- Terrafy has digitized more than 20,000 rural land parcels in Kenya and says it has facilitated thousands of loans and insurance policies.
- The startup combines geospatial intelligence, land verification and monitoring tools to create digital land passports for financial institutions.
- The company aims to improve access to credit, insurance and carbon finance by transforming undocumented rural land into verifiable financial assets.
A Kenyan startup has developed a digital platform that aims to help small and medium-sized enterprises secure financing by turning rural land into bankable assets. Terrafy, a digital solution launched in Nairobi in 2026 by Victor Shikoli, seeks to transform Africa's rural land into financial assets that lenders and other institutions can recognize. The company develops a platform that combines field data, geospatial intelligence, verification tools and monitoring systems to generate land data that financial institutions can use for lending and risk assessment.
Terrafy built its platform to address a longstanding challenge across Africa. Large portions of rural land remain poorly documented or digitized, which limits smallholder farmers' access to credit, insurance and climate finance. Banks and other financial institutions often struggle to assess lending risks because they lack reliable information on rural land holdings.
Terrafy responds to this challenge by digitizing and certifying agricultural land parcels to create what it describes as "institutional-grade assets." The platform assigns each parcel a digital passport that includes verified land ownership, geographic and historical data. The company says it has already digitized more than 20,000 rural land parcels in Kenya and facilitated the issuance of thousands of loans and insurance policies.
The platform integrates several complementary modules. TerraVal uses artificial intelligence to estimate land values, while TerraCarbon connects farmers with carbon credit markets. Additional tools provide land monitoring through Internet of Things (IoT) devices and parametric insurance solutions that automatically trigger compensation when predefined conditions occur.
Unlike many agricultural fintech companies, Terrafy does not issue loans or sell insurance products directly. Instead, the startup positions itself as a trusted infrastructure provider for banks, insurers, agricultural cooperatives and climate finance organizations.
The company ultimately aims to establish rural land as a recognized financial asset capable of expanding financial inclusion for millions of small-scale producers across Africa.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J. A de Berry Quenum
- Madagascar has launched a public digital agriculture infrastructure and three digital services to improve farmers' access to market, weather and advisory information.
- The initiative forms part of a broader national digital agriculture roadmap supported by the World Bank and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
- Agriculture accounts for nearly 30% of Madagascar's GDP, around 40% of export earnings and supports about 70% of the country's workforce, according to the World Bank.
Madagascar has launched a public digital agriculture infrastructure and three initial digital services for farmers. Officials unveiled the initiative on Tuesday, June 30, during a workshop in Antananarivo dedicated to developing the country's national digital agriculture roadmap.
The Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Livestock and the Ministry of Digital Development organized the event with support from the World Bank through the Korea-World Bank Partnership Facility (KWPF).
The initiative centers on a public digital agriculture infrastructure designed to ensure interoperability and data sovereignty across the agriculture, livestock and fisheries sectors. Authorities also introduced three digital services. The first service establishes a national registry of agricultural producers that will serve as a unified database of farmers. The second service combines an agricultural commodity price monitoring system with a weather alert platform that delivers real-time updates. The third service provides a digital agricultural advisory platform that offers recommendations tailored to farmers' crops, geographic locations and local climate conditions.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, these tools aim to improve farmers' access to market information, support crop management decisions and strengthen their ability to anticipate climate-related risks.
Authorities selected three companies to develop the solutions under the supervision of technical adviser NextA. Meanwhile, the government has launched similar projects in the livestock sector, including the digitalization of beehives and digital health monitoring systems for cattle.
The digital initiative comes as agriculture continues to play a central role in Madagascar's economy. According to the World Bank, the sector contributes nearly 30% of GDP, generates about 40% of export revenue and provides livelihoods for approximately 70% of the country's workforce. However, low productivity, limited access to agricultural services and high exposure to climate shocks continue to hamper the sector's development.
International institutions increasingly view digital technologies as a critical tool for improving agricultural productivity, expanding market access and strengthening food security.
The launch of the new services forms part of Madagascar's broader strategy to digitize its agricultural sector. The country has worked for several years with partners including the World Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to develop a national digital agriculture roadmap.
The roadmap aims to strengthen agricultural data infrastructure, improve digital governance across the sector and support the large-scale deployment of digital services that benefit farmers.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J. A de Berry Quenum
- Taaply has built an integrated platform that combines digital identity, communications, payments and business management services.
- The startup serves individuals, businesses and public institutions through smart digital identity solutions and administrative tools.
- Founder Lekel Asonganyi transitioned from an international finance career to launch Taaply in 2019.
Cameroonian entrepreneur Lekel Asonganyi an economist and technology entrepreneur, founded and now serves as chief executive of Taaply Group. The startup, which launched in 2019, aims to centralize and simplify essential digital services for individuals, businesses and public institutions.
Taaply has built its innovation around a single integrated ecosystem. The platform combines digital identity, communication, payment and business management tools. By eliminating technological silos, the company enables professionals and merchants to strengthen their online presence, modernize customer engagement and support business growth.
Among its flagship products, Taaply offers smart business cards and connected identity solutions that enable users to share professional and personal contact information instantly, transforming traditional networking practices.
In addition to serving private-sector clients, the startup also provides tailored digital tools for public institutions. These solutions help modernize administrative processes and improve service delivery for citizens.
From International Finance to African Technology
Lekel Asonganyi built his career in international finance before entering the technology sector. He earned a master's degree in economics from the University of Dundee in Scotland in 2012. He began his banking career in 2008 at the Bank of Scotland, where he advanced from customer adviser to bank branch manager.
In 2015, Asonganyi joined Progressive Insurance as a claims specialist. He later strengthened his expertise in wealth management by serving as a financial adviser at Merrill Lynch between 2018 and 2019. He subsequently leveraged his experience in finance to launch Taaply Group, positioning the company to support the next generation of Africa's digital ecosystem.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J. A de Berry Quenum
- TechnoCongo provides digital transformation services, including artificial intelligence, data management and custom software development, for local businesses.
- The company has supported enterprise modernization since its launch in 2014 by developing tailored digital solutions.
- Co-founder and CEO Jean-Marc Kabunda built his expertise through careers in statistics, risk analysis and database development across Europe before returning to the Congolese technology sector.
Congolese entrepreneur Jean-Marc Kabunda, a mathematician and technology entrepreneur, co-founded TechnoCongo and serves as its chief executive officer. The company specializes in digital transformation consulting and implementation services.
Founded in 2014, TechnoCongo has positioned itself as a technology partner for local businesses. The company develops custom applications, designs websites and deploys data management tools that support business decision-making and operational modernization.
Beyond traditional digital infrastructure, TechnoCongo integrates artificial intelligence into clients' operations to improve efficiency. The company also provides expertise in risk management, computer networking, market research and survey implementation.
Academic and Professional Background
Jean-Marc Kabunda built his multidisciplinary expertise through advanced academic training and international professional experience. He earned a bachelor's degree in pure and applied mathematics from Pierre and Marie Curie University in France in 2009. He subsequently obtained a master's degree in statistics from the same institution in 2011.
Kabunda began his career in 2010 as a data processing officer at Synovate, a market research company. He completed an internship as a statistician at the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) in 2011 before joining financial services group Cofidis in 2012 as a preventive risk analyst.
Before dedicating himself fully to the Congolese technology ecosystem, Kabunda also strengthened his technical expertise as a database developer. In 2013, he worked on database development projects for BNP Paribas Fortis in Belgium.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J. A de Berry Quenum
Nigerian startup Siiqo launched a Telegram-based social commerce platform last week to help merchants boost sales. Rather than building a traditional mobile app, the startup enables vendors to set up online storefronts, manage orders, and accept secure payments without leaving Telegram. The platform also includes an escrow system to protect buyers and sellers against fraud.
The Wetech Foundation and the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub have launched an eight-week mentorship program for 25 female founders. Called the PitchHer Investment Readiness Program, the free initiative aims to equip participants with the skills and confidence needed to attract investors. At the end of the program, the top six finalists will compete in a pitch competition for approximately 8.5 million nairas (more than $6,000) in funding. Online registration is open through Friday, July 10.
Fuspay has opened applications for its Bankiffy accelerator program, aimed at aspiring fintech founders across Africa. Over four weeks, participants will receive up to $100,000 in support, including technical infrastructure, regulatory guidance, professional services, and training. The program is designed to help founders transform their ideas into operational, compliant financial products. Applications are open online until July 31.
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Tanzanian physician and entrepreneur Ali Khatau co-founded LyfPlus in 2022 to help hospitals and clinics deliver telemedicine services.
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The platform combines remote consultations, e-prescriptions, pharmacy management, digital patient records and appointment scheduling into a single system.
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Khatau previously founded DarEquip, ElimuTanzania and the SukariCare Foundation, while building a medical career in Tanzania's healthcare sector.
Tanzanian physician and serial entrepreneur Ali Khatau serves as co-founder and chief medical officer of LyfPlus, a health technology startup that helps local healthcare providers accelerate their digital transformation. Founded in 2022, LyfPlus enables hospitals and clinics to offer remote medical consultations through a digital platform.
The platform expands healthcare access for patients living in remote areas or facing mobility constraints by eliminating the need for long and costly journeys to healthcare facilities. Through an intuitive interface, patients schedule appointments online, consult healthcare professionals through video calls and receive digital prescriptions directly after their consultations.
Beyond telemedicine, LyfPlus integrates a pharmacy management module that allows hospitals to generate secure electronic prescriptions. Patients can then order prescribed medicines and receive home deliveries. For healthcare providers, the platform centralizes medical histories within a single shared patient record. This integrated information flow improves continuity of care and strengthens operational efficiency across medical teams.
The application also addresses overcrowded waiting rooms. Its real-time scheduling system streamlines patient queues and improves the overall experience within healthcare facilities.
Strong Academic Background and Healthcare Experience
Ali Khatau began his entrepreneurial journey in 2016 when he launched DarEquip, a medical equipment supplier, and ElimuTanzania, a secondary education platform. More recently, he founded the SukariCare Foundation in 2023 to combat diabetes. He led the organization until February 2026.
Khatau supports his entrepreneurial work with a strong academic background. He earned a medical degree from Hubert Kairuki Memorial University in Tanzania in 2019. He later completed two master's degrees in the United Kingdom in 2025: a Master's in Diabetes from the University of Wales and a Master's in International Public Health from Liverpool John Moores University.
Khatau also built extensive clinical experience before launching LyfPlus. He started his medical career as an intern at Aga Khan Hospital in Dar es Salaam before joining Apollo Medical Centre in Dar es Salaam in 2021. He served as both general practitioner and administrator at Apollo Medical Centre until 2024. Between 2022 and 2023, he also chaired the hospital's management team.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J. A de Berry Quenum
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Mali has launched a new digital platform to centralize health information and services through the Ministry of Health and Social Development.
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The portal provides institutional information, geolocation of healthcare and administrative facilities, and access across computers, smartphones and tablets.
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The initiative supports Mali's 2024–2028 National Digital Health Strategic Plan, which aims to strengthen health data systems, interoperability and digital healthcare services.
Improving access to public information has become a key pillar of digital health strategies across Africa. Mali has strengthened that effort by launching a digital platform that centralizes information and services provided by its Ministry of Health and Social Development.
The government has introduced the new platform as part of its broader effort to digitalize the country's healthcare system and improve citizens' access to health information while facilitating access to public health services. Available at https://www.sante.gov.ml/, the ministry's official portal centralizes institutional information and offers practical digital services, including the geolocation of healthcare facilities and administrative offices.
Beyond publishing institutional news, the platform integrates a geolocation system covering administrative services as well as hospitals and pharmaceutical facilities managed by the ministry.
The government designed the portal for access on computers, smartphones and tablets. The platform aims to improve public access to official information, strengthen government transparency and increase the visibility of health sector initiatives both nationally and internationally.
The launch forms part of Mali's broader digital transformation strategy for the healthcare sector. The government adopted the 2024–2028 National Digital Health Strategic Plan in 2024 to develop a digital ecosystem capable of improving the production and sharing of health data, strengthening health information systems and expanding access to healthcare services through digital technologies.
The strategy also prioritizes interoperability among digital platforms, stronger digital infrastructure and the development of digital skills for healthcare professionals.
The initiative addresses persistent challenges in healthcare governance and service delivery. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health information systems play a critical role in achieving universal health coverage by enabling policymakers and citizens to access reliable information that supports public policy decisions and improves the quality of care.
Across many African countries, governments continue to accelerate the digitalization of health administrations to improve service accessibility, strengthen governance and enhance the monitoring of healthcare policies. Through the new portal, Mali's Ministry of Health and Social Development now has an official digital channel for communicating with citizens, healthcare professionals, technical and financial partners, and the media.
The authorities have encouraged users to visit the platform regularly to follow ministry updates and access official information.
Samira Njoya
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Mauritania launched the digital platform “Mourchid” to centralize public employment, training and entrepreneurship programs for young people.
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The government aims to improve access to youth opportunities as unemployment among 15–24-year-olds stands at 22.9% in 2025, compared with an overall unemployment rate of 14.7%.
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Authorities plan to expand the platform into a single digital entry point for all youth-focused public services.
Mauritania has launched a new digital platform, Mourchid, to improve young people's access to public employment, vocational training and entrepreneurship support programs as the government seeks to strengthen the effectiveness of its youth employment policies.
Mohamed Abdallahi Ould Louly, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Employment, Sports and Civic Service, presented the initiative on Friday, June 26. The launch forms part of the government's broader strategy to digitalize public services and simplify access to employment opportunities for young Mauritanians.
Centralizing Youth Employment Services
The government designed Mourchid as a 24/7 online platform that users can access from any internet-connected device. The platform centralizes all programs managed by the ministry to increase their visibility and simplify access to information for beneficiaries.
According to the minister, "Mourchid" serves not only as an administrative portal but also as a guidance tool that helps young people build their professional and social careers. He said the platform aligns with the Mauritanian government's vision of placing youth at the center of the country's national development agenda.
The platform provides information on financing programs, employment and training opportunities, and several targeted initiatives. These initiatives include support programs for young talent, content creation competitions and recruitment programs for the public sector.
Addressing a Structural Youth Employment Challenge
The launch comes as Mauritania continues to face persistent challenges in integrating young people into the labor market.
The youth unemployment rate for people aged 15 to 24 stands at 22.9% in 2025, according to data compiled by the World Bank using International Labour Organization (ILO) modelled estimates. By comparison, the country's overall unemployment rate stands at 14.7%, highlighting a structural imbalance that disproportionately affects young job seekers.
Against this backdrop, the government has increasingly relied on the digitalization of employment services to improve information flows, reduce administrative barriers and strengthen the effectiveness of existing labor market programs.
A Tool for Inclusion and Centralized Opportunities
The government designed Mourchid to serve a broad range of young people, including students seeking training opportunities, recent graduates looking for their first jobs, entrepreneurs in rural areas and young people involved in creative industries or volunteer activities.
Authorities describe the platform as a centralized gateway that reduces the fragmentation of public youth programs while improving their accessibility. They also plan to add new services gradually so that Mourchid becomes the single entry point for all government initiatives targeting Mauritanian youth.
Samira Njoya
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Kenyan physician and entrepreneur Victor Kenneth Baraza founded Tawi Health in 2021 to expand healthcare access through digital services across Africa.
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The platform combines telemedicine, appointment management and healthcare supply services while supporting low-connectivity environments through phone, SMS and voice calls.
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Baraza holds a software engineering diploma from Holberton School and a bachelor's degree in medicine from the University of Nairobi.
Kenyan physician and entrepreneur Victor Kenneth Baraza has made expanding access to healthcare across Africa his mission. Through his startup, Tawi Health, he develops digital health solutions that reduce medical isolation, particularly in remote and underserved communities.
Founded in 2021, Tawi Health operates an intuitive digital platform that enables healthcare professionals to streamline appointment management and coordinate clinical activities more efficiently.
The platform also offers a highly secure telemedicine service that allows patients to consult healthcare providers remotely. As a result, patients reduce both travel requirements and transportation costs while maintaining access to medical care.
Moreover, Tawi Health has adapted its services for areas with limited internet connectivity. Users can access medical advice through standard phone calls, SMS messaging or voice calls without relying on continuous internet access. This approach broadens digital inclusion for underserved populations.
Beyond telemedicine, Tawi Health connects users with a broad network of local and international healthcare suppliers, simplifying access to medical products. The startup also manages delivery logistics and streamlines payment processes, thereby securing the entire purchasing journey for patients and healthcare providers.
Tawi Health also serves as a collaborative workspace for medical teams. The platform integrates document sharing, instant messaging, screen sharing and meeting recording features. These tools enable healthcare professionals to collaborate in real time and improve coordination across care teams.
Victor Kenneth Baraza earned a diploma in Software Engineering from Holberton School in the United States in 2022. He also graduated from the University of Nairobi in Kenya with a bachelor's degree in Medicine in 2024.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J. A de Berry Quenum
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Orange Morocco has partnered with Cash Plus to allow Orange Money users to make cash deposits and withdrawals across Cash Plus' nationwide network.
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Cash Plus will leverage its network of more than 5,200 service points, including nearly 23% in rural areas, while gradually distributing Orange Morocco's telecom products.
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The partnership comes as Morocco's mobile wallet market exceeded 13 million e-wallets at the end of 2024, intensifying competition in digital payments.
Orange Morocco and Cash Plus, a payment institution specializing in proximity financial services, announced the partnership on Monday, June 29. The agreement expands access to mobile financial services while integrating Orange Morocco's telecommunications offerings.
Under the agreement, Orange Money users can now deposit and withdraw cash at all Cash Plus service points across Morocco.
The partnership combines the strengths of both companies. Cash Plus operates more than 5,200 service points, with nearly 23% located in rural areas, providing Orange Money with broader geographic coverage. Customers complete transactions in real time by using their mobile phone numbers.
At the same time, Cash Plus will gradually begin selling Orange Morocco's telecommunications products through its agency network, allowing the operator to expand its distribution footprint beyond its branded retail stores.
The partnership comes as Morocco's digital payments market continues to expand. According to Bank Al-Maghrib, Morocco had more than 13 million electronic wallets (m-wallets) at the end of 2024. The market's growth has intensified competition among payment institutions and telecommunications operators, which continue to strengthen their physical service networks to facilitate cash deposits and withdrawals. These services remain a key driver of mobile financial services adoption.
The agreement extends Orange Money's expansion strategy in Morocco since the service launched in 2019, following its licensing approval from Bank Al-Maghrib. Since then, Orange Morocco has pursued partnerships to broaden the use cases of its mobile wallet. In 2025, the operator signed a partnership with Damane Cash, allowing customers to access Orange Money services and Orange telecom products through a network of more than 4,000 agencies.
Samira Njoya
Village Capital has awarded $500,000 in grants to 32 African startups tackling climate change. Implemented in partnership with Norway, the program supports projects focused on climate adaptation, food security, and renewable energy across five countries. The initiative aims to strengthen local startup ecosystems, making it easier for entrepreneurs to access global funding.
WhatsApp announced on Monday, June 29, the global rollout of its username feature, allowing users to connect without sharing their personal phone numbers. The update aims to enhance privacy, help reduce fraud, and simplify communication in large professional and community group chats.