tagresults
Syngenta Group launches “Shoots by Syngenta™” for innovative agriculture
Syngenta Group launches new agricultural innovation collaboration and accelerator platform to address critical scientific and technological challenges.
Payday secures $3M seed to power the future of work for Africa
Payday, a neobank issuing global (USD, EUR and GBP) accounts to Africans has raised $3M seed round to drive its expansion into Europe, North America and the rest of Africa.
[Kenya] Health-tech startup Zuri Health launches digital outpatient service for SMEs
Zuri Health, the Kenyan health-tech has launched a new digital outpatient service designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Huawei lance une initiative bancaire non-stop
Huawei a annoncé son initiative "Non Stop Banking". Dévoilée lors du Huawei Intelligent Finance Summit for Africa 2023, l'initiative appelle à une collaboration main dans la main entre les secteurs des TIC et de la banque.
Nigerian logistics startup Fez Delivery raises $1 million funding to expand operations
This funding announcement follows Fez Delivery's acceptance as one of the only two logistics companies in Nigeria to have received investment from Techstars Toronto, an elite global tech accelerator.
Fintech firm NALA receives PSP license from Bank of Tanzania
NALA, the fintech firm payments company born in Tanzania has been granted a Payment Service Provider License to operate in the country.
[Kenya] E-commerce startup Zumi is shutting down
Zumi, a Kenyan B2B e-commerce marketplace connecting retailers of non-food products to suppliers is reportedly closing shop after failing to raise funding.
[Interview] Ayodeji Ayorinde, Co-founder, Artisankonect, Nigeria
Artisankonect is a Nigeran startup that helps outsource user requests to skilled persons. Africa Business Communities chats with Ayodeji Ayorinde, one of the founders.
Nigeria's Autochek appoints US automotive industry veteran Robert Granados to its board
Autochek, the Nigerian startup making car ownership more accessible and affordable across Africa has appointed US automotive industry leader and veteran, Robert Granados to its board of directors.
African market intelligence startup Rwazi raises $4 million funding
African market intelligence startup Rwazi has raised a $4 million seed funding round led by Bonfire Ventures and saw participation from Newfund Capital and Alumni Ventures.
[Column] Thabiso Foto: Fintech is a path to democratised financial services
intech has played a significant role in democratizing access to financial services across Africa in the past decade.
Factor[e] Ventures launches new venture studio for African startups
Known as Delta40, the studio aims to increase incomes and tackle climate change in Africa by building and investing in technology ventures.
Orange et OneWeb signent un accord visant à améliorer et étendre la connectivité mondiale
Ce partenariat avec OneWeb permettra d’améliorer et d’étendre la connectivité globale d’Orange, en particulier dans les zones rurales et isolées d’Europe, d’Amérique latine et d’Afrique
NGX invests in financial literacy for young Nigerians
NGX, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and NGX Regulation Limited (NGX RegCo) partnered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to educate over 100 students on the theme, “Plan your money, plant your future”, to further enhance investor education and financial literacy.
Factor[e] Ventures launches a new venture studio to transform the African startup ecosystem
Delta40 focuses on technology-driven energy, agriculture, and mobility ventures led by diverse, experienced founders.
Mediterrania Capital Partners joins the “2X Challenge”
Mediterrania Capital Partners, a Private Equity firm focused on growth investments for SMEs and mid-cap companies in North Africa and Sub-Saharan countries to announce that it has been selected by DEG, FMO and Proparco as a “2X Challenge” investment firm.
Bank One raises USD60 million on behalf of Letshego Group.
Bank One to announce that it has been selected by Letshego Group, one of the leading microfinance institutions in Africa, as its bank of choice for a syndication of USD 60 million.
[Interview] Jean Kokouvi Etse, Directeur Général, SGI-TOGO
Jean Kokouvi Etse DG de SGI TOGO co-chef de file du Syndicat de Placement. La SGI-TOGO fait partie d’un Consortium de trois SGI retenues pour l’opération de BOAD TITRISATION.
[Uganda] Insurtech startup Turaco and Airtel Money launch low-cost hospital cash insurance product
Turaco, the Kenyan insurtech startup has partnered with Airtel Mobile and Prudential Assurance to launch a low-cost hospital cash insurance product with Funeral Benefit.
Dream VC Opens Applications for its 2023 Talent Accelerator Program in Africa
Dream VC, a Remote Venture Capital Upskilling Institute, has opened applications for its 2023 Accelerator Program for VCs in Africa.
Credable raised $2.5 Million to expand digital banking platform for customers in Uganda and Kenya
$2.5 Million fund will help the company expand its services, which include a number of banking products for customers in Uganda, Kenya and Credable’s home country of Tanzania.
African Development Bank approves $30 million Trade & SME Finance Facility for Family Bank Limited
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved a $30 million Trade & SME Finance Facility for Family bank Limited (FBL) in Kenya.
50M€ pour soutenir les PMEs exportatrices marocaine avec la Banque Centrale Populaire
50M€ pour soutenir les petites et moyennes entreprises exportatrices avec la Banque Centrale Populaire.
Microsoft ADC launches Season 4 of university students’ coding competition
University students from across Kenya and some parts of Africa can now apply to participate in season 4 of the Microsoft Africa Development Centre’s (ADC) Game of Learners (GOL) competition.
almentor secures a $10mn investment round led by e& capital for its expansion
almentor secures a $10mn investment round led by e& capital to bridge the education gap for 10 million Arabic speakers.
[Nigeria] ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator concludes inaugural program with demo day
Techstars, in partnership with Lagos-based innovation program ARM Labs, marked the completion of its inaugural ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator Program with a Demo Day event.
[Nigeria] Government launches a $672 million fund to support tech startups
The funds will be channeled to young Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 35, who are engaged in creative, innovative, and tech-enabled businesses in their early stages.
[Rwanda] Applications for 2023 Africa’s Business Heroes Prize competition open
Now in its fifth year, the competition offers a unique opportunity for African entrepreneurs to highlight their talent and make a bigger impact on the community through their businesses
Yabx Technologies expands into Nigeria
Yabx Technologies is a financial technology company which through its partnerships with banks and telecom operators, underwrites and services target segments available over customer networks.
Lancement du programme i-dice pour promouvoir les technologies numériques et les industries créatives
Le gouvernement fédéral du Nigéria a lancé une initiative visant à promouvoir l'esprit d'entreprise et l'innovation dans les technologies numériques et les industries créatives.
Finclusion Group consolidates all its brands and products, and is now known as Fin
Finclusion Group Limited (“Fin”) has successfully undergone a brand unification, consolidating all its separate brands and products across Africa into one brand, and is now simply known as Fin.
Yabx Technologies partners with SC Ventures to expand access to financial services in Africa
Yabx, a mass-market digital lending platform, has entered a partnership agreement with SC Ventures to expand access to financial services in Africa.
[Interview] Anne Catherine Tchokonté, DG d’Orange Money Cameroun
Anne Catherine Tchokonté, DG d’Orange Money Cameroun: "nos tarifs de retrait ont baissé de 25% en octobre dernier… "
[Nigeria] African fintech Chipper Cash reportedly searching for a buyer
Nigerian remittance company Chipper Cash is reportedly considering a sale, according to a report by Bloomberg.
Impact Investing Ghana has begun the operational setup of its innovative Ci-Gaba Fund
Impact Investing Ghana has begun the operational setup of its innovative Ci-Gaba Fund of Funds that seeks to unlock $75 million in local and international funding for local capital providers, who are investing in SMEs to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
La Suisse s’engage à verser 15 millions de francs pour financer des PME en Zambie et au Zimbabwe
La Suisse s’engage à verser 15 millions de francs au Fonds de l’initiative Bamboo-UNCDF pour les pays les moins avancés.
Flat6Labs launches new US$95M Venture Capital Fund to expand its impact in Africa
Flat6Labs, MENA’s leading seed investor, has announced the launch of a new US$95 million Seed Fund to nurture the growth and development of early-stage tech startups on the African continent.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Investors bet on fintechs, startups
The past couple of weeks have seen a flurry of activities in several sectors of the Nigerian economy. Startups are receiving increasing financial backing from VCs for the growith of SMEs.
[Interview] Fedir Ted Martynov, CEO, CARMACHAIN, Nigeria
Ted Martynov leads CARMACHAIN, a fintech outfit operating in Nigeria that enables credit data for lenders in markets underserved by credit bureaus.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Digitization on all fronts, tech takes the lead
There is an obvious, increasing amount of technology awareness, and appeals for more extensive technology trainings in Nigeria.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: What the entry of Somalia to the EAC means for region
This week, The East African Community (EAC) officially launched the verification mission to assess the Federal Republic of Somalia’s readiness to join the Community.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Improving business competitiveness in the region: The case of TradeMark Africa
As it rebrands to TradeMark Africa, TMA, in its bid to grow its continental footprint, aid for trade institution formerly known as TradeMark East, boasts of having made a lasting mark in East Africa where it has operated for over ten years.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Investments take priority over all
With global inflation spiraling out of control, every country is working harder than ever to welcome new enterprise and business. Nigeria made great progress in this in recent months.
[Column] Patrick Utomi: For AfCFTA to deliver on its promise, we must address concerns of entrepreneurs
We must recognise the preponderance of micro-small and medium sized enterprise in the continent’s commercial landscape.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Accelerating sustainable and clean transport solutions
A bulk of East African countries’ electricity comes from renewables. Yet the region’s transport sector relies entirely on imported petroleum fuels.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Local fintech spreads to East Africa, oil and gas find major milestone
Nigeria, like other countries of the world, is going through some economically turbulent times. Inflation is on the rise (recently pegged at 21.9%) and local startups are directly impacted by financial crises on the other side of the world.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Boosting small businesses’ competitivity in the region
Small businesses are the engine of the East African economic growth, employing millions and opening up the member states to interact with each other through seamless trade.
Africa Business Communities Forum: Which African countries will perform best economically in 2022?
Africa Business Communities talked to several entrepreneurs and founders in the early months of the year, and they cast their votes on which African countries will thrive best in 2022.
Africa Business Communities Forum: Quels seront les pays Africains plus performants sur le plan économique en 2022?
Africa Business Communities s'est entretenu avec plusieurs entrepreneurs et fondateurs au cours des premiers mois de l'année, et ils ont voté pour déterminer quels pays africains seront les plus prospères en 2022.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Region warms up to the hospitality industry’s expansion binge
Global respected hotel brands are expanding their footprint and have identified Africa as a key investment destination with the East African region catching their attention for its MICE, business and leisure growth potential.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Partnerships bolster cross-border remittances and trade
This will also accelerate financial inclusion and remove the barriers around cross-border money transfers.
African Business Roundtable, Afreximbank organize free webinar masterclass, September 28
In continuation of the series of webinars that has been ongoing throughout the year, the African Business Roundtable and the African Import Export Bank (Afreximbank) are set to hold yet another webinar on capacity building and investor preparation.
L'African Business Roundtable et Afreximbank organisent un séminaire en ligne gratuit le 28 septembre
Dans la continuité de la série de webinaires qui s'est déroulée tout au long de l'année, l'African Business Roundtable et la Banque Africaine d'Import-Export (Afreximbank) vont organiser un autre webinaire sur le renforcement des capacités et la préparation des investisseurs.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Region’s startups are on an expansion binge
East African startups have been on an expansion drive, raising funding as they seek to tap into emerging opportunities in the region and across Africa while growing their portfolio.
[Interview] Dr. Mohamed El Sahili, CEO, Medland Hospital, Zambia
Dr. Mohamed El Sahili is the Chief Executive Officer of Medland Hospital, Zambia. As a medical doctor and entrepreneur, Dr. Sahili also serves on the board of key economic international organizations like the African Business Roundtable, the American Chamber of Commerce, Zambia, Olympic Youth Development Center and the Africa CEO Forum.
[Interview] Dr. Mohamed El Sahili, PDG, Hôpital Medland, Zambie
Le Dr Mohamed El Sahili est le directeur général de l'hôpital Medland, en Zambie. En tant que médecin et entrepreneur, le Dr Sahili siège également au conseil d'administration d'organisations économiques internationales clés, telles que l'African Business Roundtable et l'American Chamber of Commerce.
The African Business Roundtable Project Preparation Masterclass Free Webinar, July 27
After discussions with a variety of advisory and investment institutions, and to further attract investment to projects, the African Business Roundtable Secretariat in association with Afreximbank has designed the “Project Preparation Masterclass”.
The African Business Roundtable stays firm as Africa's private sector conduit to the world
The African Business Roundtable came into being in an era when Africa was hit by a horrendous economic climate. Between the fight for independence in many countries and the end of apartheid in South Africa, Africa’s private sector barely had any structure in the 1960s.
L'African Business Roundtable reste ferme en tant que conduit du secteur privé Africain vers le monde
L'African Business Roundtable a vu le jour à une époque où l'Afrique était frappée par un climat économique épouvantable. Entre la lutte pour l'indépendance de nombreux pays et la fin de l'apartheid en Afrique du Sud, le secteur privé Africain n'était guère structuré dans les années 1960.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: South Sudan remains a strategic player in the region’s petroleum industry
Owing to its strategic position at the heart of a wider Nile Basin-East Africa hydrocarbons-rich area, South Sudan is emerging as the hub for petroleum industry services and exploration in the region.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Government, Industries move to expand women enterprise
With plunging profits in its prized sector, oil and gas, and an ever-climbing inflation, Nigeria is increasingly turning to what most of the world has been blind to – the potential of women in business.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Banks move into East Africa, telecom pushes NSE profit
The telecom industry this week recorded a peculiar development – the massive registration of Nigerian SIM card holders.
[Column] Alexandra Fraser: Angel investors plugging the early-stage funding gap in sub-Saharan Africa
To fill the early-stage funding gap, the continent urgently needs more investors.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Banks rally behind women-led SMEs
The NNPC has an approximated value of 50 trillion naira. With oil and gas infrastructure in Nigeria constantly plagued by mischief and vandalism, an ECOWAS expert has profferred a very interesting solution to this persisting problem
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Telecoms slide into banking, Central Bank ups interest rates
The last few days have shown us developments and setbacks, statistics that show growth on the one hand and room for improvement on the other.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Digitization set to penetrate capital market, investment
Given the economic situation spreading across the globe in the last couple of years, it is with some optimism we can take the modest increase in Nigeria’s GDP.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Telcos break new ground, digital loans gain momentum
Instant loans, sometimes called digital loans, are gaining speed in the country and the telecom sector took some giant steps forward this week.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Investing in women-led businesses to deepen integration
East African member states, private sector players and development partners have stepped up their investment in women-led businesses and SMEs in a move likely to impact cross-border trade and boost integration in the region.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: State to digitize tourism, FG takes on efficient mobility
Banking is one of the most thriving sectors in Nigeria. The reason for this success has been attributed to the efficiency with which this industry has leveraged technology to modernize its operations.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: Financial institutions bank on tech to bolster offerings
East Africa financial institutions are betting on tech to boost their offerings, grow their customers’ portfolio and stay afloat in a competitive market.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: What EU’s lifting of financial sanctions on Burundi means for EAC
The EU made the decision in the wake of deteriorating political situation occasioned by a disputed presidential election in 2015.
The best ways to build your business brand and increase sales
What is business branding, how does it increase sales, why should you create a brand for your small business? These are some of the questions this article aims to answer.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Government, Central Bank turn focus to the startup movement
There’s an ongoing comparison in Nigeria's status quo that is causing some rift – the national statistics and reports are showing a promising and stable economy, but the situation on-ground reflects a different reality.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: 5G becomes national security policy, industries seek sustainability in technology
The one thing the current global pandemic has unilaterally effected in all nations is a rearrangement of priorities, both for people and for governments. Survival elements – food and healthcare – have taken lead position.
COVID-19 brings Work-From-Home to Africa; What has been the impact on businesses so far?
The Covid-19 crisis has pierced through the fabric of every layer of society, leaving virtually no country unscathed. The consequences for businesses has been significant and African economies have had to make rapid changes to their way of doing business.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: The 'ember' months performance review
The end of year (fondly referred to as ‘ember months’) tends to bring about anxieties of different sorts among Nigerians.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: East Africa positions itself as investment destination of choice
The East African community continues to live up to its billing as a prime investment destination for investors.
[Column] Titilayo Adewumi: West Africa’s circular economy efforts at the forefront of fostering a more sustainable future
The vast majority of population growth across the continent will be concentrated in urban areas. WEF data indicates that more than 80% of Africa's population growth between now and 2030 will be in cities, with Lagos growing at a pace of 77 people every hour.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: National GDP for Q3 sees increase, amid growing economic concerns
The Nigerian Minister for labour recently has affirmed that more needed to be done in order for the employment crisis to be mitigated. He did allow that much has been done, but a lot of action still was required if the problem was to be tackled from the roots.
[Startup Interview] Adedokun Muhammed-Ali Adedeji, Founder, Brightcloud Automobile, Nigeria
Adedokun Muhammed-Ali Adedeji is a Nigerian innovator, entrepreneur and logistics manager. A green mobility advocate, Adedokun is the founder of Brightcloud Automotive.
[Column] Cathy Smith: Sustainability or extinction: what African enterprises need to know about the next ten years
Businesses and countries across the continent are attempting to rebuild following the devastating economic impact of the pandemic.
[Interview] Victoria Epelle, Founder, Market Forward, Nigeria
Victoria Epelle founded Market Forward about a year ago and the company has executed projects both local and international and is making a name for itself in the field of Consulting and Project Management.
[Interview] Victoria Epelle, Fondatrice, Market Forward, Nigéria
Victoria Epelle a fondé Market Forward il y a environ un an et la société a exécuté des projets à la fois locaux et internationaux et se fait un nom dans le domaine du conseil et de la gestion de projet.
[Interview] Stephan Eyeson, fondateur et PDG, Survey54
L'entrepreneur Britanique-Ghanéen, Stephan Eyeson, est actuellement PDG et fondateur de la société panafricaine de collecte de renseignements sur les consommateurs, Survey54.
[Interview] Stephan Eyeson, Founder & CEO, Survey54
British-Ghanaian entrepreneur, Stephan Eyeson, is current CEO and Founder of pan-African consumer intelligence gathering firm, Survey54.
[Rwanda] MTN considers setting up financial tech firm
MTN Rwanda is considering setting up an independent company to take on and operate its financial technology operations.
[Column] Philani Sangweni: Qualities venture capitalists will look for in entrepreneurs in 2021
2020 was a difficult for everyone, but businesses faced an especially tough time. A few startups have, however, risen above the storm, managing to continue on their upward growth trajectory.
[Startup Interview] Tony Botha, Managing Director, carbonTRACK Africa, South Africa
carbonTRACK Africa is a South Africa technology startup that seeks to create a world where energy is consumed sustainably, shared fairly and empowers all people.
[Startup Interview] Almasi Ndangili, Founder, Imarisha East Africa Productions, Kenya
Almasi Ndangili is the founder of Imarisha East Africa Productions Ltd, a Kenya-based talent academy promoting education through edutainment.
[Column] Phyllis Wakiaga: Why Kenya must involve the youth in its development
We have a great advantage in Kenya as a nation of young, vibrant and highly creative youth.
[Interview] Marieme Esther Dassanou, Coordinator, AFAWA programme, AfDB
Marieme Esther Dassanou is the Coordinator of Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) the African Development Bank’s flagship pan-African initiative
Wanted: Startups for Interviews!
Africa Business Communities and Startup Weekly are conducting a series of interviews with startup businesses all over the world
[Column] Bob Koigi: Of coronavirus crisis and the silver lining for Africa
As economies take a hit from the impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic, the crisis is birthing opportunities and continues to create crucial lessons on resilience and adaptation especially in Africa.
[Startup Interview] Stanley Njeru, CEO, Buyer Logistics Limited, Kenya
Stanley Njeru is the CEO of Buyer Logistics Limited, a Kenyan-based startup offering freight forwading, custom clearance, warehousing and motor vehicle importation services.
[Startup Interview] Mathias Pwol, CEO, Trillaman Studio, Nigeria
Mathias Pwol is the CEO and producer of Trillaman Studio, an entertainment and media startup based in Lagos Nigeria.
[Startup Interview] Babatunde Akin-Moses, CEO, Sycamore, Nigeria
Babatunde Akin-Moses is the CEO of Sycamore a Nigerian company offering peer to peer lending while connecting lenders to borrowers.
[Startup Interview] Emmanuel Ashirifi, Founder, BDN-Africa, Ghana
Emmanuel Ashirifi is the founder of Ghana-based startup BDN-Africa that is creating systems and processes to ease doing business across Africa therefore fostering integration.
[Startup Interview] Oluwatosin Dada, CEO, Dadus Properties, Nigeria
Oluwatosin Dada is the CEO of Dadus Properties, a Nigerian real estate startup of property development and management consultants.
[Startup Interview] Peter Anowie, CEO, Kolics Company, Ghana
Ghana-based startup Kolics Company Limited has been in the business of manufacturing ecofriendly footwear from recycled materials since 2017.
Wanted: African Startups for Interviews
Africa Business Communities is conducting a series of interviews with startup businesses in Africa
COLUMNS.
[Column] Thabiso Foto: Fintech is a path to democratised financial services
Fintech has played a significant role in democratizing access to financial services across Africa in the past decade ...read full column here
[Column] NJ Ayuk: How domestic gas production can help mitigate South Africa’s energy crisis
In the meantime, South Africa should not lose sight of the fact that it has other solutions at hand...read full column here
[Column] Jon Tullett: Cloud economics for enterprises
When looking at cloud economics for enterprises, it is important to determine whether the cloud spend within the organisation is optimal today and will continue to be so tomorrow ...read full column here
INTERVIEWS.
[Interview] Ayodeji Ayorinde, Co-founder, Artisankonect, Nigeria
Artisankonect is a Nigerian startup that helps outsource user requests to skilled persons. … read full interview here
[Interview] Joel Daniel, Founder, Solutions Platforms, Nigeria
Joel Daniel is the founder of Solutions Platforms, a company that grooms young people to succeed and have global relevance by leveraging its various programs designed to foster international education … read full interview here
[Interview] Jesse Onomiwo, Co-founder, Autosparkle, Nigeria
Autosparkle is part of Riltouche and Sparkles, a company dedicated to building the largest chain of the most eco-friendly cleaning solutions out of Africa… read full interview here
B2B Events
The Africa Trade Expo (TATE) | Virtual Conference and Trade Show | 9 March 2022 - 9 March 2023
The Africa Trade Expo (TATE) presents direct access to African buyers whose main aim is to source the latest products, establish partnerships, and conclude import/export deals ... read full details here
Future Foods | African Food & Beverage Industries Virtual Conference & Trade Show | 9 March 2022 - 9 March 2023
Future Foods is a virtual meeting place for importers, F&B managers, retail category buyers, owner-operators, agents, and distributors from across Africa’s diverse and booming ... read full details here