As the digitization of financial services becomes a key driver of economic inclusion, Khallasli is emerging in Tunisia as an innovative solution for facilitating electronic payments. Since 2022, it has been offering a range of services through various channels.
Khallasli is a B2B marketplace for digital financial services developed by a Tunisian startup. It offers a wide range of services, allowing users to pay their bills, purchase mobile top-ups, make payments to microfinance institutions, and reload prepaid bank cards. The Sousse-based startup was founded in 2022 by Khatib Chakchouk.
“Khallasli is a fintech that provides single-account electronic payment solutions by connecting service providers and merchants through an innovative business model that enables secure, efficient, and simple transaction management. Khallasli has become a leading payment facilitator and aggregator in Tunisia,” the startup explains on its platform.
To ensure widespread adoption and ease of use, Khallasli offers multiple access channels. Users can complete transactions through a web interface for point-of-sale (POS) partners, a mobile app called Digitis, interactive kiosks, or an API for businesses looking to integrate the startup’s services into their own digital ecosystem.
Khallasli has secured several partnerships to offer this extensive range of services, collaborating with telecom operators in Tunisia such as Orange, internet service providers, travel agencies, banks, and microfinance institutions.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
Recognizing the increasing threat of cybersecurity breaches and digital fraud to African businesses, two tech entrepreneurs have developed a solution to address these critical issues.
Dojah is a digital solution developed by a Nigerian startup to enhance cybersecurity in client onboarding processes. Through its API, the platform secures user integration by leveraging biometric verification (facial recognition and fingerprint scanning), official document analysis (national ID cards, passports, driver's licenses), and authentication via mobile and banking data. The startup was founded in 2021 by Tobi Ololade and Ayomide Oso.
"We help companies offering financial services and digital businesses stay secure, grow seamlessly, and ensure compliance. Our solution streamlines user onboarding, automates AML compliance checks, and proactively prevents fraud and identity theft through end-to-end verification and real-time monitoring," said Tobi Ololade.
Dojah enables businesses to comply with KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations while improving user experience with seamless identification processes. By integrating with multiple official databases and government services, the startup provides fintech companies, banks, marketplaces, and African startups with a fast and reliable solution to secure transactions and prevent identity fraud.
With clients across several African countries and strategic partnerships, Dojah aims to become the leading identity verification provider on the continent. Its flexible, API-based model allows for quick adoption across various sectors, from finance to on-demand services. In 2022, the startup was selected for Y Combinator’s Winter cohort, further accelerating its growth.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
To help African freelancers and entrepreneurs receive funds and manage USD payments efficiently and securely, Philip Mburu has launched an innovative fintech solution.
Hurupay is a fintech solution designed to help freelancers, remote workers, and businesses in Africa create virtual U.S. dollar accounts backed by stablecoins—a type of cryptocurrency that maintains a stable value by pegging its market price to an external reference. The fintech company, based in Nairobi (Kenya) and San Francisco (USA), was founded in 2023 by Philip Mburu.
To open an account, users need to download the mobile app, available on iOS and Android, where it has already surpassed 1,000 downloads, according to the Play Store. Registration requires identity verification with an official document. Opening a virtual account on Hurupay is free, with no monthly fees. A 2% commission is charged on each incoming transaction, while withdrawals and transfers are free of charge.
These accounts allow users to receive USD payments with no hidden fees and offer the flexibility to withdraw funds to cryptocurrency exchange platforms. Hurupay is already available in more than 40 countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania, the Philippines, and the United States.
Users can receive payments via the Automated Clearing House (ACH), an electronic fund transfer system commonly used in the U.S. for interbank transactions, or through domestic wire transfers from American banks. The platform also supports payments from services like PayPal, Venmo, and Stripe.
Funds received are automatically converted into USDC, a stablecoin, ensuring protection against the volatility of local currencies. Withdrawals can be made to exchange platforms such as Binance or Bybit to obtain USDT, or directly to local banks and mobile money services at competitive rates.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
In 2019, four Egyptian tech entrepreneurs ventured into the world of e-commerce. Their startup has been growing rapidly, and they have now secured $6.75 million in funding to expand across the MENA region, enhance their tools and data analytics, and strengthen their team.
Taager is an e-commerce platform developed by a Cairo-based startup. Founded in 2019 by Abdelrahman Sherief, Ahmed Ismail, Ismail Omar, and Mohammed Elhorishy, it offers online sellers a comprehensive solution, including logistics services such as warehousing and shipping, as well as an online marketplace to host their products, making it easier to connect with customers.
Earlier last week, it raised $6.75 million to support its growth. “Taager has created its own category, which means we have had to spend the past five years building social commerce fundamentals from the ground up. In the past two, we have refined the business, becoming more capital efficient, scalable and improved our core unit economics. Now it’s time to scale. We have laid the groundwork to enable us to grow five times within the next few years,” explains Mohamed Elhorishy.
Available exclusively on Android, Taager has been downloaded over 100,000 times, according to Play Store data. Leveraging AI and data science, the platform offers transparent pricing and an optimized product selection process, empowering sellers to focus on business growth while Taager manages operational complexities.
The startup is active in Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and, more recently, Iraq. To date, it has served over 45,000 online sellers.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
To democratize access to long-term investments for young South Africans, two tech entrepreneurs have launched a fintech solution.
Fynbos Money is a fintech solution designed to simplify and make long-term investing more attractive in South Africa. Launched in 2024 by Matthew de Haast and Adrian Hope-Bailie, the platform offers an intuitive web-based interface that eliminates financial jargon and advisor fees.
“The platform is designed to make investing easy to understand by distilling the basics of long term wealth building into a platform that does it all for you without charging a share of your investment as a fee,” explains Adrian Hope-Bailie. “Instead we are trying to disrupt the way financial service providers structure their fees by only charging a flat subscription fee.”
Fynbos Money offers a free emergency account with low-risk savings that deliver an “attractive” annual return, as well as a savings account that allows users to choose from five equity funds to maximize long-term investment growth, all without capital gains tax. Unlike traditional platforms that charge fees based on the amount invested, Fynbos Money operates on a two-tier model: a free “Roots” plan and a paid “Protea” plan.
The “Roots” plan provides access to both types of accounts without requiring a subscription, enabling users to start investing with no upfront costs. The “Protea” plan, on the other hand, is a fixed monthly subscription that unlocks additional features, such as family accounts and dedicated savings options.
“We started with a friends and family pilot in October and have been growing steadily from there. We’re just over 2,000 users now and are seeing great growth week-on-week,” adds Adrian Hope-Bailie.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
AI models are primarily trained on online data, which tends to favor widely spoken languages like English. As a result, African languages are often underrepresented in AI-based solutions. This gap has prompted African tech entrepreneurs to take action and develop initiatives to integrate local languages into artificial intelligence systems.
ToumAI is a Moroccan startup specializing in customer experience (CX) optimization through AI-driven voice analytics. The company addresses gaps in current AI systems by integrating African languages and dialects, which are often overlooked in traditional language models.
"Our HolistiCX suite is pioneering a new era in customer experience, where businesses can adapt interactions to generational preferences, emotional profiles, communication channels, and cultural nuances—all while using hashtag#AI systems that are more sustainable and efficient," the company explains.
Founded in 2020 by Youcef Rahmani, Odin Demassieux, and Imade Benelallam, ToumAI works closely with telecom operators, banks, and call centers to collect and analyze voice data. This approach allows its AI to accurately process local dialects, accents, and speech patterns, making it a game-changer for emerging markets.
"In a world where AI advancement has been dominated by the US, China, and to a lesser extent Europe, we are proud to be building an important AI application layer from Africa for global markets," says co-founder Youcef Rahmani.
ToumAI has caught the attention of major tech players, earning recognition from Intel Liftoff for Startups and Nvidia Inception, accelerator programs run by U.S. semiconductor giants Intel and Nvidia.
On Monday, February 10, the startup announced it had successfully raised $1 million in funding. The investment will fuel technology development, team expansion, and market growth, solidifying ToumAI’s position as a key innovator in AI-driven customer experience for Africa and beyond.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
To provide healthcare access to populations in remote areas of Africa, Abakar Mahamat has launched an e-health solution supported by various institutions, including Chad’s Ministry of Health and the World Bank.
Telemedan is an e-health solution developed by a Chadian startup. It aims to improve access to healthcare in the country’s remote and underserved regions. Founded in 2021 by Abakar Mahamat, the N’Djamena-based company has gained support from several institutions, including the Ministry of Health, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the World Bank.
The healthtech company deploys solar-powered telemedicine kiosks equipped with diagnostic tools such as electrocardiograms (ECG), stethoscopes, oximeters, and ultrasound probes. These allow patients in rural areas to benefit from remote consultations with healthcare professionals in better-equipped regions.
“Our goal is to make healthcare affordable, accessible, and scalable, ensuring that no one is left behind, especially in areas with limited infrastructure,” Abakar Mahamat told Disrupt Africa.
To access care, patients use the solution’s mobile app, available on iOS and Android. The startup has also introduced a USSD code for people without internet access. Notably, Chad’s internet penetration rate stood at 22.5% in January 2024, according to DataReportal.
