Tech

Nigerian Autochek makes incursion into Francophone Africa by acquiring CoinAfrique

Published

2 years ago

July 7, 2022

Nigerian auto-tech digital solution startup, Autochek, has taken its expansion project to Francophone African countries by acquiring CoinAfrique, a leading mobile classifieds ads platform that connects online sellers and buyers in 16 French-speaking African countries.

The acquisition of CoinAfrique by Autochek a few weeks after expanding into Kenya with the acquisition of Kenyan asset financing fintech, Pezesha, the Nigerian company is fully set to accelerate the penetration of its auto-financing services into Francophone Africa, according to its Chief Executive Officer and co-founder, Etop Ikpe.

With the acquisition of CoinAfrique,
Autochek aims to build digital solutions that will enhance and enable a seamless and safe automotive commerce experience across Africa, he added.

According to Disrupt Africa, CoinalAfrique uses advanced technology to transform the automotive buying and selling experience for its consumers by creating a single marketplace for consumers’ automotive needs, from sourcing and financing to after sales support and warranties.

Before this acquisition, Autochek which was launched in September 2020, has gone on a spree by acquiring Cheki Nigeria and Cheki Ghana from ROAM Africa.

In May, the company acquired Moroccan auto startup, KIFAL Auto, to drive its expansion into the North Africa region, while in June, it moved into east Africa with the acquisition of them Cheki brands in Kenya and Uganda.

Last year, Autochek raised $13.1 million in seed funding round for its West African expansion which has now seen it move into African French-speaking countries with the acquisition of CoinAfrique

Related Topics:Autochek CoinAfrique Featured Tech

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Tech

Ghana partners with The Gambia to provide free roaming services

Published

34 minutes ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and The Gambia are in the process of launching free roaming services that will enhance a West African connectivity.

The plan which is a joint initiative of the Ghana Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and The Gambian National Communications Authority (NCA) will see mobile users in both countries avoiding extra charges for calls, texts, and data, which in turn, is expected to boost trade, tourism, and economic integration across borders.

The collaboration, according to a joint statement by the two bodies, aligns with the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) broader push for seamless regional communication.

“Ghana and The Gambia are forging new paths in West Africa’s digital landscape, implementing a free-roaming initiative,” the statement said.

“This move strengthens regional connectivity while highlighting the role of technological collaboration in fostering economic integration. The initiative enables mobile users travelling between the two nations to make calls, send messages, and use data services without additional roaming fees.”

It further noted that by reducing these costs, the program aligns with the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative, which seeks to eliminate barriers to communication across member states.

“It is a boost for trade and travel as the free roaming plan is expected to spur economic activities by streamlining cross-border communication.

“Businesses and individuals travelling between Ghana and The Gambia can now stay connected without worrying about exorbitant charges, facilitating smoother transactions and personal interactions. The initiative is also expected to attract more tourists by ensuring seamless digital access for visitors.

“This collaboration marks another milestone in Ghana’s commitment to expanding digital connectivity, following Ghana’s successful implementation of similar agreements with Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin, with talks of possible roaming partnerships with Liberia.

“By focusing on digital integration, Ghana and The Gambia demonstrate the power of technology to bridge gaps between countries. This step also serves as a model for other West African nations to join the free-roaming framework, contributing to the larger goal of a connected and economically integrated region,” it added.

Tech

Tanzania to host 6th Ocean Innovation Africa summit in February

Published

1 day ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has been selected to host the sixth edition of the Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA) summit from February 24-28, 2025, as a flagship event within Regenerative Ocean Week.

The Ocean Innovation Africa is set to be Africa’s most significant platform for Ocean Innovation conservation, and sustainable development in the blue economy. OIA2025 will be co-organised with leading partners, including IUCN, GIZ, OceanHub Africa, Catalyze and the Ocean-Climate Platform.

With the theme, “Science-to-Solution”, the Regenerative Ocean Week will present a line-up of sessions designed to bridge the gap between scientific research, business innovation, policy, and community engagement.

According to the organizers of the event, it will bring together African ocean innovators, investors, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to explore practical solutions that can be applied across the continent.

“These include the OIA Pitch Competition, which is a platform for Africa-based startups and entrepreneurs to showcase breakthrough ideas in ocean-impact solutions, allowing them to connect with investors and industry leaders and emphasizing Africa’s role in driving sustainable ocean initiatives,” the organizers said in a statement.