Solutions (533)
In the African informal sector, which is a key component of most Sub-Saharan African economies (according to the IMF), traders face numerous challenges daily. In Kenya, some tech entrepreneurs have set up a solution to address the challenges for cosmetics traders.
Vutia is a virtual marketplace developed by a Kenyan startup. It allows cosmetics stores to source beauty and skincare products by democratizing access to quality cosmetics and beauty products in Africa through its distribution platform. "Positioned between the brand and the business customer, we are focused on the distribution of multiple categories of cosmetic and beauty products to informal traders, beauty salons, SPAs, and beauty shops. We source our products directly from manufacturers at the top of the value chain and deliver to vendors at competitive prices," the platform explains.
Via its website or by sending SMS and Whatsapp messages, users can order cosmetics in bulk. Before they can order the products via the website, they need to create an account.
Products purchased on the marketplace are delivered for free (for Vutia clients) the following day. The platform also offers users the possibility to become cosmetics sellers or Vutia agents. As sellers or agents, they can earn money by promoting and delivering beauty and personal care products in their communities or neighborhoods.
In February 2023, the platform was selected along with four other startups by the Baobab Network's 2023 acceleration program. The selection entitles it to $50,000 support and the opportunity to be presented to potential investors during demo days.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In Africa, traditional financial institutions are usually unable to meet the needs of part of the population. This creates a great funding gap that tech entrepreneurs are trying to bridge with innovative solutions.
FairMoney is a fintech solution developed by a Nigerian startup, which aims to "build the leading mobile bank for emerging markets." It allows its users access to instant collateral-free loans.
"Banks stayed apart from this untapped market because of the lack of digital tech expertise to serve people with limited revenues in remote areas. […] We leverage digital technologies to offer financial services to people, even for very small transactions and loans, in remote areas. [...] We hit a US$93 million disbursement volume in 2020, despite COVID-19 which impacted lending businesses," said Laurin Hainy, CEO of FairMoney.
Through its Android app, users can create a FairMoney account by filling the required form. They specifically need the telephone number linked to their Bank Verification Numbers.
Once they create the account, they can link a bank account or card to that account and start receiving loans. The startup requires no documentation but, it is worth mentioning that thanks to the BVN, it can identify its users. In its FAQs, the startup explains that it "collects and processes securely data from your phone (SMS, device details, location, phonebook) to make a lending decision. This data is necessary for us to approve your loan in real-time without asking you for cumbersome paperwork." Since the launch of its instant loan solution, the startup has attracted thousands of users. Playstore stats show the Android app has been downloaded more than 10 million times.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
On January 5, 2023, Algerian team SevenG won the second prize in the finals of the global competition organized by Huawei. It won the prize thanks to its AI tool that automates farming. At a time when food insecurity is hanging over millions of people all over the world, the seven students who launched the tool believe that it is an efficient and less restrictive solution to make farming more profitable. In an interview with We Are Tech, they present their ambitious project.
What inspired you to launch FarmAI?
We were inspired by the food insecurity affecting Algeria and several countries in the world. We decided to develop an IT system, combined with other tools, which would help create a smart farm, monitor crops, identify pests, build a smart irrigation system, and monitor weather changes. The main idea is to quickly detect and efficiently respond to diseases affecting farms.
How does your solution work?
The early wheat rust disease detection system combines artificial intelligence and drones to monitor wheat fields. The drone flies around the field every 4 days, capturing images of the plants with its camera. This data is then transferred to a deep neural network that performs image classification and analysis to identify possible infections. If a set of data points at a high infection probability, the system will alert the farmer through a mobile app and backend system, allowing the farmer to take the necessary actions to preserve crops and avoid financial losses.
We already have audiences with the Ministries of Economy and Agriculture. They will help us either partner with local drone manufacturers or purchase our drones. In both cases, the great support offered by the President of the Republic to agritech and startups is a real opportunity.
Why did you choose artificial intelligence to power your solution?
We didn't choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) because it's a trendy technology or something like that, but our problem requires a lot of effort, time, and money. So, as we all know, AI improves the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of human actions. Those are the reasons we chose AI for our FarmAI project. At this stage, we are using AI in two key functions which are computer vision and the automation of drones that monitor farms, process images and classify them.
Given the potential of artificial intelligence, why limit the solution to the identification of wheat rust only?
At the beginning of the Tech4good competition, our idea was to develop a system that would help reduce losses in farms and ensure food security in our country. But, as we were time-limited and our project was focused on a specific feature, which is the detection of rust disease, even before the competition, our mentors advised us to pursue this feature. Nevertheless, we plan to add other features, including pest detection and the detection of other diseases. We plan to deploy our solution in more farms.
Our focus on wheat rust stems from the position of wheat in the Algerian economy. Algerians consume more than 100 kilograms of wheat yearly. The country produces and exports the commodity, which is a great source of income for households and the whole country. Our solution helps address food and economic issues not only in Algeria but also in the whole world.
What are SevenG's plans for FarmAi after Tech4Good?
The next step is to test our solution. We have already spoken with farmers and most of them are interested. The solution has been developed in such a way that it is easy to use even for non -tech-savvy individuals. Since most farmers are already using smartphones, they only have to check the reports since everything that has to do with drone calibration, launch, and data analysis is automated.
Once we are done with the testing phase, we will offer free trials to farmers to convince them of the usefulness of our solution. Then, we will seek investors to quickly develop our business and get more clients.
The African e-commerce sector is growing rapidly. Like the fintech startup, it has attracted a growing number of investments, allowing entrepreneurs to develop local solutions.
Homzmart is an online shopping platform developed by an Egyptian startup to allow users to purchase home goods such as furniture.
On its mobile (Android and iOS) and web platforms, the solution lists the various items including furniture and kitchen appliances, and their "interesting prices." Its AI algorithm also showcases items that can interest visitors who need to create an account to buy the products they want.
Homzmart has established itself in its home country, increasing its sales 30-fold between 2020 and 2021. "We have seized the opportunity to digitize shopping for furniture and home goods. The market opportunity in the region is huge, and our business model is perfectly set up for it. Homzmart provides an easy one-stop-shop platform to transform the experience for furniture sellers and consumers," said Mahmoud Ibrahim, Homzmart co-founder, and CEO, in 2021.
Its Android app has been downloaded more than 500,000 times. It plans to grow its national presence and expand in the Middle East after its launch in Saudi Arabia. It has raised more than US$40 million to fulfill that ambition.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In recent years, fintech companies have driven the growth in venture financing in the African tech ecosystem. They attract billions of dollars, encouraging tech entrepreneurs to develop solutions adapted to local realities.
Anchor is a fintech solution developed by a Nigerian startup, allowing users to create financial products and services.
"We built Anchor to abstract away the complexities in building financial products, so businesses can get started in five minutes with a few lines of code. […] We have seen first-hand the painful process of closing banking partnerships, negotiating third-party contracts, and obtaining regulatory approvals. And more generally, the extensive time and effort required to launch financial products," explains Anchor co-founder Segun Adeyemi.
The fintech solution provides the infrastructure, the tools, and the documentation that can help developers easily develop financial products (KYC, fund transfers, account opening, etc) in minutes.
Anchor also offers flexible functionalities companies need to improve international performance. It also facilitates complicated financial operations. In 2022, it was selected to join the summer cohort of startup accelerator Y Combinator. This allowed it access to US$500,000 financing and access to an international pool of investors.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Real estate is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Africa. However, it is sometimes hard for newcomers to enter the field. This is why some tech entrepreneurs developed a digital solution to facilitate investments.
AlphabloQ is a digital solution developed by a Kenyan startup to help Kenyans easily invest in the real estate industry or buy properties.
"We are making real estate investments accessible and profitable for investors like yourself. In a few simple steps, you too can begin building long-term wealth and generate passive cash flows monthly," the platform indicates.
Currently, the solution has no mobile app. Users can nevertheless access its web platform and create an account either as an investor or a seller.
Investors can browse the available properties and check the monthly cash flow they can expect. As for sellers, they can notify the startup of the properties they want to sell. The solution also facilitates exit from real estate investments by buying or selling tokens that represent fractions of real estate properties.
In January 2023, it was selected, along with 11 African startups, to take part in the acceleration program ARM Labs Lagos Techstars. The selection entitled it to up to US$120,000 in equity financing and additional support.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In large African towns, it is sometimes difficult to move around, with the constant traffic jams and poor roads. In that context, Schoolz wants to help students easily get to school.
Schoolz is a digital solution developed by an Egyptian startup to help students get to school easily no matter the conditions of the roads and the state of the traffic.
Using its Android or iOS apps, users can register for its services (only parents are allowed to register on behalf of underage students), access a list of bus routes and the real-time location of the bus they are going to board
The startup behind the solution explains that to ensure safety, it uses modern technologies and cameras and employs trained drivers and supervisors inside each bus. Currently, on Playstore, its Android app has been downloaded more than 5,000 times already.
"In the first week of the launch, we transported the first group of students to their schools, then we transported children to the club during the weekend. Quickly, schools, sports academies, and clubs communicated to us to use our services. We immediately provided technology, tools, and transportation technology for them, whether using our fleet or by using Schoolz system to manage the transportation process smoothly and completely," explains Hosni Ahmed, CEO and co-founder of Schoolz.
The startup now wants to diversify its operations and enter the business field, offering SaaS solutions to companies in Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Jand2Gidi is a digital startup developed by a Nigerian logistics startup. It allows merchants to send packages around and outside Nigeria and also receive packages from abroad.
To access its services, users need to visit its web platform and create an account to access the Jan2Gidi dashboard that allows subscriptions to the various services.
The solution allows users to have international delivery addresses where their packages can be delivered. From there, it takes over to deliver the packages in Nigeria. It also offers a service called "Shop For Me," which enables users who so wish to order from US and UK stores through Jan2Gidi.
It also offers bicycle or van delivery services from Lagos and Abuja to the 36 states in Nigeria, transportation and relocation services as well as sea freight for heavy machinery, cars, and bulky items to be shipped to Nigeria.
In January 2023, the startup was selected, along with ten others, to participate in the third edition of the Africa Startup Initiative Program (ASIP) acceleration program that entitles participants to US$18,000 in equity contribution and US$750,000 in credits, services, and in-kind value.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The solution was launched to boost the visibility of Egyptian handmade items and attract national and international clients for its local users.
Muqbis is an e-commerce solution launched to allow local artisans to showcase their products to an international audience. It was created, in 2021, by the Egyptian startup Muqbis.
To access its services as buyers, users need to visit its web platform where they can browse the various products ranging from pottery, embroidery, and jewelry to artwork and brass work. Once they select the items they need, they can create an account to finalize the purchase or log in if they already have a Muqbis account. As for artisans, they can register for an account that allows them to showcase their products to potential buyers.
On its front page, the solution showcases best sellers, best-rated items, and those with ongoing promotions, boosting the visibility of those items and ultimately sales. Payments can be made either with a banking card or in cash at delivery. However, for the time being, no mobile money solution is available.
Muqbis has a return policy that gives buyers 30 days from the reception date to return any defective items. Its only condition is that the item should be unused and still in the same condition as received. Let's note that in December 2022, the startup behind the solution raised funds to support its expansion.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The solution aims to keep users healthy and prevent some diseases like obesity, diabetes, and asthma, which have recently been on the rise in Africa.
Lifesten Health is a digital solution developed by a Rwandan start-up that allows users to lead a healthy lifestyle. It creates personalized exercise and diet programs for each user.
Users can register on its web platform or via its mobile app (available for Android and iOS devices) and answer several questions to allow the solution to set up a personalized profile. Based on that profile, Lifesten Health creates "daily personalized challenges that involve activities to improve [...] diets, physical activity, and mental wellness."
Recognizing that it takes a lot of discipline to keep up with the challenges, the start-up behind the solution has come up with an incentive system that awards points to be exchanged for goods and services such as medicines, consultations, subscriptions, and even spa treatments at partner companies. Lifesten has also developed a program to encourage employers to enroll their employees to boost their productivity.
In addition, it keeps a frequently-updated blog that discusses wellness, exercise, lifestyle, diseases, and even news related to its development.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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The solution aims to help farmers and fresh produce farmers quickly sell their products while ensuring farm traceability.
Mahaseel Masr is a digital solution that connects farm owners with buyers looking for fresh products. According to Mohamed Abdel Rahman, founder of the startup behind the app, "demand for first-rate fruits and vegetables at competitive prices is showing strong growth, driven by a global rapid population increase and raised digital awareness, in addition to a demanding need for global supply chain stability." Therefore, the solution wants to facilitate secure and reliable transactions while ensuring farm traceability.
Through its Android app, the solution allows buyers and sellers to create their accounts and carry out business transactions. Buyers must type the product they need into the search bar and choose the farms offering such products depending on the location.
Mahaseel Masr claims more than 28,000 member farms and more than a million tons of crops harvested and sold. On Play Store, its Android app has been downloaded more than a hundred times.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In urban areas, car parking is a major problem. In Nigeria, a tech company wants to address that problem with its digital solution.
Parkwell is a digital solution developed by a Nigerian startup to help drivers easily book parking spaces around Lagos.
Through its mobile app (available for Android and iOS devices), users can create accounts with their phone numbers, browse the nearest free parking spaces (thanks to GPS technology), and book spaces for set hours or days. If needed, they can extend the number of hours or days they need to continue to use the booked spaces.
According to Parkwell's website, "the total price of a reservation on Parkwell is based on either the hourly or daily rate set by the host, plus the addition of other fees or costs determined by either the Park owner or Parkwell, which might include parking insurance."
Parkwell's services can not be paid in cash. They can be paid either via itheirdigital wallet or via debit/credit cards. Currently, its Android app has been downloaded more than 500 times on PlayStore. Also, the startup has been selected to participate in the third cohort of the Africa Startup Initiative Program (ASIP)’s acceleration program that will take place in Dakar, Senegal. It will thus receive US$18,000 in equity and US$750,000 in credits, services, and in-kind contributions.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The solution aims to make life easier for the population.
Breadfast is a digital solution developed by an Egyptian startup. It allows users to shop for food products. Since its launch in 2017, the solution has attracted US$29 million in funding for its expansion.
"We started out baking and delivering fresh bread, and today we are able to give Egyptians access to thousands of items of their basic supermarket supplies at the click of a button. Our mission is to change how people consume their daily essentials in Africa and the Middle East and, through our dynamic technology and deep understanding of the end-to-end supply chain process in the region, we are growing a simple idea into a product we believe can benefit millions of people across the MENA and Sub-Saharan regions," said Mostafa Amin, co-founder, and CEO of Breadfast.
The solution has a mobile app for Android and iOS devices. Using the app, users can sign up and start ordering the various products offered by the ecommerce solution. Currently, the startup delivers orders within an hour but, it is implementing strategies to bring delivery time to 20 minutes. One of those strategies is the extension of its store network.
In Egypt, Breadfast is really popular. Its Android app has been downloaded more than 1 million times on PlayStore and attracted over 20,000 (mostly positive) reviews. In 2019, it joined the Summer 2019 cohort of the American startup accelerator Y Combinator. After the program, the startup attracted more investors to improve its technology and establish itself in its home market.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The solution acts as a neobank and at the same time helps dealers manage their operations.
Shekel Mobility is a digital solution developed by a Nigerian startup to provide the tools and resources needed for emerging automotive companies to grow sustainably and optimally. It enables dealers using the solution to easily send and receive money and pay bills.
"Intending to empower businesses from around the world, Shekel provides financial services to local dealers as well as virtual dealers, enabling cross-border transactions and connections made easier by an ecosystem built with end-to-end security," the solution informs on its website.
Currently, it has no mobile app. Its services are accessible only through its website, after registration. The startup provides up to US$200,000 in unsecured loans to users who want to start selling cars.
Interest on these loans is calculated weekly and the principal is to be repaid 45 days after the cars are sold. The process can be repeated as many times as needed, allowing users to dynamize their operations and boost turnover.
Shekel currently claims 1,102 registered dealers, 3,400 cars traded and over US$19 million in transactions powered. It has been selected to participate in the 2023 Winter cohort of startup accelerator Y Combinator, which will give it access to potential investors. It also attracted a US$500,000 investment from the accelerator.
Adoni Conrad Quenum