- Kenyan fintech entrepreneur Felix Sifuna co-founded PEMiG to expand access to financing for underserved entrepreneurs and individuals.
- PEMiG uses an alternative credit-scoring engine that analyzes financial behavior and social networks instead of relying solely on banking history.
- The company also converts business loans into digital investment assets to attract investors and support local economic activity.
Felix Sifuna serves as co-founder and chief executive officer of PEMiG, a digital financial services company that focuses on underserved borrowers.
Sifuna founded PEMiG in 2022 with Philip Amwata, Priya Maharaj and Lilian Kariba. The company aims to remove barriers to entrepreneurship by improving access to financing for small businesses and individuals who traditional banking systems often exclude.
To address the lack of formal banking histories among many borrowers, PEMiG developed an alternative evaluation system known as the Causal Credit Scoring Engine.
Instead of relying exclusively on conventional lending criteria, the platform analyzes users’ financial behavior and social networks to assess creditworthiness. The company said the model allows more entrepreneurs to access financing and contribute to Africa’s economic growth.
Beyond lending services, PEMiG also operates a strategic investment platform.
The company converts loans issued to businesses into digital assets that investors can purchase. This mechanism allows investors to diversify portfolios while directly financing local economic activities. Investors can also generate returns tied to loan repayments.
By democratizing access to investment opportunities, PEMiG aims to stimulate job creation and support regional economic development.
Alongside his role at PEMiG, Sifuna works as a senior venture scout at LvlUp Ventures, an international venture capital fund that supports early-stage startups.
He also serves as chief executive officer of FINECO, a consulting firm that advises companies on digital transformation strategies.
Sifuna graduated from Meru University of Science and Technology with a bachelor’s degree in clinical medicine. He also earned a business administration certificate from Harvard Business School Online.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- South African startup Milli enables individuals, communities and organizations to raise funds for medical, educational and entrepreneurial needs.
- The platform combines crowdfunding tools with storytelling, video content and social media distribution to attract donors.
- Milli plans to expand across sub-Saharan Africa as smartphone adoption and digital payment usage continue to rise.
Milli operates as a digital platform that allows individuals, communities and associations to raise funds for personal needs and public-interest causes, including medical expenses, educational projects, entrepreneurial activities and community initiatives.
The Johannesburg-based startup launched in 2023. Dario Eugenio and Peter Konhäusner co-founded the company. “We do not simply host campaigns, we also contribute to financing them through our audience and partners,” Eugenio said.
He added: “The platform revolves around storytelling, video and social media sharing, allowing users to create compelling campaigns and distribute them effectively. Our core belief is simple: better stories generate more funding.”
Milli offers a mobile application on iOS and Android. According to Google Play Store data, Android users have downloaded the application more than 500 times. Users can create campaigns, upload photos, videos and documents, and share personalized links on social media platforms to attract donors.
Moreover, Milli combines crowdfunding mechanisms with features inspired by social networks. Donors can track campaign progress, receive updates and monitor the impact of their contributions.
The startup said it aims to build a “human-centered” platform capable of strengthening local solidarity through digital tools. However, the company charges 1,000 rand, or about $60, for each fundraising campaign.
Milli launched at a time when many African populations still face limited access to financing, particularly in healthcare, education and micro-entrepreneurship. At the same time, the expansion of mobile money services and rising smartphone adoption continue to create opportunities for digital fundraising platforms across the continent.
Beyond donation collection, Milli aims to position itself as digital infrastructure dedicated to social impact. The company targets individuals, charities and local communities seeking to mobilize financial resources quickly around specific projects.
“The next step involves expanding across sub-Saharan Africa, where intensive mobile phone usage and social media sharing habits make this model highly transferable,” Eugenio said.
The emergence of platforms such as Milli also reflects the gradual diversification of Africa’s technology ecosystem. African startups no longer focus exclusively on payments and e-commerce. Instead, many companies are increasingly investing in segments tied to the solidarity economy and social innovation.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Kenyan entrepreneur Sila Kironji co-founded Intelli, an AI-powered customer relationship management platform launched in 2024.
- Intelli centralizes customer interactions across WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, email and websites through a single interface.
- The platform combines automated AI support with human intervention for complex customer requests.
Sila Kironji serves as co-founder and chief executive officer of Intelli, a digital platform specializing in customer relationship management.
Founded in 2024, Intelli allows companies to centralize customer interactions through a single interface that integrates multiple communication channels, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, email and websites. The platform aims to accelerate response times, automate repetitive tasks and improve the overall quality of customer service.
Intelli operates around an intelligent assistant capable of interacting with customers automatically. Companies can create the assistant without advanced technical knowledge through a simplified visual system. Businesses can also train the assistant to answer customer questions by importing internal documents, frequently asked questions and operational information.
Once configured, companies can deploy the assistant across multiple communication channels to provide continuous and consistent responses to users.
Although Intelli focuses heavily on WhatsApp integration and offers live messaging systems for websites, the platform still incorporates human support agents.
When customer requests exceed the capabilities of the automated assistant, human agents can immediately take over conversations. This hybrid approach aims to maximize responsiveness without compromising the quality of complex interactions.
In addition, Intelli integrates advanced analytics tools. Businesses can monitor performance indicators including message volumes, activity peaks, customer engagement and agent efficiency in order to optimize support strategies continuously.
Kironji’s involvement in the technology sector extends beyond Intelli. In 2023, he co-founded Hotspot Aerial Solutions, a company that uses data and artificial intelligence to create sector-specific solutions.
Kironji also belongs to the OpenAI Community Forum, a network that promotes mentorship between AI professionals and students. He earned a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Kenya Aeronautical College. He also obtained a second bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Shenyang Aerospace University.
After completing several internships, Kironji joined Skymax Aviation in 2019 as an aeronautical technician. Between 2020 and 2023, he worked at Kenya Flying Labs, where he held positions as drone development engineer and chief technology officer.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
On Monday, May 11th, Eswatini's Ministry of Technology launched the "Startup World Cup" initiative to drive innovation. The program gives young local entrepreneurs a pathway to turn their ideas into real businesses and connect with global investors. The kingdom is looking to create jobs and make its mark on the world stage, with winners even getting a shot at competing in Silicon Valley.
The iHatch incubation program opened applications for its 5th cohort on Wednesday, May 6th. This one-of-a-kind initiative spans all of Nigeria's states and offers a ten-month support track. Selected entrepreneurs will receive hands-on training, expert mentorship, and product development assistance. The goal is to strengthen local innovation hubs and turn early-stage ventures into investor-ready businesses. The application deadline is Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
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The University of Burundi has created a Digital Teaching Support Unit to strengthen digital education across all faculties and institutes.
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Surveys show that only 19.69% of students regularly follow digital courses, while just one in five students owns a computer.
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Despite infrastructure and connectivity constraints, 85.04% of students and 96.1% of teachers support the expansion of digital learning.
The University of Burundi has established a Digital Teaching Support Unit. The university announced the initiative last week as part of a broader strategy to accelerate the digital transformation of higher education in Burundi.
According to the rectoral decision establishing the unit, the structure will develop and strengthen digital education across all faculties and institutes within the university. The unit will also initiate and support projects and programs aimed at integrating digital technologies to improve teaching quality. In addition, the structure will promote research, reflection and partnerships in educational technologies.
To support implementation, the university appointed focal points across all faculties and institutes. These representatives will assist lecturers in adopting digital teaching practices while identifying training and resource needs. They will also monitor emerging opportunities in educational technologies and help foster a digital culture within the higher education system.
Between Potential, Delays and Challenges
The initiative comes as Burundian authorities seek to digitize higher education in line with trends across several African countries. Policymakers view the integration of ICT into teaching and learning processes as a way to improve access to educational resources, modernize teaching methods and strengthen digital skills among students and teachers.
However, Burundi continues to lag behind in that area. Richard Ndayishimiye, dean of the Higher Institute of Commerce (ISCO) at the University of Burundi and an expert in higher education digital transformation, highlighted those challenges in January during the 8th AUPTIC conference in Lausanne, Switzerland.
He cited difficulties linked to the digital divide, limited access to connectivity and energy infrastructure, and the need to strengthen digital skills within the university community.
Survey data cited in the report showed that only 19.69% of students regularly participate in digital learning, while 49.32% of teachers said they organize digital courses. In addition, 82.7% of students expressed training needs, compared with 93.5% of teachers.
The survey also highlighted equipment shortages among students. Only one in five students owns a computer. Smartphones remain more widespread, but many devices remain incompatible with certain educational applications. Campuses also offer limited or no properly equipped workspaces.
Nevertheless, the university community has shown strong interest in digital learning. According to the survey, 85.04% of students support the expansion of digital technologies, while 96.1% of teachers favor further digital development in higher education.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Qooxy has surpassed 200,000 downloads across its platforms and exceeded 100,000 downloads on the Google Play Store.
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The Algerian startup focuses on secondary and interior cities that global delivery platforms often underserved.
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Qooxy aims to evolve from a food delivery service into a broader multi-service platform inspired by African and Middle Eastern super-app models.
Founded in 2020 in the city of Sétif, Algeria, Qooxy has developed a food delivery and home services application tailored to the needs of Algerian cities with limited access to structured delivery services. Qooxy co-founder Sofian Hachid helped launch the platform.
The company allows users to order meals from partner restaurants while tracking deliveries in real time through a mobile application available on iOS and Android devices. The platform has recorded more than 100,000 downloads on the Google Play Store, according to marketplace data. Meanwhile, the startup said it has exceeded 200,000 downloads across all distribution channels.
Qooxy said it has concentrated its operations on inland Algerian cities, where large delivery companies maintain a limited presence. The startup said it aims to address a fragmented market in which many restaurants still operate without advanced digital infrastructure.
To support that strategy, Qooxy has deployed a logistics model designed to shorten delivery times in secondary urban centers. The company relies on a network of independent couriers connected through a dedicated application called “Qooxy Agent.”
Beyond restaurant delivery, the startup has gradually positioned itself as a broader multi-service platform capable of linking merchants, couriers and consumers across several Algerian cities.
“We started by facilitating home delivery, but we consider this only the beginning of a service designed to simplify interactions between different stakeholders: easier evenings, smoother days and more accessible services for users,” the startup said.
Moreover, Qooxy’s strategy mirrors the approach adopted by several African and Middle Eastern super-apps, which have progressively expanded into local commerce, rapid delivery and proximity-based services.
The emergence of companies such as Qooxy has also highlighted the growing momentum of Algeria’s startup ecosystem. Public authorities have supported that ecosystem in recent years through several initiatives aimed at promoting innovation and accelerating digital transformation.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Ousmane Ndiaye founded SeneCard in 2024 to address critical data reliability and access challenges in Senegal’s healthcare and education systems.
- The company utilizes QR codes and contactless chips to provide real-time access to patient medical histories, treatments, and allergies during emergencies.
- SeneCard expands its digital ecosystem beyond health to include smart school cards and the digitization of health insurance providers.
Senegalese entrepreneur Ousmane Ndiaye currently serves as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of SeneCard. His firm specializes in digital solutions for the health, education, and professional data management sectors.
Ndiaye established SeneCard in 2024 to modernize user tracking and improve administrative efficiency. The company focuses its primary commercial activities on the digital health market.
The firm produces electronic health cards that utilize QR codes and contactless chip technology. These devices grant medical professionals immediate access to patient records, active treatments, and specific allergies. This system improves patient safety, particularly during medical emergencies. Furthermore, users update their medical information in real-time without the need for a physical card replacement.
SeneCard also develops personalized medical records to meet the specific requirements of individual patients. In addition, Ndiaye supports the digital transformation of health insurance companies and social security institutes.
The company simultaneously applies its technology to the education sector through smart school cards. These cards integrate identification features with academic tracking and facility access. Students use these tools to record attendance, check grades, and access library or cafeteria services.
Ndiaye maintains a diverse professional portfolio alongside his entrepreneurial ventures. He serves as the lead developer for Delivair, a French firm that connects travelers with individuals shipping packages. He also works as a full-stack developer at INSOFT and teaches at the Superior Institute of Informatics (ISI).
Ndiaye earned a Master’s degree in Software Engineering from ISI in 2025. He also holds a Master’s degree in English from Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar. He launched his professional career in 2020 as a web development intern at the National Center for Agronomic Research.
Between 2021 and 2025, Ndiaye held developer positions at several prominent technology firms. These employers included Sirel976 Production and SESA Technologies. He also provided technical expertise to Obertys, a consulting firm serving the banking and technology sectors.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Lova Diakité founded Joonapay in 2023 to centralize financial management for SMEs and large corporations across the UEMOA region.
- The platform automates manual tasks by integrating invoicing, supplier payments, and real-time expense tracking into a single interface.
- Joonapay supports diverse payment methods including bank transfers, credit cards, and mobile money, with plans to launch physical and virtual corporate cards.
Malian tech entrepreneur Lova Diakité leads this shift from his base in Côte d’Ivoire. Diakité serves as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Joonapay. This financial platform specifically serves the needs of businesses operating within Francophone West Africa.
Diakité established Joonapay in 2023 to simplify daily corporate operations. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools through a unified digital interface. The solution currently assists small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). Furthermore, large financial departments utilize the platform to manage complex regional requirements.
The software centralizes several essential financial services for its users. Clients create professional invoices and receive customer payments directly through the system. The platform also enables users to settle supplier invoices and track corporate cash flow. Additionally, Joonapay supports multiple payment channels including bank transfers, credit cards, and mobile money services.
Joonapay prioritizes the automation of repetitive financial duties. Many regional firms still perform these tasks manually, which increases the risk of error. The platform simplifies internal validation processes and provides real-time oversight of professional spending. Teams use the system to centralize receipts and manage expense justifications efficiently. Meanwhile, the company prepares the upcoming launch of both virtual and physical corporate cards for employee expenses.
Diakité brings significant international experience to the West African fintech sector. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from West Chester University of Pennsylvania in the United States. He launched his professional career in 2015 within the university’s IT support department.
His career progressed through several specialized technical roles in the American market. Diakité joined Edu-Tech Academic Solutions as a support engineer in 2018. He then managed systems and networks for The Baldwin School starting in 2020. US-based healthtech firm Hinge Health recruited him as an IT specialist in 2023. Finally, Diakité served as a systems engineer for Camunda, a German company specializing in business process automation, before focusing on his current venture.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Morocco and Ghana signed a declaration of intent in Rabat on May 7 to strengthen cooperation on digital transition and public administration modernization.
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The agreement covers public service digitization, artificial intelligence, open government, data governance and emerging technologies.
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Both countries plan to launch technical exchanges, workshops and collaborative innovation initiatives, including hackathons, to support joint digital projects.
Morocco and Ghana signed a declaration of intent in Rabat on Thursday, May 7, to strengthen cooperation on digital transition and administrative modernization. Officials signed the agreement on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the African Governance Forum.
Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni and Akanvariva Lydia Lamisi signed the protocol, which outlines several priority areas. The agreement focuses on public-service digitization, open government, artificial intelligence, data governance and data valorization. In addition, both governments plan to promote emerging technologies as tools to improve administrative efficiency.
