TECH STARS (960)
A trained computer scientist with several years of experience in web development, he created a digital platform to facilitate collaboration among various stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
Francis Bemyin Bibiang (photo) is a Cameroonian web developer, data analyst, and cybersecurity specialist. In 2018, he co-founded Iwolonet, a social network that facilitates business relationships between producers and buyers of agricultural products across Africa.
The platform enables farmers, livestock breeders, equipment suppliers, and pesticide providers to promote their products and services, enhancing their sales opportunities. It also offers investors the chance to identify promising agribusiness projects for investment. Service providers, consultants, and support specialists can showcase their expertise to producers in need of assistance.
Iwolonet includes a job-matching space for employers and job seekers in the agropastoral sector. To date, the mobile app has been downloaded over 10,000 times on Google Play.
Francis also heads Research and Development at Bloosat CM, a Cameroonian operator delivering high-speed internet access nationwide and across the sub-region.
The Cameroonian holds a diploma from the Institut Samba Supérieur, where he earned a Higher National Diploma (BTS) in IT management in 2014. He recently added two more qualifications to his portfolio—a project management certification and a cybersecurity diploma obtained in 2024 from the Oxford Home Study Center (OHSC), an online educational institution.
His professional career as a web developer began in 2014, with roles at the IT company Wise Decision, the F2B CONCEPT’ tech lab, and the software and electronics design start-up KENTNIX.
Melchior Koba
A leading entrepreneur in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he specializes in e-commerce, fintech, and logistics, driving innovation within the country's tech ecosystem.
Bonny Maya (photo), a DRC-born serial entrepreneur, is the founder of TINDA, a tech company specializing in last-mile delivery. Established in 2017, TINDA provides delivery services for e-commerce businesses, easing logistics for online and offline retailers alike. “Issues related to poorly referenced addresses, route misunderstandings, client availability hours, traffic jams, and other hassles will no longer stand in the way of your business,” the company promises.
TINDA’s services can be accessed via phone, SMS, WhatsApp, email, or its online platform. Upon delivering packages or mail, TINDA collects payment from customers on behalf of sellers, then transfers the funds to them using fintech solutions available in the DRC.
Bonny Maya also serves as president of FENX, a Congolese IT engineering firm supporting organizations and businesses in their digital transformation journeys. Prior to founding TINDA, he launched eMart.cd in 2016, a marketplace for local goods, where he served as CEO until 2021. The platform enables users to shop online with ease.
In addition, Maya coordinates the Central Africa E-Commerce and Fintech Expo, an annual gathering for sector stakeholders. The sixth edition of the event is scheduled for April 17-19, 2025.
Maya holds an engineering degree in radio transmission, electrical, and electronic engineering from the Higher Institute of Applied Techniques in Kinshasa, obtained in 2008. His career began in 2011 at the International Bank for Africa in Congo (BIAC) as an IT assistant specializing in electronic banking. From 2012 to 2016, he managed extranet services at the Congolese Control Office (OCC), before becoming president of the Silikon Bantu tech hub from 2017 to 2018.
Melchior Koba
After honing his skills in finance and accounting at several industry-leading companies, he now leverages technology to provide tailored, efficient solutions for SMEs.
Ojema Joel (photo) is a Ugandan finance expert and serial entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Trampo Technologies, an innovative logistics and mobility company.
Founded in 2020, Trampo Technologies leverages technology to simplify logistics services for businesses. The startup offers a mobile platform that enables small and medium-sized enterprises to access a wide range of trucks and other logistics services easily and conveniently.
With its solutions, Trampo Technologies optimizes transport routes, enhances vehicle utilization, and efficiently distributes shipments.
In 2016, Ojema Joel also co-founded Famunera Online, an e-commerce company focused on the agricultural sector. This platform allows farmers to access affordable, high-quality agricultural inputs and services while providing them with a marketplace to sell their produce.
Ojema Joel holds a bachelor’s degree in business management with a specialization in information systems, earned in 2013 from the University of Buckingham in the UK. He also graduated from the International University of East Africa in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance.
After completing his studies, he joined Byabakama, Kwemala & Associates, a Ugandan financial management firm, as a trainee auditor in 2016. He later worked as a financial agent at Cellulant, a pan-African payments company, before becoming a financial analyst in 2017 at Imuka Ventures, a social entrepreneurship hub that connects entrepreneurs with experts, partners, and funding.
Melchior Koba
A serial entrepreneur, he assists brands from emerging markets in making more informed decisions. His work in the digital sector has earned him numerous awards and distinctions.
Alex Mativo (photo) is a Kenyan computer scientist and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of Duck, a company specializing in data collection and management.
Founded in 2023, Duck provides small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with real-time market data on product performance, competition, distribution coverage, and customer expectations. The goal is to help companies understand what sells, where, and why, guiding their decision-making.
Duck enables retailers to monitor each of their stores and distribution centers to ensure shelves are well-stocked and products are moving. It offers performance, inventory, and expiration date tracking to help identify products nearing expiry and inform actions that quickly clear excess stocks.
Mativo is also the founder and CEO of E-LAB, an organization he established in 2014 that uses design and art to raise awareness about the harmful effects of electronic waste.
In 2018, he founded Ethnic Brand, a “virtual factory” dedicated to fashion brands. In 2020, he co-founded Nanasi.co, an all-in-one platform that enables restaurants to centralize their sales and payment channels, manage daily operations, and grow with the help of smart analytics.
Mativo holds a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, earned in 2018 from the African Leadership University. His work in the digital sector has garnered him multiple accolades.
In 2019, he received the "Under 30 Founder of the Year" award at the FOYA Awards, which honor young entrepreneurs contributing to Africa’s development. In April 2024, he was named on the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list.
Melchior Koba
With a background in business and finance, he transitioned to entrepreneurship, focusing on developing tech solutions for African markets. He specializes in mobile games and apps.
Hugo Obi (photo) is a Nigerian serial tech entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Maliyo Games, a pan-African company developing mobile games for African and international markets.
Founded in 2012, Maliyo Games is dedicated to creating captivating and unique gaming experiences tailored for mobile players worldwide. The company stands out with its well-crafted narratives, immersive settings, and engaging visuals, aiming to become a pan-African leader known for quality and innovation in game development.
Maliyo Games has launched several notable initiatives. In 2021, the company introduced GameUp Africa, an intensive five-month program for aspiring game developers across the continent, which attracted over 5,000 African applicants. In 2023, Maliyo Games launched a Game Art Training program, a free three-month accelerated online course aimed at helping artists hone their skills.
Obi is also the Managing Director of Games Laboratories Ltd, an organization providing professional games and mobile applications development services. In 2008, he founded AC Company, a tech and information services startup based in Manchester, England. In 2023, he co-founded Ojemba, an organization training African software engineers to provide services to European companies.
Hugo Obi holds a degree in international business, strategy, finance, and economics from the University of Manchester, earned in 2007. He previously worked as a financial analyst at General Electric (GE) Capital, a finance company in Connecticut, USA.
Melchior Koba
As an entrepreneur, he leverages technology to serve communities by offering practical solutions tailored to their needs.
Pierrick Chabi (photo) is a Beninese-born creative engineer and tech entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Wakatoon, an immersive communication platform designed for children and families.
Founded in 2014, Wakatoon is an innovative company that blends technology and creativity by offering coloring books that encourage cultural awareness in young children. The company’s solution instantly transforms a traditional paper coloring book into a personalized animated cartoon on a screen.
This technology allows children to enjoy a hands-on activity by coloring and then watching their story come to life as a cartoon. Designed for children aged 3 to 9, Wakatoon’s books aim to reduce screen time while boosting creativity.
Before founding Wakatoon, Pierrick Chabi co-founded ArdoiseDuJour in 2013, a free website allowing users to discover daily menu specials from local restaurants. These digital blackboards are updated daily by the restaurateurs themselves. That same year, he also co-founded Startup Africa Paris, a community of over 250 entrepreneurs connected to Africa.
Chabi holds an engineering degree in image analysis and processing and computer-assisted vision, earned in 2005 from Télécom Saint-Étienne in France. Between 2007 and 2016, he taught as a part-time lecturer at his university, giving courses in image analysis and synthesis.
Melchior Koba
Encouraging women's participation in the tech sector is crucial today. To address this challenge, the South African entrepreneur is dedicating herself to training women in tech skills.
Zandile Mkwanazi (photo) is a South African entrepreneur and advocate dedicated to promoting women in technology. She is the founder and CEO of GirlCode Group, a non-profit organization aimed at empowering women through technology.
Founded in 2014 as a hackathon, the social enterprise GirlCode has set an ambitious mission to train 10 million women and girls in tech skills by 2030. The goal is to reduce inequalities and bridge the gender gap in the tech sector. So far, over 76,000 female students have benefited from GirlCode’s programs.
In 2020, Zandile Mkwanazi also founded GirlCode Talent, a startup where she serves as CEO. The company leverages artificial intelligence to connect women with employers, providing a dedicated platform for women’s employment in tech across Africa. GirlCode Talent’s mission is to facilitate access to professional opportunities for women while helping companies attract, develop, and retain female talent.
Zandile Mkwanazi holds a bachelor’s degree in computational and applied mathematics, which she earned in 2011 from the University of Witwatersrand. In 2020, she participated in a social entrepreneurship program at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) in South Africa.
Her commitment and achievements have earned her numerous accolades. In 2020, she was ranked among the Mail & Guardian’s top 200 young South Africans. In 2021, she was named Social Entrepreneur of the Year at the Santam Woman of the Future Awards. In 2023, she was recognized as one of the ten most influential women by telecommunications operator Telkom and won the Digital Woman of the Year award at the GovTech Awards.
Melchior Koba
Innovation and technology are changing many different industries. In South Africa, one entrepreneur is making a difference by offering special solutions for different people involved in the fresh food supply chain.
Greg Whitaker (photo), a trained accountant and South African entrepreneur, is the founder and CEO of Agrigate One Ltd, a startup aimed at simplifying the trade of fresh produce. Established in 2019, Agrigate One Ltd leverages technology to enhance connectivity and profitability in the agricultural sector. The startup offers a platform that digitizes and automates the supply chain for perishable goods.
For suppliers, Agrigate One Ltd provides comprehensive visibility into transactions, inventory, market trends, and the supply chain. By automating documentation, ensuring traceability, and planning for needs before and during the agricultural season, the startup optimizes operations and supports better decision-making.
Buyers benefit from access to a global supply network, while agricultural service providers gain tools to streamline export processes and automate administrative tasks, thereby reducing manual work and ensuring smoother operations.
Greg Whitaker holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Stellenbosch University and a Management Accounting diploma obtained in 2016 from The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.
He is also a member of OPUS, a community of entrepreneurs, founders, and business creators. Prior to launching Agrigate One Ltd, Whitaker worked at DSV, a transport and logistics company, where he joined the strategic support team for the president of Africa in 2012.
Melchior Koba
He wants to be a key player in growing Gabon's digital economy. To do this, he helps tech projects and teaches young people different digital skills.
Simplice Mve Asseko (photo) is a Gabonese expert in digital project management and an IT coordinator. He is the founder and CEO of Cyberschool Entrepreneuriat, an incubator dedicated to new information and communication technologies.
Founded in 2010, Cyberschool Entrepreneuriat leverages technology to promote entrepreneurship and supports young people in bringing their projects to life. The incubator offers training and support programs, as well as specialized seminars on creating business plans. To facilitate project tracking, it developed the Business Booster app.
The incubator regularly organizes digital luncheons, bringing together IT professionals, and offers training workshops in programming, software development, and IT project management for both young people and professionals.
Simplice Mve Asseko also works as an IT coordinator for Renault Group in France. He graduated from CY Tech, a school of science, engineering, economics, and management, where he earned a master’s degree in IT project management in 2012.
Between 2017 and 2018, he worked on several projects for ENGIE Home Services, a company specializing in heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems. In 2021, he served as an agile coach and product manager at Gabon's National Employment Office.
Melchior Koba
An expert in international trade, he shifted to entrepreneurship by offering e-mobility solutions. His goal is to help taxi drivers increase their earnings.
Serge Itjo (photo) is a Cameroonian entrepreneur and business graduate. He is the founder and CEO of Klandoo, a tech startup specializing in taxi booking services.
In 2023, Klandoo launched a mobility platform allowing users to book professional drivers. Using geolocation technology, the app connects users with nearby taxi drivers.
For partner drivers, the app provides access to a wide customer base. They operate independently, keeping 80% of their earnings while Klandoo takes a 20% commission. The startup also prioritizes safety, conducting regular vehicle inspections. In case of an accident or assault, both drivers and passengers are covered through partner hospitals.
“Drivers are available 24/7. However, for any trips—business, tourism, shopping, conferences, congresses, airport transfers, private parties, weddings, or events—it is important to book a day or even a year in advance,” explains the Cameroonian entrepreneur.
In addition to his role at Klandoo, Serge Itjo works as a project manager at Air Liquide, a company specializing in gases, technologies, and services for industry and healthcare. He holds an engineering degree in international trade, earned in 2002 from École Supérieure de Commerce International (ESCI) in France.
Melchior Koba
More...
A technology and finance entrepreneur, he has founded and led two companies. His solutions and works have earned him numerous awards and recognitions.
Muriuki Collins is a Kenyan IT specialist and tech entrepreneur, renowned for his expertise and contributions to Africa's finance sector. He is the co-founder and CEO of Terra, a company offering innovative digital wallet services.
Founded in 2012 by Muriuki Collins and Martin Nyaga, Terra enables African businesses to achieve their financial goals through a platform that centralizes and simplifies access to various financial services. By integrating features such as payments, loans, and identity verification (KYC), Terra provides a comprehensive solution for managing and deploying digital wallets across the continent.
Today, Terra operates in over 25 countries and manages more than 5 million mobile wallets. Among its key clients are the Kenya Tea Development Agency, which serves at least 650,000 farmers, and Food for Education, a mobile platform supporting one million schoolchildren.
Beyond Terra, Muriuki Collins founded SwypePay in 2017, where he also serves as CEO. This startup focuses on automating business operations for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Africa, helping them grow and develop more efficiently.
Muriuki holds a bachelor's degree in Computer Systems Technology from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, which he earned in 2013. He began his professional career in 2011 as a systems engineer at Novel Technologies EA Ltd. From 2014 to 2019, he served as a fintech consultant for the Kenya Tea Development Agency.
In 2023, Muriuki Collins was named one of the Top 40 Under 40 by Business Daily, recognizing influential and progressive figures in Kenyan business. He was also recognized by The Founder Africa as one of the continent's most promising entrepreneurs.
Melchior Koba
A screenwriter, director, and writer, he became an entrepreneur to support rural farmers. By leveraging technology, he helps them sell their products to a wider audience.
Abdulai Barrie, a Sierra Leonean entrepreneur, is the founder and CEO of Salone Agro Market, a technology platform focused on agriculture. The platform’s primary goal is to empower farmers while improving their market access across Sierra Leone.
Founded in 2019 and registered under the startup SALGRO Ltd., Salone Agro Market connects buyers and sellers of agricultural products. It provides small and large farmers alike with a marketplace to sell their produce, while also facilitating access for commercial businesses and large enterprises seeking to purchase these products.
In addition to connecting buyers and sellers, Salone Agro Market supports small farmers by providing access to inputs, processing equipment, transportation solutions, and information systems. The platform is accessible offline via USSD codes, ensuring maximum inclusivity. It also offers real-time information on market prices, weather forecasts, and facilitates direct transactions between sellers and buyers.
Alongside his work at Salone Agro Market, Abdulai Barrie is the editor of the Commonwealth Youth Council newsletter, an organization focused on youth development within the Commonwealth. He also serves as a project manager at Sierrapreneurs, an initiative promoting youth entrepreneurship in Sierra Leone. Since 2018, he has been the co-founder and creative director of Creative Media Network SL, a multimedia production company.
Abdulai Barrie holds a certificate in entrepreneurship, financial management, and reporting for innovators, awarded in 2021 by the Institute of Public Administration and Management at the University of Sierra Leone. A former screenwriter and director, he also worked as a writer for Hidden Voices Africa, a platform publishing human interest stories, from 2023 to 2024.
In recognition of his commitment to innovation and social development, Abdulai Barrie secured third place in the 2024 Orange Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East (POESAM) in Sierra Leone. He will represent his country in the continental phase of the competition.
Melchior Koba
As a tech entrepreneur, he develops digital solutions to help businesses enhance their performance. He has already co-founded several companies.
Mamadou Ndiaye (photo) is a Senegalese IT specialist and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of Appsaya, a startup offering digital solutions designed to optimize community and event management across Africa.
Founded in Malaysia in 2015, Appsaya provides event organizers with a platform featuring real-time data management and analytics tools. The platform also supports the creation of dynamic communities and enhances networking opportunities through artificial intelligence, helping small and medium-sized enterprises access new markets.
“Our solution efficiently manages professional communities, encourages connections, boosts engagement, and fosters collaboration. Additionally, our platform offers various monetization opportunities,” the company states.
On October 10, Appsaya earned third place at the Orange Social Venture Prize Africa and Middle East (POESAM), receiving a reward of 3 million CFA francs (approximately 5,000 USD).
Beyond his role at Appsaya, Mamadou Ndiaye serves as a strategic advisor at MY Evolution, an IoT connectivity provider. In 2013, he co-founded iReservos, an appointment management platform for service businesses in France, serving as its CEO until 2016.
In 2020, he co-founded La French Tech Malaysia, a French-Malaysian tech community based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The following year, he launched Wasabih, a Malaysian startup that connects professionals and businesses within various sectors of the halal economy.
Mamadou Ndiaye holds a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from ESIGELEC, an engineering school in France. His professional journey began in 2005 at DXC Technology as a computer engineer. In 2010, he worked as an international project manager for L’Oréal, the French beauty company.
In 2012, he became a project director at Shine Mobile Gibraltar, a UK-based telecommunications company. In 2014, he joined update software AG, a French IT firm, as a consultant. From 2020 to 2022, he worked as a senior project manager at JCDecaux, a French advertising company.
Melchior Koba
She promotes healthy and environmentally friendly farming practices, using technology to help farmers make informed decisions.
Afoussata Thiam (photo) is a Senegalese information and communication technology (ICT) and sustainable agriculture expert. She is the founder and CEO of AGROMET SERVICE, a tech startup dedicated to optimizing agricultural practices.
Founded in 2021, AGROMET SERVICE aims to address the social and environmental challenges faced by farmers, particularly those related to climate change. The company specializes in designing smart, connected weather stations that provide farmers with real-time meteorological data and alerts about climatic conditions.
“Unlike other methods that are not accessible to everyone, this eco-friendly solution is equipped with reliable and durable weather sensors, paired with a simple and user-friendly application. Our product is accessible, affordable, and profitable,” the startup explains.
On October 10, Afoussata Thiam secured second place for AGROMET SERVICE at the Orange Social Venture Prize Africa and Middle East (POESAM) in Senegal, earning a reward of 4 million CFA francs (approximately 6,600 USD).
Afoussata Thiam graduated from the University of Sine Saloum El-Hadj Ibrahima Niass in 2022 with a degree in AgroTIC, or ICT applied to agriculture.
Melchior Koba