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A technology entrepreneur, he is one of the most dynamic figures in robotics innovation across Africa. In Algeria, he designed the very first firefighting robot, created to assist firefighters in combating fires more effectively.
Khaled Basta (photo) is a leading expert in smart fire prevention and firefighting solutions. He is the co-founder and CEO of BK Fire, a technology company specializing in fire safety solutions.
Founded in 2015, BK Fire stands out for its innovative approach to safety in Algeria. The company provides professional services, including the installation of fire detection and suppression systems and the design of safety plans that comply with current standards. Its solutions are tailored to the specific needs of each business, ensuring the safety of employees and infrastructure.
In 2021, BK Fire introduced Icosium, Algeria’s first 100% locally designed firefighting robot. This groundbreaking robot assists firefighters in hazardous or collapse-prone areas during fires. Remotely operated, Icosium is capable of detecting and extinguishing fires. Equipped with advanced artificial intelligence and a thermal camera, the robot can locate fire hotspots and identify human silhouettes or injured individuals.
“We can use the robot in confined, dangerous, or high-risk areas such as tunnels or warehouses to ensure fire suppression and cooling. Icosium is also equipped with an artificial intelligence system. If there is heavy smoke, the thermal camera detects the hotspot, and the AI takes over to perform an automatic scan. It can even detect a human silhouette or an injured person,” Khaled Basta explained in May 2024.
In February 2024, Khaled Basta launched BK Robotronics, a robotics company offering innovative solutions entirely designed and manufactured in Algeria. Its portfolio includes industrial robots, autonomous drones, computer vision systems, and custom automation solutions.
Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Khaled Basta served as General Manager at IM Industrielle, a company specializing in fire safety and industrial electrical services.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
As an entrepreneur and expert in digital transformation, he is committed to developing innovative solutions to optimize the management of companies in the industrial sector.
Mohamed Louati (photo) is a Tunisian data analysis expert and tech entrepreneur, serving as the co-founder and CEO of Logimes, a technology company that specializes in solutions for the industrial sector.
Founded in 2021, Logimes is a digital services startup that assists industrial companies in implementing production management systems for their workshops. The company enables real-time tracking of work-in-progress, evaluation of operator performance, and measurement of overall production efficiency.
"Our goal is to be the strategic partner that guides the transition to advanced production management systems, improving operational efficiency and competitiveness in the era of Industry 4.0. By leveraging innovation, commitment, excellence, and collaboration, our mission is to deliver customized solutions and drive our clients’ success for a more efficient and sustainable future," states the company’s website.
Among Logimes' offerings are Fastuz, a learning platform designed to provide practical training tailored to labor market needs, helping learners succeed in their careers, and DAS ERP, a comprehensive enterprise resource planning solution.
Mohamed Louati holds an engineering degree in statistics and information analysis, with a focus on data analysis, which he earned in 2004 from the Higher School of Statistics and Information Analysis. He also obtained a master’s degree in economic modeling and econometrics in 2005 from Tunisia Polytechnic School.
His professional career began in 2004 at Karmex, an industrial company, where he worked as an analyst and administrator of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. In 2011, he joined Logidas, an ERP solutions provider, where he advanced through various roles including business developer, operations director, and eventually co-CEO.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
As a passionate engineer, he is dedicated to creating and developing innovative solutions that meet the unique needs of businesses and individuals. With his latest venture, he aims to revolutionize the insurance industry across Africa.
Louw Hopley (photo), a South African engineer and tech entrepreneur, is the co-founder of Root, a startup revolutionizing the insurance sector through digital transformation.
Founded in 2016, Root offers an innovative digital infrastructure that enables industry players to design efficient, market-driven insurance products. With a modular and fully configurable platform, the startup reduces technological challenges for businesses, allowing them to focus on delivering value to their clients.
Root’s solution features over 500 open insurance APIs, facilitating omnichannel distribution, policy administration, and claims management. The platform is widely used by brands, retailers, insurers, and enterprises to create, launch, and manage insurance products while streamlining policy and claims administration.
Before co-founding Root, where he served as CEO until May 2024, Hopley launched Falkon Apps in 2012. This company specialized in consulting, designing, and developing mobile and web applications, collaborating with international clients to deliver solutions with a strong emphasis on user experience.
Hopley holds a degree in electrical and electronic engineering from Stellenbosch University. He began his professional journey in 2011 at Krit.com, a tech firm connecting clients with business leaders. From 2014 to 2016, he worked as a senior delivery engineer at Journey Apps, a platform dedicated to building custom industrial applications.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he moved to South Africa where he founded his first company and gained valuable experience. Now based in the United States, he has successfully launched several other companies, operating both in Africa and in other rapidly growing global markets.
Elijah Lubala (photo) is a Congolese computer scientist and tech entrepreneur who serves as the founder and CEO of Tuma, a company addressing the lack of payment infrastructure in high-growth emerging markets.
Founded in 2022, Tuma offers users a simple, fast payment solution that transforms their phones into a fully functional payment gateway. Through a strategic partnership with UBA, a bank operating in 20 African countries, Tuma enables card payments and digital transactions, supporting small merchants’ growth. The startup also collaborates with financial institutions such as Credit Bank Kenya, InTouch, Appiawave, Cellulant, and Seerbit.
Elijah is also the founder of Attila Group, a private investment firm established in 2013, focused on real estate, technology, and venture capital. Initially based in South Africa, Attila Group later relocated its headquarters to New York, USA. Additionally, he is the founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Elie Technologies Corporation, a company delivering essential products and services tailored to the needs of emerging markets.
Elijah’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2007 with the creation of Sofet Entertainment in South Africa, a company specializing in event production, where he served as Chief Commercial Officer for two years. Afterward, he worked as an executive producer at New Vision Studio. In 2012, he joined Airtel DRC as a junior software engineer before taking on the role of senior software engineer in the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development in South Africa from 2013 to 2015.
Academically, Elijah holds a degree in Computer Science and Information Systems, specializing in enterprise systems, application development, and networking, earned in 2015 from Monash University.
In recognition of his entrepreneurial achievements, Elijah Lubala was named to the prestigious Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list in 2017, highlighting his contributions to the tech industry and the African business landscape.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He is an entrepreneur who specializes in electronic services across Africa. He designs innovative digital solutions that make everyday life easier for people in Gabon.
Anthony Marat (photo) is a Gabonese businessman and serial entrepreneur. He is the founder of Yoboresto, a meal delivery app. Launched in 2018, Yoboresto simplifies food ordering and delivery in Libreville and its surrounding areas. Through its website and mobile app, users can order meals in just a few clicks from a wide range of partner restaurants.
The platform provides access to menus, pricing, opening and closing hours, customer reviews, and photos. Yoboresto also offers additional services such as table reservations for lunch or dinner and a loyalty program that rewards users with bonus points.
Anthony Marat holds a bachelor's degree in international business from Marymount University in the United States, earned in 2014. He also completed a master's degree in entrepreneurship and international business development at the American Business School in Paris in 2016.
His professional career began in 2010 with internships at prestigious companies, including Citi, Bechtel Corporation, Addax Petroleum, and SCRP Consulting. In 2014, he joined the Franco-American Academy of Management (AFRAM) in Gabon as a project management intern. The following year, he interned in tax and legal services at Deloitte Gabon. In 2017, Marat worked as a business consultant at Vivendi, a company specializing in art promotion, entertainment, and recreational activities.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
After several years of experience as a software engineer at both local and international companies, he now uses his technical expertise to provide innovative, tailored solutions for businesses and individuals.
Kenneth Kwesiga (photo) is a Ugandan computer scientist and tech entrepreneur, serving as the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of ioTec Ltd, a company specializing in business-to-business financial technologies.
Founded in 2020, ioTec Ltd is a fintech company licensed and regulated by the Bank of Uganda. Its mission is to develop secure financial solutions that bring financial services closer to individuals and businesses through intuitive digital channels.
ioTec provides companies with a secure platform that simplifies the delivery of financial services. Its offerings include the ability to send and receive payments, rigorously verify customer identities, assess creditworthiness, and submit credit reports to rating agencies. By leveraging these solutions, businesses can maintain continuous engagement with their customers while ensuring efficient and transparent management.
In addition to his role at ioTec, Kenneth Kwesiga serves on the board and the technology and innovation committee of FITSPA Uganda—the Financial Technology Service Providers Association, which is the regulatory body for fintechs in Uganda.
Kenneth holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Applications from the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology in India, which he earned in 2010. He also obtained a Master’s degree in Business Management and Administration in 2019 from Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland.
Kenneth’s professional career began in 2009 as a software engineer at Data Care, a Ugandan consulting firm. In 2014, he joined Laboremus Group AS, a Norwegian fintech company, where he held various roles including software engineer, quality assurance engineer, technical project manager, and Chief Operations Officer. In 2018, he became Head of Business and Enterprise Solutions at Mcash Uganda, a fintech firm where he also served as Chief Operations Officer from 2020 to 2021.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
After earning a degree in finance and gaining extensive experience with companies in Africa, Europe, and the United States, he now works as an entrepreneur specializing in logistics.
Nick Joshi (photo) is a Kenyan finance expert and tech entrepreneur, serving as the founder and CEO of Leta, an innovative startup focused on delivery management and optimization for businesses. Established in 2021, Leta creates smart logistics solutions that facilitate the automated and efficient transportation of goods throughout Africa. By leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), the company enhances delivery routes, reduces logistics costs, and improves overall operational efficiency.
Leta empowers businesses to digitize their logistics processes and supply chains. Its technology enables end customers to track deliveries in real time, fostering confidence and transparency. Since its launch, the company has facilitated over 2.5 million deliveries and operates a fleet of more than 5,000 vehicles. Currently, Leta is active in both Kenya and Nigeria.
Nick Joshi earned a bachelor’s degree in corporate finance and investment finance from the University of Western Australia. He began his professional career in 2006 as a consultant at Paradigma Solutions, an Australian firm specializing in professional development and coaching.
In 2009, he joined Western Australia's Department of Fire and Emergency Services as a program manager. By 2013, he had transitioned to the role of product director at MakerBot, a U.S.-based company recognized for its educational 3D printing ecosystem. In 2018, he assumed a similar position at Spring Inc., which is dedicated to providing an exceptional mobile shopping experience. From 2019 to 2021, Nick Joshi served as Vice President of Product for delivery.com, an online marketplace platform.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
A trained IT professional, he leverages his technological expertise to support financial services companies in Ghana. He actively promotes and encourages innovation among young people in the fintech sector.
Samuel Tettey Amanor (photo) is a Ghanaian tech entrepreneur and an expert in information technology (IT) solutions for financial services. He is the founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of BlueSPACE Africa Technologies, a startup specializing in the digital transformation of Africa's financial sector.
Founded in 2014, BlueSPACE Africa Technologies helps financial institutions digitize their products, services, and core systems to unlock the African market’s full potential. The company also offers advanced services in big data, machine learning, and deep analytics, enabling organizations to identify opportunities, address operational gaps, and make more informed decisions. Its solutions include treasury management tools and cross-border payment systems for businesses, individuals, organizations, and governments.
In 2021, Amanor established the BlueSPACE Innovation Hub, a center dedicated to identifying and developing fintech startups across the African continent. He also serves as vice president for partnerships and funding at the Ghana Fintech and Payments Association.
Amanor holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from Wayne College in the United States. From 2008 to 2014, he worked at Dell, where he held roles including account technology consultant, account manager for West Africa, and country director for Ghana.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
She earned her degree in finance in France and England. After gaining several years of experience in the field, she decided to pursue entrepreneurship, focusing on the logistics sector.
Zeinabou Sidibe(photo) is a finance expert and entrepreneur from Mali. She is the founder and CEO of Afrisends, a company focused on transportation and logistics with the mission of democratizing international shopping and deliveries.
Founded in 2021, Afrisends aims to make global e-commerce accessible to Africans while streamlining supply chains for businesses. Through its digital platform, the company enables individuals to easily access products from around the world and assists businesses in enhancing their competitiveness. Afrisends connects users to a network of over 200 international suppliers, primarily based in China, Turkey, Dubai, and Europe.
As a logistics provider, Afrisends manages the transportation of goods by air, sea, or road, as needed by clients. The company also facilitates customs clearance, offers freight insurance, and provides last-mile delivery services in cities such as Abidjan, Bamako, and Dakar. Its digital platform allows users to track their inventory and deliveries in real time.
Zeinabou Sidibe graduated from the Université Libre de Tunis in 2010 with a bachelor's degree in finance. She continued her education in France, earning a master's degree in International Financial Management from ESG Finance in 2012, followed by another master's degree in Audit, Management Control, and Information Systems from SKEMA Business School in 2014. In 2015, she completed her studies with a master's degree in Audit and Consulting from ESCP Business School in England.
Her career began in 2012 at Attijariwafa Bank in France, where she worked as a corporate banking assistant. She later joined Société Générale as a project management controller. In 2013, she was appointed financial controller at Veolia Environnement, a company specializing in ecological transformation. In 2015, she became an auditor at Deloitte France. From 2018 to 2024, she served as a financial controller at PPG Industries, a multinational corporation known for its paints and coatings.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
A serial entrepreneur, he co-founded three technology companies. He specializes in providing innovative solutions across multiple sectors, with a particular focus on e-commerce.
Ahmed Gaber (photo) is an Egyptian computer scientist and tech entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of TradeHub, which connects manufacturers with local and international buyers.
Founded in 2023 by Ahmed Gaber and Ahmed Atef, TradeHub is a global online platform designed to help users discover and purchase a wide range of products from sellers worldwide. The initiative aims to simplify exports, streamline business operations, and enable local manufacturers to more easily access both domestic and international markets.
The platform offers several key features, including the ability for buyers to issue tenders, request quotes, and communicate directly with manufacturers. “At TradeHub is to revolutionize trade operations, aiming to empower 10,000 manufacturing companies by the end of 2024, making trade smoother and easier for everyone,” the co-founders said at the platform's launch.
Ahmed Gaber’s entrepreneurial journey began long before TradeHub. In 2013, he co-founded Join, a file-sharing app for smartphones that allowed users to exchange images and music in real time across multiple Android devices within groups. In 2016, he co-founded Bosta, an on-demand delivery company in Egypt. Using innovative technology, Bosta enables individuals and businesses to quickly send packages across the city. Today, Gaber serves on Bosta’s board of directors.
Ahmed Gaber earned a bachelor’s degree in computer and systems engineering from Alexandria University in Egypt in 2010. Recognized for his talent and contributions to technological innovation, he was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for the Middle East in 2021.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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Following his studies and several years of professional experience in France, he returned to his native Morocco. There, he provides businesses with IT solutions designed to streamline their operations.
Mhamed Harouchi (photo) is a Moroccan tech entrepreneur and the co-founder of ComptaCom Maroc, a company specializing in digital accounting. Established in 2022, ComptaCom Maroc empowers startups and very small businesses (VSEs) by providing access to an online accounting firm alongside a comprehensive management solution tailored to their needs.
The management software offered by the startup extends beyond accounting. It includes tax optimization, payroll management, and legal services. Additionally, ComptaCom Maroc provides Bleez, a cloud-based solution accessible anytime, anywhere. This innovative platform goes beyond billing and accounting to offer features like expense tracking and validation, online document storage, cash flow management, and document digitization. It processes and verifies all received documents while serving as a single point of contact for user inquiries and requirements.
Alongside his role at ComptaCom Maroc, Harouchi is a managing director at Ciel Informatique Maroc, a company that supports entrepreneurs and businesses by providing industry-specific software and expert assistance.
Harouchi’s educational background includes a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Technology of Compiègne (UTC) in France, earned in 2011. He also holds a master’s degree in real estate investment from Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, completed in 2012.
His professional journey began in 2012 at CBRE Global Investors, a U.S.-based investment management firm, where he served as a senior associate for the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region. From 2016 to 2020, he worked as a director at Colliers International Maroc, a real estate consultancy firm.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
She creates engaging educational programs and creative projects that inspire children to become independent learners.
Gabi Immelman (photo) is a South African entrepreneur, learning designer, and educator. She is the co-founder and CEO of Mindjoy, a startup offering innovative learning solutions for students.
Founded in 2021, Mindjoy empowers students to take control of their own education while safeguarding their data privacy. The company leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to support learners in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), enabling them to explore and solve problems at their own pace. This approach frees teachers to focus on areas where their guidance is most impactful.
Mindjoy provides students with access to a multimodal AI tutor capable of seamlessly integrating images, videos, and enriched text into lessons. This interactive system offers immediate and personalized feedback, accelerating the learning process and enhancing student engagement.
Before founding Mindjoy, Gabi Immelman launched Pukka School in 2016, an initiative focused on fostering children’s creativity. The program encouraged exploration, curiosity, and learning through play, giving children the freedom to develop their inventiveness.
Immelman holds a bachelor’s degree in dramatic arts, theater, and directing from Stellenbosch University, earned in 2012. In 2021, she completed a master’s degree in inclusive education innovation at the University of Cape Town.
Her professional journey began in 2013 as a production manager at Saartjie Botha, a South African entertainment company. In 2014, she became a director, teaching artist, and technician at the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre in the United States. The following year, she joined Modern Times Stage Company, an American theater company, as an assistant producer. In 2018, she was appointed head of learning and development at Maara House, a learning-focused school in South Africa.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He leverages blockchain technology to launch innovative products in the market. After contributing to the growth of several fintech companies, he founded his own startup specializing in financial technologies.
Carel van Wyk (photo) is a South African engineer and tech entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of MoneyBadger, a company specializing in financial technology.
Founded in 2021, MoneyBadger offers a platform that simplifies bitcoin payments, both online and at physical points of sale. The company’s ambition is to create a world where networks for information and value transfer transcend borders, leveraging a currency suited for the digital age.
MoneyBadger provides CryptoQR, a universal translation app that facilitates interaction with traditional point-of-sale systems while accepting cryptocurrency payments. The startup enables businesses and e-commerce merchants to easily integrate its solution into their software or shopping carts to accept cryptocurrency payments.
Before founding MoneyBadger, Carel van Wyk co-founded Luno in 2013, a company specializing in cryptocurrencies. Luno’s solutions allow individuals and businesses to securely store, buy, use, and understand cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin with ease and safety.
Carel van Wyk graduated from Stellenbosch University with a bachelor’s degree in electronics in 2008, followed by a master’s degree in augmented reality in 2010.
After his studies, he joined Bazooka Games, a video game publishing company, as Director of Software Development. Between 2012 and 2013, he worked as a software engineer at SnapScan, a fintech firm, and FireID, an organization that helps passionate and talented entrepreneurs create companies to solve major challenges. From 2019 to 2023, he worked as a software developer at KnowBe4, a tech company specializing in security awareness training and phishing simulation programs.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
A serial entrepreneur with 14 years of experience in creating innovative startups across various industries, he has also worked with multiple incubators, supporting young entrepreneurs in launching and growing their ventures.
Simon Balemba Effansa(photo) is a Cameroonian computer scientist and tech entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Fluide Finance, a digital bank dedicated to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Founded in July 2024, Fluide Finance offers innovative solutions to simplify financial operations, enhance productivity, and drive business growth. The bank’s mission is to democratize access to efficient financial services by providing a comprehensive range of tools designed to help SMEs succeed.
Fluide Finance’s all-in-one platform centralizes several services: banking solutions for SMEs, business management tools (accounting, invoicing, customer relationship management), back-office support, and digital transformation consulting. This approach allows businesses to operate securely while optimizing their efficiency.
Simon Balemba Effansa is also a startup mentor at ActivSpaces, a tech incubator based in Cameroon. Before launching Fluide Finance, he co-founded Akwajobs in 2015, an online job platform where he served as CEO. In 2017, he created Healthy Lifestyle Foundation (HELIF), a multi-specialty healthcare organization he promoted. He graduated from the University of Buea with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering and systems in 2013 and a master’s degree in operations, finance, and project management in 2018.
Between 2017 and 2018, he worked as a business development consultant at Makonjo Media, a marketing technology agency. In 2020, he joined Jongo Hub as a center manager.
From 2022 to 2024, he served as CEO of Bohikor, a fintech startup. Simultaneously, he worked as a business development consultant at Mountain Credit Union (MoCU), a digital credit cooperative, and as an enterprise architect at Iknite Space, a talent accelerator.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji