In Soussou, a widely spoken Guinean language, Arabinènè "New unpacking." The eponymous startup aims to revolutionize the Guinean e-commerce sector.
Arabinènè is an e-commerce platform developed by a Guinean startup. Organized as a marketplace, it allows users to purchase various items online from their computers or smartphones. Based in Conakry, the startup was founded in 2019 by Thierno Mamoudou Sow. Its goal is to encourage Guineans to buy and sell their products online and to promote local products to an international audience.
"Arabinènè aims to revolutionize the Guinean commercial sector and create hundreds of direct jobs and thousands indirectly across the national territory in various activities, from the marketplace to dropshipping and product delivery," the startup states.
Currently, Arabinènè offers a mobile app available exclusively on Android. Downloaded over a thousand times according to PlayStore data, the app allows users to create accounts and access the various online stores within the marketplace. Electronics, beauty products, home and office equipment – a diverse range of products awaits, categorized into dedicated tabs for easy navigation.
The platform curates its homepage to showcase relevant products. "Top Sales of the Day" highlights the most popular daily purchases, while other sections like "Latest Trends" and "Customer Favorites" guide user discovery. Arabinènè even provides a built-in delivery service within Conakry and surrounding regions, with delivery times varying from 2 to 72 hours based on distance.
However, Arabinènè is not yet available throughout the entire territory of Guinea. Expanding its reach nationwide is the next step to support its growth.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The Chadian government launched an ambitious Strategic Plan for Digital and Postal Development in 2020, demonstrating its commitment to bridging the country's technological gap.
Chad's Minister of Communications, Digital Economy, and Administration Digitalization, Boukar Michel, met with United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Executive Secretary Claver Gatete on the sidelines of the ICANN80 summit in Kigali, Rwanda, yesterday June 10th.
The discussion centered on fostering collaboration to address key challenges and unlock opportunities in Chad's digital sector. Minister Michel presented the country's Strategic Plan for Digital and Postal Development 2020-2030 (PSDNP) and the new president's digital policy platform. This presentation, according to a ministry statement, aimed to showcase Chad's digital ambitions and priorities, outlining both completed and planned initiatives.
Launched in 2020, the PSDNP serves as an ambitious roadmap for Chad's digital transformation. It outlines a series of reforms targeting key sectors like healthcare, education, and telecommunications. These reforms aim to expand access to digital services, bolster technological infrastructure, and cultivate innovation. The government estimates the total cost of implementing these projects at 1452 billion FCFA (US$2.4 billion).
Both parties concluded the meeting by reaffirming their dedication to strengthening cooperation and accelerating Chad's digital transformation journey. This collaboration positions Chad to leverage UNECA's expertise in developing robust digital infrastructure, enhancing digital skills, and more.
Samira Njoya
A computer scientist by training, she stands out for her expertise and innovation in the field of drones. She leverages her skills in this sector to address various needs in her country.
Marang Mbaakanyi (photo) is a Botswanan computer scientist and entrepreneur. She is also the founder and CEO of Drones for Africa, a company specializing in using drones to address various challenges across the African continent.
Founded in 2019, Drones for Africa positions itself as a one-stop shop for the sale of all types of drones. In 2023, the company began designing, building, and operating drones for various services, including medical supply delivery and data collection. They also provide last-mile agricultural services, train drone pilots, and offer repair and maintenance services.
The company also has a research and development center to contribute to the advancement of drone technology in Botswana. "We also have a Research and Development Centre where we keep looking for new approaches to investigate and develop the drone market. We want to be able to fabricate and put together drones locally," Marang Mbaakanyi stated in 2023.
Marang Mbaakanyi holds a bachelor's degree in computer systems engineering from the University of Sunderland, UK, obtained in 2014. She also earned a master's degree in computer science in 2021 from the Botswana International University of Science and Technology.
After her studies, Marang Mbaakanyi gained extensive experience working for several companies and institutions in Botswana. From 2015 to 2018, she served as IT manager at the Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI). Concurrently, from 2016 to 2023, she was a research assistant at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology. Between 2021 and 2023, she also served as deputy general manager of the Drone Technology Centre, dedicated to developing innovative solutions in the field.
Melchior Koba
In 2021, Beninese entrepreneur Raynald Ballo launched RMobility, a carpooling service modeled after the French company Blablacar. Recently, the company has expanded its offerings to include a ride-hailing service, providing cars with drivers (VTC).
On June 7, Beninese ride-sharing app RMobility launched a new ride-hailing service offering cars with drivers (VTC). This announcement was made during a press conference organized by the company.
"We believe that mobility should be accessible, safe, and convenient for everyone. By launching a VTC service, we aim to offer a more flexible and efficient solution […] as we have observed a growing demand for modern and reliable transport options," said Raynald Ballo, founder of RMobility.
The company has deployed a fleet of about fifty vehicles to compete in the increasingly competitive VTC market in Benin. To attract users, RMobility has enhanced its offerings by allowing customers to book bus tickets and event tickets through its app, in addition to carpooling and VTC services.
To promote these services, RMobility relies on its app and digital tools. According to the company's founder, these tools have already helped RMobility attract 20,000 users.
Servan Ahougnon
He aims to democratize access to financial services in Africa. To achieve that goal, he leverages technology to offer innovative solutions that simplify financial transactions for the population.
Barry Abdoulaye (photo) is a Guinean computer scientist and entrepreneur dedicated to the digital transformation of Africa. He is the founder and CEO of YMO, a startup building technological solutions to address financial inclusion challenges in Africa.
"In 2022, 1.3 billion Africans are still excluded from the traditional financial system. We believe that it is possible to have an account, receive money, and send money without handling cash. That is what we offer," Barry Abdoulaye stated in 2022.
Launched in 2019, YMO aims to revolutionize payments in Africa and for the African diaspora. The company develops accessible digital solutions that allow African citizens to perform instant financial transactions, both within the continent and internationally. For the diaspora, YMO provides simple and affordable ways to send money and invest in the continent.
YMO's ultimate ambition is to become the first pan-African neobank, open to everyone. To achieve this, the startup partners with credit institutions to facilitate access to credit via mobile phones. Based in France, YMO already boasts over 500,000 users across more than 30 countries in Europe and Africa.
Before embarking on the YMO venture, Barry Abdoulaye had already proven himself as an entrepreneur. In 2017, he founded Yitoo Technology, a firm specializing in software architecture and development, which he led until 2020.
A trained computer engineer with a master’s degree obtained in 2010, Barry Abdoulaye has also pursued advanced supplementary training. In 2018, he earned the Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) certification, demonstrating his expertise in agile methodologies. In 2020, he undertook a course on blockchain technologies at the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management.
His professional journey is equally rich, with experiences in renowned companies such as the communication agency Isobar, the media company TF1, telecom operator SFR Business, AXA Tech, and Prisma Media, where he held various developer positions.
Melchior Koba
In Africa, an increasing number of women are balancing their professional careers with motherhood. This dual role often proves complicated for many, which has inspired tech entrepreneurs to create a solution.
Nigerian startup Preggify has developed an e-health solution designed to offer comprehensive care for expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy journey. Co-founded by Ifunanya Lilian Igweze and Daniel Temitayo in 2022, this Lagos-based enterprise envisions a world where pregnancy and childcare do not hinder women’s professional advancement.
"Preggify is a health platform that provides middle and high-income African women in their reproductive years with easy, affordable, and accessible maternal care. Our cutting-edge technology empowers women to access personalized medical support and resources, from pre-pregnancy to post-pregnancy, with confidence and ease," the startup states.
While Preggify does not offer a mobile app, it is accessible via a web browser. Users can register by providing personal information such as their first and last names, email address, phone number, date of birth, and gender. Following this step, they receive a one-time password (OTP) via email to log into the platform.
Preggify provides both a premium and a free version, where users can find support from a community of pregnant women or those who have experienced multiple pregnancies. The startup offers a digital space where career-oriented women can access tailored resources and support to balance motherhood and their professional lives.
The platform offers a variety of features, including a food journal, weekly live classes, pregnancy fitness sessions, support before and after cesarean sections, education on episiotomy care, breastfeeding assistance, and mental support. Preggify is also in the process of integrating healthcare professionals and facilitating virtual doctor appointments on its platform.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Niger is currently developing a digital health master plan to optimize healthcare management. To this end, a workshop was held on Wednesday, June 5 in Niamey, presided over by the Minister of Public Health, Population, and Social Affairs, Colonel-Major Garba Hakimi.
Burkina Faso unveiled its new e-certificate platform for Certificates of Citizenship on Friday, June 7, in the capital Ouagadougou. The platform, accessible at https://ecertificat-nationalite.gov.bf/, is designed to streamline the application process for Burkinabe citizens by allowing them to submit and track their requests online.
Rwandan Minister of Telecommunications and Innovation Paula Ingabire met with her Chadian counterpart, Minister of Communications, Digital Economy, and Digitalization of Administration Boukar Michel, on the sidelines of the ongoing ICANN80 summit (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) in Kigali, Rwanda, on Sunday, June 9. The discussions focused on bolstering bilateral cooperation in the digitalization sphere. Both ministers expressed their commitment to formalizing this collaboration through a memorandum of understanding, paving the way for Rwanda to share its digitalization expertise and experience with Chad.
She aims to help African traders and those around the world at large prosper. To achieve this, she leverages technology to simplify transactions between the various parties involved in buying and selling processes.
Anu Adedoyin Adasolum (photo) is a Nigerian entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Sabi, a startup that leverages technology to help traders grow their businesses.
Founded in 2021, her company, Sabi, has built a robust infrastructure for the distribution of physical goods and merchandise. Through its digital platform, it provides agents, traders, wholesalers, aggregators, distributors, and manufacturers with the necessary tools to enhance their capabilities and grow their businesses.
This digital infrastructure facilitates access to order fulfillment, logistics, business management tools, a business-to-business (B2B) marketplace, data, and financial services. In essence, Sabi has become a one-stop shop for everyone involved in buying and selling goods.
In just three years, Sabi has experienced exponential growth, demonstrating the relevance of its business model. With 250,000 registered users and 15,000 monthly facilitated orders, the company has established itself as a key player in Nigeria, its primary market. Buoyed by this success, Sabi has expanded its operations to South Africa and aims to replicate this success in other countries like Tanzania and Senegal.
Anu Adedoyin Adasolum graduated from SOAS University of London with a bachelor's degree in economics and politics in 2009. She also holds a master's degree in management, organization, and governance from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Before founding Sabi, she held various positions of responsibility within renowned companies. In 2011, she began as an operations planner at Dangote Industries Ltd. In 2012, she joined KPMG Nigeria as a business analyst.
In 2014, she was hired by the e-commerce startup Jumia in Nigeria, where she served as head of sourcing and internal procurement, head of vendor acquisition, and vice president of JForce, Jumia's direct sales division. Between 2018 and 2021, she worked at Rensource Energy, a solar energy provider, where she served successively as general manager and chief operating officer.
Melchior Koba
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The African Development Bank, in its efforts to support African countries in their digital transformation process, is entering into various strategic agreements.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) and U.S. tech giant Intel have joined forces to equip 3 million Africans and 30,000 civil servants with artificial intelligence (AI) skills, according to a press release issued on June 7. The partnership was finalized during the recent AfDB Annual Meetings in Nairobi.
"With advancements in digital technology, our world is rapidly evolving, and so is our youthful population, projected to reach 830 million by 2050. To develop skills on a large scale and at the necessary speed, we need everyone's cooperation," said Ousmane Fall, Acting Director of Industrial and Trade Development at the AfDB. (Photo, Right)
"The Bank is thrilled to collaborate with Intel to work towards this shared commitment. Together, we are shaping the digital future of Africa and empowering our youth," Fall added.
Acquiring digital skills has become essential with the ongoing technological revolution worldwide. African countries are not left out of this revolution, and with the support of various institutions such as the AfDB, numerous projects are being implemented. In May 2024, the AfDB partnered with the American company Mastercard to implement the MADE (Mobilising Access to the Digital Economy) initiative, which aims to provide digital access to 100 million African people and businesses over the next decade.
This new initiative will, among other things, accelerate growth and productivity by positioning Africans as active contributors to the fourth industrial revolution in key sectors such as agriculture, health, and education, thereby disrupting traditional growth cycles.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
With the rise of digitalization, content creators have become an influential segment of the digital economy. However, they face challenges in financial management. Addressing these unique financial needs is crucial for African development, making initiatives like this highly significant.
Mastercard has invested $2.04 million in a partnership with Wowzi, Africa’s influencer marketing platform, and Masria Digital Payments (MDP), Wowzi announced on June 6. The five-year initiative aims to enhance financial management for content creators, providing them with advanced digital tools to manage their earnings.
“Our objective is to empower these digital trailblazers with the financial tools and security they need to thrive in the dynamic payments landscape. This investment aligns with our vision to promote financial inclusion and drive innovation in an ever-evolving digital economy,” said Shehryar Ali, senior vice president and country manager for East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands at Mastercard.
Mastercard’s investment supports the gig economy by offering digital card products (watch and ring cards) for secure and convenient transactions. These cards will allow content creators to receive payments directly from brands, fans, or sponsors, bypassing traditional gateways. Meanwhile, Wowzi will leverage its network to boost content creators' visibility and profitability and MDP will manage the technical aspects, ensuring secure and seamless transactions.
The IFC report "e-Conomy Africa 2020" reveals that Africa's internet economy could reach $180 billion by 2025, contributing 5.2% to the continent's GDP. This underscores the importance of Mastercard's investment in digital solutions for African content creators. This collaboration marks a significant step towards the future of digital finance, combining creativity and technology to empower content creators in Africa.
Hikmatu Bilali
Moroccan agricultural technology company YoLa Fresh announced on Thursday, May 30, that it has secured $7 million in a funding round.
The company, which connects farmers with fruit and vegetable retailers, will utilize the fresh capital to bolster its Moroccan operations, further develop its technology platform, and prepare for international expansion by 2026.
In Africa, financial inclusion has become a critical issue for many governments and financial regulators. Initiatives are being implemented to enhance access to financial services and make them available to a larger segment of the population.
Algeria's mobile payment interoperability project is now operational, the government announced on Monday, June 3. The initiative, facilitated by a new switch called "Switch mobile," allows customers of Algerian banks and Algeria Post to make instant interbank transfers and account-to-account payments using QR codes.
Speaking on the significance of these innovations, Finance Minister Laaziz Fayed stated that they "are the culmination of a work plan and a meticulous strategy launched by the public authorities as part of the implementation of the provisions of the monetary and banking law in its development aspect."
According to Laaziz Fayed, the launch of this service marks the second step in the process of modernizing and developing payment methods by providing a switch for payments and transfers that connects all bank applications and those of Algeria Post to mobile. It aligns with the National Electronic Payment Strategy, which aims to enhance financial inclusion in Algeria.
The government plans to further promote mobile payment services across the country through targeted campaigns. The launch is expected to significantly improve e-payment efficiency and security in Algeria.
According to official figures, the number of mobile transactions between January and March this year reached more than 13 million, with a value exceeding 9 billion Algerian dinars (66.9 million USD). The number of interbank cards and Algeria Post cards was estimated at over 17 million as of March 31, while the number of ATMs reached over 3,868, recording more than 45.9 million transactions for a total amount exceeding 859 billion Algerian dinars during the first quarter.
Samira Njoya