Tech

Moroccan agri-tech startup YoLa Fresh raises $7m funding for fresh food supply network

Published

6 months ago

June 3, 2024

Moroccan agri-tech startup, YoLa Fresh, has announced securing a $7 million pre-Series A funding round to help it expand its fresh food supply network across the north African region.

According to co-founder and CEO, Larbi Alaoui Belrhiti, the funding round was led by Al Mada Ventures, with participation from Algebra Ventures, E3 Capital, Janngo Capital, and FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank.

“We have achieved remarkable traction and demonstrated product-market fit in less than one year, reinforcing the effectiveness of our innovative business model, which this funding round recognises and supports,” he said.

“With this funding, we’ll expand our logistics network, bolster our technology, and empower more farmers to deliver high-quality produce directly to consumers.

“As the agricultural sector continues its transition to digital supply chain technologies, we believe that Yola Fresh is well placed to offer real added value to its customers, while having a positive impact on the entire ecosystem.

Co-founder, Youssef Mamou, who also spoke on the funding round, said YoLa Fresh has developed a platform that connects farmers directly with retailers and food service companies.

“The company utilises cutting-edge technology, the company tracks produce from farm to retail, ensuring transparency and minimising waste.

“YoLa Fresh aims to expand beyond Morocco to become a leading player in Africa’s agri-tech space, tackling food security challenges and fostering economic growth across the continent,” Mamou said.

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Tech

Ghana partners with The Gambia to provide free roaming services

Published

16 hours 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

2 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.