TECH STARS (1006)
He has extensive experience in the insurance and retail sectors. He leverages technology to help Egyptians find the insurance coverage best suited to their needs.
Abbas Jammal (photo) is an Egyptian entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Mal Bazaar, a tech startup specializing in insurance and finance.
Launched in 2022, Mal Bazaar provides an online platform that allows users to search, compare, and purchase insurance and financial products with ease. Partnering with a range of financial institutions and insurance companies, the platform helps individuals and businesses make informed decisions. Its offerings include tailored solutions for health, auto, life, and property insurance. The company operates under the supervision of the Financial Regulatory Authority and is officially registered as an insurance brokerage firm.
Jammal’s entrepreneurial journey began long before Mal Bazaar. In 2003, while still a student at the American University in Cairo (AUC), he founded the Entrepreneurs’ Society, an organization aimed at fostering entrepreneurial spirit among young Egyptians. He served as its president until 2005.
Jammal earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Economics in 2004 from the AUC. He furthered his education at the London Business School, obtaining an MBA in 2011. Additionally, he holds a certification from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).
His professional career began in 2004 at Good News Group, a company focused on digital solutions, where he worked as a marketing manager. In 2005, he joined Procter & Gamble Egypt as an assistant brand manager, eventually rising to the position of deputy brand manager for the Middle East region.
Melchior Koba
He is passionate about leveraging technology to improve people's lives. He develops innovative solutions designed to help businesses optimize the management of their operations.
Avi Maja (photo) is a South African tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Breaze Delivery, a technology company providing delivery services to small and medium-sized enterprises.
Founded in 2021 by Avi Maja and Braden Snyman, Breaze Delivery specializes in on-demand and last-mile delivery solutions. The company partners with clients across various industries, including ghost kitchens, grocery stores, liquor shops, e-commerce platforms, and retailers. Leveraging advanced technology, the platform enables users to track deliveries in real-time.
The company sets itself apart with its use of scooters equipped with mobile advertising panels, allowing clients to run innovative marketing campaigns. Additionally, Breaze Delivery offers turnkey e-commerce solutions, customizable eco-friendly packaging, and tailored delivery options.
Avi Maja graduated from the University of Witwatersrand in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. In 2016, he joined Cape Town-based development firm Tiger Bytes as an operations consultant before being promoted to Operations Manager in 2017.
He later moved to Quintica, a company specializing in technology deployment, where he worked as a business analyst focusing on innovation and strategy. In 2019, Avi joined WorkWide Mobile, a South African tech firm providing mobile workforce management tools. He served as a senior business analyst before becoming a mobility technical specialist in 2021.
Melchior Koba
He aims to simplify the marketing of farmers' products. To achieve this, he leverages technology to provide them with broader access to new markets.
Shadrack Kubyane (photo) is a South African tech entrepreneur, co-founder, and CEO of eFama App, a digital platform designed to connect farmers with commercial buyers and consumers.
Launched in 2022, eFama aims to enhance food security through digital innovation. The app enables farmers to sell fresh produce and meat directly to individual consumers and professional clients, including restaurants, retailers, and hotels.
eFama is an initiative of Coronet Blockchain, a start-up co-founded by Kubyane. The platform leverages blockchain technology to optimize the supply chain end-to-end. It connects international manufacturers with African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while also providing business formalization tools and quality authentication systems for products.
Kubyane also serves on the board of Coronet48, a media platform dedicated to showcasing African start-ups. Each year, Coronet48 highlights 1,000 startups to watch, sharing their stories, the journeys of their founders, and the impact they are making.
Kubyane holds a bachelor's degree in Media and Communications, earned in 2005 from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. In 2007, he joined South Africa's Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS), where he managed key client portfolios and national sales. Concurrently, he served as National Business Development Manager at Deloitte.
From 2010 to 2019, he was Director of Market Entry and Expansion at Gershon South Africa, a business services and consulting firm. Between 2019 and 2020, he held various leadership roles in business development across public and private sector organizations.
Melchior Koba
Developped to support merchants in restocking their supplies, it positions itself as an intermediary to facilitate and streamline various commercial transactions.
Vuleka is a business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce platform developed by a South African startup to transform how informal merchants replenish their stocks. Founded in 2017 by Brian Makwaiba, the Johannesburg-based platform connects shop owners with small-scale manufacturers and wholesalers.
Vuleka allows users to create accounts and place orders either through its Android or iOS app or via WhatsApp. The platform consolidates these orders and purchases products in bulk directly from suppliers.
“We build credit profiles for informal and unbanked business owners platform then provide them with credit (loans) in order to acquire stock from us. They in turn give stock on credit to their customers who then pay them at an agreed upon time,” explains the startup.
To ensure seamless operations, Vuleka employs field agents who handle last-mile deliveries, assist with order placements, and collect data on products and customers. This data enables Vuleka to offer market insights, empowering manufacturers and merchants to make strategic decisions.
Vuleka’s innovative model has garnered recognition, earning it a spot in the eighth cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator program. Alongside five other startups, Vuleka will receive a grant of 1 million rand (approximately $55,415), Google Cloud credits, individualized training, and access to a network of mentors.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
A finance expert and advocate for financial inclusion in Africa, she is passionate about digital transformation. Leveraging technology, she provides digital financial services to Cameroonians, aiming to bridge the gap and empower underserved communities.
Grace Jerolgan Nganakala (photo) is a Cameroonian accountant by training and a tech entrepreneur. She is the co-founder and CEO of Futa, a fintech startup transforming how Cameroonians manage their mobile money transactions.
Founded in 2022 by Grace Jerolgan Nganakala and Daniel Dang, Futa offers an innovative platform that consolidates all mobile money accounts into a single interface. This solution streamlines money transfers and payments across different operators while providing critical support to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Businesses can efficiently pay suppliers and employees, while employees gain simplified access to fast loans.
“Our platform develops a credit scoring system based on salary data and payment history to ease payroll management, boost employee productivity through hassle-free microloans, and accelerate credit analysis for financial institutions,” explains Nganakala.
In addition to her work with Futa, she co-founded Bayebi Consulting in 2021, a management consulting firm specializing in digital marketing and information technology. Bayebi Consulting supports businesses in achieving operational excellence.
Nganakala holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU), earned in 2017. She later obtained a master’s degree in finance from GBSB Global Business School in Spain in 2019 and another in international finance from the Graduate School of Management in Barcelona in 2020.
Her professional journey began in 2016 as an accounting assistant at Nissi Pharma, a Ghanaian pharmaceutical distribution company. In 2018, she joined the Barcelona-based fintech Kantox as a financial assistant. She later served as the administrative and financial manager for Dimbaya.com, a financial platform, in 2020.
Melchior Koba
After graduating with a bachelor's degree, he moved to France, where he lived and worked for several years in the tech industry. He then embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, creating digital solutions for both professionals and individuals.
Fabrice Tra (photo) is an Ivorian computer scientist and tech entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of bim!, a company specializing in digital networking solutions.
Founded in 2022, bim! offers an innovative digital business card that allows users to instantly share personal or professional information with a friend, prospect, or client. This eco-friendly solution aims to make networking simpler, more efficient, and reliable. The startup’s products are managed via a mobile app, enabling users to store and update their professional details. The app also facilitates network management and prospect data collection at trade shows, fairs, and other professional events.
In addition, Fabrice Tra is the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Tuzzo, a startup launched in 2023. Tuzzo helps merchants boost their revenue by selling products through social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok. It offers an application that centralizes all sales channels, streamlines operations, and enables targeted promotional campaigns to build customer loyalty and drive sales.
Fabrice Tra holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the Félix Houphouët-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute (INP-HB) in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, obtained in 2018. He also earned a master’s degree in computer methods applied to business management from the University of Rennes in 2021.
His career began in 2017 at Global Business Link Group, a company specializing in digital transformation, where he worked as an assistant IT project manager. In 2019, he interned in data visualization at Inria, France’s national institute for research in digital sciences and technologies.
In 2020, Tra joined DataGrowb’, a French company specializing in data and artificial intelligence, as an AI consultant. He later worked at Avril, a French industrial and financial group, as a technical architect. From 2021 to 2023, he served as a business and data analyst at Capgemini, a global leader in technology services.
Melchior Koba
He has over seven years of experience in IT, project management, business development, and operations. He leverages technology to advance education in Africa, making it more accessible for everyone.
Pacifique Nezerwa (photo) is a Rwandan social entrepreneur and tech innovator. He is the founder and CEO of Nelevat, a startup describing itself as a “social edtech enterprise” dedicated to raising education standards and empowering learners to unlock their full potential.
Founded in 2023, Nelevat offers a wide range of educational resources, interactive activities, and instant feedback to help learners progress effectively. Its online courses feature engaging content and assessments to measure participants' understanding and advancement. The startup also provides valuable data insights to enhance the learning experience.
Nelevat tailors its digital training programs to suit various learner profiles. The company believes that “With good Education and the right Technology, people and institutions today can still solve hard problems and change the world for better.”
Nezerwa holds a bachelor’s degree in information technology from the University of Kigali in Rwanda. His professional career began in 2019 at Hamwenawe Group Ltd, an online broadcasting company, where he worked as a digital data administrator. In 2022, he joined the Kenyan logistics startup Amitruck as a depot supervisor in Rwanda.
In 2021, he served as a web developer at WKS Trading, a company specializing in trade, maritime transport, and freight shipping. In 2023, he partnered with DIFFvelopment, an organization dedicated to strengthening skills among young Black talent, as an operations consultant.
Melchior Koba
A trained computer scientist, she has several years of experience with tech companies in the United States. She now leverages her expertise to support businesses and brands worldwide.
Stéphanie Assi (photo), an Ivorian entrepreneur specializing in technology, is the founder and CEO of Meraky Tech, a digital experience consulting firm that partners with global brands to drive innovation. Founded in 2019 and based in Montreal, Canada, Meraky Tech supports businesses in their digital transformation journeys by delivering tailored solutions. The firm stands out for its expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), web and mobile development, reputation management, data tracking and analysis, digital marketing, and UX/UI design.
In addition to its digital transformation consulting, Meraky Tech offers technology integration and digital project management services. In just five years, the company has completed over 700 digital projects, thanks to a team of more than 30 experts.
Beyond her work with Meraky Tech, Assi co-founded Moja Ride in 2017, an Ivorian platform that consolidates public and private transportation options onto a single digital interface. She served as the company’s Chief Technology Officer from 2019 to 2023.
A graduate of the University at Albany, United States, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science, Assi began her career in 2010 as a web developer with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. She joined IBM in 2012 as a developer, and in 2014, she took on the role of Chief Technologist at Booz Allen Hamilton, an American IT consulting firm.
In 2018, she became Software Technical Lead at Accenture, a global technology company. Two years later, she was appointed Director of Engineering at IntelliBridge, while also serving as Technical Lead at Koniag, an American investment management company.
Stéphanie Assi's career reflects her commitment to leveraging technology for business transformation, both in Africa and globally, and her work continues to shape the digital landscape.
Melchior Koba
A computer scientist and trainer specializing in AI and machine learning, he is committed to solving problems, making a positive impact on society, and strengthening communities.
Emmanuel Acheampong (photo), a tech entrepreneur passionate about artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), is the co-founder and CEO of yShade.ai, a startup focused on developing AI solutions. Founded in 2020 by Acheampong alongside Derby Chukwudi and Rofy Okyere-Forson, yShade.ai aims to address the needs of diverse skin tones and types through custom algorithms. These advanced algorithms enable accurate recognition, analysis, and matching of skin characteristics.
yShade.ai is built on a unique database containing over 10 million images and covering 100 different skin tones, which allows it to deliver tailored solutions for its partners. The technology also adjusts for variations in lighting and environmental conditions, ensuring precise and adaptable analyses.
In addition to his work with yShade.ai, Acheampong shares his expertise as an AI instructor on Maven, an online learning platform that offers courses in AI, marketing, design, and engineering. In 2020, he co-founded ROBO-Bootcamp, an educational platform that uses AI to address gaps in technical skills.
Academically, Emmanuel holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematics from Berea College (U.S.), earned in 2019, and a master’s degree in engineering, science, and technology from the University of Notre Dame, completed in 2021. Between 2021 and 2023, he also served as an instructor on Coursera, one of the world’s leading online learning platforms.
Melchior Koba
A young entrepreneur, she is fighting to reduce school dropout rates among African children. She offers innovative, tech-driven educational solutions.
Wiem Ben Mahmoud (photo) is a Tunisian tech entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of KidzRise, a startup dedicated to empowering children to actively contribute to their communities. Established in 2023, KidzRise uses an AI-powered detection system to identify and develop the unique talents and aptitudes of children between 5 and 17 years old. The company offers e-learning programs that transform these talents into concrete, marketable skills. KidzRise awards badges and certificates for achievements, aiming to make education more inclusive and equitable.
“At KidzRise, we believe every child is gifted. Each child has unique abilities and strengths that set them apart. Our mission is to uncover and nurture these hidden gems, ensuring each child reaches their full potential and shines in their own unique way,” reads the company’s website.
Wiem Ben Mahmoud graduated from the Institute of Higher Commercial Studies in Sousse, Tunisia, with a bachelor’s degree in business management and advanced commercial studies in 2021. She also holds a master’s in digital management and information systems, earned in 2022 from Esprit School of Business.
She began her career in 2016 as the media and communications manager for the Sousse International Festival. In 2020, she worked as a market research officer at Sarraj Immobilier before joining VERMEG for Banking & Insurance Software, a software provider for banks, capital markets, and insurance companies, as a business analyst in 2021.
Melchior Koba
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He has years of experience working in construction companies. With a focus on digital transformation, he helps modernize industry practices.
Nabil Hassoune (photo) is a Moroccan investor and serial entrepreneur, founder and CEO of GRO’INO, which connects construction industry operators with the supplies and services they need.
Founded in 2022, GRO’INO is a B2B e-commerce platform tailored to professionals in construction and hardware. It provides merchants with centralized access to a wide range of supplies, competitive pricing, and flexible payment options. The platform offers an extensive product selection, including paint, sanitary materials, and various plumbing and carpentry tools, all with delivery service included. For exclusive hardware and DIY manufacturers and distributors, GRO’INO serves as a direct sales channel, providing targeted marketing tools and payment terms not exceeding seven days.
Hassoune is also the founder and CEO of AXURYS, an IT services startup, and an investor in PECSYS France, a company specializing in IT consulting, services, and digital transformation.
In 2018, he founded Nomalis International Group, a startup he led until 2023. This company focused on digitizing processes like logistics, B2B marketplaces, and integrated financial and insurance services.
Hassoune graduated from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Électricité et de Mécanique in Casablanca, Morocco, earning an engineering degree in mechanical design and manufacturing in 2001. He also holds a master’s degree in management from Ecole Hassania des Travaux Publics, obtained in 2014.
Before his entrepreneurial career, he worked from 2002 to 2004 as a B2B business development manager for southern Morocco at Total Petrochemicals. In 2004, he joined OCP Group, a fertilizer supplier, as operations manager. By 2012, he had become CEO of Prefamar SA, a construction materials manufacturer and distributor, while also serving as CEO of BigMat Morocco, a retailer selling construction materials.
Melchior Koba
An IT professional by trade, she is passionate about no-code development. She now uses this technology to create digital solutions in Madagascar.
Amboara Rabe-Harinoro (photo) is a Malagasy software developer and entrepreneur. She serves as the CEO of Misaina Incorporation, a company specializing in digital solutions.
Founded in 2017, Misaina Incorporation is an innovative startup in the no-code sector, providing solutions tailored to the specific needs of businesses. Its mission is to support the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, allowing them to focus on their core activities.
Misaina Incorporation also offers no-code training courses aimed at entrepreneurs and freelancers, in addition to providing software development services.
In March 2024, Amboara Rabe-Harinoro launched NoCode Madagascar, the first no-code community in the country. She is also the lead developer of PayFacile, a platform that facilitates entrepreneurs' access to online payment solutions and subscription services. Simultaneously, she teaches software development at the IT University of Madagascar and serves as an IT consultant for BICI, a software development company.
She holds a bachelor's degree in computer science, obtained in 2017 from IT University Andoharanofotsy. She also graduated from Université Côte d’Azur, where she earned a master's degree in Mobility, Databases, and System Integration (MBDS) in 2019.
Amboara Rabe-Harinoro began her professional career in 2017 as a software developer at Madagascar Airport (ADEMA). In 2018, she joined BICI as a full-stack developer, where she also held the role of project manager. In 2019, she became a full-stack developer at iFox Code, a Mauritian mobile and web application development company, where she worked for three months.
Melchior Koba
He leverages his real estate investment expertise to help South Africans boost their income, utilizing technology to achieve this goal.
Ezra Rasethe (photo) is the founder and CEO of investRand, a South Africa-based investment firm. Through his startup, he aims to help individuals build sustainable real estate wealth.
Founded in 2021, investRand offers a marketplace connecting real estate investors with income-generating properties, reliable service providers, and various financing options. The company's goal is to enable individuals to generate passive income through real estate investment.
"Our platform is revolutionizing the real estate and PropTech industries by making it possible, accessible, and profitable for every South African to invest in property. We are proud to offer exceptional investment opportunities within every budget and area of interest, empowering our clients to make informed decisions about property investing," the company explains on its website.
Rasethe is also the founder and CEO of Infinity Property Group, established in 2017, which includes companies specializing in proptech, affordable housing, and student housing. These firms help South Africans make informed choices in real estate investment through technology.
Rasethe holds a degree in real estate development and investment from the University of Cape Town, obtained in 2022. He also serves as president of the 4thDimension Toastmasters club, where he helps members enhance their communication and leadership skills through public speaking.
Melchior Koba
Digital transformation and artificial intelligence are key to modernizing nations and boosting their competitiveness. By investing in these areas, countries can upgrade infrastructure, improve public services, and strengthen their digital economies.
Tunisia plans to implement a digital transformation strategy and an artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, according to Communications Technology Minister Sofiene Hemissi. The announcement came on the sidelines of the 10th International Forum for Chief Information Officers (CIOs), held in Hammamet from Thursday, November 7 to Saturday, November 9. The initiatives aim to boost digital usage and leverage Tunisia’s AI potential.
Hemissi explained that the national digital transformation strategy will be built on several core pillars: digitizing administrative and public services, fostering the digital economy, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in digital fields, enhancing communication network infrastructure, and strengthening legislative and regulatory frameworks to secure cyberspace.
The AI strategy, set for launch in 2025, aims to integrate AI into key sectors, including health, education, environment, and transport, while advancing digitalization and promoting open data usage. It also emphasizes creating business incubators and support programs for promising tech projects at the local level.
The upcoming digital strategy will replace the 2022-2025 plan, which positioned Tunisia among Africa's digital leaders. According to the latest report from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), released in December 2023, Tunisia ranks 8th in Africa with a score of 77.2 out of 100 in ICT development. In e-government, Tunisia leads in North Africa and ranks third continent-wide, according to the United Nations’ E-Government Survey 2024: Accelerating Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development. The report gives Tunisia a score of 0.6935 out of 1, surpassing the African average of 0.4247.
Samira Njoya