Solutions (533)
Balancing professional and parental responsibilities has led many families to entrust their children to daycare centers, nurseries, or nannies. In Mali, a tech entrepreneur has introduced a tailored solution to address this challenge.
MaNounou is a digital platform developed by Malian startup La Classe de Bintou. Designed for parents, it connects them with qualified nannies for young children in their area. Founded by Bintou Doumbia and based in Bamako, the start-up addresses a growing need for reliable childcare solutions in Mali.
“The platform also enables daycare centers, preschools, and other childcare professionals to offer their services to parents in need. MaNounou provides unemployed young women with degrees the chance to train in early childhood care and apply their skills in a professional environment,” explains the startup.
The platform operates through a mobile app. After downloading the app, users create an account to access a range of services. These include viewing detailed nanny profiles—complete with experience, qualifications, schedules, and parent reviews—and using an integrated messaging system for secure, direct communication. Parents can also filter searches by specific criteria to find the ideal nanny for their needs.
To ensure the safety and quality of its services, MaNounou rigorously verifies all profiles on its platform. Hiring a nanny through MaNounou is formalized with contracts available for secure online signing, offering protection for both parties throughout the agreement period.
In 2024, MaNounou won the Malian stage of the Orange Social Entrepreneur Prize in Africa and the Middle East (POESAM), earning a prize of 5 million CFA francs (approximately $7,973) and a ticket to the international round of the POESAM competition.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Startups operating in the e-commerce sector are thriving across Africa. In Guinea, a tech entrepreneur has discovered an innovative way to sell second-hand goods through his online marketplace.
Seconde Main 224 is a digital solution developed by a Guinean startup that connects people looking to sell used items with those interested in buying them. Founded by Youssouf Sylla and based in Conakry, the platform enables users to trade pre-owned goods conveniently.
"We help our users earn money from their old items while allowing others with limited budgets to afford what they need at a lower cost," explains the startup.
Unlike many modern platforms, Seconde Main 224 does not have a mobile application. Users access the service through a web browser, where they can create an account and browse a wide range of items listed by other users. The marketplace features categories such as clothing, shoes, electronics, books, furniture, and more.
Sellers upload pictures of their products directly to the platform, providing details such as the item’s name, price, photo, and a brief description. They also select the appropriate category before listing the product. A registered account is mandatory for listing or selling items.
The company’s business model hinges on its premium service, “booster mon bien” (Boost My Item),which generates revenue by increasing the visibility of selected products. "This service displays boosted items to a larger audience of potential buyers based on their usage history and interests," the startup notes.
In 2024, Seconde Main 224 gained recognition by finishing second in the Orange Social Venture Prize for Africa and the Middle East. Representing Guinea in the final round, the startup was awarded 60 million Guinean francs (approximately $6,962.75).
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Formerly known as TopSet, the startup has pivoted its focus to fully dedicate itself to this new venture. This strategic shift is paying off, as the company has successfully secured funding to support its growth.
Lingawa is a digital solution developed by a Nigerian start-up, offering users the chance to learn African languages—specifically Igbo and Yoruba—through engaging and immersive online courses. The Lagos-based company was founded in 2022 by Frank Williams, Yvonne Williams, and Uche Azinge. It also operates offices in London, UK, and New York, USA.
In 2023, Lingawa integrated artificial intelligence into its platform to enhance the quality of its services. "AI is already at the core of our student-tutor matching system, but behind the scenes, we’ve started developing our own large African language models. The goal of these AI models is to ensure that between lessons, students can effectively complete homework and practice," said Frank Williams.
On Thursday, November 21, the start-up announced a $1.1 million funding round. The funds will support the development of a mobile app, the addition of more African languages to its curriculum, and the company’s expansion into other global regions. Frank Williams aims to introduce Zulu and Swahili to the platform by the first quarter of 2025. However, he acknowledges challenges in recruiting tutors, most of whom are based in Africa.
"We quickly realized there was a gap in language teaching expertise. What we do is identify native African language speakers with high potential and train them to become world-class language teachers. This includes soft skills training, learning science, and ensuring that lessons are engaging and fun," Williams added.
While waiting for the mobile app’s release, users can access Lingawa’s platform via a web browser. Registration is simple: users can either provide personal details or log in through their Google account. Once signed up, they can choose a language to learn and connect with a tutor. The program features five proficiency levels—beginner, elementary, intermediate, expert, and advanced—and offers various subscription packages. For instance, a weekly plan costs $18 for a single student or $22.50 for two learners.
“Our students begin speaking from their first lesson and often engage in comfortable conversations within six months to a year. Mastery depends on your commitment to learning and practicing,” the company explained.
Since its launch, Lingawa has seen significant growth, boasting approximately 3,000 learners and around 100 tutors.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Across Africa, making a sustainable living from art is often a struggle, and Liberia is no exception. A local tech entrepreneur has decided to take on that challenge through technology.
Prime Music Store, a digital platform developed by a Liberian startup, offers users the ability to stream and listen to songs by Liberian artists, regardless of genre or popularity. Founded in 2023 by Losine Victory Sanyon, Jr., the startup is headquartered in Monrovia and aims to revolutionize the music industry in the country.
“My company seeks to address the challenges faced by emerging music creators,” explains Sanyon, Jr. “Our goal is to offer a platform that empowers Liberian artists at the starting point of their careers. We’ve implemented transparent royalty structures to ensure artists receive a larger share of revenue, providing them with financial freedom to focus on their music without worrying about financial difficulties.”
Prime Music Store operates through a mobile app available on both iOS and Android, with over 100 downloads reported on the Play Store. After downloading the app, users can create an account by providing some personal information, granting them access to the platform’s music catalog.
Based on their preferences, users can download and listen to a variety of songs from their favorite artists for a fee. To do so, they must first load funds into their digital wallet, enabling them to purchase songs directly on the platform. From their dashboard, users can view their account balance and personal catalog. Downloaded songs can be organized into playlists within the app and played offline.
In 2024, Prime Music Store garnered recognition by winning third place in Liberia at the Orange Social Venture Prize for Africa and the Middle East.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In recent years, ride-hailing services have gained popularity across Africa. In Nigeria, two tech entrepreneurs have decided to enter the market by offering luxury ride-hailing services.
Wenzo is a premium ride-hailing solution developed by a Nigerian startup. The platform, launched in 2023 by Precious Okafor and Gbenga Fola-Alade, Wenzo operates offices in Lagos, Nigeria; Accra, Ghana; and Dover, Delaware, in the United States.
It offers an iOS-exclusive mobile app, where users create an account to access the service. Based on their location and destination, they are matched with drivers ready to provide their rides. Notably, Wenzo collaborates with various leisure destinations from beaches to restaurants to enhance the experience for users headed to these spots in its service areas.
Beyond standard rides, Wenzo allows bookings for events, such as weddings, conferences, or tourist outings, providing transportation for guests or speakers to select venues. Since its launch, the startup has not conducted any fundraising to fuel its growth.
In October, it was selected as one of ten early-stage startups to pitch at Angel Fair Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. Organized by Chanzo Capital in partnership with Startupbootcamp AfriTech, MEST Africa, Antler, iHub, and GrowthAfrica, the event offers Wenzo a chance to capture investor interest for potential future funding rounds.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Many African smallholders face challenges transporting their crops to urban markets. Tech entrepreneurs are increasingly stepping up to address this issue.
Kilimo Fresh is a digital solution developed by a Tanzanian startup that enables consumers to buy fresh produce online while making it easier for farmers to sell their products. Based in Dar es Salaam, the startup was founded in 2018 by Baraka Chijenga.
To use the platform, customers must access the e-commerce website through a web browser. They can browse a wide range of fresh products, including grains, fruits, milk, and various types of flour. While initial purchases can be made without an account, registration is required to complete transactions.
Kilimo Fresh serves as an intermediary between farmers and consumers. "[...]Through its efficient distribution model, the company sources fresh produce directly from smallholder farmers, adds value through cleaning, sorting, and packaging, then delivers it to its customers' locations," the startup explains.
Beyond individual consumers, Kilimo Fresh also supplies small retailers daily. The startup launched this solution to reach a broader customer base and help combat food waste. Kilimo Fresh “offers farmers stable prices (20% higher than those offered by middlemen), direct market access for their crops, and reduced food waste through the use of cold chain and cold storage facilities.”
In October, Kilimo Fresh was selected to participate in Angel Fair Africa, a major tech business showcase. Earlier in the year, the company received the Digital Innovation in Agriculture Award at the Tanzania Digital Awards.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Born in Nairobi to help residents save money, it now plans to expand to several other countries in the coming months.
Chumz is a fintech solution developed by a Kenyan startup, enabling users to save and invest money. Founded in 2019 by Samuel Njuguna, this Nairobi-based startup offers a mobile app available on iOS and Android, which has already been downloaded over 100,000 times, according to Play Store data. After downloading the app, users can create an account to access Chumz's services, set personal or group savings and investment goals, and take action toward them as soon as possible.
The app allows users to add friends or family members to create joint savings or investment goals. Chumz enables users to save with as little as 5 Kenyan shillings (about $0.04). Through the app, users can track their savings progress and receive periodic reports on their financial growth. They are also reminded to save through behavior-based notifications and deposit prompts.
“For example, if a user spends money at a pub, the app suggests investing a portion of that money instead of spending it all. Similarly, when a user receives mobile money, the app prompts them to save some of it. Chumz provides an easy and convenient way for users to save and invest, helping them reach their financial goals,” explains Samuel Njuguna.
After surpassing 200,000 users, Chumz now eyes the Rwandan market, with Tanzania, Uganda, and Botswana also on its growth agenda in the coming months. By 2026, Chumz aims to reach one million users in Kenya, its home market.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
After graduating from several accelerator programs, the startup has firmly established itself in Morocco's logistics market. Now, with the backing of various investors, it plans to expand its operations beyond national borders.
Colis.ma is a logistics solution developed by a Moroccan startup, enabling both businesses and individuals to send and receive parcels across six European countries. Founded in 2022 by Issam Darui and based in Oujda, the startup recently raised $300,000 in an October funding round to fuel its growth.
The company plans to use the funds to expand its coverage in Morocco’s five largest regions and establish more connections between African and European countries, beginning with West Africa. Commenting on the funding, Darui stated, “This funding allows us to broaden our geographic coverage and further improve the quality of our services. [...] Our goal is to become a key player in logistics between Africa and Europe, offering innovative technological solutions to a sector undergoing transformation.”
Colis.ma offers a mobile app available on iOS and Android, where users can create accounts to access its services. Currently, the startup operates in France, Spain, Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. The parcel shipping process involves selecting the sender and recipient locations, entering the recipient’s details, filling out shipping information, and choosing the service type. Users then receive a tracking number to monitor their parcel’s real-time status.
Since its launch, the startup has joined multiple accelerator programs, including Baobab Network, Plug and Play Morocco, and Orange Corners, through which it secured a $45,000 grant.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Developed to ease urban mobility, the solution uses eco-friendly vehicles to support the fight against climate change.
Rabbit Mobility is a digital solution developed by an Egyptian startup that allows users to rent electric vehicles—including scooters, e-scooters, and bicycles—for urban travel. Founded in Cairo in 2020 by Kamal ElSoueni, Mohamed Mansoury, and Bassem Magued, the company has quickly made its mark in the micromobility space.
Earlier this month, Rabbit Mobility announced a successful $1.3 million funding round to fuel its growth and support expansion into additional North African markets. Speaking on the funding, Kamal ElSoueni said, “We are thrilled to welcome 500 Global, Untapped Global, and our esteemed angel investors to the Rabbit Mobility family. Their investment will enable us to accelerate our growth, expand our fleet, and enhance our user experience, making micromobility more accessible and convenient for Egyptians nationwide.”
The service operates through a mobile app available on iOS and Android, where it has been downloaded over 100,000 times according to Play Store statistics. After downloading, users create an account with their phone number and link a bank card via the “Wallet” menu. To start a trip, users locate a Rabbit Mobility vehicle, scan the QR code on the handlebar, and initiate the ride. At the destination, the vehicle automatically deactivates, and users must take a photo of the properly locked vehicle before ending the ride.
“The ride should automatically stop once the scooter stops working or loses connectivity. If it doesn’t, please end it yourself from the app and press on “Report an issue” explaining what happened and our operations team will investigate the issue. For the safety of others, please make sure to park the scooter responsibly and not to block any public pathways,” the startup advises.
Rabbit Mobility also offers daily and multi-day rentals, vehicle reservations, subscription systems, and friend referral rewards. Through the referral program, both the referrer and the referred friend receive 20 Egyptian pounds (about $0.41) after the friend’s first ride.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
With the digital transformation sweeping the continent, various tech sectors are experiencing rapid growth. E-commerce is one of these expanding sectors, driving a need for logistical solutions to streamline deliveries and other related services.
Pargo is a digital solution developed by a South African startup that connects shoppers to major online retailers and facilitates delivery services. Founded in 2015 by Lars Veul and Derk Hoekert and based in Cape Town, Pargo recently secured $4 million in funding to expand into Egypt.
Speaking on the expansion, Lars Veul stated, “Egypt is one of the most exciting e-commerce markets in Africa, and we are thrilled to bring our Collect and Returns services here. Our mission is simple: create an affordable ecommerce delivery solution to increase access to the 500 million online shoppers across Africa that e-commerce companies currently struggle to service.”
Pargo integrates seamlessly with online retail platforms via Shopify and WooCommerce plugins. It also offers an API for those who prefer direct integration.
Customers choosing Pargo at checkout can follow the delivery process by filling out a form with personal details and selecting a nearby pickup point for delivery. The startup has over 4,500 pickup locations in its main market, South Africa. Delivery typically takes up to three business days from the date Pargo collects the package, with an additional two days required for peripheral areas. Recipients have up to eight days to collect their parcels. Additionally, Pargo’s relay points allow users to send or receive packages, and an online account enables real-time delivery tracking.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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E-government services are rapidly expanding across the continent, with governments striving to improve user access. Tech entrepreneurs also see this as a growing opportunity.
Alma.cd is an e-governance solution developed by a Congolese startup, offering users the ability to order administrative documents online and receive them at their chosen address. The startup, founded by Synthia Tshimanga, is based in Kinshasa.
Currently, Alma.cd does not have a dedicated mobile app. Users must access the platform through a web browser. To use the service, individuals create an account with their personal information, select the "Order" button, and choose the specific document they need. Alma.cd offers services for a variety of documents, including birth certificates, marriage licenses, and certificates of good conduct.
After selecting the document, users can add it to their cart and confirm their order. They then need to provide any necessary information specific to the document, with mandatory fields clearly marked. Following this step, users proceed to the delivery section where they enter their identification and preferred delivery address.
The final steps involve agreeing to the platform's terms and conditions and making an online payment via mobile money. Once the order is confirmed, users simply wait for their documents to be delivered.
Alma.cd achieved recognition in 2023, winning the women's award at the Congolese stage of the Orange Social Entrepreneur Prize for Africa and the Middle East.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The entertainment industry is thriving across the continent. Tech entrepreneurs are creating innovative digital solutions to streamline various aspects of event management, among other things.
Akwaaba is a digital solution developed by a Ghanaian startup that offers users venue recommendations, the ability to purchase event tickets online, and the chance to earn rewards by sharing the app and referring others.
Founded in 2012, it features an iOS and Android app, with the Android app boasting over a thousand downloads on the Play Store. Through those mobile apps, users can create their accounts to, among other things, make reservations at places like restaurants, cinemas, and fast-food outlets in the cities of Accra and Kumasi.
Event organizers and venue promoters can also leverage Akwaaba to sell tickets, manage bookings, and benefit from marketing support. To boost engagement, the startup has launched a rewards program aimed at "generating more user involvement and revenue for local businesses, helping them thrive in an increasingly competitive market."
Additionally, the startup has partnered with social media content creators to enhance its visibility. “By leveraging the power of social media, the Influencer Programme will engage a wider audience and increase app downloads, further solidifying Akwaaba’s position as the viable event platform in Ghana," explained Kingsley Kordie, Akwaaba’s director.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The informal sector is highly developed in many countries across the continent. This solution was developed to support players active in that sector.
Waribei is a fintech solution developed by an Ivorian startup. It enables small merchants to procure stock directly from wholesalers and gives the latter access to bank credit. The startup, based in Abidjan, was founded in 2023 by Ladislas Pham and Frédéric Fameni.
Earlier this month, it announced the successful completion of a funding round, raising 750,000 euros (approximately $813,500) from Mstudio and Saviu Ventures. The funds will be used to expand its operations and support its growth.
“We spend time in the markets, understanding the daily challenges [businesses] face, to design solutions that truly meet their needs. At Waribei, we want to ensure that merchants can grow their businesses without worrying about maintaining stock levels or struggling to secure loans,” said Ladislas Pham.
The solution includes an Android app that allows users to create an account, check partner suppliers and benefit from the advantages offered. Each user is granted an advance amount to purchase stock. With a pre-generated QR code (waricode), the user can make purchases from a supplier partnered with Waribei.
The fintech acts as a link between banks, suppliers, and small merchants, with plans to expand into other francophone African countries.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Specifically designed for children with mental issues, it allows 24/7 support with tools like mood journals.
Auzy Mental Health is a Tunisian e-health solution developed by a startup founded in 2021 by Abid Khouloud. The platform allows parents to diagnose and treat their children suffering from psychological, neurodevelopmental, and behavioral disorders.
To achieve this, the healthtech company offers personalized monitoring, online diagnostics, and 24/7 support, guiding parents from pregnancy and integrating tools such as a mood journal, progress tracking, and therapeutic exercises.
Unlike many solutions, Auzy Mental Health does not have a mobile app. Users access the platform directly through a web browser via its website. While users can create an account by providing personal information, this step is not necessary for browsing the platform.
The Tunisian startup also provides information on various conditions it addresses, including hyperactivity, intellectual disability, autism, and dyslexia. It offers online tests supported by artificial intelligence to assess children's health and provides advice for parents on managing these conditions or recognizing potential signs.
The process involves becoming informed, undergoing testing, and selecting a healthcare professional to support the child. “Our primary goal is to ensure that every child has the right to become an active member of society and access all decent means of living. We work to provide guidance, coordination, and an early intervention process for children with neurological developmental disorders,” explains the startup.
In September 2024, Auzy Mental Health was selected to represent Tunisia in the final phase of the Orange Social Entrepreneur Prize for Africa and the Middle East in the International Women’s Award category.
Adoni Conrad Quenum