In the realm of online advertising, visibility is easily achieved, yet the cost can be a barrier for many. Abdou C. Dieng is offering an alternative solution that aims to be accessible to all Africans.

Senegalese entrepreneur Abdou C. Dieng (photo), co-founder and CEO of Adafri, is offering a solution to the challenge of prepaid card restrictions on the Google Ads platform. Dieng, an alumnus of the University of Rouen Normandie, launched the startup in 2020 with Ibrahima Touré.

In 2018, Google Ads ceased accepting prepaid cards, posing a significant hurdle for African advertisers seeking to launch digital campaigns. "To address this issue, we've integrated payment methods that align with the African context, specifically mobile money," Dieng said in 2021.

Adafri, an automated advertising platform, caters to small and medium-sized businesses aiming to enhance their online visibility. The platform allows users to initiate Google ads from a single location and monitor performance and budget in real-time.

The startup has seen swift success, boasting over 600 active advertisers and facilitating more than 10,000 campaigns. Currently operational in several countries, including Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, and Mali, Adafri plans to expand across French-speaking West Africa.

Since 2019, Dieng has served as the President of Sen Startup, a Senegalese startup association. The organization aims to represent, unite, and empower startups, fostering a conducive environment for their growth. The entrepreneur began his digital journey at online retailer Jumia, where he gained comprehensive digital knowledge. He served as the managing director for Jumia Car from 2014 to 2015. In 2016, he established Comparez.co, a price comparison service in nine African countries.  He is now a recognized serial entrepreneur in the African tech scene.

Melchior Koba