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Juliana Rotich

African Changemaker

Juliana Rotich

Juliana is a Kenyan technologist, social entrepreneur, and influential figure in technology and innovation.

She is best known as a co-founder of Ushahidi, a non-profit tech company developing open-source crowdsourcing and data collection software. Her work has focused on utilizing technology to address societal challenges and empower communities, particularly in Africa.

Born in Kenya, Juliana grew up passionate about technology and its potential to drive positive change.
Beyond her involvement with Ushahidi, Rotich has actively promoted technology and innovation in Africa.

She has served on various advisory boards and organizations, including the World Bank’s Global Agenda Council on Data-Driven Development and the Kenya Vision 2030 Delivery Board.
She has also been a vocal advocate for gender equality in the tech industry, encouraging more women to pursue careers in STEM fields.

In recognition of her contributions, Rotich has received numerous accolades and honours throughout her career.
Her work has inspired and influenced countless individuals and organizations to harness technology for positive social impact, making her a respected and celebrated figure in Africa’s tech and innovation community and globally.

Juliana is currently serving as the Head of Department, Fintech Solutions at Safaricom PLC (M-PESA).

 

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Changing the Game: What Can Africa Learn From This Startup Disrupting Healthcare Access In Nigeria?

StartUp Spotlight

Changing the Game: What Can Africa Learn From This Startup Disrupting Healthcare Access In Nigeria?

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In this week’s edition of the startup spotlight, we feature Nigerian health-tech startup Wella Health.

With a mission to make quality healthcare accessible to all Nigerians, Wella Health is harnessing the power of technology to bridge the gap between patients and essential medical services. Founded in 2014, Wella Health is a Nigerian-based startup driven by a vision to revolutionize healthcare delivery. 

 

Under the leadership of Ikpeme Neto, they have set out on a mission to leverage technology and innovation to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind when it comes to accessing vital medical care. Wella Health created a user-friendly and accessible digital platforms that connect individuals with healthcare providers, making the process seamless and convenient.

 

Their flagship product, the Wella Health app, serves as a one-stop solution for Nigerians to find trusted doctors, book appointments, and receive personalized healthcare recommendations – all at their fingertips. By leveraging technology and human capital, they are breaking down barriers that hinder healthcare accessibility and ensuring that Nigerians can receive the care they need, regardless of their location or financial situation.

 

Wella Health has successfully connected thousands of patients with reputable healthcare providers, improving access to critical services such as primary care, mental health, and women’s health. Through their innovative platform, they are reducing waiting times, improving patient-doctor communication, and enhancing overall healthcare experiences for all.

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CSIR secures $4m million in funding from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

New Investments

CSIR secures $4 million in funding from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

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The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has secured a $4 million investment from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to drive skills and health innovation.

The investment will accelerate the CSIR’s groundbreaking research and development efforts in healthcare, opening new avenues for advancements and solutions that address critical health challenges across the continent. The investment marks a significant milestone in the CSIR’s mission to promote scientific excellence and foster innovation for the betterment of African communities.

 

With the funding, the CSIR will boost the development of innovative healthcare solutions that are accessible, affordable, and tailored to meet the specific needs of the African population. The CSIR has a proven track record of delivering impactful healthcare innovations, from diagnostics and therapeutics to medical devices and digital health solutions.

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Helium Health raises $30 million in Series B funding to drive healthcare innovation in Africa

New Investments

Helium Health raises $30 million in Series B funding to drive healthcare innovation in Africa

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Nigerian healthtech startup Helium Health has raised $30 million in its recent Series B funding round.

The funding round saw participation from Capria Ventures, Angaza Capital , and Flatworld Partners, with existing investors like Global Ventures, Tencent, Ohara Pharmaceuticals, LCY Group, WTI, and AAIC | Asia Africa Investment & Consulting also taking part. Helium Health has been at the forefront of leveraging technology to drive healthcare innovation across Africa.

 

Founded in 2014, the company provides an integrated electronic medical records (EMR) and hospital management information system (HMIS) platform, empowering healthcare providers to streamline operations, enhance patient care, and drive overall efficiency. With the successful completion of its Series B funding round, Helium Health is now primed to advance its mission of revolutionizing healthcare financing solutions on the African continent

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Kena Health raises $2 million to improve access to quality healthcare services

New Investments

Kena Health raises $2 million to improve access to quality healthcare service

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South African health-tech startup, Kena Health, has raised $2 million in seed funding.

The startup secured the seed extension funding from NEXT176, a subsidiary of Old Mutual, and Tofino Capital, a US-based market investor. Launched in 2022, Kena Health aims to revolutionize the healthcare industry by leveraging technology to improve access to quality healthcare services.

 

The startup provides a comprehensive telehealth platform that connects patients with licensed healthcare professionals via a smartphone, allowing for remote medical advice, diagnoses, and prescriptions. The platform also incorporates digital health tools and features, such as electronic health records and remote monitoring, to enhance patient care and improve health outcomes.

 

The $2 million funding injection will enable Kena Health to accelerate its expansion plans, further develop its technology infrastructure, and strengthen its team of healthcare professionals and technical experts. The startup intends to utilize the funds to enhance the platform’s capabilities, extend its reach to underserved communities, and invest in research and development to innovate and refine its solutions continuously.

 

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Goodwell and Alitheia raise $60m to fund inclusive African businesses

New Investments

Goodwell and Alitheia raise $60m to fund inclusive African businesses

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Umunthu II is an impact investment fund dedicated to supporting inclusive businesses in Africa.

Goodwell Investments and Alitheia Capital have announced the first close of the uMunthu II Fund at $60 million. The fund, managed by Goodwell Investments, aims to catalyze sustainable socio-economic development and empower underserved communities across the continent. Umunthu II’s first close marks a significant milestone in its mission to address the financing gap faced by impact-driven enterprises in Africa.

 

The fund’s capital raise was led by a diverse group of international investors. With the funding, Umunthu II is well-positioned to provide crucial support to inclusive businesses that address social and environmental challenges while generating financial returns. The fund’s investment strategy focuses on sectors such as financial services, agriculture, healthcare, and clean energy, targeting companies that have the potential to generate sustainable impact at scale.

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Is Fintech in Africa Ready For A New Goliath? Gain Insights On How Multichoice Group Plans To Disrupt Africa’s Payments Landscape

Key Developments

Is Fintech in Africa Ready For A New Goliath? Gain Insights On How Multichoice Group Plans To Disrupt Africa’s Payments Landscape

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MultiChoice Group, Rapyd and General Catalyst have teamed up to develop an intergrated payment platform for Africa.
 

Moment has been developed to address existing challenges and complexities of financial transactions in Africa. The platform combines various payment methods into a single unified solution, including mobile wallets, card payments, and bank transfers. By consolidating these payment options, Moment aims to simplify transactions for individuals and businesses, irrespective of their location or preferred payment method.

 

Africa, with its diverse economies and varying levels of financial infrastructure, has long faced hurdles in achieving seamless and efficient cross-border transactions. The integrated payment platform seeks to overcome these challenges to enable seamless cross-border transactions, eliminating the need for multiple intermediaries and reducing transaction costs.

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Can Rwanda Break Out From Its Dependence on Agriculture? A New Innovative Platform Aims to Provide 1.5 Million Farmers With New Livelihoods and Opportunities

Key Developments

Can Rwanda Break Out From Its Dependence on Agriculture? A New Innovative Platform Aims to Provide 1.5 Million Farmers With New Livelihoods and Opportunities

| Article

Rwanda is set to launch a groundbreaking digital platform to create 1.5 million off-farm jobs.
 

The innovative initiative seeks to provide individuals with diverse income-generating opportunities and contribute to the country’s development agenda. The digital platform, which is scheduled to be unveiled by the Rwandan government in the coming months, will leverage technology to connect job seekers with a wide range of off-farm employment options.

 

This includes opportunities in e-commerce, digital services, remote work, and other emerging industries, aiming to tap into Rwanda’s growing digital economy. By harnessing the power of digital connectivity, the platform aims to bridge the gap between job seekers and potential employers, ensuring a more efficient and inclusive job market.

 

The initiative is part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and reduce the country’s dependency on agriculture as the primary source of employment. The launch of this digital platform aligns with Rwanda’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovation to drive socioeconomic progress.

Over the years, the country has made significant strides in digital transformation, positioning itself as a hub for technological advancements and digital entrepreneurship in the region.

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Can Africa Manufacture Its Own Vaccines? Mastercard Foundation & IDP Partnership Is a Pivotal Step Towards Africa’s Health Independence

Key Developments

Can Africa Manufacture Its Own Vaccines? Mastercard Foundation & IDP Partnership Is a Pivotal Step Towards Africa’s Health Independence

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The Mastercard Foundation and the Institut Pastuer De Dakar (IDP) have unveiled a $45 million partnership to strengthen Africa’s healthcare infrastructure and foster vaccine manufacturing autonomy.

The collaboration aims to bolster the continent’s vaccine manufacturing capabilities and enhance its preparedness for future health crises. The investment will be strategically utilized to support the development of vaccine manufacturing hubs across Africa. These hubs will serve as centers of excellence, equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced technology, and research facilities to facilitate vaccine production, distribution, and quality control.

 

Through this partnership, the Mastercard Foundation and IDP aim to foster collaboration among African nations, academia, research institutions, and the private sector. The objective is to create a robust ecosystem that promotes knowledge sharing, skills development, and technology transfer, ultimately enabling Africa to produce safe, affordable, and effective vaccines locally.

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