Tech

UK-Kenya Tech Hub launches digital toolkit to help African entrepreneurs access markets

Published

2 months ago

September 30, 2024

The UK and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), in conjunction with the UK-Kenya Tech Hub, has launched a digital toolkit aimed at helping entrepreneurs access markets in the Kenyan, Nigerian, and South African markets.

The toolkit, which was launched in Nairobi on Monday, was developed following a study that was aimed at understanding the practical requirements for startups to enter the three markets.

Jordan Kyongo, Head of East Africa Research and Innovation Hub at the British High Commission in Nairobi, stated that the digital toolkit contained outputs, tools, and guides that would be useful for entrepreneurs looking to enter each of the target countries and markets.

“This exercise was critical in understanding the requirements for entrepreneurs to enter different markets in the region. We are confident that this digital toolkit will be an instrument in growing Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” Kyongo said.

“It is a user-friendly guide that consolidates all the requirements required to enter the three markets highlighted above and eases the market entry process.

“This study and the digital toolkit were developed following a growing challenge to market access by entrepreneurs not only in Kenya but also throughout the African continent.

“The existence of different regulatory requirements, certifications, tariffs, and other barriers mean that even if entrepreneurs are successful at selling products in one country, they would still need to get 55 different licenses to operate in the 55 other countries. In addition to the actual cost of licenses, there’s a lack of clarity on what entrepreneurs need to do to expand into other markets.

“The toolkit has been validated through a series of feedback sessions to support the refinement. It also provides a model to approach future work in other target countries across Africa and acts as a basis to create a vibrant startup ecosystem across the continent.

“It is critical in addressing social inclusion and equity issues—such as gender equality—affecting the different focus sectors and countries within the entrepreneurial space.”

Related Topics:Featured PriceWaterCoopers Tech UK-Kenya Tech Hub

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Tech

Ghana partners with The Gambia to provide free roaming services

Published

2 days 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

3 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.