Following his studies in economics and finance, he worked with startups in South Africa, guiding them through their growth phases. Now an entrepreneur himself, he's using technology to empower businesses with more efficient workforce management solutions.
Niven Poleman (photo) is a South African economist and tech entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of WorkWeek, an innovative startup helping businesses optimize workforce management.
Founded in 2023, WorkWeek offers a digital platform tailored to businesses employing salaried workers. Using data analytics, the platform streamlines payroll management, rewards top-performing employees, and simplifies time tracking, attendance management, and compliance with labor laws—particularly in labor-intensive industries like construction.
WorkWeek’s mission is to simplify workforce management, empower workers, and strengthen employer-employee relationships. “I’ve always believed that people deserve a fair chance to rise above their circumstances. WorkWeek is our way of helping wage-earning workers build great careers and giving businesses the tools to invest in their people,” says Poleman.
A graduate of the University of Cape Town, Poleman earned a bachelor’s degree in management and economics in 2018, followed by a bachelor’s in financial market economic analysis in 2022.
He began his professional journey in 2019 as a digital marketing manager and studio manager at YogaSpirit, a yoga studio. In 2020, he joined WeAreMonsters Innovative Venture Development, focusing on research and UX (user experience) design. From 2021 to 2023, he served as venture manager at The Delta, an entrepreneurial ecosystem supporting founders in creating groundbreaking ventures.
By Melchior Koba
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Many African entrepreneurs have struggled to scale their ideas due to inadequate support structures. The launch of Startup Community Catalysts addresses critical challenges faced by startups in the region, including limited access to funding, mentorship, and global networks.
Early-stage startup investor, Techstars, and Merce Anders Equity Group announced the launch of Techstars Startup Community Catalyst Africa Botswana on January 13. The program will run pre-accelerator and startup education programs over the next two years, including the Techstars Founder Catalyst, Community Development Lab, and Startup Weekends. These initiatives aim to help early-stage entrepreneurs refine ideas, scale businesses, and create lasting community impact.
For Emilie Vallauri, Program Manager at Techstars, “This partnership with Merce Anders Equity Group unlocks the potential of entrepreneurs in Botswana and neighboring countries, enabling them to create transformative solutions locally and globally.”
The Techstars Startup Weekend, running March 28–30, 2025, will provide a 54-hour event for entrepreneurs to develop ideas, form teams, and pitch projects, with winners earning spots in the Founder Catalyst program. On July 16, 2025, the Community Development Lab will gather community leaders and innovators in a one-day workshop to foster collaboration and sustainable startup ecosystems. From May 5 to July 20, 2025, the 10-week Founder Catalyst pre-accelerator will prepare up to 20 early-stage startups for funding and scaling. Applications are open until March 16, 2025.
This initiative has the potential to generate employment and boost local economies, particularly in Botswana, where unemployment remains a significant issue, recorded at 27.6% in Q1 2024, according to the World Bank.
By partnering with Merce Anders Equity Group, Techstars brings global expertise to the region, enabling startups to tap into international networks. This is vital in a globalized market, where competitiveness often hinges on access to resources and markets beyond local boundaries.
The move aligns with the Botswana government’s proactiveness in fostering entrepreneurship through agencies like the Botswana Innovation Hub (BIH) and Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) which provide funding, incubation, and training for startups.
Hikmatu Bilali
Many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Africa face difficulty obtaining funding from traditional banks. To overcome this obstacle, a group of tech entrepreneurs in Morocco has created an innovative solution.
Talaty, a Moroccan fintech start-up founded in 2022 by Soulaimane Lahrech, Simo Bernoussi, Ilyas Oudghiri, and Zakaria E., is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to address the financial challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By analyzing SME data, the company determines creditworthiness even for businesses with limited financial records.
Through advanced AI technologies and behavioral finance analytics, Talaty aims to optimize credit assessments, cutting operational costs and default rates by up to 90%. This innovative approach seeks to improve SMEs' access to financing while equipping financial institutions with effective tools for risk management and operational efficiency.
In December 2024, Talaty secured undisclosed funding to bolster its presence in Morocco and explore expansion into neighboring markets. "Securing financing remains a major obstacle for SMEs, accounting for 40% of bankruptcies caused by payment defaults. Our AI-powered platform simplifies this process, enabling partner institutions to provide effective and rapid financial support," said Soulaimane Lahrech.
Despite their critical role in the African economy, SMEs continue to face significant hurdles in obtaining the funding required for growth. According to Didier Acouetey of AfricSearch, a South African HR consulting firm, as reported by Forbes Afrique, "Africa has over 100 million SMEs needing $350 billion annually for development, yet they secure barely 20% of this amount."
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
Lagos Tech Fest 2025 returns on February 19-20 for its 5th edition, offering a dynamic two-day event celebrating Nigeria's tech ecosystem. The event is open to startup founders, investors, or tech enthusiasts for networking and innovation.
This year, the festival expands to include Nigeria's Tech Leadership Roundtable, exclusive after-dark hours for networking, a live expo, and multiple stages for diverse sessions. Various topics, including AI/cloud, fintech, financial inclusion, startups, and more, will be discussed.
As an entrepreneur, he is actively dedicated to advancing financial inclusion across Africa, with a specific emphasis on empowering young people. He utilizes technology to achieve this objective.
Kiiru Muhoya (photo) is a Kenyan entrepreneur and tech innovator specializing in the financial sector. He is the co-founder and CEO of Fingo Africa, a fintech startup developing a pan-African neobank tailored for the continent's youth.
Founded in 2020, Fingo Africa is a digital bank designed to meet the needs of young Africans. Its mission is to empower this generation to contribute to a more prosperous Africa through accessible financial tools. The platform enables users to manage daily expenses, set savings goals, and plan for their financial future. Through its partnership with Ecobank, Fingo Africa benefits from the bank's presence in 33 countries across the continent, accelerating its expansion.
“Fingo allows users to download the ‘Fingo Africa’ app and receive access to a bank account in under 5 minutes, paired with free peer-to-peer transactions and immediate access to multiple services such as savings, financial education and smart spending analytics,” according to the company’s website.
The startup also offers FingoPay, a comprehensive solution designed to meet the needs of both small and large businesses. This service incorporates advanced analytics tools, providing entrepreneurs with real-time insights into their business performance.
Before launching Fingo Africa, Kiiru Muhoya founded Build for Kenya in 2016, a social enterprise focused on developing affordable housing.
A graduate of the University of Warwick in England, Muhoya holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy, politics, and economics. He also served as President of the Warwick Africa Summit and worked as Executive Assistant to the CEO of Acorn, a Kenyan real estate company, between 2019 and 2020.
By Melchior Koba
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
With a deep understanding of Cameroon's entrepreneurial ecosystem, Ngala Boris leverages his experience to guide and mentor aspiring young entrepreneurs. He provides them with the support they need to increase the chances of their projects succeeding.
Ngala Boris is an experienced Cameroonian entrepreneur and investor. He is the founder and CEO of the Boris Bison Youth Empowerment Incubator (BBIncubator).
Founded in 2020, BBIncubator aims to combat poverty in Cameroon by providing young entrepreneurs with a supportive environment to realize their ambitions. The incubator offers a spacious, secure, and Internet-connected workspace, along with round-the-clock technical support. It also provides networking opportunities and free seed funding for 20 selected entrepreneurs per cohort.
Through its incubation program, BBIncubator supports young entrepreneurs by training and mentoring them every three months. This program helps familiarize them with the entrepreneurial ecosystem, develop governance and project management skills, and adopt best business practices.
The incubator also teaches participants how to leverage the Internet to grow their businesses by improving communication and business correspondence skills. It trains them in using modern payment gateways for fast and efficient transactions and in loan management to support their projects.
In 2023, BBIncubator launched "Finance Your Startup" pitch competition, enabling entrepreneurs to present their tech ideas to a jury, with the winner receiving CFA 1 million (approximately $1,600) in startup funding.
In addition to BBIncubator, Ngala Boris is the founder and CEO of Boris Bison Sarl, established in 2020. The company operates in various sectors, including agriculture, import-export, real estate, contracting, and supply chain management. The business management graduate also serves as Vice President of the National Federation of Incubation Structures of Cameroon (FENASIC), an association of public and private incubators.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
In recent years, the Republic of the Congo has undertaken a significant digital transformation, characterized by substantial infrastructure development. To successfully navigate this transition, the country requires committed stakeholders to spearhead and support initiatives focused on modernizing the nation and fostering greater digital inclusion.
