Tech

Google announces 10 African startups for its accelerator programs

Published

2 months ago

July 30, 2024

Ten startups have been chosen by Google for its three-month virtual Africa Accelerator Program, which aims to help African startups use technology to address some of the most critical problems facing the region.

After reviewing close to 1,000 applications, the startups from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda were chosen, demonstrating exceptional talent and inventiveness within the African tech community.

The dominant search engine stated in a statement on Wednesday that African startups are essential to the continent’s technical advancement and economic growth.

According to Google, these firms are improving living conditions all around the continent and generating jobs at the same time by providing customized solutions to local problems.

As investment flows have slowed due to the present “funding winter” in Sub-Saharan Africa, the IT company stated that the tenacity and inventiveness of African entrepreneurs still shine.

“Since its inception in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program has supported 106 startups from 17 African countries.

“These startups have collectively raised over $263m and created more than 2,800 direct jobs, showcasing the program’s substantial impact on the African tech landscape,” the technology multinational stated.

The emphasis on artificial intelligence in this year’s cohort underscores the growing significance of cutting-edge technologies in tackling Africa’s most critical issues.

The eighth cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program is a pleasure to welcome, according to Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startups Programs for Google in Africa.

“These startups represent the future of African innovation, harnessing the power of technology to solve real-world problems and uplift their communities. We are committed to supporting these founders by providing them with the resources and mentorship they need to succeed and scale their solutions.”

The Google for Startups Accelerator Africa: Class 8 includes

CDIAL AI (Nigeria): Transforming multilingual communication across Africa with the power of artificial and collective intelligence.

Earthbond (Nigeria): Lighting up homes and businesses across Africa with affordable, reliable energy solutions, bolstered by carbon accounting and development finance.

Fixxr (South Africa): Putting car owners and businesses in the driver’s seat with transparent and convenient on-location vehicle maintenance and repair services.

Lifesten Health (Rwanda): Innovating health and wellness through cutting-edge screening and incentive-based programs focused on physical, mental, and nutritional health.

MyAIFactchecker (Nigeria): Equipping users with an AI-powered tool to combat misinformation and promote informed decision-making through fact-checking.

Nakili (Kenya): Bringing salons, barbershops, and spas into the digital age with a mobile-based app for streamlined management and enhanced customer experiences.

NextCounsel (Nigeria): Supercharging lawyer productivity with an AI-powered tool for contract management, solicitor engagement, compliance, and more.

Nobuk Africa (Kenya): Simplifying financial management for groups and collectives across Africa with a seamless platform for collecting funds, reconciling payments, and generating reports.

Rana Energy (Nigeria): Providing clean, reliable energy solutions to SMEs and communities through a data-driven ecosystem.

Triply (Kenya): Building Africa’s travel operating system, connecting travellers with seamless booking experiences and travel businesses with powerful management tools.

The ten startups will take part in a structured program from July 29 to September 20, 2024, to support their growth. According to Google, these firms will gain direct access to the knowledge of seasoned business owners and mentors who have completed the startup journey.

“They will engage in technical workshops to refine their products, hone their business strategies, and strengthen their leadership skills. The program will also prepare them to secure follow-on funding from Google’s global network of investors,” the statement highlighted.

In their quest to scale their solutions and make a bigger impact, these entrepreneurs’ enrollment in the accelerator program represents a critical milestone.

Related Topics:African Startups Featured Google

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Tech

Zambian neobank fintech Lupiya set to launch new debit card

Published

8 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Zambian neobank fintech, Lupiya, has entered into a partnership with leading enabler of digital commerce across Africa and the Middle East, Network International, to launch a new debit card.

The fintech which is active in Zambia and Tanzania and has plans to expand into other African countries is an AI-driven neobank driving financial inclusion through its online lending and digital payments platform.

Muchu Kaingu, CEO of Lupiya Pay, who made the announcement in a statement, said the new debit card was e-commerce enabled, together with 3D Secure and tokenisation.

“This will help diversify Lupiya’s value proposition to include not only simplified lending, but also digital payments to its existing and growing new customer base,” he said.

“At Lupiya, we are driven by the mission to revolutionise financial inclusion across Africa. Our partnership with Network International represents a significant leap forward in providing secure, accessible, and innovative digital financial solutions.

“By launching an e-commerce enabled debit card with 3D Secure and tokenisation, we are empowering individuals and businesses to participate in the digital economy more effectively.

“This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology that enhances convenience and security for our customers, while driving economic growth and financial independence across the continent,” Kaingu stated.

He added that the platform leverages alternative data and machine learning models to assess creditworthiness, enabling individuals and businesses traditionally excluded by banks to access both credit and secure payment services.

‘Lupiya offers a range of financial products, including personal loans, SME financing, and digital payments, and is now launching a debit card in partnership with Network, a digital payments company that serves governments, banks, public sector companies, fintechs, and merchants of all sizes. The company serves over 250 financial institutions and 130,000 merchants in more than 50 countries,” said Kaingu.

Tech

Five African female entrepreneurs make Visa’s She’s Next Programme final list

Published

1 day ago

September 17, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Five female African entrepreneurs have been pencilled down as finalists for the 2024 edition of the “Visa’s She’s Next Programme”, an initiative dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs across the continent.

Lineshree Moodley, Country Manager at Visa South Africa, said the She’s Next Programme, which is in partnership with Absa, is aimed at providing women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the resources, tools, and mentorship needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment.

“The programme aims to support women-owned small businesses through funding, training, and mentorship,” Moodley said in a statement.

She stated that the five finalists who will compete for the grand prize of over $56,000 worth of prize money are InoBiodiesel, Moli & Mela, Diamond Days, eFama App, and HVAC Partners.

“We are delighted to announce the finalists for this year’s She’s Next Programme. These remarkable women exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation that is vital for Africa’s economic future.

“At Visa, we are committed to supporting women-owned businesses by providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. Our partnership with Absa has been instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of this programme, and we are excited to see the incredible journeys of our finalists unfold. The winner of the 2024 She’s Next programme will be announced on September 19.

“In addition to the top five, another 25 SMEs will participate in an exclusively tailored capacity building and mentorship programme in partnership with Absa to further support and empower women entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level,” she added.