Designed to make event organization easier for promoters, the online ticketing solution includes both management and marketing features.
South African startup Howler has developed a digital solution that allows event organizers to set up secure online ticketing for various events. Founded in 2014 in Johannesburg by Scott Witters, Shai Evian, Simon Powell-Jackson and Steven Cuzen, the company offers a comprehensive platform for event management.
Howler's solution includes an app available on iOS and Android, which has been downloaded over 10,000 times. The app enables on-site ticket verification through QR code scanning or participant searches using email, name or ID number. Most ticketing processes, however, take place on the web platform.
Event promoters create an account on Howler's web platform by providing personal information. They can then create custom events and sell tickets through the system. The solution caters to a wide range of events, including concerts, festivals, sporting events and exhibitions. It allows promoters to market their events, offer various payment options to customers and access management tools from their dashboard to adjust marketing strategies as needed. Its team also handles ticket delivery and other services.
Since its launch, Howler has issued more than 2.5 million tickets, processed over 10 million cashless transactions, and generated more than 1.5 billion rand ($83.2 million).
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In line with its mission to pioneer a sound financial ecosystem that benefits everyone, Zofi Cash helps employees manage emergencies and unexpected situations.
Zofi Cash is a fintech solution developed by a Ugandan startup that enables users, specifically company employees, to receive salary advances to address financial emergencies before payday. Founded in 2021 by Paul Kirungi and Gordon Turibamwe, the Kampala-based startup offers up to 50% of a user's salary as salary advance.
"The traditional 30-day pay cycle can leave people without funds during unexpected expenses and emergencies. Zofi Cash solves this problem by providing early access to wages, allowing employees to address immediate needs without waiting until the end of the month for payday," Zofi Cash explains.
Its digital solution includes a mobile app available on both iOS and Android, which has already been downloaded more than 50,000 times, according to Play Store statistics. Users must create an account with their personal information to access the fintech's services, and it is important to note that the user's employer must have a partnership with Zofi Cash.
In May 2023, it raised $1 million from Advancly, a business-to-business financing firm operating in six African countries, to support its growth.
Commenting on the funding round, Lotanna Julian, co-founder of Advancly, said, "Cash flow management is as important as earning money itself. The work that Zofi Cash is doing connects to our ultimate goal of building the rail tracks for a more robust financial ecosystem that delivers prosperity for all."
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Founded by three tech entrepreneurs, the solution digitizes insurance brokerage services, making it easier for people to find the right insurance policy
Amenli is a digital solution created by an Egyptian startup that helps users find the most suitable insurance policies tailored to their needs. Founded in 2020 in Cairo by Adham Nauman, Omar Ezz El Din, and Shady El Tohfa, the startup aims to protect individuals and businesses from unexpected costs and incidents. In October 2023, Amenli secured $1 million in funding to support its growth.
Commenting on the funding round, Shady El Tohfa said, "The backing of these prominent investors, who all possess extensive experience in the tech and insurance sectors regionally and globally, has reinforced our belief in the strength of our vision and in moving forward with our plans for Amenli’s expansion and growth."
The solution offers a mobile app available on both iOS and Android, which has been downloaded over a thousand times, according to Play Store data. Users can create an account to access Amenli's services, which include a variety of insurance policies such as health, car, home, and business insurance.
With just a few clicks on the web or mobile platform, users can obtain quotes or subscribe to policies that meet their needs. Amenli claims the insurance policies provided are the best options available from partner insurance companies. Additionally, Amenli manages claims with insurance companies on behalf of its clients.
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Founded by two tech entrepreneurs, it aims to simplify the shopping experience for students.
Chao, a Nigerian startup founded in 2022 by Gift Akobundu and Melvin Senne-Aya, enables users, particularly students, to order food, groceries, and medications for delivery directly to their university campus.
The startup was born out of the founders' observation that there was no efficient way for students to order meals from nearby stores, as no food delivery platform operated in the area. Akobundu, a software engineer, began engaging with restaurant owners to better understand their business operations and explore potential solutions.
“It was not possible to efficiently order meals from stores because no food delivery platform operated within campus environs. I began talking with restaurants to gain deeper insights into their individual business operations, understanding what it would take to solve the problem as a software engineer – not just for users, but also for the stores,” Akobundu told Disrupt Africa.
Chao's solution features a mobile app available on both iOS and Android platforms. Users can create an account and access partner restaurants, grocery stores, and pharmacies. They can then place orders for cooked meals, groceries, or medications to be delivered to their location.
After launching its beta service, Chao decided to expand its offerings beyond prepared meals to meet the diverse needs of its target market.
The startup currently boasts over 3,000 users and serves two campuses: Babcock University and the University of Port Harcourt. Chao aims to expand to other communities within the next 24 months.
In 2023, Chao was recognized for its achievements, winning the eCommerce award at the Wema Bank Hackathon and Grand Summit. In 2024, the startup further solidified its success by winning at Markhack 3.0, organized by Eko Innovation Centre and GDM Group. This accolade earned Chao $1,000 in Amazon credits, a $50,000 seed investment from Eko Innovation Centre, and a three-month acceleration program valued at $10,000.
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Many African populations lack access to traditional banking services. As a result, fintech solutions are growing in popularity across the continent. These solutions provide alternative ways to access financial services.
PaySika, a fintech startup based in Douala, Cameroon, provides users with access to online financial services through a smartphone app.
Founded in 2020 by Roger Nengwe Ntafam and Stezen Bisselou, it aims to create affordable, seamless, and transparent banking experiences, with a focus on simplifying online payments.
The mobile app, available on iOS and Android platforms, has garnered over 50,000 downloads on the Play Store. Through that app, users can create an account within minutes to access various services.
PaySika offers virtual and physical cards, allowing users to receive payments from PayPal, trading platforms, online betting, royalties from YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and many others.
The service enables purchases at local and international stores, ATM withdrawals worldwide, and card management features such as blocking, unblocking, deleting, or setting spending limits.
It charges 1% on online payments and ATM withdrawals, and 2% for international transactions and mobile money withdrawals. However, it does not charge for alerts, monthly management fees, or card maintenance.
The minimum recharge amount is XOF100 ($0.16), with a minimum withdrawal of XOF600.
In August 2024, PaySika was named among the twelve finalists in the Ecobank Fintech Challenge.
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The name M-Shule, means 'mobile school' in Swahili, a widely spoken language in East Africa. It has transformed online learning on the continent, especially in several countries within the East African region.
M-Shule is a digital platform created by a Kenyan startup to enable access to online courses in East Africa. Founded in 2017 by Claire Mongeau and Julie Otieno, the Nairobi-based startup targets underserved populations, particularly in regions where 80% of the population lacks smartphones or internet access.
The platform is designed to educate, engage, assess, and survey hard-to-reach populations in Africa, especially in areas where most people do not have smartphones or internet access.
“[...] By delivering an all-in-one learning platform possible with the simplest feature phone, M-Shule unlocks new opportunities for millions across Sub-Saharan Africa," the startup explains.
Users can initiate conversations with M-Shule from their mobile phones, asking questions to deepen their understanding of specific course topics. The platform tailors responses based on the user's previously provided education level, allowing them to learn at their own pace. If a concept is unclear, users can request further explanations, with responses available at any time.
Primary school students can use M-Shule to review courses in English, Kiswahili, and mathematics. Parents can monitor their children's progress from registration onward through automated reports sent via SMS to their phones. "Our student users have improved their classroom exam scores between 7%-20% higher than their peers; schools report their classroom planning and administration have improved thanks to our analytics, reporting, and remedial guidance," the startup notes.
In addition to supporting students, M-Shule facilitates surveys and awareness campaigns via SMS. The platform currently serves over 45,000 learners and operates not only in Kenya but also in Tanzania and Uganda. Educational support is provided in seven languages: Dholuo, English, Kamba, Kikuyu, Kiswahili, Ng'aturkana, and Somali.
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Born out of the notice that informal markets, often referred to as 'souks' or 'dukas' in Ethiopia, are underserved by traditional market players and distributors. The solution aims to bridge this gap.
Jemla is a business-to-business e-commerce platform developed by an Ethiopian startup that enables informal shop owners to source supplies from distributors of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). Founded in 2019 by Estephanos Zewdie and based in Addis Ababa, the startup aims to empower informal businesses by enhancing their operations and financial stability.
"Part of our mission is to provide retailers with access to essential financial services. We understand the importance of financial empowerment in driving business growth and sustainability," the startup states.
Jemla's solution is accessible through a mobile application available exclusively on Android. Users can create an account to connect with various suppliers on the platform. Depending on their inventory needs, they can place orders and receive deliveries the next day directly to their shops. This system ensures that retailers maintain adequate stock levels to consistently meet customer demand.
In addition to its core services, Jemla offers supplementary support. The startup collects data from each shop to provide financing options, credit facilities, or deferred payment plans. "We plan to leverage the transaction data from these retailers to facilitate access to 'Buy Now, Pay Later' (BNPL) services and financial products from banks and financial institutions, thereby improving their cash flow and financial stability," explains Estephanos Zewdie.
Currently operating solely in Addis Ababa, Jemla serves over 12,000 retailers on its platform. However, the startup has no immediate plans for expansion beyond its local market, focusing instead on replicating its successful model in other cities across Ethiopia.
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Founded in 2022, the solution provides tailored loans to help businesses grow and thrive.
Egyptian fintech solution Qardy offers loans to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and startups. Founded in 2022 by Abdel Aziz Abdel Nabi and based in Giza, it provides loans through a web platform, offering various options including traditional loans and supply chain financing to manage working capital. Loan amounts range from 1,000 to 242,000 Egyptian pounds (about $20 to $4,800).
Currently, Qardy has no mobile app. Users access services directly through the web platform. It assesses MSMEs based on annual revenue, creditworthiness, and stability. Loan approval can take up to 18 days, depending on application complexity. Qardy can provide multiple loan types to a single business, tailoring offerings based on individual needs.
In August 2024, it raised an undisclosed amount of funding to fuel growth.
“The support and trust of our investors have been instrumental in driving our growth and enabling us to expand our reach and impact in the market. This investment will allow us to further enhance our services, as well as accelerate our plans for expansion in Saudi Arabia and the region,” said Tamer El-Manasterly, Qardy’s chief operating officer.
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E-health solutions are rapidly spreading across Africa, offering promising ways to expand healthcare access in continent.
RecoMed is a South African e-health platform founded in 2013 by Sheraan Amod to connect patients with healthcare providers across the country.
Its web-based platform allows users to search for doctors and book appointments online. It also offers a pharmacy service, with options for delivery or in-store pickup. RecoMed has no mobile app.
To help medical practices expand their reach, the startup offers a white-label solution that integrates with existing practice management software. “Our white label solution combines your provider base and RecoMed’s rich booking functionality with seamless PMA workflow integration. This scalable solution will increase bookings, improve efficiency, and boost patient convenience and satisfaction,” RecoMed states.
The platform claims over 100,000 online bookings, 200,000 monthly visitors, and 20,000 patient recommendations each month. It also works with 3,000 healthcare providers in cities including Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
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In a context marked by a thriving tourism industry in Africa, the solution was developped by two Kenyan tech entrepreneurs to streamline travel agency operations and enhance the overall traveler experience.
Triply is a digital solution created by a Kenyan startup that enables travel agencies to manage their operations through a unified platform. It assists travelers in organizing business trips or vacations. Founded in 2021 by Peter Wachira and Collins Muthinja, the startup is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.
"We help travel companies manage their online operations, collect payments, and access financial services, while increasing their bookings through our marketplace," the founders explain.
The solution features a mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices. Users can create accounts to access a range of features that support various businesses, including travel agencies, short- and long-term accommodation rental platforms, and event planning companies.
For businesses, Triply streamlines payment collection, messaging management, flight and hotel bookings, as well as customer identity and human resources management. It also includes a marketing management tool that allows clients to make strategic decisions by integrating with major social networks like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Additionally, Triply provides specialized tools for payment collection and accounting management.
Travelers can book vacation accommodations and access travel packages and hotels through its web and mobile platforms. The start-up's financial tools facilitate payments in multiple currencies, simplifying transactions for travelers. In April 2024, Triply was selected to join the Winter 2024 cohort of the California-based accelerator Y Combinator.
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Created by three tech entrepreneurs from Nigeria, it aims system to verify the authenticity of medications and food products. Its goal is to safeguard African consumers. Its founding team rapidly teamed up with the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to implement their solution.
Chekkit is a health-tech solution created by a Nigerian startup that enables users to verify the authenticity of the medications they consume. Founded in 2018 by Dare Odumade, Tosin Adelowo, and Samuel Ukhueleigbe, the company operates out of Lagos, Nigeria, and Houston, Texas. In 2023, Chekkit secured an undisclosed amount of funding aimed at enhancing its technology and supporting its growth.
"...We develop unique technological products to protect the lives of millions and also directly improve the business operations for several brands by understanding consumers in the largely informal African markets," said Dare Odumade.
The solution features a mobile application available on both iOS and Android, which has been downloaded over 10,000 times, according to Play Store data. Users can access the app without creating an account. After downloading, they simply scan the QR code on the medication packaging. If the product is authentic, all manufacturing information and the expiration date will be displayed, helping to prevent the use of counterfeit and expired medications.
The application only authenticates products with labels from Chekkit. The start-up has established contracts with various companies across the continent to assist consumers in distinguishing authentic products from counterfeits. Notable partners include Indomie, Nivea, and Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc. These companies or their distributors are required to affix stickers with unique codes on their product packaging.
In addition to its core functionality, the Chekkit app allows users to participate in consumer surveys. Users can answer a series of questions and receive various rewards in return. They also have the option to file complaints against companies or pharmaceutical laboratories. In September 2022, Chekkit Technologies Corp was selected as one of thirty startups to participate in the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's Investing in Innovation (i3) program, culminating in a $50,000 grant.
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Designed with the unique challenges of educational institutions in mind, this innovative solution aims to simplify operations.
Studirium is an edtech platform developed by a promising Cameroonian start-up. Founded in 2024 by Eric Bruno Tia Nossoue and based in Douala, the platform aims to digitalize the educational ecosystem for schools.
“Our product is a web and/or mobile application that securely records, generates, processes, manages, makes accessible to authorized personnel, and archives school data. This is to enhance school performance, increase parental oversight, and regularize private tutoring in Africa,” explains the startup.
Although the solution lacks a dedicated mobile application, users can access its services via a web browser. The process begins with school administrators filling out a form to add their institution, providing details such as the school name, structure, motto in French and English, and location.
Once the form is submitted, a start-up agent contacts the user to verify the school’s documents. If everything is in order, the account is activated. From the dashboard, administrators can manage various tasks, including pre-registration and transferring students between schools.
Since its launch, Studirium boasts 56 schools, 403 classes, and 12,612 learners. In 2024, it was selected as one of the ten startups to participate in the Cameroon stage of the Orange Social Entrepreneur Prize in Africa and the Middle East.
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This startup's name translates to "save" in Moore, a widely spoken language in Burkina Faso. Its goal is to address parcel delivery issues across various localities in the country.
Faangué is a technological solution developed by Kafyka Group, a company based in Burkina Faso. It allows users to order domestic gas delivery with just a few clicks. The startup, founded in 2023 by Brice Clovis Kaboré, is located in Ouagadougou.
According to Kaboré, Faangué "aims to create jobs, enhance the delivery profession through the use of ICT, establish a uniform delivery price throughout Burkina Faso, encourage the population to integrate digital aspects into their daily habits, and assist the government in achieving its objectives."
The app is currently available exclusively on Android. After downloading, users can create an account to access various services. To order a gas cylinder, they simply select one of the many merchants listed on the platform, choose the desired cylinder, and confirm their order. Before finalizing the order, users can review an invoice that details the product price, delivery fees, and information about the delivery person.
In addition to gas delivery, users can hire the startup's couriers for errands. The app highlights nearby couriers based on the user's location. Faangué provides an estimate of the distance in kilometers between the user and available couriers, allowing users to select one for their errands.
The startup aims to create approximately 200 permanent jobs and over 5,000 part-time delivery positions for various products across Burkina Faso. It operates in several major cities, including Ouagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso, and Koudougou.
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Since the COVID-19 pandemic, online training courses have become an appealing alternative for acquiring skills. They are particularly accessible due to the flexibility they offer learners.
Blemama is an edtech solution developed by a Beninese startup, providing users with access to online training in various fields. Based in Cotonou, the startup was founded in 2019 by Martinien Blévenec.
The platform does not have a mobile application; users must access the services directly through the web platform. While browsing the platform is possible without an account, creating one is necessary to purchase courses. Blemama offers training in digital marketing, coding, graphic design, cryptocurrency, and e-commerce.
In addition to these courses, the startup features a "Tech Room," a program that allows users to join a private community of technology enthusiasts and access a pack of tailored training courses. The goal is to help users achieve their objectives through customized training. Within the community, users can request training in specific key areas. These sessions are conducted online, and users who are unavailable at the time can later access the video recordings. The monthly subscription fee is XOF20,000 (approximately $33). Blemama also offers a subscription to the "Tech Room" without access to the training pack for XOF5,000.
Regarding payment methods, the startup has integrated mobile money payments, bank cards, and cryptocurrencies. Additionally, individuals can become trainers on Blemama by clicking on the "Trainer" tab and conversing with Liam, the startup's AI-based chatbot. Blemama claims to have trained over 25,000 young people and has more than thirty trainers.
In 2024, Blemama was selected, along with five other Beninese edtech startups, to join the first cohort of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship program. This eight-month acceleration program offers mentorship, expert advice, and non-equity funding of $75,000.
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