Solutions (420)
Tappi, a digital solution developed by a Kenyan eponymous startup, offers a comprehensive suite of marketing tools tailored for small and medium-sized business owners, facilitating the efficient management and promotion of their online stores. Founded in 2022 by Kenfield Griffith and Louis Majanja, the Nairobi-based startup recently announced, on December 6th, the successful completion of a $1.5 million funding round to enhance its brand, attract top talent, and expand its footprint in Kenya and Nigeria.
“We are grateful to be supported by great investors who share our vision and the mission to address the untapped potential within Africa’s informal SME markets, particularly in overlooked service industries such as food services, fashion, agriculture, and health and beauty. We are eager to empower SMEs across Africa by providing them with a trusted identity online to find customers,” said Kenfield Griffith, CEO and co-founder of Tappi, celebrating the funding round.
Accessible exclusively on Android devices, the Tappi app offers a seamless user experience for creating a business profile and entering company information. The app's built-in AI functionality even helps users craft tailored business descriptions, overcoming the challenge that many businesses face in writing effective ad copy.
“We have found that most of these businesses do not have the resources to craft their ad copies well, hence low-performing ads. [...] So the tool permits them to input details about their business and get ad copy,” explains Griffith.
With this data, Tappi automates the creation of a dedicated web platform for each company, ensuring their online presence and discoverability through search engines like Google, which boasts a dominant market share within the region. From their Tappi account, users can effortlessly create and manage advertising campaigns across various social media platforms; publish targeted ads to reach their ideal customers online, and gather valuable customer feedback and reviews to build a strong online reputation.
Since its launch, the Tappi mobile app has garnered over 1,000 downloads.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
With the explosion of e-commerce in Africa, efficient delivery services have become an essential cog in the wheel. In Morocco, a tech entrepreneur has embarked on the adventure to revolutionize last-mile delivery.
Kaalix, a technological solution developed by a Moroccan startup, empowers users to access a range of delivery services conveniently from their smartphones or computers. Founded in 2019 by Ilyess Hammouda, the Casablanca-based startup has quickly gained traction in the country.
Accessible through its mobile app available on both iOS and Android platforms, Kaalix offers a multitude of services. Users can effortlessly order food from their favorite restaurants, shop online at various boutiques (including grocery stores, clothing stores, and supermarkets), or directly access a courier service for delivery needs independent of existing partner stores. This flexibility allows users to pick up parcels within the city without requiring an order from a partner store or restaurant.
For restaurant and store deliveries, users can easily browse menus and catalogs, add items to their cart, and have their purchases delivered directly to their desired location. Real-time tracking of delivery drivers from within the app provides added convenience and transparency. Importantly, delivery rates are tailored to the user's location, ensuring fair and transparent pricing.
In 2021, Kaalix partnered with the e-commerce platform Marjane, expanding its reach and user base. Its rapid growth is evident in the number of downloads its Android app garnered on PlayStore. According to PlayStore, the app has already been downloaded more than 100,000 times.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In an effort to streamline the vehicle breakdown experience for car owners, a tech entrepreneur has ventured into the breakdown market, developing a digital solution alongside his team.
Spana is a digital solution developed by a Tanzanian startup. It transforms the automotive landscape in the country by connecting vehicle owners with reliable mechanics and spare parts vendors through a mobile app. Founded in 2023 by Julius Mbungo, Spana addresses the challenges of Tanzania's used car market, which is heavily reliant on the spare parts market, a significant portion of which is unfortunately counterfeit.
“This influx of fake parts results in frequent breakdowns, compelling car owners to incur maintenance costs that are four times higher than necessary,” says Julius Mbungo. Spana wants to change that.
The Spana app, available on both Android and iOS, provides a convenient platform for vehicle owners to access a network of verified garages, mechanics, and spare parts vendors. Users can easily locate nearby service providers, compare prices, and make informed decisions based on their specific needs and preferences.
With an initial focus on Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, Spana has already established a network of approximately 50 garages and 100 mechanics. The startup plans to expand into several African countries in the coming months, with tests already conducted in Namibia and Kenya. Since its launch, the Android version of the Spana app has been downloaded over fifty times.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Deferred payment options that were once a luxury available only in developed nations are gradually being introduced in African countries. This introduction is spearheaded by financial technology startups, through innovative solutions that cater to the continent's unique financial landscape.
Sympl is a checkout platform developed by an Egyptian startup. It enables users to buy goods online and pay later or save towards the purchase of goods they want. Founded in 2021 by Karim Tawfik, Mohamed El-Shabrawy El-Feky, and Yasmine Mohamed Henna, this Cairo-based startup raised $6 million in funding that same year to, among other things, accelerate its growth.
Commenting on the successful $6 million fund-raising, Mohamed El-Shabrawy El-Feky said: "The huge market opportunity is evidenced by this capital raise, and the support of Beco Capital, A15, and Global Ventures- who recognize Sympl’s ability to scale and disrupt Egypt’s deferred payments industry, and the size of the market opportunity."
The startup has been growing steadily ever since, and the Android version of its mobile app –also available on iOS and Huawei's AppGallery has been downloaded more than 50,000 times, according to Play Store data. To access its services, users need to visit the web platform or mobile app, and purchase from Sympl's partner boutiques.
At checkout, the user chooses a payment plan. They can choose to pay in three, four, or five interest-free installments on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis, with or without a deposit. They then enter their telephone number and pay the service fee. After this step, the user can finalize the purchase and get the payment schedule in the mobile application.
The startup also has an application for merchants wishing to join Sympl's world, enabling them to open their online store and easily track the progress of their customers' reimbursements. Earlier this month, the fintech was selected to be part of the 2023 cohort of the Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator program.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Africa has one of the largest underbanked populations in the world. To capitalize on the business opportunities offered by such potential markets and help populations access the services they need, financial services for those populations, startups (both local and international) are introducing increasingly disruptive solutions.
Konnect, a fintech solution created by a Tunisian startup, empowers users to seamlessly send and receive money, make online purchases, settle transactions with merchants or delivery drivers using QR codes, purchase airtime, and collect payment by generating payment links. Founded in 2021 by Amin Ben Abderrahman and headquartered in the city of Tunis, the startup has garnered approximately 500,000 Tunisian dinars (equivalent to around $160,540) in funding since its inception. These funds have been instrumental in advancing its technology and accelerating its growth.
The solution features a mobile application accessible on iOS and Android. Whether they are accessing the solution through its mobile or web platform, users are required to create an account as individuals, businesses, or startups. They will therefore be able to monitor real-time incoming payments, track income progression, receive transaction notifications, and access a secure private administration interface.
Konnect integrates Visa and Mastercard payment solutions as well as In Flouci, a solution developed by local fintech startup Kaoun. It charges 1.6% on deal value as transaction fees. In November 2023, it was selected with 22 other African startups for the Visa Africa Accelerator Program.
According to Amin Ben Abderrahman Konnect’s selection for the Visa Africa Accelerator program is a testament to the startup’s unwavering commitment to innovating and transforming the fintech sector in Tunisia. The Android version of the startup has already been downloaded more than a thousand times, according to Play Store data.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Determined to provide Africans with a social networking platform designed just for them, three young Africans have embarked on the adventure of digital entrepreneurship. Their solution is named Umojja, which means "unity" in Kiswahili, a Bantu language spoken in many parts of the continent.
Umojja is a social networking platform developed by a Congolese startup. It enables users to access a variety of creative content, news, and personal moments shared by other platform users. The startup, based in the city of Goma and founded by Congolese Charles Muleka Kitwa Djo Kyadi and Nigerian Temilade Oduwalo, launched its solution in 2023.
"Leveraging the lessons learned from the ravages of war, Umojja aims to provide a secure platform for young people to exchange information. Our focus is on fostering not only the development of our own country but also contributing positively to others, given that our nation is already a member of various organizations. By connecting through Umojja, we strive to extend these benefits beyond our borders, facilitating mutual growth and collaboration," said Charles Muleka Kitwa.
Currently, the solution features only an Android application. Users, whether on the web platform or the mobile app, can register by inputting various personal details, including their name, email address, telephone number, gender, and country of origin. Upon successful registration, users gain access to the platform, enabling them to follow content creators, news media accounts, and other users.
Umojja offers users a range of features, including the ability to broadcast live videos, make video calls, place ads, create a company page, conduct polls, share videos, and send text messages. The platform actively combats the dissemination of fake news. It adopts a unique approach by compensating content creators based on the viewership of their videos. Since the launch of its mobile app in July 2013, it has been downloaded over a hundred times, according to Play Store data.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
To facilitate urban and intercity transport in Morocco, a tech entrepreneur has set up a car-sharing startup, building on the car rental concept.
Carmine is a digital solution developed by a Moroccan startup. It enables subscribed users to travel in one of the startup's vehicles. The Casablanca-based startup was founded in 2014 by Mohammed Mrani Alaoui (photo).
"The user starts by applying for membership through our web platform www.carmine.ma. Once his/her application is accepted, the account is activated and a personnel badge is issued to the member. The latter then becomes autonomous and can make a reservation directly on the app whenever the need arises," explains Mohammed Mrani Alaoui.
The said mobile app is available for Android and iOS devices. Thanks to that app, members can unlock the cars available at various locations around the city. It also allows members to view car availability in real-time, the time and kilometers traveled and billed, booking history, and account status.
Let’s note that the startup charges by the hour, day, or kilometer, depending on the type of reservation. Pricing takes into account the time of use, fuel, comprehensive insurance, and initial parking reservation.
Carmine offers various types of subscriptions on its web and mobile platforms. Payment options are just as varied. "We offer three methods of payment, either directly online via our website using a bank card, or in cash via our partner Cash Plus agencies, or directly with our customer service team at our Casablanca offices," explains Mohammed Mrani Alaoui.
The Android version of the application has been downloaded more than 10,000 times. After an extension to Rabat in September 2020, the startup plans to enter other major Moroccan cities.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The Internet has revolutionized various fields, including job hunting. Tech entrepreneurs are introducing innovative solutions that enable people to apply for jobs from their own homes conveniently.
Jobjack is a digital solution set up by a South African startup. It enables job seekers to find interesting job opportunities and employers to find talent for their companies. The Cape Town-based startup was founded in 2018 by Christiaan van den Berg and Heine Bellingan. On Tuesday, November 7, 2023, it announced the successful completion of a 45 million rand (approx. $2.4 million) funding round to accelerate its growth.
"These funds allow us to continue our momentum of onboarding employers and not only streamlining their entry-level recruitment but driving accessibility and affordability for the job-seekers that need it most," said Christiaan van den Berg.
Currently, the digital solution has no mobile application. It is only accessible through its web platform which allows users to register for their accounts using their email addresses and then complete their profiles with all the required information. The startup builds users’ resumes based on that information and allows them access to job opportunities on its homepage.
When they apply for jobs and are invited for an interview, users are notified by the platform. "If you have been invited for an interview, you will receive a notification SMS and an interview request on the platform. You can simply sign in to your JOBJACK profile and you should see a pop-up notification that will take you to your interview. In your interview section, you will be able to view all of the details and select your time slot," the platform reads.
When the interview is successful, all the follow-up information is sent to the user’s account. The platform is free for jobseekers but employers need to subscribe to a fee-based talent sourcing scheme. Thanks to Jobjack's algorithms, job offers reach the most relevant candidates.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
E-health solutions are rapidly gaining momentum across the continent, providing accessible healthcare options. In response, tech entrepreneurs are continually innovating with practical solutions that aim to enhance the daily lives of their fellow citizens.
Assista Soins is an e-health solution developed by an Algerian startup, established in 2022. It enables access to healthcare services and professionals.
The solution features a mobile application accessible only on Android. After downloading, users can create their Assista Soins account with their details to access the services available. These include medical consultations, nursing care, blood sampling, medical transport, etc. through a network of over 185 partners.
Once a user chooses the service he/she needs, the mobile app will suggest qualified professionals depending on the user’s geographic location. Then, the user has to select the desired professional and confirm the appointment.
Users have the option to subscribe to Assita Soins' services on behalf of a third party, such as a family member or friend. As of August 2023, the e-health platform has facilitated over 300 interventions across all the communes of the Wilaya of Constantine. Recognized for its outstanding contribution, Assita Soins has been selected to represent Algeria at the World Entrepreneurship Summit scheduled for April 2024 in Chile. Its mobile application has already garnered over 500 downloads, as per data from the Play Store.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the two brothers behind the solution felt the heightened need to send funds to their relatives but, the available solutions were not up to their taste. With their backgrounds in finance and IT, they then decided to set up a proper solution. A few years later, MyEasyTransfert was born.
MyEasyTransfert is a fintech solution developed by a Tunisian startup. It enables Tunisians living in Europe to send money to their loved ones via a mobile app or web platform from a smartphone or computer. The startup was founded in 2022 by the Khenissi brothers, Ismaïl and Jabrane. Last week, it announced the successful completion of a €500,000 financing round to improve its technology and expand into new African markets.
"We want to offer every Tunisian living abroad the possibility of managing all their financial transactions to Tunisia from their smartphone with our platform," explains Ismaïl Khenissi.
The MyEasyTransfert mobile application is available for iOS and Android devices. After downloading the mobile application, the user creates an account by entering personal information. They then receive an activation link, which they click on to activate the newly created account. After these various steps, the user can create a list of beneficiaries, i.e. people to whom he or she often sends money in Tunisia. Depending on the beneficiary's geographical location, they can send the funds to be withdrawn in cash at the nearest withdrawal point.
Currently, the solution is accessible from Austria, Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Italy, Luxembourg, and Portugal. But, it plans to add new countries. In addition to the Tunisian diaspora, it aims to enable members of the Malian, Senegalese, and Moroccan diasporas to use MyEasyTransfert to send remittances to their countries.
Since its launch, the Android version of the application has already been downloaded more than ten thousand times, according to Play Store statistics.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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Jessica Boonstra, the founder of Yebo Fresh, began her adventure in her garage. Fast forward a few years, she has completed several rounds of financing and is positioning her startup in a niche e-commerce segment in South Africa.
Yebo Fresh is an e-commerce solution developed by a South African startup. It enables grocery retailers in the townships of Cape Town and Johannesburg to stock up on food products from a mobile application or a web platform. The Cape Town-based startup was founded in 2018 by Jessica Boonstra. Since its launch, it has already raised around $5.5 million to accelerate its growth and diversify its offerings.
"The global e-commerce revolution should not only be accessible to a handful of South Africans, Yebo Fresh aims to extend this to the majority, and in so doing, accessing a huge untapped market. We use technology, innovative processes, and partnerships to make food shopping easier, cheaper, and safer and we assist in supporting healthier food options for our customers," said Jessica Boonstra.
The solution's mobile app is only available for Android devices. Once downloaded, users need to create an account to access the various services. They can make purchases and have them delivered to their store within 24 hours. In addition to ordering via the mobile application or web platform, it is also possible to place orders via WhatsApp. To do so, users need to send a list of groceries and follow an agent’s guidelines to complete the purchase.
Yebo Fresh has also introduced a deferred payment system. This enables retailers to stock up and pay in installments until the amount due is settled. The company is rolling out that system thanks to a 78 million ($4.2 million) funding round. "The township market is developing rapidly, and we're proud to be at the forefront of its digital revolution," says Jessica Boonstra.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In Africa, many startups are focused on improving financial inclusion. They have developed many fintech solutions, some more innovative than others.
Babimo is a fintech solution developed by an Ivorian startup. It enables users to pay bills online using a contactless QR code. The Abidjan-based startup was founded in 2021 by El Mehdi Messek.
The solution features a mobile app accessible on iOS and Android. Through the app, a user can create an account, with a phone number and a PIN code, and access the various services. In addition to paying bills online using the QR code, users can transfer money to their contacts via the Moov Africa, MTN, or Orange mobile networks, or buy airtime.
Babimo's digital wallet can be topped up by mobile money for various commercial transactions. It is worth mentioning that the startup collects commissions on the various operations. For example, for a 25,000 CFA Franc (around $40) top-up with Babimo, an operator transfer fee of 625 CFA Franc and an account top-up fee of 125 CFA Franc will be deducted, crediting the account with 24,250 CFA Franc.
The startup, which passed through Orange Fab, has received several awards since its launch. In 2022, it came second and received a check for 5,000,000 CFA Franc at the Moov Start-Up Challenge. In early 2023, it won first prize, a check for 2 million CFA Franc, at the first IMP'HACK Hackathon organized by online betting platform 1xbet and Go Impact Côte d'Ivoire. In October 2023, it was also part of the Africa Startup Initiative Program at Startupbootcamp Afritech.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The fintech segment is flourishing across Africa, with numerous African tech entrepreneurs striving to provide top-notch services in this sector. This drive has led to a proliferation of diverse fintech solutions.
Mukuru is a fintech solution developed by a South African startup and founded in 2004. It enables South Africans living in the country and the UK to send money anywhere in the world.
"With more and more digital access points over USSD, WhatsApp, and the Mukuru App, for instance, customers are becoming increasingly comfortable with things like self-sign up, including digital KYC and onboarding, which is not only raising our brand presence but is shifting customers that much closer to financial inclusion and higher levels of financial transaction sophistication," said Mukuru CEO, Andy Jury, in 2020.
The solution features a mobile app accessible on iOS, Huawei, and Android. After downloading the application, users can register for their Mukuru accounts with their personal details and access its services, including sending and receiving funds, making online transactions, requesting a Mukuru card, etc...
Thanks to Mukuru, users can send funds via WhatsApp or by dialing a USSD code. The solution aims to reach as many people as possible. In addition to the services listed above, the startup enables users to subscribe to a funeral cover service –A service where users contribute towards a lump sum payment to beneficiaries in the event of one’s death.
The fintech wants to expand to more countries, starting with Southern Africa. Since its launch, the Android version of its mobile application has already been downloaded more than 100,000 times, according to Play Store data.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
To tackle youth unemployment, this edtech company has set up a program aimed at assisting young individuals in acquiring additional skills via workshops and online courses.
Crafty Workshop is an edtech platform developed by an Egyptian startup, founded in 2019. It gives users access to online courses and video content in fields such as crafts, technology, and photography.
The solution does not have a mobile application. It is accessible through its web platform and an account is required to access its services. Users can take courses every day and at any hour of the day.
Its free courses are accessible for free but, paid courses require a subscription, which costs 150 Egyptian pounds ($4.85) monthly and 500 pounds yearly. Subscription gives access to premium content and can be shared with a friend or family member. The platform also features an online marketplace where artisans can create virtual stores to sell their wares. Users can also register as trainers and share their knowledge by giving online courses and/or running an online store.
Last week, the platform announced the successful completion of a $400,000 funding round to, among other things, improve its technology and diversify its offerings. Its co-founder Hadeer Shalaby also explained that the funds will serve, among other things, to extend the startup’s reach to the Gulf region and enrich the content library.
Adoni Conrad Quenum