The government of Congo-Brazzaville carried out a cabinet reshuffle on Saturday, January 11. Some ministers retained their positions, including Léon Juste Ibombo, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy. His reappointment underscores the government's commitment to continuing the momentum initiated in 2015 to leverage digital technology as a driver of economic and social transformation.
Major Achievements
Since his appointment, Léon Juste Ibombo has spearheaded ambitious initiatives aimed at modernizing digital infrastructure and enhancing technological inclusion. Under his leadership, several large-scale projects have been launched. The construction of the national backbone has improved internet connectivity across the country. The launch of the "Caria Tech Village," a technology park, has fostered innovation and attracted investments in the digital sector. The digitization of public services, notably through the introduction of a digital driver's license, has modernized administrative processes.
The Digital Transformation Acceleration Project, funded by the World Bank, has also improved internet access, including in rural areas. These accomplishments have also led to deploying fiber optics and introducing 4G and 5G technologies, making Congo the first country in the subregion to adopt such advanced connectivity.
Challenges and Strategic Priorities
Despite these advances, the country needs to consolidate its progress by undertaking several projects. One of the top priorities is developing a national artificial intelligence (AI) strategy that incorporates solutions tailored to local needs. The creation of an e-government portal, centralizing online administrative services, is another critical objective. Furthermore, improving AI research is essential to strengthen the country's scientific capabilities in strategic fields.
The minister is also working on establishing a dynamic startup ecosystem, with programs dedicated to young entrepreneurs in the tech sector. Initiatives to bridge the digital divide, such as providing internet access to schools and remote communities, are central to his agenda. These efforts reflect a strategic vision to position Congo as a key player in the digital economy in Central Africa. In 2024, Léon Juste Ibombo was featured in the annual ranking of the 50 most influential figures in African tech, compiled by We Are Tech Africa. This recognition highlights his pivotal role in the ongoing transformation of the sector.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
International collaborations in the digital sector are essential for fostering innovation and sharing expertise. By joining forces, countries drive technological development, create economic opportunities, and enhance their competitiveness on the global stage.
Tunisia and India aim to deepen their collaboration in the technology sector, a shared ambition that took center stage at the fifth meeting of the Tunisia-India Joint Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation. The meeting was held on Wednesday, January 8, at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Tunis.
During the discussions, both countries agreed to launch a call for proposals to fund joint initiatives focusing on priority areas such as environmental innovation, e-health, and geospatial technology. These projects will involve economic and social stakeholders and be complemented by joint workshops to foster exchanges and collaboration between Tunisian and Indian researchers.
The initiative builds on the scientific cooperation agreement signed in 1995 and the 2020 partnership that established the Tunisia-India ICT Innovation Center.
The collaboration offers mutual benefits. India, renowned for its expertise in digital and geospatial technologies, provides Tunisia with a valuable opportunity to leverage its know-how while strengthening local research and innovation capacities. The strategic partnership also allows India to expand its ties with North Africa and bolster its influence in key technological fields, including innovation hubs and drone applications.
Tunisia, meanwhile, is one of Africa's most dynamic countries in digital development. According to the ICT Development Index 2024 by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Tunisia ranks 8th in Africa with a score of 77.2 out of 100, highlighting significant progress in its ICT sector.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Digital transformation is at the heart of Mali's socio-economic development plans. To bring these ambitions to life, the government is focusing on strengthening the security of the national cyberspace.
The Malian government plans to adopt its national cybersecurity strategy this year, according to Government News Bulletin No. 249 published on Friday. The bulletin outlines the Ministry of Communication, Digital Economy, and Administrative Modernization's 2024 performance review and 2025 prospects.
"Cybersecurity is a major global concern as the sophistication of cyberattacks and the financial damage they cause to countries have risen exponentially. Indeed, the rapid pace of innovation in the ICT sector has led to inadequate legislative and regulatory cybersecurity frameworks," states the draft national cybersecurity strategy, which began validation in January 2024.
The adoption of this strategy is deemed essential as the Malian government aims to build a strong and resilient digital Mali, leveraging digital technology as a driver of economic growth, modernization, and prosperity. The strategy seeks to enhance cybersecurity governance, strengthen international cooperation, and foster a culture of cybersecurity through information, training, and research. It also includes measures to protect critical infrastructure, notably through the establishment of security standards and frameworks.
