Tech

Young African tech-preneurs invited to apply for 2025 Anzisha Prize

Published

3 weeks ago

November 3, 2024

Young tech-preneurs in Africa have been extended an invitation to apply for the 2025 edition of the Anzisha Prize, which comes with mouthwatering offers such as access to benefits, services, and prize money.

The Anzisha Prize is delivered by African Leadership Academy in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, with the aim of increasing the number of job-generative entrepreneurs in Africa.

It is designed to accommodate 35 exceptional entrepreneurs aged between 15 and 22 who will be selected for a multi-year fellowship experience, during which fellows will receive business support including business coaching, experiential learning and resources to help them develop and scale their ventures.

According to the organizers, businesses that show exemplary growth and initiative will be rewarded with benefits and services such as short courses, cloud services and cash support.

“At the end of the second year, entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses and successes for a chance to win their share of prizes to the value of $50,000,” a statement by Didi Onwu, managing editor of the Anzisha Prize, said.

“The grand prizes are split into four categories – job creation, revenue growth, storytelling, and integrating systems and processes. At the end of the fellowship, the fellows will graduate and join the prestigious Anzisha Prize alumni network.

“This year, the Anzisha Prize is placing a special emphasis on green entrepreneurs. We are looking for passionate individuals who are tackling environmental challenges with innovative and sustainable business solutions,” said Onwu.

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Tech

Tanzania to host 6th Ocean Innovation Africa summit in February

Published

18 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.