Ghanaian fintech Fido has raised $20 million in Series B funding from BlueOrchard and Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank FMO, with an additional $10 million in debt financing from Stanbic Bank Ghana and Growth Investment Partners.
The funds will support Fido's expansion across Africa, focusing on providing small business loans, savings, and personalized insurance solutions.
Fido offers credit access to individuals and MSMEs in Ghana and Uganda, leveraging AI-driven technology to deliver its services.
He aims to help businesses optimize their operations and grow their activities. To achieve this, he offers a platform that connects them with qualified talent capable of handling their key tasks.
Wisani Hlangwane is a South African investment graduate and entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Funti3R, a startup established in 2022 to offer innovative workforce management solutions.
Funti3R connects companies in sectors such as IT, information and communication technologies, healthcare, and financial services with qualified talent. These professionals are responsible for performing essential tasks to drive the growth of these businesses.
From project management to data entry, Funti3R simplifies the creation and management of tasks, promoting seamless, real-time collaboration among teams. The platform also allows users to track progress, monitor key performance indicators, and gain valuable insights into business processes.
Funti3R features advanced functionalities, including AI-powered smart task recommendations and predictive resource allocation that enhances efficiency by matching the right tasks with the right people.
Alongside his role at Funti3R, Wisani Hlangwane is a certified market maker for Fonbnk, a global marketplace that converts prepaid mobile airtime into cryptocurrency. In 2015, he co-founded IMB Magazine, a social media publication aimed at inspiring people. In 2017, he founded Sikizela Developments, a construction company, and in 2020, he co-founded MyHammiTown, an e-commerce startup.
Wisani Hlangwane holds a bachelor’s degree in investment from Milpark Business School, South Africa, obtained in 2021. In 2022, he joined Mpowa, a blockchain platform, as a Web3 strategist, where he is working currently.
Melchior Koba
Telemedicine is well-suited for non-urgent medical conditions. It helps avoid long waiting lines and is increasingly becoming a preferred alternative across the continent, especially with the growth of the technological ecosystem.
Medikea is a digital health solution developed by a Tanzanian startup to provide users with access to online consultations through its mobile platform. Founded in 2020 by Desire Ruhinda, Elvis Silayo, and John Manko, the startup is based in Dar es Salaam.
"All of Medikea Doctors are licensed and registered with the Medical Council of Tanganyika (MCT), the organisation responsible for overseeing medical doctors in Tanzania. They have experience in treating a wide range of conditions and can assist with almost anything your regular doctor could handle in a clinic or hospital," the startup explains.
The Medikea app, available on iOS and Android, has been downloaded over 500 times according to Play Store data. Users create an account to access the healthtech services. For online consultations, users schedule an appointment through the platform. The consultation takes place via video call, where users describe their symptoms to the doctors, much like in a traditional consultation.
If the doctor has enough information to make a diagnosis, they prescribe the appropriate treatment. If not, the patient is referred to a clinic for further examination. In addition to online consultations, Medikea offers medication delivery and at-home lab tests. However, these two services are currently only available in the city of Dar es Salaam.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
As a former business intelligence consultant, he recognized the pivotal role data plays in driving corporate success. Now an entrepreneur, he leverages technology to gather and make this valuable information accessible to businesses.
Joseph Rutakangwa (photo), a Tanzanian entrepreneur, is the co-founder and CEO of Rwazi, an AI-powered business intelligence platform.
Founded in 2018, Rwazi provides international brands with free access to detailed consumer data. The platform offers insights into who buys what, at what price, from where, when, and why. Rwazi's goal is to help companies increase revenue and expand their operations.
The startup leverages a network of over 20,000 data collectors located in urban and rural areas across more than 40 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and South America.
Rwazi offers a mobile and web application that allows consumers worldwide to share their consumption habits. In return, they receive personalized product recommendations based on their budget and preferences, powered by an AI engine.
According to Rutakangwa, live streaming of consumer data enables clients to identify trends in real-time and respond quickly, allowing them to generate revenue and grow in the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of consumer demands.
Rutakangwa holds two bachelor's degrees in business management from The African Leadership University in Mauritius and Glasgow Caledonian University in the UK. He also earned a graduate diploma in international business from Lehigh University.
Prior to founding Rwazi, Rutakangwa worked as an independent business intelligence consultant from 2013 to 2018. He also held positions in the marketing and business development departments at Pernod Ricard, a global wine and spirits group.
Melchior Koba
African countries are increasingly modernizing their digital systems, adopting various technologies to enhance efficiency and transparency. However, the critical issue of digital security is often overlooked.
Ethiopia recently launched a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) system to enhance the security of online transactions. The initiative, inaugurated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (photo) on Saturday, August 31, aims to bolster the country's digital transformation efforts.
"Securing virtual data complements the task of protecting national sovereignty. Today, we officially launched Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) with the Information Network Security Administration. This will facilitate reliable and secure digital data exchange," Prime Minister Abiy stated on X.
The PKI system is part of Ethiopia's broader cybersecurity strategy. Other initiatives include a training program for five million coders and the national digital identification program.
The PKI will be particularly beneficial for Ethiopian public organizations that provide electronic services, such as issuing driver's licenses, passports, and health insurance. It will also contribute to the growth of e-commerce in the country.
A PKI is a cryptographic solution used to secure electronic information transfer. It issues digital certificates that enable encryption and digital signatures, ensuring confidentiality, authentication, integrity, and non-repudiation during online transactions.
Samira Njoya
The Burkinabe government is firmly committed to modernizing the country through the introduction of new technologies. This initiative is being realized by the adoption of new services aimed at benefiting citizens.
Burkina Faso has officially launched a new electronic passport issuance system, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of its identification infrastructure. The Minister of Security, Mahamadou Sana, inaugurated this "next-generation" tool on Tuesday, September 3, in Ouagadougou.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Security, these new electronic passports—whether ordinary, service, diplomatic, or for refugees—are made of polycarbonate and equipped with an electronic chip that offers enhanced storage capacity. "They reflect the Burkinabe government's commitment to strengthening national identity and providing citizens with documents that meet the highest international standards," the statement noted.
Developed by Chinese company Emptech, the passports are part of the latest generation recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). They incorporate cutting-edge security features and are available within 24 hours at a cost of XOF50,000 FCFA (approximately €76), provided all required documents are submitted.
The introduction of this new system is part of a broader strategy to modernize identification systems in Burkina Faso. It coincides with the implementation of a law on the Unique Electronic Identifier of Persons, which aims to uniquely identify each individual through biometric and biographical data.
The new system is expected to enhance security, reduce the risks of fraud and identity theft, and enable real-time tracking of the passport production and issuance process. Additionally, it is designed to be interoperable with other national systems, facilitating secure and efficient data exchange, with flexible enrollment options available both online and offline.
Samira Njoya
From November 6-8, 2024, Cape Town will host Africa's leading innovation conference, the Afrilabs Annual Gathering. The gathering is a hub for Africa’s innovation community to come together, collaborate, and advance the continent’s digital transformation.
The event will feature six tracks on critical innovation topics, with over 50 thought leaders sharing their insights and more than 20 panels highlighting groundbreaking ideas.
Enhanced digital access in rural areas fosters economic opportunities by connecting communities to markets, information, and services that were previously out of reach. This can lead to improved agricultural practices through smart farming technologies, better education and healthcare services, and greater access to financial services.
The Government of Malawi has announced plans to launch a "Smart Village Initiative" in partnership with Huawei Technologies. This initiative aims to bring digital transformation to rural areas across the country.
President Lazarus Chakwera revealed the plan on September 3, on the sidelines of the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) being held from September 4-6 in Beijing. He emphasized that the initiative would include establishing technical training centers in rural areas to equip youth with essential digital skills, such as AI, cybersecurity, and smart agriculture solutions, which are vital for supporting large-scale farming initiatives.
The Smart Village Blueprint, conceived as a practical tool to improve Internet access in rural and remote areas, will be the foundation of this project. The Smart Villages project adopts a locally led, integrated approach to providing digital services to all rural citizens. By integrating digital technologies, the initiative aims to deliver equitable, high-quality, and efficient services related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for all.
Huawei has been instrumental in transforming rural and urban areas across Africa through its smart village and city initiatives. In July, the company partnered with Zambia to launch a smart village in Namwala, enhancing connectivity and digital access in rural communities. Huawei also recently signed an agreement with Kaduna State, Nigeria, to develop a smart city project, integrating advanced technologies like AI and IoT to improve public safety and transportation.
This initiative aligns with the Malawi 2063 (MW2063) agenda, which envisions transforming Malawi into an industrialized upper-middle-income country by 2063. It builds on a series of successful collaborations between Malawi and Huawei, including the 2022 launch of the country’s first-ever National Data Center, a key milestone in advancing Malawi's digital infrastructure.
Hikmatu Bilali
As a serial entrepreneur, he specializes in providing technology solutions for the commerce sector. He developed a platform that empowers merchants and restaurants to deliver their products throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Eric Bemba (photo) is a Congolese serial entrepreneur and the founder of Wiikko, an online platform for buying and selling goods.
Founded in 2019, Wiikko connects consumers with their favorite restaurants and stores. The startup aims to become a trusted partner for fast and reliable deliveries while offering customers an optimal experience. Its mobile app features a wide range of businesses, allowing users to discover new products and take advantage of promotional offers. Wiikko also collaborates with numerous delivery drivers to facilitate deliveries for its partners.
In addition to his work with Wiikko, Eric Bemba is the General Manager of Yango Congo, a mobility company operating in both the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Congo. He is also the co-founder of Splitti, a fintech platform launched in 2020 that allows users to create groups and easily collect funds for various events such as birthdays, weddings, farewell parties, or projects.
Eric Bemba graduated from the University of Alabama in the United States, where he earned a bachelor's degree in commerce and business administration in 2009. He worked as a senior consultant for the tax and legal firm EY from 2013 to 2016. He then joined the financial network Compagnie Financière du Congo (CFC) as an independent consultant. In 2017, he was appointed Development Manager at SESOMO Services, a human resources service provider in the DRC. From 2019 to 2020, he served as CEO of Rawgeneration, a startup accelerator in the DRC.
Melchior Koba
With a strong foundation in accounting, he discovered his interest in technology and pursued formal training in computer science. He leveraged his combined expertise to revolutionize healthcare, creating a cutting-edge telemedicine platform.
Cameroonian tech entrepreneur Jean Lobe Lobe (photo) is the founder and CEO of Waspito, a telehealth platform launched in 2020. Through that platform, he connects Africans with doctors and laboratories.
Patients can access instant video consultations with specialists via their smartphones. Additionally, the platform provides a database of pharmacies and medical laboratories, streamlining the purchase of medications and scheduling of blood tests following an online consultation. Medications can be delivered directly to patients' homes. Waspito also features a health discussion forum, moderated by doctors, where users can ask questions anonymously and receive real-time answers.
In 2020, Waspito won the Orange Ventures MEA Seed Challenge and was named Best HealthTech Startup in Africa at the Africatech Awards, part of Viva Technology 2023.
The idea for Waspito came to Lobe after his father passed away from a heart attack in a town without a cardiologist. "I lost my father a few years ago when he had a heart attack in a town without a cardiologist. He died while being transported to the nearest city with a cardiologist," the startup founder recalled in August 2024.
Lobe also serves on the board of directors for Unity Co-operative Society (UNICS), a microfinance institution in Cameroon. Before founding Waspito, he established Heptic Holdings in 2016, where he served as CEO until 2020. This company supports the creation and development of startups.
A self-taught computer enthusiast, Lobe holds an accounting degree from Oxford Brookes University in England. His professional career began in 2010 at Union Bank of Cameroon, where he was responsible for banking operations. In 2011, he worked as a financial auditor for Audit and Accounting Corporation (AUDICO) in Cameroon.
In 2012, he joined the airline CAMAIR-CO as a general accountant. Later, he was hired by British American Tobacco where he worked from 2012 to 2016. During his tenure, he held HR management positions in Nigeria, West Africa.
Melchior Koba
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Africa's cities are facing rapid population growth. Providing millions of people with an adequate living environment requires more targeted investment. The integration of ICTs into urban policies should no longer be overlooked.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and Chris Lu, the CEO of Huawei Technologies Nigeria Limited, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Kaduna State Smart City Project. The ceremony which took place at Huawei’s office in Beijing, yesterday September 2, was attended by Nigeria’s President, H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Governor Uba Sani explains that“ this project holds the key to a more secure and prosperous Kaduna State.” It will focus on several key areas, including the establishment of a State-Level Unified Command Center, which will centralize and improve security operations. It will also introduce advanced Intelligent Traffic Management systems to optimize transportation within the state. E-Government and Office Automation will streamline administrative processes, while Smart Education and Healthcare initiatives aim to elevate public services.
Additionally, the project will promote ICT Talent Development and integrate Renewable Energy solutions to support sustainable development. Public Transportation will also be enhanced through advanced technology. To ensure the project's success, Kaduna State and Huawei will establish a joint committee to finalize the implementation plan, funding arrangement, and technology deployment.
The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) reports that Nigeria is experiencing rapid urbanization, with more than half of its 213 million population now residing in urban areas. Currently, 53% of Nigerians live in cities, and this figure is expected to exceed 70% by 2050, presenting various challenges. Smart cities could provide effective solutions for managing this urban growth by optimizing resources and services.
Hikmatu Bilali
South African lawmakers have completed digital economy courses to gain a better understanding of technology. Now, local officials are set to receive similar training.
South Africa's Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi on Tuesday launched the Broadband and Digital Skills Program, aimed at equipping municipal leaders and councilors with skills to leverage digital innovations, improve service delivery and enhance public engagement.
According to Malatsi, public representatives, particularly councilors, are often overwhelmed by numerous service requests and critical decisions they must make daily. Acquiring digital skills enables them to work more efficiently and respond more swiftly to public inquiries, making them more accessible to citizens.
The initiative, implemented in partnership with the British Embassy and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), comes amid the rapid acceleration of digital transformation. It is part of the South African government's national strategy on digital and future skills. According to the strategy, acquiring digital skills is expected to create new jobs, significantly improve quality of life, education, and drive economic growth.
"In recognition of the fact that trends and advances in information and communications technology are ever evolving, we are committed to developing these competencies to realise our mission to digitally skill, upskill, and reskill the population," Malatsi said.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Artificial intelligence offers Africa a chance to tackle key challenges and drive economic growth. But to fully capitalize on AI, significant investments are needed.
Djibouti plans to become a regional hub for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, according to Houssein Ahmed Assoweh (photo), the country's representative at the ICESCO regional workshop for the development of the Islamic World Charter on AI.
In an interview with the Djiboutian News Agency ADI, Houssein Ahmed Assoweh said: "We will continue to invest in AI education and training to strengthen national skills. Additionally, we plan to launch several pilot projects in identified priority areas. The goal is to position Djibouti as an AI innovation hub in the Horn of Africa. I am convinced that Djibouti has an important role to play in the global AI ecosystem.”
According to the AI expert, Djibouti is developing its national AI strategy, focusing on improving living conditions in a challenging environmental context. The strategy includes the application of AI in critical areas such as smart agriculture, healthcare, logistics and transportation, as well as education. These efforts are part of "Vision 2035," the Djiboutian government's development strategy aimed at equipping the country with world-class digital infrastructure.
By investing in AI, Djibouti aims to become a key player in technological innovation in Africa. AI could notably enable significant advances in smart agriculture, optimizing crop yields despite the country's climate challenges. In healthcare, AI could facilitate more accurate diagnoses and increased access to care, particularly in remote areas.
According to PwC's "Annual Global CEO Survey," AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with $1.2 trillion potentially generated in Africa. This contribution could represent a 5.6% increase in the continent's GDP over that period, highlighting the enormous potential of AI to boost Africa's economic growth if properly harnessed.
Samira Njoya
In many African nations governance is riddled with a lack of transparency, which is critical for building public trust and ensuring that development initiatives are implemented effectively. The introduction of digital platforms streamlines public administration to increase transparency in government activities, addressing public concerns about unfulfilled promises and resource management.
The Kenyan government launched, yesterday September 2, two innovative digital platforms, aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in public administration. The platforms, the Presidential Directives Management Information System (PDMIS) and the Foreign Travel Management Information System (FOTIMS), were officially introduced at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Dr. Margaret Ndung’u, the newly appointed Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy (MICDE).
“The Presidential Directives Management Information System (PDMIS) and Foreign Travel Information Management System (FOTIMS) are a huge milestone in our quest to deal with obscurity in decisions undertaken as raised by Kenyans recently,” said Rigathi Gachagua in a tweet shared the same day.
This system tracks and manages directives from President William Ruto, ensuring efficient and transparent implementation. It is accessible only to high-level officials, centralizing all directives and eliminating the need for paper copies.
FOTIMS digitizes the approval process for foreign travel by senior officials, ensuring justifications are made and resources are used wisely. Access is limited to authorized personnel, enhancing oversight.
The launch of PDMIS and FOTIMS represents a key step in Kenya's digital transformation, aiming to set higher standards for accountability and efficiency in public administration.
This move aligns with the Kenyan government’s efforts to improve digital governance. In the 2022 UN E-Government Index ranking, which assesses the digital government landscape of UN member countries, the country rose from 116th to 113th out of 193 countries, reflecting its ongoing commitment to enhancing its digital government capabilities. Introducing these new digital platforms further underscores Kenya's progress in public administration, as they are likely to contribute to continued improvements in transparency, efficiency, and overall governance.
Hikmatu Bilali