Currently, Mali is ranked in the fourth tier (Tier 4) out of five in cybersecurity by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in its Global Cybersecurity Index 2024. This tier comprises countries with an overall score of at least 20/100, demonstrating basic cybersecurity commitment, with government actions aimed at assessing, establishing, or implementing generally accepted cybersecurity measures in at least one domain.
The strategy is still in the development phase. Furthermore, a mere adoption is not enough. It is crucial to implement the actions it outlines. The ITU notes that Mali has a relatively strong performance in legislative measures, scoring 12.36 out of 20 in this pillar. However, significant efforts are required in other areas: technical measures (4.56 out of 20), organizational measures (2.9 out of 20), capacity development (0.79 out of 20), and cooperation (8.87 out of 20).
By Isaac K. Kassouwi
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
CcHub has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation to support edtech startups focused on improving learning outcomes and expanding access to quality education in Africa.
The program offers $100,000 in equity-free funding, expert mentorship in design, product development, and technology, and connections to investors to help startups scale.
Eligible startups must be Africa-focused, incorporated in Nigeria, and provide solutions addressing challenges in K-12 education, tertiary education, or vocational training. The program encourages inclusive teams and especially welcomes female-led startups.
Applications are open until January 31, 2025.
More...
Interoperability between banks and non-banking financial service providers makes financial services more accessible to unbanked and underbanked populations. As many Africans remain unbanked, integrating digital payment solutions into everyday transactions can help bridge the gap between the banked and unbanked.
The Kingdom of Eswatini has launched the Eswatini Payment Switch (EPS), a platform enabling real-time, interoperable transactions across banks and non-banks. Paylogic, the provider behind its development, announced the rollout on January 7.
Commenting on the development, Mohamed Mekouar, Executive Chairman of PayLogic said, "We are honored to partner with the Central Bank of Eswatini in this transformative project. The Eswatini Payment Switch is a testament to our commitment to advancing digital payments and financial inclusion across Africa."
The EPS marks a significant step toward creating a cash-lite economy by reducing dependency on cash transactions. The system allows payments to be processed within seconds, ensuring seamless, 24/7 service availability, including weekends and holidays.
The EPS enhances interoperability among financial institutions, fostering a more inclusive and interconnected financial ecosystem. This innovation is expected to drive financial inclusion and digital transformation, enabling individuals and businesses to access faster and more secure payment services.
This initiative aligns with Eswatini's broader push to modernize its payment infrastructure, drive economic growth, and expand financial access for its citizens. The country has made notable progress in embracing digital payments, led by the Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE) through its National Payment System (NPS) Vision 2025, which focuses on achieving interoperable, real-time, and 24/7 payment capabilities.
By ensuring interoperability and real-time processing, the platform positions Eswatini as a leader in embracing digital financial solutions in the region.
Hikmatu Bilali
Africa is experiencing a rapid shift toward digital payments, fueled by increased smartphone penetration and internet usage. Mastercard’s expertise in secure and scalable payment systems can complement and enhance these existing platforms.
Mastercard has opened its first office in Accra, Ghana, a key step in its West Africa expansion. This move, announced yesterday January 13, reflects its commitment to supporting Ghana’s digital economy through innovative financial products and services tailored to the local market.
“Opening our office in Ghana marks an important milestone in our commitment to deepening relationships across the region. Our growth strategy for West Africa is ambitious, and establishing a formal presence here allows us to better serve the specific needs of our customers,” said Mark Elliott, Division President for Africa at Mastercard.
The new office underscores Mastercard’s dedication to fostering stakeholder relationships and promoting inclusive growth. By establishing a presence in Ghana, Mastercard aims to enhance collaborations and accelerate the adoption of tailored financial solutions.
Beyond the office, Mastercard has collaborated with companies like Kalabash, KaiOS, Boost, and Smile ID, and partnered with banks such as Access Bank and Fidelity Bank to improve cross-border payment solutions. These efforts have empowered fintechs, expanded digital access for underserved communities, and strengthened Ghana’s position as a tech hub.
Mastercard’s office in Accra is a strategic response to the growing demand for secure, efficient, and inclusive financial solutions in Ghana and West Africa. By leveraging its global expertise and fostering local partnerships, Mastercard is set to play a pivotal role in transforming Ghana’s financial landscape and contributing to the region’s digital future.
The 2021 Financial Services Demand-Side Survey Report by the Ministry of Finance reveals that Ghana has achieved a remarkable 96% financial inclusion, leaving only 4% of the population without access to financial services. This significant progress is primarily driven by the widespread adoption of mobile money nationwide. It underscores the growing digitalization of Ghana's economy, creating opportunities for fintech innovation, e-commerce, and digital payments.
Ghana’s near-universal financial inclusion and thriving digital economy make it an ideal launchpad for Mastercard’s broader West African strategy. This milestone demonstrates the country’s leadership in financial inclusion within the region and its readiness to leverage digital solutions to drive economic development.
With offices across Africa, including in Cairo, Casablanca, Johannesburg, Lagos, and Nairobi, Mastercard’s expansion into Accra reinforces its commitment to building a sustainable digital economy across the continent.
Hikmatu Bilali
The Tunisian government views the digitization of services as a key solution to simplify administrative procedures, reduce processing times, and enhance transparency in its interactions with citizens.
Tunisian Transport Minister Rachid Amri confirmed the upcoming launch of a national ride-hailing application on Monday. The minister, speaking on a private radio station, said the domestically developed app aims to provide a high-quality, accessible, and better-regulated transportation service for citizens.
Amri said the app will ensure the availability of taxis, reasonable prices, and quality service. Unlike existing platforms, fares will be capped at 1.5 times the value of the traditional taxi meter to avoid excessive charges that burden citizens.
This announcement comes amid demands from individual taxi drivers for an increase in the current meter rate, which is set at 900 millimes. Drivers are advocating for it to be raised to two dinars ($0.62 USD) to cover the fixed costs of their operations, which have risen significantly in recent years.
Beyond regulating fares and services, this application is fully aligned with the Tunisian government’s goals for digital transformation and public service modernization. Tunisia already stands out as a leader in North Africa and ranks third on the continent for e-government, according to the United Nations’ 2024 E-Government Survey (UN DESA). With a score of 0.6935 out of 1, Tunisia far exceeds the African average of 0.4247, illustrating its progress in digitizing services.
The new platform, set to be operational by the end of the first half of 2025, also aims to highlight local technological expertise while creating a fair framework for drivers and a more accessible system for users. It is expected to improve citizens’ daily lives while strengthening the national digital economy.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
She aims to help businesses streamline their operations and enhance customer loyalty. Her innovative projects have garnered numerous awards and accolades.
Evelyn Namara (photo) is a Ugandan tech entrepreneur. She is the founder and CEO of Vouch Digital, a startup that helps businesses, corporations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) leverage data and digital tools to enhance transparency and efficiency in their programs.
Founded in 2017, Vouch Digital developed a digital supply chain management solution aimed at addressing issues such as unreliable payments, lack of trust among suppliers, distributors, and farmers, and limited access to affordable rural financing.
In 2020, the company introduced an innovative promotion engine that enables the design, management, and distribution of digital coupon campaigns. This platform is designed to drive customer acquisition, activation, and loyalty through targeted incentives.
Beyond her entrepreneurial work, Evelyn Namara serves as a Non-Executive Director at KCB Bank Uganda and as a board member of Village Enterprise, an organization dedicated to combating rural poverty in Africa. She is also the Senior Programs Lead at the Global Digital Inclusion Partnership, a coalition of public, private, and nonprofit actors committed to connecting as many people as possible to the internet worldwide.
Evelyn holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Makerere University, which she earned in 2010. Her professional journey began in 2008 as a UNIX administrator at Orange Uganda. In 2010, she became the Country Director for Solar Sister, an organization empowering women through economic opportunities. Later, in 2014, she joined Beyonic as East Africa Regional Director for the fintech company. Between 2018 and 2021, she worked as Manager of Global Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and Community Engagement Lead at the Internet Society.
In 2012, she received the Anita Borg ABIE Change Agent Award, recognizing her efforts to empower women and girls in technology. She was also a finalist for the Cartier Women’s Initiative Award for Sub-Saharan Africa in 2018.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji