• South African startup Milli enables individuals, communities and organizations to raise funds for medical, educational and entrepreneurial needs.
• The platform combines crowdfunding tools with storytelling, video content and social media distribution to attract donors.
• Milli plans to expand across sub-Saharan Africa as smartphone adoption and digital payment usage continue to rise.

Milli operates as a digital platform that allows individuals, communities and associations to raise funds for personal needs and public-interest causes, including medical expenses, educational projects, entrepreneurial activities and community initiatives.

The Johannesburg-based startup launched in 2023. Dario Eugenio and Peter Konhäusner co-founded the company. “We do not simply host campaigns, we also contribute to financing them through our audience and partners,” Eugenio said.

He added: “The platform revolves around storytelling, video and social media sharing, allowing users to create compelling campaigns and distribute them effectively. Our core belief is simple: better stories generate more funding.”

Milli offers a mobile application on iOS and Android. According to Google Play Store data, Android users have downloaded the application more than 500 times. Users can create campaigns, upload photos, videos and documents, and share personalized links on social media platforms to attract donors.

Moreover, Milli combines crowdfunding mechanisms with features inspired by social networks. Donors can track campaign progress, receive updates and monitor the impact of their contributions.

The startup said it aims to build a “human-centered” platform capable of strengthening local solidarity through digital tools. However, the company charges 1,000 rand, or about $60, for each fundraising campaign.

Milli launched at a time when many African populations still face limited access to financing, particularly in healthcare, education and micro-entrepreneurship. At the same time, the expansion of mobile money services and rising smartphone adoption continue to create opportunities for digital fundraising platforms across the continent.

Beyond donation collection, Milli aims to position itself as digital infrastructure dedicated to social impact. The company targets individuals, charities and local communities seeking to mobilize financial resources quickly around specific projects.

“The next step involves expanding across sub-Saharan Africa, where intensive mobile phone usage and social media sharing habits make this model highly transferable,” Eugenio said.

The emergence of platforms such as Milli also reflects the gradual diversification of Africa’s technology ecosystem. African startups no longer focus exclusively on payments and e-commerce. Instead, many companies are increasingly investing in segments tied to the solidarity economy and social innovation.

This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum