Startups operating in the e-commerce sector are thriving across Africa. In Guinea, a tech entrepreneur has discovered an innovative way to sell second-hand goods through his online marketplace.
Seconde Main 224 is a digital solution developed by a Guinean startup that connects people looking to sell used items with those interested in buying them. Founded by Youssouf Sylla and based in Conakry, the platform enables users to trade pre-owned goods conveniently.
"We help our users earn money from their old items while allowing others with limited budgets to afford what they need at a lower cost," explains the startup.
Unlike many modern platforms, Seconde Main 224 does not have a mobile application. Users access the service through a web browser, where they can create an account and browse a wide range of items listed by other users. The marketplace features categories such as clothing, shoes, electronics, books, furniture, and more.
Sellers upload pictures of their products directly to the platform, providing details such as the item’s name, price, photo, and a brief description. They also select the appropriate category before listing the product. A registered account is mandatory for listing or selling items.
The company’s business model hinges on its premium service, “booster mon bien” (Boost My Item),which generates revenue by increasing the visibility of selected products. "This service displays boosted items to a larger audience of potential buyers based on their usage history and interests," the startup notes.
In 2024, Seconde Main 224 gained recognition by finishing second in the Orange Social Venture Prize for Africa and the Middle East. Representing Guinea in the final round, the startup was awarded 60 million Guinean francs (approximately $6,962.75).
Adoni Conrad Quenum
A serial entrepreneur, he is convinced of the potential of artificial intelligence and technology to simplify business management on a global scale. He is also committed to promoting leadership and innovation among African youth.
Fred Swaniker (photo) is a Ghanaian entrepreneur and a recognized expert in leadership development. He is the founder and CEO of Sand Technologies, a company specializing in data and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions.
Founded in 2023, Sand Technologies aims to help businesses harness the potential of AI and data to address commercial challenges and achieve meaningful results. The company offers innovative technological solutions across various sectors, including telecommunications, utilities, entertainment, manufacturing, healthcare, and insurance.
Operating in the Americas, France, and Africa, Sand Technologies provides services in enterprise AI, data science, software engineering, and the Internet of Things (IoT). It collaborates with both startups and large organizations, solidifying its role as a key player in the global tech landscape.
In parallel, Fred Swaniker is the founder of the African Leadership Group, an organization established in 2004 with the ambition of transforming Africa by training three million entrepreneurial leaders by 2035. This initiative aims to build a connected, talented, and influential community of African leaders through training centers, networking, and talent development programs.
In 2001, Swaniker co-founded Synexa Life Sciences, a South Africa-based provider of biomarker and bioanalytical services, where he served as Chief Operating Officer. He also founded Global Leadership Adventures (GLA) in 2004, an organization offering educational programs abroad for high school students, serving as its CEO until 2006.
Fred Swaniker holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Macalester College, USA, earned in 1999, and an MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business, completed in 2004. His professional career began in 1999 at McKinsey & Company, where he worked as a business analyst.
Recognized for his influence, Swaniker was named one of Africa's 10 most influential young men by Forbes in 2011. In 2019, Time magazine included him in its list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Melchior Koba
A trained computer scientist with 25 years of experience in the technology and telecommunications sectors, she is also a dedicated entrepreneur. Her mission is to promote and facilitate the commercialization of exclusively African products.
Nafy Diagne (photo) is a Senegalese telecommunications expert and tech entrepreneur who has dedicated her career to advancing African innovation. She is the founder of Awalebiz, an e-commerce platform designed to showcase African creativity and craftsmanship.
Founded in 2014, Awalebiz provides an online marketplace where designers, clothing manufacturers, artists, artisans, and local entrepreneurs can sell their products. This multi-vendor platform allows each producer to manage their own store, offering African talent a global audience. Through Awalebiz, the company aims to elevate local artisans and celebrate the richness of African culture.
“We launched the platform five years ago and validated the concept of a cross-border continental platform that unites sellers from different African countries, enabling them to market their products locally, regionally, and internationally,” explains Diagne.
Since 2023, Nafy Diagne has served as the Head of Strategy and Transformation at Free Sénégal, a telecommunications company. She joined the firm in 2019 as Director of Digital Transformation and Customer Experience.
A graduate of Centrale Lille Institut in France, where she earned a master’s degree in Computer Science and Industrial Technology in 1999, Diagne began her career at Capgemini as an integration team leader. In 2008, she joined Ericsson as a solutions architect, later holding roles such as customer project manager for system integration, program director, project lead for sub-Saharan Africa, and Chief Information Officer for the region.
In 2016, she became Telecommunications Market Director for Atos in the India, Middle East, and Africa region. Between 2020 and 2023, she served as Chief Digital Officer at Axian Group, a pan-African conglomerate specializing in telecommunications, finance, energy, real estate, and open innovation.
Awalebiz won the top prize at the Linguère Digital Challenge in 2017. In both 2022 and 2023, Diagne was named among the Top 100 Global Chief Digital Officers, a prestigious ranking by HP Enterprise and HotTopics.
Melchior Koba
The digital revolution is profoundly reshaping African economies, with technological infrastructure at the heart of this transformation. In this context, data centers are emerging as critical drivers, ensuring access to efficient and sovereign digital services.
Cameroonian cloud service provider ST DIGITAL launched the construction of its Tier 3 data center on Friday, November 22, at the VITIB technology park in Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire. This strategic project aims to bolster the country's digital sovereignty and meet the growing demand for advanced digital services.
"Our data center, spanning 4,000 square meters, will be a high-security, state-of-the-art, eco-friendly infrastructure with a reduced carbon footprint. We’ve even planned innovative initiatives such as creating artificial lakes and vegetable gardens using outputs from the air-conditioning systems," said Steve Tchouaga, CEO of ST DIGITAL.
This initiative comes as digital transformation accelerates across Africa, accompanied by a surge in cloud adoption. According to PwC's Africa Cloud Business Survey 2023, published in February 2024, 50% of African businesses have already integrated cloud technology into their operations, and 61% plan to fully transition by 2026.
Set to be operational by the end of the first quarter of 2025, the new data center will offer cutting-edge services, including modular colocation spaces, a landing station for submarine cables, and infrastructure designed for artificial intelligence. For Côte d’Ivoire, the facility represents a strategic lever to fast-track digital transformation, foster the local economy, and position Grand-Bassam as a leading tech hub in West Africa, driving innovation and attracting new investments.
Samira Njoya
Agriculture drives economic growth across Africa, but most smallholder farmers still rely on outdated tools, leading to low yields and profits. Digital technologies offer a solution by streamlining processes, improving access to data, and boosting productivity.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launched the "Fostering Digital Villages through Innovative Advisory and Profitable Market Services in Africa (FDiVi)" project on Novemeber 14 in Musanze District, Rwanda. This initiative is set to transform Rwandan agriculture through the integration of digital tools tailored to rural needs. The launch gathered key stakeholders, including representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), farmer organizations, youth groups, women leaders, and field agents.
In his speech, Mr. Placide Nshuti Kanyabujinga, FAO Rwanda’s representative, highlighted the importance of partnerships in ensuring the success of the FDiVi project.
According to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the country’s agriculture sector accounts for about 25% of GDP and employs about 64.5% of the population. This highlights the critical importance of agriculture to the country's economy and its people.
The FDiVi project, developed in collaboration between FAO and Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), aims to modernize agricultural practices by equipping farmers with access to real-time information, weather updates, and market opportunities. It aligns with national priorities of empowering youth and women while promoting sustainable economic growth in rural communities.
This launch underscores a commitment to enhancing rural digital skills and integrating innovative tools to optimize yields, boost market access, and build a sustainable agricultural future for Rwanda. It aligns with the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–2030 that aims to accelerate the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.
According to the GSM Association (GSMA), integrating technology with tools like big data, GPS, and drones could boost African crop yields by 10.5% to 20% over the next five years. In its May 2024 report, Driving Digital Transformation of African Economies, GSMA also forecasts a 23% rise in agricultural profits through increased ICT adoption. The report highlights the critical role of targeted digital investments by African governments to stimulate growth in agriculture and other key economic sectors.
Hikmatu Bilali
Beyond Limits, an advocate for digital innovation, in partnership with the U.S. Consulate General Lagos, has unveiled the Beyond Limits Fellowship for Founders Cohort 3.0.
The 12-week program, running from January to March 2025, will equip 30 early-stage Nigerian startups with skills, mentorship, and resources to build scalable tech ventures.
Applications, open until November 29, 2024, will select startups from across Nigeria. The top three startups will receive $10,000 in resources to fuel growth.
Formerly known as TopSet, the startup has pivoted its focus to fully dedicate itself to this new venture. This strategic shift is paying off, as the company has successfully secured funding to support its growth.
Lingawa is a digital solution developed by a Nigerian start-up, offering users the chance to learn African languages—specifically Igbo and Yoruba—through engaging and immersive online courses. The Lagos-based company was founded in 2022 by Frank Williams, Yvonne Williams, and Uche Azinge. It also operates offices in London, UK, and New York, USA.
In 2023, Lingawa integrated artificial intelligence into its platform to enhance the quality of its services. "AI is already at the core of our student-tutor matching system, but behind the scenes, we’ve started developing our own large African language models. The goal of these AI models is to ensure that between lessons, students can effectively complete homework and practice," said Frank Williams.
On Thursday, November 21, the start-up announced a $1.1 million funding round. The funds will support the development of a mobile app, the addition of more African languages to its curriculum, and the company’s expansion into other global regions. Frank Williams aims to introduce Zulu and Swahili to the platform by the first quarter of 2025. However, he acknowledges challenges in recruiting tutors, most of whom are based in Africa.
"We quickly realized there was a gap in language teaching expertise. What we do is identify native African language speakers with high potential and train them to become world-class language teachers. This includes soft skills training, learning science, and ensuring that lessons are engaging and fun," Williams added.
While waiting for the mobile app’s release, users can access Lingawa’s platform via a web browser. Registration is simple: users can either provide personal details or log in through their Google account. Once signed up, they can choose a language to learn and connect with a tutor. The program features five proficiency levels—beginner, elementary, intermediate, expert, and advanced—and offers various subscription packages. For instance, a weekly plan costs $18 for a single student or $22.50 for two learners.
“Our students begin speaking from their first lesson and often engage in comfortable conversations within six months to a year. Mastery depends on your commitment to learning and practicing,” the company explained.
Since its launch, Lingawa has seen significant growth, boasting approximately 3,000 learners and around 100 tutors.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
A visionary leader, he has spearheaded numerous initiatives in the fields of digital technology and innovation. He stands out as a key figure driving Algeria’s digital transformation.
Mechta Mourad (photo), an Algerian serial entrepreneur, holds a degree in Radio, Television, and Digital Communication from the University of Algiers, earned in 2011. He is the founder and CEO of Guiddini, a company specializing in the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Established in 2009, Guiddini supports businesses by launching e-commerce platforms, online booking systems, e-invoicing solutions, and institutional websites. With a portfolio of over 300 clients and partners, the company plays a pivotal role in advancing digital commerce in Algeria.
Since 2023, Guiddini has hosted the Algeria Fintech & E-commerce Summit, a flagship event bringing together national and international experts. This summit fosters discussions on fintech and e-commerce trends while creating collaboration opportunities between financial institutions, startups, citizens, and government entities to address sector challenges.
Beyond Guiddini, Mourad founded Génération Digitale Algérie in 2018, a firm dedicated to organizing informational caravans and events focused on digital and economic transformation. In 2019, he launched Algeria Innov, a national conference uniting Algerian startups around innovation.
In 2022, he co-founded Fintech Technologie Groupe (FTG), an incubator for fintech projects. By 2024, he expanded his ventures with Efawtara, an online billing platform designed to help businesses manage inventory and automate invoices, streamlining administrative operations.
Melchior Koba
In an increasingly digital world, countries are striving to bolster their technological capabilities. Local solutions, particularly free and open-source software, play a crucial role in this dynamic.
On Tuesday, November 19, Algerian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Kamel Baddari presided over the official launch of Algeria's operating system at the Dr. Moulay Tahar University in Saïda. The Linux-based system marks a milestone in the country’s digital modernization efforts and the enhancement of its technological capabilities.
“This fully Algerian system is the outcome of collaborative work between students and software researchers from multiple universities. This Linux distribution, blending user-friendliness with robust security, will enhance computer performance and safeguard our information systems. It also lays the groundwork for an open technology economy by providing a strong foundation for the development of numerous software startups,” Baddari said during the ceremony.
The initiative is part of a broader national strategy to modernize Algeria’s universities and position them as hubs for technological innovation. Spearheaded by Dr. Moulay Tahar University, the project involved a nationwide competition, with 10 university teams tasked with designing the operating system. This effort mirrors other recent technological advances in Algeria, such as the launch of the country’s first electric car in April 2023, developed by the Industrial Technology Research Center (CRTI).
The launch coincides with robust global growth in the open-source software market. According to a 2024 report by research firm GitNux, the global open-source market, valued at $21.7 billion in 2021, is projected to reach $66.84 billion by 2026. Additionally, open-source software adoption reportedly saves companies around $60 billion annually worldwide.
These figures underscore the significance of Algeria’s project, which could strengthen the country’s position in the global open-source market while fostering local innovation. The Algerian operating system, designed to meet the demands for cybersecurity and efficiency, could play a pivotal role in the country’s digital transformation while showcasing the talents of its young researchers and entrepreneurs.
Samira Njoya
He has extensive experience in the insurance and retail sectors. He leverages technology to help Egyptians find the insurance coverage best suited to their needs.
Abbas Jammal (photo) is an Egyptian entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Mal Bazaar, a tech startup specializing in insurance and finance.
Launched in 2022, Mal Bazaar provides an online platform that allows users to search, compare, and purchase insurance and financial products with ease. Partnering with a range of financial institutions and insurance companies, the platform helps individuals and businesses make informed decisions. Its offerings include tailored solutions for health, auto, life, and property insurance. The company operates under the supervision of the Financial Regulatory Authority and is officially registered as an insurance brokerage firm.
Jammal’s entrepreneurial journey began long before Mal Bazaar. In 2003, while still a student at the American University in Cairo (AUC), he founded the Entrepreneurs’ Society, an organization aimed at fostering entrepreneurial spirit among young Egyptians. He served as its president until 2005.
Jammal earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Economics in 2004 from the AUC. He furthered his education at the London Business School, obtaining an MBA in 2011. Additionally, he holds a certification from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).
His professional career began in 2004 at Good News Group, a company focused on digital solutions, where he worked as a marketing manager. In 2005, he joined Procter & Gamble Egypt as an assistant brand manager, eventually rising to the position of deputy brand manager for the Middle East region.
Melchior Koba
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Sub-Saharan Africa has one of the lowest internet penetration rates globally. This limited connectivity underscores the importance of locally driven solutions, such as the Upanzi Network, which aim to develop accessible, culturally relevant technologies tailored to African contexts.
The Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) announced, on November 20, the expansion of a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering secure, inclusive, and resilient digital public infrastructure across Africa.
CMU-Africa’s director, Conrad Tucker, emphasized the importance of local context, stating, “There are no one-size-fits-all solutions for Africa. Collaboration among researchers from diverse regions is essential to create tailored digital solutions.”
Launched in 2021 at CMU-Africa’s Kigali campus, the Upanzi Network, an Africa-based collaboration of engineering research labs, has pioneered research in critical areas such as digital identity, payments, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data governance. Building on this foundation, the initiative is now partnering with leading universities across the continent, including Al Akhawayn University in Morocco, the University of Botswana, and the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa.
Each partner lab has been awarded a one-year seed grant to support research tailored to specific regional needs. In Morocco, Al Akhawayn University is establishing a lab to enhance governance through digital transformation, prioritizing efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity in public services. In Botswana, researchers at the University of Botswana are utilizing IoT technologies to address challenges in farming, such as animal health and water management, aiming to improve agricultural productivity and engage youth through targeted workshops.
Meanwhile, the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa is focusing on multilingual learning technologies to overcome social and educational barriers while advancing digital literacy across diverse linguistic contexts.
The network’s researchers will convene this week at a symposium focusing on digital identity and cybersecurity, underscoring the initiative’s commitment to addressing Africa’s most pressing digital challenges.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) highlights digital public infrastructure (DPI) as a key enabler of digital transformation and efficient public service delivery. Properly implemented, DPI supports national priorities and accelerates progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Governments, donors, private entities, and civil society have a shared opportunity to shape inclusive and impactful digital ecosystems.
The Upanzi Network’s initiatives address critical challenges in digital infrastructure and human development, ensuring Africa’s digital future is inclusive, resilient, and innovative. This expansion represents a significant stride toward empowering Africa’s socio-economic development through localized, innovative, and inclusive digital infrastructure.
Hikmatu Bilali
Brij Technologies Inc. unveiled the BrijX Currency Swap B2B Digital Platform on Tuesday November 19. This will enable real-time mobile money currency swaps between Ghanaian Cedi and Nigerian Naira without traditional foreign exchange intermediation.
Supported by the U.S. Embassy in Ghana and licensed by the Bank of Ghana, BrijX is undergoing final integration with Mobile Money Limited Ghana and G-Money Financial Services. The platform is expected to go live before Christmas 2024.
He is passionate about leveraging technology to improve people's lives. He develops innovative solutions designed to help businesses optimize the management of their operations.
Avi Maja (photo) is a South African tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Breaze Delivery, a technology company providing delivery services to small and medium-sized enterprises.
Founded in 2021 by Avi Maja and Braden Snyman, Breaze Delivery specializes in on-demand and last-mile delivery solutions. The company partners with clients across various industries, including ghost kitchens, grocery stores, liquor shops, e-commerce platforms, and retailers. Leveraging advanced technology, the platform enables users to track deliveries in real-time.
The company sets itself apart with its use of scooters equipped with mobile advertising panels, allowing clients to run innovative marketing campaigns. Additionally, Breaze Delivery offers turnkey e-commerce solutions, customizable eco-friendly packaging, and tailored delivery options.
Avi Maja graduated from the University of Witwatersrand in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. In 2016, he joined Cape Town-based development firm Tiger Bytes as an operations consultant before being promoted to Operations Manager in 2017.
He later moved to Quintica, a company specializing in technology deployment, where he worked as a business analyst focusing on innovation and strategy. In 2019, Avi joined WorkWide Mobile, a South African tech firm providing mobile workforce management tools. He served as a senior business analyst before becoming a mobility technical specialist in 2021.
Melchior Koba
The Djiboutian government is prioritizing the digital economy as a key driver of its development strategy. To ensure that this sector contributes fully to the country's growth, the government is also heavily focused on securing its national cyberspace.
Mariam Hamadou Ali (photo, left), Djibouti's Minister of Digital Economy and Innovation, conducted an official visit to Qatar to discuss cybersecurity, according to the ministry's social media posts on Tuesday, November 19. During her visit, she met with Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Farahid Al Malki (photo, right), head of Qatar's National Cybersecurity Agency. Their discussions focused on the issue of cybersecurity and explored "ways to develop and strengthen the partnership in this field," as reported by the Qatar News Agency.
This visit aligns with the priorities outlined by Djibouti's President, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, during the national political assembly in August. The president emphasized the crucial role of the digital and telecommunications sectors in the country’s development. It also comes ahead of the imminent launch of Djibouti's national cybersecurity strategy, a project underpinned by the formation of strategic alliances to bolster the nation’s defenses against cyber threats.
According to the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 published in September by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Djibouti is a Tier 4 country, with a score of 31.47 out of 100. This category, as defined by the ITU, includes countries demonstrating a foundational commitment to cybersecurity through government-led actions involving evaluation, establishment, or implementation of generally accepted cybersecurity measures in at least one pillar or across several indicators or sub-indicators.
In contrast, Qatar stands as a global leader in cybersecurity, earning a perfect score of 100 in the same ITU index. For Djibouti, a partnership with Qatar presents a significant opportunity. Potential benefits include the exchange of expertise, sharing of intelligence on emerging cyber threats, enhancement of digital infrastructure, and targeted investments. Such collaborations could play a pivotal role in building a resilient and robust cybersecurity ecosystem in Djibouti.
Adoni Conrad Quenum