Hell Wazoplus  beautiful readers and creators. I hope you're all doing well. I was curious to know if any of you still use Netflix. I know that some of you may have more financial resources, but for those who use Dropbox, have you had a chance to watch "The Gentlemen"? My sprinkles that's a great show, The production quality of the TV show is truly remarkable, rivaling that of a film. The show boasts impeccable clarity, attention to detail, and expertly crafted camera work. The acting is also superb, and the show does not contain any hidden messaging. While it is not technically the first season, it serves as a strong introduction to the characters and plot. It is a welcome addition to the film universe it is connected to, and I hope to see more characters from that world make an appearance in future episodes. It's great to see a show that stands out from the crowd and offers a breath of fresh air from the subpar content we've been bombarded with on streaming services lately. It's nice to know that there are still some quality shows out there that we can enjoy. like Shogun, represent a potential turning point for the industry. It is my hope that more high-quality, community-supported content will be produced, and that we can move away from the trend of heavy-handed messaging that has dominated the industry as of late. It is truly gratifying to see the industry treat its audience with respect and produce shows that can be appreciated on their own merits, without resorting to labeling viewers as "ists" or "phobias" based on their opinions of the show. I hope you get to enjoy it 💕 and have a productive week ahead🌀

In January 2024, Jumia, a leading African e-commerce platform, initiated layoffs in Kenya and other African markets. This move followed the company's exit from its food delivery venture, Jumia Food, a month prior. The exact number of employees impacted by this decision remains undisclosed.

An anonymous Jumia employee voiced their concerns on Glassdoor, stating that while the layoffs were announced, no specifics were given regarding who would be affected.

This round of layoffs follows a previous downsizing in 2023, where Jumia let go of 900 employees in a bid to reduce costs and steer the company towards profitability. Some employees were reassigned within the company, as reported by TechCabal.

Jumia, in an email to TechCabal, explained that the layoffs were part of a strategic refocus on activities and projects that support their path to profitability. The company remains optimistic about the future of e-commerce in Kenya and Africa.

In 2023, Jumia began phasing out its food delivery business, ceasing operations in Ghana, Senegal, and Egypt. By the end of the year, the company had completely exited the business, citing unsustainable competition with more aggressive players.

Under the stewardship of Francis Dufay, Jumia has prioritized cost discipline and operational cost reduction. The company's Q4 2023 report revealed a decrease in operational losses to $4.5 million for the quarter, along with a reduction in advertising expenses. Despite challenges such as inflation and currency devaluation in key markets, Jumia remains hopeful that cost discipline and positive trends in other markets will lead to profitability.

Performance Marketing Tips for African Startups

Startups in Africa are growing daily, and to survive the heavy competition, you might want to try a different approach to marketing strategy, known as performance marketing.

Performance marketing focuses on measurable outcomes and the impact of marketing efforts on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as customer acquisition, conversion rates, and revenue generation.

Unlike traditional marketing approaches, which emphasize brand awareness and visibility, performance marketing is inherently data-driven, enabling you to optimize your campaigns and allocate resources more effectively.

In this article, I will explain in detail what performance marketing is all about and how to mine the treasure in it.

Key Performance Marketing Channels for African Startups

1 . Search Engine Marketing (SEM) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

What are SEM AND SEO?

SEM (search engine marketing) involves paid strategies to increase a website's visibility in search engine results, using methods like paid advertising.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) focuses on organic, non-paid methods to enhance a website's visibility in search engine results, improving its ranking through content and technical optimizations.

• With most consumers turning to search engines to discover products and services, startups can harness the power of SEM and SEO to enhance their online visibility.
• By targeting relevant keywords and optimizing website content, African startups can improve their organic search rankings and drive qualified traffic to their digital properties.

2. Social media advertising.

Social media advertising is the use of paid promotional content on social platforms to reach a specific audience. It involves creating and targeting

Growth Marketing vs Performance Marketing

Marketing, in its myriad forms, has always been the lifeblood of business development and sustainability.

However, as the digital age continues to metamorphose how consumers interact with brands, the strategies that businesses employ to capture attention, build relationships, and drive sales have also evolved.

Two of such strategic paradigms that have grown in popularity are growth marketing and performance marketing.

marketing and performance marketing is all about.

Defining Growth Marketing and Performance Marketing

Before delving into the nuances separating growth marketing from performance marketing, it’s crucial to understand what each term embodies.

Growth marketing is an integrated approach that focuses on expanding a company’s customer base and increasing its revenue by experimenting with a variety of channels and strategies.

It not only aims to attract new customers but also to activate, retain, and ultimately turn them into champions of the brand, fostering organic growth.

Growth marketers are data-driven, yet they equally prioritize creativity and customer experience throughout the funnel stages.

Performance marketing, on the other hand, is directly tied to specific actions and results.

It’s a blanket term that covers online marketing and advertising programs where advertisers pay only when a specific action such as a click, sale, or lead is completed.

Performance marketing is highly metrics-oriented, focusing on quantifiable results that can be tied back to specific marketing efforts and campaigns.

The Philosophical Distinctions

Beyond definitions, understanding the philosophical differences between growth marketing and performance marketing is essential.

Growth marketing views the user’s journey as a cohesive na

When you think of successful tech entrepreneurs, you might picture a Silicon Valley wunderkind with a computer science degree from Stanford. But in Africa, some of the most inspiring and innovative founders are self-made entrepreneurs who started from humble beginnings.

Take the story of Aliko Dangote, for example. Before he became Africa's richest man, with a net worth of over $11 billion, he sold sweets and chewing gum on the streets of Kano, Nigeria. He eventually went on to build a business empire that spans industries from cement to sugar to telecommunications.

Or consider Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, who grew up in a poor neighborhood in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She founded the footwear brand soleRebels, which has since expanded to over 20 countries and is on track to reach $100 million in revenue by 2025.

These bootstrapped entrepreneurs are not only inspiring, but also crucial to the growth of Africa's tech ecosystem. With limited access to traditional financing, many entrepreneurs have had to rely on their own savings and ingenuity to get their businesses off the ground.

And yet, despite the odds, many have succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. In fact, a recent report by the African Development Bank found that 22% of African startups were profitable, with an average annual revenue growth rate of 17%.

So, what makes these entrepreneurs so successful? For one, they often have a deep understanding of the local market and its needs. Many of them have started businesses that address specific pain points in their communities, from affordable housing to mobile payments to e-commerce.

In addition, bootstrapped entrepreneurs tend to be scrappy and resourceful. They know how to stretch a dollar and make the most of limited resources. And because they don't have the luxury of relying on outside investors, they often have to be creative in finding alternative sources of funding, such as grants or crowdfunding.

Of course, bootstrapping isn't without its challenges. It can be difficult to scale a business without outside investment, and many entrepreneurs struggle with limited access to mentorship and business support services.

But as more and more entrepreneurs like Dangote and Alemu prove, it's possible to build a successful business from scratch, even in the face of adversity.

So, the next time you're feeling discouraged about your own entrepreneurial journey, remember the inspiring stories of Africa's bootstrapped entrepreneurs. They prove that with hard work, perseverance, and a little bit of creativity, anything is possible.

Tunisia, a small country in North Africa, may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of tech startups. But over the past few years, the country has experienced a boom in entrepreneurship and innovation, with a growing number of startups disrupting traditional industries and solving unique local challenges.

One of the most exciting areas of growth in Tunisia's tech scene is in the fintech sector. In a country where nearly half of the population is unbanked, startups like Paymee and Expensya are helping to bring financial services to underserved communities. Paymee, for example, allows users to make payments and transfer money using their mobile phones, while Expensya helps businesses manage their expenses and streamline their accounting processes.

Another area of innovation in Tunisia is in the field of education technology. With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing schools to close and shift to online learning, startups like GoMyCode and Edumetric have stepped up to provide digital learning solutions for students and teachers. GoMyCode offers coding bootcamps and tech courses online, while Edumetric provides a platform for teachers to create and share educational content.

Tunisia's tech startups are also making waves in the travel and hospitality industry. With tourism being a major source of income for the country, startups like Trip4Care and Wibees are helping to attract more visitors and enhance the travel experience. Trip4Care offers medical tourism services, while Wibees is a platform for booking unique and authentic experiences with local hosts.

Of course, Tunisia's tech scene still faces its share of challenges, including a lack of funding and a shortage of skilled talent. But with the government and private sector investing more in innovation and entrepreneurship, the future looks bright for Tunisia's startups.

In conclusion, Tunisia may be small in size, but it's big on ideas and innovation. From fintech to edtech to traveltech, the country's startups are pushing boundaries and driving progress. Who knows – the next big tech unicorn could be born in Tunisia.

Fastest Growing Businesses Industries In Africa

      Africa is the second-fastest-growing and most lucrative payments and banking sector in the world, only behind Latin America.Over 500 financial technology companies are based on the continent, with the majority in Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya.

     Africa is gaining grounds in the business world, through some major industries which are fast rising and making waves in different African countries.

   These industries include the following industries as outline in this article,but are not limited to these, because there are still so many other industries,springing up from different African countries,and they are gainnig grounds and dominating the business world.

 Agritech

Agri-tech is the use of technology for farming that is developed to improve efficiency and profitability. While most commonly used in horticulture and agriculture, agri-tech is also found in forestry, aquaculture and viticulture.

The food industry is one of the sectors on the continent with an increasing growth percentage, with many investors profiting from its resources. Business Standard reports that the food industry in Africa saw growth of 3.6% in 2020–21 and 3.9% in 2021–22.

The demand for packaged and processed meals is skyrocketing, and there is a significant increase in the consumption of frozen and dairy products. Other growth-related causes include the expansion and innovation of the food and beverage industry.

E-Commerce Business

Ecommerce is a method of buying and selling goods and services online. The definition of ecommerce business can also include tactics like affiliate marketing. You can use ecommerce channels such as your own website, an established selling website like Amazon, or social media to drive online sales.

    African businesses in e-commerce are expanding quickly as a result of innovation and technological advancement. Businesses in this sector enable the online trade of products and services between people and companies.

Africa’s real estate market worth is anticipated to reach USD 180 billion by 2025, according to Vanguard Newspaper. The report also revealed that funding for African eCommerce projects reached over USD 256 million in 2021, an increase of 40% from 2020.

Africa Business Communities said that by 2025, the e-commerce sector is anticipated to produce USD 46.1 billion in annual sales.

Logistics Business

     Logistics companies help their clients move goods from one place to another. Some cover the entire journey from pick-up to delivery to the end-user, while others help with part of the process—such as transportation, warehousing, packaging, shipping, or even disposal.

    In many African nations, the logistics industry is profitable and growing at a quick pace. No matter where they operate—in Mauritius, South Africa, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, or Nigeria—entrepreneurs reap huge financial benefits.

Africa’s logistics market, according to Market Watch, increased from millions to multi-million dollars between 2017 and 2022. According to Sawya reports, the Suez Canal in Egypt brought in USD 704 million in revenue in July 2022, an increase from the USD 531.8 million reported in July 2021.

With the rise of delivery companies collaborating with both traditional and online merchants, the industry is successful in many African countries.

Real Estate Business

   Real estate is defined as the land and any permanent structures, like a home, or improvements attached to the land, whether natural or man-made.

Real estate is a form of real property. It differs from personal property, which is not permanently attached to the land, such as vehicles, boats, jewelry, furniture, and farm equipment.

    Due to Africa’s substantial population, there is a considerable demand for both commercial and residential real estate. The Nigerian real estate market expanded by 1.77% in 2021 and 10.84% in the first quarter of 2022, according to Nairametrics. USD 10 billion, or an 8% increase, was generated by the Egyptian real estate industry in 2021.

Nairametrics projects that Egypt’s real estate market would rise by 6.5% in 2022. Kenya’s real estate market increased by 5.2% in the third quarter of 2021, and 5.9% growth is anticipated in 2022. African entrepreneurs profit by leasing, purchasing, and renting out commercial and residential properties, making the real estate industry one of the most lucrative in the continent.

        Conclusively,any Aspirant of business in Africa can grow and build on any of this industries and expand because of the growing pace of these industries in the African continent.

      Africa has produced a lot of prominent business icons in the business world through these industries and still expanding it's impact through the help of these sky rocketing business adventures.

Cape Verde is a small island nation off the coast of West Africa that is rapidly becoming a hub for innovation in ocean science and technology. With its vast marine resources, Cape Verde is poised to become a leader in the emerging "blue economy," which is focused on sustainable use and development of ocean resources.

One of the key drivers of Cape Verde's blue revolution is technology. From advanced fishing techniques to renewable energy systems, technology is helping the country to harness the economic potential of its oceans in a sustainable way.

According to Dr. Rui Freitas, a marine biologist and expert in ocean science at the University of Cape Verde, technology is enabling the country to take a more strategic and long-term approach to its ocean economy. "We are now able to collect and analyze data on fish stocks, ocean currents, and weather patterns in real time," he explains. "This allows us to make more informed decisions about fishing quotas, marine conservation, and other aspects of our ocean economy."

One example of this is the use of satellite technology to track the movements of fish stocks. By analyzing satellite data, Cape Verde's fishing industry is able to target specific areas where fish are abundant, reducing the need for large-scale fishing operations that can harm the marine ecosystem.

In addition to sustainable fishing, Cape Verde is also investing in renewable energy systems that utilise the power of the ocean. The country is currently developing a wave energy project that will generate electricity from the movement of the waves. "The potential for renewable energy from the ocean is enormous," says Dr. Freitas. "Not only does it provide a sustainable source of energy, but it also helps to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels."

Another key technology driving Cape Verde's blue revolution is aquaculture. By farming fish in controlled environments, Cape Verde is able to reduce pressure on wild fish stocks while also providing a reliable source of high-quality seafood. "Aquaculture is a win-win for us," says Dr. Freitas. "It provides economic benefits while also helping to preserve our marine ecosystem."

As Cape Verde continues to develop its ocean economy, it is clear that technology will play a critical role. By harnessing the power of data and innovation, the country is paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future.

As Software as a Service (SaaS) continues to gain popularity, an increasing number of small businesses are turning to these cloud-based software solutions to improve their operations. 

SaaS applications provide businesses with access to a wide range of software solutions that are hosted and maintained by a third-party provider. 

Here are some popular SaaS apps for small businesses;

QuickBooks

QuickBooks is a cloud-based accounting software solution that is widely used by small businesses. It offers a range of features, including invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting. 

QuickBooks also allows for easy integration with other software applications, making it an ideal choice for small businesses looking for an accounting solution that can grow with them.

Salesforce

Salesforce is a powerful customer relationship management (CRM) software that is widely used by small businesses. It allows businesses to manage their customer relationships, track leads and sales, and manage customer service. 

Salesforce is highly customizable and can be integrated with a wide range of software applications, making it an ideal choice for small businesses looking to improve their customer management capabilities.

Mailchimp

Mailchimp is a popular email marketing software that allows businesses to easily design and send email campaigns to their customers. It offers a range of features, including email automation, landing pages, and social media advertising. 

Mailchimp also provides detailed analytics that allows businesses to track the effectiveness of their email campaigns.

Dropbox

Dropbox is a cloud-based file storage and sharing solution that is widely used by small businesses. It allows businesses to store and share files securely, making it easy for employees to access important documents from anywhere. 

Dropbox also offers a range of collaboration tools, making it an ideal choice for small businesses looking to improve their team productivity.

Zoom

Zoom is a video conferencing software that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It allows businesses to hold virtual meetings, webinars, and training sessions with employees and clients from anywhere. 

Zoom is highly reliable and easy to use, making it an ideal choice for small businesses looking to improve their communication and collaboration capabilities.

Trello

Trello is a cloud-based project management solution that is widely used by small businesses. It allows businesses to manage projects and tasks, assign team members, and track progress. 

Trello also offers collaboration tools, making it easy for teams to work together and share ideas.

Canva

Canva is a popular graphic design software that allows businesses to easily create professional-looking designs for their marketing materials, social media posts, and website. 

It offers a range of templates and design tools that make it easy for businesses to create high-quality graphics without any design experience.

Hootsuite

Hootsuite is a social media management software that allows businesses to manage and schedule their social media posts from a single dashboard. 

It also provides detailed analytics that allows businesses to track the effectiveness of their social media campaigns.

Conclusion

In conclusion, SaaS applications provide small businesses with access to a wide range of software solutions that can help them improve their operations and grow their business. From accounting software to project management solutions, social media management software, and email marketing software, there are many popular SaaS apps that are ideal for small businesses. By choosing the right SaaS applications for their business needs, small businesses can save time, increase productivity, and improve their bottom line.

The idea of digital currencies, free from government control and censorship, has attracted millions of people to the world of cryptocurrencies. However, as with any digital asset, cryptocurrencies are vulnerable to cyber attacks and theft. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the security measures to protect your digital assets from potential cyber threats.

The Security measures explained below should be implemented in order to protect your cryptocurrencies.

• Strong Passwords: The first step to secure your cryptocurrency is to create a strong and unique password. Your password should contain a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using common words or personal information that hackers can easily guess.
• Two-factor Authentication: Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security that requires you to enter a code sent to your mobile device or email in addition to your password. Enabling two-factor authentication on your cryptocurrency wallet or exchange account can help prevent unauthorized access.
• Cold Storage: Cold storage refers to storing your cryptocurrencies offline in a hardware wallet or paper wallet. This method provides a high level of security as it is not connected to the internet, making it less vulnerable to cyber attacks.
• Keep Software Up-to-date: Ensure that you keep your wallet and software up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates. This helps to prevent hackers from exploiting known vulnerabilities.
• Use Reputable Exchanges: Only use reputable cryptocurrency exchanges that have a proven track record of security. Research the exchange's history, reviews, and security measures before using it to trade or store your cryptocurrencies.
• Diversify Your Portfolio: Diversifying your portfolio reduces the risk of losing all your digital assets in the event of a hack or theft. Invest in different cryptocurrencies and spread your assets across different wallets and exchanges.
• Keep Private Keys Secure: Private keys are used to access your cryptocurrencies, and anyone with access to your private keys can steal your assets. Keep your private keys in a secure location, such as a hardware wallet, and never share them with anyone.
• Beware of Scams: Scammers often use phishing emails or fake websites to steal your cryptocurrencies. Always double-check the website's URL and ensure that you are visiting a legitimate website before entering your credentials or making a transaction.

Securing your cryptocurrencies is crucial in protecting your digital assets from potential cyber threats. Implementing the above security measures can help reduce the risk of theft and hacking.