Author: Founder Africa

JUMO is a mobile financial services platform for mobile network operators and banks. The platform facilitates digital financial services such as credit and savings in emerging markets by way of USSD short codes.  Based in South Africa and London, the platform has disbursed 120 million loans, totaling $3.5 billion, to more than 18 million people and small businesses in Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Pakistan. The Early Days: Founding Jumo Africa Jumo Africa was founded by Andrew Watkins-Ball, a seasoned entrepreneur. Beginning his entrepreneurial career as an event producer, he went on to help…

If you’re embarking on the journey through the vibrant African tech startup sphere, Tomi Davies’ “Investment Worthy Startup” is your ultimate guide. This book isn’t just a roadmap; it’s a treasure chest of insights that deciphers the unique challenges faced by African startups and offers a strategic blueprint for conquering them. During our last review, we briefly talked about the POEM Framework –a powerful tool for measuring a startup’s progress objectively. The five elements of the framework – Vision, Proposition, Organisation, Economics, and Milestones – help founders and investors alike understand the startup’s journey and its potential for success. …

Welcome to our exclusive interview with Samuel Okwuada, the co-founder of Remedial Health. We dive into the transformative journey of Remedial Health, a pioneering tech-driven healthcare supply chain solution in Africa.  FA: Samuel, thank you for joining us. Samuel Okwuada: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to share our story. FA: To start off, can you give us a brief overview of Remedial Health, its inception, and your journey so far? Samuel Okwuada: Certainly. I’m Samuel Okwuada, co-founder of Remedial Health. We’re on a mission to digitize the pharmaceutical supply chain across Africa, starting with…

Seerbit, a Pan-African payment solutions provider, has unveiled Alpha, a white-label product that makes it easier for financial institutions, travel and hospitality companies, online marketplaces and other businesses to drive growth and expedite the penetration of digital payments in Africa by seamlessly launching their own digital financial technology solutions. Despite the growing trend of digital commerce on the continent, only 5 to 7 per cent of all payment transactions are made via electronic and digital channels. Most transactions are still happening offline which means the majority of consumers are burdened with the inefficiencies of cash-based transactions. This also means there is…

Dear startup founders and investors, If you are navigating the challenging waters of the African tech startup ecosystem, “Investment Worthy Startup by Tomi Davis” is a must-read book for you. This comprehensive guide is a perfect read that offers valuable insights into the unique hurdles African startups face and provides a roadmap for overcoming them. Each week, we will unveil a summary of a new section of the book, starting with the introduction, followed by four further reviews. Stay tuned for the upcoming weeks as we uncover each component of the POEM Framework The book begins by addressing…

01 August 2023 Remedial Health, a healthtech startup that develops solutions to make Africa’s pharmaceutical value chain more efficient, has secured $12 million in an equity and debt funding round to deepen the penetration of its services in Nigeria and support the delivery of targeted financial services to drive business growth across the country’s pharmaceutical sector. The $8 million Series A equity funding round was led by US-based venture capital firm, QED Investors and co-led by Ventures Platform, who have now invested in Remedial Health at every funding round since the pre-seed stage. This investment also represents Ventures Platform’s first…

The tech startup world is no stranger to success stories, but few are as inspiring as the transformation of MNT-Halan. What began as a ride-hailing app in Egypt has evolved into a fintech powerhouse, revolutionizing financial services for millions of underserved individuals.  The Ride-Hailing Beginnings: MNT-Halan’s journey took flight in 2017 when two visionary entrepreneurs, Ahmed Mohsen, and Mounir Nakhla, founded Halan with a mission to address transportation challenges in Egypt. Embracing technology, the platform offered affordable two and three-wheeler vehicle rides, catering to the needs of millions who faced limited transportation options. From the outset, Halan’s user-friendly app, budget-friendly…

In the bustling world of South African startups, one name stands out as a true trailblazer: Yoco. This fintech company has transformed the way small businesses accept payments, empowering entrepreneurs with seamless and accessible financial solutions. From its humble beginnings to becoming a dominant player in the market, Yoco’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and a strong vision.  Yoco was founded in 2013 by four friends: Katlego Maphai, Bradley Wattrus, Lungisa Matshoba, and Carl Wazen who had worked together previously in different capacities. The team came together before the idea. The idea was…

When starting a new business, protecting your intellectual property should not be overlooked. Two crucial forms of protection are trademarks and copyrights. As a founder, deciding which is best for your startup requires careful consideration. In this article, we will provide brief insights into trademark and copyright protection. Trademark Protection: Trademarks protect your brand’s identity, including names, logos, and slogans. Registering a trademark gives you exclusive rights to use that mark and prevents confusion among consumers. Benefits of Trademark Protection: Brand Recognition: A registered trademark builds brand recognition and fosters trust and loyalty. Market Exclusivity: Trademarks grant exclusive…

In Nigeria, the quest for employment opportunities can be a daunting and overwhelming task. However, Jobberman, Nigeria’s largest job search platform, has emerged as a game-changer in the country’s employment landscape.  Jobberman was co-founded in 2009 by three visionary entrepreneurs: Ayodeji Adewunmi, Opeyemi Awoyemi, and Olalekan Olude from their dormitory at the Obafemi Awolowo University in South-West Nigeria. The trio recognized the immense challenges faced by job seekers and employers in Nigeria, including limited access to job opportunities and a fragmented recruitment process. Determined to bridge this gap, they embarked on a mission to revolutionize the job market through…