Positioned as one of the pioneers in the Rwandan ecommerce sector, the platform targets moms, busy people, singles, new residents, and the Diaspora.
Murakali is an e-commerce solution developed by a young Rwandan startup, enabling users to make purchases through its web and mobile platforms. Based in Kigali, the startup was founded in 2015 by Yvette Uwimpaye.
Its mobile app is available on iOS and Android, with over a thousand downloads. Users can create an account with their personal information and access the startup's services. They can purchase a variety of products online, such as household items, groceries, general food products, baby items, and more.
Uwimpaye describes Murakali's target audience as "moms, busy people, singles, new residents, the Diaspora that want to shop for their families living in Rwanda, and for organizations that need to shop for office consumables and office stationery."
The startup’s competitive edge lies in its ability to aggregate offerings from various retailers alongside its own inventory. This approach fosters a diverse product selection, giving customers access to a wider range of specialized shops within the Murakali marketplace.
It also provides a delivery service and has partnered with the American company DHL for international deliveries. While awaiting expansion to other African countries, Murakali already has customers outside Rwanda, including in Uganda, Kenya, and even beyond the continent in the United States and Switzerland.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
A digital transformation specialist, he contributes to the evolution of the agro-industry with technological solutions that boost efficiency, ensure food safety, and promote economic growth.
Bertrand Foffe (photo) is one of the co-founders and the CEO of Jangolo, a startup revolutionizing the agricultural landscape through the power of digital technologies. A Cameroonian-born, he founded the company with Rodrigue Kwanga and Paulin Nguekam.
Established in 2016, Jangolo serves as a bridge between farmers, agro-industries, restaurants, and consumers, fostering a transparent and efficient agricultural value chain. The company aims to reduce post-harvest losses and facilitate access to information for farmers and agribusinesses. It also seeks to ease market access for local producers by digitizing agro-food value chains.
"Our goal is to transform the African agro-industrial landscape, making it more productive, sustainable, and technologically advanced. Jangolo envisions a future where every stakeholder has access to the tools for success," reads the startup's LinkedIn page.
Bertrand Foffe graduated from Fontys University of Applied Sciences with a bachelor's degree in Information and Communication Technology in 2012. He began his professional career in 2013 at GasTerra, a natural gas and green gas wholesaler, as a software engineer.
He later held software engineering positions at several energy companies such as Powerhouse and Essent. He also worked as a solutions engineer at Philips, Rabobank, and Accenture, a company that helps large enterprises, governments, and other organizations build their digital infrastructure, optimize operations, accelerate growth, and improve citizen services.
Melchior Koba
By enhancing digital infrastructure and connectivity, initiatives across the continent benefit citizens and contribute to broader advancement. Additionally, connecting with neighboring countries promotes regional integration and collaboration, paving the way for shared prosperity throughout Africa.
Zambia's Information Minister, Felix Mutati (pictured), recently announced plans to connect the country to eight neighboring nations next month via fiber optic cables, according to a May 27th Facebook post by the Ministry. This initiative aims to position Zambia as a regional connectivity hub and bolster the national digital sector.
Minister Mutati highlighted Zambia's existing connection to Angola. “Zambia has completed connecting itself to Angola by optic fiber and the next target is Mozambique,” he said.
According to the World Bank, in its “Accelerating Digital Transformation in Zambia DIGITAL ECONOMY DIAGNOSTIC” 2020 report, Zambia’s Broadband affordability meets international benchmarks, and mobile phone usage has grown to 15.5 million subscriptions in 2019, with 63.5 percent using broadband. The digital infrastructure is established, allowing focus on its utilization, reliability, and security. However, last-mile connectivity remains a gap, limiting digital system use in sparsely populated areas where it could reduce transaction costs and improve access to services and markets. These proactive ICT measures are expected to drive economic growth, enhance connectivity, and solidify Zambia's regional ICT hub status.
Hikmatu Bilali
In an effort to simplify fundraising for various projects, tech entrepreneurs have developed an innovative technological solution. This new platform is designed to streamline the process of securing funds, making it more accessible and efficient for entrepreneurs and project managers alike.
Nobuk, a financial technology solution developed by a Kenyan startup, provides a platform for users to raise funds for a diverse range of projects. The startup, established in 2022 by Jani Landman and Elvis Bando, is based in Nairobi and has launched a mobile application that is accessible on both iOS and Android platforms. The app has already been downloaded more than a hundred times from the Play Store.
After downloading the app, users can tap on the “Login” button and then “Sign up” to create an account. They are required to enter their first and last names, email address, phone number, and set up a password. Once registered, users can initiate their projects, defining the nature and objective of the fundraising campaign. A payment link is then generated, which can be shared on social media or sent directly to potential contributors via various communication channels.
The payment process via the shared link does not necessitate the download of any additional applications. Contributors can simply click on the link, complete their payment through mobile money or bank transfer, and download the payment receipt with a single click. Nobuk proves to be a valuable tool for donations, fundraising, contributions, or group payments. The solution also enables users to monitor all incoming payments and sends alerts for goal achievements or any discrepancies.
While downloading the app and creating an account are free of charge, usage of the solution incurs a fee. The startup offers monthly subscriptions ranging from 500 Kenyan shillings (approximately $3.79) to 2,500 Kenyan shillings. These subscriptions come with various perks, such as offline payment via USSD, payment through WhatsApp, customization of payment link images, and the number of contributors allowed to participate in the projects.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Chad is grappling with significant challenges in digital development, which have led to considerable delays in this sector. Over the next five years, the new president is determined to tackle these issues and promote inclusive digital development.
Newly elected Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby is championing digital technology as a cornerstone of national development. His program outlines a series of initiatives to accelerate Chad's ongoing digital transformation and usher the country into the digital age.
Déby's vision hinges on achieving full internet connectivity across Chad by 2029. This ambitious goal necessitates upgrading digital and telecommunications infrastructure to deliver high-speed, affordable internet access nationwide, with a particular focus on bridging the digital divide in rural areas.
Education is another pillar of Déby's plan. He proposes integrating digital technologies into the national curriculum, ensuring internet access in all schools, and equipping teachers with the skills to deliver digital education programs. By preparing young generations for the digital job market, Chad aims to secure its future prosperity.
Recognizing the importance of e-government, Déby prioritizes digitizing public services to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. His plan involves establishing a unified national portal, consolidating services offered by each ministry, and implementing a unique digital identity system. Citizens will be able to conduct a variety of administrative tasks online, streamlining processes and reducing time and costs compared to traditional methods.
To nurture a vibrant ecosystem for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and technological innovation, President Déby proposes supporting entrepreneurs through tax incentives, funding, and dedicated infrastructure. "Entrepreneurial initiatives and young people will be supported through partnerships, sponsorships, and mentorships with partner countries," the action plan states. "They will have facilitated access to various administrations to simplify administrative procedures and receive guidance." Additionally, technological incubators will be established to foster startups and innovative projects, providing environments conducive to creativity and development.
President Déby's plan envisions transforming Chad into an open, connected, and prosperous nation by 2029, offering equal opportunities for all citizens. By strengthening digital infrastructure, modernizing public services, and fostering innovation, Chad aspires to become a key player in Africa's digital economy.
Samira Njoya
As a serial entrepreneur specializing in the logistics industry, he designs technological solutions to facilitate the transportation of goods in Africa.
Wilfried Dabire (photo) is an Ivorian entrepreneur and the founder/CEO of Eazy Chain, a startup that aims to revolutionize the logistics industry in Africa. Through that startup, he developed a digital logistics platform that enables small businesses to efficiently manage, track, and pay for their shipping operations on a global scale.
Founded in 2023, Eazy Chain is a digital freight company that simplifies the shipping process for goods via air, sea, and road, handling customs clearance and trucking. Its unique platform streamlines complex logistical workflows, providing an integrated solution for shipping and supplier payments.
Wilfried Dabire is also the founder and CEO of Togo Cargo, a company launched in 2020 that specializes in air, sea, road, and rail freight. Togo Cargo allows its clients to send and receive packages worldwide. The company offers warehousing, goods handling, and moving services, among others.
In addition to his businesses, Wilfried Dabire has been organizing TED conferences in Lomé since 2022. He is also the main organizer of the Climathon in Togo since 2023. He serves as the CEO of WillevaSalt Company, an Ivorian firm specializing in the distribution of salt and chemicals. Furthermore, he is part of the cabin crew of Asky Airlines in Togo and sits on the local board of the global network World Merit in Côte d’Ivoire.
The serial entrepreneur graduated from the Abidjan Institute of Technology with a bachelor's degree in accounting in 2007. He also holds a flight attendant diploma from the Ethiopian Aviation Academy, obtained in 2011, and a diploma in maritime studies from the Ocean Star Sailing Academy in South Africa, obtained in 2013.
Melchior Koba
In recent years, Africa has struggled to attract the necessary capital to strengthen its technology sector. However, upcoming investments are expected to further bridge the digital divide across the continent.
U.S. payments giant Mastercard (MA.N) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) announced a wide-ranging partnership on Friday to bring digital access to 100 million people and businesses across Africa over the next decade.
The initiative, dubbed the Mobilizing Access to the Digital Economy (MADE) Alliance: Africa, was unveiled during the U.S.-Africa Business Forum hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
"Across Africa, people are driving new growth and opportunity, and Mastercard wants to support their success," said Michael Miebach, Mastercard CEO. "This Alliance builds on the innovations and investments we are already making with partners in 45 countries to enhance Africa’s digital infrastructure and accelerate inclusive growth."
The AfDB will dedicate $300 million to support the alliance's programs. These funds will be used to bolster digital infrastructure and incentivize ecosystem players to improve digital access. Mastercard, in turn, will focus on registering 15 million users on its Community Pass platform within five years. To achieve this, they will develop interoperable digital infrastructure to facilitate participation from various stakeholders within the digital ecosystem.
The initial phase of the project will prioritize the agricultural sector and empower women. A pilot program launching this year will target three million farmers in Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria. Working with local banks, the program will provide these farmers with digital identities and access to high-quality seeds and agricultural inputs. The alliance plans to expand its reach to Uganda, Ethiopia, Ghana, and other African regions.
This project aligns with the digital innovation investments announced by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris during the forum. These initiatives aim to provide large-scale digital access across Africa, a move that comes amidst a decline in foreign investment on the continent. According to the United Nations, foreign direct investment in Africa dropped from $80 billion in 2021 to $45 billion in 2022.
Samira Njoya
The solution was developed to revolutionize the African e-commerce sector and help platforms reach their full potential.
Dukka is a fintech solution developed by a Nigerian startup. It allows users to automate daily operations through its web and mobile platforms. Founded in 2020 by Keturah Ovio and based in Lagos, the startup has raised $1.5 million to support its growth.
The solution offers an app available on iOS and Android, which has already been downloaded over 50,000 times according to Play Store data. Upon installation, users can create an account and gain access to a suite of services.These include inventory management, generating electronic invoices and receipts, accepting any form of digital payment chosen by customers, and accessing simple accounting tools.
"Be it a solopreneur, or a mid-size business with staff and multiple locations, Dukka’s technology turns anyone into a merchant. [...] Our ecosystem allows anyone to pay and be paid, manage inventory, track sales and expenses across one or multiple locations, gain micro insights on business performance, and sell online. Consumers are able to securely discover, shop, and spend on vetted merchants," Keturah Ovio told Disrupt Africa in February 2024.
Dukka aims to establish an entire ecosystem to facilitate the growth of e-commerce. This goal aligns with broader trends across the African continent, where startups are increasingly thriving. According to Partech Africa data, e-commerce startups attracted $298 million in equity funding through 79 deals in 2023. Notably, this figure ranks second only to the fintech segment, which raised an impressive $852 million across 113 deals.
"We’ve seen over 100,000 users onboarded onto our platform, with over 90,000 users of our software in Nigeria. We beta-launched our payments infrastructure solution in the second half of 2023 to a couple of hundred customers who really helped us define and figure out our pricing model and refine our monetisation strategy," added Keturah Ovio.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Bien qu’elle ait passé de nombreuses années aux Etats-Unis, elle reste très attachée à son pays, le Nigeria. Elle souhaite contribuer au développement de l’Afrique en créant des solutions technologiques qui facilitent l’accès aux services financiers pour tous sur le continent.
Fara Ashiru Jituboh (photo) est une informaticienne et une entrepreneure nigériane. Elle est la fondatrice et la présidente-directrice générale d’Okra, une start-up financière ouverte qui permet aux entreprises et aux développeurs du continent africain de créer des solutions financières innovantes.
Créée en 2020, Okra facilite l’interconnexion des comptes financiers des particuliers avec leurs applications préférées, tout en offrant aux entreprises un accès sécurisé aux données financières et aux paiements grâce à une intégration unique. Cette plateforme regroupe diverses institutions financières, y compris des banques.
La start-up sert de pont entre les entreprises, les institutions financières et les utilisateurs au sein d’un écosystème financier unifié et inclusif. L’objectif de l’entrepreneure et de son associé David Peterside, à travers cette entreprise, est de numériser les services financiers en Afrique.
Fara Ashiru Jituboh a grandi aux Etats-Unis. Elle est diplômée de la North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University où elle a obtenu en 2010 un bachelor en informatique. En 2014, elle a cofondé la start-up Shixels Studios, une entreprise de développement de logiciels, dont elle a été la directrice technique jusqu’en 2019.
Après l’obtention de son diplôme, Fara a travaillé comme analyste et développeuse d’applications chez JP Morgan Chase de février à juin 2011. Elle a également été ingénieure logicielle pour diverses entreprises, dont ImageQuix, GottaPark, Digital Additive, Dorsata et Pexels. En 2019, elle a travaillé comme consultante chez Canva qui venait d’acquérir Pexels.
Melchior Koba
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Zimbabwe has granted Starlink a license to operate in the country, President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced on May 25.
The move aligns with Zimbabwe's Vision 2030, focusing on innovation, science, and technology.
The license aims to enhance internet access and support Zimbabwe's technological and economic goals.
More...
As an experienced entrepreneur, he has demonstrated his skills and expertise in the information technology and services sector. He has led ambitious projects and provides innovative solutions to the current challenges facing Africa.
Chisepo Chirwa (photo) is a Zambian computer scientist and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of Bosso, a startup leveraging technology to facilitate construction.
Founded in 2022, Bosso offers an online platform where future homeowners can find all the products and services needed to build their homes. By partnering with manufacturers, hardware stores, developers, and contractors, Bosso aims to make housing more affordable in Africa.
The company also collaborates with financial institutions to help clients secure funding. It provides several options, including "buy now, pay later," traditional mortgages, and a "save now, build later" approach.
Before Bosso, Chirwa co-founded the mobile application Z’POS in 2016, which allows users to record their business transactions to easily track their company's performance. Initially the startup's COO, he served as CEO from 2018 to 2019.
Chisepo Chirwa holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Greenwich, London, earned in 2012. He was awarded the Mandela Washington Fellowship in 2021, completing business management training at Clark Atlanta University.
Between 2012 and 2015, Chirwa was a network marketing professional with Forever Living Products International Company. There, he established distribution and sales teams across Southern Africa for various health and beauty industry products.
Melchior Koba
Investment commitments in the digital sector are crucial for African development. With its vast underserved population, Africa can greatly benefit from enhanced digital connectivity. These investments address critical barriers like affordability and adoption, fostering an inclusive digital society.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) announced, on May 27, $4.8 billion in new investment commitments to boost global connectivity. This brings total pledges through its Partner2Connect Digital Coalition (P2C) to $50.96 billion, nearing its $100 billion target for 2026.
The announcements were made at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)+20 Forum in Geneva. The new pledges leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance digital access and inclusion.
"Closing the digital divide requires a team effort, and today we scored a huge win for global connectivity," said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin.
Key commitments include $106 million from Elle International to improve digital connectivity for 20 million women and girls in South Africa and a new pledge from Microsoft to prioritize AI projects that include people with disabilities, among others.
According to the ITU, approximately 5.4 billion people (67 percent of the world’s population) were using the Internet as of 2023, leaving 2.6 billion people still offline. This statistic underscores the significance of ongoing investments in digital connectivity, particularly in regions like Africa. With a substantial portion of the global population still disconnected, initiatives aimed at increasing digital inclusion are crucial for fostering a more inclusive digital society.
Hikmatu Bilali
Bilateral relations between Italy and Tunisia date back to the 1980s. Over time and with the evolving global context, the two countries have successfully expanded their exchanges in various fields. They now aim to extend this cooperation to the fourth industrial revolution.
On Monday, May 27, Italy and Tunisia declared their commitment to intensifying collaboration in the digital realm. This new phase emphasizes the promotion of economic and industrial collaboration initiatives in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transition research. A memorandum of intent was inked by Adolfo Urso, Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (Mimit), and Nizar Ben Néji, Tunisia’s Minister of Communication Technologies.
According to the Tunisian Ministry of Communication Technologies, this announcement mirrors a mutual aspiration to bolster economic and industrial cooperation initiatives, boost investments, and foster joint ventures between Tunisian and Italian firms via business forums, seminars, and workshops. These events are organized with the participation of governmental institutions and the backing of associations and organizations representing entrepreneurs.
The ministry further explained that this new phase stems from a mutual interest in fostering bilateral cooperation for technology transfer. This is achieved through the exchange of experiences and knowledge in research, innovation, and skill development. The shared goal is to facilitate and implement projects in the public, private, and joint sectors, incorporating stakeholders from both nations in the context of applying AI to industry and related research sectors.
This new commitment for digital cooperation follows a previous agreement on September 29, 2023. On that day, the two nations, represented by Tunisia’s National Cybersecurity Agency (ANCS) and its Italian equivalent, signed a memorandum of understanding on bilateral cooperation in cybersecurity and digital trust services. This agreement aimed to intensify the exchange of experiences and expertise between the two institutions, develop specialized skills to safeguard cyberspace, ensure digital sovereignty, and enhance response speed and vigilance levels to effectively identify and address cyber risks.
Italian Minister Adolfo Urso also announced the establishment of a center dedicated to sustainable development in Tunisia, in partnership with Italy and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). He described the center as an opportunity to draw in expertise and investment, contributing to inclusive growth and enhancing the quality of services provided to institutions and citizens. According to Urso, this multilateral platform can serve as a catalyst for the development of AI technology and its multiple applications at both national and cross-border levels.
To assist African entrepreneurs in developing their businesses on the continent, both legally and administratively, two tech entrepreneurs have developed a tailored solution.
Legafrik is a legaltech solution developed by an Ivorian startup, providing users in several countries across the continent access to legal services via its web platform. The startup, based in Abidjan, was founded in 2017 by Youssouf Ballo and Daouda Diallo.
"Our goal is to make basic legal services accessible to as many people as possible in the OHADA [Organisation for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa] countries. Today, there is a lot of talk about financial inclusion, but I think it's also important to talk about legal inclusion. Our mission is to allow everyone to access legal services at very affordable rates," the startup explains.
Legafrik does not have a mobile application. Users need to access the startup's website through a browser. They must then click on the "client access" button in the upper right corner to reach the login page and then sign up.
Once the account is created, users have access to a workspace from which they can kick-start various services and track their progress. Legafrik offers services including company creation in several African countries, assistance with opening bank accounts, debt recovery, company domiciliation, as well as license and administrative approvals.
Since its launch, the startup has supported more than 7,000 entrepreneurs and completed over 20,000 legal and administrative formalities. In addition to Côte d'Ivoire, Legafrik operates in Benin, Morocco, Senegal, DRC, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Togo, and Cameroon.
Adoni Conrad Quenum