TECH STARS (960)
Fully aware of the importance of building an inclusive digital economy for the deaf community in Tunisia, she leverages technology to connect deaf individuals to employment opportunities.
Sonia Kherigi Nasfi (photo) is a Tunisian computer scientist and tech entrepreneur. She is the founder and CEO of Deaf Square, an online platform that serves as a career accelerator for deaf individuals by connecting deaf talents with employers.
Deaf Square is dedicated to empowering the deaf community. It offers tools for learning sign language, a personalized job-matching service, and training for employers to promote inclusive work environments. Using artificial intelligence, the startup works to enhance the social and economic inclusion of the hearing impaired. It provides an AI-empowered virtual trainer that offers adaptive learning in multiple languages, ensuring personalized support for each user.
“At Deaf Square, we offer courses exclusively in sign language. Our team consists of deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing individuals. All our developments are based on user experience. Often, companies are legally required to hire people with disabilities but don’t know where to find these talents. Our job is to connect deaf talents with employers,” explains Sonia Kherigi Nasfi.
Since 1998, Sonia has also held the position of director at the Central Bank of Tunisia. In 2019, she became a coach in NLP (neuro-linguistic programming). She is also the focal point for the association Positiver in Tunis, supporting regional initiatives, particularly by mentoring youth and women in project development.
A graduate of the Higher Institute of Management in Tunis, where she earned a master’s degree in IT management, Sonia made headlines in July 2024 when she won the regional prize at the 11th edition of the Northern Africa Startup Awards, part of the Global Startup Awards Africa. She is also the 2024 winner of the Tunisian stage of the Orange Social Entrepreneur Prize in Africa and the Middle East (POESAM).
Melchior Koba
He is an entrepreneur passionate about sustainability and innovation in Morocco. Through his startup, Savey, he has established himself as a key player in promoting sustainable and responsible food practices.
Ouahi Zakaria (photo) is a Moroccan entrepreneur, co-founder, and CEO of Savey, a digital and logistics solution combating food waste.
Savey is a Moroccan initiative aimed at reducing industrial food waste by offering a distribution channel for unsold, overstocked, or nearly expired products. It connects manufacturers, producers, and distributors with restaurants, cafes, hotels, pastry shops, and bakeries, among others, while also providing free delivery services.
“Our mission is to move towards zero food waste by creating a multidimensional impact on the ecosystem and positively influencing our consumption habits to optimize the use of still-edible food,” states the company’s website.
Committed to protecting the planet, the startup also engages in charitable actions. Every day, it distributes hundreds of meals, collected from its partners, to homeless individuals. It also supplies zoos and associations with food donations.
In September 2024, Ouahi Zakaria won first place in the national stage of the Orange Social Entrepreneur Prize in Africa and the Middle East (POESAM).
Melchior Koba
He aims to bridge the gap between academic training and the needs of the professional world. He supports young IT students while providing businesses with digital solutions.
Roussel Célestin Andriamitasoa is a Malagasy IT specialist and tech entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of Kante Company, a digital agency and platform dedicated to the professional integration of IT students.
Founded in 2022, Kante Company specializes in web and mobile application development, IT education, design, data science, and artificial intelligence (AI) engineering. The company provides young graduates with their first professional experience, enhancing their skills and helping them integrate into the job market, thus bridging the gap between academic training and employment in the tech sector.
“After their training with us, we collaborate with several digital services companies (ESNs) and both local and international firms to place these students in companies once they graduate. With over two years of experience gained through our platform, they are able to start successful careers,” explains the company, which won first place in the Orange Social Venture Prize Africa & Middle East (POESAM) 2024 for Madagascar.
Roussel Célestin Andriamitasoa graduated from IT University, an online learning provider, with a bachelor’s degree in computer science in 2023. Between 2021 and 2022, he worked as a client advisor at Intelcia, a business consulting firm. From 2023 to 2024, he was a developer at Lifetime Travel, a Malagasy company.
