Tech

Egypt’s climate action accelerator Athar graduates 5th cohort of green entrepreneurs

Published

2 months ago

September 19, 2024

Egypt-based climate action accelerator, Athar, has marked the graduation of the fifth cohort of its ‘Climate Action Accelerator Programme’ for green entrepreneurs.

The accelerator programme, which was in conjunction with DFC, a startup that aims to develop solar-powered mobile charging stations for electric vehicles, saw the graduands going home with prices up to EGP150,000 ($3,000), and was funded by the Embassy of Finland in Cairo and Hivos, and in partnership with Creativa Innovation Hubs in Upper Egypt.

Shoaib Elqady, the CEO of Athar Accelerator who spoke at the graduation ceremony, said:

“These founders are not only creating solutions to some of our most pressing environmental challenges but are also laying the groundwork for sustainable economic development in Egypt and the wider region. Their success is a testament to the growing importance of climate action in the startup ecosystem.

“We’ve seen a diversity of startups, ranging from those with high growth potential to small and medium enterprises. It is essential to continue supporting these businesses while recognising their differences as they reach their next milestones.

“Not all startups are suitable for venture capital funding, but we need to introduce new funding models that can cater to their unique needs, ensuring they thrive long-term,” he said.

The fifth edition of the programme ended with a demo day held in Minya, Upper Egypt, where 10 startups from Upper Egypt presented their solutions, addressing vital sectors such as eco-friendly biopesticides, renewable energy, organic fertilisers and sustainable furniture.

The winning startup was DFC, which is developing solar-powered mobile charging stations for electric vehicles, and took home the grand price of $3,000.

Other well-performing participants included Fertical, which is utilising beneficial microbes to produce eco-friendly biopesticides and biofertilisers, and Vermi Valley, which is turning livestock and plant waste into nutrient-rich compost.

In addition to the startup pitches, the event also featured the launch of the “Green Manifesto”, a declaration of principles and dedication to supporting overlooked founders in green sectors across Upper Egypt and other underserved regions.

“The manifesto emphasises the need to empower local entrepreneurs, recognise the diversity of startups, and build sustainable communities that foster long-term growth and innovation,” the Athar CEO said.

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Tech

Fintech startup DigMo launched in Zambia to gamify financial planning

Published

15 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Isaac Dachen

DigMo, a gamified fintech startup which helps users to build wealth tools from low to middle-income earners, has been launched in Zambia.

CEO of the DigMo Group, Sylvia Brune, who made the announcement, says the platform which is licensed by the Bank of Zambia to operate a wallet, offers a secure, free digital money account with a special account for users to play a financial planning game which incentivises customers to get started putting money away for the future.

“By giving customers the chance to win big rewards, DigMo is encouraging sustainable habits,” said Brune.

She stated that with an initial rollout in Zambia, DigMo wallet’s first offering, Save to Win, will make putting money away regularly, easy and rewarding with no fixed costs or fees.

“DigMo Save to Win allows users to start with small amounts – from just ZMW10 (US$0.37) – for the chance to win prizes of up to ZMW500,000 (US$19,000).

“We are committed to financial planning innovation for low and middle-income earners across Africa. To achieve this meaningful impact, we approach this like a game studio – where we constantly create and test many new products until we find those with an outsized impact,” Brune said.

“If we just take existing products and make them more affordable or accessible, it is unlikely that we can dramatically change behaviours.

“To succeed, we have engaged directly with users, observing and learning from them to develop DigMo, a solution that will dramatically improve their financial well-being and meet their unique needs,” she added.

Tech

Kenya’s startup BuuPass partners with GiftPesa to launch digital travel vouchers

Published

2 days ago

November 23, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Kenyan digital ticketing and transportation management solutions startup, BuuPass, has entered into a partnership with fintech company, GiftPesa, to introduce digital travel vouchers ahead of the holiday season.

In a statement by BuuPass cofounder and CEO, Sonia Kabra, the move will offer a more flexible and convenient way for Kenyans to manage and gift travel arrangements during the bustling holiday period.

“We’ve noticed a growing demand for digital solutions in the travel industry, especially during peak periods like the holiday season,” said Kabra.

“This partnership with GiftPesa enhances the travel experience for our customers, offering them a convenient way to send travel tickets as gifts and have a safety net for unconfirmed travel dates.

“Unlike traditional paper vouchers that can expire or get lost, GiftPesa vouchers are valid for 12 months and can be redeemed in parts at over 3,000 outlets across the country.

“This flexibility allows recipients to use the vouchers for multiple trips or select their preferred destination, making travel more accessible,” she added.

Founded in 2016 by Kabra and Wyclife Omondi, BuuPass is a leading 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.

GiftPesa, on the other hand, is a fintech startup that provides businesses and individuals with a platform for creating digital vouchers.

The partnership between the two companies will introduce digital travel vouchers, helping users manage and gift travel arrangements during the bustling holiday period.