A trained geologist with extensive experience in business management, entrepreneurship, and technology, he has successfully launched ventures in the finance and automotive sectors.
Justus Obaoye (photo) is a Nigerian entrepreneur specializing in technology and finance. He is the co-founder and CEO of Billboxx, an innovative cash management solution designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The startup facilitates incoming and outgoing payments while optimizing businesses' cash flow management.
Founded in 2023 by Justus Obaoye and Abdulazeez Ogunjobi, Billboxx addresses the common issue of payment delays that disrupt SME operations. The platform simplifies and automates billing and payment processes, allowing businesses to focus on their core activities.
"We found that many businesses struggle with inefficiencies in billing and cash flow management, often relying on manual processes or Excel sheets," Justus Obaoye noted. This insight led to the creation of Billboxx.
In December 2024, Billboxx secured $1.6 million in a funding round combining debt and equity. These funds will enhance the startup's technological infrastructure, expand its partnerships, and tackle the issue of payment delays affecting SMEs.
Before launching Billboxx, Justus Obaoye had extensive entrepreneurial experience. In 2018, he co-founded Charistouch Technologies, a tech solutions startup that was acquired by Cars45 in November 2019. In 2021, he co-founded Fixit45, an automotive technology company, where he served as CEO until 2022.
Justus Obaoye graduated from the University of Ilorin in Nigeria with a bachelor's degree in geology in 2008. He began his professional career that same year at Schlumberger as a geoscience support specialist. In 2013, he became a data manager at Sahara Energy Field, an energy sector company.
Between 2012 and 2019, he also served as a managing partner at Quantum Bridge, a strategic development consulting firm. In 2022, Justus Obaoye was the Country Manager for Bolt in Nigeria, a mobility company.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The Moroccan government aims to accelerate the development of a national digital economy by 2030. A key focus of this initiative is developing the local startup ecosystem.
The Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform announced on Sunday, January 19, the creation of a new association dedicated to advancing fintech in Morocco. Named the "Morocco Fintech Center" (MFC), this association already comprises around 15 banks and institutions and remains open to other organizations interested in joining.
According to Bank Al-Maghrib (BAM), Morocco's central bank, the MFC is designed to serve as a one-stop shop for fintech companies. It will support their growth through mentorship programs, incubation, acceleration, skill development, and facilitate understanding of the regulatory environment as well as access to financing. Additionally, the MFC aims to foster a collaborative fintech ecosystem that encourages partnerships and networking opportunities while promoting research and development in financial innovation.
In December 2024, Abderrahim Bouazza, Director General of BAM, announced plans to launch a fintech hub in January. This initiative aligns with Morocco's ambition to build a globally competitive local startup ecosystem by implementing specific measures to support the creation, growth, and international expansion of digital startups. This effort falls under the second pillar of the "Digital Morocco 2030" strategy, which focuses on energizing the digital economy.
The initiative is expected to play a crucial role in achieving the government's target of fostering 1,000 certified Moroccan startups by 2026 and 3,000 by 2030, compared to just 380 in 2022. By 2030, the goal is to raise 7 billion dirhams ($696.6 million) for local startups, a significant increase from the 260 million dirhams raised in 2022. Furthermore, the government envisions Morocco having 10 "gazelles" (high-growth startups) and one to two unicorns by 2030.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Digital transformation is a cornerstone of modernizing public infrastructure and fostering social and economic inclusion. Through ambitious initiatives, many countries are driving digitization, leading to increased transparency and sustainable growth.
Mauritania has reached a major milestone in its digital transformation journey with the official launch of the Digital-Y project on Thursday, January 16, in Nouakchott. Overseen by the Minister of Digital Transformation and Administrative Modernization, Ahmed Salem Ould Bedde (photo, center), the initiative aims to modernize public services, promote digital inclusion, and lay the foundation for transparent and efficient governance.
According to Ahmed Salem Ould Bedde, the project underscores the Mauritanian government's commitment to integrating digital tools into public administration to modernize services, strengthen administrative transparency, and drive economic and social development. He emphasized the importance of making these services accessible to all, particularly to reduce regional disparities and foster true digital inclusion.
The Digital-Y project is funded to the tune of €4 million and is being carried out in partnership with the German cooperation. It aligns with Mauritania's national digital transformation strategy, focusing on developing tailored solutions for public services, establishing unified standards, and enhancing the digital capacities of both institutions and citizens. Additionally, the program seeks to boost the national economy through e-commerce and foster strategic partnerships among the public sector, private sector, and technical and financial partners.
Despite ongoing challenges, this initiative represents a significant step forward for Mauritania as it strives to transform its public services into modern, efficient, and inclusive tools. The project is expected to improve Mauritania's e-Government Development Index (EGDI) ranking from the United Nations. In 2024, the country ranked 165th out of 193 countries with a score of 0.3491 out of 1, compared to 172nd in 2022. These advancements underscore the country's efforts to bridge its digital gap and align with international standards.
By Samira Njoya
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He is an experienced graphic designer, art director, and cultural promoter with a proven track record of transforming ideas into innovative and impactful creations.
Fiacre Dagbegnon (photo) is a Togolese entrepreneur committed to driving the digital transformation of businesses and products in Africa. He is the founder and promoter of Klumer, a platform dedicated to players in the event industry.
Launched in 2018, Klumer is an event management solution that provides innovative tools to streamline the work of African event professionals. The platform simplifies fundraising, logistical coordination, and financial management, making it easier to plan and execute successful events. Key features include online voting, crowdfunding, stakeholder networking, and electronic ticketing, fostering greater interaction with target audiences.
"Klumer was developed following the style of Facebook and Instagram. Today, we have nothing to envy when it comes to what Silicon Valley developers have achieved in social network development. The only difference lies in the logistics, which we have yet to fully match," Fiacre explains. The platform has already attracted more than 200,000 users and participants, along with over 250 virtual agencies.
Since 2015, Fiacre Dagbegnon has served as the CEO of EODS C Group, a company specializing in technology and cultural affairs. During his time there, he has also worked as a graphic designer.
Between 2017 and 2020, Dagbegnon worked as a freelance graphic designer. In 2019, he joined La Voix du Peuple, a Togolese weekly publication, as a production graphic designer. From 2020 to 2023, he served as a web interface designer at the French Institute of Togo.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Following the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism in Africa is experiencing a strong resurgence. Travelers are now seeking high-quality lodging options, and tech-savvy entrepreneurs have emerged with innovative solutions to effectively meet this growing demand.
Conservio is a South African online booking platform specializing in nature-based stays across Southern Africa. Founded in 2020 by Lara Dendy Young and Justin Rijnberg in Cape Town, it “helps nature lovers discover and book unique getaways in locations that celebrate nature.”
On January 16th, 2025, it announced the completion of a $1 million funding round to grow its portfolio to over 2,000 properties and attract more travelers.
To book a stay, users create an account on the Conservio website. They can then use the search function to input their desired travel dates, number of guests, destination country (South Africa, Mozambique, or Namibia), and specific region. Conservio's algorithm then presents a curated list of matching properties, including cabins, cottages, camps, lodges, and villas.
Travelers can easily compare options based on their preferences, budget, and availability. Once a suitable accommodation is selected, the booking process is seamless, with secure online payment options available. "Demand for independent travel within Africa is experiencing rapid growth," explains Justin Rijnberg, co-founder of Conservio. "We're witnessing a surge in tech-savvy travelers seeking unique stays beyond city limits. These travelers value the convenience of booking and paying online, seamlessly and in one place."
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
On the cusp of a major digital transformation, Gabon is leveraging innovative technological solutions to modernize its public services. The goal is to position itself as a regional leader in e-governance, streamline access to administrative procedures, and enhance transparency.
Gabon is set to launch a digital public services platform in the first half of 2025. This initiative was announced, on January 15, in Libreville, during the second meeting of the Steering Committee in charge of the implementation of Gabon’s digital program Gabon Digital. The goal is to modernize the administration and provide all citizens with online access to administrative services.
"We will focus on digital payment systems, the national digital identity system, and implementing a public services platform," explained General Bonjean Rodrigue Mbanza, Minister of Digital Economy and New Information Technologies. "Our objective is to enable anyone, anywhere in the world, to connect with public services in real-time."
This platform is part of the program "Gabon Digital", which was launched last November with initial funding of 44 billion CFA francs (approximately $72.4 million) from the World Bank. This initiative reflects Gabon's ambition to solidify its leadership in e-governance in Africa. Although Gabon dropped from 11th to 15th place in the United Nations' E-Government Survey 2024, it remains a leader in Central Africa for digital initiatives.
The upcoming portal will allow Gabonese citizens to securely perform administrative tasks online, streamlining data processing and reducing the need for in-person visits. Key areas of focus include health (e-health), digital payments, and digital identity. The project aims to modernize public services while enhancing their efficiency and transparency.
By Samira Njoya
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Frustrated by negative online shopping experiences, this tech entrepreneur decided to create an e-commerce platform that solves these issues.
Ajé is a Nigerian social commerce platform powered by blockchain technology. It was launched in 2022 by Ifeoluwa Wole-Osho to address the lack of trust in online transactions. The startup is headquartered in Lagos.
“I remember a friend who paid for a laptop only to discover it didn’t work, with no recourse to recover their money. These problems weren’t limited to students – small businesses and everyday people across Nigeria faced similar struggles when trading online. The trust gap in these transactions wasn’t just a nuisance; it was a barrier to economic opportunity,” Ifeoluwa Wole-Osho told Disrupt Africa.
Ajé offers a mobile application available on iOS and Android, with over 5,000 downloads according to Play Store data. Users create an account with their personal information and gain access to a secure marketplace where buyers and sellers can connect seamlessly, supported by escrow payments, dispute resolution tools, and multi-currency wallets.
Since its 2022 launch, the platform has gained over 7,500 users and facilitated more than 4,000 secure transactions. It is experiencing rapid growth, with a 50% increase in monthly registrations and a 32% rise in repeat transactions.
“Product listings continue to grow, with over 17,000 total listings, 1,700 of which were added in the last month alone. These metrics demonstrate the platform’s expanding ecosystem and its ability to meet the needs of both buyers and sellers effectively,” added Ifeoluwa Wole-Osho.
Ajé sets itself apart from competitors by combining social commerce, blockchain-based escrow services, and cross-border support, catering to underserved markets. The platform aims to expand its operations and enhance its product offerings to continue meeting the needs of buyers and sellers effectively.
“By Q3 2025, we aim to target the diaspora communities in the UK and Canada, leveraging insights gained from our success in Turkey to serve these broader audiences effectively,” Wole-Osho concluded.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum
Editing by Feriol Bewa
He is a computer engineer with several years of experience in developing technological solutions and managing IT projects. He stands out for his innovative mindset, particularly in areas such as healthcare.
Hachi Bilal (photo) is an Algerian tech entrepreneur and computer scientist. He is the founder of eSiha, a multi-service digital medical platform aimed at becoming a vital healthcare partner for Algerians.
Founded in 2019, eSiha offers a mobile application that allows users to access various healthcare services. It enables the search and geolocation of doctors and provides healthcare professionals with tools to manage their practices and medical centers, conduct teleconsultations, and create online medical records.
The app lists doctors, dentists, midwives, medical centers, laboratories, radiology centers, and pharmacies. It also facilitates searches for optical centers, ambulance services, home care, and online appointment scheduling. To date, the platform boasts 10,850 registered practitioners, 77,000 users, and records 4,000 daily connections.
eSiha is developed by hachITech, an IT services and technology company founded by Hachi Bilal in 2016 and based in France. The company supports clients through audits and consulting missions to optimize their information systems, designs and integrates IT solutions, and provides tailored technical assistance.
Additionally, Hachi Bilal is the co-founder and application development lead at GroupBees, a community of IT professionals dedicated to expertise, knowledge sharing, and professional skills.
Hachi Bilal graduated from the National Polytechnic Institute of Toulouse in 2011 with a master’s degree in automated computing. That same year, he completed a four-month program in programming and IT project management at the Higher Institute specializing in IT professions (ISSMI) in France. Between 2009 and 2012, he also pursued a doctorate at the Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences at Oran 1 Ahmed Ben Bella University in Algeria.
Hachi Bilal served as a substitute professor at the University of Grenoble Alpes from 2011 to 2013. In 2013, he joined Safran, a company specializing in aerospace and space technologies, as a full-stack engineer. In 2015, he became a technical manager at Air France before moving to Enedis in 2016 as a full-stack engineer. In 2017, he was appointed technical manager at the Les Mousquetaires Group, a European retail company. Finally, between 2021 and 2022, he worked as a cloud architect at Artcurial, a French auction house.
By Melchior Koba
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Financial inclusion in Africa still has a long way to go. In recent years, fintech startups have been offering solutions that are better suited to the daily lives of the continent's populations.
CLIKPAY Money is a neobank established by a Gabonese startup, offering mobile payment and money transfer services to both individuals and businesses. Founded in 2020 by Mark Doumba, the startup operates from headquarters in Libreville, Gabon, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The CLIKPAY solution includes a mobile app available on both iOS and Android platforms, with over 10,000 downloads according to Play Store’s data. Users can create an account by providing personal information, which grants access to various CLIKPAY features.
Key features of the app include real-time fund transfers with alerts, QR code scanning for merchant payments, purchasing airtime and internet bundles from multiple telecom operators, and access to a network of agent points across Gabon's nine provinces for convenient cash deposits and withdrawals.
For businesses, CLIKPAY offers the CLIKPAY Business service. This allows companies to manage payroll, pay suppliers, generate transaction reports, evaluate performance, handle invoicing, and perform accounting tasks via the mobile or web application.
According to CLIKPAY, every transaction is encrypted and protected by a personal code (Mpin), with robust fraud detection systems in place to safeguard user security.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
The traditional postal service model has become obsolete with the rapid digital transformation in recent years. To remain competitive and adapt to this new landscape, Mali's postal service has embarked on a transformation and revitalization strategy.
Mali's postal service operator, La Poste du Mali, plans to launch "Post Wari," a digital financial services platform designed to diversify its operations. This initiative is part of the projects outlined by the Ministry of Communication, Digital Economy, and Administrative Modernization in Government News Bulletin No. 249, published on January 10th. The bulletin reviewed the accomplishments of 2024 and detailed the prospects for 2025.
The "Post Wari" platform will facilitate the issuance and management of electronic money, accessible via mobile (app and SMS) and web platforms (tablets and computers). The ministry stated that this platform is expected to become a one-stop payment gateway for government services in the medium term.
Through this initiative, La Poste du Mali aims to capitalize on the opportunities presented by digital technology amidst the growing adoption of mobile money services. According to the Malian Telecommunications, ICT, and Postal Regulatory Authority (AMRTP), the number of mobile money accounts in the country surged from 6.2 million in 2018 to 16.9 million in 2023—a 172.6% increase. The regulator also highlighted that financial inclusion leaped from 47% in 2016 to 72.3% in 2023, largely driven by mobile technology, which now accounts for 55.9% of financial inclusion efforts.
While "Post Wari" has been announced as part of the 2025 outlook, no further details have been provided regarding its launch date or the current stage of development. Furthermore, La Poste du Mali will face stiff competition in a market dominated by telecom operators like Orange. By the end of 2023, Orange Money had 13.1 million subscribers, commanding a 78% market share, according to official statistics.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
More...
The African cloud market is growing into a multi-billion-dollar industry, fueled by rising digital adoption across the continent. While challenges like limited data centers, regulatory issues, and affordability persist, efforts like localized solutions and AWS’s local currency payment options are making cloud services more accessible to African businesses.
Cloud service provider Amazon Web Services (AWS) has expanded its local currency payment options, now allowing customers in Europe to pay in Egyptian Pound (EGP) and Nigerian Naira (NGN), alongside other newly supported currencies. This move, announced on January 13, is part of AWS’s commitment to localizing the payment experience and making its services more accessible to businesses across Africa.
“Local currencies are important in localizing the payment experience for customers. With payments in their local currencies, customers can avoid foreign exchange costs associated with making foreign currency payments,” says AWS.
Paying in local currencies offers significant benefits for AWS customers. It eliminates the costs associated with currency conversion, which can add substantial overhead to businesses making payments in foreign currencies. Additionally, it reduces payment friction, particularly in countries where local regulations may restrict foreign currency access.
By accepting payments in EGP and NGN, AWS is helping African businesses streamline their billing processes and allocate resources more efficiently, enabling them to focus on growth and innovation.
AWS customers can easily switch to local currency payments by logging into their AWS account, navigating to the “Billing and Cost Management” page, selecting “Payment Preferences” under “Preferences and Settings,” clicking “Edit” to change the default payment currency, and choosing the preferred currency from the dropdown menu. Once saved, all future invoices will be generated in the selected currency.
The Rise of the African Cloud 2023 report by Xalam Analytics reveals that Africa's cloud market has become a multi-billion-dollar opportunity, with annual growth rates of 25% to 30%. This rapid expansion is driving the continent's digital transformation, meeting the growing demand for scalable and cost-effective infrastructure to support startups, SMEs, and large enterprises. The trend underscores the critical role of localized solutions, such as offering local currency payment options, in removing adoption barriers and fueling even faster market growth.
With the inclusion of African currencies, AWS continues to demonstrate its dedication to supporting regional markets and addressing the unique needs of its diverse customer base. This update is expected to drive wider adoption of AWS services across Africa, empowering businesses to scale without the barriers of currency exchange challenges.
Hikmatu Bilali
Digital transformation has become a top priority for education systems across the globe. Countries are modernizing their schools to equip younger generations with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the digital age.
Mauritania is advancing its education reform efforts by integrating digital technologies into its system. On January 15, the Ministry of Education and System Reform hosted a workshop that brought together key stakeholders to develop a national roadmap for the digital transformation of education.
According to Yahya Boba Taleb, Secretary General of the Ministry of Education, the workshop aimed to create an education advancement plan with clear milestones for modernizing the sector. The resulting initiatives are expected to lay the groundwork for a sustainable and forward-looking reform tailored to address the country's current challenges.
This initiative aligns with Mauritania's ongoing Digital Transformation Strategy and follows the country's recent participation in the FIFA Foundation's Digital Education Program, marking it as the first African nation to join. The program aims to train 10,000 Mauritanian children aged 6 to 12 over three years in coding, robotics, and digital literacy.
Once finalized, the roadmap will focus on integrating technology into the education system in a cohesive and inclusive manner, with a focus on improving access, quality, and equity in education. It will draw on international best practices to ensure a modernized approach that meets 21st-century demands. Particular attention will be given to rural areas, where students often have limited access to modern educational resources.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
In today's rapidly evolving world of information and communication technologies, regional and international partnerships are crucial for driving inclusive growth, fostering innovation, and enhancing the competitiveness of economies on the global stage.
The Federation of Services of Mauritania and Senegal's Organization of ICT Professionals (OPTIC) signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday, January 13, during Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko's official visit to Mauritania. The agreement aims to deepen digital cooperation between the two nations and promote sustainable economic integration.
"This agreement seeks to structure and intensify business partnerships and collaboration between our digital ecosystems to accelerate digital transformation in our countries," said Mbagnick Diop, president of the Senegalese Business Movement.
The partnership underscores a shared commitment to developing the digital private sectors in Mauritania and Senegal. It includes several initiatives such as jointly promoting flagship events and activities in the tech sector, organizing forums and B2B meetings between digital enterprises and other industries seeking digitization, and creating a framework to harmonize public-private dialogue on key issues like human capital, funding, and research and development.
The collaboration is expected to speed up digital transformation in both countries while unlocking new economic and social opportunities. As Senegal positions itself as a tech hub with initiatives like the “New Deal Technologique”, Mauritania is stepping up efforts to modernize its digital infrastructure and administration.
This synergy between the two neighboring nations could serve as a model for other West African partnerships, reinforcing the region’s role in Africa’s burgeoning digital economy. The sector’s value is projected to reach $180 billion by 2025, according to a report by Google and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Passionate about developing high-impact technological solutions for Africa, he incorporates artificial intelligence and machine learning into his innovations.
Thapelo Nthite (photo) is a South African engineer and tech entrepreneur. He is one of the co-founders of Botlhale AI, a company developing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning solutions to improve lives across Africa.
Founded in 2019, Botlhale AI specializes in natural language processing (NLP) with a focus on African languages. The company’s tools enable businesses to communicate with their customers in familiar and trusted languages. Botlhale AI envisions a future where Africans can use their native languages to access digital services, learn, grow, and interact with the world.
“Through my research and work at Botlhale I want to see people interact with service providers through digital platforms in languages they understand and trust using text and speech,” Nthite explained in 2020.
One of the company’s flagship products is Bua, a suite of NLP tools that simplifies the deployment of conversational AI across various platforms and industries. Botlhale AI also offers Vula, an AI-powered API designed to enhance call center analytics.
Nthite holds a bachelor’s degree in mechatronic engineering from the University of Cape Town, which he earned in 2018. His career began in 2015 at At Lets Meet, a marketing company, where he worked as a mobile developer and web designer. In 2018, he interned at Sasol, a leading chemical and energy company, gaining hands-on experience in engineering.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji