TECH STARS (977)
She creates engaging educational programs and creative projects that inspire children to become independent learners.
Gabi Immelman (photo) is a South African entrepreneur, learning designer, and educator. She is the co-founder and CEO of Mindjoy, a startup offering innovative learning solutions for students.
Founded in 2021, Mindjoy empowers students to take control of their own education while safeguarding their data privacy. The company leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to support learners in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), enabling them to explore and solve problems at their own pace. This approach frees teachers to focus on areas where their guidance is most impactful.
Mindjoy provides students with access to a multimodal AI tutor capable of seamlessly integrating images, videos, and enriched text into lessons. This interactive system offers immediate and personalized feedback, accelerating the learning process and enhancing student engagement.
Before founding Mindjoy, Gabi Immelman launched Pukka School in 2016, an initiative focused on fostering children’s creativity. The program encouraged exploration, curiosity, and learning through play, giving children the freedom to develop their inventiveness.
Immelman holds a bachelor’s degree in dramatic arts, theater, and directing from Stellenbosch University, earned in 2012. In 2021, she completed a master’s degree in inclusive education innovation at the University of Cape Town.
Her professional journey began in 2013 as a production manager at Saartjie Botha, a South African entertainment company. In 2014, she became a director, teaching artist, and technician at the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre in the United States. The following year, she joined Modern Times Stage Company, an American theater company, as an assistant producer. In 2018, she was appointed head of learning and development at Maara House, a learning-focused school in South Africa.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He leverages blockchain technology to launch innovative products in the market. After contributing to the growth of several fintech companies, he founded his own startup specializing in financial technologies.
Carel van Wyk (photo) is a South African engineer and tech entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of MoneyBadger, a company specializing in financial technology.
Founded in 2021, MoneyBadger offers a platform that simplifies bitcoin payments, both online and at physical points of sale. The company’s ambition is to create a world where networks for information and value transfer transcend borders, leveraging a currency suited for the digital age.
MoneyBadger provides CryptoQR, a universal translation app that facilitates interaction with traditional point-of-sale systems while accepting cryptocurrency payments. The startup enables businesses and e-commerce merchants to easily integrate its solution into their software or shopping carts to accept cryptocurrency payments.
Before founding MoneyBadger, Carel van Wyk co-founded Luno in 2013, a company specializing in cryptocurrencies. Luno’s solutions allow individuals and businesses to securely store, buy, use, and understand cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin with ease and safety.
Carel van Wyk graduated from Stellenbosch University with a bachelor’s degree in electronics in 2008, followed by a master’s degree in augmented reality in 2010.
After his studies, he joined Bazooka Games, a video game publishing company, as Director of Software Development. Between 2012 and 2013, he worked as a software engineer at SnapScan, a fintech firm, and FireID, an organization that helps passionate and talented entrepreneurs create companies to solve major challenges. From 2019 to 2023, he worked as a software developer at KnowBe4, a tech company specializing in security awareness training and phishing simulation programs.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
A serial entrepreneur with 14 years of experience in creating innovative startups across various industries, he has also worked with multiple incubators, supporting young entrepreneurs in launching and growing their ventures.
Simon Balemba Effansa(photo) is a Cameroonian computer scientist and tech entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Fluide Finance, a digital bank dedicated to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Founded in July 2024, Fluide Finance offers innovative solutions to simplify financial operations, enhance productivity, and drive business growth. The bank’s mission is to democratize access to efficient financial services by providing a comprehensive range of tools designed to help SMEs succeed.
Fluide Finance’s all-in-one platform centralizes several services: banking solutions for SMEs, business management tools (accounting, invoicing, customer relationship management), back-office support, and digital transformation consulting. This approach allows businesses to operate securely while optimizing their efficiency.
Simon Balemba Effansa is also a startup mentor at ActivSpaces, a tech incubator based in Cameroon. Before launching Fluide Finance, he co-founded Akwajobs in 2015, an online job platform where he served as CEO. In 2017, he created Healthy Lifestyle Foundation (HELIF), a multi-specialty healthcare organization he promoted. He graduated from the University of Buea with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering and systems in 2013 and a master’s degree in operations, finance, and project management in 2018.
Between 2017 and 2018, he worked as a business development consultant at Makonjo Media, a marketing technology agency. In 2020, he joined Jongo Hub as a center manager.
From 2022 to 2024, he served as CEO of Bohikor, a fintech startup. Simultaneously, he worked as a business development consultant at Mountain Credit Union (MoCU), a digital credit cooperative, and as an enterprise architect at Iknite Space, a talent accelerator.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He has over 15 years of experience from companies across the United States, France, and Gabon. His expertise spans corporate strategy, finance, talent management, and program development
Yannick Ebibie (photo) is a technology entrepreneur dedicated to advancing digital innovation across Africa. He is the founder and CEO of SING (Société d’Innovation Numérique du Gabon), a company focused on enhancing the competitiveness of African economies through digital transformation.
Founded in 2018, SING specializes in providing digital innovation services. The company offers expertise, tools, and methodologies tailored to help businesses and public institutions successfully execute their digital transformation projects. From strategic consulting to innovation management, SING supports its clients in maximizing the success of start-ups in their early stages.
SING also operates an incubator that supports startups at every stage of their growth, offering operational assistance and innovative financing solutions to optimize costs. Additionally, the company develops IT and engineering solutions and is the publisher of SingPay, a digital platform that helps businesses streamline and enhance their payment processes.
Beyond his role at SING, Yannick Ebibie serves as a team leader at the Founder Institute, a global startup accelerator, and as vice president of TECH 241, a syndicate that brings together digital and technology professionals and businesses in Gabon.
Ebibie holds a master’s degree in management and international marketing from the Center for Franco-American Management Studies in France (2003) and a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurial studies from Temple University in Philadelphia, USA (2007).
His professional journey began in 2006 at the Women’s Opportunities Resource Center, a U.S.-based community development financial institution, where he worked as a business development consultant. In 2007, he became a business analyst at PIDC, a public-private economic development organization in Philadelphia.
Returning to Gabon in 2013, Ebibie joined Performances Group, a company dedicated to driving economic transformation in Africa, as a senior consultant. From 2016 to 2018, he served as director of strategy and marketing at Gabon’s National Investment Promotion Agency.
Melchior Koba
He is an entrepreneur specializing in the healthcare sector, leveraging technology to revolutionize the delivery of healthcare services in Tanzania.
Henry Mathayo (photo) is a Tanzanian entrepreneur and digital innovator who is redefining access to healthcare through technology. He is the founder and CEO of MedPack Tanzania, a company leveraging mobile solutions to revolutionize healthcare delivery.
Founded in 2020, MedPack Tanzania aims to streamline access to essential medicines and healthcare products through advanced digital tools and fast service delivery. The company offers a mobile application designed to optimize inventory management, procurement, and sales for healthcare facilities.
The app also enables patients to order medications from pharmacies and have them delivered to their homes. Additionally, it provides a platform for scheduling medical appointments via telemedicine. "We are committed to revolutionizing the accessibility and delivery of healthcare by providing quality medicines and services to all Tanzanians at low cost with fast home delivery," the company's website states.
In addition to his work with MedPack, Mathayo is a co-founder and board member of Health Initiative Afrika, a startup established in 2017 that focuses on improving healthcare by addressing health challenges through education, technology, and innovation.
Trained in pharmacy and international relations, Henry Mathayo began his career in 2018 as a pharmacy technician at the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital. Between 2020 and 2022, he served as a data analyst at dLab Tanzania, a center dedicated to data management and utilization.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
After completing his studies in the United States, he returned to Uganda to apply his knowledge and skills for the benefit of his country. Passionate about technology, he developed innovative solutions that make it easier for people to access financial services and capital.
Abraham Banaddawa (photo) is a Ugandan investment advisor and technology entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Level Africa, a company dedicated to simplifying, accelerating, and securing investments for individuals.
Founded in 2021, Level Africa offers a digital investment platform that provides users access to top-tier investment opportunities while delivering essential insights to grow their wealth. The platform enables investments in Treasury bonds, mutual funds, and fixed-income assets, offering returns of up to 17%.
"After extensive research, I founded Level to provide safe, vetted African investment opportunities. We prioritise user-friendly access, thorough vetting, and affordable entry points, starting at just $26," Banaddawa explains. Currently, Level Africa boasts over 500,000 users and serves around 50 institutional clients.
In addition to his work at Level Africa, Banaddawa is the founder and CEO of Utilis Ventures, a fintech company established in 2018. Utilis Ventures develops scalable and practical solutions to tackle financial challenges across Africa, actively addressing economic inequalities.
Banaddawa holds a bachelor's degree in biology with minors in chemistry and business from Florida Southern College, USA, which he earned in 2014. In 2016, he joined Zzimba Games as a creative designer, contributing to the game publishing industry. By 2019, he had transitioned to project management at CryptoSavannah, a tech company specializing in blockchain-based solutions.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
A civil engineer with over 7 years of experience in the United States, he also stands out as an entrepreneur. He develops financial solutions aimed at improving access to and the quality of healthcare in Africa.
Loubao Kraka is an Ivorian tech entrepreneur and the founder of EnvoyX, a startup providing insurance and payment services for healthcare providers in Africa.
Founded in 2023, EnvoyX specializes in payment processing for the healthcare sector. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), the company simplifies and accelerates the settlement of medical bills. It also facilitates reimbursement claims to insurers, enabling healthcare providers to receive payments for their services more quickly.
EnvoyX also stands out for its fraud detection capabilities. By identifying suspicious patterns and anomalies in claims, it helps reduce fraudulent activities, protect revenue streams, and strengthen the financial security of healthcare stakeholders.
Before founding EnvoyX, Loubao Kraka had already built a notable entrepreneurial career. In 2019, he co-founded Innovative Apollo Media, a U.S.-based company dedicated to supporting Black-owned businesses and young entrepreneurs in achieving their goals.
In 2020, he launched RaiseMeFunds, a crowdfunding platform for Africans. This initiative allows users to raise funds for significant events such as celebrations or graduations, as well as to cope with challenging situations like natural disasters or illnesses.
The Ivorian entrepreneur graduated from Harris-Stowe State University in the United States, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 2017. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, obtained in 2021 from Washington University in St. Louis.
His professional career began in 2017 at ABNA Corporation, a U.S.-based civil engineering firm, where he worked as a civil engineer. In 2018, he joined the Missouri Department of Transportation as a transportation engineering intern, serving as an ambassador for MassChallenge, an organization supporting start-ups and entrepreneurs. Between 2021 and 2023, he worked as a product manager at VISA, the multinational specializing in digital payments.
Melchior Koba
After earning his first university degree in Senegal, he pursued further studies in the Czech Republic, where he obtained a doctorate. He brings over seven years of experience to the table in the fields of data science, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and automation.
Doudou Ba (photo) is a Senegalese data scientist, automation specialist, and tech entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of OneNine, a company established in 2023 that specializes in developing artificial intelligence (AI) solutions.
OneNine’s mission is to provide scalable AI and cloud technologies tailored to the commercial needs of its clients. Through its solutions, businesses can leverage smart automation and the opportunities offered by data analytics. OneNine also offers Microsoft-certified training and personalized AI support to prepare teams for the challenges of digital transformation. Its expertise spans the entire Microsoft Cloud Stack and comprehensive cloud architecture. To date, the company has successfully completed seven projects.
Doudou Ba also serves as a data scientist at A.P. Moller - Maersk in Sweden, a transport and logistics company with approximately 110,000 employees across 130 countries. His academic journey began at the University of Thiès in Senegal, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in hydraulic engineering in 2015. He continued his studies at the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, earning a master’s degree in environmental modeling in 2021. He then obtained a doctorate in machine learning and neurohydrology this year at Charles University in the Czech Republic. Currently, he is pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering at the Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden.
Before moving to the Czech Republic, Doudou Ba worked from 2016 to 2017 at Senegal’s Office des Forages Ruraux as an operations control officer. In Prague, he joined YUNGO, a telecom engineering company, in 2019 as a telecom engineer. In 2020, he joined Infosys, a consulting and digital services firm, where he held the position of process manager.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He is an expert in digital marketing and UI/UX design, as well as a graphic designer and entrepreneur. He leads two companies and provides tailored digital services for both professionals and individuals.
Jihed Rahmouni (photo) is a Tunisian computer scientist and tech entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of Pepolls, a social media platform empowering users to share their opinions and actively participate in discussions.
Launched in 2020, Pepolls is an innovative poll-based platform allowing users to ask questions, share ideas, and express themselves freely. It features a unique rewards system where users earn "Pecoins" by engaging on the platform. These Pecoins can be used to monetize polls or purchase branded offers and coupons. Additionally, Pepolls leverages blockchain technology to enhance user data security.
Rahmouni is also the founder and CEO of District Agency, a digital agency he established in 2017. The agency provides a comprehensive range of services, including digital marketing, UI/UX design, graphic design, web and mobile app development, community management, and blockchain solutions.
A graduate of the Higher School of Commerce of Tunis, Rahmouni earned a bachelor’s degree in management information systems in 2013. He began his professional career in 2014 as a communications manager at the Robert de Sorbon Institute in Tunis. At the same time, he served as the national client relations manager for AIESEC in Spain, a global network of young students and graduates. Between 2015 and 2017, he also worked as a web developer within the same network.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He is a digital enthusiast driven by a desire to simplify people's lives. In Algeria, he has already co-founded two startups that continue to thrive.
Abdelhak Bendjebara (photo) is an Algerian tech entrepreneur with a degree in linguistics earned in 2010. He is the founder and CEO of Fridoc, an innovative startup simplifying administrative, technical, and legal procedures in Algeria.
Founded in 2021, Fridoc offers a platform accessible via a mobile app that centralizes administrative, technical, and legal documents available in the country. Its goal is to provide users with quick and convenient access to essential information and guidance on preparing required documents anytime, anywhere.
The Fridoc platform allows users to search for administrative information, easily download forms, and receive notifications to stay updated on the status of their files. Additionally, users can save important documents for simplified future access.
In addition to Fridoc, Bendjebara co-founded La Testeuse Dz in 2024, a digital creation and marketing agency. The agency specializes in producing product review videos for detergents and food products, shared on its Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages. It aims to provide authentic, informative evaluations while helping brands better understand consumer expectations.
Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Abdelhak Bendjebara began his career in 2006 as a tele-operator at Euran Call Center, a company providing outbound call services for French-speaking clients. In 2022, he joined N’startupiw, a networking platform for young entrepreneurs, where he worked in the public relations department.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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A qualified lawyer, she is actively committed to empowering young people in Africa through education. To date, she has trained thousands of young individuals and has received numerous accolades in recognition of her significant impact on youth.
Lusanda Magwape (photo) is an entrepreneur based in Botswana. She is the founder and CEO of Dream Factory Foundation, an organization that supports young people, whether schooled or not, in achieving their ambitions.
Founded in 2011, Dream Factory Foundation works with schools and rural communities to empower youth to realize their boldest dreams. Its mission is to empower young people through education, equipping them with skills and creating meaningful opportunities to help them become active citizens leading purpose-driven lives.
The organization designs and implements programs tailored to the socio-economic needs of young people while enabling them to contribute constructively to society. It places particular emphasis on digital skills training, notably participating in Africa Code Week, an annual event introducing millions of young people to digital tools.
To date, Dream Factory Foundation has trained 50,000 youth in digital skills, impacted more than 140,000 individuals through its various programs, and helped 320 young people access concrete economic opportunities. The organization's vision is to positively impact one billion young people worldwide by 2030.
In addition, Lusanda Magwape serves as CEO of 50-50 Farmers App, a digital platform dedicated to small-scale farmers in Botswana. The platform aims to boost agricultural yields by providing agronomic advice, specialized training, and easier access to markets. She is also a digital skills and entrepreneurship trainer and coach with UpSkill Digital, an agency specializing in designing learning programs.
Lusanda Magwape holds a Master’s degree in Commercial Law, earned in 2010 from the University of Cape Town. Her remarkable career has earned her numerous awards and distinctions. In 2017, she was named one of the 100 Most Inspiring Social Entrepreneurs in the World by Social Enablers and was a finalist in the Fairlady Santam Women of the Future Awards in 2019.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He is a dedicated investor in Africa's growing tech ecosystem. Leveraging his expertise, he actively supports technology companies in South Africa.
Phiwa Nkambule (photo) is a tech entrepreneur, investor, and software engineer from eSwatini. He is the co-founder and CEO of Riovic Capital Group, a South Africa-based tech investment company.
Founded in 2015, Riovic Capital Group is committed to driving innovation and growth in Africa through its three main programs: a research and development program, a venture capital program, and a private equity program.
The research and development program, called Riovic Co-Build, invests in groundbreaking projects. It supports innovative ideas and promising talents capable of transforming industries and improving lives.
The venture capital program, Cybatar Seed Fund, targets early-stage tech companies with high growth potential. It provides them with funding, mentorship, and strategic advice to help them grow and disrupt traditional industries.
The private equity program, Riovic Exit Acceleration Capital Fund, focuses on mature companies with strong growth potential. By collaborating with management teams, this program aims to optimize operations, implement innovative strategies, and maximize value creation.
Before founding Riovic Capital Group, Phiwa Nkambule created Cybatar in 2014, a venture capital platform dedicated to helping tech founders launch their first product and attract initial customers. He also serves as Managing Director of IPOXCap AI, a company specializing in research and development of advanced artificial intelligence solutions tailored to specific industry needs.
Phiwa Nkambule holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Pretoria, obtained in 2012. In 2018, he served as Chief Technology Officer for Youth Employment Service (YES) South Africa, a social initiative aiming to create job opportunities for one million young South Africans.
In 2019, he joined the Royal Science and Technology Park, a public enterprise in eSwatini, as a non-executive director, supporting the design and patenting of inventions. Between August and November 2024, he also worked as an expert advisor for ALX Ventures, a tech training provider.
Phiwa Nkambule has been recognized for his impact and leadership. In 2018, he was listed among Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 most promising entrepreneurs in the technology category. He was also named on Destiny Man’s Power of 40, which celebrates 40 influential young leaders under the age of 40.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Digital transformation of healthcare systems is becoming crucial for improving the quality and efficiency of care. Innovative technologies are modernizing data management and optimizing patient services.
Canadian multinational YULCOM Technologies has been selected to implement an information and patient file tracking system in five hospitals in Togo. This project, carried out in collaboration with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, aims to digitize hospital processes to enhance the efficiency and transparency of medical care.
"The digitization of hospitals is essential to improving healthcare coverage in all countries. This project will allow us to contribute to digitizing the patient journey and establishing digital health records in Togo," said Youmani Jérôme Lankoandé, CEO of YULCOM Technologies.
The hospital information system (HIS) developed by YULCOM will include key features such as managing admissions, diagnoses, treatments, and prescriptions, as well as tracking patients after discharge. It will also incorporate advanced tools like decision-making algorithms, interactive dashboards, and integration with the DHIS2 platform, an open-source health information management system, to improve health data monitoring.
This initiative is part of a continent-wide movement to digitally transform Africa's healthcare infrastructure in response to the growing demand for modernization and efficiency in medical data management. Togo, which recently launched the construction of a National Digital Health Center, places this project at the core of its national public health strategy.
The global digital health market’s growth potential further highlights the significance of such initiatives. According to Fortune Business Insights, this market, valued at $234.5 billion in 2023, is expected to reach $559.52 billion by 2027, underscoring the increasing global interest in healthcare digitization.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He is an environmental scientist with over 12 years of experience in teaching and research. He leverages technology to support scientists in their research efforts.
Babajide Milton Macaulay (photo) is a Nigerian tech entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Wadi Africa, a startup dedicated to connecting African researchers with the resources and opportunities they need to advance their work.
Founded in 2022, Wadi Africa provides an online platform designed to support research on the continent. The platform grants researchers access to a wide range of tools, including equipment, information, a collaborative community, training programs, funding opportunities, and a robust support network. The company’s mission is to accelerate scientific and technological progress in Africa, fostering meaningful development across various sectors.
Before launching Wadi Africa, Macaulay founded iLLUMANIA in 2018, an online consulting platform specializing in postgraduate educational services. As its CEO, he focused on building human capacity in emerging economies. He is also a board member of Scholarly, a platform that helps users advance academically and professionally.
Macaulay serves on the board of Boys Without Borders NG, an organization dedicated to advocacy, outreach, and the reorientation of young men in Nigeria. Additionally, he is the training and scholarship director for Africa at the Women For Equality, Inclusion and Sustainability Foundation (WEISF), which promotes the well-being of women, girls, and children across the continent.
Macaulay holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the Federal University of Technology Akure (2010). He earned a master’s degree in sustainable environmental management from the University of Greenwich in England (2013) and completed a PhD in environmental geochemistry and geomicrobiology at the University of Manchester in 2019.
His professional journey began in 2009 as a scientific intern at the Wazobia Medical Laboratory and Blood Bank. More recently, from 2023 to 2024, he worked as a career coach for Zeed Worldwide, a U.S.-based virtual training and coaching academy aimed at nurturing and guiding young professionals.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji