Tech

Google announces 10 African startups for its accelerator programs

Published

5 months ago

July 30, 2024

Ten startups have been chosen by Google for its three-month virtual Africa Accelerator Program, which aims to help African startups use technology to address some of the most critical problems facing the region.

After reviewing close to 1,000 applications, the startups from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda were chosen, demonstrating exceptional talent and inventiveness within the African tech community.

The dominant search engine stated in a statement on Wednesday that African startups are essential to the continent’s technical advancement and economic growth.

According to Google, these firms are improving living conditions all around the continent and generating jobs at the same time by providing customized solutions to local problems.

As investment flows have slowed due to the present “funding winter” in Sub-Saharan Africa, the IT company stated that the tenacity and inventiveness of African entrepreneurs still shine.

“Since its inception in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program has supported 106 startups from 17 African countries.

“These startups have collectively raised over $263m and created more than 2,800 direct jobs, showcasing the program’s substantial impact on the African tech landscape,” the technology multinational stated.

The emphasis on artificial intelligence in this year’s cohort underscores the growing significance of cutting-edge technologies in tackling Africa’s most critical issues.

The eighth cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program is a pleasure to welcome, according to Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startups Programs for Google in Africa.

“These startups represent the future of African innovation, harnessing the power of technology to solve real-world problems and uplift their communities. We are committed to supporting these founders by providing them with the resources and mentorship they need to succeed and scale their solutions.”

The Google for Startups Accelerator Africa: Class 8 includes

CDIAL AI (Nigeria): Transforming multilingual communication across Africa with the power of artificial and collective intelligence.

Earthbond (Nigeria): Lighting up homes and businesses across Africa with affordable, reliable energy solutions, bolstered by carbon accounting and development finance.

Fixxr (South Africa): Putting car owners and businesses in the driver’s seat with transparent and convenient on-location vehicle maintenance and repair services.

Lifesten Health (Rwanda): Innovating health and wellness through cutting-edge screening and incentive-based programs focused on physical, mental, and nutritional health.

MyAIFactchecker (Nigeria): Equipping users with an AI-powered tool to combat misinformation and promote informed decision-making through fact-checking.

Nakili (Kenya): Bringing salons, barbershops, and spas into the digital age with a mobile-based app for streamlined management and enhanced customer experiences.

NextCounsel (Nigeria): Supercharging lawyer productivity with an AI-powered tool for contract management, solicitor engagement, compliance, and more.

Nobuk Africa (Kenya): Simplifying financial management for groups and collectives across Africa with a seamless platform for collecting funds, reconciling payments, and generating reports.

Rana Energy (Nigeria): Providing clean, reliable energy solutions to SMEs and communities through a data-driven ecosystem.

Triply (Kenya): Building Africa’s travel operating system, connecting travellers with seamless booking experiences and travel businesses with powerful management tools.

The ten startups will take part in a structured program from July 29 to September 20, 2024, to support their growth. According to Google, these firms will gain direct access to the knowledge of seasoned business owners and mentors who have completed the startup journey.

“They will engage in technical workshops to refine their products, hone their business strategies, and strengthen their leadership skills. The program will also prepare them to secure follow-on funding from Google’s global network of investors,” the statement highlighted.

In their quest to scale their solutions and make a bigger impact, these entrepreneurs’ enrollment in the accelerator program represents a critical milestone.

Related Topics:African Startups Featured Google

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Tech

Kenya’s ticketing startup BuuPass partners Flexpay for flexible travel payments

Published

2 days ago

December 19, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Kenyan digital ticketing startup, BuuPass, has entered into a partnership with goal-based savings platform, Flexpay, to offer customers flexible payment plans ahead of holiday travels as well as simplify travel planning and ease the financial burden of holiday travel for Kenyans.

Co-founder and CEO at Buupass, Sonia Kabra, who unveiled the package at a press conference, said the collaboration between the two platforms will allow travellers to save for their journeys in manageable, interest-free installments over four to 12 weeks.

“Travelers can select their travel dates, book tickets, and pay a small deposit upfront, with the remaining balance spread across weekly or monthly payments,” she said.

“This approach offers a stress-free way for families and large groups to secure their tickets early, helping them avoid last-minute price hikes as fares are locked in.

“By partnering with Flexpay, we’re giving travelers the flexibility to budget for their trips in advance. This initiative aligns with our mission to make travel accessible to everyone, providing a solution that meets customers where they are financially,” said Kabra.

Also speaking at the event, Richard Machomba, CEO and founder of Flexpay, said:

“Flexpay’s mission is to empower individuals by providing accessible financial solutions that make it easier for them to achieve their financial goals.

“By partnering with BuuPass, we’re making travel more accessible and stress-free for Kenyans, especially during the holiday season when expenses can be overwhelming,” Machomba added.

Founded in 2016 by Kabra and Wyclife Omondi, BuuPass is a B2B2C mobility marketplace that enables users to search, compare, and book travel tickets via web, app, or USSD, while its SaaS platform helps bus operators manage their operations, inventory, and sales.

FlexPay, on the other hand, is an online and offline payment gateway that allows merchants to offer interest-free targeted savings to their customers in Africa.

Tech

DR Congo sues tech giant Apple over illegal mineral exploitation

Published

3 days ago

December 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has filed a criminal case against the European subsidiaries of tech giant, Apple, accusing them of illegal mineral exploitation and allegedly using “blood minerals” in its supply chain.

In the suit filed on Tuesday, the DRC alleges that Apple has bought contraband supplies from the country’s conflict-ladden east and Rwanda, zones in which it allege the materials are mined illegally and then integrated into global supply chains before ending up in tech devices.

The DRC suit specifically mentioned Apple subsidiaries in France and Belgium, accusing the tech giant of using conflict minerals in its supply chain.

The DRC is a major source of tin, tantalum, and tungsten which are used in electronic devices, with some mines controlled by armed groups responsible for human rights violations.

International lawyers representing the African country’s government have accused Apple’s local subsidiaries of taking these minerals from conflict areas and laundering them through international supply chains, with one lawyer telling journalists that Belgium had a moral duty to act given its history of exploiting the country’s resources under colonial rule.

However, in its response, Apple claims it conducts supplier audits and does not directly source primary minerals.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1262670-dr-congo-sues-apple-over-alleged-illegal-mineral-exploitation