TECH STARS (1006)
As a current student in digital engineering, he leverages his skills to impact education and employment. His startup, LaBoussole, has garnered numerous awards and distinctions.
Wilfried Mbeyo’o Nna (photo) is a Cameroonian tech entrepreneur and the founder of LABOUSSOLE, a startup specializing in educational technologies. What began as a development project in June 2022 evolved into a fully-fledged startup by January 2024. LABOUSSOLE offers an intelligent web application designed to guide students and learners in their academic and professional orientation.
The platform helps users achieve socio-professional integration, whether by securing decent employment, becoming self-employed, or venturing into entrepreneurship. Beyond these core services, LABOUSSOLE also provides online training focused on digital careers.
The startup's primary mission is to help users find their path and thrive in their chosen careers. According to its website, the vision is to “create a world where access to information and education is open to everyone, regardless of gender, social background, or level of qualification, enabling all individuals to find their path and flourish in their careers.”
Currently in his final year of digital engineering studies at the International School of Digital Engineering at the Congo-Cameroon Inter-State University in Sangmélima, Cameroon, Mbeyo’o Nna balances his academic pursuits with freelance work in digital marketing and communication. Between 2021 and 2023, he served as the Marketing and Communications Manager for the Cooperative Society of Young Farmers of Dja and Lobo in Cameroon.
In 2024, his entrepreneurial talent earned widespread recognition when LABOUSSOLE won the first prize in the “Social and Human Sciences” category at the GETEC (Génie et Talent de l’Étudiant Camerounais) startup competition, organized by Cameroon’s Ministry of Higher Education.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
A serial entrepreneur, he leverages technology and innovation to develop high-impact solutions that drive African growth.
Andrew Mutua (photo) is a Kenyan computer scientist and tech entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of PesaKit, a fintech and e-commerce startup.
Founded in 2019, PesaKit focuses on providing financial services and digital commerce solutions for underserved communities in Africa. The company helps mobile money agents and local merchants grow and thrive by offering tools tailored to their needs.
Using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, PesaKit has implemented innovative infrastructure to facilitate the distribution of financial, retail, and e-commerce services. By combining AI with human expertise, the startup ensures greater precision and consistency in its services, thereby improving the financial health of vulnerable populations across the African continent.
PesaKit operates in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ghana, supporting over 50,000 mobile money agents and merchants, who in turn have enabled more than 18 million unique customers to access these services within their communities.
Before PesaKit, Andrew Mutua founded Logic IT in 2012 and served as its CEO until 2018. Logic IT is a tech design company that helps organizations create innovative products and services that people love, desire, and depend on. Its work ranges from designing mobile apps and web services to developing enterprise solutions.
Andrew Mutua holds a diploma in web design and development, 2D animation, and interactive technologies from Nairobits Digital Design School, obtained in 2009. He also earned a bachelor's degree in microprocessor technology and instrumentation from the University of Nairobi in 2013. In 2018, he attended the "Rethinking Financial Inclusion" program at Harvard Kennedy School, further strengthening his expertise in inclusive finance.
His professional career began in 2009 as a frontend and UX developer at Wunderman, a digital agency. Between 2011 and 2012, he worked as a digital media manager at BusinessIT Afrika Limited, a Kenyan IT company.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
A trained computer scientist with experience at prestigious American companies, including Google, he's now an entrepreneur revolutionizing Africa's logistics sector through digital transformation.
Togolese-born Jean-Claude Homawoo (photo) is the co-founder and CEO of Lori Systems, a Kenya-based startup, which aims to transform Africa's logistics sector.
Founded in 2017, Lori Systems provides cross-border transportation services across the African continent. Through its digital platform, it connects cargo owners with reliable transporters to ensure fast and efficient delivery.
Lori Systems manages a network of over 20,000 trucks. From its offices in Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda, the company coordinates the transportation of goods across 12 African countries. By leveraging its technology and data, it optimizes pricing and route planning to maximize efficiency. To date, the startup has facilitated the transportation of goods valued at $10 billion.
Jean-Claude Homawoo holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from Drexel University in the United States and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
His professional career began in 2004 in the U.S. at Gerson Lehrman Group, where he served as head of the technology, media, and telecoms division for Asia. In 2010, he became the director of the global community of high-impact entrepreneurs at Endeavor. Two years later, in 2012, he was appointed vice president of product strategy at IROKO Partners, an African entertainment technology company.
In 2013, Jean-Claude Homawoo joined COOLS, an American advertising company, as chief operating officer. Between 2014 and 2018, he worked at Google as a product manager.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He is a technology entrepreneur specializing in educational technology solutions. He has received numerous awards and recognition for his innovative work.
Cecil Senna Nutakor (photo) is a Ghanaian entrepreneur leveraging technology to improve lives. He is the founder and CEO of eCampus, an edtech startup focused on making education more accessible, flexible, and affordable.
Founded in 2015, eCampus offers a digital learning platform tailored for a wide range of users—from primary school students to professionals seeking vocational training or higher education. The platform provides tools to evaluate, analyze, and predict users’ readiness for exams, employment, or compliance processes.
For students, eCampus facilitates goal-setting, preliminary testing, progress tracking, and self-paced learning. Teachers can share knowledge, mentor learners across Africa, and earn additional income while inspiring and educating. Businesses also benefit, using eCampus to train employees, monitor performance, and identify strengths to enhance growth and productivity.
Before launching eCampus, Nutakor founded Equinox Intercom Ltd in 2006, a Ghanaian application services provider where he serves as CEO. He began his career as a systems administrator at Regent University College of Science & Technology in 2005. He later worked as an IT consultant for the Ghana Ports Authority (2006), a project manager at Ghana Commercial Bank (2010), and held the same role at luxury real estate firm Devtraco Plus Ltd (2013–2015). In 2019, he collaborated with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) as an edtech consultant.
Nutakor holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Regent University College of Science & Technology (2007). He earned a master’s degree in international business and sustainable development from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan, Italy (2014). Additionally, he completed a program in exponential technologies at Silicon Valley’s Singularity University in California.
He won the Startup of the Year in Education award at the Ghana Startup Awards in both 2016 and 2021, as well as the overall Startup of the Year award in 2021.
By Melchior Koba
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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
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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