Tech

Morocco’s retail-tech startup Chari partners with Orange to digitise retailers

Published

2 weeks ago

November 8, 2024

Morocco’s retail-tech startup, Chari, has entered into partnership with telecoms giant, Orange Maroc, to boost the digital transformation of Moroccan neighbourhood retailers.

According to the CEO and co-founder of the startup, Ismael Belkhayat, through the partnership, Orange Maroc and Chari will offer Moroccan neighbourhood retailers tailored digital solutions, with Chari leveraging the distribution network of Dislog Group, its exclusive logistics partner.

“This collaboration will enhance retailers’ competitiveness by facilitating payments and accessing new financial services,” he said.

“The partnership will also support financial inclusion offering merchants and their customers innovative and secure payment solutions.

“The vast majority of Moroccan grocery stores already distribute services from the telecom operator Orange. This partnership with Orange will allow Chari to digitise the distribution process of these services by adding them to its eCommerce app.

“This will contribute to better training grocers in using digital tools and promoting their digital inclusion,” Belkhayat said.

Founded in 2020 by Belkhayat and his wife, Sophia, Chari allows traditional proximity store owners in Morocco to order products and have them delivered.

The platform has onboarded over 20,000 food businesses in Morocco, and expanded into Tunisia and Ivory Coast.

In 2023, the startup raised $1 million in funding from Orange Ventures, and has now deepened is relationship with the operator through this partnership with Orange Maroc.

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Tech

Tanzania to host 6th Ocean Innovation Africa summit in February

Published

15 hours 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.

Tech

Orange Egypt earmarks $52.7m to support African startups

Published

2 days ago

November 19, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Orange Egypt has earmarked the sum of $52.7 million to support African startups in what is going to be the largest investment to drive a youth-focused tech revolution.

According to the company, the mammoth investment will see over 40 startups benefitting from the funds, with most of them being Egyptian companies.

‘It’s a boost for Egypt’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and a step closer to cementing its spot as a top startup hub in Africa,” the company said in a statement.

The investment is coming on the heels of the telco signing a deal with the Egyptian government to roll out the second phase of its 5G licensing.

The statement noted that with Egypt’s startup game already strong and ranking as the third most funded country in the MENA region, “the numbers speak for themselves.”

“In 2022, Egyptian startups closed 143 funding deals worth nearly $766.7 million, outpacing the $606.79 million raised the year before.

“Plus over 2,100 startups employing more than 50,000 people, the country’s ecosystem is one of the top 10 emerging startup hubs globally.

“The Egyptian government is all in on this. And since launching initiatives like Egypt Ventures in 2017, they’ve been backing startups to drive innovation and growth in the tech space.

“Orange Egypt’s latest move only adds fuel to this already blazing fire, paving the way for more opportunities and a stronger startup culture across Africa,” it added.