya, and Board Treasurer at AfriLabs says Twesigye joins the AfriLabs Board at a time that the network that started with only 12 hubs has grown to a network of more than 500 hubs in 53 countries across Africa.

He further told PC Tech Magazine, that AfriLabs now requires experienced and visionary leaders to steer ahead of the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in the continent, and believes Twesigye who is an astute leader will bring his professional experience to the AfriLabs Board.

“With his proven track record in championing hub sustainability and startup ecosystem policies, I look forward to his contributions and leadership in championing the same at the continental level, as the Board Member at Large in AfriLabs,” Riro told PC Tech Magazine.

Also read:

• • ITU council welcomes AfriLabs as an ITU-D sector member
  • AfriLabs, KAF sign MoU to foster cross-continental startup growth
  • AfriLabs publishes reports offering insights into the AI startup ecosystem in Africa

AfriLabs with its secretariat in Abuja, Nigeria started in 2011 with NaiLab (Kenya), iHub (Kenya), Hive Colab (Uganda), Banta Labs (Senegal), and ActivSpaces (Cameroon). Today, the Pan-Afrikan hub network has over 500 innovation hubs from 53 African nations.

AfriLabs continues to serve as a driving force for innovation and entrepreneurship across Africa, providing its member hubs with access to resources, capacity-building programs, and networking opportunities to scale their impact.

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“We are so proud to have reached this incredible fifth-anniversary milestone of The Future is Female Mentorship Program,” said Claudine Moore, Founder of The Future is Female Mentorship Program, in a press statement. “In five years, we have supported hundreds of African female tech founders and are delighted to have support from long-term partners.

Moore added, “As we look forward to the future of the program, we remain committed to scaling the initiative with supporting African female founders as our priority objective.”

The 2024 edition powered by Allison is supported by Salesforce Ventures Impact Fund for the second year, joining longtime sponsors of the program including TechCabal, F6S; the world’s largest startup database, and Africa Communications Week; a global platform that connects communications professionals focused on Africa‘s transformation. The partnerships enable the program to provide additional perspectives, tools, and insights for the selected female founders and bring world-class and Pan-African PR insights from additional leading experts, complementing Allison’s global and African regional PR expertise.

As part of the partnerships;

• Salesforce Ventures Impact Fund, which has invested in some of Africa’s top tech startups including Flutterwave and Andela, will be hosting a masterclass on VC funding for the selected mentees of the program.
• TechCabal will lead a masterclass providing the finalists with insights on working with tech media and understanding how to position their startups to gain the attention of the tech press.
• Africa Communications Week will give the founders expanded Pan-African and multi-market PR expertise, a key component for many female founders whose startups cover multiple African countries.

The 20 selected finalists for the fifth edition of The Future is Female Mentorship Program will become mentees of the Program, making up the Class of 2024. During the selection process, special consideration was given to startups focusing on health, education, finance, agriculture, and sustainability. Startups that provide solutions and/or address African women’s and girls’ needs also received special consideration.

Once the 20 finalists have completed the program, they will gain insights into the fundamentals of PR and communications for early-stage tech startups, create a communications plan, storytelling best practices, strategic business communications with multiple stakeholders, and how to position their startups for investment opportunities, to mention but a few.

The program is delivered virtually, and the mentees are invited to participate in masterclasses and sessions customized to the specific needs of their sector and business.

Since the launch of The Future is Female Mentorship Program in 2020, there has been a 253% increase in applications across Africa. The program enables women to participate in the rapidly growing tech sector, paving the way for a future in which women not only participate but thrive in the African technology sector.

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