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A computer scientist, he aims to democratize digital skills by making the latest technological advances accessible to novices, while providing practical advice on how to navigate this ever-changing world.
In Rwanda, Cishahayo Songa Achille (photo) is a software engineer and tech entrepreneur who founded Techinika, an edtech firm established in 2020. The company aims to educate the general public, particularly those not versed in technology, about current advancements and practical applications within the field. By doing so, Techinika seeks to empower individuals and organizations with essential digital skills.
As Managing Director since March 2023, Achille oversees daily operations and leads the Techinika team during regular gatherings. His responsibilities include ensuring the realization of Techinika's goal of imparting contemporary digital knowledge across various sectors.
Achille obtained a high school diploma in computer networking from the Integrated Polytechnic Regional College (IPRC) in Kigali in 2019. Currently, he continues his education in information technology at IPRC, working towards earning an advanced diploma.
In January 2024, Achille joined forces with others to establish the African Soft Skills Organization, which focuses on enhancing self-confidence among technical students in Rwanda and throughout Africa by developing their professional abilities. Additionally, he serves as a full-stack engineer at Progress MiH, providing financial support for projects aimed at achieving corporate objectives.
Beyond these roles, Achille maintains a presence online as both a blogger and a YouTuber. Previously, he held positions at other technology firms, including serving as Technical Team Leader at Andela and Program Coordinator at Afflatus Africa in 2022.
Furthermore, Achille has been invited to speak at events like the She Can Code School in 2023 and served as Co-Organizer and Chairman of the Rise and Talk Gavel Club debate competition at the IPRC in Kigali. Moreover, he shared insights into artificial intelligence on Rwandan television channel TV10.
Melchior Koba
Through a diverse range of programs, from technology camps to the acceleration of small and medium-sized enterprises, Women EdTech offers a fertile ground for the growth of women-led ideas and businesses.
Women EdTech, a digital training center, incubator, and accelerator for women, was established in 2017 in Benin to promote the inclusion of girls and women in the digital sector.
Led by CEO Elodie Akotossode Padonou, the center's primary objective is to assist girls and women in enhancing their skills and quickly developing new ones, as well as providing them with more opportunities for business growth. By 2030, Women EdTech aims to create 300,000 jobs and support 30,000 women entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Women EdTech offers a variety of programs, including training and insertion programs, technology camps, and an academy. It also provides incubation programs such as the Women Developers Academy, Fempreneures, and DigiPreneurs to assist women in developing their businesses.
As an accelerator, Women EdTech offers a Business Growth program, which is a 3-month SME acceleration program. This program provides specialized support, networking, partnership opportunities, and resources to women who run e-commerce-focused SMEs. The program aims to help women in Benin's entrepreneurial ecosystem increase their revenues and visibility through digital tools, as well as scale up, unlock their export potential, and access financing.
Since its inception, Women EdTech has trained over 500 women and established more than 100 businesses. It has also accelerated over 100 businesses thanks to its team of experts made of 80% women.
Melchior Koba
A serial entrepreneur, he offers technological and social solutions to transform communities, businesses, and individuals. He also invests in young entrepreneurs with high-potential business ideas.
Senam Beheton (photo) is a Beninese entrepreneur and investor. The co-founder and CEO of TEKXL, a startup studio offering incubation, acceleration, and venture capital, he is passionate about transforming ideas into scalable ventures. Founded in 2014, TEKXL provides budding entrepreneurs with comprehensive support, from technology and training to workspace and funding, to launch competitive businesses.
Driven by a strong educational background (degrees in political science, international development, and educational technology), Beheton has been a serial entrepreneur for over 20 years, founding and investing in more than 35 companies and organizations, mostly in the tech sector.
"Investing in and supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in French-speaking West Africa is essential to fuel our region's development," he emphasizes.
Beheton's impact extends beyond TEKXL. In 2009, he established EtriLabs, an innovation ecosystem fostering collaboration on solutions for national and international challenges. He also co-founded Kudizy, a cloud-based financial management tool empowering African SMEs with access to financial data.
Actively involved in the broader entrepreneurial landscape, Beheton serves as a board member of Afric'innov, an association supporting entrepreneurship structures in French-speaking Africa. He is also co-founder and managing partner of Noru Capital, a venture capital firm investing in West African tech companies.
Furthermore, he champions inclusivity through Intrepid Entrepreneurs, an initiative supporting women and young innovators in Africa.
Melchior Koba
With a six-month venture-building program and tailored incubation and acceleration initiatives, Betacube supports start-ups at every stage of their growth, fostering innovation, job creation, and economic growth in Africa and beyond.
Founded in 2019, Tunisian venture builder Betacube is fueling Africa's entrepreneurial spirit, empowering young minds to turn ideas into thriving businesses. Led by CEO Amel Saidane (photo, center), the pan-African firm fosters a collaborative environment where "creativity flourishes and possibilities are limitless," Saidane says.
Betacube's mission extends beyond borders. It connects young entrepreneurs to global networks, promoting opportunity, job creation, and growth across the continent. Collaboration lies at the heart of their approach, bringing founders and investors together to drive innovation.
Their offerings cater to various stages of a startup's journey. The six-month venture-building program provides comprehensive support, preparing entrepreneurs for investment and accepting up to eight startups per cohort. Additionally, customized incubation and acceleration programs offer webinars and personal coaching sessions.
Operating in Ethiopia, Senegal, and Tanzania, Betacube has supported 200 startups, including Bako Motors, a leading electric vehicle manufacturer. Their reach extends beyond Africa, with an export to Saudi Arabia in September 2023. To date, it has facilitated over 500 company presentations and raised $2.085 million in funding.
Melchior Koba
Boasting over 20 years of experience in IT and telecommunications projects, he will support African institutions and governments in the successful implementation of their digital and development projects.
Wilgon Berthold Tsibo, an entrepreneur and IT specialist from the Republic of Congo, has been appointed Deputy Managing Director of Tactis in Africa. Although he assumed the position in December 2023, his appointment was officially announced on February 15, 2024. Tactis is a French consulting firm that specializes in telecommunications, digital planning, engineering, and the digital transformation of territories. With subsidiaries in Casablanca and Kigali, it offers its expertise to public and private actors –as an assistant or business expert– in sectors like telecoms infrastructures, the development of smart territories, private networks, information systems, and the transformation of organizations operating in the telecoms sector.
As Deputy Managing Director - Africa, Wilgon Berthold Tsibo's mission is to assist African governments and institutions in the successful implementation of their digital development projects. His approach is characterized by a strategic economic vision and multi-partner collaboration aimed at promoting inclusive, quality services for states, citizens, and businesses.
Tsibo is also the founder and CEO of Berthold Consulting Management and Support (BCMS), a consulting firm specializing in key areas such as ICT products and services, project and organization management, ICT and project management training, site construction and management (Telecom and FTTx), and general trade. He holds master's degrees in computer science applied to business management obtained in 2010 from the International University of Tunis, project and organization management obtained in 2013 from the Institut Supérieur d'Informatique et de Management de Bamako, and business administration obtained in 2020 from Edinburgh Business School in Scotland. He is also a doctoral student in operations management and supervision at the Catholic University of San Antonio de Murcia.
He began his career in the telecoms sector with Ericsson, where he held the position of Operations Director, managing MTN's rollouts in Congo between 2004 and 2009. He then joined the Azur Group as Project Director with Siteg Telecom from 2010 to 2012, and then as Technical and Operations Director for Azur Congo. In 2012, he was promoted to Technical and Operations Director of Groupe Azur, with responsibility for 4 countries (Congo, Gabon, Central African Republic, and France), where he remained until 2017. Between 2021 and 2023, he was a Senior Manager at Smart Africa, leading the strategy, operationalization, and expansion of digital infrastructure projects in 39 member states.
Melchior Koba
Bridging the gap between academic research and commercial application, the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) stands as a key driver of South Africa's technological transformation. By nurturing and propelling bold ideas to market, the agency plays a vital role in the country's innovation ecosystem.
South Africa's Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), a public entity, aims to bridge the innovation gap between research and development by universities, science councils, public entities, and the private sector. Headed by Acting CEO Patrick Krappie, TIA's mission is to stimulate economic growth and strengthen industrial competitiveness through the practical application of cutting-edge knowledge and technologies.
TIA offers a diverse range of services and programs, including support for research and development, assistance in commercializing innovations, and the Technology Station program, which fosters collaboration between industry and academia. The Technology Station program provides a variety of services, such as testing and analysis, prototyping, consulting, technology audit, feasibility study, process and product improvement, applied development, engineering and design, and research and development. Additionally, TIA supports the commercialization of innovations by offering funding opportunities and advice to entrepreneurs, helping them turn their ideas into tangible commercial successes.
TIA's vision is to be a world-class innovation agency that supports and enables technological innovation to achieve socio-economic benefits for South Africa through leveraging strategic partnerships. The agency's mission is to enhance South Africa's global competitiveness and deliver socio-economic value through technological innovation across sectors of the economy using appropriately structured financial and non-financial interventions, development and maintenance of human capacity for innovation, and building a culture of innovation.
Melchior Koba
By combining cutting-edge technology and philanthropy, the entrepreneur is revolutionizing not only the insurance industry but also the way surplus funds are used to support important causes.
Sumarie Greybe (photo), a South African insurance actuary, co-founded Naked Insurance in 2016 with partners Alex Thomson and Ernest North. The company, which leverages artificial intelligence, aims to revolutionize the insurance sector by offering a fully digital process, from underwriting to claims, to customers. Quotes can be obtained in 90 seconds, and customers can underwrite instantly without speaking to an agent.
Naked Insurance's liability insurance starts at ZAR 50 (approximately $2.50), which is several times cheaper than plans offered by other insurers, according to Greybe. The company is structured to redistribute surplus funds, resulting from claims payments below annual forecasts, to causes selected by customers, encompassing a wide range of initiatives, from early childhood development programs to efforts to improve animal welfare.
Greybe, who graduated from the University of Pretoria with a Bachelor's degree in Actuarial Science in 1994, built a career as one of South Africa's leading short-term insurance actuaries. She served as actuarial advisor to many of South Africa's large insurers before co-founding Naked Insurance. In 2011, Greybe's firm, Quindiem Consulting, was acquired by EY, where she became a partner and head of EY Africa's Actuarial Services Short Term Insurance Practice.
Naked Insurance's customer-centric focus and commitment to sustainability are key to its success. The company's approach to philanthropy aligns with its mission to improve the community and the environment. By returning excess funds to causes chosen by customers, Naked Insurance aims to foster a sense of shared purpose and responsibility.
Melchior Koba
Committed to boosting digital entrepreneurship and bridging the digital divide, Kinshasa-based incubator Nguvu Tech is nurturing innovative talent to shape the future of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Founded in Goma in 2020, Nguvu Tech aims to empower young Congolese by fostering digital entrepreneurship and nurturing creativity. Led by CEO Robin Businde, the incubator offers a variety of programs to cultivate tech skills and entrepreneurial spirit.
Nguvu Tech offers training, workshops, and coaching in diverse fields like education, technology, and entrepreneurship. These programs, available online and in-person, provide young people across the DRC and Africa with skills and support to develop their ideas.
Beyond training, the incubator assists startups with website and app development, graphic design, and IT systems. This comprehensive approach helps young entrepreneurs navigate the digital landscape and contribute to the DRC's economic and social development.
Melchior Koba
With his public international law training, he is disrupting the African legal landscape by developing innovative digital solutions that make quality legal services more accessible to citizens on the continent.
Daniel Bobasha (photo) is a multifaceted professional hailing from the Democratic Republic of Congo with experience in the fields of entrepreneurship, writing, and banking. A graduate in international public law from the Protestant University of Congo, Bobasha is the founder and CEO of Mibeko Tech, a legaltech startup that is revolutionizing the legal sector in Africa.
Mibeko Tech, under Bobasha's leadership, has designed and developed digital solutions to cater to the specific needs of the legal industry in Africa. Not only is the company a pioneer in this regard, but it also serves as a hub and think tank dedicated to fostering the growth of the legaltech sector across the continent. One of the notable achievements of Mibeko Tech is the development of an app that seamlessly connects Congolese individuals with 135 qualified lawyers, enhancing access to legal services.
