TechPression

Category: Innovation

  • Zinari Fund lands $8 million to support Ghanaian female-led startups

    Zinari Fund lands $8 million to support Ghanaian female-led startups

    Zinari Fund announced today that it will support Ghanaian female entrepreneurs. The fund raised $8 million in its inaugural close to help regional women-led enterprises.

    This initiative promotes gender equality and innovation in African entrepreneurship beyond finance.

    Read also: ECA advocates for technology-driven higher education for Africa’s sustainable development

    A new era for female entrepreneurs

    The Zinari Fund’s mission is to create an ecosystem where female-led startups can thrive. This funding round marks a pivotal moment for women entrepreneurs in Ghana, who often face barriers to accessing capital and resources. 

    The Venture Capital Trust Fund (VCTF) ‘s participation as an anchor investor is particularly noteworthy. It helps mitigate risks for private investors and encourages more financial backing for female founders.

    In a statement regarding the fund’s launch, a Zinari Fund representative emphasised this initiative’s importance: “We believe that by investing in women-led businesses, we are not only supporting individual entrepreneurs but also contributing to the economic growth of our communities.” 

    This sentiment echoes the growing recognition that empowering women in business can lead to broader societal benefits.

    Read also: MTN’s child safety campaign addresses online harassment and exploitation in Africa

    Addressing challenges and building opportunities

    Despite the promising outlook, female entrepreneurs in Ghana still encounter significant challenges. According to various reports, women-led businesses often struggle with limited access to financing, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The Zinari Fund aims to address these issues head-on by providing capital, strategic support, and guidance for startups.

    The fund’s approach includes offering resources tailored specifically for women entrepreneurs, such as training programs, mentorship schemes, and networking events. By fostering a supportive environment, Zinari Fund hopes to inspire more women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and contribute to the economy.

    The impact of this funding extends beyond individual startups; it has the potential to inspire a cultural shift towards recognising and valuing women’s contributions in business. As more female-led startups emerge and succeed, they can be role models for future entrepreneurs.

  • MTN opens innovative Digital Experience Centre in Johannesburg

    MTN opens innovative Digital Experience Centre in Johannesburg

    MTN South Africa has opened its cutting-edge Digital Experience Centre in Morningside, Johannesburg. For high-tech, experience-driven retail spaces, the facility establishes a new standard for the nation.

    “The MTN Digital Experience Centre embodies our commitment to staying ahead of global trends while meeting the evolving needs of our customers,” said Mmenyana Ranku, General Manager: Branded Retail Channel at MTN South Africa.

    According to Ranku, every element of the MTN Digital Experience Centre is designed to give users the chance to experiment with emerging technologies and demonstrate how MTN and its partners are leading the way in innovation.

    Read also: MTN’s child safety campaign addresses online harassment and exploitation in Africa

    Visitors can explore a variety of kiosks and stalls featuring state-of-the-art technology and engage with it at their leisure.

    To become even more engrossed in the newest technology, subscribers can also go to experience zones. This includes the Connected Home Area, which demonstrates how smart home appliances, automated lighting, and security systems may be powered by MTN’s 5G technology.

    Latest devices and gaming section at the MTN Digital Experience Centre 

    The best location to obtain the newest technological gadgets in South Africa is the MTN Digital Experience Centre. The newest smartphones, tablets, wearables, and other devices from companies like Apple, OPPO, Vivo, Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, Honour, and others are available for purchase. For every purchase, these brands will offer both pre-and post-sales assistance.

    The MTN Digital Experience Center also houses a dedicated gaming section, where users can use PlayStation 5 consoles and MTN’s blazing-fast connectivity to play games like Fortnite, FIFA, and a variety of VR-powered games.

    Additionally, MTN and Mettlestate will regularly host gaming competitions where competitive players can compete for rewards.

    Read also: MTN South Africa introduces biodegradable SIM cards to reduce environmental plastic waste

    MTN’s business solutions to improve connectivity and productivity 

    Visitors’ business ICT needs can be handled by the MTN Digital Experience Centre, which is equally well-equipped. It provides professionals and enterprises with a thorough rundown of the wide range of MTN Business solutions that are intended to improve connectivity and productivity.

    These consist of managed security services, cloud services, IoT, MTN private networks, and unified communications and collaboration.

    Additionally, businesses can use the cutting-edge boardroom for client meetings and the Creative Talk Studio for small events.

    “The MTN Digital Experience Centre is more than just a store – it’s a celebration of mobile technology and a window into the future of connectivity,” said Ranku.

  • Ethio Telecom, Jigjiga City Administration sign agreement to execute Smart City project

    Ethio Telecom, Jigjiga City Administration sign agreement to execute Smart City project

    The Jigjiga City Administration and Ethio Telecom on Saturday signed an agreement to carry out the Smart City project, the capital of Ethiopia’s Somali Region sometimes referred to as Somalie or Khatumo.

    Enormous benefits of the Smart City project 

    The agreement will improve industries like education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and tourism through the construction of cloud services, contact centres, data centres, high-capacity fibre lines, and associated digital infrastructure.

    Read also: Smart Zambia expands GWAN to 88 locations, boosts digital access across country

    The Smart City project facilitates payments via Telebirr and offers state-of-the-art digital solutions to the city administration. It not only modernises the system but also improves city safety.

    The project will significantly improve the quality of life for residents by saving time, money, and effort, while providing efficient, high-quality services. It will also enhance accessibility and increase Jigjiga’s appeal as an investment hub, boosting competitiveness.

    Additionally, the project will create jobs, boost corporate activity, and establish a vibrant, dynamic environment for growth and innovation, resulting in social and economic development.

  • Art meets tech: NCAC, NITDA join forces to support Nigerian talent

    Art meets tech: NCAC, NITDA join forces to support Nigerian talent

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) announced a partnership yesterday to improve Nigeria’s cultural and creative sectors through digital innovation. This partnership empowers indigenous talent and promotes Nigerian culture worldwide.

    Read also: NITDA issues warning on Grandoreiro malware

    Bridging art and technology

    The partnership will focus on key initiatives, including the popular talent show Nigeria’s Got Talent and the BuyNigeria.ng e-commerce platform. 

    According to a joint statement, this initiative will initially target markets in major cities like Kano, Lagos, Aba, and Abuja, facilitating online access for traders and artisans. The goal is to enhance visibility and productivity within these communities, aligning with NCAC’s vision for cultural growth.

    “The initial phase will focus on markets in Kano, Lagos, Aba, and Abuja,” the statement noted, emphasising the importance of fostering accessibility for local businesses.

    Moreover, NITDA’s involvement in Nigeria’s Got Talent aims to integrate digital literacy programs into the show. This integration will create opportunities for participants to thrive in a digitally empowered environment. 

    NCAC Director-General Obi Asika highlighted that “Nigeria’s Got Talent is more than a competition; it’s a celebration of our national identity,” showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity.

    Empowering local talent

    The partnership also aims to expand NCAC’s flagship program, Innovate, Create, Empower (ICE). This program is designed to upskill participants in the cultural and creative industries. 

    Read also: NITDA, Japanese agency launch iHatch Cohort 4 to empower 185 startups

    With NITDA’s support, ICE plans to reach 2 million Nigerians across 1,000 locations by 2027. NITDA will provide essential training facilities and digital labs to enhance the program’s impact.

    In addition to these initiatives, both agencies are committed to developing digital platforms for cultural inventory and fan engagement. These platforms will leverage NITDA’s cloud services and local distribution networks to strengthen Nigeria’s creative economy. 

    As noted in their joint release, “This collaboration marks a significant step in merging Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage with modern digital innovation.” This approach promotes local talent and prepares them for a competitive global market.

    As Obi Asika stated, “We are projecting our culture while introducing it to new generations and international audiences,” ensuring that Nigeria’s artistic heritage continues to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

    NITDA’s new partnership with the show promises to boost the digital literacy space and increase opportunities.

  • UNESCO and Triggerfish ignite African women’s animation

    UNESCO and Triggerfish ignite African women’s animation

    Triggerfish, a prominent animation studio based in Cape Town, has partnered with UNESCO to launch The Creator Labs, an innovative initiative to empower women in African animation. 

    This programme, launched on December 9, 2024, addresses gender inequities in the industry, contributing $5 billion to Africa’s GDP and employing over 5 million people.

    Women, particularly women of colour, continue to be under-represented in positions of authority despite the stunning statistics shown here.

    Read also: Global MIL Week 2024: How UNESCO is tackling Africa’s digital misinformation crisis

    Empowering women through education

    The Creator Labs will offer two specialised tracks: a Director’s Lab for aspiring directors and an Animation Art Lab for artists. Through masterclasses given by industry specialists, participants can get mentoring and network with other professionals.

    Carina Lücke, Director of the Triggerfish Foundation, emphasised the importance of this initiative: “Empowering African women in animation isn’t just about inclusion—it’s about innovation”. 

    UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone R highlighted the need for this program, stating that it addresses educational gaps that disproportionately affect women in the sector. 

    The labs aim to enhance career opportunities through technical and vocational education.

    Read also: UNESCO launches AI readiness assessment methodology in Nigeria

    A cultural shift in animation

    The Creator Labs focus on skill development and aim to foster a cultural shift within the animation industry. 

    The initiative seeks to enrich storytelling with diverse perspectives by prioritising women’s leadership roles. 

    Participants will learn from notable figures such as Ng’endo Mukii and Cinzia Angelini, who have significantly contributed to global animation.

    By forming this revolutionary cooperation between Triggerfish and UNESCO, the goal is to foster the development of a new generation of female leaders responsible for shaping the future of African animation.

    Applications for The Creator Labs opened on December 9, 2024, and will close on January 5, 2025. The online sessions are set to begin in March 2025. For details, see Triggerfish Academy.

  • Sonatel invests in Eyone to digitise medical records in Senegal

    Sonatel invests in Eyone to digitise medical records in Senegal

    Sonatel, a leading telecommunications company in West Africa, announced on December 6, 2024, its investment in Eyone’s $1 million funding round to digitise medical records. This strategic move reflects Sonatel’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility through technology.

    Read also: Mastercard, NAT partner to introduce prepaid card in Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and Benin

    Investment details

    Eyone, a startup focused on digital health solutions, aims to streamline medical record management in Senegal. Eyone seeks to improve patient care and reduce administrative burdens on healthcare providers by digitising records.

    “Our goal is to make healthcare more efficient and accessible,” stated Eyone’s CEO, highlighting the transformative potential of their technology.

    Sonatel’s investment is part of its broader strategy to diversify its portfolio beyond telecommunications. The company has been actively seeking opportunities in the tech sector, recognising the importance of digitalisation in various industries.

    “Investing in Eyone aligns with our vision of supporting innovative solutions that benefit society,” said Sonatel’s spokesperson.

    Read also: Hub2 raises US$8.4 million to drive seamless digital payments across francophone Africa

    Impact on healthcare

    The digitisation of medical records is crucial for improving healthcare delivery in Senegal. Many healthcare facilities rely on paper records, which can lead to inefficiencies and errors. By transitioning to digital systems, Eyone aims to enhance data accuracy and facilitate better decision-making among healthcare professionals.

    This investment not only supports Eyone but also strengthens Sonatel’s position as a key player in the digital transformation of West Africa. As the region faces increasing healthcare challenges, such initiatives are vital for fostering sustainable development.

    “We believe that technology can bridge gaps in healthcare access and quality,” added the spokesperson.

    Sonatel’s backing will enable Eyone to scale its operations and reach more healthcare providers across Senegal. This partnership exemplifies how telecommunications companies can leverage resources to drive innovation in other sectors.

  • Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator hosts 23 fintech startups to pitch to investors in Cape Town 

    Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator hosts 23 fintech startups to pitch to investors in Cape Town 

    Visa recently hosted its second Demo Day for the Africa Fintech Accelerator program, bringing together 23 pioneering fintech startups in Cape Town, South Africa.

    The event provided a platform for these startups to pitch their innovative solutions to an audience of venture capitalists, angel investors, business partners, and ecosystem enablers.

    Read also: Innovative corporate cards: Swypex, Visa modernise business payments in Egypt

    Celebrating African innovation

    Aida Diara, Senior Vice President and Head of Visa Sub-Saharan Africa, commended the participants for their ingenuity and transformative ideas. “I am incredibly impressed by the innovative solutions presented by the startups. Their creative approaches to solving financial challenges are truly inspiring. We are immensely proud to support these fintech pioneers, who are driving digital transformation and showcasing remarkable potential for growth and scalability,” Diara said.

    The Demo Day marked the culmination of a 12-week intensive program designed to equip startups with training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. It featured pitches from three batches of startups representing regions across Africa, including West Africa, North Africa, and Southern Africa.

    A platform for growth and collaboration

    Visa’s Africa Fintech Accelerator program is an initiative aimed at supporting Seed to Series A startups in scaling their operations. Launched in 2023, the program offers one-on-one mentorship, funding opportunities, and strategic partnerships, aligning with Visa’s broader commitment to invest $1 billion in Africa by 2027.

    To date, the accelerator has empowered 45 startups, providing resources and tools to enhance their innovations and drive financial inclusion across the continent. Demo Day is a pivotal moment for participants, offering exposure to key ecosystem players and opportunities to forge partnerships that can propel their growth.

    Read also: Kenyan students present flood mitigation solution at LEAP Digital Talent Camp in China

    Expanding impact and inclusivity

    The third cohort of the program kicked off on November 5 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, with 19 startups operating across 21 African countries. Notably, 85 percent of these startups feature female leadership—a significant increase from 43 percent in the inaugural cohort and 65 percent in the second. This reflects Visa’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowering women in fintech.

    Visa’s Africa Fintech Accelerator is more than just a program; it is a transformative initiative that underscores the company’s dedication to Africa’s digital transformation. By nurturing talent and providing a robust support framework, Visa continues to champion the innovations shaping the future of financial services on the continent.

    This commitment to growth, inclusivity, and innovation positions Visa as a key driver in Africa’s journey towards greater financial inclusion and technological advancement.

  • Eko Digital Skills Initiative 2024: Lagos government to train 5,000 youths by 2030

    Eko Digital Skills Initiative 2024: Lagos government to train 5,000 youths by 2030

    The Lagos State Government will launch the Eko Digital Skills Initiative 2024, a free one-week program for digital literacy and skill development, through the Ministry of Tertiary Education to empower the youths.

    The program, scheduled to commence December 2, is part of the government’s plans to equip young people with the essential skills required for the modern workforce.

    The program aims to assist not only students but also recent graduates, prospective business owners, and vocational craftspeople.

    Read also: Lagos govt deploys technology to gauge building strength and safety averting collapse risks

    Empowerment of 5000 youths with digital skills by 2030

    The long-term goal of the initiative is to provide over 5,000 youths in Lagos with essential digital skills by 2030. Hon. Tolani Sule, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, emphasised that the program will improve employability and expand opportunities for young people in the state

    “The Eko Digital Skills Initiative 2024 is designed to equip over 5,000 young people in the state with the requisite digital skills by 2030, making them more employable and expanding their opportunities and capabilities,” Sule said.

    The program aims to provide young people with the fundamental digital and entrepreneurial skills they need, with a focus on hands-on instruction in creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

    Bringing the gap between education and the workplace

    To bridge the gap between conventional academic curriculum and the changing demands of the workplace, Sule emphasised the program’s significance.

    “We are committed to sustaining the tempo of excellence in all state-owned institutions.”

    “This initiative is a testament to the government’s dedication to driving community skills development and empowerment, ultimately contributing to the state’s economic growth and development,” Sule added.

    Read also: Kwara government unveils plans to boost youth innovation, tech startups

    Blending of hard and soft skills into the curriculum 

    The curriculum will integrate both hard and soft skills required to succeed in the modern digital economy, building on the success of previous initiatives like the Job Initiative Lagos.

    The initiative will expand on the achievements of the Job Initiative Lagos, which aims to give students in postsecondary institutions in Lagos the digital literacy and entrepreneurship skills they need to succeed.

    This program aims to enhance digital inclusion and ensure citizens are equipped for 21st-century job opportunities.

  • Kenyan students present flood mitigation solution at LEAP Digital Talent Camp in China

    Kenyan students present flood mitigation solution at LEAP Digital Talent Camp in China

    At the LEAP Digital Talent Study Camp in Shenzhen, China, 10 Kenyan students recently presented an innovative solution to tackle one of Kenya’s recurring challenges—frequent flooding.

    Their project, Mafreeco, is a smart system designed to clean drainage systems of garbage and trash, helping to mitigate the risk of flooding in urban areas. The name Mafreeco is derived from the local term “mafuriko,” which means floods, making the students’ initiative both culturally relevant and technically impactful

    Read also: VunaPay clinches top prize at Latitude59 in Nairobi, set to represent Kenya in Estonia

    The week-long event, hosted by Huawei, brought together students from across Sub-Saharan Africa to participate in a competitive problem-solving challenge, with a focus on emerging technologies. Students engaged in rigorous technical training in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and 5G technologies, culminating in the Tech4Good competition.

    “The week was incredibly exhilarating,” said Ashley Yigo, a Mafreeco team member.

    “We advanced to the finals despite working with just 1-2 hours of sleep a day to execute our project to perfection. It was an invaluable experience, gaining global insights into technology and networking,” Yigo added.

    Tech prowess of African youths to solve local problems with local solutions 

    As a result of their hard work, the Kenyan team qualified for the Tech4Good finals, where they faced off against teams from Malawi, Mauritius, and South Africa. This accomplishment demonstrates the increasing technological proficiency of African youths and their capacity to create workable answers to regional problems.

    Read also: U.S. lawmakers accuse State Department of discriminating against Nigerians, Kenyans in high visa rejections compared to Asians

    ReVodution’s founder and Africa China analyst, Sena Voncuvoji, highlighted the program’s wider relevance by saying, “The LEAP Digital Talent Study Camp is a transformative experience for participants. It fosters collaboration, leadership, and innovation among young minds, ensuring they are well-prepared to address real-world challenges using technology.”

    The study camp gave students vital exposure to cutting-edge technologies and opportunity for cross-cultural interaction in addition to technical instruction and competition.

    The program is a component of Huawei’s effort to build an African workforce with digital skills.

  • Wema Bank celebrates innovation and inclusion at Hackaholics 5.0 finale

    Wema Bank celebrates innovation and inclusion at Hackaholics 5.0 finale

    Wema Bank convened the grand finale of Hackaholics 5.0, on November 27, 2024, a technology competition that aims to empower startups and youth in Africa. This event, entitled “Meta-Idea: DigiTech Solutions for Africa’s Prosperity,” underscored the potential of technology to confront societal challenges and stimulate economic development.

    Held as a testament to Wema Bank’s commitment to innovation, Hackaholics 5.0 attracted a diverse audience of participants, government officials, tech enthusiasts, and industry leaders. The event served as a platform for showcasing transformative ideas and celebrating ingenuity.

    Read also: Winners emerge from Zenith Bank hackathon, receive N77.5m

    How Wema Bank is empowering lives through innovation

    Since its inception in 2019, Hackaholics has become a significant platform for fostering creativity and entrepreneurship. Aligning with Wema Bank’s mission of “Empowering Lives Through Innovation,” the competition bridges gaps in Africa’s macroeconomic landscape by supporting the continent’s brightest minds.

    Hackaholics achieved a milestone this year with a record-breaking 4,310 applications from innovators across Africa. Participants addressed issues spanning health, education, agriculture, and financial services, presenting cutting-edge solutions to complex challenges.

    Wema Bank’s goals in driving STEM excellence in Africa

    In his keynote address, Mr. Moruf Oseni, the MD/CEO of Wema Bank, emphasised the significance of investments in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) for Africa’s development.

    “No nation has successfully transitioned to First World status without significant investment in STEM,” he remarked. Oseni called on private and public stakeholders to foster an environment that nurtures technological innovation, emphasising that initiatives like Hackaholics catalyse this process.

    Wema Bank’s commitment to innovation is evident in its launch of Nigeria’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, which continues to serve as a springboard for tech-driven solutions. This year’s Hackaholics finalists competed for a prize pool exceeding ₦70 million, underscoring the bank’s dedication to empowering the youth.

    Keynote highlights: The role of women in digital transformation

    A standout moment of the event was the keynote speech by Debola Deji-Kurunmi, founder of Emerge Coaching Africa and a transformational leader. She spoke passionately about the role of women in Africa’s digital revolution and urged more inclusive investments in female-led tech ventures.

    Deji-Kurumi highlighted the existing funding gap in tech ecosystems, where only 5% of VC funding reaches female founders. She proposed strengthening tech ecosystems for women through mentorship, funding, and education. Her vision extended to redefining technology as a sector and an enabler across industries.

    Read also: NearSwipe Ltd, 9 other startups win N29.5 million in FirstBank’s Fintech Summit 6.0

    Beyond competition: Hackaholics’ broader impact

    Hackaholics 5.0 was not just about competition. It offered participants mentorship, networking opportunities, and exposure to a vibrant community of innovators. Over the years, the initiative has directly engaged over 1 million participants across Africa, fostering a robust innovation ecosystem.

    The finale also featured thought-provoking panel discussions, a showcase of Wema Bank’s corporate vision, and the celebration of groundbreaking startups set to redefine Africa’s tech landscape.

    Hackaholics 5.0 encapsulated Wema Bank’s ethos of innovation and its vision for Africa’s prosperity. By providing a platform for creative minds and advocating for technological advancement, the competition continues to be a beacon of hope for Africa’s future. As the event concluded, one message stood out: with suitable investments and collaborative efforts, Africa’s potential knows no bounds.