Beyond political commitments, the partnership also establishes concrete operational mechanisms. The cooperation framework includes exchanges of expertise, technical missions, workshops and collaborative innovation initiatives such as hackathons. Both countries aim to encourage the development of high-impact joint projects, strengthen administrative capabilities and stimulate national digital ecosystems.
The initiative forms part of a broader trend of closer cooperation among African countries on digital sovereignty and public-sector efficiency. Morocco continues to expand partnerships as it implements its digital strategy through 2030 and strengthens its position as a regional digital-services hub.
At the same time, Ghana continues to emerge as a leading digital innovation player in West Africa, particularly through progress in digital financial services and digital identity systems.
The agreement also comes as civil society organizations attending the Rabat meetings adopted a joint declaration aimed at strengthening political commitment to transparency and citizen participation across the continent.
Samira Njoya
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Sales app Bumpa and financial platform Vendorcredit have partnered to launch “Bumpa Capital,” a financing solution designed to support Nigerian merchants. The service uses merchants’ sales data to speed up access to loans, reducing the administrative hurdles associated with traditional bank financing. Through the partnership, thousands of small and medium-sized businesses will gain access to more flexible growth financing directly through the platform they already use to manage daily operations.
WAWU Africa will award grants of 250,000 nairas (about $184) to 20 Nigerian entrepreneurs in June 2026.
To qualify, applicants must complete an entrepreneurship training program, operate a registered business and submit a solid business plan.
The initiative aims to support the growth of viable and sustainable businesses by prioritizing skills and preparedness over political or personal connections. Applications open on Saturday, May 30.
The SIA Startup Foundry accelerator program announced its latest cohort last week. Fifty-six early-stage startups from Nigeria, Ghana and Ethiopia will take part in an intensive month-long boot camp aimed at refining their business models. At the end of the program, ten finalists will be selected, with six receiving funding. The initiative seeks to help entrepreneurs turn tech ideas into viable businesses at a time when access to capital remains a major challenge.
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South Africa published a draft regulation to introduce a national digital identity system alongside physical identity cards.
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The system will operate through the “MyMzansi” mobile application and will use biometric authentication, NFC, Bluetooth and QR code verification.
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The government aims to strengthen security, reduce identity fraud and expand access to digital public services.
South Africa advanced its digital government strategy on Monday, May 4, as the Ministry of Home Affairs published a draft regulation paving the way for a national digital identity system that will operate alongside existing physical identity cards.
The government designed the initiative under its “Home Affairs @ home” strategy, which aims to allow citizens to access administrative services directly from their smartphones. The system will operate through a mobile application called “MyMzansi,” which will allow users to store and use secure digital versions of official documents.
Meanwhile, authorities stated that the digital identity will remain valid for five years and will require biometric facial verification for remote renewal. The government also plans to introduce authentication technologies including NFC, Bluetooth and QR codes to facilitate identity verification across public and private services.
However, the Ministry of Home Affairs clarified that the digital identity will remain optional and will not replace physical identity cards.
The government confirmed that both formats will coexist in a hybrid system designed to modernize public administration while maintaining inclusion for citizens with limited digital access.
A Tool to Fight Fraud and Financial Crime
At the same time, the government framed the reform as a broader security initiative beyond administrative digitization. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the system would strengthen efforts to combat identity theft, financial fraud, corruption and illegal immigration. The project includes advanced security mechanisms such as biometric capture, liveness detection, data encryption and device-based identity binding to a specific mobile phone. In addition, authorities plan to strengthen data protection frameworks as global concerns over cybersecurity and privacy continue to rise.
Toward a Fully Digital Administration
The South African government aims to position the digital identity system as the foundation of a broader e-government infrastructure. Over time, authorities plan to integrate multiple services into the MyMzansi platform, including driving licences, academic certificates, social services and selected police and judicial procedures.
The reform comes as South Africa seeks to modernize public services that often face criticism for administrative delays and long queues at government offices. The draft regulation remains open for public consultation until June 6, 2026, before potential final adoption.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum