TECH STARS (1004)
He is an inspiring leader driven by a determination to promote technological innovation and foster entrepreneurial growth. As an entrepreneur and builder of startup ecosystems, he is deeply committed to leveraging technology as a catalyst for sustainable development in Africa.
Ayuk Etta (photo) is a Cameroonian serial entrepreneur recognized for his expertise in technology and sustainable development. He is the co-founder and CEO of Mountain Hub, an innovation and technology center.
Mountain Hub supports underfunded entrepreneurs in Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa by offering business creation, incubation, and acceleration services. Its mission is to help startups succeed through a wide range of programs and events designed to support their launch, growth, and expansion.
By partnering with entrepreneurs, Mountain Hub acts as a co-founder, transforming innovative ideas, technologies, and business models into high-growth companies. The center also provides assistance in key areas such as fundraising, accounting, legal affairs, and human resources.
Ayuk Etta also serves as the president of Mountain Angel Network, an investment company focused on supporting technology projects. He leads Iknite, a startup studio, and is the founder of the Cameroon International Tech Summit (CITSCM). This annual summit aims to transform Cameroon’s tech and innovation ecosystem by bringing together innovators, entrepreneurs, companies, universities, governments, development organizations, and embassies.
In 2015, Ayuk Etta founded Skylabase, a software development startup specializing in the microfinance and healthcare sectors, where he served as CEO until 2019.
The Cameroonian entrepreneur holds a bachelor’s degree in computer software engineering from the University of Buea, earned in 2014. His career began in 2010 at Diligent Bilingual Foundation, where he spearheaded the establishment of computer labs. In 2013, he became a software engineer at ActivSpaces, a Cameroonian tech innovation hub. Later, in 2017, he joined Kuelap, a fintech company, first as a partner and then as Managing Director for Africa in 2019.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He has nearly 20 years of experience in IT project management and software solution sales in France. As an entrepreneur, he develops innovative solutions in the e-commerce and education sectors.
Emeric Koda (photo), a Franco-Togolese tech entrepreneur, is the co-founder and CEO of Esseyi, an edtech startup headquartered in Cotonou, Benin. The name Esseyi, which means “knowledge,” “intelligence,” or “wisdom” in Ikposso a language spoken in Togo reflects the company’s core mission: advancing education and professional growth in Africa.
Founded in 2023 by Koda alongside Max Agueh and Léo Benoist, Esseyi has introduced a digital platform that allows students to search for and enroll in educational programs tailored to their needs. Upon completing their studies, users can apply directly for job opportunities through the platform. For higher education institutions, Esseyi provides strategic tools to enhance their visibility across Africa, expand recruitment opportunities, and build their reputation on both local and international stages.
At the heart of Esseyi’s mission is a commitment to elevating knowledge as a cornerstone of progress. As the company’s website notes, “We must place knowledge at the center of our priorities, as it has become a vital factor for transforming the African continent in the decades to come.”
Beyond Esseyi, Koda leads Bakatu Agency, an e-commerce company he founded in France in 2023. The agency supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and microbusinesses in creating and managing their online stores.
As a board member of SINGA Nantes, a French organization fostering initiatives by immigrants, Koda also actively promotes diversity in entrepreneurship.
Koda has a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Polytech Nantes (2003) and an MBA from IAE France (2004), a network of university business schools.
He launched his career in 2004 as a business consultant at automotive supplier Valeo. Two years later, he joined ECP Digital Services, specializing in project management information systems, where he worked as a project manager and later as a sales engineer.
In 2014, Koda took on the role of sales manager at Eudonet CRM, a cloud-based customer relationship management solutions provider. His career trajectory continued upward in 2017 when he joined retail tech company Akeneo. There, he served as a senior account manager and later as head of sales for Southern Europe from 2019 to 2023.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He's dedicated to expanding financial access in Egypt. As a tech entrepreneur, he develops innovative solutions to simplify and improve the financial lives of Egyptians.
Ahmed Mahmoud Abdeen (photo) is an Egyptian electronics engineer and tech entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of ElGameya, a fintech startup transforming traditional financial practices in Egypt.
Founded in 2019, ElGameya modernizes Egypt’s centuries-old Gameya savings cycles, a form of rotating savings and credit association. The startup offers a user-friendly, innovative solution aimed at enhancing financial security. Through its mobile app, users can join online savings circles, make payments digitally, and receive their funds seamlessly.
"By leveraging cutting-edge technology, we ensure secure transactions and customer satisfaction. Our mission is to empower individuals and families to take control of their finances and build a better future," the company states on LinkedIn.
Abdeen holds a bachelor’s degree in electronics and communications engineering from Cairo University and a master’s degree in business administration from the Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland, UK.
In 2015, he joined the Life Makers Foundation, a youth-led NGO focused on volunteerism, where he served as a program manager. In 2017, he became a program coordinator at the British Council in Cairo, an international organization promoting cultural relations and educational opportunities. From 2018 to 2019, he worked as a project manager at InnoVilla, a group of companies specializing in high-quality software and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) solutions.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He is a committed leader driven by a strong desire to promote economic growth and community development. He has founded several businesses, particularly in the trade and agriculture sectors.
Festus Malakia (photo), a Namibian entrepreneur, is the co-founder and CEO of Mepya, a startup specializing in food distribution and agro-processing. The company leverages technology to support smallholder farmers, enabling them to grow their operations and access broader markets.
Founded in 2021, Mepya is a B2B tech-focused start-up in the food distribution and agro-industry sector. It connects producers directly with buyers, aiming to make nutritious food more accessible while strengthening food security.
“Our goal is to create an integrated market where farmers can connect with a larger customer base and utilize resources efficiently. Through this marketplace, we aim to reduce waste, increase farmers' income, and contribute to agricultural sector growth,” states the company’s website.
Before launching Mepya, Malakia founded Central Commerce Group in 2017, a multi-sectoral social enterprise operating in agriculture, agri-tech, e-commerce, logistics, and more. In 2018, he co-founded the Unique Empowerment & Employment Initiative Foundation (UEEIF), an organization focused on youth development, where he also serves as CEO.
An active member of the Global Shapers Community, Malakia has worked as a business consultant since 2012, collaborating with over 5,000 young professionals and entrepreneurs on projects across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and North America.
Malakia graduated from NUST Namibia in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Development. His career began in 2011 at Namibia’s National Planning Commission as a data collector. He later worked as a banker at Nedbank Namibia in 2015 and as a data entry clerk at the Ministry of Health and Social Services in 2017.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
A specialized computer scientist, he is an expert in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and big data. Leveraging this expertise, he develops innovative technological solutions to enhance language learning and mastery.
Pascal Uriel Elingui (photo) is a Côte d’Ivoire-based tech entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Wakkeh, a software development company.
Founded in 2022, Wakkeh focuses on creating innovative educational solutions. Its flagship product, Dictable, is a French language learning platform designed to enhance writing and communication skills for young Africans and users worldwide. Powered by artificial intelligence, Dictable enables users to perform dictation exercises autonomously.
The platform features an automated error detection tool, provides contextual assistance, and includes interactive functionalities that make the learning process engaging and enriching. Dictable also hosts online dictation contests, expanding its educational reach and fostering competitive learning.
Pascal Uriel Elingui is an instructor on Coursera and holds a master's degree in mobile networks and services from the Ecole Supérieure Multinationale des Télécommunications (ESMT) in Senegal, obtained in 2010. He has also completed online courses in machine learning and big data at institutions such as ESSEC Business School and the University of Washington.
Professionally, his career began in 2011 as an IT consultant for Qualisys Consulting in Senegal and a systems administrator at Global Technics in Mauritania. In 2012, he joined Voxygen SAS, a software development company, as a research and development engineer. Between 2020 and 2023, he mentored students on the OpenClassrooms platform, sharing his expertise in cutting-edge technology.
In 2023, Elingui's commitment to leveraging technology for educational innovation was recognized when he won the Orange Social Entrepreneur Prize in Africa and the Middle East (POESAM) in Côte d’Ivoire for Dictable. The award underscores his mission to transform education through creative tech solutions and make a lasting impact on learners worldwide.
By Melchior Koba
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He has over ten years of experience in technology, education, and entrepreneurship. A former intern at NASA, he leverages his expertise in geospatial technology to gather valuable data that supports various development sectors.
Richard Folly (photo) is a Togolese geospatial analyst and technology entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of African Geospace, a company specializing in space technologies and big data analytics.
Founded in 2019, African Geospace develops solutions based on satellite data analysis and artificial intelligence, empowering clients to make informed decisions and optimize their operations using cutting-edge tools. The company serves several key sectors.
In agriculture, African Geospace provides solutions for improved crop monitoring, promoting optimal production while prioritizing environmental sustainability. In mining, the firm offers tools to maximize resource extraction while ensuring sustainable practices. Additionally, it plays a significant role in advancing the energy transition.
Richard Folly earned a bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of Lomé in 2016. He also holds a 2017 public management certificate from Arizona State University.
In 2016, he taught digital literacy at ESIG Global Success, a university specializing in IT and management. The following year, he interned at NASA, focusing on geospatial technologies. Between 2020 and 2022, he worked as a data scientist at Togo’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Digital Transformation.
Melchior Koba
He is a computer scientist and entrepreneur driven by a passion for leveraging technology to develop innovative solutions. He has already founded two companies—one specializing in finance and the other in healthcare.
Jessé Liula Schiceya (photo) is a serial entrepreneur from Namibia and the founder of Nikkle, a company specializing in financial management services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Launched in 2021, Nikkle offers a comprehensive financial management platform with a wide range of features. It helps businesses streamline accounting, manage human resources, optimize client relations, and coordinate projects. The platform empowers business leaders by providing tools to create invoices, draft quotes, manage recurring expenses, and automatically generate financial reports for tax filings. Today, Nikkle serves over 10,000 clients across six Southern African countries.
Schiceya is also a co-founder of Patient Care, a startup focused on improving the accessibility, quality, and affordability of healthcare in Africa. Additionally, he sits on the board of the Global Africa Leadership Council, an organization dedicated to promoting development financing, investment, and economic growth.
Schiceya earned a degree in computer science from the London Business School in 2014 but began his career earlier, in 2011, as an assistant at Shoprite, a leading retail company in Africa. By 2020, he had risen to the position of Head of IT, Digital, and Data Protection at GFA Consulting Group, an international consultancy.
His entrepreneurial talent gained widespread recognition in 2022. Schiceya was awarded the Most Promising Entrepreneur in Southern Africa by AfricArena and won the Startup Namibia Slingshot Pitch competition organized by Startup Namibia.
Melchior Koba
She believes technology can significantly empower children and young people, helping them reach their full potential. To achieve this goal, she develops programs designed to train them in a variety of fields.
Nancy Sumari (photo) is a Tanzanian entrepreneur dedicated to advancing education and technological innovation. She is the founder of Jenga Hub, an educational center that leverages technology to make learning more interactive, inclusive, and creative.
Established in 2016, Jenga Hub provides children and young people with a space to develop digital skills and explore creativity through technology. Participants engage in creating art, animations, simulations, websites, robotics projects, musical compositions, and multimedia presentations.
Jenga Hub is part of a global network spanning 44 countries, connecting children and educators committed to equipping future generations with technology-driven skills. Currently, over 12,000 students are involved in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) clubs across 50 schools, with more than 500 teachers trained through the initiative.
Before founding Jenga Hub, Sumari established the Neghesti Sumari Foundation in 2013, which focuses on community transformation through education, technology, and agriculture.
A graduate of the University of Dar es Salaam, Sumari earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce, management, and marketing in 2014. She later completed a master’s degree in economic and international development at University College London (UCL) in 2022.
Her professional journey began in 2006 at Sahara Communication Ltd, where she served as a programming officer. In 2009, she became the managing director of Bongo5 Media Group, a Tanzanian media company. More recently, in 2021, she joined Designathon Works, an organization dedicated to children’s education, as director of strategic partnerships.
Melchior Koba
A serial entrepreneur, he excels in designing, developing, and deploying technology platforms. He has already launched three startups in Kenya.
Emmanuel Miriti is a Kenyan computer scientist and tech entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of Route.Money, a company specializing in marketing and payment technologies for businesses.
Founded in 2022, Route.Money’s mission is to deliver a cashback app tailored to restaurants, allowing users to save money while enjoying delicious meals. The platform helps restaurants boost sales by rewarding customers who participate in the cashback program.
Route.Money also fosters connections between restaurants and passionate content creators, including storytellers and food enthusiasts. These creators highlight their favorite establishments, enhancing visibility and engagement. Today, the platform boasts over 30 merchants, more than 100 creators, and a community exceeding 20,000 members.
“The Route revolution isn’t just reshaping how we dine it’s redefining how businesses, creators, and communities interact, making every engagement meaningful,” says Miriti.
Before launching Route.Money, Emmanuel Miriti co-founded ITA TEKSI in 2011, a mobile app for booking taxis, serving as its CEO until 2014. He then co-founded Cloud9xp, an online marketplace and booking service for leisure experiences, where he led as CEO until 2018.
A graduate of the University of Nairobi, Miriti earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science in 2015. Between 2018 and 2020, he served as the managing director of Threethousnd, a digital agency specializing in online marketing, website development, and software solutions.
With a track record of innovation and leadership, Miriti continues to shape Kenya’s tech landscape, driving solutions that bridge technology, business, and community engagement.
Melchior Koba
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.
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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
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.
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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
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