The solution was developed to revolutionize the African e-commerce sector and help platforms reach their full potential.
Dukka is a fintech solution developed by a Nigerian startup. It allows users to automate daily operations through its web and mobile platforms. Founded in 2020 by Keturah Ovio and based in Lagos, the startup has raised $1.5 million to support its growth.
The solution offers an app available on iOS and Android, which has already been downloaded over 50,000 times according to Play Store data. Upon installation, users can create an account and gain access to a suite of services.These include inventory management, generating electronic invoices and receipts, accepting any form of digital payment chosen by customers, and accessing simple accounting tools.
"Be it a solopreneur, or a mid-size business with staff and multiple locations, Dukka’s technology turns anyone into a merchant. [...] Our ecosystem allows anyone to pay and be paid, manage inventory, track sales and expenses across one or multiple locations, gain micro insights on business performance, and sell online. Consumers are able to securely discover, shop, and spend on vetted merchants," Keturah Ovio told Disrupt Africa in February 2024.
Dukka aims to establish an entire ecosystem to facilitate the growth of e-commerce. This goal aligns with broader trends across the African continent, where startups are increasingly thriving. According to Partech Africa data, e-commerce startups attracted $298 million in equity funding through 79 deals in 2023. Notably, this figure ranks second only to the fintech segment, which raised an impressive $852 million across 113 deals.
"We’ve seen over 100,000 users onboarded onto our platform, with over 90,000 users of our software in Nigeria. We beta-launched our payments infrastructure solution in the second half of 2023 to a couple of hundred customers who really helped us define and figure out our pricing model and refine our monetisation strategy," added Keturah Ovio.
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Legafrik is a legaltech solution developed by an Ivorian startup, providing users in several countries across the continent access to legal services via its web platform. The startup, based in Abidjan, was founded in 2017 by Youssouf Ballo and Daouda Diallo.
"Our goal is to make basic legal services accessible to as many people as possible in the OHADA [Organisation for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa] countries. Today, there is a lot of talk about financial inclusion, but I think it's also important to talk about legal inclusion. Our mission is to allow everyone to access legal services at very affordable rates," the startup explains.
Legafrik does not have a mobile application. Users need to access the startup's website through a browser. They must then click on the "client access" button in the upper right corner to reach the login page and then sign up.
Once the account is created, users have access to a workspace from which they can kick-start various services and track their progress. Legafrik offers services including company creation in several African countries, assistance with opening bank accounts, debt recovery, company domiciliation, as well as license and administrative approvals.
Since its launch, the startup has supported more than 7,000 entrepreneurs and completed over 20,000 legal and administrative formalities. In addition to Côte d'Ivoire, Legafrik operates in Benin, Morocco, Senegal, DRC, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Togo, and Cameroon.
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E-health is rapidly transforming Africa's healthcare landscape. By leveraging information and communication technologies, e-health solutions are making it easier for patients to connect with healthcare professionals, while also increasing the accessibility and availability of medical expertise across the continent.
Beesiha is an e-health solution developed by an Algerian startup. It allows users to book medical appointments with just a few clicks via its web and mobile platforms. The startup, based in the Said Hamdine district of Algiers, was founded in 2019 by Said Admane and Amine Babou.
The mobile application is available on both iOS and Android, where it has already been downloaded over 10,000 times, according to Play Store statistics. After downloading the app, users can register using their Facebook account or by providing information such as their name, surname, and phone number. Once registered, they can log in and access the various services offered by the startup.
Using a search bar where the user can enter the medical specialty, medical facility, or city they are looking for, Beesiha provides the most relevant results. Users can book appointments for free based on the availability of the selected doctor. It is also possible to book an appointment for a third party, such as a friend or family member.
To ensure patients don't miss consultations, Beesiha sends frequent appointment reminders. For added convenience, the platform offers remote consultations, with patients benefiting from a digital medical record storing test results, prescriptions, and consultation history – all under their complete control.
For doctors, Beesiha offers a digital agenda, allowing them to schedule their working hours as they see fit. The platform includes most medical specialties, making it easier to adopt the solution. Since its launch, Beesiha boasts more than 800 healthcare professionals available on its web and mobile platforms and over 215,000 appointments booked.
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Informal sector traders across Africa are often excluded from the traditional financial system. Recognizing this issue, tech entrepreneurs have developed innovative solutions to offer alternatives to conventional financial institutions.
Proboutik is a fintech solution developed by Senegalese startup ProXalys to transform the way informal sector traders manage their financial operations. Launched in 2021 by Thierno Sacko and Abdoulaye Faye, Proboutik enables local merchants to digitize their financial transactions, bringing them into the fold of modern financial systems.
In January 2024, ProXalys raised $500,000 to support the growth of Proboutik. The mobile application, available on both iOS and Android, has already been downloaded over 10,000 times from Playstore. Users can register with their phone numbers and access various financial management services. These include cash flow management, customer portfolio management, real-time tracking of receivables and payables, automated payment reminders via SMS, and the generation of account statements and reports.
"The application records all your deferred payment transactions, ensuring transparent traceability and better management of your business operations," explains the startup. Additionally, Proboutik offers financing to users based on the credits they have extended to their customers. This feature aims to facilitate business growth and prevent financial strain for traders.
Proboutik provides two subscription options: a monthly plan priced at 990 CFA Francs (approximately $1.63) and an annual plan at 10,000 CFA Francs. On May 23, Proboutik was selected, along with 19 other African fintechs, for the second cohort of Visa's acceleration program.
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The insurtech solution is designed to streamline everyday life management, with a focus on illness and disaster preparedness.
Casava is an insurtech solution developed by a Nigerian startup, offering users online access to insurance policies. Based in Lagos, the startup was founded in 2016 by Bode Pedro. In February 2022, it raised $4 million to enhance its technology and expand its operations, aiming to provide affordable insurance to Nigerians and other Africans.
Speaking in 2022 about his venture capital firm's decision to invest in the Nigerian insurtech, Avi Eyal, General Partner at Entrée Capital, stated: "The Casava team has developed a unique and disruptive product that we believe has the potential to transform Africa’s insurance market. We are confident in the Casava team that they have what it takes to be leaders in this field."
Casava operates without a mobile application. Users must access its services via a web browser by visiting the Casava platform. The startup offers two main services for individuals: Health Insurance and Health Cash. Health Insurance provides coverage for a wide range of medical needs, from dental care to surgeries, at over 400 partner hospitals. Health Cash allows users to get reimbursed for healthcare expenses incurred due to accidents.
For businesses, Casava offers two primary services: Credit Life and Business Gro. Credit Life protects businesses “from the financial burden of sudden tragedy faced by borrowers.” Business Gro, on the other hand, provides access to business loans and various types of business insurance.
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In an effort to help people maintain a digital medical record, three tech entrepreneurs have developed a solution using blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI).
Myrekod, an e-health solution developed by Kenyan startup Afya Rekod, offers users the ability to store their personal medical records and access healthcare services. Founded in 2020 by Ronald Harris, John Kamara, and Irene Kiwia, this Nairobi-based startup leverages blockchain technology and integrates AI to empower patients.
The application connects users to the healthcare ecosystem, including hospitals, pharmacies, and insurance providers. In February 2022, Afya Rekod secured $2 million in funding to support its growth across the continent. Commenting on the fundraising, John Kamara, co-founder of Afya Rekod, said it would “give patients resources and tools to store and manage their health data, a critical function for patients with chronic illnesses, and their doctors.”
“For the past one and a half years, we've singularly focused on building a dynamic platform that streamlines health records with analytics and provides access to specialized clinics and experts. This delivers high quality healthcare in a way that is critical for this momentemphasized the critical role of health data management for patients with chronic illnesses. The platform streamlines health records, provides analytics, and grants access to specialized clinics and experts, ensuring high-quality healthcare delivery,” he added.
Available on both iOS and Android, the mobile app has garnered over a thousand downloads on the Play Store. Users can create accounts, input medical records, track appointments, and share documents with third parties when changing doctors or hospitals. Myrekod encourages patients to actively engage in their health management by maintaining daily health records and collaborating with healthcare providers.
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The success of platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com has ignited a fire among African tech entrepreneurs. Recognizing the significant growth of the tourism sector and the rising need for short-term accommodation for both leisure and business travel, these entrepreneurs are seizing the opportunity to develop innovative solutions.
Camansa, a digital solution developed by an Ivorian startup, provides users with the ability to locate short-term accommodations for vacations or business trips across various cities in Côte d'Ivoire. The startup, headquartered in Abidjan, was established by Aziz Doumbia, Khalifa Bayoko, and Yann Akoun.
“Our mission at Camansa is to connect travelers, tourists, hotels, and property owners through our booking platform. [...]We’ve developed a dedicated booking platform for hosts and travelers to streamline the reservation process and address common issues,” the startup explains.
For the time being, Camansa does not offer a mobile application, so users must access the web platform via a browser. While users can browse available properties on the site, an account is required to make reservations. Camansa collects necessary information to verify the identity of the account creator, whether for booking or hosting. Once verified, they can conduct their transactions on the platform.
The Ivorian startup offers a variety of accommodations to meet different client standards, ranging from hotels to villas and apartments owned by individuals. In addition to the properties displayed on the homepage, users can conduct more personalized searches. The website features a search bar where users can enter the city, arrival and departure dates, and the number of travelers, specifying the number of adults, children, and babies.
While using the platform is free, reservations carry a fee of 2,000 CFA Francs (approximately $3.30). The startup levies a commission of 10% from hotels and 15% from individual property owners. Payments can be made via credit cards or mobile money. Refund policies in the event of reservation cancellations are dependent on the terms of the property owner, whether a hotel or an individual.
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Africa's e-commerce scene is booming, with tech startups developing innovative solutions to streamline operations for merchants.
Maad, a Senegalese startup, has developed a business-to-business e-commerce solution that enables small retailers to source consumer goods directly from affiliated suppliers. The startup, with bases in Dakar, Senegal, and San Francisco, USA, was established in 2020 by Sidy Niang and Jessica Long. On Tuesday, May 14, it announced the successful completion of a $3.2 million funding round aimed at diversifying its services and bolstering its growth in Senegal.
Jessica Long explained their decision to handle all logistics in-house, stating, “We decided to bring all of logistics…the reason that we do that is just it's a low margin business. We think that this is the way to provide good service and to meet the reliability needs of clients. I don't think that we would be able to offer a similar service if we relied on a third-party provider.”
The startup’s mobile application, available on iOS and Android, has already been downloaded more than 10,000 times from PlayStore. After downloading, users create an account and gain access to a variety of services, including ordering. The startup estimates that 75% of orders are placed through the app, with the remainder coming from the call center and field agents. Maad also offers a delivery service that helps to optimize order prices.
As for the various brands featured on the startup’s mobile platform, they “can track live presence and market share data. They can also deploy promotion and merchandising services in targeted neighborhoods to increase sales of key products.”
In addition to facilitating orders, the startup offers various services such as “buy now, pay later,” which allows retailers to access stock on credit. Maad currently boasts over 6,500 active retailers and 80 suppliers.
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The solution was launched in an effort to help farmers reach consumers and businesses.
CartAgro, a Nigerian startup, has developed an online marketplace that enables farmers to sell their produce directly to businesses or individuals. The startup, established in 2017 by Idris Adeshina and headquartered in Lagos, offers a mobile application compatible with both Android and iOS platforms.
Users, notably farmers, private individuals, and business representatives, are required to create an account after downloading the app. They must then follow the necessary steps to complete the account setup by providing the requisite information.
The startup asserts, “We believe that by putting technology in the hands of farmers, we can empower them to optimize production, improve livelihoods, and make informed decisions that benefit their businesses and the entire agricultural ecosystem.”
The platform provides consumers with access to fresh produce, including vegetables, fruits, and grocery items. To streamline operations, CartAgro incorporates a digital wallet and a logistics tracking system, in addition to the virtual marketplace. The startup also provides agricultural market information to facilitate the best possible deals on the platform for all parties involved.
CartAgro is committed to sustainable development, a principle that informs many of its decisions. The agritech firm believes that businesses have a significant role in addressing global challenges. Consequently, it aligns its actions with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Food security, good health and well-being, and responsible consumption and production are among the guiding principles of Adeshina’s firm.
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E-health services are rapidly expanding across the continent. They offer an appealing alternative due to the shortage of hospitals and health centers in some regions of Africa.
Mavimpy Care is an e-health solution developed by a Congolese startup, enabling users to access a variety of health services online through its web platform. Based in Lubumbashi, the startup was founded in 2020 by Gracien Kibala, Osée Badi, and Lepetit Mashini.
"The genesis of my business venture and my burning entrepreneurial spirit can be traced back to a few years ago. It was during a simple search for a dentist for a routine checkup. As a matter of habit, I turned to Google and entered the keyword ‘dentist DRC.’ To my great surprise, the search results displayed dentists from America, Europe, and other parts of the world. Google even presented me with names of dentists from Europe and other countries. However, not a single result was found for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)," Gracien Kibala told PataTech media in February 2024.
Through its web platform, users can consult a doctor online, search for hospitals or doctors in specific cities. To access the healthtech's services, users need to create an account by providing details such as their first name, last name, email address, phone number, and password. Once registered, users can access the various services offered in Congolese cities where the platform is available.
Mavimpy Care has integrated artificial intelligence into its services. Gracien Kibala explained, "We are delving into artificial intelligence with the connected bracelet that digitizes the medical record. We personalize your health file. Our connected bracelets provide health information, requiring only a QR code to access your medical history."
On the platform, users can also access articles offering tips and advice on managing health situations effectively and preventing some ailments.
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With over 150,000 users in its four years of existence, according to the startup's data, Axa Zara offers several fintech solutions to African populations. The startup aims to become one of the leading players in this segment in Africa.
Zeyow is a fintech solution developed by the Beninese startup Axa Zara, allowing users to create virtual bank cards for conducting online financial transactions. Founded in 2019 by Elias Mahugnon Missihoun, the startup operates out of Abomey-Calavi (Benin) and Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire).
“Axa Zara’s mission is to create infinite opportunities through technology. By leveraging the potential of technology, our goal is to provide access to new possibilities, break down barriers, and enable people from all walks of life to achieve their professional goals,” the startup explained to We Are Tech Africa. It continued, “We focus on developing digital solutions that are not only effective but also inclusive, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital revolution.”
Zeyow does not have a mobile app. Users must access the service through a web browser by visiting the Axa Zara website. To use Zeyow, users click on “create an account” and provide information such as name, email address, and phone number.
After this step, users can create their virtual bank card and perform online operations like shopping on e-commerce platforms or subscribing to services. The card can be recharged using various methods, including mobile money, which is popular among African populations.
Talking about its continental expansion plans, Axa Zara says: “We are actively looking to expand into other countries. This process involves a rigorous market analysis to pinpoint exactly where the needs lie. We consider the local ecosystem and all available opportunities to ensure that our intervention is not only relevant but also beneficial to the communities we aim to serve.”
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To make learning more accessible and engaging, two Senegalese tech entrepreneurs launched a new e-learning platform aimed at students from middle school through senior high school. The platform has already secured partnerships with several Senegalese schools.
20/20 Edtech, an e-learning solution developped by a Senegalese startup, provides users with a wealth of educational content accessible via web and mobile platforms at their fingertips. The startup, headquartered in Dakar, was established in 2020 by Abderrahmane Sow and Ahmadou Ba. Its mission is to build a library of cost-effective educational content for students in Francophone Africa.
The startup explains, “By utilizing the 20sur20 platform, students can learn through hundreds of concise, straightforward, and highly engaging videos that enable them to review at their own pace, practice continuously by answering our quiz questions that ensure comprehension of the material, and improve by pinpointing their knowledge gaps and focusing their learning efforts accordingly.”
The solution includes a mobile app, which is exclusively available on Android and not on the Play Store. Users must navigate to the web platform to download the app and register an account by providing their personal information. Once registered, users can access a range of edtech content, from sixth grade to senior high school. Currently, only the content for sixth grade, ninth grade, and twelfth grade is available on 20/20 Edtech.
In addition to a variety of courses, quizzes are provided to enable users to gauge their proficiency levels. An analytical dashboard offers real-time performance visualization, identifies areas of weakness, and automatically addresses them with the platform’s content. The objective is to generate 1,500 videos and 50,000 quizzes across seven subjects (including mathematics, physics-chemistry, life, and earth sciences, philosophy, etc.) for secondary school classes. The aim of 20/20 Edtech is to simplify studies for students at the various levels mentioned.
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Present in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Togo, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Guinea, this fintech solution is rapidly expanding. The goal is to establish itself as a continental benchmark.
LigdiCash is a fintech solution developed by a Burkinabe start-up. It enables users to access a variety of financial services through its web and mobile platforms. Based in Bobo Dioulasso, the startup was founded by Souleymane Traoré.
"The idea was born from the observation that many entrepreneurs, companies, and e-commerce merchants were struggling to find an online payment method for the websites and apps they had developed for their clients," Souleymane Traoré told Croissance Afrique in 2022.
The solution features a mobile app available on iOS and Android –the Android app has already been downloaded over 100,000 times, according to Play Store statistics. After downloading, users must create an account to access the fintech's services. Individuals can, among other things, have an electronic wallet from which they can conduct transactions such as mobile money transfers to various telecom networks, purchase airtime and internet bundles, or make online payments.
For businesses, the fintech offers tailored services to help them grow. It provides an API for online payments via various methods such as credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc.) or mobile money. The Bulk feature allows for transactions like salary or supplier payments to be made in one go using the aforementioned payment methods.
PayLink enables the creation of a payment link through which the user can receive online payments for online sales or fundraising campaigns. "When a merchant uses PayLinks, they publish their items with a link or button next to them. The client can click on it and make a payment if interested in that particular item, and the merchant will be notified of the purchase," explains the startup.
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Fintech solutions are multiplying across the continent to address various financial service issues. In Togo, a startup has focused on mobile money interoperability and offers a solution in this regard.
eGo Transfer, a fintech solution developed by a startup in Togo, enables users to send and receive money via mobile, irrespective of their telecom provider. The startup, headquartered in Lomé, was established in 2020 by Attisso Luz Koumedzro.
"The inspiration for eGo Transfer came when my younger brother asked me to send him money via Flooz, but I was using T-Money. So, I conceived eGo Transfer, which facilitates money transfers from T-Money to Flooz and vice versa. It also allows for money received from Ria to be deposited into T-Money or Flooz accounts," Koumedzro explained.
The solution includes a mobile app for Android smartphones, which can be downloaded from the eGo Transfer website, although it is not available on the Play Store. After downloading, users create an account by providing details such as their first and last names, phone number, and a six-digit PIN code.
Once the account is set up, users can transfer funds to any telecom network operating in Togo. Within the app's interface, users simply select the network they want to transfer from and to, enter the amount, phone number, and PIN code to confirm the transfer. Transfers via this mobile app require a minimum of 300 CFA francs (approximately $0.49).
In 2020, eGo Transfer won the first prize at the Open Hack organized by the Nunya Lab incubator. The aim was to propose an innovative solution, and eGo Transfer captured the jury's attention, walking away with a check for one million CFA francs. In 2023, the fintech, along with seven other Togolese startups, was selected to participate in the Tech Africa-Europe International Summit, Emerging Valley, held on November 27-28 in Marseille, France.
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