Tech

12 African startups lined up for $120, 000 ARM Labs Lagos Techstars accelerator programme

Published

2 years ago

January 31, 2023

The ARM Labs Lagos Techstars has selected 12 African tech startups for its inaugural accelerator programme with a $120,000 prize money in equity funding and other forms of support.

The accelerator programme which was launched by Techstars, a global investment business that provides access to capital as well as one-on-one mentorship, and customised programming for early-stage entrepreneurs, is in partnership with ARM Labs, a Lagos-based innovation programme focused on helping fintech startups.

The accelerator programme, according to Techstars Managing Director, Oyin Solebo, in a statement on Tuesday, will run for three months and is aimed at early-stage African fintech and prop-tech startups, with the first cohort made up of 10 Nigerian and two Kenyan ventures, half of which have female CEOs.

“Each selected startup banks up to $120,000 in equity funding, as well as access to training and a vast investor network. The programme concludes with a demo day on March 16,” the MD said.

“The selected Nigerian startups include peppa.io, a platform that makes customers buy items on social platforms through the use of payment protection.”

“Others are CDcare, which is making it easy for Africans to own gadgets, appliances, cars and more at zero interest, through smart installment plans;”

“Flick, which enables users to connect multiple bank accounts and pay directly from one source;”

“Keble, which enables Africans at home and abroad to purchase fractional shares of global real estate; and Keza, which enables people to buy new and pre-owned smartphones on a flexible payment plan.

“Also selected from Nigeria are Salad, which provides employees with access to financial services and benefits beyond their monthly paycheck;”

“Sidebrief, which simplifies the process of starting and scaling a business across borders and Towntalk, which provides shippers with real-time location and behavioural analytics, vehicle tracking, and access to insurance providers.”

“Also selected are Vittas, a digital lender for healthcare providers and Oystr Finance, which provides lenders with an infrastructure to help them launch low-risk micro-loan products.”

“The two Kenyan startups taking part in the programme are alphabloQ, a real estate investment platform, and Cladfy, which provides microfinance lenders with credit profiling, digitised loan management, and access to affordable, reliable financing,” Solebo said.

Related Topics:Accelerator Programme ARM Featured TECHNOLOGY

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Tech

Ghana partners with The Gambia to provide free roaming services

Published

15 hours 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

2 days 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.