Solutions (443)
Technology entrepreneurs are developing artificial intelligence (AI)- powered tools designed to help businesses manage and reduce their legal spending, offering a potential alternative to traditional law firms.
Founded in 2020 and backed by $2.6 million in funding, Hence Technologies, a Rwanda-UK startup, offers a web-based platform to assist businesses in finding suitable legal counsel.
Currently lacking a mobile app, Hence connects users with lawyers through its website. After booking an initial consultation, users have the opportunity to discuss their specific needs and ask questions about the platform.
The company aims to differentiate itself by using data and algorithms to match businesses with the most appropriate lawyers based on the nature of their legal issues, their location, and cost considerations. This differs from "marketplace solutions" that prioritize facilitating transactions, according to co-founder Steve Heitkamp.
We "built a product that is helping people find the right lawyers; a starting place for their needs," Heitkamp stated in 2022.
With operations spanning three continents and headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda, Hence plans to leverage local tech talent to expand its services and target larger companies globally.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Driven by a mission to improve healthcare accessibility, Senegalese entrepreneur Boubacar Sagna has developed an on-demand platform connecting patients with medical professionals.
Afya Care is an e-health solution developed by a Senegalese startup. Founded in 2014 by Boubacar Sagna, the startup, previously known as Yenni, aims to provide seamless access to healthcare services and medicines through its innovative platform. Users can access healthcare in hospitals and health centers, as well as purchase medicines in pharmacies, by making payments from a digital wallet. The platform, which boasts a mobile app accessible on iOS and Android, allows users to create accounts and access various services, including the ability to pay for consultations, medication, or health insurance.
One of the key features of Afya Care is its digital wallet, which is topped up by mobile money, specifically Orange Money and Wave. Once funds are in the Afya Care account, they can only be used for the services offered by the startup, such as paying for one's care, or that of a third party, or participating in crowdfunding campaigns to help third parties. The startup claims to have a network of over a thousand doctors and pharmacists, ensuring that its users have access to a wide range of healthcare professionals.
In addition to its core services, Afya Care allows users to donate health credits to third parties, with the assurance that the credits will be used for healthcare purposes and that the treatment received must come from a certified network, thus preventing the use of counterfeit medicines. The startup has ambitious plans to expand to other markets in the West African sub-region, with Guinea, Mali, and Côte d'Ivoire being among the potential destinations. Since its launch, the Android version of the mobile application has been downloaded more than a hundred times, according to Play Store data.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In Africa, the fintech landscape is dominated by payment and money transfer startups. But there are a few outliers. One such company is Affacto, a platform that specializes in financing the cash flow of SMEs involved in import-export between Africa and Europe. Affacto was founded by Aïssata Naba Coulibaly, a Malian entrepreneur who spoke with We Are Tech Africa about this niche market and what makes her company unique.
We Are Tech: When we talk about the trade supply chain in Africa, who are we talking about exactly?
Aïssata Naba Coulibaly: The trade supply chain in Africa generally encompasses various sectors of activity such as production, processing, distribution, retail, etc. The specific links involved can vary depending on the sector.
However, in general, the supply chain includes key sectors from the manufacturing of products to their availability on the market for consumers. Each link within these sectors can therefore represent an actor in the African trade supply chain.
WAT: Which of those specific needs does Affacto address?
ANC: Affacto provides factoring services. Factoring is a financing solution that enables businesses to obtain quick cash advances by selling their unpaid invoices. This debt collection is managed by a factor, a specialized credit institution.
In addition to playing the important role of improving cash flow in a supply chain where costs can occur at different stages, factoring also helps to reduce financial risks. By assigning receivables to a factoring company, the company can reduce the risks associated with late payments or bad debts, thus providing some financial protection. Financial cycles are also accelerated. Factoring can help accelerate financial cycles by providing immediate liquidity, allowing businesses to pay their suppliers faster and maintain smooth operations in the supply chain. Optimization of supplier relationships is not to be forgotten.
By having liquidity more quickly, companies can negotiate more advantageous payment terms with their suppliers, thus strengthening relationships within the supply chain. It should be noted that factoring offers a certain financial flexibility by allowing companies to raise funds according to their needs, which can be crucial in a dynamic business environment. Overall, factoring plays a key role in providing financial solutions that contribute to the efficiency and stability of the supply chain.
WAT: The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) notes the emergence of digital platforms that facilitate access to finance for supply chain actors. In a context where traditional commercial banks are still at the heart of credit in Africa, what selling points do you put forward to meet such success?
ANC: We have, first and foremost, increased accessibility. Digital platforms can broaden access to finance by using innovative technologies, thus reaching a wider range of supply chain actors, including small and medium-sized enterprises that may face difficulties in obtaining credit from traditional banks. Our processes are simplified.
By leveraging technological solutions, digital platforms can simplify the application, evaluation, and disbursement processes for funds, thus accelerating the financing cycle. This can be particularly attractive for businesses seeking quick disbursements.
It is worth noting that digital platforms can use algorithms and advanced data analytics to assess credit risk more accurately, offering a more flexible and individualized approach compared to traditional bank credit models.
Digital platforms can also contribute to financial inclusion by targeting segments of the population that are generally underrepresented in the traditional financial system, thus promoting broader participation of supply chain actors.
In summary, digital platforms can differentiate themselves from traditional banks by leveraging technology to improve accessibility, simplify processes, use advanced data analytics, and promote financial inclusion, thereby contributing to meeting the diverse needs of supply chain actors in Africa.
WAT: Micro and small businesses (MSMEs) often lack the financial traceability banks require to qualify for credit. How do you ensure that your financial support to MSMEs will be recovered since they form a sizeable part of your clientele?
ANC: To address the challenges of financing micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), financial service providers, including those specializing in factoring, have developed a variety of mechanisms to mitigate the risks associated with their limited financial traceability.
One approach is cash flow analysis. Financial service providers can conduct in-depth analyses of MSME cash flows to assess their ability to repay financing. This approach can be less reliant on traditional credit history.
The use of alternative data is another solution. Factoring platforms can leverage alternative data sources, such as transaction data, payment history, or invoice information, to assess the creditworthiness of MSMEs, in addition to or as a substitute for traditional credit criteria.
More flexible assessment models that consider non-traditional indicators can also be adopted to adapt to the realities of MSMEs that may not have complete financial traceability.
Factoring companies can implement robust guarantee and collection mechanisms to minimize risks. This may include personal guarantees, receivables assignments, or other collateral forms.
By implementing these approaches, financial service providers can help mitigate the risks associated with MSME financing, thereby promoting financial inclusion and supporting small-scale supply chain actors.
WAT: The UNCTAD report "The Potential of Africa to Capture Technology-Intensive Global Supply Chains" indicates that Africa only contributed 1.9% to the $2.2 trillion global supply chain finance in 2022. What are the obstacles hindering the continent's progress?
ANC: The financing of trade supply chains in Africa is hampered by several factors, including the lack of adequate financial infrastructure, complex legal and regulatory frameworks, as well as challenges related to trust and transparency in commercial transactions. Additionally, issues related to financial market maturity and financial literacy also play a role in this context.
WAT: Given the challenges that hinder access to finance for trade supply chain actors in Africa, what innovative solutions can be implemented to address these challenges and transform the financing landscape?
ANC: It is essential to develop a collaborative vision at all levels to support supply chain financing at all stages. At Affacto, we have launched the Affacto Flow service, which allows us to finance suppliers, clients, freight forwarders, and logistics companies on the third-party holding side. We have decided to bring all stakeholders together in the same place to enable them to collaborate at all levels of the chain.
WAT: With the AfCFTA, a market of 1.4 billion people in Africa, what opportunities could unlock access to finance for trade supply chain actors?
ANC: The effectiveness of trade supply chain financing in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which brings together 54 African countries, can contribute to market expansion for businesses.
With the continental market, businesses will have access to more orders, which will support their production, distribution, and marketing activities. Logistics and transportation companies will be able to capitalize on financing to develop and improve their infrastructure across the continent, facilitating the efficient movement of goods.
SMEs make up a significant portion of the supply chain actors in Africa. The targeted financing they could benefit from would help strengthen their production capacity, market access, and compliance with international standards. The funds could even be used to develop and adopt technological solutions to improve their supply chain management, increase their visibility, and facilitate their transactions within the AfCFTA.
It is important to note that financing could also be used to set up training programs to strengthen the skills of supply chain actors, particularly in regulatory compliance and best business practices.
In summary, in the era of the AfCFTA, access to finance for SMEs can provide trade supply chain actors in Africa with the ability to catalyze their efficiency, competitiveness, and growth. This will promote further economic integration on the continent.
WAT: Currently, Affacto operates in Mali, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo. What are its short-term plans for expansion?
ANC: We aim to establish strategic partnerships with banks, debt funds, other fintech companies, and all other supply chain actors.
We are currently raising funds and plan to expand our services to other West African countries and explore the two Congos. We are in discussions with a country in the sub-region to set up an innovative mechanism that will allow SMEs that win public contracts to finance their principals through the financial market.
Interview by Muriel Edjo
The bespoke solution was designed by a Beninese entrepreneur in a bid to enhance access to fresh produce.
In 2020, Beninese startup DigitAll Farmer introduced Aliments Bénin, an e-commerce platform that aims to enhance fresh product accessibility. The platform bridges the gap between consumers and producers, fostering a vibrant marketplace for agricultural goods.
Founded by Novalie Houngbédji, Aliments Bénin operates as a web-based platform, eliminating the need for a dedicated mobile application. Users access the platform via their browsers, where they register by providing their email address and creating a secure password. At this juncture, users make a pivotal choice, choosing the “seller” status for those marketing their products or the “customer” status for those seeking to make purchases.
Aliments Bénin boasts an extensive array of offerings, ranging from locally-produced beverages to butchered meats, grocery staples, fresh fruits, vegetables, cereals, tubers, and seafood. By connecting producers directly with consumers, the platform has catalyzed awareness and amplified sales for nearly a hundred agricultural entrepreneurs. Households, restaurants, and pastry shops alike have embraced the convenience of ordering quality agri-food products at equitable prices.
“We were able to help nearly 100 producers increase the awareness of their products and increase their sales by more than 7,000,000 FCFA [11,500 USD] in 2021. Several households, restaurants, bakeries, and others were able to order and have quality agri-food products delivered to them at fair prices,” Novalie said in 2022.
To ensure swift fulfillment, Aliments Bénin also operates a delivery service. Once orders are placed, the platform takes charge, dispatching goods to customers across multiple communes within the country. The solution has earned DigitAll Farmer several recognitions, including the Encouragement Award (XOF5 million) at the 2021 Tremplin Startup UEMOA competition. Additionally, in November 2022, the platform secured third place in the inaugural Moov Africa Startup Challenge, earning an XOF1 million check and in-kind prize worth XOF540,000.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In 2018, three young Togolese entrepreneurs launched a bespoke mobile application aiming to provide citizens with nationwide digital health records. This initiative aims to enhance access and improve healthcare delivery across the country.
KondjiGbalē is a healthtech solution developed by a Togolese startup that enables users to connect with healthcare professionals via its web and mobile platforms. The Lomé-based startup was founded in 2018 by three young Togolese, with Yvon Koudam as the CEO.
This application is like “a comprehensive digital health record, functioning similarly to a health passport. Additionally, it empowers patients to actively manage their medical history. For healthcare professionals, it facilitates diagnosis and streamlines the overall treatment process. Notably, the platform offers diverse access channels, including a website, mobile app, call center with local language support, and a USSD menu catering to areas with limited internet connectivity,” says Koudam.
The mobile application is only available on Android. After downloading, users must register by providing their details. Once registered, users can access a range of healthtech services, including a shared medical file, teleconsultation with doctors, online medication ordering and delivery, medication alerts, and the ability to locate nearby on-call pharmacies, streamlining healthcare access and management. These features enable users to proactively manage their health and efficiently obtain professional medical assistance and medication from home.
KondjiGbalē has received several awards since its launch. In 2019, it took first prize at the Fenes' Pitch Your Startup Idea and the Togo Innovation Challenge. According to Play Store data, the mobile app has been downloaded more than a thousand times.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Finding skilled artisans for specific projects can be challenging in Africa, often requiring trusted personal connections. This gap is being bridged by emerging startups leveraging technology to connect customers with qualified craft professionals.
Gombo, a digital solution developed by an Ivorian start-up launched in 2021, offers users access to a variety of online services. The start-up, based in Abidjan, features a mobile app available on iOS and Android.
Users can sign up using their social network credentials or by filling out a form with their surname, first name, phone number, and email address. Once registered, users can access various professional services on the platform, including tutoring, electrical work, childcare, and sports coaching.
The startup recommends professionals based on the user’s geographical location and the chosen service, which users can book, enjoy, and evaluate thereafter.
After utilizing a service, users are encouraged to leave feedback on the platform, contributing to the service provider’s rating on Gombo. It is important to note that users must top up their account – via credit card or mobile money– before booking any professional services on the platform.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Financial technology (fintech) startups are experiencing rapid growth across Africa, driving financial inclusion by offering individuals and businesses easier access to a wider range of financial services. These innovative companies leverage technology to provide services like mobile money transfers, digital payments, and online lending, often reaching segments of the population traditionally excluded from traditional financial institutions.
Benin-based fintech FeexPay, launched in May 2023, announced its expansion into Togo, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Senegal on Tuesday. The platform, developed by JH Trading, aims to simplify financial transactions for businesses and merchants by enabling payments via mobile money and bank cards.
"We launched FeexPay to significantly contribute to financial inclusion in Africa," said founder Jean Hugues Houinsou in an interview with We Are Tech Africa. "This expansion into four new countries marks a significant step forward, but we remain committed to doing more for the benefit of the African population."
Unlike many fintech solutions, FeexPay operates solely through its website, avoiding the need for a mobile app. Users create accounts by providing personal details and company information, followed by document verification. Once validated, businesses can receive payments via various methods, including Visa, Mastercard, and mobile money.
The platform features functionalities such as FeexLink, which generates payment links to be shared with customers via various channels; FeexCorporate, which enables mass payments to be made to employees, customers, or suppliers; and FeexMarket, which provides access to a single payment link for all of a store's products.
In a move to facilitate easier access to service providers for individuals, a tech entrepreneur is launching a bespoke solution.
Togolese startup Trankyl is offering a digital solution to connect users with a wide range of service providers, from home tutors and craftsmen to digital specialists. Launched in 2021 by Sati Sai, the Lomé-based platform aims to bridge the gap between those seeking services and those offering their skills.
"The idea behind Trankyl came from the simple observation that many people struggle to find reliable service providers for their daily needs," explains Sai. "After six months of research and development with my team, we created the Trankyl app to serve as a bridge between service providers like carpenters, plumbers, and vendors, and potential customers."
Trankyl operates through a mobile app available on iOS and Android. Users can create accounts to access the platform's diverse service offerings. They can then select a specific service and choose from a pool of verified providers listed on Trankyl. Payment for services is facilitated via mobile money platforms like Flooz for Moov Africa or T-Money for Togocom. However, Trankyl temporarily holds the funds and confirms with the customer that the work has been completed to their satisfaction before disbursing payment to the provider, deducting a 15% commission.
Service providers can register on Trankyl through a dedicated application and undergo verification checks before being approved. The platform currently operates in Togo, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, boasting over 4,000 registered providers, more than 1,700 available services, and over 500 bookings made through its platforms. Additionally, the Android version of the Trankyl app has surpassed 10,000 downloads on the Play Store, demonstrating its growing user base.
The fintech solution aims to provide an alternative to traditional credit options for individuals with limited or no access to credit, simplifying the purchase process for them
Payflex is a fintech solution launched by a South African eponymous startup providing users with access to financial services, particularly deferred payment options. Established in 2017 by Paul Behrmann and headquartered in Johannesburg, the startup has successfully secured $500,000 in funding since its inception to support its ongoing expansion.
The Payflex solution, available for iOS, Android, and Huawei devices, allows users to create an account –using their details– to unlock the various financial services offered by the fintech. Notably, the flagship product of Payflex is the deferred payment feature, allowing customers to make payments in four installments, with an initial 25% upfront and subsequent 25% installments every two weeks. Upon the payment of the first installment, users gain access to and can enjoy their purchased items. According to the fintech, this innovative payment structure acts as a marketing advantage, boosting sales in partner boutiques by 30%.
Payflex establishes spending limits for its users, with the possibility of increasing the limit for those who consistently demonstrate timely payments. The fintech does not impose additional interest charges on its services. Interest comes into play only when a payment due date is missed, coupled with an automatic adjustment to lower the spending limit, ensuring responsible financial practices.
Despite challenges associated with the limited development of credit services on the continent, primarily due to financial exclusion, Payflex's services are gaining popularity among the South African population. In November 2021, the fintech startup was acquired by an Australian firm, indicating a strategic move to expand operations on the African continent. This acquisition has kept the startup's progress, as evidenced by the Android version of the mobile app surpassing 100,000 downloads, according to Play Store data.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Tappi, a digital solution developed by a Kenyan eponymous startup, offers a comprehensive suite of marketing tools tailored for small and medium-sized business owners, facilitating the efficient management and promotion of their online stores. Founded in 2022 by Kenfield Griffith and Louis Majanja, the Nairobi-based startup recently announced, on December 6th, the successful completion of a $1.5 million funding round to enhance its brand, attract top talent, and expand its footprint in Kenya and Nigeria.
“We are grateful to be supported by great investors who share our vision and the mission to address the untapped potential within Africa’s informal SME markets, particularly in overlooked service industries such as food services, fashion, agriculture, and health and beauty. We are eager to empower SMEs across Africa by providing them with a trusted identity online to find customers,” said Kenfield Griffith, CEO and co-founder of Tappi, celebrating the funding round.
Accessible exclusively on Android devices, the Tappi app offers a seamless user experience for creating a business profile and entering company information. The app's built-in AI functionality even helps users craft tailored business descriptions, overcoming the challenge that many businesses face in writing effective ad copy.
“We have found that most of these businesses do not have the resources to craft their ad copies well, hence low-performing ads. [...] So the tool permits them to input details about their business and get ad copy,” explains Griffith.
With this data, Tappi automates the creation of a dedicated web platform for each company, ensuring their online presence and discoverability through search engines like Google, which boasts a dominant market share within the region. From their Tappi account, users can effortlessly create and manage advertising campaigns across various social media platforms; publish targeted ads to reach their ideal customers online, and gather valuable customer feedback and reviews to build a strong online reputation.
Since its launch, the Tappi mobile app has garnered over 1,000 downloads.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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With the explosion of e-commerce in Africa, efficient delivery services have become an essential cog in the wheel. In Morocco, a tech entrepreneur has embarked on the adventure to revolutionize last-mile delivery.
Kaalix, a technological solution developed by a Moroccan startup, empowers users to access a range of delivery services conveniently from their smartphones or computers. Founded in 2019 by Ilyess Hammouda, the Casablanca-based startup has quickly gained traction in the country.
Accessible through its mobile app available on both iOS and Android platforms, Kaalix offers a multitude of services. Users can effortlessly order food from their favorite restaurants, shop online at various boutiques (including grocery stores, clothing stores, and supermarkets), or directly access a courier service for delivery needs independent of existing partner stores. This flexibility allows users to pick up parcels within the city without requiring an order from a partner store or restaurant.
For restaurant and store deliveries, users can easily browse menus and catalogs, add items to their cart, and have their purchases delivered directly to their desired location. Real-time tracking of delivery drivers from within the app provides added convenience and transparency. Importantly, delivery rates are tailored to the user's location, ensuring fair and transparent pricing.
In 2021, Kaalix partnered with the e-commerce platform Marjane, expanding its reach and user base. Its rapid growth is evident in the number of downloads its Android app garnered on PlayStore. According to PlayStore, the app has already been downloaded more than 100,000 times.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In an effort to streamline the vehicle breakdown experience for car owners, a tech entrepreneur has ventured into the breakdown market, developing a digital solution alongside his team.
Spana is a digital solution developed by a Tanzanian startup. It transforms the automotive landscape in the country by connecting vehicle owners with reliable mechanics and spare parts vendors through a mobile app. Founded in 2023 by Julius Mbungo, Spana addresses the challenges of Tanzania's used car market, which is heavily reliant on the spare parts market, a significant portion of which is unfortunately counterfeit.
“This influx of fake parts results in frequent breakdowns, compelling car owners to incur maintenance costs that are four times higher than necessary,” says Julius Mbungo. Spana wants to change that.
The Spana app, available on both Android and iOS, provides a convenient platform for vehicle owners to access a network of verified garages, mechanics, and spare parts vendors. Users can easily locate nearby service providers, compare prices, and make informed decisions based on their specific needs and preferences.
With an initial focus on Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, Spana has already established a network of approximately 50 garages and 100 mechanics. The startup plans to expand into several African countries in the coming months, with tests already conducted in Namibia and Kenya. Since its launch, the Android version of the Spana app has been downloaded over fifty times.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Deferred payment options that were once a luxury available only in developed nations are gradually being introduced in African countries. This introduction is spearheaded by financial technology startups, through innovative solutions that cater to the continent's unique financial landscape.
Sympl is a checkout platform developed by an Egyptian startup. It enables users to buy goods online and pay later or save towards the purchase of goods they want. Founded in 2021 by Karim Tawfik, Mohamed El-Shabrawy El-Feky, and Yasmine Mohamed Henna, this Cairo-based startup raised $6 million in funding that same year to, among other things, accelerate its growth.
Commenting on the successful $6 million fund-raising, Mohamed El-Shabrawy El-Feky said: "The huge market opportunity is evidenced by this capital raise, and the support of Beco Capital, A15, and Global Ventures- who recognize Sympl’s ability to scale and disrupt Egypt’s deferred payments industry, and the size of the market opportunity."
The startup has been growing steadily ever since, and the Android version of its mobile app –also available on iOS and Huawei's AppGallery has been downloaded more than 50,000 times, according to Play Store data. To access its services, users need to visit the web platform or mobile app, and purchase from Sympl's partner boutiques.
At checkout, the user chooses a payment plan. They can choose to pay in three, four, or five interest-free installments on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis, with or without a deposit. They then enter their telephone number and pay the service fee. After this step, the user can finalize the purchase and get the payment schedule in the mobile application.
The startup also has an application for merchants wishing to join Sympl's world, enabling them to open their online store and easily track the progress of their customers' reimbursements. Earlier this month, the fintech was selected to be part of the 2023 cohort of the Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator program.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Africa has one of the largest underbanked populations in the world. To capitalize on the business opportunities offered by such potential markets and help populations access the services they need, financial services for those populations, startups (both local and international) are introducing increasingly disruptive solutions.
Konnect, a fintech solution created by a Tunisian startup, empowers users to seamlessly send and receive money, make online purchases, settle transactions with merchants or delivery drivers using QR codes, purchase airtime, and collect payment by generating payment links. Founded in 2021 by Amin Ben Abderrahman and headquartered in the city of Tunis, the startup has garnered approximately 500,000 Tunisian dinars (equivalent to around $160,540) in funding since its inception. These funds have been instrumental in advancing its technology and accelerating its growth.
The solution features a mobile application accessible on iOS and Android. Whether they are accessing the solution through its mobile or web platform, users are required to create an account as individuals, businesses, or startups. They will therefore be able to monitor real-time incoming payments, track income progression, receive transaction notifications, and access a secure private administration interface.
Konnect integrates Visa and Mastercard payment solutions as well as In Flouci, a solution developed by local fintech startup Kaoun. It charges 1.6% on deal value as transaction fees. In November 2023, it was selected with 22 other African startups for the Visa Africa Accelerator Program.
According to Amin Ben Abderrahman Konnect’s selection for the Visa Africa Accelerator program is a testament to the startup’s unwavering commitment to innovating and transforming the fintech sector in Tunisia. The Android version of the startup has already been downloaded more than a thousand times, according to Play Store data.
Adoni Conrad Quenum