Designed with the unique challenges of educational institutions in mind, this innovative solution aims to simplify operations.
Studirium is an edtech platform developed by a promising Cameroonian start-up. Founded in 2024 by Eric Bruno Tia Nossoue and based in Douala, the platform aims to digitalize the educational ecosystem for schools.
“Our product is a web and/or mobile application that securely records, generates, processes, manages, makes accessible to authorized personnel, and archives school data. This is to enhance school performance, increase parental oversight, and regularize private tutoring in Africa,” explains the startup.
Although the solution lacks a dedicated mobile application, users can access its services via a web browser. The process begins with school administrators filling out a form to add their institution, providing details such as the school name, structure, motto in French and English, and location.
Once the form is submitted, a start-up agent contacts the user to verify the school’s documents. If everything is in order, the account is activated. From the dashboard, administrators can manage various tasks, including pre-registration and transferring students between schools.
Since its launch, Studirium boasts 56 schools, 403 classes, and 12,612 learners. In 2024, it was selected as one of the ten startups to participate in the Cameroon stage of the Orange Social Entrepreneur Prize in Africa and the Middle East.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
This startup's name translates to "save" in Moore, a widely spoken language in Burkina Faso. Its goal is to address parcel delivery issues across various localities in the country.
Faangué is a technological solution developed by Kafyka Group, a company based in Burkina Faso. It allows users to order domestic gas delivery with just a few clicks. The startup, founded in 2023 by Brice Clovis Kaboré, is located in Ouagadougou.
According to Kaboré, Faangué "aims to create jobs, enhance the delivery profession through the use of ICT, establish a uniform delivery price throughout Burkina Faso, encourage the population to integrate digital aspects into their daily habits, and assist the government in achieving its objectives."
The app is currently available exclusively on Android. After downloading, users can create an account to access various services. To order a gas cylinder, they simply select one of the many merchants listed on the platform, choose the desired cylinder, and confirm their order. Before finalizing the order, users can review an invoice that details the product price, delivery fees, and information about the delivery person.
In addition to gas delivery, users can hire the startup's couriers for errands. The app highlights nearby couriers based on the user's location. Faangué provides an estimate of the distance in kilometers between the user and available couriers, allowing users to select one for their errands.
The startup aims to create approximately 200 permanent jobs and over 5,000 part-time delivery positions for various products across Burkina Faso. It operates in several major cities, including Ouagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso, and Koudougou.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, online training courses have become an appealing alternative for acquiring skills. They are particularly accessible due to the flexibility they offer learners.
Blemama is an edtech solution developed by a Beninese startup, providing users with access to online training in various fields. Based in Cotonou, the startup was founded in 2019 by Martinien Blévenec.
The platform does not have a mobile application; users must access the services directly through the web platform. While browsing the platform is possible without an account, creating one is necessary to purchase courses. Blemama offers training in digital marketing, coding, graphic design, cryptocurrency, and e-commerce.
In addition to these courses, the startup features a "Tech Room," a program that allows users to join a private community of technology enthusiasts and access a pack of tailored training courses. The goal is to help users achieve their objectives through customized training. Within the community, users can request training in specific key areas. These sessions are conducted online, and users who are unavailable at the time can later access the video recordings. The monthly subscription fee is XOF20,000 (approximately $33). Blemama also offers a subscription to the "Tech Room" without access to the training pack for XOF5,000.
Regarding payment methods, the startup has integrated mobile money payments, bank cards, and cryptocurrencies. Additionally, individuals can become trainers on Blemama by clicking on the "Trainer" tab and conversing with Liam, the startup's AI-based chatbot. Blemama claims to have trained over 25,000 young people and has more than thirty trainers.
In 2024, Blemama was selected, along with five other Beninese edtech startups, to join the first cohort of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship program. This eight-month acceleration program offers mentorship, expert advice, and non-equity funding of $75,000.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Inspired by the idea of "Finance for All," Fintou was founded by two tech entrepreneurs to empower entrepreneurs.
Fintou is a fintech solution developed by a Togolese startup that enables users to create and launch crowdfunding campaigns. Founded in 2022 by Kokou Nouvor and Fandam Tahalgbanti, the startup is based in Lomé.
"Fintou was born out of a need for financing to realize a business idea. During our search for funding, we discovered crowdfunding, an alternative financing method that mobilizes interested individuals to finance a project. This inspired us to create a similar platform and test the concept," the founders explained told Togo First.
The solution is accessed through a web browser, as there is no mobile app available. Users can create an account by clicking the "Start" button and entering their information. The startup verifies this information before validating the account. Once verified, users can launch funding campaigns for various projects, set up funds for birthdays or weddings, or organize donations.
"Depending on your project, invite close acquaintances to participate, then expand to your broader network and share the project on social media and with the general public. Regularly update your fundraising page to keep contributors informed," the startup advises.
To facilitate fund collection, Fintou integrates mobile money and bank card options. The fintech offers three subscription plans: free, pro, and expert. The free plan allows collections up to XOF3 million (approximately $5,000). The pro subscription costs XOF20,000, while the expert plan requires a specific request to the startup for pricing details.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Launched by two youg entrepreneurs, the e-mobility solution aims to facilitate travel in and around the city of Dakar.
Kai is an e-mobility solution developed by a Senegalese startup that enables users to book rides in the city through a mobile app. Founded in 2018 by Pape Seyni Ndiaye and Birane Diagne, the startup is based in Dakar and secured an undisclosed amount of funding in 2021 to support its growth.
The app, available on both iOS and Android, has garnered over 10,000 downloads on the Play Store. Users can create an account by providing their personal information, which allows them to access the startup's services. To book a ride, users select their destination on the map and choose a vehicle type, with the fare displayed upfront.
Kai also allows users to learn more about their drivers. Once a ride is confirmed, users receive a notification when the driver arrives. They can follow a designated route but have the option to add stops or make detours during the journey. For payment, Kai offers several methods, including a preloaded digital wallet, bank cards, mobile money, and cash.
"Kai's services include rides within Dakar, transfers to and from Dakar Airport, and availability for trips within Dakar and to all regions," the startup states. To accelerate its growth, Kai has partnered with CFAO Motors, a vehicle dealership. At its launch in December 2021, this partnership provided the startup with 20 cars.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In recent years, health tech startups have been providing valuable alternatives to populations. In Zambia, a tech entrepreneur has taken a significant step to facilitate access to health sector information by launching a digital solution.
MedSearch Zambia is an e-health solution developed by a Zambian startup. It enables users to access comprehensive information related to the health sector in the country. Founded in 2018 by Zanga Musakuzi and based in the capital Lusaka, the startup aims to enhance how Zambian populations search for healthcare services.
"We have developed a medical directory application, which works as a health information Hub and guide that allows users who are in search of specific health services or medication to quickly and easily find one near them regardless of their location," the startup states.
Its mobile application is available on iOS and Android and has been downloaded over a thousand times from the Play Store. After downloading, users create an account to access MedSearch Zambia's healthtech services. To ensure credibility and reliable information on its web and mobile platforms, the app partners with a wide range of healthcare providers, including pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and even agroveterinary service providers.
Beyond providing health sector information, the startup offers medical research advice, customized training for organizations, and a "Water and Sanitation" department. It also features a medical tourism service that enables people to seek treatment in India.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
After studying at prestigious American universities, two Nigerian tech entrepreneurs have embarked on a mission to solve the global challenge of receiving international payments. They decided to start this venture in their home country, Nigeria.
Cleva, a fintech solution developed by a Nigerian startup, enables individuals and businesses to receive international payments in US dollars directly into a US-based account.
Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, Cleva was founded in 2023 by Philip Abel and Tolu Alabi. In January 2024, it secured $1.5 million to fund the project's development and commercial offering. The fintech was also selected for the Winter 2024 cohort of the California-based accelerator Y Combinator.
Discussing Cleva's services, co-founder Tolu Alabi explained: "The problem that we're trying to solve, which is enabling people to receive international payments, is not a Nigerian problem nor an African one. It's a global problem; people in Latin America, Asia and even Canada need to receive dollars for their work and service."
Cleva has launched a mobile app available on both iOS and Android, which has already been downloaded over 10,000 times according to Play Store data. Users can create an account using their email address and must provide identification to verify their account. Currently, the solution is targeted at Nigerians. "We're starting with Nigeria because we know the market and it's also a big market," added Tolu Alabi.
Beyond receiving international payments, Cleva allows users to convert US dollars into local currency and conduct transactions with local bank accounts. The fintech also offers virtual US dollar bank cards to facilitate commercial transactions. "We feel like because of our backgrounds, we're very well positioned to solve this problem at a global scale," concluded Tolu Alabi.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The mobility market is experiencing rapid growth across the continent. In South Africa, where many industry giants are active, a local startup is attempting to establish its own unique position. The company's name, which translates to "hurry" in Zulu, reflects its dynamic approach to the market.
Shesha is an e-mobility solution developed by a South African startup. It allows users to book taxis online through a mobile app. Launched in 2024, the startup is based in the Gauteng province and is supported by various entities such as the Gauteng Taxi Industry Trust, Santaco Gauteng, and the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance.
The app is currently available only on Android, where it has already been downloaded over 10,000 times according to Play Store data. After downloading, users create an account with their ID number. Once verified, they can access the startup's services. Drivers are required to provide more documentation, including an ID, driver's license, and vehicle inspection report.
These measures are taken to ensure the safety of both drivers and customers. "Shesha verifies the identities of everyone on a Shesha trip from the customer to the driver, ensuring that they are indeed who they say they are," said Nomsa Mdhluli, spokesperson for the startup.
To book a driver, users need to enter their route into the app, choose the type of vehicle, and confirm the reservation. Notably, it is impossible to make a reservation without sufficient funds in the user's electronic wallet. The startup mandates payments through this secure and transparent channel. The wallet can be topped up via bank cards or at an ATM.
"...Another factor when we consulted with e-hailing operators was the fact that cash is allowed also puts them at risk. So, we use a cashless system," Nomsa Mdhluli said in an interview with a local South African news.
Shesha, which already has about 13,000 drivers on its platform, currently operates only in the Gauteng province. The startup plans to expand to other provinces in the coming months.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
E-health solutions are rapidly expanding across African nations, establishing themselves as preferred alternatives and significantly improving access to healthcare for populations.
eSiha is an e-health solution developed by an Algerian startup, enabling users to access various healthcare services through its mobile application. Founded in 2019 by Hachi Bilal, the Algiers-based startup offers a comprehensive platform available on both iOS and Android, with over 50,000 downloads reported on the Play Store.
Users can create an account with their personal information after downloading the app. Healthcare professionals can identify themselves by checking a box at the end of the registration form.
eSiha connects users with a wide range of healthcare professionals, including doctors, specialists, paramedics, pharmacists, and radiologists. The platform features a search bar where users can input the type of healthcare professional they need and the region (wilaya) for the search. Within a few clicks, users receive a list of healthcare professionals to address their medical needs.
Beyond geolocating healthcare professionals, eSiha simplifies online appointment scheduling, audiovisual teleconsultations, and the creation of digital health records. The latter service is particularly useful for tracking patients with chronic illnesses. Healthcare professionals can manage their schedules conveniently through their dashboard.
Alert systems via messages and emails remind patients and professionals about upcoming appointments. Since its launch, the healthtech startup boasts 10,850 practitioners, approximately 77,000 users, and nearly 4,000 daily connections on its platform.
eSiha is making significant strides in improving healthcare access and efficiency in Algeria, demonstrating the impactful role of digital solutions in modern healthcare.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Fueled by a frustrating sofa delivery experience, Redouane El Halaoui partnered with someone to develop a solution. This solution incorporates a negotiation feature to benefit both consumers and providers.
PeeCoop, a delivery solution developed by the Moroccan company Red Ant, enables users to have packages and goods delivered across multiple cities in Morocco. Launched in 2020 by Redouane El Haloui and Antoine de Mirbeck, this Casablanca-based startup offers a mobile application available on both iOS and Android, which has already been downloaded over 10,000 times from the PlayStore.
After downloading the app, users create an account according to their status. PeeCoop provides account options for individuals, independent transporters, and e-commerce platforms. Regardless of the account type, users must enter their phone number and follow the registration process.
For individuals looking to have a package delivered, the process is straightforward. After creating an account, users submit a delivery request by uploading a photo of the package and filling out a form. This form includes a description of the merchandise, its dimensions, weight, pickup date, time, and location, and a proposed price. Once the request is submitted, multiple transporters receive it and those interested in the job contact the client. This initiates the negotiation, allowing both parties to reach an agreement.
Speaking about the price negotiation feature, Redouane El Haloui stated in a 2021 interview on the Medi-Up podcast: "We wanted to give drivers the option to propose a price. It's simpler, and they know their colleagues will also be proposing prices, so it happens naturally. They can offer the right prices for the client, who then has the option to accept or negotiate."
PeeCoop currently boasts over 2,000 "peecoopers" across Morocco and more than 18,000 satisfied customers. The startup claims its service helps clients save up to 75% on delivery costs.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
After completing an acceleration program at EtriLabs, the healthtech company launched into the African market and quickly distinguished itself on the continental tech scene. The company continues to steadily progress and harbors big dreams for the future
Rema, an e-health solution developed by a Beninese startup, enables doctors and medical students to collaborate remotely and receive continuous training. Based in Cotonou, the startup has been led by Sedric Degbo since 2019. Its mission is to improve the quality of healthcare decisions in Africa by ensuring the reliable and rapid transfer of medical and scientific knowledge and data among individual and organizational healthcare stakeholders.
The mobile application is available on both iOS and Android and has been downloaded over 10,000 times from Play Store. After downloading, users create an account by filling out a registration form and providing proof of their professional or student status. The registration is manually verified, as account creation is restricted to doctors and medical students (at least in their second year of study).
Once registered, users can access various services offered by the startup. These include Rema Learning, which allows users to attend live or recorded interactive medical conferences hosted by international experts and explore clinical cases shared by peers; Rema Jobs, which curates job opportunities for healthcare professionals in Africa; Rema Business, which enables targeting and engaging a specific audience within the community for various purposes (medical surveys, brand awareness, influencer campaigns, etc.); and Rema Pharma, a service for non-community members needing confidential consultations with a pharmacist for tailored advice. This service requires users to save the start-up's number and contact it via WhatsApp. The telepharmaceutical consultations often involve recommendations for preventive health practices, over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, or health center referrals.
Rema also functions as an online community and social network for medical professionals. Users can make posts to seek opinions from other doctors. "There are two posting modes on REMA: 'Quick Post' and 'Clinical Case'. In 'Quick Post' mode, you access a publishing interface with a text field and an image upload button. In 'Clinical Case' mode, the interface includes fields to describe your case, add images, and select specialty and anatomical tags to identify your case," explains the e-health platform.
With additional offices in Nouakchott, Mauritania; Dakar, Senegal; Lomé, Togo; and Douala, Cameroon, Rema aims to establish itself as the leading community for doctors and medical students on the continent. The start-up has garnered multiple awards, including the first prize for best start-up at inwiDays 2019 in Casablanca, Morocco; best digital start-up at FIDEA 2019; second prize for best African start-up at the AfricUp Pitch Challenge 2019 in Tunis, Tunisia; and an award for the best solutions from La Francophonie with the most impact during the peak of the health crisis in 2020.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The development of fintech startups in Africa has provided alternatives for populations excluded from traditional financial services. Thanks to these solutions, they can save or invest according to their means.
Ejara is a fintech solution developed by a Cameroonian startup, allowing users to access financial services through its mobile application. Founded in 2020 by Nelly Chatue-Diop, Baptiste Andrieux, and Tierno Tall, the Douala-based startup successfully raised $8 million in funding in 2022 to democratize access to digital investment and savings products and support its growth across the continent.
"In Africa, most people don't have the safety net of a pension fund, and some clients use Ejara for that. There are users, particularly mothers, who use the platform to invest in their children's university education. We also have a small portion of our customer base who are wholesalers, handling large volumes; they use crypto to fund and purchase goods from foreign suppliers through this method," explained Nelly Chatue-Diop.
The Ejara app is available on both iOS and Android and has already been downloaded over 100,000 times from PlayStore. After downloading, users create an account to access the startup's various services. Among other features, they can save funds and earn up to 5% annual interest or buy and sell cryptocurrencies. From Bitcoin to Tether, Ethereum to Binance Coin, the Cameroonian fintech offers Africans access to these digital currencies.
Ejara's system is based on blockchain technology, ensuring secure transactions. Additionally, the fintech has implemented a gateway that allows users to top up their digital wallets via mobile money. With just 1,000 CFA Francs (approximately $1.63), users can start saving or investing on the Cameroonian startup’s mobile platform.
"The integrated transparency and security offered by the blockchain, combined with the popularity of mobile banking services in Africa, made me realize that a mobile investment platform based on blockchain was the key to expanding financial inclusion," stated Nelly Chatue-Diop.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Founded by two tech entrepreneurs, the solutions aims to make it healthcare access easier for people. It integrates an AI-based chatbot to make the process even smoother.
La Ruche Health, an Ivorian startup, has developed an e-health platform that allows users to book appointments online through an AI-powered instant messaging chatbot. The Abidjan-based startup was launched in 2023 by Benjamin Sasu and Rory Assandey.
The platform has a mobile app accessible on both iOS and Android, which has already been downloaded more than 500 times from the PlayStore. Users can register to access various services, such as teleconsultation and home medical exams. After booking an appointment, users can discuss their symptoms with a qualified specialist within 60 minutes, and they will receive their prescriptions instantly through the mobile app.
In addition to the web and mobile platforms, La Ruche Health has Kiko, an AI-based chatbot with which users can chat on WhatsApp. This conversational agent is capable of conducting medical discussions and answering simple or complex technical questions. It understands messages via voice note, text, and images. The startup claims more than 150,000 "patient encounters" led by the chatbot, with only 2.33% converted into appointments with doctors.
Prior to its official launch in 2023, the startup was selected in 2022, along with 14 other African startups, for the "Google for Startups Accelerator" program. In 2024, it was among the startups chosen by the Ivorian authorities to participate in the VivaTech technology fair held in Paris from May 22 to 25.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The solution was developed to help young Africans study in countries across the continent. It connects students with educational opportunities abroad, bridges gaps in access to quality education and fosters greater academic exchange.
Esseyi is an edtech startup developed by a Beninese company. It aims to connect African students with universities across the continent for various degree programs. Founded in 2023 by Emeric Koda and Max Agueh, the startup is based in Cotonou. The name "Esseyi," which means "knowledge," is derived from Ikposso, a language commonly used in Togo.
"We are convinced that by capitalizing on its youth, Africa will accelerate its economic and social development. Many countries currently experiencing strong development, such as Tunisia, Kenya, and Turkey, have invested in efficient and local higher education systems. Through this project, we also aim to limit Africa's brain drain to the west," says Emeric Koda.
Unlike many digital solutions, Esseyi does not have a mobile application. Instead, users access the platform through a web browser. By creating an account and filling out their student profile, users can access over 10,000 degree programs at 2,000 public and private institutions in 52 countries across the continent. Depending on their study plans, students can find suitable courses and proceed with the application process with the startup's assistance.
"We hope our platform will become a companion for students throughout their academic journey. In the medium term, students using Esseyi will be able to find housing, benefit from health insurance, open a bank account, and search for internships or jobs in Africa," explains Emeric Koda.
In June 2024, Esseyi was selected, along with five other Beninese edtech startups, to participate in the first cohort of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship program at the Beninese incubator EtriLabs, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. The eight-month program includes non-equity funding of $75,000.
Adoni Conrad Quenum