Blog - Afrikan Heroes

Egyptian Edtech Startup, Educatly, Raises $1m Pre-seed Round

November 11, 2021

Mohammed El Sonbaty, CEO & Founder of Educatly

Educatly, an Egyptian EdTech platform, has secured a $1 million pre-seed round with investments from Enterprise Ireland, Falak Startups, and other Angel Investors. This pre-Seed round comes after the platform’s official launch in late 2020.

“The challenge Educatly addresses affects millions of students and educators globally. In the last few decades, the world has seen an incredible speed in digital transformation across every sector, however, some of those sectors are lacking behind this speed, and we are concerned about education as the global education ecosystems is fragmented and largely dependent on infrastructure we built ages ago which no longer fits the way we operate today and that has a lot of negative implications in how transparent but also efficient people access their lifelong learnings,” Mohammed El Sonbaty, CEO & Founder of Educatly said.

With the help of Falak Startups and Enterprise Ireland, Educatly will be able to accelerate its growth goals by incorporating new technologies such as AI and Blockchain, which will allow them to provide more value to their consumers. Educatly’s mission is to provide every student with transparent access to and assistance in the world of education, and their goal is to be able to tap into the complete student educational journey and use technology to help them have the greatest possible experience.

Educatly had been bootstrapping from its inception until they completed this pre-Seed Round. Educatly gained significant traction during this time, onboarding 450+ schools from around the world to work with, as well as over 45,000 student profiles on the site. Educaly plans to capitalize on this success by using the funds to further develop their product, hire key personnel, and increase their marketing and sales operations.

“Students want to have transparent access to all relevant opportunities out there while getting as personalized support as possible to reach the best possible decision. At educatly.com, users can browse through the largest up-to-date database globally with more than 120.000 higher education opportunities worldwide and filter according to their profile and preferences to find the programs most relevant for them. We leverage the latest technologies to narrow down the most relevant programs to support the decision-making process for them and offer personalized support through our network of consultants and ambassadors” — says Abdelrahman Ayman, Co-Founder, and COO.

A Look At What Educatly Does

Educatly is a website that allows students to search, compare, and apply to over 120,000 live and current higher education options throughout the world. Since then, the user base has swelled to over 100,000 users from 190 countries, with over half a million shows watched.

Educatly is on a quest to simplify the world’s education ecosystems by digitally mapping and integrating them. What LinkedIn has done for jobs, it is now doing for education. Educatly’s goal is to create the world’s most comprehensive educational network, featuring all schools/colleges, programs, scholarships, language classes, professors, students, and alumni. Educatly uses technology to bring all educational stakeholders together in a digital environment.

“COVID-19 has put universities at the same time under huge pressure to digitize not just their educational programs, but also the way they present their programs and interact with interested students. Student recruitment is already a very costly challenge for universities globally, where many universities rely on external support through local agencies to recruit students to fill their classes. 60% of Universities in the US rely on agencies to reach their recruitment goals, however, what is mostly unknown is that universities are paying between 10 and 30% of students fee as commission per enrollment to these agencies who at most time funnel students to their partners despite student potential and interest” says Joan Manuel, Co-Founder, and CCO.

Educatly Egyptian Educatly Egyptian

German Investor Makes Grand Entry Into Africa, Backs MFS Africa In $100m Series C

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning write

Tech Talent Startup Remoteli Secures $315K Investment from Ghanaian-Dutch Footballer

February 8, 2024

Remoteli, a Ghana-based tech talent startup, successfully secured £250,000 ($314,824) in pre-seed funding to fuel its expansion across Africa. The principal investor leading the funding round is Jeremie Frimpong, a Ghanaian-Dutch professional footballer associated with Bundesliga club Bayern Leverkusen. Remoteli’s founder, Samuel Brooksworth, initiated the company during the COVID-19 pandemic, identifying a crucial gap between unemployed young graduates and organizations struggling to grow. The primary aim of this funding is to scale operations, with a special focus on the ambitious target of facilitating employment for 1 million people by 2030. The collaboration with Frimpong also involves the Pathways project, addressing the career challenges faced by young footballers. This project aims to provide new opportunities and support in training and upskilling, unlocking potential careers beyond the football pitch.

Jeremie Frimpong’s decision to invest in Remoteli stems from a genuine belief in the startup’s mission. He emphasizes a personal commitment to developing opportunities for those facing limited prospects, drawing on his own background. Frimpong’s endorsement of Remoteli is grounded in its potential to make a positive impact, aligning with his values and the societal change he wishes to contribute to. Samuel Brooksworth’s pitch resonated with Frimpong, prompting an immediate buy-in. This strategic investment also aligns with a broader trend of football stars backing tech startups, highlighting a growing intersection between sports and technology.

A Look at Remoteli

Founded by Samuel Brooksworth, Remoteli is a tech talent startup originating from Ghana. The startup focuses on connecting African tech talents with remote workplace services. Its AI-powered software facilitates the matching of organizations with qualified tech professionals, while also offering a suite of tools and resources to empower companies worldwide. Remoteli has already made a significant impact, directly hiring over 100 individuals and supporting more than 100 dedicated clients. The startup’s expansion includes a recent move to Kigali, Rwanda, with plans to extend operations to various other African countries in 2024. Despite securing pre-seed funding, Remoteli emphasizes a history of strategic bootstrapping and minimal fundraising to maximize organic growth, with aspirations for a Series A round later in the year.

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert. As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard.

Zambian Construction Tech Startup Bosso Africa Secures Funding to Streamline Construction Supply Chain

In a bid to address the critical issue of affordable housing in Africa, Zambia-based company Bosso Africa is pioneering a transformative approach to streamline the construction supply chain. The company’s all-in-one online marketplace is set to revolutionize the accessibility of building materials for hardware stores, construction companies, and individual builders across the continent.

Bosso Africa’s CEO, Chisepo Chirwa, expressed the company’s commitment to making affordable building materials universally accessible through their innovative e-commerce platform. The platform aims to provide a faster, more cost-effective, and efficient solution to the challenges faced by millions in Africa’s construction industry.

One of Bosso Africa’s key strategies is the collaboration with financial institutions to enhance access to finance for its customers. By partnering with these institutions, Bosso offers a variety of financing options, including the increasingly popular “buy now pay later” (BNPL) credit approach, traditional mortgages, and the unique “save now, build later” (SNBL) approach.

Chirwa emphasized the immense challenges and potential within Africa’s construction industry, noting that Bosso Africa sees this as a significant opportunity to contribute to the continent’s development. The company’s mission aligns with the current push by many African governments to provide affordable housing for their citizens.

Renew Capital, an Africa-focused impact investment firm, recognizes the value of Bosso Africa’s innovative platform. Calvin Chitangala, Renew Capital’s investment and project manager for Zambia, highlighted the pivotal role of affordable housing materials in achieving the goal of affordable housing. Renew Capital is pleased to support Bosso Africa in its journey to improve the sourcing of building materials in Africa.

Bosso Africa’s strategic collaborations with manufacturers play a crucial role in offering a diverse product range while enhancing transparency and efficiency in the construction supply chain. This, in turn, helps to reduce transaction costs, making affordable housing more attainable for a broader segment of the population.

As Bosso Africa continues to gain momentum, it is anticipated that their e-commerce platform will not only contribute to the growth of the construction industry but also foster sustainable development and address the pressing need for affordable housing across the continent.

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert. As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard.

EMURGO Africa Invests in Fig Finance to Drive Financial Inclusion in Africa

February 7, 2024

EMURGO Africa, the venture arm of Cardano’s official commercial entity, has announced a strategic investment in Fig Finance, a US-incorporated company providing innovative financial solutions across Africa, the EU, and the US. The partnership aims to revolutionize access to capital for underserved small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Africa while setting a precedent for similar models in other regions.

In many African nations, traditional banking systems face challenges in catering to the needs of creditworthy SMEs. Issues such as limited access to credit data and inadequate infrastructure hinder traditional banks in serving this crucial sector. This collaboration addresses these gaps, presenting a significant opportunity to democratize access to capital for SMEs.

Fig Finance has distinguished itself by demonstrating the ability to disburse loans instantly to hundreds of small businesses daily, with zero defaults. Leveraging the founders’ networks established during their roles as CEOs of emerging market banks and founders/advisors to major tech companies in Africa, Fig has positioned itself as an efficient and transparent access point for real-world decentralized finance (DeFi) lending in Africa and beyond.

Ahmed M. Amer, CEO of EMURGO Africa, emphasized the commitment to driving financial inclusion and empowering African communities on the Cardano blockchain. He stated, “By investing in Fig, we are not only supporting a pioneering fintech company but also contributing to the development of a robust DeFi ecosystem that empowers SMEs and fuels sustainable economic growth across the continent.”

Oscar Price, CEO of Fig Finance, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to join forces with EMURGO Africa and enable capital to flow from DeFi to creditworthy businesses, with full line of sight and real-time reporting that has not previously existed.”

Akinseye Akinola, CFO of Fig Finance, highlighted the global underservice of SMEs by traditional lenders, noting the value Fig’s technology brings to solving this problem. “We’re excited to have built technology that solves this problem and can be deployed by our distribution partners with no coding required,” he added.

The collaboration represents a significant step in fostering a thriving DeFi ecosystem in Africa. EMURGO Africa’s investment in Fig Finance is seen as a testament to its dedication to empowering African entrepreneurs and unlocking new avenues for economic growth on the continent.

EMURGO Africa, as the commercial arm of Cardano in Africa, focuses on accelerating blockchain technology adoption by building partnerships and supporting the development of a vibrant DeFi ecosystem. Fig Finance’s technology, which allows B2B platforms to automate lending programs for small businesses, aligns with this vision, offering a quick, white-labeled, and flexible solution for institutional lenders and leading B2B platforms.

Through strategic partnerships like this, EMURGO Africa aims to pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future for Africa by harnessing the transformative potential of blockchain technology and decentralized finance.

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert. As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard.

Why Mastercard Is Backing MTN Fintech Arm in a $200 Million Deal

In a strategic move aimed at fostering financial inclusion in Africa, Mastercard has solidified its commitment to the growth and development of MTN Group Fintech, the fintech arm of telecommunications giant MTN Group. This landmark deal sees Mastercard acquiring a minority stake valued at up to $200 million (approximately R3.8 billion) in MTN Group Fintech, elevating its valuation to an impressive US$5.2 billion on a cash- and debt-free basis.

The collaboration, initially announced in October of last year, is still pending finalization as it navigates through “customary closing conditions.” However, both parties are optimistic about the transformative impact this partnership will have on the financial landscape of the African continent.

MTN, in a statement, emphasized the broader significance of these agreements, stating, “These agreements complement the larger commercial relationship between the group and Mastercard to support the continued development and growth of technology and infrastructure to drive financial inclusion across the African continent.”

At the heart of this collaboration is the recognition of the pivotal role fintech plays in driving financial inclusion. Mastercard’s investment is not only a financial endorsement but also a strategic alignment to support the acceleration of MTN Fintech’s payments and remittance services. This injection of capital is expected to fortify MTN Group Fintech’s position as a key player in the evolving digital financial landscape of Africa.

The $200-million deal signifies Mastercard’s confidence in the potential of MTN Group Fintech and its vision for advancing financial services in the region. The investment will be instrumental in scaling up operations, enhancing technological infrastructure, and expanding the reach of financial services to underserved populations.

While the deal has been announced, it is essential to note that its finalization is subject to customary closing conditions. Regulatory approvals are underway, and stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the green light to commence the next phase of this collaboration.

Looking ahead, MTN expressed its commitment to exploring additional opportunities for value-enhancing partnerships and investments. Subject to market conditions, the company aims to engage with strategic partners and long-term investors, signaling a broader strategy to drive innovation and financial inclusivity in the African fintech space.

The Mastercard investment in MTN Group Fintech represents a pivotal moment in the journey toward financial inclusion in Africa. The $200-million deal underscores not only the financial backing but also the shared vision of both companies to drive technological advancement and accessibility in digital financial services across the continent.

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert. As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard.

Senegalese Startup Kwely Secures Funding for Global Expansion

Digital Africa, a leading investment group, is thrilled to announce that Kwely Inc., a Senegalese startup, has secured funding from Fuzé, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of the Made-in-Africa products in the global market.

Kwely Inc., founded in the first quarter of 2020, operates as a B2B wholesale distribution network focusing on Made-in-Africa products. The company collaborates with local suppliers to develop new and existing African brands, aiming to achieve export-ready status and redefine the perception of African products globally.

During a challenging economic period for many, Digital Africa is providing essential support to startups like Kwely Inc. The investment group recognizes the significance of fostering the growth of e-commerce platforms, especially those dedicated to showcasing the richness of African products worldwide.

Birame Sock Ali Mnif, Founder and CEO of Kwely, expressed her excitement, stating, “We are truly delighted to have a genuine partner in Fuzé who shares Kwely’s vision. We remain committed to showcasing Made-in-Africa products globally and appreciate the support in achieving our goals.”

As the Chief Investment Officer of Digital Africa, Ali Mnif emphasized the innovative approach taken by Kwely in supporting local producers and artisans. The initial results have been promising, and both Digital Africa and Fuzé express their confidence in Kwely’s success in the upcoming stages.

Kwely is not merely a distribution platform; it is a catalyst for the global presence of high-quality Made-in-Africa items.

The platform’s primary goal is to position Made-in-Africa products in major global retail outlets, hotels, airports, specialized shops, and restaurants. Kwely’s comprehensive approach includes not only distribution but also the development of a proprietary platform for B2B wholesale transactions and a packaging studio to ensure products meet international standards.

In April 2021, Kwely initiated the TEKKI Challenge in Senegal, presenting an opportunity for ten local food and cosmetics firms to enhance their branding, packaging, and market access. Through this initiative, Kwely has collaborated with these businesses, co-developing Made-in-Africa products and brands ready for export and compliant with international quality standards.

With the introduction of its packaging studio, Kwely is poised to offer filling and packaging services meeting stringent global requirements, including those set by the United States Food and Drug Administration and other international standardization agencies.

Kwely’s collaboration with #Fuzé marks a pivotal moment for the startup and reflects the growing confidence in the potential of Made-in-Africa products to captivate global markets. As Kwely continues to pursue its vision, Digital Africa and Fuzé stand as steadfast supporters, determined to redefine the landscape of African e-commerce on a global scale.

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert. As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard.

Investors Bet Big on Nigeria’s Klas as User Base Surpasses 5,000 Online Schools Globally

February 6, 2024

Nigerian online teaching platform, Klas, recently secured $1 million in pre-seed funding. The funding round was spearheaded by Ingressive Capital, with contributions from Techstars, HoaQ, and various angel investors. Founded in 2022 by Nathan Nwachuku and Lekan Adejumo, Klas specializes in enabling users to develop and sell ebooks, courses, and conduct live classes. This platform encompasses essential components like scheduling, payments, community features, analytics, and video conferencing across diverse subjects such as coding, design, finance, art, and languages.

The investment serves as a strategic move for Klas, allowing it to expand its services and enhance user experiences. The startup has already gained traction with a user base of over 5,000 online schools and 300,000 learners across 30 countries. The platform stands out by providing a simplified toolset and user-friendly interface, differentiating itself from established competitors in the market.

Why the Investors Invested

Investors committed to Klas for several strategic and compelling reasons, demonstrating a strong belief in the startup’s potential to disrupt the online education market.

Founder’s Personal Story and Vision:

Nathan Nwachuku’s personal journey significantly influenced investor confidence. Facing adversity after losing an eye and undergoing a two-month coma, Nwachuku leveraged his passion for physics and the challenges he encountered in existing platforms to ideate Klas. This narrative resonated with investors, showcasing the founder’s resilience, determination, and unique perspective.

Late Mover Advantage:

Investors recognized Klas’s strategic positioning as a late mover in the market. The founders identified a gap where existing platforms like Kajabi and Thinkific were deemed overwhelming for first-time users. Klas differentiated itself by providing a simplified toolset and user-friendly experience, catering to the growing demand for online education. Investors saw the potential for Klas to capture a substantial market share by addressing the needs of beginners in the online education space.

Innovative Approach to Education Technology:

Klas’s commitment to a closed ecosystem and the development of its virtual classroom tool, KlasLife, from the ground up, showcased innovation. Investors were attracted to the startup’s unique video architecture, distinguishing it from competitors that relied on external tools like Zoom or Google Meet. This commitment to building a proprietary solution demonstrated a forward-thinking approach, enhancing the overall user experience and setting Klas apart in a crowded market.

Market Potential and User Growth:

Klas demonstrated impressive user growth, boasting a user base of over 5,000 online schools and 300,000 learners across 30 countries. Investors recognized the startup’s potential to tap into the rising global demand for online education. With a focus on making online classes accessible to a broader audience, especially in regions with increasing demand, Klas’s market potential aligned with investors’ interests in participating in a venture with substantial scalability.

Strategic Expansion Plans:

Klas outlined a clear roadmap for expansion, targeting markets such as India and North America. The startup’s emphasis on addressing currency devaluation concerns by facilitating transactions in local currencies showcased a thoughtful approach to international growth. Investors were likely attracted to Klas’s well-defined strategy for reaching

A Look at Klas

Founded in 2022 by Nathan Nwachuku, who initiated the project after a personal setback, and co-founder Lekan Adejumo, Klas has quickly grown into a platform with a global presence. The startup focuses on empowering users to set up and run online schools with ease. Its unique selling point lies in providing a closed ecosystem, building its virtual classroom tool called KlasLife from scratch.

Currently boasting a user base primarily concentrated in Nigeria, Klas aims to expand its international reach, with a focus on India and North America. The startup’s strategic approach includes facilitating transactions in local currencies to address currency devaluation concerns. Looking forward, Klas envisions powering up to 100,000 online schools globally by 2027, emphasizing both its commitment to growth and its mission to make online education accessible worldwide.

Klas online school Klas online school Klas online school

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert. As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard.

Mirova Gigaton Fund Surpasses $282 Million Milestone for Clean Energy in Emerging Markets

Sustainable investment manager Mirova has announced a significant milestone in its efforts to expedite the shift to clean energy in emerging markets. The Mirova Gigaton Fund, launched a year ago with the aim of raising $500 million, has successfully secured $282 million in commitments, marking a remarkable achievement in its mission to support sustainable initiatives worldwide.

The recent boost came in the form of a $75 million senior commitment from the European Investment Bank (EIB), adding to the diverse set of contributions that have poured in since the fund’s initial closing in March 2023. This development represents more than half of the fund’s target capital and underscores the growing support for sustainable investments in the financial landscape.

The primary objective of the Mirova Gigaton Fund is to provide medium- to long-term debt financing for clean energy projects, with a specific focus on emerging regions such as Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. The fund seeks to rally support from institutional investors for impactful endeavors related to climate mitigation and adaptation, social development, economic infrastructure, and gender equality investments.

Focusing primarily on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the fund directs attention to various sectors, including solar home systems, agri-solar, commercial and industrial solar, telecom tower solarization, mini-grids, and emerging areas such as e-mobility, battery storage, climate-smart food systems, energy efficiency, and carbon credit pre-financing.

Aligned with the G7-founded 2X Challenge initiative, the Mirova Gigaton Fund aims to enhance the well-being of women in emerging markets. This involves facilitating access to finance for female entrepreneurs, increasing women’s access to clean energy, fostering equitable and quality employment, and supporting entrepreneurial success.

In addition to the substantial commitment from the European Investment Bank, Mirova also disclosed a €5 million catalyst junior investment through the Luxembourg-EIB Climate Finance Platform. This platform is designed to stimulate investments from both public and private sectors into high-impact companies operating in emerging markets involved in climate change and mitigation projects.

Projects already supported by the Mirova Gigaton Fund include SunCulture, a Kenya-based provider of solar and irrigation systems for smallholder farmers; Solar Panda, a home solar system provider; and Energy Vision, a clean energy solutions provider focused on Gabon and Nigeria.

As the Mirova Gigaton Fund continues to gain momentum, its success not only signifies a major step towards a sustainable future but also highlights the increasing importance of private investment in clean energy initiatives in emerging markets. The fund’s commitment to promoting gender equality and its alignment with global initiatives like the 2X Challenge showcase its dedication to creating a positive impact on both the environment and local communities.

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert. As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard.

Tanzanian Innovative Healthcare Startup Medikea Secures Funding to Tackle Climate-Induced Health Crises

Medikea recently attracted a significant investment from the Catalyst Fund to support its mission of providing affordable healthcare services to vulnerable populations in Tanzania. The investment amount is undisclosed.

The intention behind this investment is to address the pressing healthcare needs exacerbated by climate change impacts in Africa. Medikea’s innovative hybrid model combines round-the-clock telemedicine with physical clinics, strategically located in underserved communities, making essential healthcare services more accessible to Tanzanians who face challenges in obtaining quality medical care.

The investment aims to fuel the expansion of Medikea’s reach and impact, particularly in the face of the growing demand for healthcare services due to climate-related health issues.

The decision to invest in Medikea stems from a careful consideration of the impactful role the startup plays in addressing the healthcare challenges intensified by climate change in Africa.

The continent is experiencing a surge in health issues related to malnutrition, infectious diseases, heat-related conditions, and more, with a scarcity of healthcare resources. Medikea’s hybrid model directly tackles this issue by providing an integrated care ecosystem that combines physical clinics with telemedicine support.

This approach not only makes healthcare services more affordable but also ensures that vulnerable communities receive timely and quality care. The fact-based rationale for the investment lies in the urgent need for accessible healthcare services in the face of increasing climate-related health threats and the potential to break the cycle of poverty caused by high healthcare costs.

A Look at Medikea

Medikea, founded just over a year ago, is the brainchild of CEO Dr. Elvis Silayo and COO Dr. Desire Ruhinda, both of whom have extensive medical experience gained from practicing at Tanzania’s national hospital. The startup operates in Tanzania’s largest city, Dar es Salaam, with a current focus on providing care to those living on limited budgets.

Medikea’s unique approach combines virtual telemedicine with physical clinics, offering affordable primary care and diagnostics. The startup has already served nearly 10,000 Tanzanians, providing crucial services such as consultations, connections to specialists, and pharmacies at a cost nearly half of alternative options.

Medikea’s innovative use of telemedicine, mobile savings schemes, and preventative approaches positions it as a key player in expanding healthcare access for overlooked groups facing the dual challenges of poverty and climate threats. The founders’ commitment to maximizing impact and their innovative model make Medikea a promising player in the African healthcare landscape.

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert. As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard.

Renew Capital Angels Invest in Tappi, Aiming to Revolutionize Digital Marketing Solutions for African SMEs

February 5, 2024

Tappi, a Pan-African digital marketing startup, is set to redefine how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) establish their online presence, following a recent investment by Renew Capital Angels. The infusion of capital is expected to propel Tappi’s mission of empowering African businesses to craft digital identities swiftly and connect with their target markets seamlessly.

Tappi offers an innovative end-to-end Software as a Service (SaaS) and enterprise-grade tools that streamline website creation, customer engagement, and online advertising for SMEs. With the ability to create an online identity in under two minutes, the platform provides integrated access to major advertising channels such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads, revolutionizing digital marketing strategies for African businesses.

Kenfield Griffith, co-founder of Tappi, expressed his enthusiasm about the transformative impact the investment will have on SMEs across Africa. “Tappi is a catalyst for SMEs entering the digital world, and with the investment, we are set to amplify this transformation across Africa’s diverse markets. We are enthusiastic about leveraging this investment to deepen our connections with SMEs on the continent,” said Griffith.

Tappi’s platform features an intuitive chat tool powered by artificial intelligence, facilitating seamless webpage setup to ensure businesses are visible online. The company’s solution extends beyond marketing, enhancing customer communication via WhatsApp, reducing operational costs, and enabling direct transactions and feedback collection.

Drawing on their success with Ajua, where they developed customer experience tools for major banks and operators, Tappi’s founders, Kenfield Griffith and Louis Majanja, are now leveraging their expertise to provide bespoke digital solutions tailored for SMEs.

Tappi’s operations are designed to address the increasing demand for digital marketing solutions and online presence tools for small and growing businesses in Africa. The platform captures verified customer reviews, bolstering business trust, credibility, and insights. Esther Mwikali, Renew Capital’s Investment Manager for Kenya, highlighted the remarkable impact of Tappi in high-growth markets, stating, “Their passion, grit, and impact are among some of the things we look for at Renew Capital. We are delighted to partner with Tappi to transform how SMEs engage customers and manage their online footprint.”

Renew Capital, an Africa-focused impact investment firm, manages investments made on behalf of the Renew Capital Angels, a global network of angel investors, foundations, and family offices seeking both financial returns and sustainable social impact. The partnership between Renew Capital and Tappi reflects a commitment to driving positive change and innovation in the digital landscape for African SMEs.

Tappi Digital marketing Tappi Digital marketing

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert. As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard.

YUP Cameroon Succumbs to Financial Pressures: Société Générale’s Mobile Money Arm Enters Liquidation

February 2, 2024

In a major development, YUP Cameroon, a subsidiary of the French bank Société Générale specializing in Mobile Money, has been officially placed in liquidation. The decision was made during an extraordinary general meeting held on December 29, 2023, following the company’s financial troubles since 2022. The renowned financial expert, Manfred Penda, sworn in near the courts of Littoral and Adamaoua, has been appointed as the liquidator, according to a recent public statement.

The decision to liquidate YUP Cameroon stemmed from its deteriorating financial situation, rendering the company no longer profitable. A public note reveals that the general assembly, after reviewing the reports of the board of directors dated March 1, 2022, and the auditor’s report on the annual financial statements as of December 31, 2022, which indicated that the company’s equity was below its share capital, approved the reports and decided on the early dissolution of the company through an amicable liquidation.

YUP Cameroon ceased its operations in the country in 2022, and at that time, only 22,332 out of 689,071 accounts were active, constituting a mere 3.35% of the total. Disturbingly, more than 96% of the accounts opened with YUP Cameroon were inactive. The data from the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) Banking Commission revealed that during February 2022, YUP recorded 163,867 transactions with a cumulative amount exceeding 11 billion FCFA. This figure pales in comparison to the country’s average of 133 million monthly transactions in Mobile Money during 2022, with a monthly value averaging 1,434 billion FCFA.

As the appointed liquidator of YUP Cameroon, Manfred Penda is mandated to represent the company in all liquidation activities. The Uniform Act of the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA) governing commercial companies and economic interest groups outlines his responsibilities. Penda is authorized to settle outstanding debts with creditors and distribute the remaining assets among shareholders. However, he is restricted from initiating new business activities without judicial authorization, solely for the purposes of liquidation.

The duration of the liquidation process has not been disclosed, but according to Article 216 of the OHADA Uniform Act, “the liquidation must be concluded within a period of three years from the dissolution of the company.” Penda is obligated to convene a shareholders’ meeting within six months of his appointment to report on the company’s situation.

Manfred Penda, an Essec graduate, serves as the managing partner of Fred & Associés Solutions. He brings valuable experience from his previous roles at the Société sucrière du Cameroun (Sosucam) and the Société camerounaise des Palmeraies (Socapalm), where he held positions as the director of administration and control management and director of control management, respectively.

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert. As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard.