After studying at prestigious American universities, two Nigerian tech entrepreneurs have embarked on a mission to solve the global challenge of receiving international payments. They decided to start this venture in their home country, Nigeria.

Cleva, a fintech solution developed by a Nigerian startup, enables individuals and businesses to receive international payments in US dollars directly into a US-based account. 

Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, Cleva was founded in 2023 by Philip Abel and Tolu Alabi. In January 2024, it secured $1.5 million to fund the project's development and commercial offering. The fintech was also selected for the Winter 2024 cohort of the California-based accelerator Y Combinator.

Discussing Cleva's services, co-founder Tolu Alabi explained: "The problem that we're trying to solve, which is enabling people to receive international payments, is not a Nigerian problem nor an African one. It's a global problem; people in Latin America, Asia and even Canada need to receive dollars for their work and service."

Cleva has launched a mobile app available on both iOS and Android, which has already been downloaded over 10,000 times according to Play Store data. Users can create an account using their email address and must provide identification to verify their account. Currently, the solution is targeted at Nigerians. "We're starting with Nigeria because we know the market and it's also a big market," added Tolu Alabi.

Beyond receiving international payments, Cleva allows users to convert US dollars into local currency and conduct transactions with local bank accounts. The fintech also offers virtual US dollar bank cards to facilitate commercial transactions. "We feel like because of our backgrounds, we're very well positioned to solve this problem at a global scale," concluded Tolu Alabi.

Adoni Conrad Quenum

The mobility market is experiencing rapid growth across the continent. In South Africa, where many industry giants are active, a local startup is attempting to establish its own unique position. The company's name, which translates to "hurry" in Zulu, reflects its dynamic approach to the market.

Shesha is an e-mobility solution developed by a South African startup. It allows users to book taxis online through a mobile app. Launched in 2024, the startup is based in the Gauteng province and is supported by various entities such as the Gauteng Taxi Industry Trust, Santaco Gauteng, and the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance.

The app is currently available only on Android, where it has already been downloaded over 10,000 times according to Play Store data. After downloading, users create an account with their ID number. Once verified, they can access the startup's services. Drivers are required to provide more documentation, including an ID, driver's license, and vehicle inspection report.

These measures are taken to ensure the safety of both drivers and customers. "Shesha verifies the identities of everyone on a Shesha trip from the customer to the driver, ensuring that they are indeed who they say they are," said Nomsa Mdhluli, spokesperson for the startup.

To book a driver, users need to enter their route into the app, choose the type of vehicle, and confirm the reservation. Notably, it is impossible to make a reservation without sufficient funds in the user's electronic wallet. The startup mandates payments through this secure and transparent channel. The wallet can be topped up via bank cards or at an ATM.

"...Another factor when we consulted with e-hailing operators was the fact that cash is allowed also puts them at risk. So, we use a cashless system," Nomsa Mdhluli said in an interview with a local South African news.

Shesha, which already has about 13,000 drivers on its platform, currently operates only in the Gauteng province. The startup plans to expand to other provinces in the coming months.

Adoni Conrad Quenum

E-health solutions are rapidly expanding across African nations, establishing themselves as preferred alternatives and significantly improving access to healthcare for populations. 

eSiha is an e-health solution developed by an Algerian startup, enabling users to access various healthcare services through its mobile application. Founded in 2019 by Hachi Bilal, the Algiers-based startup offers a comprehensive platform available on both iOS and Android, with over 50,000 downloads reported on the Play Store.

Users can create an account with their personal information after downloading the app. Healthcare professionals can identify themselves by checking a box at the end of the registration form.

eSiha connects users with a wide range of healthcare professionals, including doctors, specialists, paramedics, pharmacists, and radiologists. The platform features a search bar where users can input the type of healthcare professional they need and the region (wilaya) for the search. Within a few clicks, users receive a list of healthcare professionals to address their medical needs.

Beyond geolocating healthcare professionals, eSiha simplifies online appointment scheduling, audiovisual teleconsultations, and the creation of digital health records. The latter service is particularly useful for tracking patients with chronic illnesses. Healthcare professionals can manage their schedules conveniently through their dashboard.

Alert systems via messages and emails remind patients and professionals about upcoming appointments. Since its launch, the healthtech startup boasts 10,850 practitioners, approximately 77,000 users, and nearly 4,000 daily connections on its platform.

eSiha is making significant strides in improving healthcare access and efficiency in Algeria, demonstrating the impactful role of digital solutions in modern healthcare.

Adoni Conrad Quenum

Fueled by a frustrating sofa delivery experience, Redouane El Halaoui partnered with someone to develop a solution. This solution incorporates a negotiation feature to benefit both consumers and providers.

PeeCoop, a delivery solution developed by the Moroccan company Red Ant, enables users to have packages and goods delivered across multiple cities in Morocco. Launched in 2020 by Redouane El Haloui and Antoine de Mirbeck, this Casablanca-based startup offers a mobile application available on both iOS and Android, which has already been downloaded over 10,000 times from the PlayStore.

After downloading the app, users create an account according to their status. PeeCoop provides account options for individuals, independent transporters, and e-commerce platforms. Regardless of the account type, users must enter their phone number and follow the registration process.

For individuals looking to have a package delivered, the process is straightforward. After creating an account, users submit a delivery request by uploading a photo of the package and filling out a form. This form includes a description of the merchandise, its dimensions, weight, pickup date, time, and location, and a proposed price. Once the request is submitted, multiple transporters receive it and those interested in the job contact the client. This initiates the negotiation, allowing both parties to reach an agreement.

Speaking about the price negotiation feature, Redouane El Haloui stated in a 2021 interview on the Medi-Up podcast: "We wanted to give drivers the option to propose a price. It's simpler, and they know their colleagues will also be proposing prices, so it happens naturally. They can offer the right prices for the client, who then has the option to accept or negotiate." 

PeeCoop currently boasts over 2,000 "peecoopers" across Morocco and more than 18,000 satisfied customers. The startup claims its service helps clients save up to 75% on delivery costs. 

Adoni Conrad Quenum