Solutions (581)
Access to financing is a significant barrier to the expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa. In Nigeria, a startup has emerged to tackle this challenge, concentrating its efforts on the renewable energy industry.
Nigerian fintech startup PayHippo, founded in 2019 by Chioma Ruky Okotcha, Uche Nnadi, and Zach Bijesse, announced Wednesday it has rebranded as Rivy and the closing of a $4 million funding round.
Rivy will use the new capital to expand its offerings and increase its impact across Africa, focusing on providing tailored financing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and enhancing risk management through technology.
The Lagos-based company aims to streamline access to financing for African SMEs, particularly those in the renewable energy sector.
"Renewable energy is not just a necessity for today, but an investment in Africa’s future. With over 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lacking access to reliable electricity, clean energy solutions are crucial to driving economic growth, improving livelihoods, and combating climate change," said Dami Olawoye, Rivy's CEO.
Rivy leverages data analysis algorithms to assess company creditworthiness, offering loans without the stringent collateral requirements of traditional banks, enabling SMEs to secure funding quickly.
By integrating with various financial data sources, Rivy analyzes business transactions and cash flows in real-time, facilitating rapid credit decisions, customized loan structures, and flexible repayment options.
The startup reports over 5,000 users since its inception, more than $2 million disbursed in renewable energy financing, and over 36,000 loan transactions.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
In March 2025, the startup announced the successful completion of a funding round, although it did not disclose the amount. With the funds, it plans to support its growth in Africa and the Middle East.
Juridoc is a legal tech web platform aimed at simplifying access to legal resources. Launched by a Tunis-based startup in 2021, it offers a comprehensive database including legislation, case law, legal commentary, and legal monitoring.
Its intelligent search engine, powered by generative AI, enables legal professionals, businesses, and institutions to optimize their work by quickly accessing reliable and up-to-date information.
“We believe our solution meets an essential need for legal professionals not only in Tunisia and Senegal but also across West Africa and the Middle East. Our goal is to develop our expertise and bring significant added value to new users,” said the founder.
Also present in Senegal, Juridoc claims to host more than 252,000 documents, has completed 325,000 legal searches, and counts over 4,000 paying users. It is now looking to reach other international markets, and to support this expansion, it recently raised funds from 216 Capital and Go Big Partners.
The amount of the funding has not yet been disclosed. The funds will be used to improve Juridoc’s technological infrastructure, optimize the performance of its AI-based search engine, enrich its database with legal content tailored to the local specificities of new markets, and support its sales and marketing efforts to accelerate the platform’s adoption.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
In a world where purchasing power is often under pressure, access to flexible payment solutions has become a necessity. PayJustNow offers an innovative response in South Africa, allowing consumers to buy now and pay in three interest-free installments.
PayJustNow, a fintech solution developed by a South African startup, provides consumers with a straightforward way to manage their purchases by splitting the cost into three equal, interest-free installments. Founded in Cape Town in 2019 by Craig Newborn, Greg van der Riet, and Mark McChlery, the platform offers a flexible payment option for shoppers.
"PayJustNow is evolving from South Africa’s favourite BNPL provider, to a payment platform offering a full suite of credit options, and connecting South African consumers and retailers, providing a one-stop shopping experience," stated Dean Hyde, who assumed leadership of the startup in 2022 following its acquisition by Weaver Fintech, a Mauritius-based entity.
The PayJustNow solution is accessible through a mobile application available on both iOS and Android platforms, which has been downloaded over one million times, according to the Google Play Store. To utilize the service, users must be at least 18 years old, reside in South Africa, possess a valid debit or credit card, and have an active email address and mobile phone number. Once an account is approved, users can immediately begin shopping.
When selecting PayJustNow as a payment method, the total purchase amount is divided into three equal payments. The initial payment is made at the time of purchase, with the remaining two installments due over the subsequent two months. Importantly, the service operates without interest charges, and fees are only applied in the event of a late payment. This structure offers consumers an alternative to traditional credit options, making goods and services more accessible without immediate financial burden.