In addition to its innovative technological solutions, Mibeko Tech offers a range of online courses covering various subjects, such as legal watch design and the legal challenges of innovation. The startup has also facilitated the purchase of over 28 legal documents through its platform.
Bobasha's entrepreneurial endeavors extend beyond the realm of legaltech. Mibeko Tech has launched #FundaYe, an initiative aimed at preventing and addressing sexual harassment and gender-based violence. This platform not only empowers women by providing them with essential knowledge about their rights and avenues for support but also streamlines the process of lodging complaints. Its CEO is, since January 2024, a banker at Trust Merchant Bank. Before this, he served as the head of digital banking products at EquityBCDC, a part of the Equity Group, a leading Kenyan banking entity with a strong presence across 10 African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Melchior Koba
In an ever-changing entrepreneurial environment, Tanzania's Dar Teknohama Business Incubator stands out for its commitment to supporting and promoting the most promising technological initiatives.
The Dar Teknohama Business Incubator (DTBi), established in 2011 by the Tanzanian Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) in collaboration with InfoDev, a World Bank program, is a hub for technology startups. Under the guidance of CEO George Mulamula, it is dedicated to fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs in Tanzania.
DTBi is focused on promoting the growth of emerging companies in the information and communication technology sector and innovative startups and individuals. The goal is to stimulate job creation and bolster the national economy. With the ambition to be the central hub for technology startups, DTBi actively identifies and delivers value-added services essential for the success of its clients, thereby contributing to their growth and market success.
The incubator provides a wide array of business development services designed to enhance the market survival chances of early-stage ICT startups. These services encompass access to shared resources, assistance in securing financing and market access, credible support, strategic advice, and robust business management. Furthermore, DTBi encourages the formation of professional networks to keep abreast of technical trends and seize market access opportunities, thereby creating a conducive environment for business growth and success.
DTBi provides workspaces and coworking spaces to encourage collaboration. It has implemented training and financial management programs. With the backing of telecom operators such as Tigo, Airtel, and the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), DTBi has achieved more than 38 innovations and 33 incubations. The incubator has generated over 659 direct jobs and more than 17,000 indirect jobs.
Melchior Koba
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Driven by the vision of transforming recruitment practices, she spearheads Niajiri Platform Ltd., leveraging innovative technology to connect employers with top talent in the industry.
From connecting job seekers with opportunities to helping businesses run more efficiently, Lillian Secelela Madeje (photo) is a Tanzanian entrepreneur making waves in the tech and social impact space.
Driven by a passion for innovation and empowerment, Madeje founded Niajiri Platform Ltd. in 2018. This "workforce development tech platform" leverages machine learning and data analytics to equip individuals with job-ready skills and connect them with suitable opportunities. It also streamlines the recruitment process for employers, providing access to a network of talented professionals.
Niajiri Platform is just one facet of Madeje's entrepreneurial journey. She's also a founding board member of Tanzania Startup, fostering collaboration and support within the country's burgeoning startup ecosystem. Additionally, she sits on the board of Jumo Tanzania, a fintech company expanding financial access in emerging markets across Africa and Asia.
Beyond technological pursuits, the entrepreneur also spearheads Ekihya, a management consultancy offering tailored solutions to help Tanzanian organizations optimize their operations. Her passion for development extends beyond business. Madeje actively contributes to social impact initiatives, as evidenced by her qualitative research work on financial inclusion with IDEO.org.
Madeje's dedication to innovation and community impact has garnered recognition. She is the recipient of the 2019 Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Award from Park University, USA, and holds a Master's in Business Administration from African Leadership University's School of Business.
Melchior Koba
Operating across a network of five incubators in Senegal and The Gambia, Teranga Tech Incub provides young entrepreneurs with equipped workspaces, programs, and events to help them innovate and succeed.
Teranga Tech Incub, a network of five incubators in Senegal and The Gambia, is backed by the French Embassy and aims to promote and support youth entrepreneurship, particularly in the digital sector.
The network offers two main services through its incubators in Dakar, Saint-Louis, Kaolack, Ziguinchor, and Banjul. The first is a six-month mentoring program supporting around 70 projects per year across two cohorts per incubator. This program helps entrepreneurs structure their projects.
Secondly, the network organizes events promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, including events hosted by other organizations lacking a presence in Senegal or Gambia.
Teranga Tech Incub also provides equipped and connected workspaces, collaborative areas, and expert networks to strengthen the ecosystem. They hold awareness sessions on entrepreneurship and organize events featuring experts in various sectors like blue economy, agritech, and audiovisual.
Examples of supported companies include online store platform Boutique Sénégal, Web3 specialist Kucibok, and maritime safety solutions provider O'Connect.
To achieve its mission, the network has partnered with organizations like Polaris Asso, Concree, Jokkolabs, and Simplon.
Melchior Koba
In a career spanning several years, he has worked at major corporations including Ericsson, Oracle, and Microsoft in the United States. In 2021, he established his startup, setting up an automated distribution network that seamlessly integrates banking services, mobile money solutions, and fintech offerings.
Mika Diol (photo), a seasoned systems engineer from Senegal, boasts an impressive array of technical certifications from industry giants such as Microsoft and Dell. As the co-founder and CEO of Outsource Monetic Group, a US-based fintech startup with a strong foothold in Africa, Diol is at the forefront of transforming financial services accessibility across French-speaking West and Central Africa.
Founded by Mika Diol and Ibrahima Diedhiou, Outsource Monetic Group has set its sights on revolutionizing financial inclusion. Their mission? To empower communities by bridging the gap between traditional banking services and the dynamic digital landscape. With a keen focus on French-speaking regions, the startup aims to democratize access to financial tools.
At the heart of their innovation lies KaliSpot, a cutting-edge multi-vendor ATM solution. These smart devices seamlessly integrate banking services, mobile money platforms, and fintech offerings. Operating via a robust 3G connection, KaliSpot devices adapt to users’ needs, recognizing their service providers and tailoring the experience accordingly. Gone are the days of interminable queues outside brick-and-mortar banks; KaliSpot promises efficiency and convenience.
In 2023, Mika Diol shared his vision for the future. “Fintechs will soon realize that the lack of physical infrastructure poses a significant hurdle in conquering these young and promising markets,” he asserted. By leveraging technology, Outsource Monetic Group aims to empower individuals, businesses, and entrepreneurs across the region.
Before launching Outsource Monetic Group, Diol’s career trajectory was marked by notable milestones. In 2006, he assumed the role of Country Manager at the Ivorian digital services company N-SOCITECH. Subsequently, he joined Ericsson in the USA as a Project Manager in 2007. His tenure at Microsoft saw him lead service sales, while Oracle appointed him Territory Sales Manager in 2014. A year earlier, he joined the Senegalese IT firm Servitech Group as Sales and Marketing Director.
Melchior Koba
Bridging the gap between industry and academia, the incubator has emerged as a catalyst for research, hands-on learning, and entrepreneurial ventures.
The AUC Innovation Hub (AUC iHub), an initiative of the American University in Cairo (AUC), serves as a bridge between industry and academia to foster innovation. It facilitates industrial collaborations, interdisciplinary research, and hands-on learning, creating an environment conducive to the emergence of new ideas and technologies.
The iHub provides industrial partners with privileged access to the innovative perspectives of AUC faculty members and talented students, allowing the industry to shape and leverage university research for the development and validation of products and services. This collaboration opens up new avenues for innovation.
Through internships and in-class projects, AUC's creative and enterprising students engage with industry pioneers, addressing real-world business challenges. Additionally, the hub facilitates collaborations between academia and industry to transform research outcomes into marketable innovations and new technologies, meeting the evolving needs and desires of global consumers.
AUC alumni seeking to establish their businesses are given priority access as iHub members, connecting them with an international network of companies, start-ups, experienced AUC faculty, and a pool of student talent, providing a fertile ground for growth and innovation.
The iHub also organizes collaborative event series such as Innovation in Action, with an upcoming conference featuring a leading figure in fintech. Furthermore, it has launched initiatives like the Design Thinking Challenge and the Innovation Sprint in partnership with various organizations, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
The AUC Innovation Hub's efforts align with the Reuters style, providing a clear and objective overview of its activities and initiatives.
Melchior Koba