Solutions (533)
To tackle youth unemployment, this edtech company has set up a program aimed at assisting young individuals in acquiring additional skills via workshops and online courses.
Crafty Workshop is an edtech platform developed by an Egyptian startup, founded in 2019. It gives users access to online courses and video content in fields such as crafts, technology, and photography.
The solution does not have a mobile application. It is accessible through its web platform and an account is required to access its services. Users can take courses every day and at any hour of the day.
Its free courses are accessible for free but, paid courses require a subscription, which costs 150 Egyptian pounds ($4.85) monthly and 500 pounds yearly. Subscription gives access to premium content and can be shared with a friend or family member. The platform also features an online marketplace where artisans can create virtual stores to sell their wares. Users can also register as trainers and share their knowledge by giving online courses and/or running an online store.
Last week, the platform announced the successful completion of a $400,000 funding round to, among other things, improve its technology and diversify its offerings. Its co-founder Hadeer Shalaby also explained that the funds will serve, among other things, to extend the startup’s reach to the Gulf region and enrich the content library.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
At the national stage, it competed against 245 applicants. On the international stage, they were well over 1300.
Cameroonian startup Services for Aged –founded by Cameroonian-born Olivia Kamga (photo, left)- quickly gained credibility in the national and international tech community in recent months. Launched in mid-2023, it has already won two awards for its digital platform that connects the elderly with home care in rural areas.
The two awards were issued by French telecom group Orange in the framework of its Orange Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East (POESAM) competition. At the national stage, the startup won the “special women’s prize”, on July 20. Last October 18, it also won the "Coup de Coeur" in Kigali, Rwanda, in the framework of the international phase, whose winners were unveiled on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress Africa 2023.
Services for Aged gives busy rural populations and the diaspora the ability to hire care personnel to look after their elderly relatives. The startup specifically targeted the elderly in rural areas given that they are often vulnerable to social exclusion, isolation, and health problems.
It offers four types of monthly and à la carte subscriptions. They include medical and preventive care, personal hygiene and body care, home consultations, shopping, leisure, and social activities, among others with regular care reports sent to its subscribers. Its services are available in several regions across Cameroon, including the Centre and the West regions. To meet the growing demand for its services, the startup has deployed a network of qualified caregivers across the country.
With its mobile and desktop applications, Services for Aged demonstrates that the digital transformation ongoing in Africa, and Cameroon in particular, offers the opportunity to maintain social ties with loved ones, even remotely.
To facilitate efficient bus journey planning within the Kingdom of Morocco, tech entrepreneurs have developed a customized digital solution.
MarKoub is a digital solution developed by a Moroccan startup. It enables users to search for bus prices and timetables, compare offers from several transport companies, and book tickets online. The Rabat-based startup was founded in 2017 by Omar Chaabi and Zouhir Droussi.
The solution features a mobile app accessible for iOS, Huawei, and Android devices. After creating an account with their e-mail address, users can search for available offers by entering the date of travel, departure city, arrival city, and number of travelers. They can then choose the companies and seat(s) that suit them best, and validate their purchase by paying using the payment methods available on the application.
After this step, the user receives a confirmation e-mail containing a code to be shown to board the bus. It should be noted that a reservation fee of 5 Moroccan dirhams (approx. $0.49) applies to certain routes. Also, depending on the size and weight of the luggage, some companies may charge additional fees.
The startup is partnered with over sixty transport companies. Since its launch, it has received several awards, including the Royal Air Maroc Hackathon in 2017, Maroc Telecom's Entrepreneurship Award in 2018, App of the Year at the Moroccan Web Awards in 2019, and the Bronze Award at the Huawei Developer Competition (2020). In 2023, it was among the 100 Moroccan startups that took part in the year’s edition of GITEX Africa in Morocco. Since its launch, the Android version of its app has been downloaded over 100,000 times, according to Play Store data.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The idea that launched it is the result of one of the founders’ concerns about the safety of his first car. It was brought to life to become a much more affordable and customized alternative to existing solutions.
Alltrack is a digital app developed by a Mozambican startup. It enables users to track their vehicles in real-time from a mobile application. Americo Chaquisse, one of the founders of the Maputo-based startup, came up with the idea in 2015 when he bought his first vehicle.
"I was concerned about the safety of my car, and the solutions available on the market at the time were expensive and didn't give me the option of controlling my car myself or integrating their solutions with other hardware devices. So I decided to create my own solution. [...] In the worst-case scenario, the user is allowed to block the car, by cutting off the oil and electricity. All this can be done using a smartphone," said Chaquisse.
The app is available for iOS and Android devices. To access its vehicle tracker, a user needs to download that app and create an account. But first, the device tracker needs to be installed in the vehicle. Even if the vehicle’s battery is removed, the user can still track it normally. Among other things, Alltrack enables the owner to easily locate his or her car, be warned when a third party starts it, find out all the routes taken by the car, or even find out if someone is touching or trying to open one of the vehicle's doors.
The startup offers a seven-day trial where users will have access to their vehicle's position in real time, the vehicle's lock, and alerts. Apart from this, there's the bronze package billed at 800 meticals (approx. $12.52) for 6 months, and the one-year silver package costing 3,500 meticals. With the latter, users have access to all the solution's features.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The AI-powered solution, developed by three tech entrepreneurs, aims to ease access to insurance policies.
Haba is an insurtech solution developed by a Nigerian startup. It enables users to access various insurance policies from its mobile application. Last week, the Lagos-based startup behind it raised $75,000 to improve its technology and accelerate growth.
"Haba InsurTech is positioned to redefine insurance accessibility, empower policyholders, and shape the future of the insurance sector in Nigeria. As the insurance landscape evolves, Haba InsurTech stands as a beacon of innovation, ready to make insurance easier, more reliable, and ultimately more customer-centric," the startup explains.
The solution features a mobile app that can be downloaded on PlayStore and AppStore. Through the app, users can register to access its various services, namely car insurance, health insurance, and gadget insurance.
It is worth noting that with Haba, users can insure even their smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Subscribing to an insurance policy is managed by an AI-powered conversational agent. To select a policy, a user needs to log in, click on the + icon, and select the type of insurance needed. This will launch the conversational agent, which will collect all the information needed for an estimate. After this step, the user can buy the policy – if he/she approves the terms– by filling out payment information.
The conversational agent also takes care of claims. All the user has to do is press the dedicated button and initiate a discussion with the agent about a complaint. The user chooses how he/he prefers his claim to be settled: cash payment or by taking the damaged car or gadget to the insurtech service center.
Since its launch, the Android version of its application has been downloaded just over fifty times, according to Play Store data.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
With the streaming industry booming worldwide African platforms are trying to make their mark in this market, dominated by giants such as Spotify, Deezer, and Apple Music.
Colorfol is a digital solution developed by a Cameroonian startup. It gives users access to audio and video content promoting African music and independent artists.
Through its mobile app –Available for Android and iOS devices, users can create an account by inputting their e-mail address and password. Once created, the account allows the user to browse the various contents offered by the application. They can browse depending on their taste with either the free plan or the premium one, which costs €0.2/day.
With the free plan, users can access all the platform's content, from songs to podcasts, but ads are unavoidable. The premium plan is to get rid of ads and access song lyrics, be able to listen to songs offline or access online radio. Audio quality is also better with the premium than the free plan.
In addition to these features, Colorfol integrates an online ticketing service where users can purchase tickets for showcases, concerts, shows, or cultural events featuring various artists. The startup integrates several payment methods such as mobile money, bank cards, and money remittance applications to carry out transactions on the platform.
Since its launch, the Android version of its mobile application has been downloaded more than 5,000 times. Colorfol is one of the ten African startups that won the 2023 edition of the AFD Digital Challenge.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
To facilitate the organization of events and the acquisition of tickets by the public, an Ivorian tech entrepreneur has developed a technological solution.
SkanTicket is a technological solution developed by Ivorian startup Skan Technologies. On the one hand, it enables event promoters to create tailor-made events, offer tickets and/or invitations online, promote the event, and manage access control on the big day. On the other hand, it offers people the chance to purchase tickets for various events online. The startup was launched by Nancy Aphey Anicet Amani.
The solution has a mobile app for Android and iOS devices. Once downloaded, the app allows users to create an account by entering their e-mail address and a password. After that, they create events or buy tickets. For each event created, SkanTicket provides a minisite that the promoter customizes with the event logo, images, etc.
If the promoter already has a website or has one planned for the event, he/she can integrate the ticketing service from his organizer's space, by exporting the widget with a simple copy and paste. No special IT skill is needed to use the tool. Once the tickets have gone on sale, sellers can receive the proceeds of the sales on the 1st and 16th day of every month through bank transfer.
SkanTicket, which integrates mobile money payment systems from telecom operators MTN and Orange, collects 5% of all sales. It provides a USSD code to enable users with no smartphone to also buy tickets.
Since its launch, the Android version of its mobile application has already been downloaded more than 10,000 times. In 2023, the startup was among the ten winners of the AFD Digital Challenge.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The food delivery app was developed by three tech entrepreneurs to help residents benefit from the ongoing tech revolution.
Capsa Food is a solution developed by a Tunisian startup. It enables users to order food online and have it delivered to the location of their choice, at home, at the office, or elsewhere.
Through its mobile application available for both Android and Huawei devices, users create accounts to access its services. The solution lists several restaurants in the city of Gafsa, from fast-food outlets to entities specializing in local dishes.
Once the food choice is made, a user needs to confirm the order and enter the delivery location. The app allows them to track the delivery in real-time and pay once they receive the order. Based on previous orders, it monitors users’ preferences and adapts the restaurants shown to users based on those preferences. It also suggests the nearest restaurants to optimize delivery time.
Capsa Food operates exclusively in Gafsa, a town of less than 100,000 inhabitants located 360 kilometers south of the Tunisian capital, Tunis. The startup's name comes from the town's former name, Capsa. Since its launch earlier this year, the Android version of its mobile application has been downloaded more than 5,000 times.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The platform is a Moroccan version of the vide dressing concept its founder discovered during her studies in France.
Vesttys is an e-commerce platform developed by a Moroccan startup. On the one hand, it lets users sell old items and, on the other, buy new ones at attractive prices. The Tangier-based startup behind it was founded in 2020 by Mariam Ben Omar.
Defining itself as a vide-dressing platform, Vesttys aims to develop the second-hand market in the Cherifian kingdom.
"During my years of study in France, I realized at one point that I had a shopping addiction, I ended up with several items that I didn't use. Most of them were left with the label. [...] A friend told me about a platform where I could put my clothes up for sale: a sort of virtual dressing room. So I became a seller myself and created my own dressing room. A few years later, I returned to Morocco for good, and that's when I began to realize the importance of this platform in my daily life," explains Mariam Ben Omar.
Vesttys was born from that realization. Currently, it has no mobile app. Unregistered users can nevertheless visit its web platform and check the items available for sale, from traditional and modern clothing to beauty products, children's items, accessories, and more.
To post or buy an item, users need to create a free account with an email address and link a credit card to activate the account.
The platform does not charge commissions on user purchases or sales. It earns money through a feature called “Boost”. This feature allows users to make their dressing rooms or items appear at the forefront. This means that when users search from specific items, the listings of “Boost” subscribers will appear first.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
To facilitate financial and commercial transactions for local populations, African tech entrepreneurs are multiplying financial technology solutions, some more interesting than others.
Abela is a mobile application developed by a South African startup and launched in 2020. It enables access to online banking services via its mobile app.
"We live in an economy that is going cashless, and people are losing out because of it. The global pandemic has only accelerated this movement. [...] Today, 10.4 million South Africans have seen their monthly income decrease by up to 75 percent due to this digital transformation. Abela seeks to address this concern and provide customers, especially those who have been underserved within the informal sector and diaspora, with the financial autonomy and security they deserve. Traditional banking solutions have often overlooked this part of the population and we aim to bridge that gap," said Thomas David, founder and CEO of Abela, on the reasons that prompted the creation of the solution.
The mobile application is available for iOS and Android devices. Once downloaded, it allows users to create accounts by inputting their phone numbers, names, and passwords as well as uploading proof of identity. Once they upload their proof of identity, users are required to create a PIN code and take a selfie to validate the account. The tedious process was put in place because the startup wanted to avoid security risks.
Users who pass the validation stage can carry out various transactions like airtime purchases and bill payments. They can also top up their Abela accounts using credit cards, bank transfers, and QR code payments. In addition to these services, the solution also lets them send money outside South Africa in just a few clicks.
Since its launch, the Android version of the mobile application has been downloaded more than 10,000 times. Though only present in South Africa for the time being, the startup wants to expand outside. "In terms of expansion, we see a lot of opportunity for growth across the continent, specifically in Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular, our neighboring countries of Malawi, Botswana, and Namibia," Thomas David said in 2021.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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Distance learning platforms have become choice alternatives to traditional education. In Africa, there is a growing number of such platforms, which offer diversified courses adapted to learners’ needs.
Super Fny is an edtech platform developed by an Egyptian startup. It enables access to professional training videos. Basically, Super Fny aims to improve the technical skills of professionals and students to better prepare them for job market challenges.
Currently, it has no mobile app. So, to access its services, users need to visit its website, register for an account, and browse the training courses offered. Among other things, they can learn leather goods and leather manufacturing techniques, bag, and wallet making, the basics of entrepreneurship, and more. Some courses are available for free and others cost up to 150 Egyptian pounds (around $4.85).
In addition to training, the startup also connects companies with trained technicians. Doing so, it enables its learners to get work related to the courses they take on its platform.
Super Fny has over 35 partners, more than 34,000 trainees, over 200 trainers, and offers some sixty training courses. Present in 17 governorates of Egypt, it aims to expand throughout the Arab world. For that purpose, it completed a funding round in 2022. The amount of the deal was not disclosed but we learn that the proceeds will fund the development of its technology and accelerate the implementation of its growth plan.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Africa has historically been the continent with one of the lowest banking penetration rates. Those rates have been growing over the past few years but, with the introduction of digital alternatives, the rise is poised to be faster.
PiggyVest is a fintech solution developed by a Lagos-based startup founded in 2016. It enables individuals and businesses to save towards goals like launching a business, buying a car, or furthering education. It was founded by five passionate entrepreneurs, who succeeded in raising around $1.2 million in funding to accelerate its growth.
"When we started, there were 22 banks in Nigeria. So there was quite a lot of option and yet, young people were storing their savings in wooden boxes under their beds. This showed us that people might have access to financial services but they weren’t developed to serve their needs," explained Odunayo Eweniyi, co-founder and chief operations officer of PiggyVest
To access the various services offered by the solution, users need to download its mobile app –Android or iOS version– and register for an account. Among other things, PiggyVest offers several ways to save, such as goal-oriented savings, savings in foreign currencies such as the dollar (flex dollar), or fixed savings, which involves blocking funds for a set period without having access to them until maturity. Its savings plans remunerate users with 5 to 15% interest.
"With PiggyVest, users can save as much as they want as frequently or infrequently as they want, be it every day, every week, or every month. [...] We offer quarterly free withdrawal days when users can take money out if they need to without any cost. Should a user want to withdraw their money early or outside of these days, they will be charged a fee to discourage them from doing so," indicated Odunayo Eweniyi. PiggyVest claims over 4 million users. In 2021, its users saved over $480 million.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In recent years, on-demand transport applications have become genuine competitors to traditional cabs. In response, some cab associations have decided to enter this segment too.
Yo!Taxi is a mobile application developed by a South African startup launched by twelve meter cab associations to compete against giants like Uber and Bolt. It enables users to order cabs for their various journeys around town.
Through its Android and iOS apps, users can register for accounts, using their phone numbers and email addresses. To order a cab, they need to enter their destination and press the "Get my Yo!Taxi" button to send the request to drivers in the area. After this step, they have to click on "Pick me up from here" to choose a driver if several are proposed, then confirm the fare based on the app's estimate.
The driver's details can be accessed by clicking on his or her profile. It is worth noting that the startup collects and verifies the information of each of its drivers before their maiden trips. It also has security mechanisms like cameras, an emergency button, and a vehicle tracker to ensure the safety of cab occupants.
In addition to on-demand transportation, the South African company also offers delivery services. Whether it's food from a local restaurant or a parcel, drivers are available to carry out the errands. Since its launch, the Android version of the application has been downloaded more than 10,000 times.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The solution was launched by two tech entrepreneurs, with the aim of giving people access to decent labor.
Saweblia is a digital platform developed by a Moroccan startup. It connects users with craftsmen such as electricians, plumbers, handymen, and painters. The Casablanca-based startup behind the solution was founded, in 2015, by Reda Lakhlifi and Mohammed Ait Addi. It aims to revolutionize the breakdown service market by combating dishonest service providers.
The startup is yet to launch a mobile application for its solution. So, users can access its services only through its web platform or its Whatsapp account. Whether it's repairing a door handle, an electrical fault, a water leak, or even a jammed lock, Saweblia has the manpower to deal with almost every problem.
"All our craftsmen have a legal status and their identity and criminal record are checked by our teams. Our craftsmen follow a multi-step process to ensure their expertise and know-how. They pass several levels of validation before arriving at your premises. Once they've been validated, we train them in our internal quality charter and monitor their progress to ensure continuous quality of service," explains the startup.
Currently, its services are accessible to users in Casablanca and Marrakech. There is no need to create an account to request the services. When needed, a user only has to click on the “I need a service” button on the web platform, choose his/her city, and select the type of service needed. For multiple services, users need to submit personalized requests. To do this, they need to describe their specific situations and add pictures to allow the customer relations managers to take over from there.
"We may need to arrange a visit with one of our works coordinators for complex requests. Once the requirement is clear, we send you a quote within 20 minutes to 48 hours (depending on the nature of the work to be carried out). As soon as you confirm the estimate, we schedule an intervention according to your availability," explains the platform.
Saweblia offers customers a range of payment options once the work has been completed. These include online payment by credit card on the website, cheque, bank transfer, or cash. In addition, if the cost of the order exceeds 1,000 Moroccan dirhams (around $97), the startup requires a deposit.
Adoni Conrad Quenum