TECH STARS (960)
Passionate about digital transformation, Mouhamadou Taha Thioye is dedicated to developing solutions that make life easier for all Senegalese people. His latest solution is a payment aggregator.
Senegalese tech entrepreneur Mouhamadou Taha Thioye (photo) is the founder and CEO of Keyzen, a company that simplifies the management of payment operations for Africans.
Established in 2023, Keyzen is a fintech firm that consolidates services for Visa prepaid cards, mobile money, and all other financial transactions into a single mobile application. This solution streamlines the process of purchasing and reloading Visa cards, while also facilitating the management of various payment channels.
Keyzen also allows Senegalese individuals to order their Visa cards and enjoy the convenience of one-day delivery. The company has already achieved a transaction volume exceeding 250 million CFA francs, equivalent to more than 400,000 US dollars.
Thioye earned a National Diploma in Telecommunications Engineering in 2004 from the National Institute of Posts and Telecommunications (INPT) in Senegal. He began his professional journey in 2004 at M2T (Morocco Transaction Processing), where he served as a development engineer.
In 2008, he joined ATPS SA, a technology company specializing in financial services, as a director in Senegal. By 2018, he had risen to the position of CEO of the holding company and its subsidiaries. He has played a significant role in establishing and developing the company’s subsidiaries in the WAEMU zone.
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With more than two decades of experience in investment across Africa and beyond, he has now embarked on an entrepreneurial journey. His goal is to make access to credit a reality for all Africans.
Chijioke Dozie (photo), a Nigerian entrepreneur and investor, co-founded Carbon in 2012 with his brother, Ngozi Dozie. As the CEO, he is dedicated to making credit accessible to all Africans.
Carbon's mission is to ensure that everyone has the financial access they need to lead a dignified and prosperous life. The startup offers a range of services, including credit services, payment solutions, high-yield investment opportunities, and easy-to-use financial management tools, all aimed at empowering its users.
Headquartered in Lagos, Carbon has a team of over 90 employees and operates in both Nigeria and Ghana. The company, under the OneFi brand, has already launched several lending services, including the consumer loan mobile app, Paylater. To date, Carbon has served more than 3 million people.
Chijioke Dozie earned his Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of East Anglia, UK, in 1999. He then obtained a Master's degree in Finance from the University of Reading in 2000. In 2008, he earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Before becoming an entrepreneur, Chijioke Dozie worked as an investment associate for the investment manager Zephyr Management from 2001 to 2004. He then joined the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as an investment analyst in 2004. In 2008, he became a partner at Kaizen Venture Partners, a private equity firm based in Lagos, Nigeria. From 2021 to 2022, he served as the chairman of the board for the media company, Pulse.
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A seasoned agrotech entrepreneur with over eight years of experience, he empowers Egyptian agriculture professionals with innovative solutions.
Egyptian tech entrepreneur Fady Ibrahim (photo) is the co-founder and CEO of Cropsa. This platform, which he established in 2021 alongside Abanob Gamal, is designed to streamline the buying and selling of agricultural inputs and raw materials. By doing so, it aims to minimize production losses and bolster local farmers. Cropsa enables suppliers and traders in the agriculture industry to carry out their transactions online, enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of their operations.
Beyond its primary functions, Cropsa also features an advertising service known as Cropsa Business. This service allows users to advertise their products or services via a personalized dashboard. It provides tools for audience targeting and campaign creation, enabling users to effectively reach potential customers.
Cropsa also offers a recruitment service for agricultural enterprises, assisting them in finding talents that fit their specific requirements. Its recruitment platform allows users to evaluate and compare the most qualified candidates, thereby simplifying the hiring process.
Fady Ibrahim graduated from Ain Shams University in Egypt in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. He also earned a diploma in marketing from Harvard University in the same year. In 2021, he obtained a master’s degree in agricultural business and management from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport.
Ibrahim began his professional journey in 2016 at Mazr3ty, a marketing services platform specializing in animal, poultry, and fish production, where he served as the marketing manager. He held the same role at the Central Food Safety Laboratory, a food safety lab, from 2017 to 2018. In 2018, he joined Spinneys Egypt, a supplier of food and household items, as the supervisor of research and development. From 2021 to 2022, he was the head of agriculture at Lychee, a company that delivers natural and fresh products like dairy and fruit juices to its customers.
In 2023, Forbes Middle East recognized Ibrahim named him one of the 30 most influential individuals under 30 in the “commerce and finance” category.
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His goal is to simplify the process for businesses in Ethiopia to receive their payments. Leveraging the digital skills he gained in China, he is working on the development of a fintech platform named Chapa to fulfill this purpose.
Nael Hailemariam (photo), a co-founder and the CEO of Chapa, is leading the charge to streamline financial transactions between businesses and their clients in Ethiopia. Established in 2021, Chapa is a payment gateway that enables to easily entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and large corporations to accept digital payments. Chapa’s comprehensive platform brings together various payment methods, including bank transfers, debit card transactions, and digital payments.
Chapa’s mission is to lower transaction fees, increase revenue, and boost operational efficiency for businesses. By addressing a broad spectrum of payment needs, the startup simplifies financial operations and fosters the development of innovative business models.
In addition to his role at Chapa, Hailemariam also serves on the board of the Innovative Finance Lab Ethiopia, an organization dedicated to enhancing access to financing for SMEs and startups in Ethiopia. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the National Bank of Ethiopia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Hailemariam holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Addis Ababa University, earned in 2014, and a bachelor’s degree in electronic and information engineering from Beihang University in Beijing, earned in 2018. He completed a master’s degree in data science and computer engineering at Tsinghua University in China in 2021.
Prior to embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, Hailemariam gained invaluable experience as an assistant professor of computer science at Beihang University from 2017 to 2018. From 2019 to 2020, he served as the director of the Design + Space Laboratory at Tsinghua University, a design lab and workspace for students.
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After completing her university studies in computer science in London, she returned to Gambia. She is now contributing to her country's development by fostering entrepreneurship and technological innovation.
Beran Dondeh Gillen (photo), a Gambian entrepreneur and computer scientist, co-founded and currently serves as the CEO of The Hub. Established in October 2019, The Hub is a technology incubator dedicated to filling the gaps in Gambia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The Hub is devoted to aiding entrepreneurs in their journey by offering incubation programs, training, acceleration sessions, and mentorship and coaching opportunities. It also provides modern, collaborative workspaces. The Hub caters to a diverse array of entrepreneurs, including young adults aged between 18 and 35, and aims to impact 1,500 individuals by 2025. To date, it has supported over 194 entrepreneurs, benefited more than 953 individuals through its programs, organized over 37 events, and conducted more than 30 training sessions.
In addition to her role at The Hub, Gillen holds a directorial position at Morem Consulting and Advisory Services, a firm specializing in financial and technical consulting. She also serves as the chairperson of the Information Technology Association of The Gambia.
Gillen is a graduate of Middlesex University in London, where she earned a Master’s degree in Network Management in 2006. She embarked on her professional journey in 2002 at De La Rue, a security company, serving as a project manager. In 2007, she transitioned to the fintech company EazyPAY, taking on the role of Director of Operations.
In October 2023, Gillen was recognized as the “ICT Icon of the Year” at the ICT Expo in Gambia, a testament to her dedication and significant contributions to the advancement of technology and entrepreneurship in Gambia.
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After studying diplomacy in the United States, she returned to Congo-Brazzaville and ventured into digital communication. Her professional achievements earned her a national award.
Cindy Gamassa (photo), a Congolese entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Numerika, assists businesses and brands in effective communication. On April 18, 2024, during the digital forum in Congo-Brazzaville, she received the award for the best Female-founded startup.
Established in 2020, Numerika offers its clients a comprehensive range of services from communication strategy to operational implementation, aiming to maximize business impact. Its areas of expertise include digital marketing and communication, online community management, and web development.
This award is the Congo’s way of celebrating Cindy Gamassa's commitment and dedication to her work. "True recognition comes when one's own country acknowledges their efforts and hard work. For this invaluable support, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the organizers of the digital forum, including the World Bank's PATEN project, Deloitte, the European Bank, the NGO Pratic, and the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications," Cindy Gamassa stated.
In addition to her role at Numerika, since June 2022, Cindy Gamassa has been serving as a mission officer at the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy. She is also the founder of the Sisterhood Network, a network aimed at creating a community of women supporting each other's personal and professional ambitions.
Cindy Gamassa holds a bachelor's degree in law obtained in 2014 from the Catholic University of Lyon in France and a bachelor's degree in business and international relations from Oglethorpe University in the United States, obtained in 2019.
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She embodies the spirit of innovation and commitment to a more sustainable future in Africa. In just one year of existence, her startup has already received national recognition.
Cynthia Umutoniwabo (photo), co-founder and CEO of Loopa, is on a mission to create a cleaner and smarter Africa. Hailing from Rwanda, she launched Loopa in 2023 under the Jasiri Talent Investor program in Kigali. The startup is quickly becoming a significant force in the climate technology sector, with its focus on transforming waste management through circular economy solutions.
Loopa targets organic waste and uses an innovative technological process to transform this waste into nutrient-rich organic fertilizers. These fertilizers are not only accessible but also affordable for small-scale farmers in Africa. By harnessing the power of the Internet of Things (IoT), Loopa optimizes this conversion process, offering an efficient and sustainable solution.
Cynthia Umutoniwabo has been serving as the deputy administrator of Cornwine, a Rwandan audiovisual production company, since September 2022. She is a software engineering graduate from Moringa School in 2021 and also holds a certification in tourism and service excellence from Cornell University.
Her professional journey includes a stint at the American hair salon Abby Hair Salon, where she worked as the operations manager from 2012 to 2018. In January 2022, she joined the Rwandan creative agency Dutch Tembo as the sales and marketing manager, a role she held for seven months.
Cynthia’s dedication to innovation was recognized in December 2023 when she was awarded the Innovator of the Year by Rwandan President Paul Kagame. This award acknowledges her exceptional contribution to the development of sustainable solutions in Africa.
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She is dedicated to bridging the health gap for women. Her leadership and the impact of her company have earned her several awards and recognitions.
Berabose Aline Joyce, a tech entrepreneur from Rwanda, is the co-founder and CEO of Luna, a startup that offers digital health and wellness services for women across Africa. As Berabose described in 2023, Luna serves as a secure community platform where women can access reliable and safe products and services. Launched in 2022, Luna enables women to anonymously engage with other women and experts on key topics such as mental health, sexual and menstrual health, and maternity. Its mission is to simplify women’s access to trusted health specialists.
Luna’s primary services include Luna Health, a platform for consultations with certified doctors, and Luna Shop, an e-commerce platform that provides essential health and wellness products for women.
Before Luna, in 2016, Berabose Aline Joyce co-founded the African Dream Movement, a Pan-African organization dedicated to sustainable development and people’s well-being, where she served as the program director until 2019.
Berabose Aline Joyce completed her bachelor’s degree in Business and International Relations from Kigali Independent University in 2023. She also earned a diploma in Gender Studies, Menstrual Equity, Hygiene, and Management from the Clinton Global Initiative University in 2021.
She embarked on her professional journey in 2017 at AC Group Rwanda, a firm offering smart and interactive IT solutions, where she held the position of a marketing manager. In 2020, she transitioned to a consultant role for the Westerwelle Startup Haus Kigali incubator, powered by Evonik Stiftung. Her diverse career has seen her traverse multiple fields. In 2021, she took on the role of Head of Strategy at Right Venture Creative, a creative and communication agency.
In addition, she serves as the CEO of Kunda Eco — Arts Space, a company that creates and promotes recycled art and craft objects in Rwanda. In 2022, she joined Simbuka Technological Innovation, a social enterprise specializing in water-related technologies and solutions.
Berabose Aline Joyce’s exceptional leadership has been recognized widely. In 2023, she was named among the 32 Rwandan women changemakers, and in 2024, she received the prestigious Women in Leadership (WIL Award) in the health and wellness category.
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Upon concluding his academic journey in Canada, he made his way back to Côte d’Ivoire, fueled by a vision to transform the agricultural landscape of Africa. His technological innovations in this realm have earned him numerous accolades and honors.
Aboubakar Karim is an Ivorian agroeconomist and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of Investiv Group, dedicated to developing innovative solutions to support small-scale farmers in Côte d’Ivoire and throughout West Africa. Founded in 2017, Investiv Group specializes in precision agriculture and the use of drones in the agricultural sector. "With Investiv, we aim to contribute to building the future of African agriculture by focusing on digital transformation and precision agriculture tools," the entrepreneur says.
The startup's services are diverse, including mapping, phytosanitary diagnostics, and aerial spraying, all performed by drones. It also offers customized software solutions to its clients. Its clear goal is to help farmers reduce losses due to phytosanitary issues, precisely monitor the condition and size of their lands, and conduct essential technical studies for their agricultural projects.
In addition to his entrepreneurial commitment, Aboubakar Karim is the founder and director of the Côte d'Ivoire Flying Lab, an initiative affiliated with the We Robotics Organization. This community promotes the use of drones, robotics, and STEM for development and youth empowerment.
Karim graduated from Laval University in Canada in 2016 with a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics. His professional career began in 2016 at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food of Quebec, where he was an agroeconomist in the agri-food marketing and regional development service. Between 2021 and 2022, he worked as a business analyst at the Society for Cooperation for International Development (SOCODEVI) in Canada.
His innovations have earned him several distinctions, including the third prize in the African Startup Competition organized by Ecole Polytechnique de Paris in 2018, and a place in the top 10 of Africa's Business Heroes in 2020.
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After leaving her position at a bank in Ghana, she decided to devote her energy to entrepreneurship. She is driven by a vision of equal access to technology for all, both men and women alike.
Regina Honu (photo), née Agyare, is a Ghanaian computer scientist and social entrepreneur. She is the founder and CEO of Soronko Academy, which she started in 2017 to introduce women and young girls to the intricacies of technology. The academy offers specialized training in coding and digital skills, with a particular focus on women and girls. Its main goal is to narrow the gender representation gap in the tech field across Africa. To date, Soronko Academy has trained over 20,000 women and girls and has expanded its outreach to include boys, men, and disabled children.
Soronko Academy is a project of the Soronko Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 2012. It was created to support the development of initiatives like Tech Needs Girls, a mentorship program of the foundation aimed at teaching coding and technology creation to underprivileged girls aged 6 to 18.
The academy offers a range of technical courses, including computer science, web development, and mobile applications. Besides technical skills, it also provides training in entrepreneurship, leadership, and presentation techniques, among other non-technical skills.
Regina Honu graduated from Ashesi University in Ghana, where she earned a bachelor's degree in computer science in 2005. After her studies, she worked as the manager of information systems and director of research at Fidelity Bank Ghana from 2008 to 2012.
Honu’s dedication and innovative approach have earned her numerous accolades. In 2017, the BBC included her in their list of the 100 most inspirational and innovative women. In 2022, she was honored with the Ghanaian Woman of the Year award for her outstanding contributions to the technology sector.
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Convinced of the growth potential of e-commerce in Africa, he is considering ways to contribute to the emergence of this sector. He is developing a technological solution with his friends to make life easier for e-commerce merchants.
Walid Laribi (photo) leads Maystro Delivery, an Algerian startup that helps e-commerce businesses reach their objectives by taking care of their logistics from start to finish.
Maystro Delivery, founded in 2019 by Walid Laribi, Lagrid Abdelhalim, and Hebbar Walid Choukri, is a digital platform that links e-commerce store owners with delivery staff. Its main goal is to manage delivery logistics for its partner firms, freeing them to concentrate on their primary operations.
The company, with branches in Algeria and Tunisia, has a workforce of over 500 people and runs 16 warehouses throughout the region. With the support of research and development teams, it aspires to be the go-to logistics provider for e-commerce in the region. Its delivery solutions have already been adopted by over 2,000 businesses.
Walid Laribi earned an information systems degree in 2013 from the National Higher School of Computer Science in Algeria. He gained experience through internships at Inode, an Algerian firm specializing in Linux solutions, and GPCdz, a company focused on processing geographical data.
In 2012, he took on the role of director of the Google Developer Group in Algiers. He joined Nokia as a Network Operations Center (NOC) engineer in 2014 and transitioned to a presales engineer role the next year. He was promoted to sales solutions manager within the same company in 2017. In June 2020, he chose to fully commit to Maystro Delivery, leaving his position at Nokia.
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A computer engineer, he is passionate about using technology to solve problems. He develops technological solutions and mentors young entrepreneurs.
Mohamed Amine Ouni, a Tunisian computer engineer and entrepreneur, is the founder and CEO of TrustiT. His company aids individuals and businesses in managing their electronic devices throughout their lifecycle.
TrustiT, launched in 2017 and available in Tunisia and Saudi Arabia, was launched to revolutionize the management of electronic equipment. Using eco-friendly methods and advanced technologies, the startup offers a comprehensive solution for managing these devices, from purchase to end-of-life recycling. This includes maintenance, repair, or refurbishment.
As Ouni explained in 2022, “The TrustiT project enables its clients, both individuals and businesses, to centralize their electronic device needs at a single location that offers comprehensive logistical support, optimization of technical choices between repairers and spare parts suppliers, and digital transparency with real-time tracking via the web client space or mobile app.”
At the forefront of technology, TrustiT utilizes artificial intelligence to track and assess the ecological impact of these devices. Its goal is to help businesses make environmentally friendly choices, aiding them in obtaining green certifications. In summary, TrustiT is working to reduce electronic waste and promote a sustainable lifestyle.
In addition to his role at TrustiT, Ouni serves as a growth strategy consultant at Hulool, a company specializing in service development in Saudi Arabia. He also acts as the international coordinator of Webdays, a series of events aimed at fostering interactions among participants from diverse ecosystems for economic and social development.
As a mentor at the Founder Institute incubator, Ouni imparts his expertise to budding entrepreneurs. He is also the founder of Sharek iT Tunisia, another company that manages electronic waste from old devices through a digital process that accepts donations from individuals and businesses.
Ouni boasts an impressive academic background. He graduated from the National Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (INSAT) in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in software engineering. He earned a degree in computer engineering and management in 2012 from the Ecole Supérieure Privée d’Ingénierie et de Technologies (ESPRIT) in Tunisia, and a master’s degree in business and small business operations in 2015 from the Graduate School of Business of Tunis.
In addition to his entrepreneurial accomplishments, Ouni has also taught at the Higher Institute of Technological Studies in Communications in Tunis, at SUP’COM, and at ESPRIT. From 2018 to 2020, he served as a consulting partner for North Africa at eleva8or, a virtual accelerator for tech startups.
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Launched in 2020, the Margaret Junior Awards celebrate the talents of young girls aged 7 to 18. Abigail Ifoma won this prestigious award thanks to MIA, the smart assistant solution project she submitted.
Abigail Ifoma (photo), a dynamic and passionate young Cameroonian, won the Margaret Junior Africa Awards in March 2024 for her project, MIA (My Intelligent Assistant). MIA is a system designed to manage and monitor patients in medically isolated areas.
Inspired by her grandmother's experience, Abigail felt a deep empathy for people suffering from chronic diseases. The challenge of regularly taking temperature and blood pressure was a personal obstacle for her, driving her to find an innovative solution.
Her project, a smart bracelet paired with an app, is the culmination of her efforts. She hopes her solution will reduce waiting times in hospitals and improve patient care. For Abigail Ifoma, this recognition validates her work and provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of innovation in healthcare.
Currently a student at Tassa Academy, a secondary school in Yaoundé, Abigail is determined to pursue medical studies while nurturing her passion for technology. She acknowledges the challenges she faces, including a lack of material resources and infrastructure issues, but remains optimistic about the future of her project.
As a young innovator, Abigail Ifoma aims to inspire other young people, especially girls, to engage in technology and science. She firmly believes that innovation can change the world and encourages young people to explore their creativity and face challenges with courage and determination.
Education, a fundamental right, is a powerful catalyst for development worldwide. For that reason, Mumbe Mwangangi is striving to improve child literacy in Kenya.
Mumbe Mwangangi (photo), a Kenyan social entrepreneur, co-founded and currently leads Nyansapo AI. This startup, established in 2019, leverages technology to enhance the learning experience of primary school children and provides key data to NGOs engaged in educational initiatives.
Nyansapo AI is dedicated to boosting literacy rates among primary school students by creating personalized educational tools powered by artificial intelligence. These tools are designed to streamline the workflow of educators, offering insightful data on student engagement and pinpointing areas that require attention.
Among these tools is an analytical dashboard that empowers educational program managers to evaluate the efficacy of their interventions and implement impactful strategies to improve children’s reading, writing, and arithmetic skills. The Nyansapo mobile app is another such tool that accurately identifies pronunciation errors as students read aloud on a screen, thereby providing trainers with detailed data to craft effective learning activities.
On April 17, 2024, Nyansapo AI was recognized as one of the 16 finalists in the Burning Heroes Africa Startups Awards. The company is set to participate in the competition’s final stage, scheduled for April 23 and 25, 2024.
Mumbe Mwangangi is an alumnus of Maseno University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in international relations. She also holds a master’s degree in disaster management and sustainable development from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology.
Following an internship at UNESCO in 2017, Mumbe Mwangangi joined Pacemaker International in 2019 as a fellowship coordinator, contributing to efforts to enhance children’s access to education. In 2021, she took on the role of program coordinator at Peace First, an American incubator specializing in social innovation. These experiences have shaped her vision and fortified her dedication to education and community development.
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