Solutions (443)
Determined to provide Africans with a social networking platform designed just for them, three young Africans have embarked on the adventure of digital entrepreneurship. Their solution is named Umojja, which means "unity" in Kiswahili, a Bantu language spoken in many parts of the continent.
Umojja is a social networking platform developed by a Congolese startup. It enables users to access a variety of creative content, news, and personal moments shared by other platform users. The startup, based in the city of Goma and founded by Congolese Charles Muleka Kitwa Djo Kyadi and Nigerian Temilade Oduwalo, launched its solution in 2023.
"Leveraging the lessons learned from the ravages of war, Umojja aims to provide a secure platform for young people to exchange information. Our focus is on fostering not only the development of our own country but also contributing positively to others, given that our nation is already a member of various organizations. By connecting through Umojja, we strive to extend these benefits beyond our borders, facilitating mutual growth and collaboration," said Charles Muleka Kitwa.
Currently, the solution features only an Android application. Users, whether on the web platform or the mobile app, can register by inputting various personal details, including their name, email address, telephone number, gender, and country of origin. Upon successful registration, users gain access to the platform, enabling them to follow content creators, news media accounts, and other users.
Umojja offers users a range of features, including the ability to broadcast live videos, make video calls, place ads, create a company page, conduct polls, share videos, and send text messages. The platform actively combats the dissemination of fake news. It adopts a unique approach by compensating content creators based on the viewership of their videos. Since the launch of its mobile app in July 2013, it has been downloaded over a hundred times, according to Play Store data.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
To facilitate urban and intercity transport in Morocco, a tech entrepreneur has set up a car-sharing startup, building on the car rental concept.
Carmine is a digital solution developed by a Moroccan startup. It enables subscribed users to travel in one of the startup's vehicles. The Casablanca-based startup was founded in 2014 by Mohammed Mrani Alaoui (photo).
"The user starts by applying for membership through our web platform www.carmine.ma. Once his/her application is accepted, the account is activated and a personnel badge is issued to the member. The latter then becomes autonomous and can make a reservation directly on the app whenever the need arises," explains Mohammed Mrani Alaoui.
The said mobile app is available for Android and iOS devices. Thanks to that app, members can unlock the cars available at various locations around the city. It also allows members to view car availability in real-time, the time and kilometers traveled and billed, booking history, and account status.
Let’s note that the startup charges by the hour, day, or kilometer, depending on the type of reservation. Pricing takes into account the time of use, fuel, comprehensive insurance, and initial parking reservation.
Carmine offers various types of subscriptions on its web and mobile platforms. Payment options are just as varied. "We offer three methods of payment, either directly online via our website using a bank card, or in cash via our partner Cash Plus agencies, or directly with our customer service team at our Casablanca offices," explains Mohammed Mrani Alaoui.
The Android version of the application has been downloaded more than 10,000 times. After an extension to Rabat in September 2020, the startup plans to enter other major Moroccan cities.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The Internet has revolutionized various fields, including job hunting. Tech entrepreneurs are introducing innovative solutions that enable people to apply for jobs from their own homes conveniently.
Jobjack is a digital solution set up by a South African startup. It enables job seekers to find interesting job opportunities and employers to find talent for their companies. The Cape Town-based startup was founded in 2018 by Christiaan van den Berg and Heine Bellingan. On Tuesday, November 7, 2023, it announced the successful completion of a 45 million rand (approx. $2.4 million) funding round to accelerate its growth.
"These funds allow us to continue our momentum of onboarding employers and not only streamlining their entry-level recruitment but driving accessibility and affordability for the job-seekers that need it most," said Christiaan van den Berg.
Currently, the digital solution has no mobile application. It is only accessible through its web platform which allows users to register for their accounts using their email addresses and then complete their profiles with all the required information. The startup builds users’ resumes based on that information and allows them access to job opportunities on its homepage.
When they apply for jobs and are invited for an interview, users are notified by the platform. "If you have been invited for an interview, you will receive a notification SMS and an interview request on the platform. You can simply sign in to your JOBJACK profile and you should see a pop-up notification that will take you to your interview. In your interview section, you will be able to view all of the details and select your time slot," the platform reads.
When the interview is successful, all the follow-up information is sent to the user’s account. The platform is free for jobseekers but employers need to subscribe to a fee-based talent sourcing scheme. Thanks to Jobjack's algorithms, job offers reach the most relevant candidates.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
E-health solutions are rapidly gaining momentum across the continent, providing accessible healthcare options. In response, tech entrepreneurs are continually innovating with practical solutions that aim to enhance the daily lives of their fellow citizens.
Assista Soins is an e-health solution developed by an Algerian startup, established in 2022. It enables access to healthcare services and professionals.
The solution features a mobile application accessible only on Android. After downloading, users can create their Assista Soins account with their details to access the services available. These include medical consultations, nursing care, blood sampling, medical transport, etc. through a network of over 185 partners.
Once a user chooses the service he/she needs, the mobile app will suggest qualified professionals depending on the user’s geographic location. Then, the user has to select the desired professional and confirm the appointment.
Users have the option to subscribe to Assita Soins' services on behalf of a third party, such as a family member or friend. As of August 2023, the e-health platform has facilitated over 300 interventions across all the communes of the Wilaya of Constantine. Recognized for its outstanding contribution, Assita Soins has been selected to represent Algeria at the World Entrepreneurship Summit scheduled for April 2024 in Chile. Its mobile application has already garnered over 500 downloads, as per data from the Play Store.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the two brothers behind the solution felt the heightened need to send funds to their relatives but, the available solutions were not up to their taste. With their backgrounds in finance and IT, they then decided to set up a proper solution. A few years later, MyEasyTransfert was born.
MyEasyTransfert is a fintech solution developed by a Tunisian startup. It enables Tunisians living in Europe to send money to their loved ones via a mobile app or web platform from a smartphone or computer. The startup was founded in 2022 by the Khenissi brothers, Ismaïl and Jabrane. Last week, it announced the successful completion of a €500,000 financing round to improve its technology and expand into new African markets.
"We want to offer every Tunisian living abroad the possibility of managing all their financial transactions to Tunisia from their smartphone with our platform," explains Ismaïl Khenissi.
The MyEasyTransfert mobile application is available for iOS and Android devices. After downloading the mobile application, the user creates an account by entering personal information. They then receive an activation link, which they click on to activate the newly created account. After these various steps, the user can create a list of beneficiaries, i.e. people to whom he or she often sends money in Tunisia. Depending on the beneficiary's geographical location, they can send the funds to be withdrawn in cash at the nearest withdrawal point.
Currently, the solution is accessible from Austria, Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Italy, Luxembourg, and Portugal. But, it plans to add new countries. In addition to the Tunisian diaspora, it aims to enable members of the Malian, Senegalese, and Moroccan diasporas to use MyEasyTransfert to send remittances to their countries.
Since its launch, the Android version of the application has already been downloaded more than ten thousand times, according to Play Store statistics.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Jessica Boonstra, the founder of Yebo Fresh, began her adventure in her garage. Fast forward a few years, she has completed several rounds of financing and is positioning her startup in a niche e-commerce segment in South Africa.
Yebo Fresh is an e-commerce solution developed by a South African startup. It enables grocery retailers in the townships of Cape Town and Johannesburg to stock up on food products from a mobile application or a web platform. The Cape Town-based startup was founded in 2018 by Jessica Boonstra. Since its launch, it has already raised around $5.5 million to accelerate its growth and diversify its offerings.
"The global e-commerce revolution should not only be accessible to a handful of South Africans, Yebo Fresh aims to extend this to the majority, and in so doing, accessing a huge untapped market. We use technology, innovative processes, and partnerships to make food shopping easier, cheaper, and safer and we assist in supporting healthier food options for our customers," said Jessica Boonstra.
The solution's mobile app is only available for Android devices. Once downloaded, users need to create an account to access the various services. They can make purchases and have them delivered to their store within 24 hours. In addition to ordering via the mobile application or web platform, it is also possible to place orders via WhatsApp. To do so, users need to send a list of groceries and follow an agent’s guidelines to complete the purchase.
Yebo Fresh has also introduced a deferred payment system. This enables retailers to stock up and pay in installments until the amount due is settled. The company is rolling out that system thanks to a 78 million ($4.2 million) funding round. "The township market is developing rapidly, and we're proud to be at the forefront of its digital revolution," says Jessica Boonstra.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In Africa, many startups are focused on improving financial inclusion. They have developed many fintech solutions, some more innovative than others.
Babimo is a fintech solution developed by an Ivorian startup. It enables users to pay bills online using a contactless QR code. The Abidjan-based startup was founded in 2021 by El Mehdi Messek.
The solution features a mobile app accessible on iOS and Android. Through the app, a user can create an account, with a phone number and a PIN code, and access the various services. In addition to paying bills online using the QR code, users can transfer money to their contacts via the Moov Africa, MTN, or Orange mobile networks, or buy airtime.
Babimo's digital wallet can be topped up by mobile money for various commercial transactions. It is worth mentioning that the startup collects commissions on the various operations. For example, for a 25,000 CFA Franc (around $40) top-up with Babimo, an operator transfer fee of 625 CFA Franc and an account top-up fee of 125 CFA Franc will be deducted, crediting the account with 24,250 CFA Franc.
The startup, which passed through Orange Fab, has received several awards since its launch. In 2022, it came second and received a check for 5,000,000 CFA Franc at the Moov Start-Up Challenge. In early 2023, it won first prize, a check for 2 million CFA Franc, at the first IMP'HACK Hackathon organized by online betting platform 1xbet and Go Impact Côte d'Ivoire. In October 2023, it was also part of the Africa Startup Initiative Program at Startupbootcamp Afritech.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The fintech segment is flourishing across Africa, with numerous African tech entrepreneurs striving to provide top-notch services in this sector. This drive has led to a proliferation of diverse fintech solutions.
Mukuru is a fintech solution developed by a South African startup and founded in 2004. It enables South Africans living in the country and the UK to send money anywhere in the world.
"With more and more digital access points over USSD, WhatsApp, and the Mukuru App, for instance, customers are becoming increasingly comfortable with things like self-sign up, including digital KYC and onboarding, which is not only raising our brand presence but is shifting customers that much closer to financial inclusion and higher levels of financial transaction sophistication," said Mukuru CEO, Andy Jury, in 2020.
The solution features a mobile app accessible on iOS, Huawei, and Android. After downloading the application, users can register for their Mukuru accounts with their personal details and access its services, including sending and receiving funds, making online transactions, requesting a Mukuru card, etc...
Thanks to Mukuru, users can send funds via WhatsApp or by dialing a USSD code. The solution aims to reach as many people as possible. In addition to the services listed above, the startup enables users to subscribe to a funeral cover service –A service where users contribute towards a lump sum payment to beneficiaries in the event of one’s death.
The fintech wants to expand to more countries, starting with Southern Africa. Since its launch, the Android version of its mobile application has already been downloaded more than 100,000 times, according to Play Store data.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
To tackle youth unemployment, this edtech company has set up a program aimed at assisting young individuals in acquiring additional skills via workshops and online courses.
Crafty Workshop is an edtech platform developed by an Egyptian startup, founded in 2019. It gives users access to online courses and video content in fields such as crafts, technology, and photography.
The solution does not have a mobile application. It is accessible through its web platform and an account is required to access its services. Users can take courses every day and at any hour of the day.
Its free courses are accessible for free but, paid courses require a subscription, which costs 150 Egyptian pounds ($4.85) monthly and 500 pounds yearly. Subscription gives access to premium content and can be shared with a friend or family member. The platform also features an online marketplace where artisans can create virtual stores to sell their wares. Users can also register as trainers and share their knowledge by giving online courses and/or running an online store.
Last week, the platform announced the successful completion of a $400,000 funding round to, among other things, improve its technology and diversify its offerings. Its co-founder Hadeer Shalaby also explained that the funds will serve, among other things, to extend the startup’s reach to the Gulf region and enrich the content library.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
At the national stage, it competed against 245 applicants. On the international stage, they were well over 1300.
Cameroonian startup Services for Aged –founded by Cameroonian-born Olivia Kamga (photo, left)- quickly gained credibility in the national and international tech community in recent months. Launched in mid-2023, it has already won two awards for its digital platform that connects the elderly with home care in rural areas.
The two awards were issued by French telecom group Orange in the framework of its Orange Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East (POESAM) competition. At the national stage, the startup won the “special women’s prize”, on July 20. Last October 18, it also won the "Coup de Coeur" in Kigali, Rwanda, in the framework of the international phase, whose winners were unveiled on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress Africa 2023.
Services for Aged gives busy rural populations and the diaspora the ability to hire care personnel to look after their elderly relatives. The startup specifically targeted the elderly in rural areas given that they are often vulnerable to social exclusion, isolation, and health problems.
It offers four types of monthly and à la carte subscriptions. They include medical and preventive care, personal hygiene and body care, home consultations, shopping, leisure, and social activities, among others with regular care reports sent to its subscribers. Its services are available in several regions across Cameroon, including the Centre and the West regions. To meet the growing demand for its services, the startup has deployed a network of qualified caregivers across the country.
With its mobile and desktop applications, Services for Aged demonstrates that the digital transformation ongoing in Africa, and Cameroon in particular, offers the opportunity to maintain social ties with loved ones, even remotely.
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To facilitate efficient bus journey planning within the Kingdom of Morocco, tech entrepreneurs have developed a customized digital solution.
MarKoub is a digital solution developed by a Moroccan startup. It enables users to search for bus prices and timetables, compare offers from several transport companies, and book tickets online. The Rabat-based startup was founded in 2017 by Omar Chaabi and Zouhir Droussi.
The solution features a mobile app accessible for iOS, Huawei, and Android devices. After creating an account with their e-mail address, users can search for available offers by entering the date of travel, departure city, arrival city, and number of travelers. They can then choose the companies and seat(s) that suit them best, and validate their purchase by paying using the payment methods available on the application.
After this step, the user receives a confirmation e-mail containing a code to be shown to board the bus. It should be noted that a reservation fee of 5 Moroccan dirhams (approx. $0.49) applies to certain routes. Also, depending on the size and weight of the luggage, some companies may charge additional fees.
The startup is partnered with over sixty transport companies. Since its launch, it has received several awards, including the Royal Air Maroc Hackathon in 2017, Maroc Telecom's Entrepreneurship Award in 2018, App of the Year at the Moroccan Web Awards in 2019, and the Bronze Award at the Huawei Developer Competition (2020). In 2023, it was among the 100 Moroccan startups that took part in the year’s edition of GITEX Africa in Morocco. Since its launch, the Android version of its app has been downloaded over 100,000 times, according to Play Store data.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The idea that launched it is the result of one of the founders’ concerns about the safety of his first car. It was brought to life to become a much more affordable and customized alternative to existing solutions.
Alltrack is a digital app developed by a Mozambican startup. It enables users to track their vehicles in real-time from a mobile application. Americo Chaquisse, one of the founders of the Maputo-based startup, came up with the idea in 2015 when he bought his first vehicle.
"I was concerned about the safety of my car, and the solutions available on the market at the time were expensive and didn't give me the option of controlling my car myself or integrating their solutions with other hardware devices. So I decided to create my own solution. [...] In the worst-case scenario, the user is allowed to block the car, by cutting off the oil and electricity. All this can be done using a smartphone," said Chaquisse.
The app is available for iOS and Android devices. To access its vehicle tracker, a user needs to download that app and create an account. But first, the device tracker needs to be installed in the vehicle. Even if the vehicle’s battery is removed, the user can still track it normally. Among other things, Alltrack enables the owner to easily locate his or her car, be warned when a third party starts it, find out all the routes taken by the car, or even find out if someone is touching or trying to open one of the vehicle's doors.
The startup offers a seven-day trial where users will have access to their vehicle's position in real time, the vehicle's lock, and alerts. Apart from this, there's the bronze package billed at 800 meticals (approx. $12.52) for 6 months, and the one-year silver package costing 3,500 meticals. With the latter, users have access to all the solution's features.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The AI-powered solution, developed by three tech entrepreneurs, aims to ease access to insurance policies.
Haba is an insurtech solution developed by a Nigerian startup. It enables users to access various insurance policies from its mobile application. Last week, the Lagos-based startup behind it raised $75,000 to improve its technology and accelerate growth.
"Haba InsurTech is positioned to redefine insurance accessibility, empower policyholders, and shape the future of the insurance sector in Nigeria. As the insurance landscape evolves, Haba InsurTech stands as a beacon of innovation, ready to make insurance easier, more reliable, and ultimately more customer-centric," the startup explains.
The solution features a mobile app that can be downloaded on PlayStore and AppStore. Through the app, users can register to access its various services, namely car insurance, health insurance, and gadget insurance.
It is worth noting that with Haba, users can insure even their smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Subscribing to an insurance policy is managed by an AI-powered conversational agent. To select a policy, a user needs to log in, click on the + icon, and select the type of insurance needed. This will launch the conversational agent, which will collect all the information needed for an estimate. After this step, the user can buy the policy – if he/she approves the terms– by filling out payment information.
The conversational agent also takes care of claims. All the user has to do is press the dedicated button and initiate a discussion with the agent about a complaint. The user chooses how he/he prefers his claim to be settled: cash payment or by taking the damaged car or gadget to the insurtech service center.
Since its launch, the Android version of its application has been downloaded just over fifty times, according to Play Store data.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
With the streaming industry booming worldwide African platforms are trying to make their mark in this market, dominated by giants such as Spotify, Deezer, and Apple Music.
Colorfol is a digital solution developed by a Cameroonian startup. It gives users access to audio and video content promoting African music and independent artists.
Through its mobile app –Available for Android and iOS devices, users can create an account by inputting their e-mail address and password. Once created, the account allows the user to browse the various contents offered by the application. They can browse depending on their taste with either the free plan or the premium one, which costs €0.2/day.
With the free plan, users can access all the platform's content, from songs to podcasts, but ads are unavoidable. The premium plan is to get rid of ads and access song lyrics, be able to listen to songs offline or access online radio. Audio quality is also better with the premium than the free plan.
In addition to these features, Colorfol integrates an online ticketing service where users can purchase tickets for showcases, concerts, shows, or cultural events featuring various artists. The startup integrates several payment methods such as mobile money, bank cards, and money remittance applications to carry out transactions on the platform.
Since its launch, the Android version of its mobile application has been downloaded more than 5,000 times. Colorfol is one of the ten African startups that won the 2023 edition of the AFD Digital Challenge.
Adoni Conrad Quenum