In Africa, an increasing number of women are balancing their professional careers with motherhood. This dual role often proves complicated for many, which has inspired tech entrepreneurs to create a solution.
Nigerian startup Preggify has developed an e-health solution designed to offer comprehensive care for expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy journey. Co-founded by Ifunanya Lilian Igweze and Daniel Temitayo in 2022, this Lagos-based enterprise envisions a world where pregnancy and childcare do not hinder women’s professional advancement.
"Preggify is a health platform that provides middle and high-income African women in their reproductive years with easy, affordable, and accessible maternal care. Our cutting-edge technology empowers women to access personalized medical support and resources, from pre-pregnancy to post-pregnancy, with confidence and ease," the startup states.
While Preggify does not offer a mobile app, it is accessible via a web browser. Users can register by providing personal information such as their first and last names, email address, phone number, date of birth, and gender. Following this step, they receive a one-time password (OTP) via email to log into the platform.
Preggify provides both a premium and a free version, where users can find support from a community of pregnant women or those who have experienced multiple pregnancies. The startup offers a digital space where career-oriented women can access tailored resources and support to balance motherhood and their professional lives.
The platform offers a variety of features, including a food journal, weekly live classes, pregnancy fitness sessions, support before and after cesarean sections, education on episiotomy care, breastfeeding assistance, and mental support. Preggify is also in the process of integrating healthcare professionals and facilitating virtual doctor appointments on its platform.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the development of this young startup, which was exploring the Togolese market to provide digital solutions for the event industry. Since then, it has steadily grown and has been involved in over 150 events since its launch.
Klumer, a digital solution developed by Eods Communication, allows users to purchase event tickets online from their computer or smartphone. The startup, based in Lomé, was founded in 2018 by Fiacre Dagbegnon.
"Klumer is an event platform with a complete ecosystem designed to provide optimal support to event organizers in achieving their audience targeting goals," says the startup.
The application is available on both iOS and Android and has already been downloaded over a thousand times, according to Play Store statistics. After downloading, users create an account to access Klumer's services. Besides the e-Ticket service, which functions as an online ticketing system allowing users to purchase tickets for various events directly through the Klumer platform, the startup also offers e-Voting, e-Collect, and e-Score services.
As the names suggest, e-Voting enables the organization of online votes with a single click; e-Collect helps conduct transparent fundraising and social donations; and e-Scoring facilitates the management of competitive events with a digital scoreboard.
"Klumer was developed following Facebook and Instagram’s style. Today, we have nothing to envy from what developers in Silicon Valley have achieved in social network development. The only difference is in their logistics, which we do not yet have," Fiacre Dagbegnon told local business media Togo First in February 2023.
The Togolese startup boasts over 810,000 users and has covered more than 150 events since its launch. It was selected, along with nine other Togolese startups, to participate in the second edition of the Gitex Africa technology fair in Marrakech, Morocco, from May 29 to 31.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Compliant with West African accounting standards, this online accounting solution is accessible in 17 African countries. It simplifies account management for small and medium-sized enterprises, independent entrepreneurs, and accounting firms.
Iwo is a fintech solution developed by a Beninese startup, enabling businesses to manage their accounting online from a computer or smartphone. The startup, based in Cotonou, was founded in 2020 by Razak Hachimou.
"Iwo enables the production of financial statements in compliance with standards in just one click and easy account management. Its team also offers expert support,” explains the startup. It adds : “Iwo prevents data loss in case of PC, tablet, or phone losses. You can access your data anytime, anywhere, thanks to the Internet."
Since the startup does not have a mobile app, users access its services through its website. To try Iwo for free, they need to click on the button "Try for Free" and create their accounts with personal details such as first name, last name, email address, and phone number, as well as professional information like the company name and physical address.
After completing this step, they can access the many features of Iwo for free for 14 days to evaluate the solution. "The flagship feature of Iwo is the cash register, which simplifies accounting for entrepreneurs or business managers who do not have accounting skills or the means to hire an accountant or accounting firm. The cash register facilitates bookkeeping without debit-credit maneuvers," the startup explains.
In addition to the cash register, Iwo offers functionalities like the chart of accounts, general ledger, financial statements, projects, and transactions. After the trial period, users need to choose one of the subscription plans to continue using its features. The said plans are priced at XOF3,000 (about $5) for the Envol plan, XOF3,500 for the Mature plan, and XOF5,000 for the Expertise plan monthly.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The growth of e-commerce on the continent is driving an increase in demand for logistics services, including last-mile delivery. To fill this gap in his country, a tech entrepreneur a tailored solution.
Moroccan startup Forcelog allows users, particularly e-commerce merchants and business professionals, to deliver orders or packages to their customers. The start-up, based in Casablanca, was founded in 2021 by Anas Bouziane.
Currently, there is no mobile app for its eponymous solution but, users can access its services through its website. To start the process, they need to sign up as a client by clicking on the button "Become a client" button and filling a form with with their name, company name, email address, the city where their company's headquarters are located, etc. After this step, they gain access to a workspace to manage their activities with Forcelog.
"Our services include free pickup from your store or storage facility without a minimum quantity, storage in our facilities until orders are triggered by your customers, product preparation and packaging if necessary, and finally the shipping and delivery of parcels to the customer's address," explains the startup.
Forcelog claims to deliver to 240 destinations within Morocco. The startup offers 24-hour delivery times for major cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech, and two-day delivery for smaller towns. Users can track the progress of deliveries in real-time from their workspace through the tracking system. Prices start at 18 Moroccan dirhams (about $1.81) per delivered order.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The startup has developed a customized platform to connect individuals and professionals in the construction and public works industries.
Djooman, a digital solution developed by an Ivorian startup in 2019, aims to streamline the construction and renovation process for both individuals and construction professionals in Abidjan. The platform simplifies finding reliable and skilled artisans by leveraging technology and on-the-ground expertise.
"Djooman.ci was founded upon the observation that locating competent and trustworthy artisans is a challenging and stressful experience for individuals and construction entrepreneurs," the startup explains. "Djooman provides support to individuals and SMEs undertaking renovation and construction projects. It combines an innovative digital platform with a network of local intermediaries, known as 'Project Supervisors,' who vet Djooman's partner artisans and companies, and can offer on-site assistance to our clients."
Currently, Djooman operates through a web browser rather than a mobile application. Users can request quotes without creating an account. To do so, they provide details such as property type (building, apartment, office, etc.), location, required artisans, and a project description. Uploading photos of the worksite is also an option, allowing for a clearer project overview and progress tracking through the user workspace.
Djooman's team leverages this data to generate customized quotes and recommend the most suitable registered artisans for each project, be it new construction or renovation. The platform features a broad range of professionals, including architects, interior designers, decorators, carpenters, painters, masons, and kitchen specialists.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The startup's name, "Kuringo," draws inspiration from the Mandinka word for cawry shells that once served as currency across various regions of Africa.
Kuringo, a digital money transfer service founded in 2020 by Muhammad Jagana, offers Gambians a convenient and affordable way to send funds internationally. The Kanifing-based startup aims to boost financial inclusion in West Africa by simplifying remittances to various African and European countries.
"Kuringo is driven by the belief that financial services should be accessible and affordable for everyone," the startup explains. "Our commitment to financial inclusion and fostering sustainable growth in the communities we serve motivates us to continuously innovate and enhance our offerings."
Kuringo's umobile application, available on both iOS and Android platforms, has surpassed a thousand downloads on PlayStore. Users can create an account using their phone number and basic personal details. Once registered, they can add recipients for quick and easy money transfers.
The transfer process is straightforward: users add the recipient, enter the transfer amount, and provide identification. The transaction is then completed with a payment from a linked bank account, debit/credit card, or any other available local payment option.
Currently, Kuringo facilitates money transfers from The Gambia to several African nations, including Senegal, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. In Europe, the fintech startup exclusively supports transfers to the United Kingdom at this time.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Positioned as one of the pioneers in the Rwandan ecommerce sector, the platform targets moms, busy people, singles, new residents, and the Diaspora.
Murakali is an e-commerce solution developed by a young Rwandan startup, enabling users to make purchases through its web and mobile platforms. Based in Kigali, the startup was founded in 2015 by Yvette Uwimpaye.
Its mobile app is available on iOS and Android, with over a thousand downloads. Users can create an account with their personal information and access the startup's services. They can purchase a variety of products online, such as household items, groceries, general food products, baby items, and more.
Uwimpaye describes Murakali's target audience as "moms, busy people, singles, new residents, the Diaspora that want to shop for their families living in Rwanda, and for organizations that need to shop for office consumables and office stationery."
The startup’s competitive edge lies in its ability to aggregate offerings from various retailers alongside its own inventory. This approach fosters a diverse product selection, giving customers access to a wider range of specialized shops within the Murakali marketplace.
It also provides a delivery service and has partnered with the American company DHL for international deliveries. While awaiting expansion to other African countries, Murakali already has customers outside Rwanda, including in Uganda, Kenya, and even beyond the continent in the United States and Switzerland.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In an effort to simplify fundraising for various projects, tech entrepreneurs have developed an innovative technological solution. This new platform is designed to streamline the process of securing funds, making it more accessible and efficient for entrepreneurs and project managers alike.
Nobuk, a financial technology solution developed by a Kenyan startup, provides a platform for users to raise funds for a diverse range of projects. The startup, established in 2022 by Jani Landman and Elvis Bando, is based in Nairobi and has launched a mobile application that is accessible on both iOS and Android platforms. The app has already been downloaded more than a hundred times from the Play Store.
After downloading the app, users can tap on the “Login” button and then “Sign up” to create an account. They are required to enter their first and last names, email address, phone number, and set up a password. Once registered, users can initiate their projects, defining the nature and objective of the fundraising campaign. A payment link is then generated, which can be shared on social media or sent directly to potential contributors via various communication channels.
The payment process via the shared link does not necessitate the download of any additional applications. Contributors can simply click on the link, complete their payment through mobile money or bank transfer, and download the payment receipt with a single click. Nobuk proves to be a valuable tool for donations, fundraising, contributions, or group payments. The solution also enables users to monitor all incoming payments and sends alerts for goal achievements or any discrepancies.
While downloading the app and creating an account are free of charge, usage of the solution incurs a fee. The startup offers monthly subscriptions ranging from 500 Kenyan shillings (approximately $3.79) to 2,500 Kenyan shillings. These subscriptions come with various perks, such as offline payment via USSD, payment through WhatsApp, customization of payment link images, and the number of contributors allowed to participate in the projects.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The solution was developed to revolutionize the African e-commerce sector and help platforms reach their full potential.
Dukka is a fintech solution developed by a Nigerian startup. It allows users to automate daily operations through its web and mobile platforms. Founded in 2020 by Keturah Ovio and based in Lagos, the startup has raised $1.5 million to support its growth.
The solution offers an app available on iOS and Android, which has already been downloaded over 50,000 times according to Play Store data. Upon installation, users can create an account and gain access to a suite of services.These include inventory management, generating electronic invoices and receipts, accepting any form of digital payment chosen by customers, and accessing simple accounting tools.
"Be it a solopreneur, or a mid-size business with staff and multiple locations, Dukka’s technology turns anyone into a merchant. [...] Our ecosystem allows anyone to pay and be paid, manage inventory, track sales and expenses across one or multiple locations, gain micro insights on business performance, and sell online. Consumers are able to securely discover, shop, and spend on vetted merchants," Keturah Ovio told Disrupt Africa in February 2024.
Dukka aims to establish an entire ecosystem to facilitate the growth of e-commerce. This goal aligns with broader trends across the African continent, where startups are increasingly thriving. According to Partech Africa data, e-commerce startups attracted $298 million in equity funding through 79 deals in 2023. Notably, this figure ranks second only to the fintech segment, which raised an impressive $852 million across 113 deals.
"We’ve seen over 100,000 users onboarded onto our platform, with over 90,000 users of our software in Nigeria. We beta-launched our payments infrastructure solution in the second half of 2023 to a couple of hundred customers who really helped us define and figure out our pricing model and refine our monetisation strategy," added Keturah Ovio.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Legafrik is a legaltech solution developed by an Ivorian startup, providing users in several countries across the continent access to legal services via its web platform. The startup, based in Abidjan, was founded in 2017 by Youssouf Ballo and Daouda Diallo.
"Our goal is to make basic legal services accessible to as many people as possible in the OHADA [Organisation for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa] countries. Today, there is a lot of talk about financial inclusion, but I think it's also important to talk about legal inclusion. Our mission is to allow everyone to access legal services at very affordable rates," the startup explains.
Legafrik does not have a mobile application. Users need to access the startup's website through a browser. They must then click on the "client access" button in the upper right corner to reach the login page and then sign up.
Once the account is created, users have access to a workspace from which they can kick-start various services and track their progress. Legafrik offers services including company creation in several African countries, assistance with opening bank accounts, debt recovery, company domiciliation, as well as license and administrative approvals.
Since its launch, the startup has supported more than 7,000 entrepreneurs and completed over 20,000 legal and administrative formalities. In addition to Côte d'Ivoire, Legafrik operates in Benin, Morocco, Senegal, DRC, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Togo, and Cameroon.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
E-health is rapidly transforming Africa's healthcare landscape. By leveraging information and communication technologies, e-health solutions are making it easier for patients to connect with healthcare professionals, while also increasing the accessibility and availability of medical expertise across the continent.
Beesiha is an e-health solution developed by an Algerian startup. It allows users to book medical appointments with just a few clicks via its web and mobile platforms. The startup, based in the Said Hamdine district of Algiers, was founded in 2019 by Said Admane and Amine Babou.
The mobile application is available on both iOS and Android, where it has already been downloaded over 10,000 times, according to Play Store statistics. After downloading the app, users can register using their Facebook account or by providing information such as their name, surname, and phone number. Once registered, they can log in and access the various services offered by the startup.
Using a search bar where the user can enter the medical specialty, medical facility, or city they are looking for, Beesiha provides the most relevant results. Users can book appointments for free based on the availability of the selected doctor. It is also possible to book an appointment for a third party, such as a friend or family member.
To ensure patients don't miss consultations, Beesiha sends frequent appointment reminders. For added convenience, the platform offers remote consultations, with patients benefiting from a digital medical record storing test results, prescriptions, and consultation history – all under their complete control.
For doctors, Beesiha offers a digital agenda, allowing them to schedule their working hours as they see fit. The platform includes most medical specialties, making it easier to adopt the solution. Since its launch, Beesiha boasts more than 800 healthcare professionals available on its web and mobile platforms and over 215,000 appointments booked.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Informal sector traders across Africa are often excluded from the traditional financial system. Recognizing this issue, tech entrepreneurs have developed innovative solutions to offer alternatives to conventional financial institutions.
Proboutik is a fintech solution developed by Senegalese startup ProXalys to transform the way informal sector traders manage their financial operations. Launched in 2021 by Thierno Sacko and Abdoulaye Faye, Proboutik enables local merchants to digitize their financial transactions, bringing them into the fold of modern financial systems.
In January 2024, ProXalys raised $500,000 to support the growth of Proboutik. The mobile application, available on both iOS and Android, has already been downloaded over 10,000 times from Playstore. Users can register with their phone numbers and access various financial management services. These include cash flow management, customer portfolio management, real-time tracking of receivables and payables, automated payment reminders via SMS, and the generation of account statements and reports.
"The application records all your deferred payment transactions, ensuring transparent traceability and better management of your business operations," explains the startup. Additionally, Proboutik offers financing to users based on the credits they have extended to their customers. This feature aims to facilitate business growth and prevent financial strain for traders.
Proboutik provides two subscription options: a monthly plan priced at 990 CFA Francs (approximately $1.63) and an annual plan at 10,000 CFA Francs. On May 23, Proboutik was selected, along with 19 other African fintechs, for the second cohort of Visa's acceleration program.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The insurtech solution is designed to streamline everyday life management, with a focus on illness and disaster preparedness.
Casava is an insurtech solution developed by a Nigerian startup, offering users online access to insurance policies. Based in Lagos, the startup was founded in 2016 by Bode Pedro. In February 2022, it raised $4 million to enhance its technology and expand its operations, aiming to provide affordable insurance to Nigerians and other Africans.
Speaking in 2022 about his venture capital firm's decision to invest in the Nigerian insurtech, Avi Eyal, General Partner at Entrée Capital, stated: "The Casava team has developed a unique and disruptive product that we believe has the potential to transform Africa’s insurance market. We are confident in the Casava team that they have what it takes to be leaders in this field."
Casava operates without a mobile application. Users must access its services via a web browser by visiting the Casava platform. The startup offers two main services for individuals: Health Insurance and Health Cash. Health Insurance provides coverage for a wide range of medical needs, from dental care to surgeries, at over 400 partner hospitals. Health Cash allows users to get reimbursed for healthcare expenses incurred due to accidents.
For businesses, Casava offers two primary services: Credit Life and Business Gro. Credit Life protects businesses “from the financial burden of sudden tragedy faced by borrowers.” Business Gro, on the other hand, provides access to business loans and various types of business insurance.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In an effort to help people maintain a digital medical record, three tech entrepreneurs have developed a solution using blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI).
Myrekod, an e-health solution developed by Kenyan startup Afya Rekod, offers users the ability to store their personal medical records and access healthcare services. Founded in 2020 by Ronald Harris, John Kamara, and Irene Kiwia, this Nairobi-based startup leverages blockchain technology and integrates AI to empower patients.
The application connects users to the healthcare ecosystem, including hospitals, pharmacies, and insurance providers. In February 2022, Afya Rekod secured $2 million in funding to support its growth across the continent. Commenting on the fundraising, John Kamara, co-founder of Afya Rekod, said it would “give patients resources and tools to store and manage their health data, a critical function for patients with chronic illnesses, and their doctors.”
“For the past one and a half years, we've singularly focused on building a dynamic platform that streamlines health records with analytics and provides access to specialized clinics and experts. This delivers high quality healthcare in a way that is critical for this momentemphasized the critical role of health data management for patients with chronic illnesses. The platform streamlines health records, provides analytics, and grants access to specialized clinics and experts, ensuring high-quality healthcare delivery,” he added.
Available on both iOS and Android, the mobile app has garnered over a thousand downloads on the Play Store. Users can create accounts, input medical records, track appointments, and share documents with third parties when changing doctors or hospitals. Myrekod encourages patients to actively engage in their health management by maintaining daily health records and collaborating with healthcare providers.
Adoni Conrad Quenum