• Nigerian edtech startup StudyCrew combines artificial intelligence and gamification to improve student engagement and study consistency.
  • Founder Josiah Dhev launched the platform in 2025 to help students organize academic work, track progress and collaborate more effectively.
  • The self-funded startup has attracted more than 200 users across Nigeria, India and the United Kingdom and plans to expand into educational institutions.

StudyCrew is an edtech platform developed by a Nigerian startup. The company designed the platform to make learning more interactive, collaborative and structured.

Founded in 2025 by Josiah Dhev, StudyCrew combines several tools that help students organize academic work, monitor progress and collaborate with peers. The platform offers study session tracking, task and schedule management, and virtual study groups.

"Initially, this was a personal idea aimed at solving students' motivation and consistency challenges in learning. Since then, the project has evolved into a structured product that is currently under development, with a small founding team focused on product development, growth and community building," said Josiah Dhev.

StudyCrew integrates artificial intelligence-powered tutors that provide explanations, answer student questions and generate summaries from class notes.

In addition, the platform offers planning tools and matchmaking features that connect students who share similar academic goals. The company aims to create a more collaborative learning environment while helping users manage their academic responsibilities more effectively.

StudyCrew differentiates itself through its use of gamification. Users can earn points, maintain study streaks, unlock virtual rewards and compete with other members through leaderboards. The platform uses these features to encourage regular study habits and reduce the disengagement that frequently affects digital learning platforms.

Consequently, the company seeks to transform studying into a more engaging and rewarding experience while improving long-term commitment among users.

StudyCrew has funded its operations through internal resources and has attracted more than 200 users across Nigeria, India and the United Kingdom. The startup is also working to integrate universities and secondary schools into its offering. Meanwhile, Josiah Dhev plans to use the Nigerian student market as a testing ground before pursuing expansion across other African countries.

This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

 

Posted On jeudi, 25 juin 2026 11:51 Written by
  • Malawian entrepreneur Tapiwa Kandiado founded SpaceAI to help businesses, development institutions and local communities integrate artificial intelligence into their operations.
  • SpaceAI develops customized AI platforms, applications and infrastructure while providing training and advisory services to support long-term adoption.
  • The company partnered with AfriLabs on the AI Bridge project between 2024 and 2025, strengthening its presence in Africa’s growing AI ecosystem.

Tapiwa Kandiado has emerged as a prominent figure in Malawi’s technology entrepreneurship ecosystem. She founded SpaceAI, a startup dedicated to helping businesses, development institutions and local communities adopt and integrate artificial intelligence into their activities.

Launched in 2024, SpaceAI specializes in embedding advanced technology tools into existing operational processes. The company develops customized platforms and applications designed to meet the requirements of multiple industries. In addition, SpaceAI deploys the technical infrastructure required to ensure the sustainable use of its solutions.

SpaceAI places capacity building at the center of its growth strategy. The company delivers training programs and advisory services that enable organizations to understand, adopt and manage emerging technologies effectively. Through this approach, SpaceAI aims to maximize the long-term impact of its innovations while helping clients develop internal expertise.

As demand for artificial intelligence solutions increases across Africa, many organizations continue to face challenges related to skills shortages and implementation capacity. Consequently, SpaceAI combines technology deployment with workforce development to improve adoption outcomes.

Among the company's most notable achievements is its participation in the AI Bridge project, which SpaceAI implemented in partnership with AfriLabs between 2024 and 2025. The initiative strengthened the startup’s visibility within Africa’s technology ecosystem and reinforced its role in promoting AI adoption across the continent.

Moreover, SpaceAI actively contributes to regional innovation initiatives and regularly participates in major African technology and innovation events. These engagements have helped the company expand its network and showcase its expertise in artificial intelligence integration.

A Career Focused on Technology and Social Impact

Kandiado has built her career around the intersection of technology, policy and social impact. She serves on the board of Creative Minds Foundation Africa (CMF AFRICA), a pan-African non-profit organization that aims to transform the lives of young people across the continent. She earned a bachelor's degree in Information Technology from the University of Malawi in 2016. More recently, she joined the research group of the Center for AI and Digital Policy between January and April 2026. The organization works to ensure that artificial intelligence and digital policies promote a more equitable, accountable and socially beneficial society.

This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

 

Posted On jeudi, 25 juin 2026 11:50 Written by

  • Senegal launched the $50 million Catalyst DER/FJ fund to finance innovative startups at the pre-seed and seed stages.
  • The initiative aims to address a persistent funding gap that limits the growth of early-stage companies in Francophone West Africa.
  • Seed financing accounts for only 1.5% of total startup capital raised in Africa, according to data from Africa: The Big Deal.

Senegal's Rapid Entrepreneurship Delegation for Women and Youth (DER/FJ) announced the creation of the Catalyst DER/FJ fund in Paris on June 20. The investment vehicle will deploy $50 million to finance innovative Senegalese startups operating at the pre-seed and seed stages.

Aida Mbodji, General Delegate of DER/FJ, announced the initiative during a keynote address on the AfricaTech stage at VivaTech 2026. Her presentation, titled "Bridging the Pre-Seed Funding Gap in Francophone West Africa: How Institutional Capital Builds the Next African Unicorns," highlighted a longstanding weakness in the region's venture capital ecosystem.

DER/FJ's assessment aligns with the conclusions of industry experts. While record fundraising rounds continue to attract attention across Africa, financing at the earliest stages of startup development remains the weakest segment of the investment chain.

Data compiled by Africa: The Big Deal confirms the imbalance. Seed-stage financing represents only 1.5% of total capital invested across Africa, a share that remains three to four times lower than the 4% to 6% typically recorded in the United States.

Consequently, many startups struggle to secure funding when founders are still building teams, validating business models and developing prototypes.

Against this backdrop, Grégoire de Padirac, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Africa, part of the AFD-Proparco group, recently underscored the importance of seed financing in an opinion piece. "Seed financing remains the cornerstone of African innovation, yet it is often overshadowed by massive fundraising rounds," he said. He added that entrepreneurs frequently face a shortage of capital precisely when teams remain incomplete and products remain at an early development stage.

Senegal's initiative seeks to address that challenge by mobilizing public resources to attract private investment, generate a leverage effect and strengthen the competitiveness of the country's startup ecosystem.

Following the official launch of the fund, five startups accompanying the Senegalese delegation—Andakia, Baamtu, SenITI, FAJMA and Absar—presented their solutions during a pitching session attended by international investors and strategic partners. The presentations provided a snapshot of Senegal's innovation pipeline and highlighted the types of ventures that could benefit from expanded access to early-stage capital through the new Catalyst DER/FJ fund.

 

Posted On jeudi, 25 juin 2026 11:46 Written by
  • Madagascar plans to publish a new cybersecurity regulatory framework soon after launching a legal overhaul in December 2025.
  • The new law will define security incidents, identify Critical Infrastructure Organizations (OIVs), and impose strict sanctions for non-compliance.
  • Cybercrime now accounts for 30% of reported offenses in West and East Africa, according to INTERPOL's 2025 Africa cyberthreat report.

The Ministry of Digital Development, Posts and Telecommunications used the first Cybersecurity Symposium, held in Antananarivo on June 22-23, to provide an update on the reform process.

Madagascar still relies on legislation adopted in 2014, which policymakers increasingly consider inadequate in addressing emerging technologies and evolving cyber threats. Authorities launched a comprehensive review of the framework in December 2025 and initially targeted completion within three months.

"The process is nearing completion and the new regulatory framework will be published shortly," said Mahefa Andriamampiadana, Minister of Digital Development, Posts and Telecommunications.

The minister said the upcoming legislation will provide a precise definition of a security incident and establish criteria for identifying Critical Infrastructure Organizations, known locally as Organisations d’Importance Vitale (OIVs).

Authorities said the new framework will strengthen enforcement mechanisms and increase accountability across both public and private sectors.

"This legal framework will not be merely theoretical. It will incorporate a system of strict injunctions. If stakeholders fail to comply with the established rules, authorities will apply severe sanctions, whether they target political decision-makers or technical personnel in the field," said Éric Rakotomaniraka, Director General of the Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT).

Madagascar's legal reform comes as cybercrime continues to expand across the African continent. According to INTERPOL's 2025 Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report, cyber-related crimes now account for 30% of all reported offenses in West and East Africa. The report also noted a sharp increase in ransomware attacks during 2024. South Africa and Egypt recorded the highest levels of ransomware activity, followed by Nigeria and Kenya.

Moreover, the report found that 90% of surveyed African countries believe they require significant improvements in law-enforcement capabilities or prosecutorial capacity to effectively combat cybercrime.

This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

 

Posted On jeudi, 25 juin 2026 11:44 Written by
  • Zimbabwean entrepreneur Panashe Madzudzo founded Avalon Health to connect patients, healthcare providers, pharmacies and medical institutions on a single digital platform.
  • Avalon Health offers offline functionality that allows healthcare professionals to continue working despite limited internet connectivity.
  • The startup seeks to improve healthcare coordination by centralizing medical records, prescriptions, appointments and diagnostic results.

Panashe Madzudzo is a Zimbabwean software engineer and technology entrepreneur. He serves as founder and chief executive officer of Avalon Health, a startup that seeks to centralize healthcare management. The platform connects patients, healthcare practitioners, medical facilities and healthcare financing organizations within a unified ecosystem.

Launched in 2022, Avalon Health simplifies access to healthcare services and improves coordination among stakeholders across the healthcare sector. By automating administrative processes, the platform enables healthcare professionals to devote more time to patient care.

Avalon Health tailors its services to the specific needs of different users. Patients can access medical histories, schedule appointments and communicate directly with healthcare providers through the platform. Meanwhile, physicians can manage patient records and organize consultations using dedicated digital tools.

The platform also integrates hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories and medical imaging centers. By consolidating healthcare data within a single digital environment, Avalon Health streamlines patient journeys and improves continuity of care.

To support these objectives, the platform incorporates prescription management, notification services and laboratory result processing. Furthermore, Avalon Health includes a robust offline mode designed to address local infrastructure challenges. Healthcare professionals can continue using the system during internet disruptions, while the platform automatically synchronizes data once connectivity returns.

An Entrepreneurial Journey Driven by Innovation

Panashe Madzudzo has expanded his leadership activities beyond digital healthcare. He also serves as chief executive officer of Lioncap Ventures, a technology consulting firm. In addition, he holds the position of chief technology officer at Shona Prince Technologies, a company that develops innovative solutions and strategic partnerships for emerging markets.

His entrepreneurial journey began at an early stage. In 2019, he developed VhulApp, a centralized portal dedicated to online applications and digital learning. One year later, he founded Asantech Incorporated to build B2B digital solutions for the retail sector.

Madzudzo built his technical expertise through academic and practical experience at Hillcrest College in Zimbabwe. He studied mathematics, physics and computer science at the institution until 2019. At the same time, he gained professional experience as a web developer between 2016 and 2018. During that period, he designed applications and digital solutions for the school.

This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba

Adapted in English by Ange J. A de Berry Quenum

 

Posted On jeudi, 25 juin 2026 11:41 Written by

Fintech company OPay has extended the application deadline for its national student innovation competition to July 3, 2026, giving more young innovators the opportunity to participate. As part of the extension, OPay is partnering with the government's digital talent training initiative and Google to provide training and mentorship sessions for aspiring leaders in the digital economy. Interested students can apply here.

Posted On jeudi, 25 juin 2026 07:34 Written by

WhatsApp is rolling out a new security feature to help combat scams. Users will now see a warning screen before opening a message from an unknown number. The screen shows the country associated with the phone number and any groups they have in common with the sender, encouraging users to think twice before responding to suspicious contacts.

Posted On jeudi, 25 juin 2026 07:21 Written by

Standard Chartered has partnered with WomHub to launch the fourth cohort of its incubator program for South African women in tech. The four-month accelerator offers leadership training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. At the end of the program, the top five participants will each receive a $10,000 grant to help grow their businesses. Applications can be submitted online until Friday, June 26.

Posted On jeudi, 25 juin 2026 07:19 Written by
  • Morocco plans to open a new YouCode campus in Errachidia to expand access to coding and digital skills training.
  • The campus will train about 100 young people annually through a two-year intensive program in programming and digital technologies.
  • The initiative supports Morocco’s Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, which aims to train 45,000 digital talents annually by 2030.

Moroccan authorities plan to open a new YouCode campus in Errachidia, located in the Drâa-Tafilalet region. The initiative aims to expand young people's access to digital skills and increase coding training opportunities in less centralized parts of the country. Authorities formalized the project through an agreement signed by several public institutions and civil society organizations during the inaugural edition of the “Rally IA Future Lab,” which took place from June 17 to June 19.

The partnership brings together the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, regional authorities in Drâa-Tafilalet and the LEET INITIATIVE association. The future campus will offer a two-year intensive training program in programming and digital technologies. The facility will enroll about 50 learners per cohort and train nearly 100 young people each year. The program will primarily target young people from the region, including school dropouts who demonstrate digital skills or strong potential in technology-related fields.

National Strategy to Develop Digital Talent

The initiative forms part of Morocco’s Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, particularly its pillar dedicated to digital talent development. The government aims to ensure that the labor market has access to skills that match the needs of a rapidly transforming economy.

Under this strategy, Morocco has set several targets for 2026 and 2030. The country plans to train 20,000 digital talents annually starting in 2026 and increase that figure to 45,000 annually by 2030. In parallel, authorities plan to retrain 26,000 people each year for digital professions beginning in 2026. The government plans to raise that figure to 50,000 people annually from 2030 onward.

To achieve these objectives, authorities are deploying bootcamps, adapting vocational training programs to labor market needs, supporting the creation of coding schools across the kingdom and developing certification systems for digital skills.

A Youth Employment Challenge

These initiatives come as digital transformation continues to reshape labor markets worldwide. According to the World Bank, about 230 million jobs across Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030.

Meanwhile, youth employment remains a structural challenge in Morocco. Data from the High Commission for Planning (HCP) show that Morocco’s national unemployment rate stood at 13% in 2025, compared with 13.3% a year earlier. However, national averages conceal significant disparities among younger age groups.

The unemployment rate for people aged 15 to 24 reached 37.2%, according to HCP data. The same source reported that 19.1% of university graduates remained unemployed, while underemployment affected 10.9% of that group.

Isaac K. Kassouwi

Posted On mercredi, 24 juin 2026 10:46 Written by
  • Steve Fasseu founded Ginutech in January 2026 to help organizations accelerate digital transformation and modernization efforts.
  • The company develops custom digital solutions, integrates centralized management systems and automates business processes.
  • Fasseu combines entrepreneurial leadership with software engineering and technology training experience.

Steve Fasseu is a Cameroonian software engineer and technology trainer. He is the founder and chief executive officer of Ginutech, a company that supports organizations in their digital transformation and modernization efforts.

Founded in January 2026, Ginutech addresses operational inefficiencies within businesses. The company aims to optimize organizational structures, reduce time losses and improve decision-making processes. It focuses on simplifying day-to-day operations to help clients build scalable and sustainable organizations.

To achieve this objective, Ginutech deploys a broad range of customized technology solutions. The company designs websites, online platforms and applications tailored to specific business requirements.

These solutions strengthen companies’ digital presence and improve interactions with customers and end users. At the same time, the tools help organizations streamline operations and enhance service delivery.

Ginutech also provides centralized management software integration services. The company connects different departments within an organization through integrated systems that improve internal coordination and strengthen operational monitoring. As a result, executives gain access to reliable and centralized data that support strategic decision-making and long-term growth planning. In parallel, the company automates repetitive tasks and modernizes traditional work processes. Ginutech also provides services related to the management and security of corporate digital infrastructure.

Steve Fasseu built his career on a strong academic foundation. He earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics and computer science from the University of Douala in 2018. Alongside his entrepreneurial activities, he works as a trainer at LocalHost Academy, a technology certification center. He teaches full-stack web development to aspiring software professionals.

Before launching Ginutech, Fasseu gained practical industry experience in Cameroon’s technology sector. He began his professional career in 2019 at Karbura, a digital services company. He worked there as a software engineer for five years, remaining with the company until 2024.

This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

Posted On mercredi, 24 juin 2026 10:44 Written by
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