Melchior Koba
She is an expert in artificial intelligence, energy management systems, as well as smart grids and meters. She leverages technology to revolutionize how Cameroonians use electricity.
Agnès Virginie Tjahe (photo) is a Cameroonian tech entrepreneur and the founder of EMKit, a project aimed at addressing various issues related to electricity consumption, including overbilling, underbilling, excessive use, and energy fraud.
Launched in 2019, EMKit offers a system that allows users to monitor and manage their electricity supply and consumption remotely via SMS and the Internet. The kit collects consumption data every hour, which can be used to develop big data solutions for the energy sector. The project also aims to integrate artificial intelligence to enhance decision-making in the field.
EMKit optimizes energy use in Africa by helping reduce high electricity bills for households and combating fraud and underbilling on the power grid. The solution promotes energy efficiency, supports the development of smart grids, and drives the growth of big data in the energy sector.
The startup has already developed three different prototypes and installed ten kits in households in the western region of Cameroon. In August 2024, Agnès Virginie Tjahe won the women’s prize and first place on the Orange Social Venture Prize Africa & Middle East (POESAM) national stage in Cameroon.
In addition to her entrepreneurial work, Agnès Virginie Tjahe is a lecturer in the Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering at the Fotso Victor University Institute of Technology, part of the University of Dschang in Cameroon.
She holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering obtained in 2014 from the National Advanced School of Agro-Industrial Sciences (ENSAI) at the University of Ngaoundéré, and a PhD in energy mechanics from the University of Dschang, earned in 2019.
Melchior Koba
He aims to help farmers improve crop management and yields. For his agriculture-focused technological solution, he was awarded by the telecom operator Orange in the DRC.
Lucien Disu (photo) is a DRC-born entrepreneur. He is the co-founder of Best Bilanga Optimal (BBOPT), an innovative tech solution powered by artificial intelligence (AI) aimed at optimizing agriculture in Africa.
BBOPT's mission is to improve crop quality and agricultural yields. The device, designed as a connected object, analyzes soil quality, recommends suitable crops, detects plant diseases using AI, and provides personalized advice through a web and mobile application.
With BBOPT, farmers can monitor their fields remotely and communicate with other growers through a discussion space integrated into the app. The device is equipped with sensors that collect soil data, an automatic irrigation system, and a mechanism that emits sound waves to repel rodents and pests. It is also rechargeable, making it a practical and sustainable tool.
“The goal of my project is to ensure food self-sufficiency with an artificial agronomist that analyzes soil fertility, provides personalized advice through our web and mobile app, and predicts crop yields,” said the entrepreneur, who won second place in the national phase of the Orange Social Venture Prize for Africa and the Middle East (POESAM) in the DRC in September 2024.
Lucien Disu holds a degree in Network and IT Maintenance Techniques, obtained in 2017 from the Chaminade Higher Institute of Computer Science in the DRC. Between 2021 and 2022, he served as Marketing Director at Mastagate, a group of companies specializing in digital technologies.
Melchior Koba
She aims to bridge the educational and digital divide in disadvantaged communities. Her innovation in the field of education has earned her an award from the French telecom group Orange.
Monica Jackson (photo) is a physics student at the University of Sierra Leone and the co-founder and CEO of Educube, an innovative educational technology company. Established in 2024, Educube transforms shipping containers into self-sustaining digital learning centers powered by solar energy, specifically targeting underserved communities. The company provides accessible, high-quality educational resources, internet connectivity, and digital literacy programs.
“Our primary focus is on students from rural communities where many children have never encountered a computer. In villages lacking a digital center, how can we ensure they have access? How can we guarantee that every school in these areas has a digital center within the next three years? The good news is here: Educube,” Jackson explains.
Educube empowers learners of all ages—whether they are students or farmers—by equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Beyond digital literacy, the company advocates for climate-resilient agricultural practices, supporting sustainable development and food security while helping communities adapt and thrive.
In recognition of her work with Educube, Monica Jackson received the Orange Social Venture Prize 2024 in Sierra Leone, where she was honored as Tech Queen for her innovative solutions.
Melchior Koba
He is a passionate entrepreneur and business leader who applies his technological skills to support small and medium-sized enterprises in Liberia. He also runs an e-commerce company.
Christopher Fallah is a Liberian computer scientist and entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Annita Store, an e-commerce platform that connects small businesses and vendors with customers. Launched in 2021, Annita Store facilitates access to essential services while offering a diverse shopping experience, enabling vendors to tap into international markets.
The platform provides various tools and resources to help sellers optimize their sales and grow their businesses. It is designed to help vendors promote their products and connect with their target audiences. For customers, Annita Store offers a wide range of products across different categories, including electronics, fashion, health and wellness, and beauty. The platform also features promotions and special offers, partnering with trusted suppliers to ensure the quality of the products.
"We take pride in presenting a diverse range of high-quality products alongside outstanding customer service, aiming to guarantee a satisfying shopping experience for every customer and consistently deliver the best possible support," reads a statement on the startup’s website.
In addition to his work at Annita Store, Christopher Fallah manages social media and content for Rhona Beauty, a U.S.-based beauty company. He holds a bachelor's degree in computer science, information science, and support services from BlueCrest University College in Ghana, where he graduated in 2021.
From 2022 to 2023, he served as the sales manager at Prestige Motor Corporation, the exclusive Ford dealership in Liberia. In 2024, he won first place in the Orange Social Venture Prize for Africa and the Middle East (POESAM) for Liberia.
Melchior Koba
He leverages the latest technologies to help Ivorian cocoa producers maximize their production. His innovative solution has won several awards.
Amadou Aziz Kamagate (photo) is an Ivorian developer specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. He is better known as one of the co-founders of CocoaShield, a tech solution aimed at combating swollen shoot, a virus that affects cocoa plantations.
CocoaShield, an agritech startup launched in 2023 by Kamagate, Florian-Kevin Konan Saraka, and Topka Grace-Kelly, leverages AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) to detect and limit the spread of swollen shoot. Through drones and mobile AI-equipped devices, the disease is visually identified, while smart stations monitor plantation conditions in real time.
This approach allows for targeted treatment of infected trees and paves the way for the long-term eradication of the virus. In September 2024, CocoaShield won the Orange Social Entrepreneur Prize for Africa and the Middle East in Côte d'Ivoire.
In addition to his role at CocoaShield, Kamagate is a senior software engineer at Stanbic Bank in Côte d'Ivoire. He earned a bachelor's degree in computer programming in 2019 from Pigier Côte d'Ivoire, followed by a master's in big data for augmented and human reality from the École Supérieure des Technologies Industrielles Avancées (ESTIA) in 2023. That same year, he also obtained a master's in AI and big data from the École Supérieure Africaine des TIC (ESATIC).
Between 2020 and 2021, Kamagate worked as a software engineering intern at Allianz Côte d'Ivoire, an insurance company. In 2022, he served as a software engineering consultant for Moov Africa Côte d'Ivoire. In 2023, he won first place at the Orange Summer Challenge Côte d'Ivoire.
Melchior Koba
The Senegalese government aims to modernize its economy by integrating information and communication technologies (ICT) across all sectors. To achieve this goal, the administration is developing a clear roadmap outlining the key steps needed to accelerate the country's digital transformation.
Senegal is preparing to adopt a new digital transformation strategy, SN 2034, dubbed the "New Deal Technologique." This strategy, built around four major pillars, was presented on Wednesday, October 9, during a workshop in Dakar to sectoral ministries and public organizations.
The first pillar focuses on establishing the necessary infrastructure to ensure technological sovereignty. This includes the creation of a sovereign cloud, developed in partnership with Google, to meet the growing needs of Senegalese and African administrations and businesses. The second pillar aims to provide affordable Internet access for all citizens, including those in remote and border areas. Discussions are underway with submarine cable and satellite connectivity providers such as Starlink and Google.
The third pillar centers on developing digital skills, with a focus on emerging technological fields such as artificial intelligence. U.S. companies Meta and Nvidia have been approached to support this goal. Finally, the fourth pillar, building on the previous one, seeks to foster a favorable environment for innovation and tech entrepreneurship. A memorandum of understanding has already been signed with U.S. firm Google to provide AI solutions and Google tools to accelerate the growth of Senegalese startups and SMEs.
The SN 2034 strategy, currently under development, will replace the SN 2025 strategy, which was implemented in 2016. It is part of the broader national transformation agenda, "Senegal 2050." Welcomed by tech companies during President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's recent visit to New York, these firms have committed to supporting the government in its implementation. This new strategy represents a major turning point for Senegal's digital future.
Samira Njoya
She recognizes the difficulties logistics professionals encounter in obtaining loans to fund their operations. To tackle this issue, she's harnessing technology to streamline online loan applications, making the process more accessible and efficient.
Gugulethu Siso, a Zimbabwean marketing expert and entrepreneur, is the founder and CEO of Thumeza, a fintech platform that provides data-driven financing solutions to logistics players across Africa.
Thumeza, established in 2018, initially offered last-mile delivery services for e-commerce sites, small businesses, and retailers in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. By 2019, it had evolved into a freight platform coordinating a network of small carriers. In 2021, Thumeza shifted its focus to financing logistics operators. The platform now provides loans to small carriers through an online loan management system, offering factoring services and early invoice settlements. It handles the entire lending process for its distribution partners, such as FMCG companies and logistics aggregators, allowing them to concentrate on their core activities.
Siso is also one of the Shouthern African representatives on the Afrikan Youth Business Council, a continental organization uniting private sector entities and institutions led by young people in Africa. In 2015, she co-founded Ninety Nine Investments, serving as CEO until 2017, a company offering retailers comprehensive cart management solutions.
A graduate of the University of Namibia with a Bachelor’s in Strategic Marketing (2015), Siso also participated as a coach in the 2022 Future Females entrepreneurship training program. She is an alumna of the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Program (2018) and a provincial winner of Youth Connekt (2019). In 2020, she was selected for the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, took part in the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa cohort, and was recognized as one of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Zimbabwe’s Ten Outstanding Young Persons.
Melchior Koba
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A former investment banker with a passion for technology and innovation, he transitioned into entrepreneurship, focusing on cutting-edge technologies. He founded a digital bank in his home country.
Schalk Burger (photo) is a South African accountant and entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Xhuma, a digital bank designed to offer its users greater financial freedom.
Founded in 2021, Xhuma provides a range of solutions to South Africans. Through PeerPay, users can send and receive money instantly. The startup's LoyaltyHub centralizes the most attractive loyalty cards and promotional offers while ensuring the security of transactional accounts.
Xhuma also offers SpendSense, which helps users manage their expenses responsibly. With GroupPay, bills can be shared among friends and family. Group Vaults, meanwhile, allows for the management of contributions, savings, withdrawals, and payments without administrative hassle or extra fees. Finally, TravelGenius makes booking flights, accommodations, excursions, and airport shuttles easier for South Africans.
In addition to Xhuma, Burger is also the founder and CEO of Xhuma Talent, an AI-powered platform launched in 2020 to connect talent with corporate job opportunities. Back in 2010, he founded Clothing4children, a charitable initiative focused on collecting clothing donations. In 2014, he co-founded the Samaritan Fund, an organization aimed at addressing South Africa's growing social needs, where he served as director until 2021.
The entrepreneur holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and law from Stellenbosch University, which he earned in 2017, the same year he obtained a bachelor’s in accounting from the University of Johannesburg. In 2018, he joined Investec, a financial management firm, as an internal auditor.
In 2020, Burger received multiple accolades. Notably, he was a finalist for the CEO of the Year award at Africa Tech Week and the Entrepreneur of the Year award at Startup School Africa. He also won the AppsAfrica award in the Edtech category and was a global finalist for the Global Edtech Startup Awards.
Melchior Koba
He aims to make quality healthcare more accessible to the Congolese population. By leveraging technology, he automates appointment scheduling and patient care.
Emmanuel Epenge (photo) is a Congolese neurologist and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of Congo Medika, a health tech startup.
Founded in 2021, Congo Medika offers a platform that connects patients with over 120 healthcare professionals, enabling them to book appointments online with a doctor or a medical practice. The platform also provides home delivery of medications and health advice services.
The "advice" section of Congo Medika features a blog and video content covering a range of health topics. Additionally, a messaging function allows users to share experiences through private messages.
Emmanuel Epenge also works as a physician at the Neuropsychopathology Center in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where he treats patients with psychiatric disorders (psychoses, neuroses, etc.) or neurological conditions (strokes, meningitis, etc.).
Epenge graduated from the Protestant University in Congo with a medical degree in 2014. Between 2013 and 2014, he practiced at Kinshasa's General Reference Hospital. In 2016, he served as the national coordinator for the Association for the Smile of Mother and Child (ASME) in the DRC.
In 2019, he was one of the winners of the Innovation and Invention masterclass organized by the DRC’s Ministry of Industry.
Melchior Koba
He uses technology to make learning easier for young people like him. He has won several national awards and recognitions for his innovative ideas.
Afopezi Moses (photo) is a young Cameroonian IT specialist and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of Skolarr, a tech company focused on education, with a mission to make high-quality learning more engaging, personalized, and accessible to the next generation of Africans.
Founded in 2022, Skolarr offers an online learning platform, available on mobile and web, that provides high-quality educational resources tailored to the needs of learners. This bilingual platform, offering content in both French and English, serves secondary school students as well as university-level learners. It collaborates with certified tutors to deliver real-time, personalized learning sessions.
Through the Skolarr app, students can ask questions, collaborate with peers, and receive real-time help, 24/7. They also have access to past exam papers and detailed solutions to assist them in preparing for national and international exams.
In 2021, Afopezi Moses co-founded the Cameroon Leaders Empowerment Initiative (CamLEI), an organization aimed at empowering Cameroonian leaders. He also serves as the CEO of DDevWorld, a startup specializing in 2D animations and web development.
Afopezi Moses holds a diploma in cybersecurity and ethical hacking, obtained in 2020 from Google Mobile Academy. In 2023, he earned an engineering degree from the National Advanced School of Post and Telecommunications.
In 2021, he won the Youth Connekt Cameroon Cluster Challenge national award. In 2023, he claimed victory in MTN’s Y’ello Digital Talent Tech competition organized by the telecom operator MTN. That same year, he secured first place in the Cameroonian student ingenuity and talent competition organized by the Ministry of Higher Education.
Melchior Koba
A serial entrepreneur, he stands out for his innovative technological solutions. To date, he has founded three companies specializing in various tech sectors.
Julius Mbungo (photo) is a Tanzanian tech entrepreneur. In 2023, along with Ebenezery Kimaro and John Mwapinga, he founded a company aimed at revolutionizing automotive maintenance services. Their goal is to address the challenges faced by vehicle owners and mechanics.
Their venture, Spana, offers a network of certified mechanics, spare parts suppliers, and an app that simplifies booking, payment, and connecting with mechanics. Through the app, users can request various automotive services, whether for repairs or regular maintenance, and order affordable spare parts.
In addition to Spana, Julius Mbungo is the founder and CEO of Toolboksi, a digital platform launched in 2019. Toolboksi provides informal sector workers with stable job opportunities, access to continuous training, and career advancement. The startup's mission is to formalize the recruitment process, enabling disadvantaged individuals to secure jobs or at least aspire to better employment prospects.
Prior to these initiatives, in 2016, Julius co-founded Click n’ Cart, where he served as Chief Operating Officer. The company provided an online grocery ordering and delivery platform, offering users the convenience of having their favorite products delivered in under an hour.
The serial entrepreneur holds a degree in Business Administration with a focus on innovation management and supply chain management, obtained in 2015 from the School of Business at Mzumbe University. In July and August 2024, he also completed an entrepreneurship training program at Clark Atlanta University in the USA.
Melchior Koba