Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition, a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, hosted 40 participants—consisting of top 10 Heroes, other finalists and partners from across Africa in China.
Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) is aimed to showcase and grow local talent who are creating positive impact in their communities and beyond and inspire a movement of African entrepreneurship. Over a ten-year period, the program intends to recognize 100 African entrepreneurs and provide grant funding, training programs, and broader support for the broad African entrepreneurial ecosystem. To date, ABH has received applications from entrepreneurs spanning all 54 African countries.
Diarra BOUSSO, Founder & Creative Director of Diarrablu and ABH 2020 top 10 Hero, who was among the participants in the trip to China, expresses her gratitude for the experience, stating: “This trip was so inspiring in so many ways. First, meeting all these entrepreneurs who are the top entrepreneurs on the African continent and spending a week together was an incredible experience. And second: being immersed in the world of Alibaba and all the companies Jack Ma and his team built over time and understanding the vision behind it was like a dream come true.”
The ABH Heroes (spanning cohorts from 2019 to 2023) participated in a wide range of activities including deep dives that explored various facets of the digital economy from cloud computing, and AI-driven logistics to e-commerce villages. They participated in a series of workshops and site visits intended to elevate entrepreneurs to a higher level of success.
The Heroes also exchanged knowledge and explored opportunities for collaboration with business leaders from Alibaba and with each other. These activities provided the participants with new knowledge and perspectives that they can potentially apply to overcome challenges, seize opportunities and scale their businesses.
In another exciting development, ABH is extending its deadline for 2024 entries from May 19 to June 9 to accommodate more entrepreneurs eager to participate in the competition.
Candidates selected for the top 50 will gain access to a host of resources, including training, mentorship and networking opportunities, as well as a supportive network of fellow African business leaders.
US$1.5 million in grant funding will be distributed among the top 10 finalists; the first prize winner will receive an award of US$300,000.
This year, ABH has also hosted information sessions and community events across the continent to facilitate the application process and nurture a vibrant entrepreneurial community.
These events have taken place in South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, with upcoming sessions scheduled for Egypt, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Senegal. These events are conducted in partnership with local entrepreneur organizations and key ABH stakeholders including judges, Heroes and partners.
Entrepreneurs from across the continent – regardless of sector, age, or gender – are invited to participate. Applications can be submitted, here
Cloud-based eSIM specialist Workz has introduced its latest remote device management solution tailored for the Internet of Things (IoT) sector.
This innovative platform aims to overcome the limitations typically associated with conventional technologies, such as restricted network options and cumbersome deployment processes.
Built on the upcoming eSIM standard for IoT set by the GSMA, known as SGP.32, Workz’s new offering offers numerous advantages over traditional M2M technologies like multi-IMSI and M2M eSIM.
It enables broader market coverage by managing devices previously considered unmanageable, including those with limited power or lacking a user interface.
Additionally, the solution enhances update success rates by communicating with inactive devices, even those switched off or out of network reach.
Workz also integrates smart automation features to streamline device management, reducing the need for manual resources.
The firm states that the launch aligns with the anticipated growth surge in the eSIM IoT market, forecasted by Juniper Research to skyrocket by nearly 700% in connections by 2028.
Telcos are gearing up for this surge, with the GSMA reporting that 60% are investing in staff upskilling and over half are increasing resources.
Workz, which established itself as an eSIM technology leader in 2021 by unveiling the first cloud-based eSIM management service, currently serves over 100 telcos worldwide.
Last year, Counterpoint Research recognized the platform as a significant industry innovation.
According to Edwin Haver, Workz’s Chief Information Officer, “This is to IoT what the mobile phone was to the landline. It enables businesses to have complete freedom to manage their devices at a fraction of the cost. Ultimately, this will unlock possibilities for providers and businesses of all sizes.”
South African fintech startup Moya Money, established in 2021, has undergone a rebranding and will now be known as Bloo Money, effective May 2024.
In a recent statement, the company explained that the decision to rebrand reflects its ongoing evolution since updating its branding assets earlier this year.
The name change aims to set the company apart from others with similar names, inject vibrancy into the fintech sector, and acknowledge the global presence of its co-founders, who operate across different continents.
Founded in March 2021 by Thulani Masebenza and Sabica Pardesi, who are based in South Africa and the UK respectively, Bloo Money empowers freelancers through its financial app.
“Our product vision has always been centered around transforming how freelancers manage their work and finances, with a focus on fostering a healthy relationship with money,” remarked Ms Pardesi.
Mr Thulani added, “In choosing a new name, we aimed for uniqueness, playfulness, resonance with our creative customer base, and global accessibility in pronunciation.”
Bloo Money assures that its core product, a freelance management system (FMS), will remain unchanged, continuing to assist businesses with freelance administration.
“While our products and services remain consistent, the rebrand underscores our renewed emphasis on innovation, customer-centricity, and differentiation,” the company emphasized in its statement.
UAE-based online classifieds platform Dubizzle Group has acquired Drive Arabia, a UAE-based automotive focused media and reviews platform, in an undisclosed deal value.
Founded in 2005 by J.C. Butler and Sim Whatley, Dubizzle is an online platform that enables individuals to sell, buy, or find products in their cities, while Drive Arabia is an automotive consumer portal that focuses on the GCC region.
Haider Ali Khan, CEO at Dubizzle Group MENA said, “This acquisition aligns with our strategic vision to provide our users with an unparalleled experience in the automotive space. Drive Arabia’s strong brand recognition and reach will further strengthen our existing portfolio and enable us to deliver even greater value to our customers while strengthening our leadership position in the automotive space.
With this acquisition, Dubizzle Group aims to consolidate its automotive advertising offerings, introduce new products, and expand its reach to better serve its customers.
With over two decades of a strong brand presence in the region, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Drive Arabia brings extensive expertise and a devoted customer following in the automotive sector to Dubizzle Group. With this acquisition.
Ali Khan adde , “this is just the beginning and we are keeping a very keen eye on any other M&A opportunities that further help us expand our offerings in the verticals we operate in. Our immediate plans for Drive Arabia include a significant investment in the platform to enhance its core value proposition as a transparent tool for car prices, specifications, and other relevant details to help us become the go-to platform for new car launches in the region.”
The SWARM Summit, themed “The Future is Now: Emerging Trends Shaping Startup Ecosystems”, highlighted Uganda’s young and innovative minds and aimed to foster innovation, collaboration, and growth in Uganda’s start-up community.
The programme included keynote addresses from industry leaders on the current state and future direction of the start-up ecosystem and insightful panel discussions. YSA Uganda graduates from previous cohorts were invited as panels to share their business experience and to inspire their alumni.
This year’s graduation of the third cohort of the YSA Uganda, represents diverse industries and the potential to revolutionize Uganda’s entrepreneurial landscape. The start-ups have undergone intensive bootcamps, which brought the needed skills and resources to launch and grow successful ventures and seek potential investments.
Emphasizing the importance of youth-driven innovation, the Korean Embassy to Uganda encouraged the present YSA alumni entrepreneurs in following their goals. Phyllis Kyomuhendo, founder of M-SCAN, said YSA to be different from other projects as she was directly linked to business partners.
The Youth Start Academy Uganda is a project funded by the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) under its Ministry of SMEs and Startups Korea and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), a United Nations agency, and Hive Colab in partnership with the National Information Technology Authority (NITA-U).
YSAU empowers aspiring young entrepreneurs by fostering a thriving start-up ecosystem in Uganda. The current graduating cohort represents over 700 young entrepreneurs who have been empowered to drive innovation and job creation across the country.
bluworks, an Egypt-based startup developing blue-collar HRTech SaaS solutions, has raised a $1 million pre-Seed investment round, led by Saudi venture capital firm Khawarizmi Ventures,with participation from Camel Ventures, Acasia Ventures, and a pool of angel investors.
Founded in 2022 by Farah Osman, Hussein Wahdan, and Nour Ahmadein, bluworks is an HRTech SaaS platform focused on managing the lifecycle of blue-collar employees in industries such as retail, F&B, facility management, healthcare, education, and construction.
“With so many HR softwares on the market, not one is built to manage blue-collar workers,” Wahdan explains. “Since the process of managing this type of workforce is so manual, errors frequently occur, leading to penalties and deducted salaries with no oversight from the workers, causing them to leave and ultimately contributing to high turnover rates. Currently, companies can spend about 7-10 days just closing their payroll accounts, but with bluworks, this time can be cut down to one day – all while leveraging data and insights on their workforce.”
The Middle East and Africa are home to over 50 million blue-collar workers. Currently, performance and attendance metrics about hired blue-collar workers are collected manually by several departments across companies through different manual and automated systems. Given that blue-collar work conditions are very dynamic and can vary from day to day, a very routine task, such as payroll calculation for these workers, becomes incredibly difficult and complex for companies.
bluworks has thousands of blue-collar workers on its platform, and tens of clients, such as Crave, Qahwa, and Cilantro, using the platform to manage them. The company is currently focusing on the F&B and retail sectors, with plans to expand to other sectors, such as manufacturing, construction, and facility management.
“Having a strong workforce is integral to building and fortifying sustainable businesses,” Osman says. “We are excited about getting strategic investors on-board that can provide us with access to both local and regional markets, to which we are looking to expand. There is no shortage of industry use cases similar to Egypt around the world, and we are eager to tackle them with our innovative workforce management solutions.”
“Egypt has one of the largest workforce populations in the MENA and Africa region; however, there are very few software solutions that are truly localised,” Venture Partner at Khwarizmii Ventures Ameer Sherif notes. “Like with many emerging markets, solutions to automate workforce management are still lacking. We believe that the bluworks team has the right mix of local understanding, and commercial and technical capability to lead this space in Egypt and later in other regional markets.”
Accoding to Aly El Shalakany, Managing Partner at Acasia Ventures, bluworks has identified a real pain point for employers and developed a compelling digital solution that focuses on a particular niche .”
bluworks aims to use the funding round to build and enhance its product, as well as expand its team, with the ultimate aim of becoming the top destination for companies seeking to optimise the management of blue-collar workers in the region and in need of a process to vet, hire, train, place and manage their workforce.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has banned OPay,Palmpay,Kuda Bank, and Moniepoint from onboarding new customers following allegations of accounts being used for illicit foreign exchange transactions
The ban is aimed at preventing manipulation of funds through virtual cryptocurrency exchanges and preserve proceeds of unlawful activities. The investigation is intended to be done within 90 days.
According to a representatives from the fintechs,90% of the accounts implicated in the illicit forex transactions are with commercial banks, and only 10% are with fintechs.The CBN has however not extended this directive to the commercial banks and therefore targeting fintechs seems like an unfair focus on the more vulnerable targets.
As part of the process,Justice Emeka Nwite, of the Federal High Court Abuja granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission an interim order to freeze 1,146 bank accounts linked to individuals and companies being investigated for unauthorised forex dealings, money laundering and terrorism financing.
The ban will target new accounts as a measure to combat money-laundering activities, which have contributed to the recent decline in the naira’s value against the dollar.
The affected companies have however refuted the claims terming the directive misdirected, as the majority of the implicated accounts belong to commercial banks, not fintech platforms.
On Friday, Moniepoint stated that they had temporarily paused new sign-ups on their platform on its platform and could not onboard new customers.
OPay has also communicated to its customers stating that they have closed non-compliant accounts, implemented strict security measures, and educated customers to help combat fraud.
Peach Cars, a Kenyan used car market player, has joined forces with Umba Microfinance Bank to introduce a groundbreaking 24-hour car financing option for customers to make car ownership more accessible and convenient.
Improving Access to Hassle-Free Financing
The partnership between Peach Cars and Umba Microfinance Bank aims to empower car buyers by offering swift and hassle-free access to financing solutions. Through Umba Microfinance Bank, customers can now secure financing of up to 70% of the vehicle’s value, with processing times as rapid as 24 hours. This innovative approach eliminates the traditional barriers associated with obtaining car financing, enabling buyers to drive away with their desired vehicle without unnecessary delays.
According to Zach Petroni, Co-founder and COO of Peach Cars, “We are excited to announce our partnership with Umba. It perfectly aligns with our commitment to empower buyers and sellers in the Kenyan used car market. Through accessible and reliable car financing options, we are empowering our customers with more options to realize their dream of owning a car with confidence.”
Simplified Process, Seamless Experience
The process of obtaining financing through Peach Cars and Umba Microfinance Bank is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly:
Browse and Select: Customers can explore the extensive range of quality-tested, used cars available on the Peach Cars website, selecting the vehicle that best suits their preferences and needs.
Document Submission: Upon choosing a car, customers submit their identification and other relevant documents through the Peach Cars platform. These details are securely transmitted to Umba for swift processing.
Fast Approval: Umba Microfinance Bank expedites the financing application process, aiming to provide approval within 24 hours. This rapid turnaround ensures that buyers can proceed with their purchase without undue delays.
Drive Away Hassle-Free: Upon approval, customers can confidently drive away in their newly acquired vehicle, knowing that the financing process has been seamlessly facilitated by Peach Cars and Umba Microfinance Bank.
Empowering Customers to Shift into Gear
The partnership between Peach Cars and Umba Microfinance Bank isn’t just about selling cars—it’s about empowering customers to kickstart their car ownership journey with confidence. By offering accessible and reliable car financing options, we’re putting the power directly into the hands of Nairobi’s drivers, ensuring they can cruise towards their car ownership goals without hitting any speed bumps.
Tiernan Kennedy, CEO of Umba Microfinance Bank, echoed Petroni’s sentiments, stating, “Our partnership with Peach Cars underscores our dedication to providing fast and dependable financing solutions tailored to our customers’ needs. Whether it’s owning a car or saving for the future, our objective is to empower Kenyans to achieve their financial goals swiftly and confidently.”
tappi, the digital commerce SaaS solution tailored for Africa’s micro, small and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs), has partnered with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) to launch “Sukuma Biz”, Shopify-like landing pages for SMEs in Kenya.
For a monthly fee of Ksh.500 ($3.70), KNCCI members will receive their own business landing page on tappi’s platform featuring a KNCCI Logo as well as access to 50 customer reviews via SMS, WhatsApp or additional channels, which will be integrated to their landing page. Members will also be able to send 250 text marketing messages directly to their customers. This is similar to Google My Business and Facebook pages and Mocality, Yalwa, Coast Online, Tafutta, and Findit used to be in the day. With the demise of Mocality and Google’s GetMyBusinessOnline, directories expired as unique points for firm’s search engine optimization due to the advent of social media.
However, tappi says it aims to deliver a unique package of digital services specifically geared towards bolstering online credibility and identity for KNCCI’s 30,000+ business members with a mission to drive online success for Kenya’s 7.4mn MSMEs. All KNCCI members will be able to generate SEO-optimised websites in less than 2 minutes based on eight simple questions devised by an intuitive chat tool tailored to its target audience and core sector.
KNCCI members will also be equipped with the capacity to seamlessly distribute Google, Facebook and Instagram ads from tappi’s platform as well as receive access to a number of additional digital services.
According to Kenfield Griffith, tappi CEO and co-founder, “In order for this initiative to be successful, it was vital we worked alongside a partner with not only a strong, in-depth understanding of the most critical pain points Kenyan businesses face, but also the demographics which are most heavily affected by them. With this in mind, we’re incredibly proud to be joined by KNCCI on what we believe is not only a crucial step for MSMEs, but specifically women-led businesses, in equipping them with the digital tools to significantly drive Kenya’s economy forward.”
Since its inception in 2022, tappi has been on a rapid growth journey capturing verified reviews on over $3M in consumer transactions and engaging with over 150K consumers. Through its powerful end-to-end digital commerce stack, tappi facilitates a seamless online business profile creation process through an intuitive chat experience. Leveraging payments, messaging and AI, the platform is rapidly emerging as the SEO backbone to boost revenue for MSMEs across the continent, helping businesses gain visibility, consolidate payments with verified reviews to build online trust and pay for online Ads with mobile airtime.
With operations in Kenya and Nigeria, the platform recently announced its expansion into Côte d’Ivoire in March 2024 alongside its long-standing partner, MTN.
For a long time, Mushroom Gummies have picked up footing as a helpful and tasty way to consolidate the benefits of mushrooms into one’s day-by-day schedule. Whether you’re a tenderfoot or a prepared mushroom devotee, exploring the world of mushroom gummies can be overpowering. With plenty of choices accessible, it’s fundamental to get what to see for and how to store these luscious treats to maximize their power and rack life. In this article, we’ll investigate fundamental tips for apprentices jumping into the world of mushroom gummies, along with rules for legitimate capacity to protect their quality.
When obtaining mushroom gummies, carefully audit the fixings list. Select items that utilize natural mushrooms and characteristic sweeteners, maintaining a strategic distance from fake added substances and preservatives.
Research mushroom varieties:
Familiarize yourself with the specific sorts of mushrooms utilized in gummies and their particular benefits. For example, lion’s mane is known for its cognitive-enhancing properties, whereas reishi is prized for its immune-boosting capacities.
Start with low dosage:
If you’re new to mushroom supplements, begin with a moo measurement and continuously increase as required. While mushroom gummies are secure, it’s fundamental to gauge your body’s reaction to the optimal dosage.
Consult with a healthcare professional:
If you have any underlying well-being conditions, counsel a healthcare professional who has recently consolidated the gummies into your schedule. They can give personalized direction based on your personal needs.
Be patient:
The impacts of mushroom supplements may take time to show. Consistency is key, so be understanding and donate your body time to adjust to the benefits of mushroom consumption.
Experiment with flavors:
Explore distinctive flavors and details of mushroom gummies to discover one that suits your sense of taste. From fruity mixes to natural tones, there’s a wide assortment of alternatives accessible to cater to diverse preferences.
Pay attention to how your body reacts to the gummies and appropriately alter your dose or recurrence. Track any changes in temperament, vitality levels, or general well-being to gauge the supplement’s adequacy.
Mushroom Gummies Storage Guidelines For Beginners
Appropriate capacity is fundamental to keep up the strength and freshness of mushroom gummies. Follow these rules to guarantee ideal rack life:
Store in a cool, dry put:
Keep mushroom gummies away from warmth, light, and dampness, as exposure to these components can corrupt their quality. A bathroom or kitchen cabinet is a perfect capacity location.
Seal the bundle legitimately:
After opening the bundle, reseal it firmly to prevent the introduction and dampness entrance from being discussed. Consider exchanging the gummies for an airproof holder for added protection.
Avoid refrigeration:
While refrigeration may appear like a consistent way to extend rack life, it can lead to condensation and dampness buildup, which can compromise the gummies’ surface and strength.
Check the expiry date:
Consider the expiry date printed on the bundling and devour the gummies sometime recently when they terminate. Utilizing terminated items may result in diminished viability or unfavorable effects.
Keep absent from children and pets:
Store mushroom gummies out of reach of children and pets to anticipate inadvertent ingestion. Even though the gummies are secure, expanding them in over-the-top sums can lead to undesirable side effects.
Avoid presentation to solid odors:
Keep the gummies absent from strong-smelling nourishments or family items, as they can assimilate odors and influence the taste and smell of the gummies.
Consider vacuum fixing:
If you’re storing mushroom gummies for an extended period, consider vacuum-fixing them to expel abundant air and further protect them from natural components.
The Magic Mushroom Gummies: Exploring Their Culinary Versatility
Whereas mushroom gummies are primarily known for their health benefits, they offer a one-of-a-kind culinary encounter that adds imperativeness to your customary arrangement.
Let’s embrace the gummies’ culinary flexibility and find imaginative ways to incorporate them into your favorite dishes.
Sweet and savory pairings
Mushroom gummies are open to a combination of flavors, expanding from fruity to characteristic, making them adaptable to sweet and savory equations. Test by matching the gummies with distinctive fixings to make special flavor combinations.
For example, combine fruity gummies with tart cheeses and cured meats for a gourmet charcuterie board, or include natural gummies with savory sauces and marinades for a profound flavor.
Breakfast boosters
Start your day on a nutritious note by joining mushroom gummies into your breakfast schedule. Join them in smoothie bowls, cereal, or yogurt parfaits for a burst of flavor and an estimation of health-promoting supplements.
You can also blend the gummies into custom-made granola bars or rolls for a strong on-the-go nibble that packs a dietary punch.
Creative cocktails and mocktails
Elevate your cocktail amusement by imbuing mushroom gummies into your favorite drinks. Tangle gummies with new herbs and citrus natural products to make reviving mocktails or include them in vodka or gin-based cocktails for a one-of-a-kind bend.
For an additional touch of modernity, decorate your drinks with mushroom gummy sticks or utilize them as a flavorful elective to conventional cocktail garnishes.
Wholesome dessert creations
Indulge your sweet tooth guilt-free with debauched dessert manifestations highlighting mushroom gummies as a star fixing. Join them with custom-made vitality balls, chocolate truffles, or natural product sorbets for a wholesome treat that fulfills desires without compromising flavor.
You can utilize the gummies as a colorful topping for cakes, cupcakes, or ice cream sundaes to include a perky touch to your desserts.
Nutrient-rich nibble options
Swap out prepared snacks for nutrient-rich options, including mushroom gummies as a key component. Make path blend mixes with nuts, seeds, dried natural products, and gummies for a fulfilling nibble that maintains daily vitality.
Then again, whip up custom-made natural product calfskin utilizing the pureed natural product and the gummies for a wholesome nibble that culminates in on-the-go snacking.
Wrapping Up
Embarking on the travel of consolidating mushroom gummies into your wellness schedule can be both energizing and fulfilling. By taking after these tips for fledglings and following appropriate capacity rules, you can guarantee that you derive the benefits from these strong and scrumptious supplements. Whether you’re looking to back your resistant framework, improve cognitive work, or advance general imperativeness, mushroom gummies offer a helpful and agreeable way to tackle the control of vital mushrooms. So, grasp the world of the gummies and take proactive steps toward sustaining your health and well-being.
Startups Without Borders is set to launch the fifth edition of its annual summit, which will take place on May 10-11 at Kamelizer Spaces in Cairo.
Launched under the theme “Break Borders, Build Global Horizons,” the summit will bring together 3,000 innovators from around the world alongside key players in the tech industry.
“For the past 6 years, we have gone from city to city in the MENA and Europe on a mission to build a transnational ecosystem for entrepreneurs, no matter where they come from. In a difficult year for the region, we believe there couldn’t be a better time to join forces and connect the visionary entrepreneurs that turn every crisis into an opportunity. By bringing startup delegations and investors from all corners of the world, from Italy to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, we are certain that the power that cross-border collaboration can spark is boundless.” Valentina Primo, founder and CEO of Startups Without Borders, says.
The event will feature powerhouse speakers and prominent investors from London, Japan, the USA, Senegal, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, including Ibrahim Sagna, Sadaharu Seiku, and Michael Lints.
The content will focus on helping entrepreneurs build businesses with global scope. Amongst the workshops, John Gamba and Jackie Jircitano will teach how to enter the US market, and a variety of soft-landing programmes will be presented, to the US and Saudi markets.
One of the most exciting features of the summit is the launch of the AI Salon, a new event format arriving for the first time in the Middle East, in partnership with US-based VC Blitzscaling Ventures.
Alongside talks and panels with all-star speakers, the event will host the Investor Room, where 460 meetings were hosted between startups and investors in 2023. Startups participate, get matched with an investor according to industry, geography and ticket size, and take part in 101 meetings with investors from leading global VCs and investors.
This year, the summit is also bringing the corporate match-making room, where industry leaders in the corporate space can meet and connect with innovative entrepreneurs, a talent matching area, and scholarships for refugee entrepreneurs in partnership with the Netherlands’ Forward Inc.
The speaker lineup also includes some of the most active investors, VCs and accelerators, who will discuss and unveil the new investment landscape, as well as more than 30 power-packed workshops, offering entrepreneurs the insights and tools to grow and scale, from building a sales funnel, to understanding the power of AI.
The summit’s sponsors and partners include Qewam, Odoo, Aspire Consulting, GSE-Penn University, Blitzscaling Ventures, and venue partners Kamelizer and District 5.
The Presidential Innovation Challenge Pitchfest was held at the Kenya Innovation Week 2023 which was held at the Edge Convention Centre, Nairobi, to determine the awardees of the Presidential Innovation Award (PIA), which is a module of the Talanta Hela programme under the umbrella of the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports that intended to develop the entrepreneurial capacity of innovators across the country.
It recognises and awards the innovative work of top innovators in the country within the national priority areas of Food Security and Agriculture, Digital Transformation, Healthcare, Climate Action and Green Energy and Entertainment and Gaming.
Winners Per County
1. Bioafriq Energy Limited (By James Nyamai) MAKUENI COUNTY:This innovative technology addresses food security challenges by efficiently dehydrating farm products year-round, overcoming the limitations of conventional solar dryers that struggle during Kenya’s rainy and cold seasons. By significantly reducing post-harvest losses for farmers.
2. Signvrse (By Elly Savatia)KAJIADO COUNTY: Signvrse is an assistive technology startup utilising AI (Computer Vision) and automated 3D technology to interpret text and speech, creating lifelike sign language avatars with real-time precision.
3.Agritech Analytics (By Marryann Gichanga)KIAMBU COUNTY:AgriTech Analytics Ltd has created a crop & soil management tool that leverages AI-powered satellite imagery data & data from our IoT sensor to halt soil degradation, crop pests and diseases to increase yields for small holder farmers.
4.Piquant Spices (By Stephen Machua)MURANG’A COUNTY: Piquant spices is a Manufacturing company that is doing value addition of herbs and spices for local and export markets. These spices are grown by smallholder farmers in arid and semi-arid areas of Kenya thus providing an alternative high value crop for ASALs.
5.Farmer Lifeline Technologies (By Alice Kayo)NAIROBI COUNTY:Farmer Lifeline is an early-stage Kenyan based company that empower smallholder farmers through AI to enable them detect crop pests and diseases in time and know the solutions to applys.
6.Ruphids Autotech Solutions (By Philip Nganda)KITUI COUNTY:Ruphids autotech provides a biometric attendance gadget that reduces truancy cases and other related problems such as the increasing pregnancy cases amongst school going children by sending sms to the parents on arrival and leaving time at the school premises.
7.Bevis Africa (By Victor Mburu)LAMU COUNTY:Bevis Africa Integrates nature-based solutions with tech-based solutions to ensure equitable and sustainable livelihoods. We are leveraging the power of web3 and Blockchain to enable farmers and pastoral communities to tap into climate financing especially the voluntary carbon market.
8.M-Taka (By Primafacie Mutua)KISUMU COUNTY: M-taka is a pioneering social impact recycling venture located in Kisumu, Kenya, on the shores of Lake Victoria. It was founded to address the dire waste management issue in the region, by leveraging technology, data analytics, and community engagement to build a sustainable zero-waste circular economy.
9.Suwa Bleaching Chemicals Limited (By Benjamin Baya)KILIFI COUNTY:Suwa Bleaching Chemicals Limited and manufactures offers an alternative high-standard bleaching agent from sugarcane wastes for refining crude palm oil.
10. Banana Fibre Extraction (Bafiex) Products (By Kenton Mutethia Muthaura)MERU COUNTY: Bafiex from Meru County is extracting natural fibres from the banana pseudo stem and pass it through boiling water, dried and dye into different colours according to client’s preferences. This natural fibre is used in fashion and textile industries in making wigs, braids, weaves, mats, eco-papers and Eco bags and house decors.
11.Wymbee (BY Jack Oloo) SIAYA COUNTY:Wymbee is a technology solution for MSMEs meant to help them tackle their deadstock problem. We connect sectoral micro-retailers through business communities & use these communities to funnel their quality dead-inventory in order to re-allocate them to areas where demand exists.
12. Greenium Energy (By Kevin Otieno)KAKAMEGA COUNTY: Greenium Energy is a social enterprise providing affordable and clean energy. We produce briquettes out of water hyacinth from Lake Victoria. One tone of briquettes produced saves more than 80 mature trees hence we discourage cutting down of trees and further increasing the forest cover.
13.Fibertext Green Paper Limited (By Rose Sikulu)BUNGOMA COUNTY: Fibertext Green Paper Limited makes biodegradable papers from banana waste which we turn them into packaging bags. And in so doing we are reducing deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.
14. Rhon (By Douglas Rono)KERICHO COUNTY:Rhon is a fintech company that brings together service providers and informal traders onto one platform allowing sustainable consumption of services.
15. Jayit creations (By Peter Achieng)BUSIA COUNTY: Sawdust building block innovation offers a groundbreaking solution for sustainable construction, addressing the pressing need for eco-friendly and cost-effective building materials. By utilizing sawdust, a waste product from wood.
16. Stockplug (By Rhyl Cruz Kiio)MACHAKOS COUNTY: Stockplug is the innovative solution by Agrilla Enterprises, it’s a multivendor online livestock marketplace. Tailored for farmers, it provides affordable listings and advertisements for livestock, starting at an enticing price of Ksh10. This platform seamlessly connects farmers to the expansive online market throughout Kenya, transforming the landscape of livestock trading.
17. Finda (By Amos Onyonka)KISII COUNTY: Finda is an innovative, user-friendly online platform that provides seamless digital marketing solutions for businesses of all categories hence promoting efficiency and digitization in the business ecosystem.
18. Greener Waste Converters (By Abraham Karani)THARAKA NITHI COUNTY:Greener waste converters have designed an Artificial-Intelligence-based wastepaper recycler capable of recycling about 1,200 A4 papers per hour. For highly contaminated waste papers, we produce eco-friendly and cost-effective secondary products such as paint and shoe polish.
19.Leafylife Innovation Hub (By Johnson Mboya)WAJIR COUNTY: LeafyLife, developed a unique energy efficient diaper recycling process. We designed chemical technology that uses benign organic chemicals to clean breakdown diapers into individual constituents and makes useful products from them.
20. Eco-Glass Innovations (By Peter Kinyua)NAKURU COUNTY:Eco-Glass Innovations leads a green revolution by repurposing discarded glass into high-quality products, aligned with our mission to reduce waste and save the environment. Beyond recycling, our commitment to environmental sustainability actively fosters local economic growth.
21.Jakey (By Gillian Nyangaga)HOMABAY COUNTY: JAKEY simplifies licensing for creators, fortifies intellectual property protection through blockchain, makes cross-border transactions seamless and global accessibility for artists and innovators.
23. Adolescent and Young People Mental Health Champions (By Kirui Emmanwel)BOMET COUNTY: Mental health champions for youths and sexual reproductive health. We aim at providing mental health solutions in an affordable and accessible manner to youths in and outside Bomet county.
24.Digital Farmer (By Victor Ndaba)NYERI COUNTY: Digitalfarmer is a B2B and B2C platform streamlining the agricultural supply chain. Using our digital platform, we aggregate supply from our farmers and demand from our customers then bridge the two. We are on a mission to digitize African agriculture, every step of the way.
25: Carss Technologies (BY Maina Mburu)NYANDARUA COUNTY: The vehicle security system is the only existing system of its kind offering security in vehicles and houses. Added features for automation purposes by use of an application installed in the phone and an encrypted password.
26. Akili Sawa (By John Njiru)EMBU COUNTY: Akili Sawa seeks to democratise mental healthcare to all communities in Kenya through its data-driven solutions that will make well-being accessible, destigmatised, and prioritised.
27. Go Green by Blazing Barrys Youth Coffee (By Victor Murei)BUSIA COUNTY: Sawdust building block innovation offers a groundbreaking solution for sustainable construction, addressing the pressing need for eco-friendly and cost-effective building materials. By utilizing sawdust, a waste product from wood.
28. Marinecatch Africa Limited (By Kenndy Kitavi)KWALE COUNTY: MarineCatch Africa is an African seafood Marketplace which seamlessly integrates IoT and blockchain technologies, ensuring an end-to-end transparent and traceable supply chain. Empowering coastal communities, particularly women in the processing sector.
29. Wafugaji Digital (By Kenneth Kimathi)ISIOLO COUNTY: In northern Kenya & other livestock communities, the livestock industry is a crucial part of the economy. Our platform streamlines the process of buying and selling livestock, providing a unified marketplace accessible to everyone.
30. Presenter Sam (By Samwel Bob Mogire)UASIN GISHU COUNTY: Panda logo is an initiative that we started 2023 that uses art to fight effect of climate change, where youth buy a tree and get a logo, picture or tattoo of his/her choice for free.
Building on its momentum from a year of remarkable growth, Internet Computer unveils its groundbreaking “ICP HUBS” adoption strategy, poised to elevate global adoption to new heights. With a focus on immersive experiences tailored for developers, professionals, enthusiasts, investors, ICP is set to redefine the standard for community engagement in the crypto sphere.
The cornerstone of this strategy is the introduction of 13 flagship “ICP HOUSES” events scheduled throughout 2024, coinciding with major crypto and blockchain conferences worldwide. These two-day intensive gatherings will offer attendees a multifaceted experience, blending education, development, collaboration, and celebration under one roof.
According to Emilio Canessa, Head of Global Adoption at DFINITY Foundation:
“GLOCAL (global + local) is the key for an effective adoption strategy. While 24 ICP HUBS are in full swing on a regional basis, ICP HOUSES will connect the dots around the world, providing valuable cross-pollination opportunities for the Ecosystem. ICP has both, now.”
Designed as polyfunctional spaces, ICP HOUSES will host a diverse array of activities including educational sessions, hackathons, presentations, networking events, and even overnight stays for hackers. Attendees can expect an intimate and curated environment conducive to meaningful interactions with industry leaders, technical experts, and fellow enthusiasts.
The inaugural ICP HOUSES events kicked off in Seoul (for Buidl Asia) and Hong Kong (for Web3 Fest), and will be followed by 11 additional events in key locations including Switzerland, Germany, Turkey, Canada, Indonesia, Kenya, Poland, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, and India. Each event promises to provide a comprehensive overview of the burgeoning ICP ecosystem, bootstrapping collaboration and innovation on a global scale.
ICP HUBS NETWORK: A Year of Remarkable Progress
In just one year, the ICP HUBS NETWORK has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a global decentralized network comprising 24 chapters with a presence in 40 countries. This unprecedented reach underscores the growing influence of Internet Computer as a driving force in the Web3 landscape.
Central to this expansion is the philosophy of “glocal” empowerment, emphasizing grassroots community development and regional adoption. Through a network of decentralized hubs, ICP is redefining how stakeholders engage with blockchain technology, fostering collaboration and innovation from the ground up.
Representing a departure from traditional, centralized approaches, the ICP HUBS NETWORK signals a paradigm shift toward community-driven innovation and empowerment in the crypto world.
Intel and AfriLabs have partnered to launch Intel AI Programme for African DeepTech Startups & Ecosystem Stakeholders aimed to accelerate innovation and foster collaboration within Kenya’s tech ecosystem.
The Intel AI Programme which is scheduled for the 28th to the 30th of May 2024, is aimed to empower a diverse array of stakeholders, including DeepTech hubs, AI startups, developers, universities, and research institutions.
“Intel is excited to partner with AfriLabs in this second part of our Intel AI Programme which aims to foster expertise, resources, and networking opportunities within the African DeepTech ecosystem. This partnership underscores our dedication to empowering Kenyan innovators with the tools and knowledge for success, illuminating a path toward transformative technology innovation in the region.,” said Dr. Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo, Director of Government Affairs Africa and IGA CTO Liaison.
Following in the footsteps of its Nigerian counterpart, this three-day event will feature panel discussions on the “Challenges and Opportunities of DeepTech in Africa/Kenya – Socio-Economic and Policy Implications,” offering invaluable insights into navigating the complex landscape of DeepTech innovation.
Furthermore, an engaging “AI Policy Roundtable” will convene esteemed government officials, policy-making institutions, and regulatory bodies to chart sustainable growth and development courses. There will be an Introduction to the Intel Liftoff for Startups Program, Intel Developer Cloud, Intel OneAPI initiative & Introduction to AI Tools at Intel.
Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director at AfriLabs, echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about the upcoming event. “We are thrilled to extend our collaboration with Intel to Kenya, driving forward the African DeepTech ecosystem. This initiative holds the promise of unleashing untapped potential within Kenya’s DeepTech community, fueling innovation, and charting new pathways for technological advancement,” she remarked.
In line with its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, the event will be hybrid, accommodating both physical attendance and online participation, ensuring that no opportunity for engagement is missed.
Glovo, the on-demand delivery platform, continues to invest in its Kenyan partners through the Glovo Academy program.
The recent completion of the program’s third cohort signifies Glovo’s commitment to equipping small businesses with the skills needed to thrive in the digital landscape.
This initiative, co-organized with the Ongoza Institute, an accelerator for young Kenyan entrepreneurs, provides essential training in critical areas such as digital marketing, business innovation, and development tools.
The program equips partners to adapt to evolving customer preferences, technological advancements, and changing regulations.
Following the success of previous cohorts, the program offered workshops and seminars on diverse topics relevant to the digital marketplace.
Participants gained valuable insights into digital food marketing strategies, business innovation techniques, and development tools to enhance their online operations.
Additionally, networking opportunities fostered connections with other entrepreneurs and industry experts.
Investing in Partner Success
Africa Lead for Impact and Sustainability at Glovo, Daphne Kabeberi emphasized the importance of the program: “By embracing advanced strategies and technology, these businesses can gain a competitive edge, expand their reach, and ensure long-term success.”
General Manager at Glovo Kenya, Caroline Mutuku reiterated the program’s alignment with Glovo’s vision: “The Glovo Academy empowers local businesses to become the best digital versions of themselves. We offer tailored solutions that support their online growth journey, from selling to managing their operations.”
Equipping for the Digital Age
On her part, Loreen Wanjiru, Program Lead at Ongoza, expressed her satisfaction with the program’s impact: “We’re thrilled to have equipped this third cohort with the tools they need to navigate the dynamic digital business landscape.”
The Glovo Academy program underscores Glovo’s commitment to fostering a thriving digital ecosystem in Kenya by empowering its local business partners.
Renda, a Nigerian order fulfillment and retail distribution startup, has closed its pre-seed round at $1.9m in equity and debt funding to enhance its offerings, drive expansion to more cities in Nigeria and East Africa, and grow its partnership network across all active markets.
The equity investment of $1.3m was led by Ingressive Capital, with participation from Techstars Toronto, Founders Factory Africa, Magic Fund, Golden Palm Investments, Reflect Ventures, and Vastly Valuable Ventures, while the debt funding investment of $600k was provided by Founders Factory Africa and SeedFi.
In a statement, Ope Onaboye, CEO and Co-Founder at Renda said, “We are grateful for the investors who have bought into the Renda vision and decided to partner with us as we build the future of commerce on the continent. I’m excited to see how we harness the power of technology to simplify and optimize order fulfillment and retail distribution for thousands of businesses across the continent.”
Founded in 2021 by Ope Onaboye, a third-time founder, and Bimbo Onaboye, an experienced automobile Product Manager, Renda optimizes order fulfillment and enables businesses to scale seamlessly and efficiently across Africa.
The startup aims to become the largest and most trusted fulfillment partner for e-commerce and major businesses across Africa and has worked some of the largest companies across manufacturing, FMCG, Agriculture and e-commerce sectors, enabling them to scale across Nigeria. Through the Renda360 solution, businesses can access flexible storage, monitor and manage their inventory, process and fulfill orders, manage deliveries and returns, and receive and reconcile cash on delivery in real-time.
The Renda360 platform features live tracking, data analytics & reporting, API Integration, eCommerce Integration, multiple payment options, an AI-powered chatbot, and many more. Using an asset light model, Renda has built a large and robust partnership network which includes 300+ warehousing partners, 3000+ delivery partners and 2000+ cash collection partners, enabling local and international businesses to easily expand across the continent.
Maya Horgan Famodu, Founder and Partner at Ingressive Capital, said,” Joining forces with Renda as an investor is a strategic move for us. Renda’s technology solution addresses a critical need in the African manufacturing and e-commerce ecosystems, offering seamless access to fulfillment infrastructure.”
The pre-seed funding marks a significant milestone for Renda, allowing it to accelerate its mission of simplifying and bringing ease to the process of order fulfillment and retail distribution for businesses in Africa using an asset-light model.
Since its launch, Renda has empowered over 500 businesses across 15 states in Nigeria and recorded up to 450% year-on-year growth. It has processed over 250,000 orders for e-commerce, manufacturing, and FMCG businesses, helping them to reach 100,000+ customers. It expanded to Kenya in 2023 and in February 2024, it released version 2 of its technology platform to further enable businesses to optimize logistics costs, manage risks, reduce losses, increase market penetration, gain visibility on route-to-market operations and increase profitability.
Renda aims to rollout embedded finance and value-added solutions for its partners as it continues to fuel cutting-edge solutions for transportation, logistics, supply chain, and warehousing needs in Africa with the goal of making it easier for businesses to operate and scale seamlessly.
NBA Africa has launched Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator, a startup accelerator focused on early-stage African startups.
Operated by ALX Ventures, a technology incubator that provides the continent’s tech leaders with access to the skills and tools to launch and scale their startups, Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator is open to early-stage startups in Africa that develop solutions in event management and ticketing, youth development, AI, and digital marketing in the sports and creative industries.
NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi said,“We are thrilled to launch an accelerator program based on the continent and focused on early-stage African startups. This groundbreaking new initiative reflects our commitment to expanding the African sports ecosystem, and these incredible companies will be at the forefront of shaping the future of sport on the continent.”
As part of the program ,10 startups will be selected then paired with mentors comprised of NBA Africa and ALX leadership, and other corporate stakeholders, who will provide guidance to the companies with a focus on product development, business growth and go-to-market strategy.
In September, NBA Africa will hold a Demo Day in New York City that will coincide with the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Participating companies will pitch their products to a panel comprised of top industry leaders from the US, Africa, and around the world.
The panel will then determine the four winning companies, which will be awarded financial support, mentorship, and the opportunity to work with NBA Africa and the Basketball Africa League on their current and future initiatives on the continent.
Kuwait’s AlShaya Group CEO says hostility to US brands has receded; negligible impacts due to floods
Startups can apply to participate at TripleDoubleAccelerator.NBA.com through Friday, 31 May, after which the submissions will be narrowed down to the top 10.
Bolt’s vision for sustainable transportation in Kenya just shifted into high gear; the ride-hailing company announced the selection of 120 participants for its highly anticipated Accelerator Program.
These individuals stood out from a competitive pool of over 800 applicants thanks to their innovative ideas and dedication to building a greener future for transportation.
Equipping Drivers for Success: Bolt Academy Opens its Doors
The next stage of the program takes these aspiring entrepreneurs to Bolt Academy.
This month-long online business training program, delivered in partnership with Alison, a leading online learning platform, is designed to equip participants with the skills they need to thrive.
From mastering digital marketing strategies to honing leadership and communication skills, Bolt Academy offers a comprehensive curriculum.
Project management and customer relationship management courses will further empower participants to turn their visions into reality.
Rising to the Top: Mentorship and Seed Funding Await
The cream of the crop – the top 20 participants – will receive an exclusive boost. Seasoned entrepreneurs will guide them through additional training sessions, while personalized mentoring sessions will provide invaluable one-on-one support to refine their business ventures.
The ultimate test awaits in July: Business Pitch Day. Here, the top 20 will showcase their ideas, with the top 10 receiving not only the coveted €2,000 seed funding each, but also ongoing mentorship to help their businesses flourish.
Bolt’s Regional Director of Rides for Africa, Caroline Wanjihia expressed her enthusiasm: “We’re thrilled to unveil these 120 exceptional individuals who will embark on the next phase of the program. The high number of applications – over 800 – reflects the incredible ambition and talent within our driver community. This program isn’t just about fostering business growth; it’s about empowering our key partners and creating exciting opportunities for them.”
The era of outdated banking experience and exploitative mobile payment providers is over. #Payless Africa, the pioneering fintech company, has launched in Kenya. #Payless is poised to become a disruptive force in the payments landscape, heralding a new dawn for the vibrant, tech-savvy youth across Nairobi, Kenya and across Africa.
With its user-friendly mobile app and digital platforms, #Payless Africa offers the most affordable comprehensive suite of financial services designed to meet the diverse needs of its customers. From banking and payments to savings and investments, #Payless Africa provides convenient and transparent solutions that empower individuals to take control of their financial futures.
“Our vision for #Payless Africa is to provide a YOUTH Centric, mobile first SEAMLESS financial services to over 100 million UNBANKED & UNDERSERVED youth in Africa, a population that will be 42% of the global youth by 2030,” said Kev Muley, Founder and CEO of #Payless Africa. “We are committed to challenging existing practices in the industry and championing financial empowerment for all individuals and businesses. With #Payless Africa, we aim to lead by example and set new standards for integrity and inclusivity in the financial sector.
With the youth as the core audience of #Payless Africa, a recent survey conducted late last year revealed a staggering sentiment among 4 out of 5 individuals aged between 20-30 towards traditional banking. They described it as “uninspiring,” “inefficient,” and “outdated.” The antiquated processes of waiting in queues for routine transactions and enduring lengthy onboarding procedures have become relics of a bygone era, leaving the youth feeling disconnected and underserved by the current financial ecosystem dominated by rigid institutions and telecommunications giants.
“After taking time to sit down in focus groups, conduct research, and gather feedback from the youth, we found solid gaps in the current financial services and banking industry,” said Kev Muley, Founder and CEO of #Payless Africa, the youth want products that align with their aspirations, cost efficient, transparent, variety, not rigid, and accommodating. Most of the existing solutions are denying the youth the opportunity to transact. We saw an unmet need, quest, hunger for contextual, innovative, and disruptive payments platforms, and we seized it” he added.
“Our mission at #Payless Africa is clear: is to innovate around the needs and wants of the youth, to dismantle the barriers and empower them with a payment platform that aligns with their lifestyle, aspirations, and values,” said Derrick Gakuu, Project Lead at #Payless Africa. “Our commitment is unwavering. We believe in breaking down financial barriers and ensuring that every individual has access to opportunities without hindrance. Offering transactions of KSH 1000 for free is just one example of our dedication to serving the needs of the youth. We understand the importance of eliminating barriers to financial growth and development.”
Drawing inspiration from the vibrant spirit of platforms like TikTok and Spotify, #Payless is not just another payment app, it’s a movement. Built by youthful teams, for youthful customers, #Payless embodies the essence of freedom, fun, and empowerment. With an average age of 20-25 among its leadership and an unwavering commitment to a #YouthFirst approach, #Payless promises an unparalleled payment experience that transcends mere transactions to become a seamless, enjoyable journey.
The youth is the driving force of Africa’s future. With 65% of the continent’s population under 25, the youth represent an untapped market. #Payless aims to be the catalyst for this transformation, ushering in a cashless Africa powered by innovation, connectivity, and inclusivity.
#Payless Africa remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the security and privacy of clients’ data, ensuring the credibility and sustainability of the product. With a #YouthFirst approach and a commitment to innovation, empowerment, and inclusivity, #Payless is poised to redefine the way Africa pays. Join us in building a cashless Africa, one transaction at a time.
Key features of #Payless Africa include:
Transparent pricing and fee structures, with no hidden charges or surprises
Accessible Payment services designed to combat exploitation and empower customers to make informed financial decisions
Innovative tools and resources to promote financial literacy and education, empowering individuals to navigate the complexities of the financial system
Secure and reliable digital platforms, backed by cutting-edge technology and robust security measures to protect against exploitation and fraud
In the current digital age, convenience and accessibility have revolutionized banking, making services like mobile and Internet banking an integral part of our daily lives.Equity Bank Kenya, for instance, has been at the forefront of this transformation, offering customers the ease of managing their finances at their fingertips. However, the risk of fraud looms alongside these conveniences, demanding vigilant consumer education to safeguard against potential threats. As a result, we have compiled some ways to protect yourself while carrying out mobile transactions.
Why do you need to safeguard yourself against these threats? Mobile and internet banking fraud encompass various deceptive practices aimed at illicitly accessing your financial information or funds. Fraud in mobile banking has been a challenge in Kenya, impacting both financial institutions and consumers. Several studies and reports have shed light on the significant effects of fraud on mobile banking in the country, from phishing emails and texts to fake websites and malware-infected apps. Fraudsters employ sophisticated tactics to deceive consumers into their tricks, and understanding these risks is crucial to protecting yourself effectively. Fraudulent activities in mobile banking result in financial losses for consumers as well. From unauthorized transactions to identity theft, you are likely to face monetary losses due to fraudsters exploiting vulnerabilities in the system or through social engineering tactics into your account. Fraud tends to erode trust and confidence in mobile banking systems. When customers experience fraud or hear about security breaches, they might become hesitant to use mobile banking services, impacting the adoption rate and growth of the mobile banking sector.
How can you mitigate these risks?
We have outlined some of the best practices you can employ to mitigate fraud attempts on your account. They include:
Secure Passwords and PINs: Use strong, unique passwords and change them regularly. Also,avoid easily guessable information like birthdays or sequential numbers. Equally, safeguard your PINs, refraining from sharing them with anyone. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Another way to secure your accounts is by enabling a 2FA whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, usually through a code sent to your phone to authorize any transactions before they proceed. Official Apps and Websites: watch out for fake mobile banking accounts too. Download apps and access websites only from official sources, and always be cautious of links in emails or texts, as they could lead to fraudulent sites designed to steal your information. Be aware of common fraud tactics. Equity Bank regularly communicates with customers about potential threats. Keep an eye on their official communications and update yourself with the latest fraud schemes. Lastly, continually monitor your account activity. From time to time, review your account statements and transaction history. Report any unfamiliar or suspicious activity immediately to the bank. Be wary of unsolicited emails or texts asking for personal or financial information. Legitimate organizations seldom request such details via email or text.
How to identify fraudulent attempts Phishing: Be wary of unsolicited emails or texts asking for personal or financial information. Legitimate organizations hardly ever request such details via email or text. Fake Websites and Apps: Fraudsters create fake websites or apps resembling legitimate ones. Always verify the authenticity of the site or app before providing any sensitive information. Social Engineering: Fraudsters may impersonate bank representatives, seeking information under pretenses. Remember, reputable institutions won’t ask for sensitive information over the phone or email. Equity Bank’s Commitment to Security Equity Bank prioritizes customer security. They employ robust security measures and continually update their systems to combat emerging threats. Also, they have invested in cutting-edge technology and provide educational resources to empower you to recognize and prevent fraud.
Click here for more information: https://equitygroupholdings.com/ke/secure- banking-tips Do NOT engage fraudsters on call or SMS – Equity will only call you through 0763 000 000. Do not receive instructions on phone through a phone call or SMS from people purporting to be Equity staff to commit any banking transaction on your phone. If you receive such a call or SMS, report by forwarding that number to 333 immediately. You can also visit the nearest Equity branch or Equity Agent for assistance. Ultimately, the convenience of mobile and Internet banking brings immense benefits, but it’s crucial to remain vigilant against fraud. As an Equity Bank customer, your awareness and proactive measures are pivotal in protecting your financial assets. By adopting best practices, staying informed, and leveraging the Bank’s resources, you fortify your defenses against fraudulent attempts, ensuring a secure and seamless banking experience.
In the realm of modern banking, convenience and innovation are the core pillars that shape the customer experience. This season, Equity Bank stands at the forefront in offering a suite of innovative payments designed to simplify transactions conveniently. Equity’s payment platforms will simplify paying fees and transform your shopping experiences while letting you embrace a hassle-free financial journey.
Equity stands by your side as a gateway to convenience, offering secure, efficient, and friendly platforms ensuring that you can focus on what truly matters during the back-to-school season. Boostika With Boostika, you don’t have to cancel transactions because of insufficient funds in your account while using the *247#, Equity Mobile App or Equitel. Boostika allows you to complete your transaction without exiting the payment process.
This is how it works:
You’ll receive a Boostika prompt. This prompt displays your limit and the amount needed to complete the transaction.
To proceed, accept the Boostika prompt and the linked terms and conditions.
An SMS notification is sent to confirm success and completion of the transaction. This solution allows you to top up any amount between Kes 100 and Kes 100,000 based on your limit when you have insufficient funds. What’s more, the repayment terms are unbelievably flexible. Equity Bank allows you to repay within 30 days of initiating it. During the 30 days, you can accumulate money in your account without automatic deductions since the amount borrowed is only repaid at the end of this 30-day allowable period.
Pay with Equity: Transforming Retail Experiences
Paybill solution for schools: This is a solution that enables you to pay from any payment channel, whether it is Mpesa, Airtel Money, PesaLink, Equitel or Equity Mobile App. Using the Paybill number 247247.
Equity Till Number: You can send school fees directly to the school’s account and pay for shopping anywhere you see the Equity Till Number sign for FREE e.g. at supermarkets, uniform sellers, bookshops, etc. All you need is to input the merchant’s Equity Till Number. Pay With Equity is available when you dial *247# on your line, your Equity Mobile App and Equitel line. Remember that paying to an Equity Customer or Equity channel from your Equity App, Equitel, Equity online is FREE. There is no charge.
Accessible Instant Loans
For those times when you need a financial boost, Equity Bank’s instant loans are readily available on your mobile phone. You can get a cash boost to cater for all your back-to-school needs such as fees payment or back to school shopping or related costs. You can access a loan of up to Kshs. 3million instantly on your phone. You don’t have to fill in any forms or have any guarantors. What’s more, you can monitor your loan balance and make repayments by simply dialing *247# on your current mobile line, via Equitel line or Equity Mobile App. If not a “Member” dial *247# and open an account Hapo Hapo.
Equity Cards: Tailored for Every Lifestyle
Equity’s range of debit and credit cards, including American Express Card, Mastercard, and VISA, simplifies the process of purchasing school supplies. The newly enhanced prepaid card for students also allows for secure management of pocket money. You can pay for your back-to- school shopping at supermarkets or fuel stations using Equity Debit or Credit cards. Simply use your Equity Mastercard, Visa or American Express Card to pay for goods and services at shops, supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, petrol stations, hospitals, salons, barbershops and any other outlets displaying the Equity, Mastercard, VISA or American Express (AMEX) sign. Paying with your Equity card is absolutely FREE!
Equity Digital Channels: Banking at Your Fingertips
Utilize Equity Bank’s convenient platforms such as Equity Mobile App, Equity Online, *247#, Equitel or Equity Agents to settle school fees directly with educational institutions. With *247#, Equitel, Equity Mobile App and EVA Chatbot, you can pay for goods and services at supermarkets or uniform shops, check your account balance or pay school fees by sending money straight from your phone to the school’s bank account. It’s secure, simple and convenient. Dial *247# and activate your access to your Equity account. Pick your Equitel 5G SIM today at any Equity Branch or select Equity Agents or download your Equity Mobile App today on Google Play Store or the App Store to experience back to school convenience.
You can also take advantage of Equity Online platform that allows customers to do banking using their laptops or desktops. Equity Online is a secure banking platform that enables you to pay for school fees directly from your account to the school’s account. All you need to have is the school account number to make the payment and the fees paid is received by the school immediately.
Whether you’re paying school fees, doing shopping, or handling unexpected expenses, Equity’s payment solutions provide secure, convenient, and efficient ways to manage your finances with ease, ensuring you’re always ready for what the school year brings.
A new report has revealed the positive impact of the Huawei DigiTruck program on digital skills training, income generation, and employment opportunities in Kenya.
The independent evaluation report was launched by the Kenyan government and Huawei Kenya at the Connected Africa Summit 2024.
Launched in 2019 under Huawei’s TECH4ALL initiative, the DigiTruck is a unique mobile, solar-powered classroom.
Equipped with internet connectivity, laptops, and smartphones, this converted shipping container travels to remote areas of Kenya.
The program provides free digital skills training to young people, empowering them to participate more actively in the digital economy.
Key Findings of the Report
Over 4,000 Youths Trained: The report surveyed 800 participants from the program’s 4,000+ trainees over the past four years.
Enhanced Work Capabilities: A significant 93% of respondents reported improved work capabilities after the training.
Knowledge Sharing: 79% of participants stated they shared their newly acquired digital skills with others in their communities, fostering a culture of digital literacy.
Employment and Income Growth: The report highlights a 6% decline in the unemployment rate among respondents. Additionally, 35% attributed an increase in income to starting businesses with their newfound digital skills.
The DigiTruck program is a prime example of successful collaboration between the Kenyan government, led by Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo, Ministry of Information, Communication & The Digital Economy, and Huawei Kenya.
“This DigiTruck program comes in handy because through this program we are able to reach very remote areas that ordinarily we would not access for purposes of digital skilling,” said Mr Owalo. “We want to thank Huawei for this innovative digital skilling program and we want to assure you that we will continue working with you.”
President William Ruto praised the program’s impact at the Connected Africa Summit.
“This is the impact of a simple intervention in terms of empowering the youth, and it affirms the promise of our collaborative approach and the power of partnerships in achieving ambitious goals,” he stated.
As Kenya embraces the digital age, digital skills are no longer a luxury but a necessity.
The DigiTruck initiative is at the forefront of equipping Kenyan youth with these essential skills, paving the way for a more prosperous future.
The recently concluded Connected Africa Summit 2024 saw a myriad of tech enterprises from startups, Innovation hubs and specialists converge at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi.
D4D Hub is one among them.
What is D4D Hub and what do they do?
In a bid to harness the power of digital technologies for global progress, the European Union unveiled the Digital for Development Hub (D4D Hub), a pioneering platform with a mission to foster human-centric digital transformation worldwide.
The D4D Hub’s core activities revolve around facilitating dialogue among stakeholders, nurturing innovative digital initiatives, bolstering investment in digital development projects, and promoting the exchange of expertise and best practices.
With a focus on cultivating an inclusive digital economy and embracing a multi-stakeholder approach, the initiative aims to ensure that the benefits of digital advancements are accessible to all.
Operating across regions including Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the EU Eastern Neighborhood, the D4D Hub serves as a nexus for collaboration between governments, businesses, civil societes.
From April 22nd to 25th, Nairobi hosted Connected Africa Summit (CAS) 2024, a pivotal gathering set that united African Heads of State, ICT Ministers, public and private sector leaders, academia, and global stakeholders in a collective pursuit of Africa’s digital advancement.
Organized by the Kenyan ICT Authority, CAS2024 served as a dynamic platform for comprehensive and inclusive dialogue, reflecting the diverse voices and perspectives shaping Africa’s digital landscape.
With a focus on fostering growth, connectivity, and innovation, the summit charted a transformative path for Africa’s digital future, yielding strategic outcomes with lasting impact.
Under the coordination of the Digital for Development Hub (D4D Hub), Team Europe stood at the forefront, spearheading a series of sessions in collaboration with Smart Africa.
During GirlsinICT Day, a global initiative dedicated to encouraging and empowering girls to explore careers and interests in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), D4D Hub led other stakeholders in reaffirming their commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity in the digital sphere.
During the final day of CAS24, participants proudly showed their support for the presence and active participation of Kenyan #GirlsInICT.
Recognizing the pivotal role that girls and women play in shaping the future of technology, efforts to encourage their involvement in ICT are gaining momentum.
“Bridging the gender digital divide is essential for creating a more equitable and inclusive digital society. By empowering girls to pursue ICT-related careers and interests, we not only unlock their potential but also contribute to the development of a diverse and innovative workforce. Let us celebrate the achievements of #GirlsInICT today and every day, as we strive towards a more inclusive and equitable digital future,” wrote D4D Hub in their X (Twitter) account.
These sessions showcased Team Europe’s commitment as a trusted partner in Africa’s journey towards a human-centric digital transformation, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and mutual prosperity.
CAS 2024 ignited new partnerships, inspired innovative solutions, and catalyzed collective action, paving the way for a connected and empowered Africa in the digital age.
The Connected Africa Summit 2024 concluded on a high note, celebrating groundbreaking advancements and innovation across multiple sectors.
The event, held to promote technological integration and connectivity across Africa, honored outstanding contributions in eight distinct categories: EdTech, Smart Cities and Mobilities, Agritech, Fintech, Trade & Logistics, Green Technology, Health Tech, and Creatives.
In the category of Smart Cities and Mobilities, the electric bike-sharing service Ebikes Africa rode to victory, showcasing their commitment to sustainable urban transportation. Close behind was THINK, recognized as the first runners-up for their innovative solutions in urban mobility.
EdTech witnessed fierce competition, with Mzizi emerging as the winner for their groundbreaking educational technology initiatives. Afri-stem claimed the first runners-up position, highlighting their dedication to STEM education in Africa.
Agritech showcased the potential for technology to revolutionize farming practices, with Terralima whose mission is to increase the income of farmers by streamlining the agricultural supply chain by helping farmers access extension services, financial services and fair produce prices. Vunapay secured the first runners-up position, underscoring the importance of financial solutions in the agricultural sector- The startup’s mission is to empower smallholder farmers in Kenya by partnering with Agricultural Cooperative Societies to provide efficient and transparent produce management solutions that result in maximum payouts to farmers.
In the realm of Fintech, Snap Pay stood out as the winner, demonstrating their commitment to transforming financial services in Africa. Tusenti earned recognition as the first runners-up for their innovative fintech solutions.
Trade & Logistics saw Apexloads emerge victorious, highlighting their contributions to streamlining logistics operations across the continent. Ticket Safari secured the first runners-up position, showcasing their innovative approach to ticketing solutions.
Green Technologies celebrated Ecomobilus as the winner, acknowledging their efforts to promote sustainable energy solutions. ACL Dimensions were recognized as the first runners-up for their contributions to environmental sustainability through technology.
Health Tech witnessed Zuri Health clinching the top spot for their groundbreaking healthcare innovations. Signvrse is a Kenyan startup that offers a mobile application focused on accessibility and communication for the Deaf community.
In the Creatives category, Uamuzi shone bright as the winner, showcasing their creativity and innovation in the arts. MymindCapsule claimed the first runners-up position, highlighting their unique approach to creative expression.
Ebikes Africa emerged victorious in the startup pitching competition, taking home the grand prize of Sh500,000. Vunapay and Signvrs followed closely behind, securing Sh300,000 and Sh200,000 respectively.
The summit not only celebrated the winners but also emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving Africa’s technological evolution.
With these groundbreaking initiatives, Africa is poised to lead the way in leveraging technology for sustainable development and progress.
UAE-based logistics startup Shorages has raised a $1 million pre-Series A funding round for international expansion. The round was led by Joa Capital as part of their S3 Ventures Fund.
Founded in 2019 by Rayan Osseiran, Shorages provides fulfilment centres around the UAE, and now the KSA, for e-commerce platforms to receive inventory and dispatch orders across the GCC region.
Its partner, Abdulrahman Almousa, noted: “Joa Capital proudly supports Shorages in their recent Pre-Series A funding round, underscoring our commitment to fostering innovative companies that are set to revolutionise the commerce landscape in the GCC and beyond. This investment aligns with our mission to build long-term partnerships with visionary entrepreneurs, aiming to amplify their impactful solutions across the region and foster a more interconnected and vibrant future.”
As an omnichannel logistics provider, Shorages is well-equipped with the infrastructure needed to help merchants launch and scale their business across B2B and B2C channels. To date, Shorages has supported several brands with their online and offline product distribution. Furthermore, the company leverages economies of scale to secure favourable terms from suppliers and extends those terms to its merchants.
The warehouse management and order fulfilment system developed by Shorages acts as a central software for merchants to operate through. When accessing the platform, merchants are provided with complete visibility of their stock levels, order statuses, and overall performance of their sales.
The software not only seamlessly integrates with B2C channels such as Shopify, Sala, and WooCommerce but also with marketplaces such as Amazon and Noon. In addition, the company implements its own software across the fulfilment centres it operates for staff to efficiently manage inventory and prepare orders.
This latest round will primarily be used for international expansion as Shorages plans to launch more warehouses across the GCC. With KSA already established, the company will also look to further enable brands to expand into the Kingdom, essentially building a bridge between the UAE and KSA.
Shorages’ CEO, Rayan Osseiran, adds: “We’ve witnessed firsthand the attractive position of the GCC as a new hub for brands to expand to. We aim to capitalise on that positioning by acting as the de facto logistics infrastructure for those companies. We are excited to welcome Joa Capital on board with us to help drive the company’s vision forward.”
Google has undertaken a reorganization of its “Core” teams, leading to the layoff of at least 200 employees, CNBC has learned.
The Core unit is responsible for building the technical foundation behind the company’s flagship products and for protecting users’ online safety. At least 50 of the eliminated positions were in engineering at the company’s offices in Sunnyvale, California. Asim Husain, vice president of Google Developer Ecosystem, announced the layoffs to his team in an email last week, stating that this was the biggest planned reduction for his team this year. Husain emphasised that the changes are “in service of our broader goals” as a company.
The teams involved in the reorganisation have been key to the company’s developer tools, an area Google is streamlining as it incorporates more artificial intelligence into its products. This move comes as Google prepares for its annual developer conference, Google I/O, where the company traditionally reveals new developer products and tools.
Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has been slashing headcount since early last year, following a downturn in the online ad market. Even with digital advertising rebounding recently, Alphabet has continued downsizing, with layoffs across multiple organisations this year.
The Core layoffs also include the governance and protected data group, which will be at the centre of regulatory challenges facing the company, particularly as lawmakers across the globe focus more on developments in AI.Google confirmed the Core reorganisation and layoffs, stating that employees will be able to apply for open roles within the company and access outplacement services.
Fawry, the banking technology and electronic payments, company has collaborated with Roboost, a delivery and logistics management company, to automate payroll for home delivery couriers.
The cooperation aims to enhance the efforts of the digital transformation process and achieves the principles of financial inclusion in the delivery industry.
Mr. Sherif Aboshady, the SMEs Director at “Fawry”, said: “We are pleased with this partnership with Roboost , and are excited to work together to bring about a comprehensive change in delivery operations management systems.”
As part of the joint cooperation, Fawry will provide delivery employees with myfawry yellowcards for convenient salary cashouts and empowering couriers with greater financial flexibility and control over their earnings, according to Roboost’s advanced solutions that manage the payroll data of more than 20,000 employees, based on detailed criteria, ensuring fair compensation based on specific aspects and eliminating the need for lengthy discussions with accounting teams.
The collaboration will save accounting teams countless hours in payroll calculations and aims to optimize the payment and benefits system for couriers.
In addition, Fawry will provide comprehensive medical insurance services for delivery employees, which confirms the company’s commitment to prioritize the welfare and retention of the courier workforce, and will provide all means of support to them in order to enhance the delivery industry.
The partnership between Fawry and Roboost represents an innovative step towards improving the courier experience and operational efficiency in the delivery industry.
In addition, it contributes in achieving an unparalleled delivery experience for end users , and improving retention rates of delivery employees within companies. With a shared commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, the partnership between Fawry and Roboost is poised to reshape the future of payroll management for home delivery couriers.
Mr. Mohamed Gessraha, CEO and Co-Founder of “Roboost” said: “Cooperation with Fawry, the first provider of financial technology services in Egypt, represents an important step in Roboost’s journey to automate all home delivery operations. This partnership will also greatly empower couriers in particular, which will lead to an improved overall customer experience.”
Today, in honor of Labour Day, Google’s homepage features a special doodle showcasing the diversity and importance of workers around the globe.
With the theme “Celebrating the Hands That Build Our World,” the doodle highlights the vital role human labor plays, even in a technology-driven age.
The interactive artwork depicts a vibrant montage of people engaged in various professions, from doctors and teachers to construction workers and farmers.
This visual tapestry emphasizes the interconnectedness of different jobs and how each contributes to the smooth functioning of society.
Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, is a day to recognize the achievements and contributions of the global workforce.
The Google Doodle serves as a timely reminder to appreciate the often-unnoticed efforts of those who keep our communities running.
It also sheds light on the ongoing fight for fair labor practices and worker solidarity.
This year’s doodle goes beyond mere celebration. It sparks a conversation about the value of every job and the importance of protecting worker rights.
By featuring a variety of professions, Google encourages us to acknowledge the essential role that all workers play in building a better future.
Google has opened applications for the 8th cohort of its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program which will target startups leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to address critical challenges and unlock new opportunities across the continent.
The Google for Startups Accelerator Africa is a three-month, equity-free virtual program that provides African startups with mentorship, technical resources, and access to a global network of experts and investors. Since its inception in 2018, the program has supported 106 startups from 17 African countries, that have collectively raised over $263 million and created more than 2,800 direct jobs.
Head of Startups Ecosystem, Africa at Google, Folarin Aiyegbusi, said: “We’re excited to support the next generation of African AI pioneers through the Google for Startups Accelerator, providing them with the resources and mentorship they need to build successful, impactful businesses. Africa’s tech ecosystem is a hotbed of innovation, and AI has the potential to be a transformative force across various sectors.”
According to Google , startups are the lifeblood of innovation, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and solving some of society’s most pressing challenges.
The company also stated that digital transformation is accelerating rapidly, and startups play a vital role in shaping the continent’s future. from fintech and agritech to healthcare and education.
Startups selected for the program will undergo accelerator class from June to September 2024. The startups will benefit an equity-free $350,000 allocation in Google Cloud Credits.
Other benefits for startups, include personalized guidance from Google AI experts, seasoned entrepreneurs, and industry leaders; in-depth training on AI/ML development, product strategy, and scaling; connections to potential investors, partners, and customers; and a supportive network of fellow founders facing similar challenges and opportunities.
For 2024, Google said applications are open from April 29 to May 20, 2024, and can be submitted here.
Samsung Electronics has just released its financial results for the first quarter of 2024, and the news is exceptionally positive. The company achieved a consolidated revenue of KRW 71.92 trillion ($66.5 billion USD), driven by robust sales of their flagship Galaxy S24 smartphones and increased prices for memory semiconductors. Notably, the operating profit surged to KRW 6.61 trillion ($4.85 billion), marking a remarkable tenfold growth compared to the same period last year.
The resurgence in profit can be attributed to several factors such as the Memory Business rebounded by addressing the demand for high-value-added products, including HBM, DDR5, server SSDs, and UFS 4.0 used in smartphones, laptops and other gadgets . Additionally, the Visual Display and Digital Appliances divisions recorded increased profitability.
Furthermore, the weakening of the Korean won against major currencies had a positive impact on the company-wide operating profit, adding approximately KRW 0.3 trillion ($277 million USD) compared to the previous quarter. Looking ahead, the second quarter is expected to remain solid, primarily driven by demand for generative AI in servers and storage. While mobile demand is predicted to be stable, PC customers may adjust their inventories ahead of new product launches in the latter half of the year
