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Africa Fintech Summit

Disrupt-Africa

Ajim Capital

The African fintech sector has experienced a remarkable surge in acquisitions, with 26 startup acquisitions recorded between June 2021 and July 2023. This figure marks a significant 271% increase compared to the seven acquisitions in the preceding two-year period.

The African fintech space has witnessed substantial growth in mergers and acquisitions (M&amp;A) activities, reflecting the sector's rapid development. This information comes from Disrupt Africa's "Finnovating for Africa" report, which is released every two years and tracks the evolution of Africa's fintech ecosystem.
Key findings from the report include:
<ol>
 <li>Growing Fintech Ecosystem: The number of fintech startups operating in Africa has increased by 17.7% since 2021, totaling 678 startups in 2023.</li>
 <li>Record VC Funding: Fintech ventures in Africa have raised over $2.7 billion in venture capital funding over the last two years, demonstrating remarkable growth.</li>
 <li>Acquisition Boom: The fintech sector has seen a surge in acquisitions, with 26 startups acquired in the past 24 months, compared to just seven in the previous two years (2019-2021).</li>
 <li>Regional Leaders: South Africa has been a leader in fintech acquisitions, accounting for 10 of the deals in the past two years and 16 overall. Nigeria made headlines with Paystack's acquisition by Stripe for $200 million in 2020 and has also witnessed significant M&amp;A activity, with nine deals completed since July 2021.</li>
 <li>Pan-African Impact: Startups from various African countries, including Morocco, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, and Tunisia, have also been part of acquisition deals.</li>
</ol>
This surge in acquisitions signifies a growing interest in innovative fintech services on the continent. It also indicates consolidation within the broader financial services sector, with many of these acquisitions involving startup-to-startup transactions. This trend is expected to bolster investor confidence and entrepreneurial enthusiasm in the fintech sector across Africa.
 
Read more on <a href="https://disrupt-africa.com/2023/08/african-fintech-space-saw-26-acquisitions-in-last-two-years/" target="_new">Disrupt Africa</a>

African Fintech Sees Surge in Acquisitions: 26 Deals in Two Years

TechCabal

M-KOPA, a Kenyan fintech giant known for financing solar systems and smartphones, has appointed former Nokia CEO Rajeev Suri as its new board chair. As the company gears up for rapid expansion, Suri's leadership is set to guide M-KOPA into a new era of growth and innovation. With over 5 million users across Africa, M-KOPA is reshaping digital and financial inclusion.

🚀 M-KOPA, a fintech startup providing solar systems and smartphones on affordable payment plans, has appointed Rajeev Suri, former CEO of Nokia, as its new board chairman. Suri will take over from Elizabeth Littlefield on December 1, 2024. His extensive experience in leading global companies like Nokia and Inmarsat positions him to guide M-KOPA through its next growth phase.
 
💡 M-KOPA has been a game changer in digital and financial inclusion, leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies to serve over 5 million users in Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa. As competition heats up with new entrants like D.Light, Sun King, and Aspira, Suri's appointment comes at a pivotal moment.
 
📊 M-KOPA raised $255 million in 2023 and has disbursed over $1.5 billion in credit to its users. However, the company faces challenges, including back taxes following a ruling by a Kenyan tax tribunal. Despite this, M-KOPA continues to lead in the PAYGO sector.
 
Key Highlights:
<ul>
 <li>Rajeev Suri to lead M-KOPA as board chairman starting December 2024.</li>
 <li>M-KOPA has served over 5 million users across 5 African countries.</li>
 <li>Raised $590 million in venture funding, including $255 million in 2023.</li>
 <li>Suri’s appointment comes at a time of intense competition in the PAYGO market.</li>
</ul>
✨ M-KOPA’s innovative approach and strong leadership signal a bright future for the company and its mission to empower consumers across Africa.
 
 
 
Read more on <a href="https://techcabal.com/2024/10/14/m-kopa-nokia-ceo-board-chair/">TechCabal</a>

M-KOPA Appoints Former Nokia CEO Rajeev Suri as New Board Chairman, Driving Fintech Growth

TechCrunch

🌍 From humble beginnings in Africa, InstaDeep has grown into a global AI powerhouse. In just over a year under BioNTech’s umbrella, the startup continues to drive innovation in biotech and beyond. CEO Karim Beguir reveals how InstaDeep’s cutting-edge AI is revolutionizing healthcare and industrial optimization alike.

InstaDeep's AI Revolution: Scaling Global Innovation 🚀
InstaDeep, Africa's largest AI startup, was acquired by BioNTech for $550M in 2023. Under BioNTech’s wing, the Tunis-born startup has achieved significant progress in AI-driven biotech applications, including AI models that accelerate tissue analysis by 5x and support cutting-edge cancer research. Their DeepChain platform, focusing on protein design, plays a key role in fighting diseases like cancer.
 
 
Key Highlights:
<ul>
 <li>📊 BioNTech acquisition enhances InstaDeep’s biotech focus, accelerating drug development using AI.</li>
 <li>InstaDeep maintains independence, still collaborating with non-biotech sectors such as industrial optimization.</li>
 <li>🦗 A key AI project: predicting locust outbreaks in Africa with NASA-backed geospatial data, helping protect food security.</li>
</ul>
 
 
CEO Karim Beguir believes InstaDeep’s AI innovations in biotech are at a pivotal stage—similar to GPT-3’s debut in 2020, opening up endless possibilities for the future of healthcare and industrial optimization.
"AI is now a game changer in biology—just like GPT was for NLP," says Beguir.
 
