She launched her company after encountering a specific problem related to her daughter's school transportation. Her professional background, marked by roles in the sales, logistics, and digital sectors, prepared her to design an appropriate solution.
Lucy Kimani (photo) is a Kenyan tech entrepreneur and co-founder of NoMa, a startup launched in 2023 that aims to transform school transportation in Kenya through an innovative digital solution.
NoMa offers a SaaS platform that enables schools and parents to track school bus routes in real time, thereby ensuring greater safety and efficiency in students’ daily commutes.
The idea was born from a personal experience. While her daughter was attending preschool, Lucy Kimani often found herself without information about the school bus's arrival. “Oftentimes she did not know where the bus was and if it was late, she had to wait helplessly without being sure if her child was safe or if the bus had encountered a problem on the route. How could she get more visibility of her child’s journey home? Thus the idea for NoMa was born. Out of a need to provide peace of mind to other parents like her,” explains the startup.
NoMa’s platform is based on advanced algorithms that optimize routes, reduce waiting times, and efficiently coordinate school transportation. By leveraging real-time data, the solution promises a more reliable, smooth, and secure experience for both students and parents.
Lucy Kimani graduated from Kenya Methodist University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in human resource management, sales, and marketing in 2012. She also holds a master’s degree in strategic management, obtained in 2018 from the United States International University in Africa (Nairobi, Kenya).
Her professional career began in 2003 at Kapa Oil Refineries, a manufacturer of fats and cooking oils, where she held a position in sales and marketing. Two years later, she joined Mooreland Consolidated Hotel as operations manager, before becoming a legal secretary in 2007 at the law firm Karingu & Company Advocates.
Between 2012 and 2019, she worked for Copia Kenya, an e-commerce startup, where she successively held roles as sales manager, head of recruitment, training and development, then head of business development. Between 2021 and 2022, she served as vice president of growth at Amitruck, a tech logistics startup.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He has been developing digital tools for several years to facilitate online commerce in Africa. Based in Burkina Faso, he dedicates his work to creating solutions tailored to the local realities of businesses.
Lawko Juste Davy Dala (photo) is a Burkinabe tech entrepreneur committed to the digital transformation of commerce on the continent. He is the founder and CEO of Nayamax, an accelerator specialized in the development of e-commerce solutions in Africa.
Founded in 2020, Nayamax aims to democratize access to online commerce across the continent. The company offers an ecosystem of technological solutions designed to support businesses and project leaders in their digital transition. It helps them overcome the obstacles related to digitalization and bring their entrepreneurial ambitions to life.
In addition to its role as an accelerator, Nayamax also provides consulting services and develops e-commerce solutions. Among its flagship products is OuCest, a digital addressing solution designed to improve logistics through precise addresses. The company also launched the SaaS platform NAYAMAX, a turnkey e-commerce solution designed for small and medium-sized enterprises on the continent.
The company is also behind the “E-commerce Connect” program, which aims to structure the e-commerce sector in Africa. This initiative promotes the training of stakeholders, advocates for an appropriate regulatory framework, and brings together a pan-African network of professionals in the sector.
In April 2025, Nayamax was awarded the prize for Best E-Commerce Startup during the “Startups of the Year” competition organized by HackerNoon, a leading publication in the tech world.
Trained by the Founder Institute, a global startup accelerator, Lawko Juste Davy Dala is also president of the Association of E-commerce Actors of Burkina Faso. He also works as an independent business consultant for Euro Exim Bank in his country, where he contributes to the development of trade finance solutions for local companies.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Standard Chartered, in partnership with AUC Venture Lab and Village Capital, has launched the first Futuremakers Women in Tech Accelerator in Egypt. Funded by the Standard Chartered Foundation, the program is part of the global Futuremakers initiative and aims to support women-led tech startups with the tools, mentorship, and funding to succeed.
The three-month program targets early-stage, tech-enabled ventures led by women. It offers masterclasses, mentorship, and investment readiness training, with participants competing for up to USD 10,000 in equity-free funding. Participants will gain access to a global network of investors, experts, and startup resources.
The program reflects Standard Chartered Foundation’s mission to promote economic inclusion, especially for women and youth in underserved communities.
The Africa Deep Tech Foundation has officially launched the Africa Deep Tech Challenge 2025, a pan-African innovation initiative designed to spotlight high-impact technologies that thrive under real-world constraints.
Powered by Future Africa and organized in collaboration with Ilorin Tech Hub, CcHub, and IHS, the challenge calls on African innovators to transform scarcity into cutting-edge solutions. It is open to individuals or teams of up to four members, aged 18 or older, residing in eligible African countries. No startup or funding experience is required. Submissions must be original work by the team.
Finalists and winners will receive a range of benefits, including cash grants, mentorship, incubation opportunities, and global exposure. The submission deadline is set for July 31.
As Egypt eyes its Vision 2030 goals, education technology could become a cornerstone of broader social and economic transformation.
The Egyptian government, Google, and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) held discussions on Friday, May 30, to explore avenues for integrating advanced technologies into pre-university education.
The meeting took place during the visit of Egypt’s Minister of Education and Technical Education, Mohamed Abdel Latif, to the United Kingdom. He reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to implementing the best training programs for teachers, aiming to enhance their capacity and skills.
A key theme of the discussions was the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline educational processes, with a particular focus on reducing teachers’ administrative burdens and maximizing instructional time. The talks also centered on fostering greater cooperation to develop effective, technology-driven educational models tailored to Egypt’s national context.
The collaboration between Egypt, Google, and UNICEF takes on heightened significance in light of global trends shaping the future of work. According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs report, 65% of children entering primary school today will work in jobs that do not yet exist, emphasizing the need for digital literacy, critical thinking, and adaptability. This projection underscores a fundamental truth: traditional education systems, which often prioritize memorization and standardized testing, are increasingly ill-equipped to prepare students for the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.
To prepare students, Egypt can integrate AI-driven tools, personalized learning, and improved teacher training, shifting from a content-heavy curriculum to one that fosters essential 21st-century skills.
The move signals Egypt’s ongoing efforts to modernize its educational infrastructure and equip its educators and students with the tools necessary to thrive in a digital future.
Hikmatu Bilali
• Algeria to link labor and training ministry platforms in digital push
• New system enables real-time data sharing to align jobs and skills
• Move supports “Digital Algeria 2030” and youth workforce integration
Algeria is intensifying its digital transformation efforts by integrating public information systems with the Ministries of Labor and Vocational Training. On Thursday, May 29, both ministries signed to interconnect their digital platforms to harmonize training and employment policies nationwide.
The agreement provides for the establishment of an integrated system designed to facilitate the instant and secure exchange of data between the two ministries' digital platforms. The objective is to develop advanced planning and forecasting tools, enhancing coordination between vocational training and employment to meet market demands and foster a modern, skills-based economy built on accurate data.
According to Labor Minister Fayçal Bentaleb (photo, center), the initiative aligns with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s directives, which advocate for an integrated approach to developing skills that match the labor market's needs. Bentaleb noted that over 516,000 unemployment allowance recipients have already been directed towards short-term training programs, with 263,000 having successfully obtained professional certification.
This partnership is also a crucial component of Algeria's national digital transformation strategy, "Digital Algeria 2030." This comprehensive strategy is built upon five key pillars: the development of core digital infrastructure, training and skills enhancement, and digital governance. The human capital dimension is central to this strategy, with a focus on training and integrating young people into digital and new technology professions.
Once operational, the interconnected system is expected to significantly improve the alignment between available training programs and the skills in demand on the labor market. Automated data exchange will enable more effective guidance for young people toward promising fields, while providing decision-makers with precise tools to anticipate the demand for skilled labor. Ultimately, this digital integration is projected to modernize public employment management, streamline professional integration, and accelerate Algeria's transition to a knowledge-based economy.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
• Minister George may adopt the “Asanka” device for the One Million Coders Program
• Asanka works offline, needs little power, and offers school content
• A pilot is planned, but no deal is signed yet
Samuel Nartey George (photo), Ghana's Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, is considering a collaboration with local tech company TECHAiDE. The minister believes that the "Asanka" device, a locally developed offline Learning Management System (LMS) unveiled on Thursday, May 29, could be instrumental in achieving the government's ambitious goal of training one million coders over four years.
"The partnership is expected to have a significant impact on education in Ghana as well as the One Million Coders Program, making it more accessible, effective, and cost-efficient," the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation stated in a press release published on its Facebook page. The potential collaboration also includes the construction of computer labs equipped with the device, which would grant students access to the system.
According to TECHAiDE's website, the "Asanka" device operates without requiring internet access, with users connecting to it via Wi-Fi. The portable unit consumes only 5 watts and can be powered by a USB charger, a power bank, or a solar panel. It offers a broad spectrum of content, including Ghanaian school curricula, Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) topics, educational websites, videos, e-books, UNESCO educational resources, and interactive games.
The adoption of this device could significantly simplify access to coding training for beneficiaries. For example, it would eliminate the need for users to purchase internet data plans, a particularly relevant advantage given recent consumer complaints about rising internet service costs in Ghana. The minister has even convened a meeting with telecom operators scheduled for May 30 to address this issue.
Currently, the collaboration remains in an exploratory phase. Although Minister George has expressed keen interest, no formal agreement has been signed or officially announced. TECHAiDE also plans to launch a pilot project to test and refine its solution, with a view toward broader adoption and integration into existing school programs. However, the use of the Asanka device necessitates a compatible terminal such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Access to such equipment, particularly in Ghana's rural areas, remains a potential barrier that could hinder the widespread rollout and utilization of the solution.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
With an approach rooted in simplicity and efficiency, he is driving the transformation of the insurance sector. By combining technological innovation with an inclusive strategy, his aim is to make these services more accessible to both individuals and businesses.
Mohab Aboueita (photo) is an Egyptian tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Amanleek, a start-up specializing in digital insurance. Launched in 2019 alongside Mohamed Mansour and Ihab Elsokary, the company aims to make insurance services simpler, more transparent, and more accessible for both individuals and businesses.
Amanleek offers users a digital platform that allows them to compare various offers and subscribe to the one that best meets their needs. By focusing on innovation and technology, the start-up seeks to modernize the customer experience and meet the demands of a rapidly evolving sector.
Since its launch, Amanleek has attracted over 300 companies that have used the platform to select their insurer. It now works with more than 18 partner insurance companies.
Holder of a bachelor’s degree in communication and media arts obtained in 2011 from the American University in Cairo, Mohab Aboueita began his professional career in 2010 as an accounting intern at J. Walter Thompson Worldwide, an international marketing agency. The following year, he joined Saatchi & Saatchi as an account executive.
In 2015, he joined the food group BRF as key account manager for wholesale. Between 2017 and 2019, he continued his career in the insurance sector at Deraya Insurance Brokerage, where he served as sales supervisor. This key experience led him to co-found Amanleek, with the ambition of revolutionizing access to insurance in Egypt.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
For several years, she has been working to transform the healthcare sector, convinced that innovation can improve everyday care. She is multiplying entrepreneurial initiatives to ensure that technological advances directly benefit patients.
Wafa B'chir (photo), a Tunisian entrepreneur and university lecturer specializing in entrepreneurial culture within the health sector, is the co-founder and senior partner of Connect’Innov, a key support structure for innovation in health and biology.
Launched in 2020, Connect’Innov focuses on identifying, supporting, and promoting innovative technological projects across e-health, medtech, and biotech. To achieve this, the organization provides a range of initiatives tailored to the specific needs of emerging project leaders.
Among its flagship offerings is Connect’Innov Prep, a training program designed to raise awareness about entrepreneurship and innovation for individuals in the pre-incubation phase. The organization also delivers general training on innovation and entrepreneurship and operates an incubation program for startups in the ideation stage. Through Connect’Innov Link, the structure fosters connections between innovative ecosystems, encouraging collaboration and the sharing of expertise. To date, Connect’Innov has implemented over 40 programs and events, supporting more than 100 startups.
In addition to her work with Connect’Innov, B'chir is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of World Bio Consulting. Based in France, her company offers scientific consulting and project support services in biomedical research, encompassing basic, preclinical, and clinical research across both therapeutic and diagnostic areas.
A strong advocate for women in technology, B'chir serves as a mentor for the Women TechEU project, an initiative backed by the European Union. This program aims to empower European women leading deep tech startups to become the tech leaders of tomorrow.
B'chir's academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in molecular genetics, obtained in 2007 from the University of Toulouse, followed by a master’s degree in pathophysiology in 2009. She further holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology, and nutrition, which she earned in 2013 from the University of Auvergne.
Her career began in 2017 at MRM Proteomics, a company specializing in proteomics, where she held successive roles as a proteomics technologies scientist and later as a project and product manager. In 2019, she joined the research center at CHU Sainte-Justine in France as a scientist in biochemistry and molecular medicine. From 2020 to 2021, she also taught at UPSAT, the Faculty of Health Sciences in Tunisia.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He's all in on technological innovation to revolutionize how households use electricity. His startup is focused on making energy cleaner, smarter, and accessible to everyone.
Jon Kornik (photo), a South African serial entrepreneur and finance expert, is at the helm of Plentify, a smart energy startup aiming to democratize access to clean and affordable electricity. Kornik, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, is leveraging technological innovation to reshape household electricity consumption.
Founded in 2017, Plentify develops cutting-edge technologies that link household appliances to more economical and environmentally sound energy sources. The company’s focus is on crafting smart, sustainable solutions that promote energy savings and contribute to the development of more resilient energy systems.
Among Plentify's flagship offerings is HotBot, an intelligent controller designed for water heaters (geysers). HotBot optimizes energy consumption and incorporates a leak detection system, mitigating the risk of expensive bursts. Another key innovation, SolarBot, analyzes weather data, load-shedding schedules, and consumption patterns to maximize users’ solar energy production.
Before co-founding Plentify, Kornik launched Selador Capital in 2008, a social venture capital firm dedicated to fostering profitable businesses in South Africa. The same year, he established the Sub-Saharan Africa office for South Pole Carbon Asset Management, a company specializing in carbon asset development and climate consulting.
Kornik holds a master’s degree in finance from the University of Cape Town, earned in 2005. He furthered his education in 2011, obtaining a master’s degree in social enterprise and entrepreneurship from Columbia Business School.
His career began in 2006 as a business analyst at McKinsey & Company. In 2011, he joined Google, initially as Head of Energy and Sustainability, before being promoted in 2014 to Director of Energy Access and Investments, a role he held until 2016.
By Melchior Koba
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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• The Democratic Republic of Congo unveiled a new biometric passport featuring an RFID chip, polycarbonate pages, and advanced security features
• The initiative supports digital sovereignty, online applications to digitize civil registry processes, and reduce offline dependency.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) launched its new biometric passport on Tuesday, May 27, a move aligning the nation with international standards and bolstering its digital sovereignty. The document, a result of government-led reforms, is a key component of a broader initiative to secure citizen identities.
Available to the public starting June 5, the passport integrates a contactless Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) electronic chip that securely stores the holder's biometric data. It also features an ultra-durable polycarbonate page and incorporates advanced visual security elements, including holograms, UV inks, and watermarks, to virtually eliminate forgery. The passport's page count has expanded from 32 to 38, offering increased capacity for frequent travelers.
According to Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, the document complies with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standard 39794. This adherence, she noted, ensures both the free movement of Congolese citizens and the protection of their personal data.
The new passport’s incorporation of advanced biometric technologies enables reliable and immediate identification, serving as a robust deterrent against document forgery, identity trafficking, and impersonation, particularly in a regional environment marked by escalating cyber threats.
The passport's introduction is part of the DRC's 2024-2028 Government Action Program, which prioritizes the progressive digitization of public services and the integration of advanced technologies into official documents. Congolese citizens can now submit applications online, with payment options including electronic transfers or through Equity BCDC Bank. Biometric capture centers are currently being established in provincial capitals across the country.
This transition to a digitized system aims to streamline procedures, reduce processing times, and enhance the reliability of civil registry databases, addressing the fact that nearly 70% of travel document procedures in the DRC are still conducted offline.
Ultimately, this biometric passport is expected to facilitate digital integration, providing secure access to government services such as e-visas and online issuance of civil status documents. It could also contribute to the development of an interoperable national database, a valuable tool for social planning, migration policy, and the enhancement of border services.
However, realizing these ambitions will necessitate the DRC establishing a robust legal framework for data protection and building a trustworthy, interconnected digital identification infrastructure that safeguards citizens' rights in the era of digital transformation.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Nigerian Edtech Startup Tespire LLC has been awarded a $100,000 equity-free grant as one of the 12 startups selected for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, run in partnership with Co-creation Hub (CcHUB). The award follows a highly competitive selection process that saw over 1,000 startup applications from across the continent.
This milestone marks a significant step in Tespire’s mission to transform education through technology. The company, which provides data-driven tools for schools and institutions, has developed integrated software and free internet-enabled tablets to enhance school administration and boost revenue generation.
With support from the Mastercard Foundation and CcHUB, Tespire will further refine its solutions, expand its reach, and continue working to close gaps in education access and quality across Africa.
Access to the internet is now a necessity. It improves access to education, healthcare, financial services, and job opportunities. This milestone in Kura is a powerful example of how rural connectivity can directly transform lives—and why it’s urgently needed across Nigeria.
For the first time, the 12,000 residents of Kura, a rural community on the outskirts of Abuja, have access to mobile network and internet services, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, announced on May 29. This development is thanks to a landmark partnership between a rural connectivity initiative, Huawei, and telecom provider Glo.
The new telecom tower was deployed in just two days. Within 48 hours of going live, Kura residents consumed 81.4GB of data and logged 13,144 minutes of voice calls. The site has maintained 100% uptime, with peak LTE download speeds reaching 5.0 Mbps, the minister revealed.
Beyond personal connectivity, the project also supports vital community infrastructure. The local health centre is now linked to global doctors via Huawei’s telemedicine solutions, enabling remote diagnostics and consultations. Meanwhile, the school in Kura is equipped with digital classroom technology, providing students with access to high-quality online learning resources and global educational content for the first time.
A free public WiFi zone has also been launched, ensuring that the entire community, not just those with mobile devices, can benefit from the new digital access.
This pilot is a blueprint for future deployments across Nigeria’s underserved regions. As the project scales, millions more Nigerians could soon experience the transformative power of digital inclusion, from better education and healthcare to economic opportunities and beyond.
Over 20 million Nigerians still live without internet access, according to the Minister. To close this digital gap, the Federal Government has launched a major initiative to deploy 7,000 new telecommunications towers across underserved communities, aiming to connect those who remain entirely cut off from mobile and internet services.
Hikmatu Bilali
By providing an accessible and tailored digital solution, this tech tool helps improve menstrual health among adolescent girls in Burundi and promotes equal opportunities in education and personal development.
Oky is a digital health solution developed by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and adapted to the Burundian context by Santé communauté développement (SaCoDé). It aims to break the taboos surrounding menstruation and provide adolescent girls with reliable information about their reproductive health. Oky was launched in May 2023 in Bujumbura.
"In the Burundian context, menstruation is shrouded in silence, myth, and taboo, and is also subject to a certain level of stigmatization," explained Clémentine Irakoze, a representative from the Ministry of Public Health and the Fight Against AIDS. She added, "These girls do not all have knowledge about biological changes, including the menstrual cycle, infections linked to poor menstrual practices, and some lack the means to obtain the sanitary products they need."
The Oky app, co-developed with young Burundian girls, including those with disabilities, is available on both iOS and Android platforms. According to the Google Play Store, it has been downloaded over 50,000 times. It features a cycle tracking calendar, personalized advice, and educational content presented in Kirundi, specifically adapted to local cultural norms.
By using Oky, girls can gain a better understanding of their bodies, plan activities based on their menstrual cycle, and reduce anxiety associated with menstruation. The application further empowers girls by equipping them with essential knowledge crucial for their well-being and education. UNICEF has also received support from various organizations to develop similar Oky applications in Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa