Tech

SA logistics startups to present pitch at Last Mile Innovation Nexus event

Published

2 months ago

September 25, 2024

Logistics startups in South Africa will have the chance to present their pitch at the “Last Mile Innovation Nexus” event in Johannesburg on October 17 in front of more than 100 supply chain leaders.

The event, which will be hosted by FarEye in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), will provide South African logistics startups with a unique chance to forge connections with major companies such as Woolworths, Pick N Pay, Massmart, Homechoice, Clicks Group, Media24 and more.

Kushal Nahata, co-founder and CEO of FarEye in a statement, said the previous Last Mile Innovation Nexus Asia, hosted by FarEye in India in April, was a success, with startups seizing the opportunity to pitch live and network with global supply chain leaders.

“Now, for the first time, this pioneering platform is coming to South Africa. With major players like Amazon, Walmart, and Alibaba entering the market, the need for fast and efficient last-mile delivery solutions has never been greater,” Nahata said.

“The Last Mile Innovation Nexus will be a game-changer for South Africa, providing startups with access to top mentors, industry leaders, and investors.

“This dynamic platform will help co-create groundbreaking solutions and seize the opportunities in the thriving e-commerce landscape,” Nahata added.

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Tech

Tanzania to host 6th Ocean Innovation Africa summit in February

Published

24 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.