 
Read more on <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/12/where-we-are-today-in-biology-ai-is-similar-to-gpt-in-2020-an-interview-with-the-ceo-of-africas-biggest-ai-startup/">TechCrunch</a>

InstaDeep's AI Journey: From Africa to Global Biotech Innovator

Kenya is set to revolutionize its financial landscape with the introduction of a new Fast Payment System (FPS). This cutting-edge platform will ensure seamless transactions between banks and fintechs, eliminating existing barriers. The FPS promises to enhance accessibility, making financial services more convenient for all Kenyans.

<h3>The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) is spearheading a transformative project to introduce a Fast Payment System (FPS), aimed at enabling instant transactions across all banks and fintechs. This system will solve long-standing interoperability issues, allowing Kenyans to pay bills, send money, and make other transactions effortlessly, regardless of their financial service provider.</h3>
<h3> </h3>
<ul>
 <li>Interoperability Issue: FPS will address the challenges that have prevented smooth communication between different payment systems, unlike current solutions like Pesalink, which is limited and lacks utility payments capabilities.</li>
 <li>Collaborative Effort: Since February 2024, CBK has worked with industry players through a CBK-Industry Technical Working Group to develop this new system.</li>
 <li>Key Benefits: FPS will promote faster payments, wider accessibility, and reduce the reliance on fragmented and costly systems. It will lay the foundation for an open and fully interoperable Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).</li>
</ul>
 
By fostering faster financial services, FPS is expected to boost economic activity and expand access to essential services across Kenya 🚀.
 
 
 
Read more on <a href="https://techcabal.com/2024/10/18/kenyas-central-bank-plans-instant-payment-system/">TechCabal</a>

Kenya's Central Bank to Launch Instant Payment System for Banks and Fintechs 🇰🇪

Stanbic Bank Kenya has completed a major upgrade of its core banking software, aiming for enhanced security and improved user experience. Despite brief service disruptions, the bank’s transition to the latest technology signals a drive for modernized banking in a competitive market.

Stanbic Bank Kenya, the sixth-largest bank in Kenya, has successfully completed an upgrade to its core banking software, Temenos T24 R23, in partnership with Orion Innovation. This upgrade—one of the most significant in recent years—introduces advanced security features and improved performance across Stanbic's digital platforms.
 
<ul>
 <li>Customer Impact: Over 266,000 customers experienced some service disruptions from October 19-21. Though some users reported limited access after the upgrade, Stanbic reassured customers that it is monitoring system performance to maintain optimal functionality.</li>
 <li>Tech-Driven Growth: This move aligns with a trend among Kenyan banks investing in advanced tech, especially as competition for skilled IT talent intensifies. Stanbic joins global banks using the advanced R23 version, further positioning itself as a leader in digital transformation in Kenya’s banking sector.</li>
 <li>Cost and Efficiency: While some banks opt to build in-house core banking systems for greater customization, others, like Stanbic, partner with external providers for expertise and cost efficiency. However, managing complex integrations across old systems remains a challenge for many institutions.</li>
</ul>
 
As Kenya’s banks embrace digital innovation, Stanbic’s upgrade is a signal of the sector’s shift toward secure and seamless banking, supported by both internal growth and external partnerships.
 
🔹 Temenos T24 R23 - Latest Core Banking Tech 
🔹 Focus - Enhanced Security, Efficiency 
🔹 Trend - Rising demand for tech talent across banks
 
Read more on <a href="https://techcabal.com/2024/10/25/stanbic-bank-kenya-finalises-core-banking-upgrade/">TechCabal</a>

Stanbic Bank Kenya Completes Core Banking Software Upgrade Amid System Glitch Resolution

Nigerian fintech leader Moniepoint has secured $110 million in Series C funding to supercharge its digital banking platform for businesses across Africa. With a track record of innovation and impact, Moniepoint is poised to transform financial access on the continent, bringing seamless banking, payments, and credit services to millions.

Moniepoint, founded in 2015 as TeamApt, is Nigeria's top merchant acquirer, processing $17 billion monthly and supporting over 10 million businesses and individuals. Recently, the company secured $110 million in Series C funding, led by Development Partners International, alongside new investors such as Google’s Africa Investment Fund and Verod Capital. With this new capital, Moniepoint plans to scale its all-in-one financial ecosystem across Africa, offering services like digital payments, banking, FX, credit, and business management tools.
 
Highlights:
<ul>
 <li>Key Investors: Development Partners International, Google’s Africa Investment Fund, Verod Capital, and Lightrock (existing investor).</li>
 <li>Platform Vision: A comprehensive suite for African businesses with seamless banking, payment solutions, and support tools.</li>
 <li>Financial Impact: Moniepoint’s rapid growth supports financial inclusion across underserved communities and enables businesses to grow with reliable banking solutions.</li>
</ul>
 
CEO Tosin Eniolorunda emphasized Moniepoint’s mission to innovate and drive financial inclusion across Africa, delivering solutions that make a difference for the continent’s entrepreneurial potential.
 
 
Read more on <a href="https://disruptafrica.com/2024/10/29/nigerias-moniepoint-raises-110m-series-c-to-scale-digital-banking-across-africa/">Disrupt-Africa</a>

Moniepoint Raises $110M to Expand Digital Banking Across Africa 🌍💸

🌍 Access Bank secures the green light to acquire Kenya's National Bank, expanding its reach across East Africa’s largest economy. With an estimated $100 million deal, Access Bank will increase its footprint to 77 branches across 28 counties. Here’s what this move means for Kenya’s banking sector! 💸

Access Bank has received approval from the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) to acquire the National Bank of Kenya (NBK) from KCB Group, contingent upon retaining 80% of NBK’s workforce for a year post-acquisition. The deal, valued around $100 million, now awaits the Central Bank of Kenya's (CBK) approval to proceed.
<h3> </h3>
<h3>Key Points:</h3>
<ul>
 <li>Expanded Reach: Access Bank’s acquisition of NBK will grow its presence from 23 branches in 12 counties to 77 branches in 28 counties, significantly enhancing its reach in Kenya.</li>
 <li>Market Share: The combined Access Bank-NBK entity will hold a 1.9% market share, a figure CAK indicates won't disrupt competitive dynamics in the Kenyan banking sector.</li>
 <li>Deal Valuation: The transaction is estimated to be around $100 million, pegged at 1.25x NBK’s book value of $79.77 million in 2023.</li>
 <li>Timeline: The acquisition is anticipated to close by November, pending final regulatory approval.</li>
</ul>
 
Access Bank’s move positions it as a stronger player in Kenya’s tier 2 banking sector, giving it an edge in a highly competitive market. The expansion reinforces its strategy to tap into East Africa's economic potential while addressing diverse banking needs, from retail to corporate and Islamic banking.
 
 
Read more on <a href="https://techcabal.com/2024/10/30/access-national-bank/">TechCabal</a>

Access Bank Gains Approval to Acquire National Bank of Kenya for an Estimated $100 Million

Bird Story Agency

Africa's Gen Zs,  promised opportunity, innovation and new technology but faced with the very real world of a workplace in flux, constrained labour markets, high inflation and increasing criticism of their work ethic, are finding very little to cheer about. So a growing number of African universities are stepping in, hoping to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and real-world demands.

Conrad Onyango, bird story agency
 
Worldwide, Generation Z is facing tough times, with global economic shifts, environmental issues, worrying "hot" conflicts that are increasingly global in nature, and a job market that is less beneficial to generational wealth creation than any since World War 2.&nbsp;
 
At the same, time, this generation - born between 1997 and 2010 - is considered by nearly three-quarters of managers to be the most challenging workforce to work with.
 
According to a 2023 survey by Resume Builder, managers say Gen-Z workers feel entitled and demonstrate a lack of effort, motivation and productivity.
 
On the other hand, Gen Z workers blame business leaders and educators for a lack of understanding of the digital natives and their potential to re-write the rules of traditional corporate dynamics.&nbsp;
 
With this generation expected to comprise more than a quarter of the global workforce in 2025, recruiters, learning institutions and Gen Z's themselves, are having sleepless nights.
 
The fear and anxiety looms even larger in Africa, the continent with the youngest population in the world.
 
But there is a glimmer of hope.
 
Africa's institutions of higher learning are starting to introduce programs, organising networking events and forums to discuss and prepare this large pool of future workers in a quest to bridge the gap between university qualifications and the demands of the labour market.
 
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Johannesburg, is the latest to launch a student-driven initiative, the&nbsp;WorkReady Gen Z&nbsp;programme, a three-month online course designed to equip University students with essential work-readiness skills.
 
“WorkReady Gen Z&nbsp;was built to empower students not just for their first jobs but for long-term success in their careers. It’s designed to help them navigate the workplace and grow into future leaders and entrepreneurs,” says Lindelwe Cili, Career Services Team Leader at Wits.
 
The collaborative effort of the Wits Student Representative Council (SRC) &nbsp;with the Wits Counselling and Careers Development Unit (CCDU) offers insights on job hunting strategies, smooth transition in their first jobs and bolsters their skills building capacities using real-time case studies.
 
The program covers topics like job roles, imposter syndrome, and workplace biases to bolster the confidence of Gen Z’s &nbsp;in their first jobs. It also exposes them to interactive case studies and thought-provoking activities where students develop critical skills such as problem-solving, communication, time management, and professionalism.
 
Strathmore University Business School in Nairobi, this year themed its Annual HR Summit "Future-ready HR: Navigating Trends, Transforming Workplaces,"&nbsp;
 
Whlie representatives from academia and industry emphasized the need for further efforts to address the work readiness gap in Africa, Ceasar Mwangi, Strathmore's Executive Dean, asked attendees to think of the continent's youth challenge differently and to change the narrative when considering education.
 
“Perhaps the best way to address the needs: 'A rich continent with high levels of poverty with difficulties and challenges is addressing the issue of people development',” he explained.
 
In March, the International School of Advertising (ISA) Africa partnered with the data science firm Predictive Analytics Lab and the recruitment firm Brighter Monday to host a "Marketing in a Gen Z World" Forum at the University of Nairobi as part of its apprenticeship program tour.&nbsp;
 
"We are teaming up to guide you through the maze of career readiness. We're offering free insights on how to ride the data-driven marketing wave," said ISA in a call for registration poster.
 
McKinsey's 'The Gen Z Equation' deep dive, calls for a change of perspective when considering Gen Z workers.
 
“To attract and retain these workers, employers should understand what this generation prioritizes in the workplace,” the report reads.
 
Gen Z prioritizes career development when considering a job offer, over compensation. Work flexibility is the top reason for their staying in a job, with the purpose of work being a deciding factor in whether they will remain in a job or quit, according to McKinsey.
 
These sentiments are also shared by Delloite in its Global 2024 Gen Z and Millenial Survey, Living and working with purpose in a transforming world.
 
According to the survey, the majority of Gen Z individuals (86%) - and an even higher number of millennials (89%) - believe that having a sense of purpose is crucial for their overall job satisfaction and well-being. Additionally, three-quarters of Gen Zs and millennials (75%) consider an organization's community engagement and societal impact as important factors when evaluating a potential employer.
 
“These generations are increasingly willing to reject assignments or employers who don’t align with their values,” said Delloite. &nbsp;
 
Brighter Monday Chief Executive Officer, Christ Otundo, speaking during the Annual HR Summit 2024, explained that many companies are struggling to articulate their value propositions.
 
“Organisations are increasingly leveraging employer branding but perhaps this is not done effectively. Companies have not articulated very clearly what their value propositions are,” Otundo explained.
 
The challenges facing Gen Z are not confined to what is often referred to as "sub-Saharan Africa", either. They are just as relevant in north Africa. AT Morocco’s Al-Akhawayn University, the dean of the School of Science and Engineering, Salah Al-Majeed, argues in his write-up on The Times Higher Education platform that Gen Z are often misunderstood.&nbsp;
 
Al-Majeed challenges educators to analyse and refocus on distinct skills such as creative spirit, entrepreneurship, willingness to challenge the status quo, social consciousness, and an ability to deliver high value and insight on issues such as sustainability, diversity, and social justice that the digital natives bring to the workplace.&nbsp;
 
“Gen Z is what we have. As educators, we should be embracing and building upon their many positive attributes rather than dwelling on their perceived failings,” said Al-Majeed.&nbsp;
 
He advocates for learning institutions to work together with recruiters to bridge the gap by mapping these competencies and creating platforms for showcasing the skills and creation of safe networking spaces with Gen-Zs.
 
bird story agency.
 
Useful links for editors:&nbsp;
 
https://www.mckinsey.com/quarterly/the-five-fifty/five-fifty-the-gen-z-equation
 
https://www.resumebuilder.com/3-in-4-managers-find-it-difficult-to-work-with-genz/
 
https://www.deloitte.com/content/dam/assets-shared/docs/campaigns/2024/deloitte-2024-genz-millennial-survey.pdf?dlva=1

Getting Gen Z work-ready: African universities stepping up

As more and more services move online across Africa, giant players like Safaricom, MTN and Airtel are stepping up their efforts to provide Africa with large, green-energy data centres.

Conrad Onyango, bird story agency
 
African telcos are racing to construct green-powered data centres as the continent's appetite for digital services grows, fueled by the world's largest youth population.
 
Already the continent is a pioneer and outperformer in mobile money, headlined by Kenya’s M-Pesa and other mobile payment services, with 60% of the population accessing the internet via mobile.&nbsp;
 
By 2025, 167 million more people from Sub-Saharan Africa are projected to be subscribed to mobile services, reaching 623 million users, and smartphone connections in the region are also seen &nbsp;more than doubling.
 
According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Africa’s Internet economy has the potential to reach 5.2% of the continent’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2025, contributing nearly US $180 billion to its economy.
 
Major telcos on the continent are responding to this demand opportunity - supported by moves to take education, health care, agriculture services and governance online - by lining up data center projects they say will be among the largest and greenest on the continent.
 
In its 2024 sustainability report, Kenya’s giant telco, Safaricom has outlined &nbsp;plans to construct three &nbsp;Tier 3+ scale data centers, as part of &nbsp;its long-term strategy to transform from a telecommunications company to Africa’s leading purpose-led technology company, by 2030.
 
The company's Limuru Data Centers Phase 1 is already operational, with Phase 2 planned to come on stream by 2025.
 
“The facility is designed for future growth, with the potential to support 1,000 high density racks and an IT load of up to 20 MW within the next decade,” said Safaricom in the report.
 
The strategic location of the data center in the cooler Limuru region, the &nbsp;telco said, will enable it to deliver a Power Utilisation Effectiveness of 1.35, making it one of the most energy-efficient facilities in Africa.&nbsp;
 
“The facility is equipped with a 200 kWp rooftop solar PV plant, with plans to scale up to 2MWp. Additionally, we are exploring partnerships with renewable energy producers to further enhance our commitment to sustainability,” according to the sustainability report.
 
In June, MTN Nigeria announced it was building a 1,500-rack, Tier 4 data centre to play a pivotal role in meeting the growing data demands and digital needs of businesses and consumers in the country.
 
In a LinkedIn post, MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Olutokun Toriola said the facility will be the largest in West Africa upon completion and will enable the telco &nbsp;to respond swiftly to market demands and support businesses in Nigeria.
 
“Ultimately, this center will play a vital role in supporting Nigerian businesses to collaborate through cloud services, expand their capabilities, and thrive,” said Toriola.
 
”Our commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles is reflected in the data center's eco-friendly design to utilize efficient cooling systems and a combination of traditional energy sources, gas, and renewable energy,” he added.
 
After launching a multi-million data centre business, Nxtra by Airtel, in December 2023 &nbsp;the telco broke ground in March to what it termed as one of Africa’s largest data centres in Lagos, Nigeria- with plans for more across the continent.
 
“Through this business we aim to create one of the largest networks of data centres in Africa with high-capacity facilities in major cities complementing our existing sites. We’re taking great care to incorporate modern energy efficiencies into our operations,” &nbsp;said Airtel Africa’s Sustainability Report 2024.
 
Africa Data Centers Association also affirms the expansion of &nbsp;industry &nbsp;due to the increasing demand for such facilities throughout the continent-citing Kenya, Morocco and South Africa as fast-growing markets- abeit with a huge infrastructure gap to fill in.&nbsp;
 
“Africa needs up to 1000 MW and 700 facilities to meet demand and bring capacity density on a par with that of South Africa, the region’s leader,” according to Data Centers in Africa focus report 2024.
 
Africa, the report shows accounted for less than 2% of global colocation Data Centers supply, with over half that total located in South Africa.&nbsp;
 
“The development of data centres is picking up pace due to strong demand from economic operators, as well as increasing awareness that African countries must establish their digital sovereignty in an increasingly competitive and complex world,” said Ayotunde Coker, Chairman, Africa Data Centres Association.
 
Nigeria is listed in the data centers focus report as Africa’s largest digital economy with the internet contributing US$36.5 billion to its GDP, followed by South Africa(US$31.5 billion) and Egypt (US$26 billion).
 
Other large digital economies include Morocco(US$21.1 billion), Kenya(US$12.8 billion), &nbsp;and Algeria (US$11.9 billion).
 
Allied Market Research projects that the global market for DC provision will reach US$517.2 billion by 2030, up from an estimated of US$187.4 billion in 2020.&nbsp;
 
bird story agency
 
Useful links for editors:&nbsp;
https://africadca.org/en/data-centres-in-africa-focus-report-2024
https://www.ifc.org/en/insights-reports/2020/google-e-conomy
https://airtel.africa/#/pages/responsibility?tab=sustainability_frame-work
https://www.safaricom.co.ke/about/sustainability/sustainable-business-reports

African telcos in race to build green data centres

Chumz, a Kenyan fintech that enables users to set savings goals with mobile money, has reached 200,000 users and is testing its services in Rwanda. With unique prompts encouraging behavior-based saving, Chumz empowers users with accessible financial tools. Expansion plans target 1 million users across East Africa by 2026.

🌍 Kenyan fintech startup Chumz, which helps users save and invest by prompting savings from mobile money, is expanding into Rwanda after gaining 200,000 users in Kenya.
 
💡 How Chumz Works:
<ul>
 <li>The app channels user funds from mobile accounts to licensed fund managers, who offer returns distributed back to users.</li>
 <li>Users are prompted to save based on behavior patterns, like spending at a pub or receiving funds, encouraging small, regular investments.</li>
</ul>
🎉 Unique Features and Success:
<ul>
 <li>The Superfan Challenge motivates savings based on favorite football teams' performance, adding a fun twist to saving.</li>
 <li>Chumz primarily serves retail investors who lack access to traditional fund managers, with women comprising the majority of savers.</li>
</ul>
🚀 Future Growth Plans:
<ul>
 <li>Chumz aims for 1 million Kenyan users by 2026 and plans to expand into Uganda, Tanzania, and Botswana.</li>
</ul>
 
With its accessible model, Chumz is filling a significant gap in East Africa’s financial inclusion landscape, supporting financial literacy across diverse demographics.
 
 
Read more on <a href="https://disruptafrica.com/2024/11/06/kenyan-fintech-startup-chumz-set-for-rwanda-expansion-after-hitting-200k-users/">Disrupt-Africa</a>

Chumz Expands to Rwanda: Kenyan Fintech with 200K Users Aims for 1M by 2026

Kobo360, the logistics powerhouse backed by Goldman Sachs, is rolling out HaulSight—an innovative fleet management software designed to help Africa’s major manufacturers streamline operations, track vehicles, and cut costs in real-time. With rising fuel prices squeezing margins, HaulSight presents an efficient way for companies like Dangote and Unilever to maximize fleet potential. Will this be a game-changer for Africa's logistics industry?

🚚 Kobo360, Africa's premier truck-hailing startup, is expanding its services with a new fleet management software called HaulSight to support Africa's large manufacturers and FMCG giants. Developed as a pure SaaS solution, HaulSight enables businesses to monitor fleet activity, optimize routes, and access invoice discounting—all without Kobo360 directly managing truck sourcing or transit logistics.
 
<h3>Key Features &amp; Strategic Benefits:</h3>
<ul>
 <li>Targeted Audience: Geared towards large enterprises like Flour Mills and Unilever, who often manage both in-house and third-party fleets.</li>
 <li>Revenue Potential: Offers Kobo360 a valuable revenue stream outside traditional truck-hailing, especially beneficial given rising fuel costs that are impacting logistics margins.</li>
 <li>Time-Saving Advantage: Existing industry relationships give Kobo360 an edge in navigating the lengthy sales cycles often associated with large corporations.</li>
</ul>
 
💡 Fleet Management Demand 
As Nigeria’s logistics industry grapples with rising operating costs, software solutions like HaulSight offer a vital alternative for companies to enhance visibility and control over valuable fleet assets. Alex Adenuga, CEO of Movam, emphasizes that the sector could benefit greatly from organized, efficient fleet management, despite the high entry cost for smaller operators.
 
🌍 Broader Industry Impact 
Kobo360’s pivot towards fleet management reflects a shift in Africa's logistics landscape, where the “aggregator model” is being reevaluated in favor of high-margin software sales. However, established competition and high switching costs may challenge widespread adoption among entrenched users of existing software like Nova Truck.
 
Conclusion 
With HaulSight, Kobo360 aims to extract added value from its 50,000-strong truck network, positioning itself as an indispensable logistics partner for Africa's biggest companies. The initiative reflects a larger industry trend: addressing operational challenges through tailored, data-driven solutions.
 
Read more on <a href="https://techcabal.com/2024/11/11/kobo360-is-developing-haulsight-management-software/">TechCabal</a>

Kobo360 Unveils HaulSight: Transforming Fleet Management for Africa’s Large-Scale Businesses

The Next Wave

TechSafari

Big Tech This Week

Kenya’s music streaming service, Mdundo, continues its rapid growth, hitting 36 million active users as it tailors content to hyperlocal African markets. By focusing on regional genres, Mdundo is boosting both its user engagement and artists' earnings. 🎤🎧

Kenya-based music streaming service Mdundo has surpassed 36 million monthly active users (MAU) as it deepens its presence in local African markets. By focusing on hyperlocal content, like Kalenjin and Kamba music in Kenya and Singeli in Tanzania, the platform enhances the visibility of regional artists while appealing to advertisers seeking targeted audiences.
<ul>
 <li>Founded in 2013, Mdundo has grown to become one of Africa’s leading music platforms, providing legal music streaming across the continent.</li>
 <li>The platform listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market Denmark in 2020, accelerating its user base to millions of listeners and offering music from 172,000 content creators.</li>
 <li>Mdundo’s hyperlocal strategy supports its mission to increase artist income, projecting royalties payouts between $1.1 million and $1.3 million by 2025. 💰🎶</li>
</ul>
 
Mdundo CEO, Martin Nielsen, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to fostering the growth of Africa’s music industry by ensuring fair compensation for artists and helping them achieve financial success through their creativity. 🌍✨
This localized approach also delivers greater value for advertisers, with a focus on specific regional content that aligns with Mdundo’s growth goals and artist support.
 
Highlights:
<ul>
 <li>Mdundo prioritizes hyperlocal markets like Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria for tailored content development.</li>
 <li>The platform projects over $1 million in royalties for artists by 2025.</li>
 <li>Continues to lead in the African music streaming space, with over 36 million monthly users.</li>
</ul>
 
🌍🎵 African music’s future is brighter with Mdundo, empowering artists and connecting audiences like never before!
 
 
Read more on <a href="https://disruptafrica.com/2024/10/11/kenya-based-music-service-expands-reach-projects-over-1m-royalties-for-2025/">Disrupt-Africa</a>

Mdundo Music Service Expands, Projects Over $1M in Artist Royalties for 2025 🎶💼

Peach Payments is shaking up the digital commerce space by teaming up with Sukhiba, a Kenyan conversational commerce platform, to enable WhatsApp-based sales. As WhatsApp emerges as a new sales frontier, this partnership will help South African merchants tap into seamless product purchasing and payment solutions. 💬💳

South Africa's Peach Payments, a leading digital payment service provider, has partnered with Kenya’s conversational commerce platform, Sukhiba, to introduce WhatsApp-based sales for South African merchants. 🎉 The collaboration allows businesses to integrate their catalogues into WhatsApp, facilitating product purchases, payments, and delivery scheduling.
<ul>
 <li>Peach Payments, founded in 2012, is the second-largest online payment gateway in South Africa. It provides merchants with payment management tools and recently raised $31 million to expand across Africa. 🌍</li>
 <li>Sukhiba, launched in 2021, operates in multiple African countries and allows over 35,000 SMEs to sell through WhatsApp. Merchants can track sales and payments through Sukhiba’s app and Peach Payments' dashboard.</li>
</ul>
 
This partnership gives merchants access to Peach Payments’ platform, offering flexible payment options, including card payments, EFT, and buy-now-pay-later, just in time for Black Friday. 🛍️📱
 
 
Read more on <a href="https://disruptafrica.com/2024/10/10/sas-peach-payments-partners-kenyas-sukhiba-for-conversational-commerce/">Disrupt-Africa</a>

SA’s Peach Payments Partners with Kenya’s Sukhiba to Revolutionize WhatsApp Commerce

Four innovative African startups have emerged as winners in the NBA Africa's Triple-Double Accelerator, securing not only substantial cash prizes but also valuable mentorship opportunities. These startups are poised to transform the sports and creative industries across the continent, contributing to Africa's growing prominence on the global stage. 

<h3>4 African Startups Named Champions of NBA Africa’s Triple-Double Accelerator, Securing Cash Prizes and Mentorship</h3>
<h3> </h3>
Summary:
<ul>
 <li>NBA Africa (an affiliate of the National Basketball Association) has crowned four African startups as winners of its Triple-Double Accelerator, which focuses on early-stage startups in event management, AI, and digital marketing.</li>
 <li>Festival Coins from Nigeria, offering a no-code registration platform Tix Africa, took the top prize of $50,000. Close behind was Salubata, also from Nigeria, which converts plastic waste into shoes, winning $40,000.</li>
 <li>Third and fourth places went to Kenya’s HustleSasa and Egypt’s UBR VR, earning $30,000 and $20,000 respectively.</li>
 <li>In addition to cash prizes, the winners will benefit from ongoing mentorship and participation in development programs facilitated by NBA Africa and its partners. 🏆✨</li>
</ul>
Highlights:
<ul>
 <li>10 startups were selected for the program, with 4 emerging winners.</li>
 <li>The remaining 6 finalists received $10,000 each.</li>
 <li>This initiative is seen as a move to nurture innovation in Africa's sports and creative industries.</li>
</ul>
 
NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi expressed excitement for the winners, stating that these startups are set to "shape the future of sports in Africa and elevate the continent on the global stage." 💡🎉
 
 
Read more on <a href="https://disruptafrica.com/2024/10/03/4-african-startups-named-winners-of-nba-africas-triple-double-accelerator/">Disrupt-Africa</a>

NBA Africa’s Triple-Double Accelerator: 4 African Startups Win Big 🌍🏀

Dopay, the Egyptian fintech revolutionizing payroll, has raised an additional $13.5 million in a Series A extension round. With these new funds, Dopay is set to accelerate its expansion in Egypt and beyond, launching innovative financial services to better serve unbanked workers. Discover how Dopay is transforming the financial landscape in emerging markets.

<h3>Egyptian fintech startup Dopay has secured $13.5 million in a Series A extension round, bringing its total Series A funding to $31.5 million. This latest funding round, led by Argentem Creek Partners with participation from existing investors, will enable Dopay to rapidly expand its operations in Egypt and other markets.</h3>
<h3> </h3>
Founded in 2014 by Frans van Eersel and Ahmed Nassef, Dopay offers a virtual banking platform that digitizes cash payments from employers to workers and other beneficiaries. This innovative solution aims to integrate unbanked and underbanked workers into the financial system through a payroll-centric approach.
 
The new funds will help Dopay elevate its platform and, in collaboration with partner banks, leverage deposited funds to create a self-financing lending model. This model will allow deposited amounts to fuel a lending portfolio, fostering a sustainable financial ecosystem. Dopay plans to launch new financing products embedded into its platform, enhancing the overall customer experience.
 
Maarten Terlouw, co-chief investment officer at Argentem Creek Partners, emphasized the importance of a payroll-centric approach in integrating unbanked workers into the financial system. He praised Dopay’s multi-bank, multi-country platform and expressed excitement about supporting the company in its next growth stage.
 
Key Points:
<ul>
 <li>Dopay secures $13.5 million in Series A extension round.</li>
 <li>Funds to accelerate expansion in Egypt and other markets.</li>
 <li>Dopay digitizes cash payments from employers to workers.</li>
 <li>New financing products and self-financing lending model to be introduced.</li>
 <li>Payroll-centric approach to integrate unbanked workers into the financial system.</li>
</ul>
 
🌍 Dopay is revolutionizing payroll and financial services for unbanked workers in emerging markets. Stay tuned for more updates on their exciting journey! 🚀
 
 
 
Read more on <a href="https://disruptafrica.com/2024/07/18/egyptian-fintech-startup-dopay-secures-13-5m-series-a-extension-round/">Disrupt-Africa</a>

Egyptian Fintech Startup Dopay Secures $13.5M Series A Extension to Accelerate Expansion 🇪🇬

Discover how Cloomi, a Zimbabwean startup, is transforming healthcare access with an innovative WhatsApp chatbot. Learn how this digital platform connects patients to local healthcare providers, improving efficiency and outcomes.

🌍 Revolutionizing Healthcare Access in Zimbabwe 
Zimbabwean startup Cloomi, launched in 2023, leverages an intelligent WhatsApp chatbot to help patients find and compare prices from nearby healthcare providers.
 
🚀 Expansive Reach and Rapid Growth 
Cloomi has partnered with over 230 pharmacies, 20+ medical laboratories, and diagnostic centers, and features a database of over 700 healthcare practitioners. With more than 10,000 successful matches, users receive responses within minutes during working hours.
 
💡 Innovative Solutions for Local Challenges 
Founder Blessing Museki created Cloomi to address the difficulties of finding medical products and services in Zimbabwe, where direct advertising is restricted. The platform provides a quick, simple way to connect with multiple providers.
 
📈 Future Prospects and Expansion Plans 
Currently self-funded, Cloomi aims to raise seed funding and expand its reach further. The startup has seen phenomenal uptake, rapidly scaling from Harare to nationwide coverage within months.
 
Highlights:
<ul>
 <li>Cloomi connects patients to local healthcare providers via a WhatsApp chatbot.</li>
 <li>Over 230 pharmacies and 700 healthcare practitioners are part of the platform.</li>
 <li>More than 10,000 successful matches since its launch in early 2023.</li>
 <li>Rapid response time, with inquiries answered within minutes during business hours.</li>
 <li>Plans to raise seed funding and continue expanding services across Zimbabwe.</li>
</ul>
 
This revolutionary approach is setting a new standard in digital healthcare solutions, making Cloomi a vital tool for patients and providers alike in Zimbabwe. 🌟
 
 
Read more on <a href="https://disruptafrica.com/2024/07/17/how-zimbabwes-cloomi-uses-whatsapp-to-improve-health-outcomes/">Disrupt-Africa</a>

How Zimbabwe's Cloomi is Revolutionizing Healthcare with WhatsApp Integration 🇿🇼

South African e-hailing startup Shesha is set to challenge the dominance of Uber and Bolt by leveraging local insights and prioritizing safety. With strong support from local taxi associations, Shesha promises a unique and community-focused alternative in the competitive e-hailing market.

<h3>🌟 Shesha, a new South African e-hailing startup, is challenging giants Uber and Bolt by focusing on local knowledge and driver welfare. Founded in 2023, Shesha aims to address safety concerns and improve working conditions for drivers, setting it apart from its international competitors.</h3>
<h3> </h3>
🔍 Key Highlights:
<ul>
 <li>Local Expertise: Backed by the Gauteng Taxi Industry Trust, Santaco Gauteng, and the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance, Shesha boasts an intimate understanding of local conditions.</li>
 <li>Safety First: Shesha verifies the identities of both drivers and passengers, ensuring security and trust on every trip.</li>
 <li>Driver Inclusion: The startup addresses driver grievances by making them feel valued and part of the business, countering the feeling of exploitation prevalent with other e-hailing services.</li>
 <li>Significant Support: Over 13,000 drivers are being onboarded, with the company reporting phenomenal customer uptake in Gauteng, its initial proving ground.</li>
</ul>
 
🚀 Future Plans:
<ul>
 <li>Expansion: While currently operating in Gauteng, Shesha has plans to expand to other provinces, aiming to scale its local-first approach.</li>
</ul>
 
💡 Market Impact:
<ul>
 <li>Competitor Response: Shesha's entry has already prompted competitors to enhance safety measures, including de-platforming unsafe drivers.</li>
</ul>
 
Shesha's Unique Edge:
<ul>
 <li>Competitive pricing and a community-focused approach are Shesha's key differentiators in the crowded e-hailing market. By addressing both safety and driver satisfaction, Shesha is poised to make a significant impact.</li>
</ul>
"We're committed to making every ride safe and ensuring our drivers feel like a valued part of our company," says spokesperson Nomsa Mdhluli.
 
🔗 Join the Shesha movement and experience the difference of a local e-hailing service designed for South Africa!
 
Read more on <a href="https://disruptafrica.com/2024/07/03/new-sa-e-hailing-startup-shesha-aims-to-use-local-knowledge-to-disrupt-uber-bolt/">Disrupt-Africa</a>

South African Startup Shesha Aims to Disrupt Uber and Bolt with Local Knowledge and Focus on Safety 🇿🇦

🌍💙 Blueroomcare, a Nigerian digital therapy startup, has secured pre-seed funding to revolutionize mental health care across Africa. This innovative platform combines advanced algorithms with personalized support, ensuring therapy is both affordable and accessible. Discover how Blueroomcare is making a difference! 💪✨

Blueroomcare, a Nigerian startup providing insurance-covered digital therapy services, has raised an undisclosed amount in a pre-seed funding round. Launched in late 2021, the platform allows clients to communicate with therapists through in-app messaging, videos, and voice messages. Integrating advanced algorithms with personalized support from licensed mental health professionals, Blueroomcare offers a tailored mental health experience.
 
Key points:
<ul>
 <li>Funding Round: Led by EHA Impact Ventures with participation from TVC Labs and Innovest Africa.</li>
 <li>Platform Features: Combines technology and personalized mental health support.</li>
 <li>CEO’s Statement: "This funding will help us develop our technology further and expand our services," said founder Moses Aiyenuro.</li>
</ul>
 
Blueroomcare aims to use the funding to enhance its platform, introduce new features, and broaden its reach, making high-quality mental health care accessible to everyone in Africa. 🌟🧠
 
 
Read more on <a href="https://disruptafrica.com/2024/07/02/nigerian-digital-therapy-startup-blueroomcare-raises-pre-seed-funding-round/">Disrupt-Africa</a>

Blueroomcare Raises Pre-Seed Funding to Expand Affordable Digital Therapy Services in Africa

Egyptian investtech startup Bokra is set to revolutionize wealth management in the MENA region with its innovative app, focusing on goal-based investment through asset-backed securities. With a strong foundation and impressive pre-seed funding, Bokra aims for rapid expansion into Saudi Arabia and the UAE right after its launch. Discover how Bokra plans to empower individuals and SMEs with personalized financial planning and investment solutions.

<h3>🚀 Bokra, an Egyptian startup, is set to transform wealth management in the MENA region with its unique platform offering goal-based investment and saving products through asset-backed securities.</h3>
<h3> </h3>
Key Highlights:
<ul>
 <li>Personalized Financial Planning: Bokra’s app offers tailored financial and investment planning across various asset classes, helping users manage and grow their wealth.</li>
 <li>Innovative Features: The app includes a comprehensive questionnaire to match users with suitable portfolios and features like “scenario-playing” and a financial dashboard for tracking goals.</li>
 <li>Strong Financial Backing: Raised a US$4.6 million pre-seed round, led by DisrupTech Ventures and SS Capital, for launching the app and expanding operations.</li>
 <li>Swift Expansion Plans: After launching in Egypt, Bokra aims to quickly expand to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with further plans to reach the entire GCC region.</li>
 <li>Commitment to Inclusivity: Founder and CEO Ayman El-Sawy emphasizes Bokra’s mission to empower individuals and SMEs by offering inclusive and socially responsible financial solutions.</li>
 <li> </li>
</ul>
<h3>Detailed Summary:</h3>
Bokra, an Egyptian investtech startup, is preparing to launch its innovative wealth management platform, aiming to provide goal-based investment and saving products through asset-backed securities. Founded on the principles of inclusivity, transparency, and social responsibility, Bokra's app delivers personalized financial and investment planning tailored to individual risk appetites and financial goals.
Set to launch in the second quarter of this year, Bokra’s app features a comprehensive questionnaire that matches users with a portfolio of diversified instruments. It also includes tools like “scenario-playing” to project yields and a dashboard to help users stay on track with their financial objectives.
Backed by a substantial US$4.6 million pre-seed funding round from DisrupTech Ventures and SS Capital, Bokra plans to swiftly expand its operations to Saudi Arabia and the UAE post-launch. Founder and CEO Ayman El-Sawy highlights the startup’s dedication to helping individuals and SMEs achieve their financial goals through innovative, asset-backed investment solutions.
With its strong financial backing and commitment to providing scalable, daily-use financial products, Bokra is poised to make a significant impact on the MENA region's wealth management landscape.
 
 
Read more on <a href="https://disruptafrica.com/2024/06/18/egyptian-investtech-startup-bokra-plans-swift-saudi-uae-expansion-post-launch/">Disrupt-Africa</a>

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