Merchants also benefit from integrating PayJustNow, typically experiencing increased sales and enhanced customer loyalty.
As of March 2025, the fintech solution has reached 2.5 million users and is integrated with over 3,000 businesses, spanning across 10,000 points of sale throughout South Africa.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by F eriol Bewa
Specializing in logistics optimization, the startup leverages AI to revolutionize logistics in Africa. In addition to Kenya, its country of origin, it has expanded to four other countries across the continent and plans further expansion in the coming months.
Kenyan startup Leta provides an e-logistics solution leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline delivery operations for businesses across Africa. The platform optimizes delivery routes, offers real-time shipment tracking, simplifies payments, and transforms shipping data into actionable insights for its users.
Founded in 2022 by Nick Joshi, the Nairobi-based company has recently secured $5 million in a seed funding round in March 2025. The investment was led by Speedinvest, with participation from Google’s Africa Investment Fund and Equator, a climate-focused venture capital fund operating in Africa. This capital injection is earmarked to enhance Leta's product offerings and solidify its position as a leading logistics technology platform for businesses across the continent. The company also intends to expand its footprint into strategic markets within Africa, including Rwanda and Mauritius.
Leta distinguishes itself through its software-centric model, which avoids the complexities of asset ownership or aggregation. Instead, the company partners with existing fleet owners, providing them with the technology to enhance their operational efficiency and optimize vehicle utilization. This approach contrasts with many other African logistics startups that have adopted a more asset-intensive model, often facing operational hurdles.
The startup is also exploring the integration of financial services to further support businesses. These include initiatives such as fuel cards for delivery partners, asset financing for vehicles and devices, and supply chain financing for fast-moving consumer goods merchants. These offerings aim to create additional growth opportunities for businesses throughout the African continent.
Since its inception, Leta reports having facilitated over 4.5 million deliveries, transported 150,000 tons of goods, and managed a network of 7,400 vehicles. Currently operating in Uganda, Nigeria, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, the company collaborates with prominent industry players such as KFC, East African Breweries Limited (EABL), Fargo Courier, and Gilani’s, helping these organizations to reduce operational costs and improve overall efficiency in their logistics operations.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
With its web and mobile platforms, this startup aims to automate retail in Nigeria. Ultimately, it seeks to transform how African SMEs manage their business operations.
Nigerian startup Bumpa provides a comprehensive mobile-based e-commerce solution designed to empower entrepreneurs with a suite of digital tools to manage and grow their businesses. The platform enables users to effortlessly create online storefronts, manage inventory, process payments, and analyze sales data directly from their mobile devices.
Founded in 2021 by Kelvin Umechukwu and the late Adetunji Opayele, who tragically passed away earlier this month, the Lagos-based company aims to streamline the operational challenges faced by small businesses.
Bumpa offers a quick and easy way for entrepreneurs to establish an online presence, expanding their reach to a wider customer base through instant website creation. The platform also provides real-time inventory tracking, helping businesses minimize potential losses. Furthermore, it supports both local and international payment processing, allowing businesses to accept payments in both Nigerian naira and US dollars.
"We’re trying to solve the inefficiencies small businesses face, because most of them have operated in a black hole for a very long time. They don’t have enough data or information on what’s going on, what’s being sold, and how their products are being sold," Kelvin Umechukwu explained to TechCrunch in 2022.
The Bumpa dashboard provides entrepreneurs with valuable insights into their business performance, including profit margins, average customer spending, and top-selling products, enabling data-driven decision-making.
While a comprehensive suite of features is available through an annual subscription of 150,000 naira (approximately $98), the startup also offers a free plan and other subscription options to cater to various business needs.
In October 2022, Bumpa secured $4 million in a funding round led by Base10 Partners, with participation from investors including Plug & Play Ventures, SHL Capital, Magic Fund, and FirstCheck Africa. This investment has supported the expansion of the team, the improvement of internal processes, and the overall growth of the startup.
Beyond its web platform, Bumpa also offers a user-friendly mobile application available on both iOS and Android devices, which has already garnered over 100,000 downloads on the Google Play Store, indicating strong adoption among its target audience.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
By combining modern technology with an understanding of African market dynamics, this startup aims to empower local entrepreneurs, drive innovation, and create sustainable economic opportunities.
Kola Market is an online marketplace developed by a Ghanaian startup, providing local entrepreneurs with digital tools to optimize business operations and increase profitability.
Founded in 2021 by Marie-Reine Seshie, the startup operates from Newark, United States, and Accra, Ghana.
Kola Market serves as a platform for businesses to sell inventory through efficient online sales channels, increasing visibility and commercial opportunities. The marketplace offers advanced analytics tools, enabling users to access real-time stock level information, identify best-selling products, and analyze customer purchasing trends for strategic decision-making.
The marketplace addresses challenges faced by African small and medium-sized enterprises in the commerce sector, including overstocking, order forecasting, and stock alignment. It automates the ordering process, reducing human errors and ensuring product availability. The platform utilizes artificial intelligence to align stock levels with demand, minimizing losses.
The platform is accessible through a mobile application available on iOS and Android, with more than 1,000 downloads, according to Play Store data. In April 2024, the startup was selected, along with two other startups, to receive $200,000 in pre-seed funding from Madica, an Africa-focused investment program. The funding will enable the marketplace to test new features and expand operations.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
Orange, a leading telecommunications provider in Madagascar, is expanding its efforts to enhance user experience. The company is launching a new strategic application within the mobile money sector.
Orange Madagascar introduced Orange Money Pro, a mobile application for merchants and distributors, on Tuesday, March 18, aiming to streamline financial transaction management and enhance the mobile money experience for professionals.
The new application offers faster transaction processing and features tailored to merchants' needs, including real-time transaction tracking, payment management, and improved financial flow visibility.
For distributors, Orange Money Pro simplifies point-of-sale management, banking connections, and access to customer support. Merchants can utilize QR code payments and generate remote payment links. The application, currently available exclusively on Android, has been downloaded more than 10,000 times, according to Google Play Store statistics.
Amidst the growing digitization of payments in Africa and the rise of mobile money, Orange seeks to bolster financial inclusion and simplify business operations. With Orange Money Pro, the French operator is strengthening its position in Madagascar's mobile money sector and may eventually offer advanced financial services to businesses, such as credit solutions or integrated accounting management. Depending on the app's success in Madagascar, expansion to other markets could follow.
However, adoption may be hindered by factors such as internet access rates, which stood at 32.57% in 2023 according to the regulator, merchants' digital literacy, and compatibility with other financial services. These are challenges that Malagasy authorities are working to address.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
The startup aims to drive financial inclusion in Egypt by offering user-friendly and secure digital payment solutions. Their platform streamlines transactions for millions, accelerating the country's shift towards a digital economy.
Basata Pay is an Egyptian e-payment gateway that links service providers, merchants, and consumers across the country.
Founded in 2009 through the merger of Bee and Masary, the Cairo-based company is now led by Chief Executive Officer Karim Shehata, who took the helm in 2022.
"Basata offers a secure and user-friendly financial payment system, integrating fintech solutions to connect service providers, merchants, and consumers. This innovative platform serves over 40 million users in Egypt, leveraging a network of 150,000 points of sale nationwide," the platform indicates on its website.
Through Basata Pay, users can conveniently pay phone bills, renew internet subscriptions, and settle payments for a range of public and private services, including electricity, water, school fees, transportation, and online gaming.
Spanning all 27 of Egypt's governorates, the service's extensive network of over 150,000 points of sale enables users to easily top up their e-wallets and make payments. Recharge options include Mastercard, Visa, and Meeza.
The company also offers a mobile application, available on iOS, AppGallery (Huawei), and Android, which has been downloaded more than 10,000 times on the Google Play Store, according to the platform. Users can access Basata Pay's services by creating a simple account.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
As digital innovation gradually transforms Africa’s agricultural sector, Kilimo Bando is emerging as an appealing option for Tanzanian farmers.
Bizy Tech, a Tanzanian startup founded in 2015 by Mahmoud Shoo, has developed Kilimo Bando, an agritech solution aimed at improving resource and market access for local farms, thereby boosting productivity and profitability.
The Dar es Salaam-based company designed the service to address key challenges faced by Tanzanian farmers, including limited access to quality inputs, financing, and market opportunities. Its mobile application, currently available only on Android, has been downloaded over a hundred times, according to Play Store data. An intuitive interface allows users to connect directly with certified seed and fertilizer suppliers.
"We identified inefficiencies in access to quality inputs, timely financing, and reliable market linkages for over nine million smallholder farmers in Tanzania. Current solutions lack integration and scalability, making our platform uniquely positioned to fill this gap," said Rahim Shoo, head of product development and business operations at the startup.
Kilimo Bando integrates secure digital payment solutions, facilitating transactions and strengthening financial inclusion for farmers. It also offers several additional features, including Kilimo Akiba, which helps users save within the formal banking system to finance essential services during planting seasons.
Kilimo Bima is an insurance service covering crops, health, life, and equipment, with a particular focus on protecting harvests from disasters or other production disruptions. Kilimo Mkopo provides farmers with loans to invest in and enhance their productivity. Meanwhile, Kilimo Bora trains small-scale farmers in agronomy and soil management to improve crop quality. Kilimo Bando also offers real-time information on weather conditions and best agricultural practices.
The startup claims more than four million registered farmers and over 5,600 merchants. By integrating digital tools into the agricultural value chain, it is helping to modernize Tanzanian agriculture, promote the adoption of sustainable practices, and improve farmers’ resilience to climate and economic challenges.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
In Fang, one of Gabon’s lingua francas, Ekena means travel. It points to the startup’s mission of simplifying travel procedures within Gabon for locals and foreign tourists.
Ekena is a Gabonese web application launched in 2022 to simplify domestic travel by offering online ticket purchases for boat, train, and road transportation, according to its founders, Teddy Mba Edou and Vilia Mbinda Moussadji.
The Libreville-based startup aims to alleviate the challenges faced by working professionals who previously had to interrupt their schedules to buy tickets in person. "This application was created because we made an observation: in Gabon, it is very difficult for professionals and active individuals to constantly put their activities on hold to physically go to an agency to buy a transport ticket," Teddy Mba Edou told We Are Tech Africa.
Ekena’s user-friendly platform allows travelers to input their desired travel details into a search form, select their preferred travel option, provide necessary information, and complete payment via PayPal, mobile money, or bank transfer. The service also provides detailed information on the products and services offered by various partner transportation companies.
Upon successful transaction, users receive an email with a download link for their tickets, which can be printed or stored on a mobile device. Notably, Ekena does not require prior user registration.
The platform currently allows the purchase of up to five tickets per transaction, which may present a limitation for larger groups. However, with ongoing enhancements and adaptations to user feedback, Ekena is poised to become a significant player in Gabon’s mobility sector.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
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In South Africa, Kazang is establishing itself as a key driver for modernizing payments and improving the fluidity of commercial transactions while strengthening the financial autonomy of small businesses.
Kazang is a fintech solution developed by a South African startup, offering a mobile application that enables users to conduct various transactions, including bill payments, airtime purchases, money transfers, and digital service top-ups.
Led by Martin Wright, the Cape Town-based startup aims to address the needs of both shop owners and their communities. "We understand the unique needs of both shop owners and the vibrant communities they serve, and we are here to bridge the gap with innovative solutions.We provide shop owners with a single handheld device that opens doors to new revenue streams and transforms their shops into hubs of opportunity," the company states on its LinkedIn page.
The Kazang solution features a mobile application available on iOS and Android, with over 100,000 downloads. Users create an account using a valid South African phone number and complete registration through customer service. They can then fund their Kazang wallet via local bank transfers or instant transfers.
Designed to operate in areas with limited banking infrastructure, Kazang facilitates electronic transactions, reducing reliance on cash and securing payments. This allows small merchants to diversify their revenue streams.
Kazang also operates in Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia, extending its fintech solutions across Southern Africa.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
While financial inclusion remains a challenge in Africa, this Moroccan startup offers a solution tailored to small businesses. It positions itself as an effective alternative to optimize their financial management.
Konta is a fintech solution developed by Moroccan startup Kontatech to streamline financial management for small businesses.
Founded in 2019 by Issam Dahman, El Arbi Aboussoror, and Mehdi Zirari, the Casablanca-based startup aims to simplify financial operations for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small businesses.
“Our platform allows you to automate all your supplier invoice processing procedures. Thanks to our integration options with your accounting system, your expenses are constantly updated and easily accessible. You can control your outgoing cash flows and ensure compliance with your supplier accounts,” the company explains.
Konta offers a mobile payment account that enables users to manage financial transactions seamlessly. From its web platform, users can receive payments, make transfers, and track finances in real-time, providing an alternative to traditional banking systems often perceived as complex and ill-suited to their needs.
The solution incorporates artificial intelligence to assist users, eliminating the need for manual invoice data entry. AI captures and integrates invoice data, and automatically audits invoices upon receipt to prevent errors and fraud.
Konta also offers users the ability to schedule appointments with accounting experts to address specific concerns.
With its focus on accessibility and simplicity, Konta aims to become a key player in financial inclusion in Morocco and North Africa.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum
Editing by Feriol Bewa
In January 2025, the fintech secured $53 million in a Series B funding round, led by Highland Europe, bringing its total funding to $85 million. The company plans to use these funds to establish itself as the primary financial services platform for immigrants.
LemFi is a fintech solution developed by a Nigerian startup, enabling diaspora communities in Europe and North America to transfer funds from African countries. Founded in 2021 by Ridwan Olalere and Rian Cochran as Lemonade Finance, the company rebranded as LemFi in 2023.
In January, the Nigerian fintech raised $53 million to develop its products, strengthen its global presence as a financial services hub for immigrants, and support its growth. "This new funding will support us in our mission to build the financial services hub for immigrants globally from adding new features to expanding to new countries," said Ridwan Olalere.
The solution features a mobile application available on iOS and Android, where it has been downloaded more than a million times, according to Play Store data. Users create an account to access LemFi’s services. In addition to international money transfers, the fintech offers the creation of international accounts, requests for money from relatives, and the generation of payment links.
Transfers via LemFi can be made directly to bank accounts, mobile wallets, or other available options. Transaction fees are nonexistent for certain destinations and relatively low for others. The Nigerian startup is backed by various entities, including the California-based accelerator Y Combinator, which selected it for its Summer 2021 cohort.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
Access to quality vocational training remains a major challenge for many African workers and entrepreneurs. To address this issue, Zydii, a Kenya-based edtech company, offers an innovative solution.
Zydii, a Kenyan startup, has developed an online training platform designed to meet the needs of African professionals, including employees and entrepreneurs. Founded in Nairobi in 2021 by Joyce Mbaya and Rhoda Kingori, Zydii offers a mobile application available exclusively on Android.
According to Play Store data, the application has been downloaded approximately one hundred times. Users create an account to access various online training programs covering key areas such as personal development and leadership, digital and technological skills, and entrepreneurship and business management.
In February 2025, Zydii partnered with the talent accelerator Venture for Africa (VFA) to launch a hands-on, execution-focused go-to-market strategy course designed for African businesses. "This partnership with Venture for Africa is about giving businesses the tools to navigate real challenges, from market entry to regional expansion. Think of it as the ultimate playbook for winning in African markets," said Rhoda Kingori.
In a context where companies struggle to find talent trained in market-relevant skills, Zydii aims to bridge this gap by offering training programs tailored to the realities of the continent. The courses are designed to meet the demands of the African job market, with practical modules that can be immediately applied in a professional setting.
Zydii also collaborates with companies seeking to enhance their employees' skills. Through customized solutions, organizations can train their teams continuously and effectively, without time or location constraints.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa