Kampala Impact Day 2024, a hybrid event is redefining the entrepreneurial landscape by empowering entrepreneurs with tools and connections to drive sustainable growth. Rooted in the Triple Bottom Line principle—People, Planet, and Profit—the event aims to provide an inclusive platform for social entrepreneurs to drive meaningful change within their communities and beyond. Entrepreneurs also have the opportunity to exhibit their businesses, highlighting innovative solutions that address societal challenges while promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth.

The Kampala Impact Day underscores the importance of collaboration among entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem leaders, fostering synergies that amplify impact.

One key activity of the event will be a pitching session, where six (6) entrepreneurs will present their ventures to a panel of potential investors. With only three minutes to captivate the audience, they will showcase their innovations, market potential, and readiness for investment. The stakes are high, as awards await those with the most compelling pitches, including recognition for innovation, teamwork, and business scalability. This competitive segment aims to inspire and reward excellence in social entrepreneurship.

The entrepreneurs that will be pitching include;

1. Ethan Bampeire; Founder of Neexa AI, an AI startup helping businesses sell more and grow effortlessly through automation of marketing and sales.
2. Emmanuel Twesigy; CEO and Co-founder of Everlend Agritech Limited, a B2B digital platform that allows smallholder farmers access climate-resilient food crop seeds for planting. The platform also is an online farmers’ marketplace where agro-produce buyers meet with sellers
3. Steven Kavuma; Founder of Revmake, an energy tech company whose mission is to create a circular economy for lithium-ion batteries that has a positive effect on the planet, people, and profit. They aim to add value by treating used lithium-ion batteries not as waste but as a valuable material for recreation.
4. Wendy Gloria Musiimenta; Founder of Nile Chocolates, a micro-batch company that aims to sensitize the community of farmers and schools about the food science behind cocoa farming and hence promoting value addition at the origin, environmental preservation, but also emphasizing health aspects
5. Doreen Jean Nsasiirwe; Founder of Westlink Delicacy API Group Limited, a startup offering natural, nutritious, and sustainable alternatives to synthetic health products to enhance the health and wellness of its customers while tackling the critical issues of poor health and environmental degradation.
6. Miriam Akoramazima; Founder of Glory Revolution Limited, a startup with a mission to combat malnutrition and food scarcity.

The post The 6 Entrepreneurs Pitching at the 8th Annual Kampala Impact Day appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The 6th edition of the MEST Africa Challenge centered on the AgriTech sector, is open to startups from Benin, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mali, and Togo. The winning startup will receive USD$50,000 in equity funding, access to MEST’s extensive global network, opportunities to valuable partnerships, mentorship, and investment opportunities to accelerate its growth and global presence.

Eligibility criteria: 

• Early-stage technology startup.
• Monthly Recurring Revenue: A minimum of USD$5,000.
• Funding raised: USD$0 to USD$1 million cumulative.
• Years in existence: 3 years and below.
• Traction: At least 6 months of recurring revenue.
• Founding team: At least 2 founding team members.
• Registered in Delaware (This is preferred).
• Any industry.
• Any business model (B2B, B2C, B2B2C, B2G etc…).
• All participants must pitch in English.

In the rapidly evolving world of AgriTech, innovation needs the right conditions to flourish. While many African entrepreneurs possess bold visions, they often face challenges in accessing the necessary resources and networks to bring their ideas to fruition. The MEST Africa Challenge is here to bridge that gap, offering startups the opportunity to “Find Their Soil” by providing critical support, funding, and mentorship.

“‘Find Your Soil’ is a call to action for AgriTech innovators to discover the ideal environment where their vision can flourish. Through the MEST Africa Challenge, we aim to support this ecosystem by providing the necessary resources, visibility, and strategic support for these entrepreneurs to thrive,” Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor, MEST Africa, said in a press statement.

MEST Africa is committed to fostering job creation and economic growth across Africa through software entrepreneurship. By offering specialized tech entrepreneurial training and investment opportunities, the organization empowers Africa’s brightest minds to build and scale impactful businesses.

Since its inception, MEST has invested over USD$30 million into training more than 2,000 entrepreneurs and has supported the launch of 90 early-stage tech startups across sectors including AgriTech, FinTech, SaaS, eCommerce, Digital Media, and Healthcare. This year presents an unparalleled opportunity for AgriTech entrepreneurs to “Find Their Soil” and take their businesses to the next level.

MEST is accepting applications until October 4th, 2024. APPLY NOW.

The post West African Startups Vie for $50,000 in MEST Africa Challenge appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The competition received nearly 2,000 applications across most African countries, with 24 emerging as semi-finalists representing 17 African nations.

The rigorous selection process emphasized criteria such as innovation, market potential and traction, business model, and founder and team. The high caliber of entries underscores the competitiveness and dynamism within Africa’s agripreneurial ecosystem.

In a press statement, GoGettaz co-founder Strive Masiyiwa, commented, “This initiative embodies our commitment to nurturing Africa’s entrepreneurial talent. From the large pool of applicants this year, these 24 semi-finalists represent only a small cross-section of the continent’s visionary young entrepreneurs, a testament to the hope and talent of youth across Africa today.”

Masiyiwa noted that the innovative agrifood businesses, and the impactful work of so many others who have taken part in the GoGettaz competition over the years, are crucial for growing prosperity and food security across Africa. “Our GoGettaz entrepreneurs are not just sitting around waiting for problems to be solved; they are busy working to solve them, inventing climate-friendly solutions, and using new technologies to tackle age-old challenges in this critical sector,” he said. “We are so proud of them.”

Svein Tore Holsether, GoGettaz co-founder said the impact of GoGettaz goes far beyond the competition itself, as they uncover more and more talent and innovation across Africa.

“I am thrilled with the quality of this year’s competitors and excited to see the opportunities and collaboration emerging to accelerate progress toward a more resilient and food-secure Africa,” said Holsether. “I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the semi-finalists and commend them for the great work that they are doing.”

Previous editions of the GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition have produced remarkable success stories to illustrate its profound impact. Esther Kimani, a past winner, revolutionized farming practices in Kenya with her innovative pest-detection technology. Her journey from competition winner to industry leader underscores GoGettaz’s role in fostering groundbreaking solutions and empowering agripreneurs to drive meaningful change in their communities.

SEE ALSO: RAE CALLS FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2025 AFRICA PRIZE FOR ENGINEERING INNOVATION

The finalists are competing for a grand prize of USD$100,000. In addition to the grand prize, an additional USD$60,000 will be rewarded in Impact Awards. The judges of this year’s competition will be looking to award ventures that make a significant impact in one or more of the following areas: improving rural livelihoods, nutrition, climate-related solutions, technology, gender impact, natural resources conservation, and job creation

The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize competition finals will be held at the AFS Summit, in Kigali, Rwanda in September 2024.

The 24 semi-finalists include;

1. Mogale Maleka, Agang Bokamoso Farms (AB Farms).
2. Samson Turimurukundo, AGRI Organic Inputs.
3. Salimata Toh, Agribanana.
4. Lapaque Mbumba, Antarctik.
5. Marlene Kindji, Bademe Natural Foods.
6. Adeline Pelage, Biscuiterie BOBO.
7. Elhadji Malick Sagne, Cactus Innovation.
8. Amir Redwan, Chipchip.
9. Tracy Mapfumo, Eny’s Treats.
10. Lesly Marange, GLYTIME FOODS PVT LTD.
11. Deborah Nzarubara, Grecom.
12. Kidist Amedie, Guaro Farms.
13. Habib Mestiri, Hayat Technology.
14. Fatima El Khou, Jafife.
15. Sokayna Bellam, Jodoor.
16. Iddi Mohamed Faried, Kodu Technology.
17. Tisya Mukuna, La BOITE.
18. Mochesane Albert Mpali, Lema Agriventures Pty Ltd.
19. Irene Simon Ivambi, MREMBO NATURALS LIMITED.
20. Mostafa Hassanen, Plug N Grow.
21. Charles Oyamo, Rethread Africa.
22. Riantsoa Mialinarindra, Sakafo Madagascar.
23. Arristine Mendes, SHADDAÏ AQUACULTURE.
24. Emadago Oghenekevwe, Valley Bee.

GoGettaz is a transformative platform dedicated to nurturing young agri-food innovators across Africa.

Since its inception in 2019, GoGettaz has played a pivotal role in identifying, supporting, and celebrating Africa’s most promising entrepreneurs driving sustainable change and economic growth through agricultural ventures spanning the agrifood value chain from seed to fork. By providing access to leadership development, global networks, and awards, GoGettaz empowers participants to grow their innovative ideas into impactful business enterprises that address pressing agricultural challenges and contribute to food security and job creation across the continent.

ALSO READ: INNOVATE AFRICA LAUNCHES WITH $2.5M ANGEL FUND TO BACK 20 STARTUPS

The post 24 Agripreneurs Selected for the 2024 GoGettaz Prize Competition appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The Africa Prize 2025 is open to engineers and entrepreneurs across Africa who have developed or are developing new technological innovations promoting the welfare and economic development of a country or countries in sub–Saharan Africa and is designed to address a development need or specific challenge facing that country.

The announcement of the call comes a few days after RAE announced the winner and runners-up of Africa Prize 2024 at an event held in Nairobi, Kenya on Thursday, June 13th, 2024.

Esther Kimani (from Kenya) was crowned as the overall winner for her solar-powered tool that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) enabled cameras to detect and identify agricultural pests and diseases in crops early —reducing crop losses by up to 30% and increasing yields by as much as 40%.

Kimani received a grant of USD$60,000 (approx. UGX224.7 million, KSH8.3 million) the largest ever awarded to a winner in this competition —the reason, the Africa Prize was celebrating its 10th Anniversary. Kimani’s funding will support the development and scaling of her device, bringing its benefits to a wider audience.

The runners-up in Africa Prize 2024 each received USD$19,000 (approx. UGX71.1 million, KSH2.4 million) to further improve their solutions. The runners-up were;

1. Kevin Maina (Kenya) — Eco Tiles: Eco-friendly roofing materials made from recycled plastic. Stronger and lighter than traditional tiles, this innovation tackles both plastic pollution and high building costs.
2. Rory Assandey (Cote d’Ivoire) — La Ruche Health: An AI chatbot tool on WhatsApp, “Kiko,” connects communities to vital health information and services. It also includes a digital backend solution to streamline documentation, billing, and data sharing for healthcare practitioners.
3. Martin Tumusiime (Uganda) — Yo-Waste: A mobile application that connects homes and businesses to independent agents for efficient on-demand rubbish collection and disposal.

The 2025 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, launched at the 2024 finals, is now open for entries. The academy is seeking scalable engineering solutions to local challenges. Individuals and small teams living and working in sub-Saharan Africa are invited to enter before October 15th, 2024. Here is the APPLICATION GUIDE. Applicants have been advised to read the guidance notes, FAQ, and eligibility before submitting their application.

Shortlisted candidates go through eight months of tailored training and mentoring culminating in a showcase event. Prize money of up to £60,000 is split across five prizes, with the overall winner receiving £25,000 along with three runners-up, who are each awarded £10,000 and a One to Watch prize of £5,000.

The Africa Prize provides a unique opportunity to support innovative minds tackling significant global challenges while promoting economic prosperity and sustainable development in Africa through engineering.

The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation was launched in March 2014 to stimulate, celebrate, and reward innovation and entrepreneurship across sub-Saharan Africa. Since then it has provided invaluable training, mentoring, and communications support to 149 businesses across 23 countries, and established an alumni program with 71% of Africa Prize alumni currently generating revenue.

The alumni have raised USD$39 million (approx. UGX146 billion) in grants and equity.

Notably, Uganda has managed to have two (2) overall winners in the competition. Anatoli Kirigwajjo, founder of YUNGA, a local rescue network providing low-cost security by connecting neighbors with the police, and Brian Gitta, founder of Matibabu, a device that tests for malaria quickly, accurately, and without having to draw blood. Kirigwajjo and Gitta won the competition in 2023 and 2018 respectively.

On the other hand, Uganda has also had six (6) finalists and eleven (11) shortlisted for all the competition. (ALL WINNERS IN ALL COMPETITIONS)

The post RAE Calls for Applications for the 2025 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Uganda achieved remarkable success by winning the grand prize in the Network Track. Additionally, students from Kabale University secured first place in the Network Track, while students from Muni University earned second place in the Computing Track. Furthermore, Kabale University students were honored with the Women’s in Tech Award in Network Track.

The Ambassador from Uganda to the People’s Republic of China H.E Oliver Wonekha congratulated all the students for their remarkable achievement. “I congratulate these students for not having just shown interest and engaged, but for having come this far in the competitions,” she said during a media interview at the event. “With what you have learned, make sure you go back home and help in the development of the country because the future is in your hands.”

The Ambassador thanked Huawei for this initiative remarking that the competition means a lot to the country’s transformation. “AI and digital transformation is the way to go,” she said. “It is important and it is timely that Huawei is doing what it is doing.”

On Thursday, May 16th, 2024, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports of Uganda, Janet Museveni at State House Nakasero flagged off 13 students to participate and represent the country in the 2023/24 global finals of the Huawei ICT Competition in Shenzhen, China

Museveni appreciated the students’ determination and commitment to the competition which saw them secure a spot in the global finals. She encouraged the students to be resilient as they represented their country and wished they returned home victorious.

“I thank the students for their exceptional performance at the Southern African Region competition level and I tasked them to do the same at the global level,” said Museveni as she flagged the students off to China.

The 2023/24 competition circuit attracted more than 170,000 students from over 2,000 universities and colleges across more than 80 countries and regions, making it the largest offline competition since its launch in 2015. More than 160 teams with of over 470 contestants from 49 different countries and regions reached the global final in Shenzhen, China having previously been successful in their respective national and regional competitions.

During the competition’s final closing and awarding ceremony, Peng Honghua, President of Huawei’s ICT Strategy and Business Development Department while addressing the finalists, said, “ICT is the cornerstone of the intelligent world and through the Huawei ICT Competition, we aim to provide students with a global platform to compete and exchange ideas.”

Also read:

• • Rt. Robinah Nabbanja launches Huawei’s DigiTruck Project in Kakumiro
  • 241 beneficiaries of the Huawei Digitruck project in Lango sub-region graduate
  • Vice President, Jessica Alupo lauds Huawei for ICT talent development in Teso sub-region

Huawei also awarded 24 instructors the title of Huawei ICT Academy Global Most Valuable Instructor (MVI) for the first time. The award shows gratitude for the contributions instructors have made to talent development and marks them as role models who show how the brightest minds can develop even brighter minds.

These instructors help drive the sustainable development of the ICT talent ecosystem.

Mr. John Peter Olinga one of the Most Valuable Instructors from Uganda urged more students to take part in the competition. He also applauded Huawei’s support remarking, “I appreciate Huawei for helping Uganda take the first important gigantic steps towards the development of ICTs.”

The Huawei ICT Competition is an annual contest held by Huawei for global university and college students. Through the competition, Huawei aims to provide students with an international platform for healthy competition and the exchange of ideas.

Since its launch in 2015, the competition has helped students enhance their ICT knowledge and practical skills, while also increasing their ability to innovate by using new technologies and platforms.

The ultimate goal is to advance technological development and facilitate digital inclusion around the world. As one of Huawei’s key Seeds for the Future 2.0 projects, the Huawei ICT Competition aims to provide a platform for college students to compete and communicate with each other around the world.

ALSO READ: HUAWEI LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE SME DIGITALIZATION PROGRAM IN UGANDA

The post Ugandan Students Win Huawei ICT Global Competition in China appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

In a thrilling showcase of ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit, Koa Academy clinched the top spot with its groundbreaking solution poised to transform the Edtech industry. The startup impressed the judges showcasing significant market potential, revenue growth, and social impact.

“Winning the MEST Africa Challenge is an amazing experience for the Koa Academy team,” said Lauren Anderson, Co-founder and CEO of Koa Academy at the competition finale ceremony which was held in Accra, Ghana. “It highlights the hard work and dedication that everyone has put into growing Koa,” she adds — while expressing gratitude and optimism for the future of tech startups in Africa.

Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor at MEST Africa congratulated Koa Academy and finalists for their exceptional achievements and resilience.

Koa Academy is an online education platform that offers dynamic and interactive courses for grades 4-12. With a focus on engagement and accessibility —championing digital learning, making quality education available to anyone, anywhere, and transforming the educational landscape in South Africa.

With the new investment, Anderson and her team will better their startup.

The MEST Africa Challenge continues to be a pivotal platform for emerging tech startups in Africa, offering funding, visibility, and support to innovate and scale. Koa Academy’s victory underscores the vibrant potential within Africa’s tech ecosystem, promising a brighter future for the continent’s digital landscape.

Notably, the 2023 competition drew applications from hundreds of early-stage tech startups across Africa. A panel of esteemed judges, including investors and industry experts rigorously assessed the startups on criteria such as innovation, scalability, and team strength drawing finalists from Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and Kenya who demonstrated their unique solutions and business models to participate in the grand finals.

The finalists in the competition were;

• Letaji (Kenya): Revolutionizing the construction industry, Letaji is an online marketplace streamlining the process of purchasing building materials. It connects homeowners, contractors, and hardware stores directly with top suppliers.
• Chestify AI (Ghana): This innovative platform enhances patient care by facilitating seamless connections and support among clinical professionals.
• OneHealth (Nigeria): At the forefront of health tech, OneHealth offers an integrated platform for virtual consultations, connecting patients with doctors and diagnostic centers while managing prescriptions and test results online.
• Sanya (Senegal): A visionary in IT edutainment, Sanya creates a unique blend of educational and entertainment digital products, fostering a community-based approach to tech learning for companies.

The post Koa Academy Wins MEST Africa Challenge to Secure $50,000 Investment appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Barbara Birungi, the founder of Hive Colab, stands as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of Ugandan women in tech. Hive Colab, a tech innovation hub based in Kampala, has provided a platform for numerous startups and tech enthusiasts to collaborate and innovate.

Dorothy Okello, co-founder of the Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET), has been a relentless advocate for women’s participation in ICT. WOUGNET is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that focuses on empowering women and girls in Uganda through the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). Through the Network, she has empowered countless women by providing training, resources, and networking opportunities in the tech sector.

Joyce Nakatumba-Nabende, a senior lecturer at Makerere University is changing the research narrative with an aim to improve business process based on learning resource behavior from event logs using process mining and business process simulation. She specializes in Machine learning, software architectures, microservices, Business process Management and process Mining.

Evelyn Namara, a technology entrepreneur leading systematic change in social entrepreneurship, digital technology and driving innovation for small businesses. She has led multiple technologies for development projects in Uganda and has worked in the telecommunications industry, renewable energy sector, digital payments and tech start-ups.

Angela Mukisa, founder of CodeHub Uganda and a software Engineer at Microsoft, is a Ugandan multi-tasking computer scientist changing the software atmosphere one code at a time.

We also have Shamirah Kimbugwe, founder of Pivot Payments, one of the first female founded and led FIN-Tech in Uganda. She and her team, are leveraging technology to build seamless, secure and affordable digital solutions that can be accessed by the rural poor, unbanked and underbanked people in Uganda.

c is the general manager of Spidd Africa Ltd and the Founder of Coding in Heels, a social enterprise that focuses on inspiring girls and women to embrace Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), with her focus on technology. She is a consultant and a member of Uganda’s National taskforce on emerging technologies (4IR) and an IVLP – International Visitors Leadership Program Alumni.

Finally, but not least, we have Sherifah Tumusiime, a senior Systems Officer at the Financial Intelligence Authority in Uganda, leading ICT Innovations and systems development. She is the and CEO of Zimba Women, a technology social enterprise that supports and resources women entrepreneurs in East Africa.

Despite the progress, challenges remain. Women face various barriers in pursuing careers in the field of information and communication technology (ICT), which can be broadly categorized into three main areas.

Gender Bias presents significant challenges, as stereotypes and preconceived notions often portray the tech industry as male-dominated, discouraging women from pursuing STEM education and entering ICT careers. Unconscious bias in hiring and promotion processes further disadvantages women, leading to fewer opportunities for advancement and leadership roles. Additionally, gender-based discrimination and harassment contribute to a hostile work environment, resulting in higher turnover rates and decreased motivation among women in the field.

Limited Access to Resources exacerbates the disparity, with unequal access to technology and internet connectivity hindering women’s acquisition of essential digital skills, particularly in rural areas. Financial constraints pose another obstacle, as the cost of technology and training programs may be prohibitive for women with limited financial resources. Furthermore, the underrepresentation of women in senior positions within ICT leads to a lack of mentorship and role models, further discouraging women from pursuing careers in the field.

Unequal Opportunities further impede women’s progress in ICT, as they often face lower salaries, slower career advancement, and challenges in maintaining work-life balance. The demanding nature of the industry, combined with societal expectations of women’s domestic roles, can lead to burnout and difficulty achieving career goals. Moreover, the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions limits their influence on policy decisions and the development of gender-inclusive initiatives within ICT companies.

Addressing these barriers requires a multifaceted approach. It involves promoting STEM education for girls to encourage their interest in ICT careers and highlighting diverse opportunities within the field. Implementing anti-discrimination policies is crucial to ensuring fair hiring practices, equal pay, and protection against harassment. Providing financial aid and training programs can increase women’s access to technology and skills development. Mentorship and role model initiatives are essential for connecting women with experienced professionals in ICT to offer guidance and support. Additionally, promoting diversity and inclusion within companies can encourage active recruitment and promotion of women within organizations.

By addressing these barriers comprehensively, we can create a more equitable landscape for women in ICT, enabling them to fully contribute to the advancement of this transformative field. However, these trailblazing women continue to break barriers, defy stereotypes, and inspire the next generation of female tech leaders in Uganda.

As Uganda continues to embrace digital transformation, the contributions of women in ICT are more crucial than ever. Their innovation, leadership, and advocacy are shaping the future of Uganda’s tech landscape and driving the country towards a more inclusive and prosperous digital economy.

ALSO READ: Disregard Stereotypes: IT is For all, says Dona Musoke to Girls and Women

The post Women Driving Innovation: Spotlight on ICT Leaders in Uganda appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

While African startup funding declined in 2023, the investment showcase continues to foster collaborations and stimulate investment opportunities to bridge the funding gap in the ecosystem. According to data from Africa: The Big Deal, African startup funding experienced a 39 percent decline, falling to USD$2.9 billion in 2023 from USD$4.6 billion recorded in the previous year.

Over 250+ applications to showcase at the summit were received from various countries across Africa, including Kenya, Egypt, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, South Sudan, Malawi, Angola, Morocco, Botswana, Benin, Congo, Uganda, South Africa, and Sierra Leone — highlight the immense potential for innovation and partnerships in Africa.

The ten selected startups span from fintech, agritech, e-commerce, Web3, and climate-tech sectors. The startups are looking to raise funding ranging from USD$500,000 to USD$15 million. The 10 startups selected to showcase at the summit include:

Node Bio (Kenya) is utilizing cutting-edge plant science to develop crop treatments that effectively combat the adverse effects of climate change. Their innovative solution, Farmchef, enables plants to withstand drought, extreme heat, and other water-related stressors.

Valu (Egypt) is MENA’s leading Buy Now Pay Later lifestyle-enabling fintech platform, offering customers and businesses convenient and comprehensive financial solutions.

Bingtellar (Nigeria) is building a payment infrastructure for global citizens including freelancers, remote workers, contractors, and businesses. Their ramp product simplifies the process of buying and selling crypto and facilitates swift money transfer across Africa.

Dukka (Nigeria) is digitizing payments and bookkeeping solutions to assist small businesses across Africa to accept all digital payment methods.

FutureLink Technologies (Uganda) is a digital marketplace that simplifies financial access for individuals and facilitates payments for financial cooperatives. FutureLink Technologies is the first African company to win the Global SME Finance Platinum Award for Product Innovation of the Year 2022.

Tausi App (Kenya) is a beauty tech company that is leveraging technology to link beauticians to potential customers. Tausi has registered over 6000 beauticians so far.

Feegor (Nigeria) is a B2B e-commerce company that is connecting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to manufacturers and major wholesalers.

Peercarbon (Kenya) is a climate fintech startup leveraging granular emissions data and cutting-edge sustainable finance technology to empower African SMEs. Peercarbon’s Software as a Service (SaaS) platform provides real-time insights, making it easy for businesses to track their carbon footprint.

Regxta (Nigeria) is making financial services accessible to underserved communities and micro-businesses in rural and peri-urban areas across Africa, including internally displaced persons and refugees.

URBANET (Kenya) promotes international dialogue on development activities worldwide, providing insights on municipal and local governance, sustainable urban development, and decentralization.

In a press statement, Mr. Heny Umunnakwe, Ecosystems & Sales Manager of Africa Tech Summit said, “Amidst the challenging backdrop of decreased funding for African startups in 2023, the resilient spirit of entrepreneurship continues to thrive across the continent, and we are delighted to introduce these 10 pioneering ventures for this edition of the Investment Showcase.”

Umunnakwe noted that the main objective of the Africa Tech Summit Investment Showcase is to spotlight and foster connections for startups with both local and global investors.

The summit will welcome over 1,000 delegates from across the world to the summit to catalyze collaborative efforts and propel investments to further fuel innovation and growth throughout Africa.

The post Ugandan Startup, FutureLink Tech Selected to Pitch at the Africa Tech Summit Investment Showcase appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The finalists represent diverse sectors, including fintech, health tech, e-commerce, and edtech. They are expected to pitch for the winning prize money at the end of January next year at an event that will be organized and hosted by MEST Africa.

Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor at MEST expressed his excitement about the upcoming finals. In a press statement, he said the top 5 finalists of the 2023 MEST Africa Challenge are a testament to the remarkable innovation and potential within Africa’s tech ecosystem. “Each startup has shown incredible prowess in their fields,” he remarked. “We eagerly anticipate their presentations at the Final Demo Day, where they will connect with our dynamic network of entrepreneurs, investors, and partners.”

The winners include;

• Letaji (Kenya): Revolutionizing the construction industry, Letaji is an online marketplace streamlining the process of purchasing building materials. It connects homeowners, contractors, and hardware stores directly with top suppliers.
• Chestify AI (Ghana): This innovative platform enhances patient care by facilitating seamless connections and support among clinical professionals.
• OneHealth (Nigeria): At the forefront of health tech, OneHealth offers an integrated platform for virtual consultations, connecting patients with doctors and diagnostic centers while managing prescriptions and test results online.
• Sanya (Senegal): A visionary in IT edutainment, Sanya creates a unique blend of educational and entertainment digital products, fostering a community-based approach to tech learning for companies.
• Koa Academy (South Africa): Pioneering the future of online education, Koa Academy stands at the forefront in South Africa with its innovative approach to digital learning.

The MEST Africa Challenge is a flagship initiative of MEST Africa and plays a pivotal role in nurturing aspiring and early-stage tech startups across Africa. As a comprehensive training program, seed fund, and network of hubs, MEST Africa is dedicated to empowering the next generation of African tech startup innovators.

This year’s challenge was held in partnership with Absa Bank — a leader in African financial services committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship — highlighting the collaborative spirit driving Africa’s technological advancement.

ALSO READ: TECHSTAR UNVEILS STARTUPS OF THE 2ND COHORT OF ITS ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

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The 2023 cohort, selected from over a thousand applications, delivers tech-enabled solutions across various verticals in Sub-Saharan Africa. The sourcing and selection were led by the Managing Director for the accelerator, Oyin Solebo. It culminated in a screening committee joined by fellow directors at Techstars, executive leaders at ARM; Jumoke Ogundare, Sadiq Mohammed, Wale Odutola, Uche Azubuike, and Ina Alogwu as well as selected invited seasoned investors including; Nneka Eze of Vested World, Maya Horgan Famodu of Ingressive Capital, Olumide Soyombo of Voltron Capital and Dotun Olowoporuku of Ventures Platform.

For its first cohort, the program had initially focused on companies operating in FinTech and PropTech, but this year expanded to focus more broadly on entrepreneurs who are changing Africa and the world at large, by using technology, data, and intelligence to serve a population-growing in size, youth, income, and digital access. Sectors invested in include FinTech, Logistics, e-commerce, HealthTech, Renewable Energy, and Future of Work.

The cohort comprises startups operating in Ghana, Nigeria, and East Africa, and has four teams with at least one female co-founder.

The 14-week immersive program will see Techstars invest up to USD$120,000 (approx. UGX450 million) in funding in each startup as well as provide them with access to over USD$400,000 (approx. UGX1.5 billion) in cash equivalent hosting, accounting, and legal support, and other benefits worth more than USD$5 million.

The value of the prize goes beyond financial gain, the selected startups will also receive tailored mentorship, world-class company-building support, lifetime access to the Techstars worldwide network, and targeted interactions with prospective investors to ensure that the continuum of follow-up capital is available as they grow.

By partnering with ARM Labs, startup founders are also exposed to ARM’s local network, research and insights, and decades-long financial advisory expertise.

“The current market dynamics mean that founders need a combination of financial support as well as technical assistance and access to networks to build resilient businesses. We are glad to be able to provide comprehensive support that covers this entire spectrum,” Ms. Oyin Solebo, Managing Director, ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator, said in a press statement.

The selected companies are;

• 24Seven — an asset-light marketplace that enables small businesses and convenience stores to order inventory on credit with one-hour doorstep delivery

• Beauty Hut — leverages technology to bridge the gap between beauty brands and consumers through efficient product distribution and marketing channels, via their e-commerce web store and mobile app.

• Eight Medical — an end-to-end platform that connects users in need to emergency medical resources (such as hospitals, ambulances, personnel, information & credit), reducing waiting times from an average of 3 hours to 10 minutes or less

• GetEquity — facilitates access to investment opportunities by SEC-accredited providers, reducing entry barriers through investment aggregation across various asset classes.

• JumpnPass — a mobile self-checkout platform for modern retail in Africa. They enable shoppers to use their smartphones to effortlessly scan product barcodes, pay for items, and skip long queues

• One Plan — helps workers in Africa’s informal economy create affordable financial plans, making it easier to start a retirement plan, access low-interest credit, access health, and life insurance cover.

• PBR Life Sciences — offers pharmaceutical, consumer healthcare, and medical device companies fast and easy access to high-quality market data and insights, helping them make objective decisions on product pricing, volumes, and company strategy.

• PressOne Africa — provides African businesses with deeper insights into phone conversations with customers through a communication platform that provides conversation intelligence and call monitoring.

• Rana — democratizes access to clean and reliable solar systems for SMEs and residential customers through affordable long-term solar subscriptions, replacing the need for expensive, unreliable, and toxic backup generators.

• Surge Africa — allows individuals, micro-entrepreneurs, and MSMEs in Africa to make instant cross-border transfers and pay up to 80% less in fees

• Swoove — empowers logistics companies in emerging markets to digitize and scale their businesses with dispatch automation, fleet management, tracking and telematics, and a wide delivery network.

• Veend — enables individuals and businesses with verifiable income to access funds on-demand, addressing their needs for emergency funds or working capital

Dr. Ibukun Tunde-Oni, Founder of Eight Medical who echoed the sentiments of the cohort said securing a spot in the ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator program has signified an important milestone in the growth of the company. “More than anything else I believe it has demonstrated an absolute vote of confidence by experts who have accessed our model and track record and also estimated our impending growth potential,” he said. “The learning experience has so far been invaluable and I am eagerly looking forward to our next phase of business.”

Solebo noted that the second cohort showcases, and perhaps also epitomizes, the wealth of talent, innovation, and ingenuity that can be found within the African tech ecosystem.

In addition to the Techstars-led program, the cohort receives mentorship sessions with notable experts in the African tech ecosystem providing them with comprehensive guidance and specialized services to support their growth journey.

These experts include Tunde Kehinde; Founder/CEO of Lidya, Bode Abifarin; Chief Operating Officer at Flutterwave, Tingting Peng; Chief Capital and Strategy Officer at Moove, Kevin Simmons; Partner at LoftyInc, Lola Esan; Partner at EY, Yischai Beinisch; Head of West Africa – Emerging Market Power at Shell Energy Europe & Africa.

Oluwadunni Fanibe, Program Manager at Techstars remarked that their “tried and trusted” model has been instrumental in building thousands of successful companies, all over the world.

“We are excited with the opportunity to implement this proven playbook of support, networks, knowledge base, experiences, technology, and data, on our 2023 cohort and are confident they can replicate the same notable successes of their local and global predecessors,” said Fanibe.

Ina Alogwu, Group Director of Digital Transformation at ARM noted programs like the ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator has enabled them to comprehend, champion, and actively contribute to the growth of technology-driven solutions emerging throughout Africa. “We are thrilled to be on this journey for the second year running in collaboration with our valued partners,” he said.

The program will conclude with an invite-only Demo day on February 22nd, 2024 where founders will showcase their progress.

The post Techstars Announces its Second Cohort of 12 Startups to Participate in its Accelerator Program appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.