Tech

Kenya’s cloud-based HR startup Workpay secures $5m funding to boost expansion drive

Published

3 months ago

September 1, 2024

Kenya’s cloud-based HR and payroll startup, Workpay, has announced securing $5 million in a Series A funding round that will enable it boost its expansion drive into more countries globally.

This funding round, according to the startup, was led by Norrsken22 with participation from notable investors such as Visa, Y Combinator, Saviu Ventures, Axian, Plug n Play, Verod-Kepple Africa Ventures, and Acadian Ventures, a firm that specializes in investing in the next generation of work technologies.

Confirming the development,
CEO and co-founder of Workpay,
Paul Kimani, said with the new funding, Workpay is strategically positioned to assist companies both within and outside the continent to pay their employees in compliance with local regulations while offering essential financial services to their workforce.

“Our objective is to become the preferred solution for employers and employees in managing HR, payroll, and work-related benefits.

“Our comprehensive knowledge of regulations across the African continent enables businesses operating in multiple countries to handle payroll and taxes through a single, integrated platform. This funding round will be crucial in helping Workpay achieve profitability, marking a significant milestone for our company.

“Workpay plans to utilize the funds raised to support its expansion across the continent and to enhance its financial services offerings.

“Businesses across Africa are navigating a complex employment landscape, characterized by diverse regulations, widely dispersed employees, and increasingly popular hybrid work environments.

“The platform offers a wide range of features, including payroll processing, time tracking, leave management, expense tracking, performance management, employee benefits administration, and Employer of Record (EOR) services.

“Managing payroll remains a time-consuming task for Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs), with around 80% still relying on manual processes using Excel and Google Sheets. Such methods are prone to errors, often resulting in financial losses, weak compliance, and potential penalties. Many SMBs lack the necessary resources to adopt or maintain complex payroll systems,” he said.

Related Topics:Expansion Featured Funding HR Kenya Workpay

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Tech

Ghana partners with The Gambia to provide free roaming services

Published

7 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

1 day 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.