TECH STARS (1007)
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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A seasoned logistics specialist, he leverages technology to streamline transportation processes and bolster the tracking of goods throughout their journey.
Marc Biegniebe (photo), a Togolese logistics expert and entrepreneur, co-founded Anaxar alongside Essoyodouna Amouzou in 2020. The innovative company aims to revolutionize the transportation of goods across West Africa through a user-friendly digital platform.
Anaxar, headquartered in Togo, extends its services to Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and other countries within the sub-region. With a network of 1,000 seasoned carriers, it guarantees secure and efficient goods transportation at a cost-effective rate for its African clients.
Beyond freight services, Anaxar offers moving and expedited delivery solutions, thereby boosting client productivity. A dedicated mobile app allows clients to monitor their shipments in real-time, ensuring timely deliveries and efficient customer satisfaction.
In a bid to broaden its reach, Anaxar launched GoodTRIP, a carpooling platform. Already functional in Togo, this app links drivers with spare seats to passengers intending to travel along the same routes. With over 768 destinations, 120 available routes, 43 drivers, and 350 registered passengers, GoodTRIP simplifies travel while fostering resource sharing.
Marc Biegniebe is an alumnus of Ecole supérieure de la Mer, where he obtained a degree in port and maritime activities management in 2012. He also earned a degree in port and maritime management in 2015 from the Regional Academy of Marine Sciences and Techniques.
Post-graduation, he joined Bureau Veritas, a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification, as a support assistant in 2015, a position he held until 2021. Simultaneously, he served as a training consultant at the maritime school of Togo.
In acknowledgment of his accomplishments, Marc Biegniebe’s company, Anaxar, was lauded at the inaugural Africa Supply Chain Awards in Senegal in 2023, clinching the award for the most exceptional company in the road transport sector.
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Strive Masiyiwa dreams of a future where every African, without exception, is digitally connected. His impact on the continent has been widely recognized and honored.
Strive Masiyiwa (photo), a philanthropist and businessman from Zimbabwe, is the founder and executive chairman of Cassava Technologies. His use of technology has significantly improved the lives of individuals and businesses across Africa, creating a wealth of opportunities and stimulating economic growth.
Established in 2021, Cassava Technologies has emerged as a pillar of digital transformation in Africa. Headquartered in London and operating in 31 countries, the company provides a wide array of products and services in as many as 94 countries. Its portfolio includes subsidiaries such as Liquid Network, Liquid Dataport, Liquid C2, Africa Data Centres, Distributed Power Africa, Sasai Fintech, Telrad, and Vaya Technologies.
Cassava Technologies is a part of the Econet Group, which also encompasses Econet Wireless. The latter is a telecommunications service provider in sub-Saharan Africa, offering services like mobile and fixed wireless telephony, public telephones, internet access, and payment solutions. It launched its inaugural mobile network in 1998.
In addition to his business ventures, Masiyiwa is deeply committed to social causes through the Higherlife Foundation, which he co-founded with his wife, Tsitsi. The foundation has supported the education of 250,000 orphaned children across Africa and has also sponsored health programs, disaster relief, and rural development initiatives.
Masiyiwa has been a non-executive director of Netflix since 2020 and also serves on the board of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and National Geographic, a premier media outlet in science and exploration. He is a member of the global advisory board for Bank of America.
From 2003 to 2018, Masiyiwa was a board member of the Rockefeller Foundation and served as a non-executive director for the consumer goods company Unilever from 2016 to 2024. He was an African Union special envoy for combating Covid-19 from 2020 to 2022.
Masiyiwa’s significant impact on the tech scene, both in Africa and globally, has earned him numerous accolades. In January 1990, he was honored as the Zimbabwean Businessman of the Year. In January 2020, Bloomberg named him among the 50 Most Influential People in the World, and Mail & Guardian listed him among the 100 Most Influential Africans. That same year, JA Worldwide inducted him into the Junior Achievement Worldwide Global Business Hall of Fame. In 2021, Fortune Magazine ranked him among the 50 Greatest World Leaders.
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A biomedical engineer by training, he ventured into healthcare entrepreneurship, successfully launching five startups, including Aumet, which is expanding across the Middle East and North Africa.
Yahya Aqel (photo), founder and CEO of Aumet, leads a business-to-business marketplace for pharmaceutical products in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Based in the United States, the startup operates in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Oman.
Established in 2020, Aumet provides a platform that connects pharmaceutical suppliers with pharmacies, streamlining the supply process and enhancing access to medical supplies. The company was founded to make the acquisition of medical supplies by healthcare providers more efficient and transparent. One of the features distinguishing its platform is artificial intelligence. By harnessing data analytics, the platform optimizes inventory restocking, anticipates needs, and connects healthcare providers with the most suitable suppliers.
Since its inception, the startup has enjoyed the support of Orange as a development partner. It has benefited from guidance and expertise in various areas, including technological development, marketing, and commercial expansion. Currently, the company is represented at the World Electronics Forum, which is ongoing in Morocco until Thursday, April 18, 2024.
When asked about expansion plans, Yahya Aqel reveals ambitious aspirations. "We have ambitious expansion prospects in new markets, both regional—like the GCC (UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain), Morocco, and Iraq—and international, including France, the UK, and the US. We see significant growth opportunities in markets where healthcare supply processes are inefficient or fragmented," he told We Are Tech Africa.
Yahya Aqel graduated from Hashemite University in Jordan in 2006 with a bachelor’s in biomedical engineering. He also holds an MBA from IE Business School in Madrid, Spain, earned in 2015. Before embarking on the Aumet venture, he founded four other startups. It all began with Al-Sumow International Co., a medical manufacturer established in Kuwait in 2005, where he served as managing director until its acquisition in 2011.
In 2011, he co-founded Aqel Universal Medical Equipment and Tools, a company specializing in the manufacture of health products, including disposable non-woven and plastic items, in the Gulf region. He led this company as CEO until 2014, when he launched Healthy Brain, an e-commerce platform dedicated to selling medical products.
In 2016, he continued his entrepreneurial streak by co-founding OnEx, a sales platform for health product manufacturers and distributors. This platform enabled users to expand their operations both internationally and locally.
Recognized for his significant impact on the healthcare sector, Yahya Aqel was honored as Entrepreneur of the Year by EY in 2019. His startup has also been recognized by the World Economic Forum as one of the top 100 globally, demonstrating its growing global influence.
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With a degree in finance, he now devotes himself to his two passions: agriculture and technology. He champions responsible farming that respects the environment and leverages technology to achieve his goals.
Josias Wendinda Kere (photo), a Burkinabe financial market analyst and entrepreneur, has merged his passions for agriculture and technology through his startup, Agri Minga, established in 2018. As the CEO, Kere is at the forefront of revolutionizing African agriculture with hydroponic and aeroponic soil-less farming techniques, as well as smart greenhouse cultivation.
His company, Agri Minga, develops both environmentally friendly and socially impactful agriculture in Burkina Faso. By eschewing chemicals and genetically modified organisms, it grows a variety of plants, including fruits, vegetables, and herbs, in a controlled environment. The company also markets soil-less farming kits and incorporates task-tracking technology to optimize growth conditions.
From April 15 to 18, 2024, Agri Minga will participate in the World Electronics Forum in Morocco, providing Kere an opportunity to share his insights and collaborate with other industry stakeholders.
Kere has received support from various African development programs. A former participant in the AGreenLab program, supported by organizations such as Impact Hub and La Fabrique, he also accessed an acceleration program from the Orange group. This support enabled him to "finalize the design of a tool for controlling and monitoring agricultural parameters in greenhouses or open fields," he told We Are Tech Africa.
When asked about his development goals, Josias Wendinda Kere stated, "Our objective is to expand our service range by introducing innovative new offerings such as an artificial intelligence-managed control and monitoring module. We also aim to recruit the necessary skills to provide superior service and establish strategic partnerships with research institutions in the agricultural sector."
Josias Wendinda Kere holds a professional degree in banking, finance, and microfinance, earned in 2008 from the African Institute of Management. In 2010, he earned a master's in management and finance, specializing in financial markets, from the Ecole Supérieure de Gestion et Finance (ESG) in Paris. Additionally, he has developed computer skills since middle school.
After completing his studies, he worked for several years in the banking and finance sector. Among other positions, he served as a trader analyst at Holding Bourse and Investment from 2011 to 2013. From 2012 to 2023, he taught courses in trading and technical analysis, securities negotiation on capital markets, and computer programming. In 2016 and 2017, he was the consultant responsible for managing foreign exchange risk at SONABHY, Burkina Faso’s national hydrocarbons corporation.
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He develops AI-powered solutions that transform the African protein industry.
Egyptian pharmacist and entrepreneur Omar Zaghloul (photo), co-founder and CEO of AIProtein, is spearheading the production of vegan and eco-friendly protein powders through an artificial intelligence (AI) - powered process.
AIProtein, a biotech startup established in 2023, is at the forefront of producing eco-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free protein powders. The company leverages a hybrid AI/Internet of Things (IoT) production platform, using local organic nutrients for sustainable aquaculture and scalable protein purification technology.
The startup aims to tackle the environmental, social, and economic challenges associated with traditional protein production, while also striving to meet the nutritional needs of the world’s expanding population.
Zaghloul earned his bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences from the German University of Cairo in 2017. He furthered his education at Zewail City of Science and Technology, graduating in 2021 with a degree in Biomedical Sciences, Drug Design, and Development.
His professional journey began in 2017 as a marketing manager at Pharco Pharmaceuticals, where he also served as a quality assurance trainee and an R&D stability trainee. In 2019, he took on the role of community partner at workspace provider Regus.
Simultaneously, Zaghloul became the head of intellectual property and technology transfer at Zewail City of Science and Technology. In 2020, he coordinated the innovation and entrepreneurship programs at the innovation center.
After serving as a program development manager and management consultant at CEO ENTREPRENEUR for a year and a half, Zaghloul returned to Zewail City of Science and Technology in 2022 as an innovation management consultant.
In recognition of his commitment and excellence in entrepreneurship and innovation, Zaghloul was named Middle East CEO of the Year in 2023.
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He is a determined entrepreneur who stands out for his commitment to finding innovative solutions to financial challenges in Africa, particularly for immigrants and their families.
Egyptian entrepreneur Adham Azzam (photo), co-founder and CEO of Balad, has established a multi-currency, multi-channel cross-border payment infrastructure for Africa. Balad, founded in 2022 by Azzam, Sally Asaad, and Mohamed Assem, provides a comprehensive digital platform to facilitate financial transactions between immigrants and their families back home. The startup’s services include money transfers, mobile banking applications, and prepaid debit cards, offering low fees and instant fund delivery via Balad cards.
Before this venture, Azzam co-founded Lnddo in 2019, serving as COO until 2022. Lnddo is a forward-thinking company that leverages technology and data analytics to provide innovative credit solutions to businesses in the region, including the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.
Azzam, a civil engineering graduate from the Institut National des Sciences Appliquées in Toulouse, France, furthered his academic credentials with an Executive MBA from INSEAD in 2012. He began his professional career in 1999 with Bouygues Construction as a site engineer.
In 2006, he joined VINCI Concessions, a transport infrastructure firm, as a project manager of the Compagnie Financière et Industrielle des Autoroutes (Cofiroute), a subsidiary of the company. He later joined the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as a Senior Investment Officer in 2016. In 2018, he assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at EgySolar, a company specializing in solar energy development, before fully committing to entrepreneurship in 2019.
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With a solid background in finance and accounting, she decided to focus on e-commerce to meet the needs of Gabonese people for online shopping and fast delivery.
Gabonese auditor and entrepreneur Malika Gadault Deacken (photo), founder of FastBox, has created a platform that connects customers and merchants offering a wide array of products. Established in 2020, FastBox provides an online sales application, FastBox App, which markets a range of items from beauty products to clothing, home accessories, and food.
To enhance customer experience, FastBox has developed an integrated delivery service, FastBox Livraison, allowing customers to receive their purchases at home. This service aims to alleviate the need for physical shopping trips, offering increased convenience to Gabonese consumers.
Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Deacken serves as the Managing Director of Bet241, a Gabonese sports betting company, a position she has held since January 2023. She joined the company in 2017 as the administrative and financial director.
Additionally, Deacken leads the finance committee of Gabon’s TECH 241, a union of technology companies, and mentors with the Women In Africa organization.
Deacken graduated from the Catholic University of Lille in 2009 with a degree in economics and finance. She later earned a master’s degree in auditing, accounting, and management control from ESG Finance in Paris in 2012, and a strategy certification from HEC Paris in 2023.
Before her entrepreneurial journey, Deacken gained valuable experience with major companies such as BforBank, Orange France, and Deloitte. Her tenure at Deloitte from 2013 to 2017, where she held various positions including auditor, senior assistant, and project manager, allowed her to hone her auditing and management skills.
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A computer scientist by training, he leverages his expertise to benefit South Africans by offering solutions aimed at making education more accessible and effective for every student, whatever their background.
South African computer scientist and entrepreneur Dacod Magagula (photo), a University of Cape Town graduate, co-founded FoondaMate in 2020 with Tao Boyle, after honing his expertise at various companies. FoondaMate, where Magagula serves as CEO, aims to provide accessible, high-quality educational resources to South African students.
The company uses artificial intelligence to develop chatbots for messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. The goal is to equip students, especially those without internet access or who have difficulty finding pertinent information, with the necessary tools for academic success.
Magagula’s inspiration for FoondaMate stemmed from his educational struggles. Raised in a resource-scarce rural township in Mpumalanga, South Africa, he fully understands the challenges many students face. “I went to a school in a rural township school in Mpumalanga, South Africa, that didn’t have resources. I did not have electricity at home until I was 7,” he recounted.
FoondaMate, which initially offered downloads of old exam papers, now boasts over a million users who use the service via WhatsApp or Messenger for homework assistance and exam preparation.
Before his entrepreneurial venture, Magagula gained significant web development experience. In 2016, he interned at Lumico, a digital marketing agency, as a web application developer. From 2017 to 2021, he held successive positions as a full stack developer at Monetise E-commerce, an e-commerce agency, and as a full stack engineer at ninety9cents, a South African advertising agency.
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With a degree in finance and accounting, he combines his knowledge with technology to provide digital banking services to his customers, contributing to financial inclusion in Africa.
Tanzanian entrepreneur Victor Joseph (photo) is the CEO of Tembo, a startup that offers digital banking services across Africa. Established in 2020, Tembo enables customers to manage their finances, make secure investments, and save, integrating and launching financial products.
Tembo, positioned as a business partner, provides essential technology tools to integrate and launch programmable payment collection, card, wallet, and bank account services across Africa. Its business partners include major players such as fintechs, e-commerce companies, digital banks, mobile money operators, and digital lenders. Licensed by the Central Bank of Tanzania and with other regulatory approvals, the startup aims to expand its influence across East and West Africa.
Its CEO, Joseph, is a graduate of the University of Dar es Salaam with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Accounting. He also holds a master’s degree in business strategy and entrepreneurship from Cardiff University, Wales, obtained in 2019.
Prior to founding Tembo, Joseph had already left his mark on the Tanzanian entrepreneurial ecosystem with his previous initiatives. In 2011, he launched Beeble Technologies, a web design and digital marketing agency. In 2015, he founded Tango TV, an on-demand internet streaming media platform. From 2011 to 2018, Joseph successfully led the Universities Entrepreneurship Challenge, an initiative to support and encourage entrepreneurship among African students.
Joseph’s achievements have been recognized, with accolades such as Tango TV’s inclusion among the top 30 emerging technology startups in Africa by Demo Africa in 2015.
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