Since its launch, Telemedan has served more than 2,000 users and conducted nearly 10,000 consultations. The company plans to expand its operations to other sub-Saharan African countries, aiming to deploy 100 kiosks and reach 1 million people over the next three years, according to Abakar Mahamat.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
E-commerce is booming across Africa, where, alongside global giants like Amazon, AliExpress, and Shein, local solutions are also emerging. In Libya, two tech entrepreneurs have decided to step into the growing sector.
Alkremeya is a Libyan B2B e-commerce platform specializing in grocery supply. Through its web and mobile platforms, it connects retailers directly with major importers and wholesalers, giving them access to competitive wholesale prices. The goal is to streamline the supply chain for grocery stores across the country.
Based in Tripoli, the startup was founded in 2023 by Abdurrahman Ejdier and Fasih Ullah Ghafoor. “Most procurement processes relied on traditional methods. Currently, there are no major players in Libya offering a similar level of service, though international e-commerce platforms are indirect competitors. Our local approach and deep understanding of the market dynamics set us apart,” explains Ghafoor.
The platform is available on iOS and Android, where it has already been downloaded over 5,000 times, according to Play Store data. Users can create an account and instantly purchase a wide range of grocery products and household items with just a few clicks. Alkremeya offers reliable delivery services and flexible payment options, eliminating the need for retailers to physically visit multiple suppliers.
Since its launch, the startup has served over 500 merchants, many of whom now rely on it as their primary supply channel. While Alkremeya currently operates exclusively in Libya, it plans to expand to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman between 2025 and 2026.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum
Editing by Feriol Bewa
African fintech continues its strong growth, attracting over $1 billion in investment in 2024. Investors are drawn to the sector's potential, fueled by the continent's large underbanked population.
Khazna is an Egyptian financial application designed to provide accessible and inclusive services to a broad population. Founded in 2019 by Ahmed Wagueeh, Fatma El Shenawy, Omar Salah, and Omar Saleh, it primarily targets unbanked or underbanked individuals in Egypt, enabling them to manage their finances simply and efficiently.
The app is available on iOS and Android, with over 500,000 downloads according to the Google Play Store. Users can create an account to access salary advances, pay bills directly from their smartphones, and more.
The fintech has also introduced a “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) option, allowing users to make purchases from various partner merchants and pay in installments with no additional fees. This feature aims to facilitate access to essential goods and services without immediate financial strain.
On Thursday, February 6, the company announced it had successfully raised $16 million in a funding round to support its growth in the local market and expand into Saudi Arabia. This follows the $38 million it secured in 2022.
"Closing this funding round is a pivotal achievement for Khazna’s team. This not only propels our core business but also empowers us to accelerate our mission of advancing financial inclusion across the MENA region. Our entry into Saudi Arabia marks the beginning of a new chapter, and we are committed to delivering an unparalleled digital user experience across the region," said Omar Saleh.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Editing by Feriol Bewa
A group of tech entrepreneurs launched Aftown Music to support African artists. Starting in Ghana, the company recently expanded into Cameroon and is now eyeing further expansion into Francophone Africa.
Aftown Music is a music streaming and download platform developed in 2016 by a Ghanaian startup. It allows artists and podcasters to distribute their content and earn revenue. The platform offers a mobile app available on iOS and Android, where it has already been downloaded more than 5,000 times, according to Play Store data.
Through the app, users can sign up for an account and stream music from various artists on their smartphones or PCs. It has A free, ad-supported version, along with a premium, ad-free subscription. The platform features a wide range of genres, including Makossa, Bikutsi, Afrobeats, Amapiano, Gospel, and Highlife. In addition to streaming, it offers functionalities such as offline mode and a rewards system.
Headquartered in Accra, Ghana, Aftown Music announced on Monday, February 3, 2025, its expansion into Francophone Africa, starting with Cameroon. The move was made in collaboration with Cliq Empire, a local entertainment center and creative agency.
“We are thrilled to be working with Aftown Music to launch their operations in Cameroon. [...] his partnership is a game-changer for Cameroonian artists. It’s about time that local creatives had a platform that prioritizes their growth and ensures they receive fair compensation for their work,” said Prince Michael Enobi, director of Cliq Empire.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum
Editing by Feriol Bewa
Launched by an Egyptian tech entrepreneur, the solution aims to be a flexible and accessible tool to help young Arabs access diverse training programs, allowing them to learn at their own pace, regardless of their skill level.
EYouth is an EdTech platform developed by an Egyptian startup, offering digital skills training programs tailored for youth, professionals, and entrepreneurs seeking to enhance their expertise.
The platform features a mobile app, available on iOS and Android, which has already been downloaded over a thousand times, according to Play Store data. Users can create an account and access a variety of courses, including content creation, graphic design, digital marketing, and data analysis.
EYouth also develops programs on financial education in Egypt, digital literacy training, awareness campaigns on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and stock market knowledge. Beyond short-term courses, the startup has launched tech scholarship programs, enabling young Arabs to learn the fundamentals of programming and artificial intelligence (AI). The goal is to enhance their employability and understanding of global trends, better preparing them for the job market.
Founded in 2016 by Mostafa Abdel Latif, the startup recently secured $6 million in funding to expand its training offerings, integrate advanced educational technologies, and reach a wider audience across Egypt and the MENA region (North Africa and the Middle East).
"To date, we have developed the skills of over three million young people. Through this partnership, we aim to accelerate and empower an additional one million youth to unlock their potential and drive innovation across Africa and the Middle East," said Mostafa Abdel Latif, founder of EYouth.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
The digital solution aims to facilitate access to online administrative services.
Faso Arzêka is a digital payment platform launched by the Burkinabe government, under the Ministry of Economy and Finance, through the General Directorate of Treasury and Public Accounting (DGTCP). It aims to centralize government and financial services, simplifying transactions for citizens while improving state revenue collection.
The platform also seeks to reduce travel and waiting times, enhance transaction transparency, and promote financial inclusion, particularly by increasing accessibility for rural populations.
Faso Arzêka offers a mobile app, available on iOS and Android, which has been downloaded over 500 times on the Play Store, according to available data. Users create an account using their phone number to access services such as eTimbre (electronic tax stamps), motor vehicle tax, residence tax, customs duties and taxes, and other administrative services.
Services are categorized by the responsible ministry, simplifying user navigation. The platform supports Arzêka Money, mobile money, bank cards, and bank transfers for payments.
In addition to the web platform and mobile app, authorities have introduced a USSD code for users without internet access. By dialing *700# and following the instructions, they can complete transactions. Users can call 700 for customer support.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
Launched in 2022, the Ivorian fintech offers a range of financial services to local communities. To accelerate its growth, it has forged strategic partnerships with organizations such as La Poste and the Coffee and Cocoa Board.
Push CI is a fintech solution developed by Ivorian company SEAD Group SA. It offers an all-in-one mobile account linked to a virtual or physical Visa card to simplify financial management for its users.
Launched in 2022 by Steven Bedi, along with Selma Ouiguini, a former Société Générale executive, the Abidjan-based startup provides a mobile app available on iOS and Android. The app, which has surpassed 100,000 downloads according to Play Store data, enables users to create an account and access a full range of digital financial services tailored to both individuals and professionals.
Linked to a phone number, the account provides two types of international Visa cards: a physical card (priced at 5,000 CFA francs, about $8) for in-store payments, ATM withdrawals, and online purchases worldwide; and a free virtual card for secure online transactions.
Push CI enables users to send and receive money instantly, both to other Push accounts and via leading mobile money operators. The app also allows users to pay utility bills – electricity, water, and internet – and top up their phone credit with a few clicks. Users have real-time access to detailed transaction histories for effective financial tracking.
To cater to users without internet access, the fintech provides a USSD code for accessing all its services. Additionally, the customer service center offers multilingual support in French, Dioula, Baoulé, Bété, and Mooré.
In January 2025, Push CI was selected alongside nine other Ivorian startups for the Ivoire Tech Champions Challenge. Winners will enjoy various benefits, including a visit to Silicon Valley in the United States from February 24 to 28, 2025.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum
Editing by Feriol Bewa
Specializing in human ressource management, the Nigerian startup has secured funding in multiple rounds to fuel its expansion. The company also operates in Ghana and Kenya.
SeamlessHR is a human resource management software designed for African businesses. It automates manual tasks and centralizes employee data management, reducing the risk of errors. Based in Ikeja, Nigeria, the startup was founded in 2018 by Deji Lana and Emmanuel Okeleji. On Wednesday, January 22, it announced the completion of a $9 million funding round to support its growth in Africa.
The solution offers a range of integrated modules to optimize various aspects of HR management. It provides insights into employee performance and enables precise calculations for generating secure reports. One feature helps manage and monitor payments as well as regulatory compliance.
The “Recruitment” function optimizes the hiring process through an applicant tracking system, helping attract and select top talent. SeamlessHR also includes performance and time management features, and allows employees early access to salaries and long-term loan options.
The startup claims 2,000 client companies worldwide and has physical offices in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. “Over the last 5 years, we have expanded to become the dominant HR and Payroll Software for medium to large enterprises in Africa,” said Emmanuel Okeleji.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa