A law graduate, he embarked into entrepreneurship by creating a platform that enables graduates to easily land their first jobs.
South African lawyer-turned-entrepreneur Sbusiso Buna (photo) is co-founder and CEO of Jobox, a startup aimed at boosting graduate employability. The company helps students acquire the skills needed to enter and thrive in the job market.
Launched in 2019, Jobox links employers, students, and higher education institutions, offering companies tools to recruit suitable candidates.
"What we do is connect businesses, students, and universities. The core issue we aim to address is the difficulty young people face in finding work. Specifically, we're focused on graduates who finish university but then spend two years at home with a degree, unable to find employment,” Buna explains.
Jobox's talent discovery platform allows employers to post job offers and students to apply. Employers can schedule interviews and send offers to chosen candidates, who can accept or decline through the platform. Jobox also maintains a talent database to help companies find suitable profiles. For universities, it provides a portal for career events and student information.
Buna is currently the director of Brightest Young Minds, an organization that connects young leaders and facilitates skill development and solution creation across Africa.
In 2020, he co-founded and co-hosts the Unicorn Podcast, focusing on African startups. Before Jobox, he co-founded Doot Experiences in 2018, offering travelers unique experiences in Japan. He holds a law degree from the University of Pretoria. From 2018 to 2019, he worked at IQbusiness South Africa, advancing from associate consultant to senior associate. In 2022, he served as a business coach for Tshimologong Precinct, a technology innovation hub.
Melchior Koba
With the multiplication of digital transformation across Africa, cybersecurity has become a top priority for countries across the continent. To protect themselves and their institutions from potential threats, they are taking steps to strengthen their cyber defense.
Chinese tech company Huawei launched a cybersecurity training program for Zimbabwean government officials in Harare on Monday, aiming to strengthen their defenses against online threats.
The four-day course brings together 100 officials from various ministries. The curriculum covers global cybersecurity trends and data security governance.
"Huawei takes cybersecurity seriously, and we have made it a top priority in all of our operations and product development. Huawei invests heavily in research and development to ensure our technologies are secure and resilient against evolving cyber threats," said Yang Shengwan, managing director of Huawei Zimbabwe.
This initiative comes as digital transformation accelerates across Africa. Zimbabwe ranked 24th with a score of 47.7 out of 100 in the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Information and Communication Technology Development Index in 2024, up from 42.7 in 2023. In the ITU's Global Cybersecurity Index, Harare placed 17th in 2020 with a score of 36.49.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Last July, TerraPay raised $95 million to expand digital payments across the continent. The company continues its efforts by involving African stakeholders in its initiatives.
British payment solutions provider TerraPay has partnered with several mobile money operators, including Africa's Mpesa and Sama Money, to create the Wallet Interoperability Council, announces a press release dated August 20.
With that council, the British firm aims to interconnect mobile money operators to facilitate cross-border payments and fund transfers.
“This initiative addresses real market challenges and has the potential to reshape perceptions around wallet usage for cross border commerce; thus, enabling easy access for interoperability within the council's wallet participants globally,” said Sekou Kane Diallo, Deputy CEO and CIO of Sama Money.
The launch of this association comes at a time when mobile money solutions are rapidly expanding across the continent. According to the "State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money 2024" by the GSM Association (GSMA), the value of mobile money transactions in Sub-Saharan Africa reached a staggering $912 billion in 2023, a 22% increase from the previous year. The same report shows that Africa accounts for 835 million of the 1.75 billion registered mobile money accounts worldwide, representing 47.7% of the accounts.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
He is dedicated to improving people's lives through technology. As the head of an IT company, he develops high-impact technological solutions that have already earned him several national and international awards.
Holden Opolo Mbany (photo), a Gabonese tech entrepreneur, is the founder and CEO of YUbile Technologie, a company specializing in customized IT solutions. He launched the startup in 2013 under the name INNOV DEV, later rebranding it as YUbile Technologie in 2019.
YUbile Technologie focuses on developing information system solutions to help businesses increase their revenue. Mbany's vision is to energize the private sector and support Gabonese entrepreneurs in creating, developing, and owning the SMEs and large companies of tomorrow in Gabon and Africa.
In January 2022, YUbile Technologie launched Hosto, a digital health application that helps healthcare facilities better manage their operations and allows patients to easily communicate with healthcare professionals. Hosto is available in web, mobile, and desktop versions. Thanks to this innovation, YUbile was among the top 10 winners of the 2021 eStartup Challenge.
YUbile Technologie also offers Optimiz, a web application for budget management, and CommercialiZe, software for commercial activities. Additionally, it developed YETU, a platform that facilitates access to business documents and information, improving communication among employees.
Since 2016, Holden Opolo Mbany has served as Head of Information Systems and Telecommunications at the National Agency for Investment Promotion in Gabon. He holds an advanced degree in management, commerce, and marketing, obtained in 2012 from Concord Business College in Ghana.
After his studies, he worked from 2014 to 2016 as Product Development Manager at consumer goods’ wholesaler Cedicom Group. In July 2024, Holden Opolo Mbany received the Central Africa Founder of the Year award at the Global Startup Awards and is currently in the running for the African Founder of the Year award.
Melchior Koba
Starlink has introduced a monthly rental option for its hardware kits in Kenya, following the end of a previous limited-time offer. Users can rent the kit for KES 1,950 ($15.06) per month with a one-time activation fee of KES 2,700 ($20.85). This fee is separate from the monthly internet service costs.
Previously, the hardware kit cost KES 89,000 ($687.26), but the price has now dropped to KES 45,500 ($351.35) for outright purchase. The new rental plan aims to make Starlink’s services more accessible.
Coding academy CodeNgwana has partnered with the Matlhogonolo Community Outreach Centre to provide coding and computational thinking skills to 700 young learners in Soweto.
The initiative, launching in September, aligns with the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE) new curriculum, which includes coding and robotics for grades R-9.
CodeNgwana aims to make technology education accessible to all African children. The partnership will offer workshops at the Matlhogonolo Centre, focusing on both student programs and teacher training to ensure effective curriculum delivery.
In Nigeria, financial inclusion remains a challenge, as 36% of the population lacks access to banking services. Efforts are underway to expand financial services and ensure that everyone can benefit from technological and financial advancements.
On Monday, August 19, in Lagos, Nigerian businessman Tony Elumelu launched the operations of the new digital microfinance bank, UCEE Microfinance Bank. This institution is a subsidiary of United Capital Group, a major investment bank, and aims to harness the synergy between technology and finance to reach financially excluded populations in Nigeria.
During the launch, United Capital Group CEO Peter Ashade praised UCEE Microfinance Bank's hybrid model, which combines traditional microfinance with digital innovations. "In today's market, it is essential to provide solutions that cater to both tech-savvy customers and those who prefer traditional banking. UCEE is well-positioned to address these diverse needs," he stated.
UCEE Microfinance Bank offers a mobile application that allows users to manage their accounts, access loans, and conduct transactions with ease, no matter where they are. Additionally, a USSD code will be introduced for customers in rural areas and those without smartphones.
The launch of UCEE, the seventh subsidiary of the group, marks a significant milestone in expanding access to financial services for all, particularly marginalized populations. This initiative is expected not only to support individuals and businesses in achieving their financial goals but also to help bridge the financial inclusion gap in Nigeria.
According to a report by EFInA, an organization that promotes inclusive finance in Nigeria, financial inclusion in the country has seen significant growth, rising from 56% in 2020 to 64% in 2023, reflecting ongoing efforts to make financial services more accessible to everyone.
Samira Njoya
A professional IT specialist, he leverages his technology skills to address the challenges faced by African populations. As the head of a tech company, he has developed several technological solutions.
Nsadi Mbiapa (photo) is a computer scientist and entrepreneur from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He is the co-founder and CEO of Faithful, a startup specializing in the development of IT solutions.
Founded in 2020, Faithful's mission is to solve problems faced by African populations through technology. The company assists its clients in creating web and mobile applications, developing software, and managing systems and networks. It also offers services such as data analysis, IT maintenance, and consulting. Innovatively, the startup has developed several solutions to meet societal needs.
One of Faithful's key developments is Newmed, a software that handles registration and card generation for the entrance exam to the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Kinshasa. The startup also designed Lata, a social network dedicated to fashion, and Smart Couture App, an application for managing orders, finished products, and deliveries for tailors.
In addition to his role at Faithful, Nsadi Mbiapa co-founded and became the CEO of Express App in 2021. This mobile application, which operates without an internet connection, provides mobile money, mobile banking, and other financial services in the DRC and Central Africa.
Also in 2021, he co-founded Masolo, a free instant messaging app in the DRC that ensures the confidentiality of communications. Masolo offers features such as instant messaging, voice and video calls, and file transfers.
Nsadi Mbiapa holds a master's degree in computer engineering from the University of Kinshasa, obtained in 2023. During his studies, he served as the head of the IT department at Convipat, an NGO promoting agriculture. He also worked as an IT consultant for RATALBI Pisciculture, a fish production center in Kinshasa.
Between 2019 and 2020, he was the deputy project manager for a University of Kinshasa initiative aimed at creating a potable water system for the residents of Dwale, in the Bateke Plateau of the DRC.
Melchior Koba
Founded by three tech entrepreneurs, the solution digitizes insurance brokerage services, making it easier for people to find the right insurance policy
Amenli is a digital solution created by an Egyptian startup that helps users find the most suitable insurance policies tailored to their needs. Founded in 2020 in Cairo by Adham Nauman, Omar Ezz El Din, and Shady El Tohfa, the startup aims to protect individuals and businesses from unexpected costs and incidents. In October 2023, Amenli secured $1 million in funding to support its growth.
Commenting on the funding round, Shady El Tohfa said, "The backing of these prominent investors, who all possess extensive experience in the tech and insurance sectors regionally and globally, has reinforced our belief in the strength of our vision and in moving forward with our plans for Amenli’s expansion and growth."
The solution offers a mobile app available on both iOS and Android, which has been downloaded over a thousand times, according to Play Store data. Users can create an account to access Amenli's services, which include a variety of insurance policies such as health, car, home, and business insurance.
With just a few clicks on the web or mobile platform, users can obtain quotes or subscribe to policies that meet their needs. Amenli claims the insurance policies provided are the best options available from partner insurance companies. Additionally, Amenli manages claims with insurance companies on behalf of its clients.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Founded by two tech entrepreneurs, it aims to simplify the shopping experience for students.
Chao, a Nigerian startup founded in 2022 by Gift Akobundu and Melvin Senne-Aya, enables users, particularly students, to order food, groceries, and medications for delivery directly to their university campus.
The startup was born out of the founders' observation that there was no efficient way for students to order meals from nearby stores, as no food delivery platform operated in the area. Akobundu, a software engineer, began engaging with restaurant owners to better understand their business operations and explore potential solutions.
“It was not possible to efficiently order meals from stores because no food delivery platform operated within campus environs. I began talking with restaurants to gain deeper insights into their individual business operations, understanding what it would take to solve the problem as a software engineer – not just for users, but also for the stores,” Akobundu told Disrupt Africa.
Chao's solution features a mobile app available on both iOS and Android platforms. Users can create an account and access partner restaurants, grocery stores, and pharmacies. They can then place orders for cooked meals, groceries, or medications to be delivered to their location.
After launching its beta service, Chao decided to expand its offerings beyond prepared meals to meet the diverse needs of its target market.
The startup currently boasts over 3,000 users and serves two campuses: Babcock University and the University of Port Harcourt. Chao aims to expand to other communities within the next 24 months.
In 2023, Chao was recognized for its achievements, winning the eCommerce award at the Wema Bank Hackathon and Grand Summit. In 2024, the startup further solidified its success by winning at Markhack 3.0, organized by Eko Innovation Centre and GDM Group. This accolade earned Chao $1,000 in Amazon credits, a $50,000 seed investment from Eko Innovation Centre, and a three-month acceleration program valued at $10,000.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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With over 10 years of experience in business management, engineering, and project execution, he offers a comprehensive business management application that enables users to focus entirely on their strategy and business growth.
Paul Kimani (photo), a Kenyan electronics engineer and entrepreneur, is the co-founder and CEO of Workpay, a startup focused on making payroll, benefits, and human resource management solutions accessible and affordable for businesses across Africa.
Founded in 2019 by Paul Kimani and Jackson Kibigo, Workpay offers a comprehensive solution for managing human resources, payroll, and employee benefits, designed for fast-growing companies. The platform allows businesses to focus on their strategy and growth instead of repetitive administrative tasks.
The Workpay app provides companies with online services and real-time team management from a smartphone. It features precise time-tracking, facilitates the recruitment of top talent across the continent, delivers real-time expense insights, and enables performance management.
Paul Kimani holds a bachelor's degree in electronic and electrical engineering, obtained in 2013 from the University of Nairobi, Kenya. His professional career began in 2007 at Equity Bank Ltd, where he worked as a relationship officer.
In 2010, he joined software development company MTL Systems as a web and mobile application developer. In 2014, he became the commercial director at Coolpoint HVAC Engineers Ltd, a Kenyan company specializing in air conditioning, heating, refrigeration, and ventilation services. The following year, he joined Afrisoft Africa Ltd, an IT company, as executive director, a position he held until 2018.
Melchior Koba
Lucky, an Egyptian fintech startup, has secured a US$3 million in a funding round led by Lorax Capital Partners, KEM, DisrupTech Ventures, and other existing investors.
The newly raised funds will be strategically allocated to expand Lucky's credit services, reinforcing its position as a leading consumer credit fintech in Egypt.
Lucky offers financial flexibility and increased spending power through its lending schemes, discounts, and cashbacks.
Agriculture is a strategic economic sector that generates wealth and employment in Africa. However, a number of countries are still struggling to organize it effectively. Digital technology can help to overcome this weakness
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has inaugurated a Technical Working Group (TWG) focused on developing a seamless database to accurately identify Nigerian farmers, a press release by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation dated August 17 revealed. The initiative, led by Permanent Secretary Mr. Temitope Fashedemi, aims to improve the distribution of agricultural inputs and support to farmers across the country.
During the inauguration ceremony, held recently at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja, Fashedemi emphasized the importance of this initiative in shaping the future of Nigeria's agricultural sector. He noted that a reliable database would enable the Ministry to more effectively deliver services and resources to the farmers who need them most.
To achieve this goal, the Ministry plans to collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), which will play a crucial role in creating a robust database. The Permanent Secretary highlighted that this collaboration would help ensure the accuracy and completeness of the data collected, thereby enhancing the Ministry's ability to implement agricultural programs efficiently.
The TWG, comprising members from the technical departments of the Ministry and NIMC, has been tasked with developing effective modalities for collaboration between the Ministry and NIMC. The group's Terms of Reference (TOR) include creating a comprehensive work plan with clear timelines and roles, designing data collection tools to capture essential farmer information such as identification details, farm size, and crop types, and identifying training programs for field officers and data collectors to ensure data accuracy, the release further stated.
The database will help assess financial credibility for connecting farmers to microfinance and subsidy programs, facilitating access to credit and aid.
According to the latest data from the World Bank, agriculture, forestry, and fishing contributed approximately 22.72% to Nigeria’s GDP in 2023. This underscores the importance of the government's initiative to develop a comprehensive database of farmers. With agriculture being such a vital part of the economy, accurate data collection will enable a more targeted and effective distribution of resources, ultimately enhancing productivity and supporting economic growth.
Hikmatu Bilali
Over the past five years, Nigeria has experienced significant adoption of crypto assets, coinciding with successive declines in the value of the naira. The government, viewing these assets as contributing to the depreciation of the local currency, has decided to regulate the sector to restore order.
The Nigerian government is set to regulate the cryptocurrency industry by September 2024. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), announced this during the FIRS 2024 Stakeholders Engagement with the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Finance on August 17.
The proposed legislation will address the regulation of cryptocurrency transactions, an area currently lacking legal oversight in Nigeria. "While we cannot ignore cryptocurrency as there is currently no law in Nigeria regulating it, there is a need for legislation to govern this type of transaction," he stated.
In parallel, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is encouraging virtual asset service providers to join its Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Programme (ARIP) to expedite their registration and compliance with the upcoming Digital Assets Rules.
Nigeria is currently Africa’s largest cryptocurrency market and one of the leading markets worldwide. According to New York-based research firm Chainalysis, the country ranked second in the 2023 Global Crypto Adoption Index that measures crypto adoption across the globe. The widespread adoption highlights the need for a legal framework that can both harness the economic potential of cryptocurrencies and address associated risks, ensuring that the sector contributes positively to Nigeria's economic development.
Hikmatu Bilali