Over the years, mobile money has emerged as a crucial payment method across Africa. Concurrently, e-commerce platforms, experiencing swift growth in the region, are incorporating mobile payment solutions to streamline transactions on their sites.
TillPaid, a fintech solution developed by a Beninese startup, allows owners of e-commerce platforms running on Woocommerce and WordPress to integrate mobile money payments on their sites. The startup, based in Cotonou, was launched in 2022 by Bilal Enangnon.
“The development of e-commerce in Africa cannot be achieved without mobile money payment. This vision is at the core of TillPaid, a young start-up that aims to provide e-merchants with simple and easy-to-configure payment modules for their online stores. [...] The service aims to support small and medium-sized businesses by providing them with mobile money payment methods on their e-commerce websites,” Enangnon said in 2023.
The fintech has several programming interfaces that enable e-commerce platforms to accept mobile money payments from various telecom operators. While it does not charge commissions on sales from the online stores where its solutions are installed, it should be noted that these solutions are not free. They are offered in packs of two or three solutions.
TillPaid integrates various solutions, including Orange Money via its OrangePaid solution, and Celtiis with its CashPaid solution, among others. The solution supports several telecom networks operating in most French-speaking African countries including Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Cameroon, Congo, and Togo.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Competition is intensifying in Africa's data center market. Local and international companies invest in infrastructure to meet the growing demand for cloud services.
EcoCloud, a leading Kenyan data center solutions provider, and G42, an Emirati technology group specializing in artificial intelligence, signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday, March 6, in Nairobi. The agreement aims to tap into Kenya’s vast untapped geothermal potential by establishing the country’s first geothermal-powered data center.
“This geothermal-powered data center is a milestone towards realizing Kenya's potential as a global digital hub and fulfilling our mission of making intelligence accessible to everyone, everywhere,” said Peng Xiao, CEO of G42 Group.
The new data center will commence with an initial computing load of 100 MW, which will be ramped up over the years to 1 gigawatt. It will be suitable for use in telecommunications and other sectors. Its implementation is part of the country’s digital strategy to position Kenya as a leading technology hub in the East African sub-region and the continent at large.
The MoU between the two entities will herald a new era of cloud computing and AI services. The initiative promises to unlock unprecedented economic opportunities, drive innovation, and advance the digital economy, positioning Kenya as the center of technological innovation in Africa and a competitive player on the global stage.
In response to environmental demands, the facility will also reduce Kenya’s reliance on fossil fuels, cut carbon emissions, and contribute to environmental conservation. “By harnessing the power of geothermal energy, we are not only meeting the region's data needs but also setting a new standard for eco-friendly infrastructure. This partnership underscores our dedication to a greener, more sustainable future for Africa and beyond,” said Amos Siwoi, CEO of EcoCloud.
Samira Njoya
Broadband is central to Zimbabwe's development agenda, which is centered around digital transformation. In collaboration with the private sector, the government aims to bolster the national telecommunications infrastructure to ensure affordable Internet access for all citizens.
The Zimbabwean government announced on Thursday, March 7, the commencement of the second phase of the fiber optic rail project. The project, executed by wholesale telecoms infrastructure provider Bandwidth & Cloud Services Group (BCS), aims to enhance connectivity within Zimbabwe’s cities by deploying fiber along national railroads.
This phase will extend fiber optics over 800 km, connecting the village of Somabhula to the capital Harare via the town of Gweru. It will also span the Bulawayo - Plumtree and Harare - Mutare routes. The first phase of the project, initiated in 2022, has already laid 1,180 km of fiber from the border town of Beitbridge in Matabeleland province to the city of Victoria Falls, in the north of the country. The network infrastructure costs $18 million, and the second phase is projected to incur a similar expense.
The project aligns with the government’s strategic goal of transforming Zimbabwe into a self-sufficient and prosperous upper-middle-income society by 2030, leveraging digital technology. It also corresponds with the national broadband program for 2023-2030, which encompasses several state and privately financed infrastructure deployment projects. This program is expected to accelerate broadband penetration in the country and reduce costs.
Ultimately, the fiber optic system will cover the country's entire rail network, from Rutenga to Chikwalakwala, before extending into Zambia and other regions. According to the Honourable Owen Ncube, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Decentralization, this project ensures that Zimbabwe will be connected to the rest of the world, marking a positive stride in the “Leave no one behind (LNOB)” principle enshrined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Samira Njoya
Broadband is central to Zimbabwe's development agenda, which is centered around digital transformation. In collaboration with the private sector, the government aims to bolster the national telecommunications infrastructure to ensure affordable Internet access for all citizens.
The Zimbabwean government announced on Thursday, March 7, the commencement of the second phase of the fiber optic rail project. The project, executed by wholesale telecoms infrastructure provider Bandwidth & Cloud Services Group (BCS), aims to enhance connectivity within Zimbabwe’s cities by deploying fiber along national railroads.
This phase will extend fiber optics over 800 km, connecting the village of Somabhula to the capital Harare via the town of Gweru. It will also span the Bulawayo - Plumtree and Harare - Mutare routes. The first phase of the project, initiated in 2022, has already laid 1,180 km of fiber from the border town of Beitbridge in Matabeleland province to the city of Victoria Falls, in the north of the country. The network infrastructure costs $18 million, and the second phase is projected to incur a similar expense.
The project aligns with the government’s strategic goal of transforming Zimbabwe into a self-sufficient and prosperous upper-middle-income society by 2030, leveraging digital technology. It also corresponds with the national broadband program for 2023-2030, which encompasses several state and privately financed infrastructure deployment projects. This program is expected to accelerate broadband penetration in the country and reduce costs.
Ultimately, the fiber optic system will cover the country's entire rail network, from Rutenga to Chikwalakwala, before extending into Zambia and other regions. According to the Honourable Owen Ncube, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Decentralization, this project ensures that Zimbabwe will be connected to the rest of the world, marking a positive stride in the “Leave no one behind (LNOB)” principle enshrined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Samira Njoya
Following a philanthropic stance, Zafy Tody provides its expertise and financial support to a select group of Malagasy startups annually, without seeking equity or future ownership rights in the supported companies.
Zafy Tody, a Malagasy tech startup incubator and business angel, offers free incubation and funding to selected startups without taking equity stakes. Founded in 2019 by Andréa Zafitody Li-Sai Chimento and CEO Manambina Ramaroson Vandewalle, the incubator aims to boost Madagascar's startup ecosystem.
Each year, Zafy Tody offers free incubation to 5 to 10 Malagasy startups, providing financing without any equity investment or future ownership stake in the company. For other Madagascar-based start-ups, the incubator offers a paid program for personalized support.
Its 12-month incubation program allows beneficiaries to validate their business plan, test their product, bring it to market, and prepare for fundraising or competitions. Incubated startups also gain access to Amazon Web Services' AWS Activate program.
In 2023, Zafy Tody supported startups selected for the Miary Digital program, including E-voyage, Andao Share, NextFoodAfrica, and Zion. Partners include Orange Fab Madagascar, NextA Accelerator, LivePlan, the Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship, and the French Embassy in Madagascar.
To cater to companies or individuals seeking to enhance their skills in entrepreneurship and digital transformation, the incubator offers professional training programs. These include training in UX & UI (user experience and interface), entrepreneurship, and the tech tools and solutions offered by the AWS cloud platform.
Zafy Tody has established several partnerships to aid in its mission. It is supported by Orange Fab Madagascar, NextA Accelerator, LivePlan, a business planning solution, the Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship, and the French Embassy in Madagascar, among others.
Melchior Koba
Moroccan fintech startup Tookeez said on Thursday it secured $1.5 million in a funding round. The company plans to use the proceeds to expand its presence in Morocco before entering North Africa, the Middle East, and ultimately the broader African continent.
Nigerian e-health startup MDaaS Global announced Wednesday it has raised $3 million in a pre-Series A funding round. The company plans to use the capital to enhance its technology and expand its BeaconHealth Diagnostics network across all 36 states of Nigeria.
Despite his background in business and marketing, he has carved out a niche for himself in the technology sector, focusing on solar innovation in Madagascar. He offers innovative and sustainable solutions to address the increasing electricity demand.
Yann Kasay (photo), a tech entrepreneur and consultant from Madagascar, is the founder of Jirogasy, a company that designs, assembles, and manufactures solar home systems and Internet of Things (IoT) devices powered by solar energy locally.
Established in 2017, Jirogasy has developed a range of innovative distributed solar stations. “We import only the raw materials. All parts, especially electronics, are printed with a three-dimensional printer we designed ourselves, and assembly is done in our workshop,” Kasay explained in 2019.
In the same year, Jirogasy, in partnership with AccesMad, a French non-governmental organization dedicated to developing scientific and technical education in Madagascar, launched Jirodesk, a solar-powered generator with an integrated mini-laptop.
In 2022, Kasay launched Jiro France, a design office of Jirogasy. The office offers services to technology and industrial groups looking to develop a hardware project.
In addition to his role at Jirogasy, Kasay also undertakes temporary assignments as a strategy and market intelligence consultant, aiming to assist large companies and startups in their decision to implement innovation and new software products.
The cleantech entrepreneur studied commerce and international business at the Paris School of Business, business administration and management at Paris-Sud University, and marketing at Washburn University.
In 2015, he co-founded International Studies Solutions, where he served as COO until 2018. The company advises athletes and students on their projects abroad. Before becoming an entrepreneur, he worked for MCA BENELUX, a European engineering and technology company, as an IT business manager between 2014 and 2015.
In 2018, Jirogasy was selected as one of the 100 startups in the Marathon Pitch at the Salon des entrepreneurs. In 2019, Kasay was named Young Leader by the French-African Foundation.
Melchior Koba
The 4th edition of the Cyber Africa Forum (CAF) is set to take place in Côte d’Ivoire on April 15 and 16. This year’s theme, “Cyber risks and artificial intelligence: what defense strategies in the face of new digital threats?” aims to foster strategic discussions on the role of AI in enhancing cybersecurity and the challenges it poses.
Seven months ago, Sonatel acquired the super broadband license for almost $57 million. It aims to revolutionize usage in the local telecoms market and remain the leading operator.
The commercial fixed 5G connectivity offers of Sonatel, 42.33%-owned by Orange, are now available for residential and business customers in Senegal. The telecom company announced in a press release on Tuesday, March 5, that it would soon be expanding its services to include mobile internet offers for ultra-high-speed broadband.
With the advent of 5G, Sonatel promises its customers instantaneous download and streaming speeds, as well as enhanced responsiveness for real-time applications such as online gaming, virtual reality, telemedicine, e-education, among others. The company is inviting customers to explore the “boundless possibilities” of the technology at a dedicated laboratory at the Orange Digital Center in Dakar.
The launch of Sonatel’s commercial 5G comes seven months after the company secured Senegal’s first ultra-broadband license from the local telecom regulator, ARTP, for XOF34.5 billion ($57 million). The telecom firm has been preparing for the deployment of the technology since 2020, confirming its readiness through a successful test in December 2021 and launching its 5G laboratory in July 2022.
In the 5G market, Sonatel leads its main competitors, Expresso Sénégal and Saga Africa Holding Limited (Free), the latter of which obtained its operating license in December 2023 for XOF13.5 billion.
This advantage positions Sonatel to boost its revenues and solidify its leadership in the Senegalese telecom market. As per ARTP data, Orange had 12.5 million mobile telephony subscribers in the third quarter of 2023, accounting for a market share of 56.47%. Expresso and Free held 16.8% and 23.89% of the national mobile subscriber base, respectively. In the internet segment, Orange commanded a market share of 66.52%.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
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African initiatives to support the technology sector are increasing in response to a decline in funding. These initiatives aim to bolster the continent's fast-growing tech industry.
Conducive Capital, a South African venture capital firm, was inaugurated in Johannesburg on Tuesday, March 5. The firm, founded by Clive Butkow (photo, left), former CEO of Kalon Venture Partners, and Mitchan Adams (photo, right), co-founder of Ozow and CEO of Aions Creative Technology, aims to invest in early and growth-stage start-ups across Africa.
The firm plans to raise its first capital of $15 million in July, with a target to close a fund exceeding $50 million within 24 months. "And we go beyond just monetary investments. Alongside funding, Conducive Capital pledges comprehensive support, offering strategic guidance, operational expertise, and mentorship to nurture start-ups, facilitating their growth into industry frontrunners," said Mitchan Adams.
The establishment of Conducive Capital comes amidst a decline in funding for the African technology ecosystem in 2023. However, several initiatives have emerged across the continent, including Sawari Ventures for North African and Middle Eastern start-ups, and Timbuktoo, funded by the United Nations Development Program and African countries. The African Development Bank has also approved a $10.5 million stake in Seedstars Africa Ventures to bolster its investments in sub-Saharan African startups.
Despite a slow start to the new year with $77 million raised by African startups in January 2024, funding nearly tripled to $217 million in February, according to Africa: The Big Deal, a database tracking startup financing in Africa. The influx of new venture capital entities and the closing of Partech’s second African fund at over $300 million signal promising prospects for the African technology ecosystem.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
With programs like Newbie and Cracker, Enovation Factory is shaping a new generation of entrepreneurs, guiding them from the early stages of ideation through to the execution of their concepts.
Enovation Factory, an African startup support institution based in Cameroon, is committed to fostering the next generation of African leaders. The organization provides project leaders with the necessary knowledge, attitude, and skills to shape the future of Africa, as stated on its website.
The organization offers its services free of charge, relying on a network of partners to provide the necessary resources for its operations. It offers two main programs, namely Newbie and Cracker.
Newbie is an incubation program aimed at accelerating the growth and success of entrepreneurs in the ideation stage. In contrast, Cracker is an acceleration program for entrepreneurs who have completed their business plans. This program offers startups intensive support, specialized resources, and opportunities for rapid development.
The organization’s program application portal is currently open to all project leaders in Cameroon. Both the Newbie and Cracker programs run for six months. They provide participants a workspace for collaboration with other entrepreneurs, mentoring sessions for advice and sector expertise, and access to a network of entrepreneurs, investors, experts, and potential partners.
In addition, Enovation Factory offers workshops, seminars, and training courses to equip beneficiaries with the skills and knowledge required to build and develop their projects. The organization also facilitates investment by organizing pitching events and connecting startups with investor networks interested in funding opportunities.
Enovation Factory’s partner network includes both local and international institutions such as Google Cloud, Eagle Consulting Group, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Creative Valley, Qwasar Silicon Valley, and The Network.
Melchior Koba
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) announced 100 women-led startups selected for its “She Wins Africa” program, designed to provide coaching, training, and financing to accelerate growth in sub-Saharan Africa.
"IFC's She Wins Africa empowers women entrepreneurs through coaching, training, and financing, accelerating their growth and investment readiness throughout sub-Saharan Africa," said Nathalie Akon Gabala, IFC’s Director of Gender and Economic Inclusion.
MoneyHash, an Africa and Middle East-based fintech startup specializing in payment orchestration, last week announced the closure of a $4.5 million seed funding round. The company plans to use the capital to enhance its technology and expand within the MEA region.