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Sbusiso “Bubu” Buna is Leading Innovation in Africa’s Gig Economy

Sbusiso "Bubu" Buna is Leading Innovation in Africa’s Gig Economy

Sbusiso “Bubu” Buna is a South African entrepreneur with a passion for transforming the gig economy in Africa.

As the Co-Founder and CEO of Jobox, Bubu has played a pivotal role in reshaping how skilled workers connect with job opportunities across the continent.

His work at Jobox is driven by a commitment to leveraging technology to solve one of Africa’s most pressing challenges: unemployment and underemployment, particularly among young people.

His early professional experiences highlighted the inefficiencies and challenges faced by both job seekers and employers in the African job market, particularly in the gig economy.

And in 2018, Bubu co-founded Jobox with the vision of creating a platform that would revolutionize the gig economy in Africa.

Jobox was designed to bridge the gap between skilled workers and employers by providing a seamless, tech-driven solution for job matching.

The platform offers a user-friendly interface that allows freelancers, contractors, and other gig workers to easily find work, manage their projects, and get paid, all in one place. For employers, Jobox simplifies the hiring process by connecting them with a pool of vetted, reliable talent.

Under Bubu’s leadership, Jobox has grown rapidly, attracting thousands of users across multiple African countries.

Bubu’s work with Jobox has earned him recognition as a leading figure in Africa’s tech ecosystems.

The platform has earned accolades for its innovative approach to solving unemployment and underemployment, particularly in regions where traditional job opportunities are scarce.

In addition to his work with Jobox, Bubu is a vocal advocate for entrepreneurship and economic development in Africa.

He has participated in numerous conferences, panels, and workshops, sharing his insights on the gig economy, the future of work, and the role of technology in driving economic growth.

His thought leadership has made him a respected voice in the business community, and he continues to inspire others with his dedication to making a positive impact.

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Standard Chartered and WomHub Partner to Launch Second Women in Tech Incubator

New Investments

Standard Chartered and WomHub Partner to Launch Second Women in Tech Incubator

Standard Chartered Bank and WomHub have announced the launch of the second Women in Tech (WiT) Incubator Programme in South Africa.
 
This initiative aims to empower more women entrepreneurs in the tech sector through education, mentorship, and investment opportunities.

The WiT Incubator Programme, originally launched in the Americas by Standard Chartered in 2014, has become a global force for fostering female leadership in STEM fields. 
 
The program prioritizes gender equality and ignites innovation by providing mentorship, training, networking opportunities, and access to funding and a supportive community.

“Promoting diversity and women’s leadership in tech is critical for economic growth and sparking innovation,” said Chris Egberink, CEO of Standard Chartered in South Africa.
 
“Our WiT Incubator Programme isn’t just a pledge; it’s a tangible effort to equip women entrepreneurs with the resources they need to flourish. Since 2014, we’ve witnessed the program’s transformative impact on countless businesses, and we’re committed to building on that legacy. By empowering these women to scale their ventures, we’re not only creating jobs but also fostering a more inclusive and innovative tech landscape.”

The intensive 12-week program kicks off in September 2024 and will welcome 15 high-potential startups selected through a rigorous process.
 
Participants will gain valuable practical training, receive guidance from industry leaders, and have the opportunity to connect with investors and potential partners.

The program culminates with five finalists receiving USD $10,000 each in non-dilutive seed funding to propel their growth further.
 
The success of the first cohort, featuring 15 startups with innovative ideas in fintech, healthtech, proptech, and edutainment, has generated significant anticipation for the second edition.

Pretty Kubyane, founder of eFama, one of three South African startups awarded ZAR 100,000 in equity-free funding from the inaugural program, shared her experience.
 
“Participating in the WiT Incubator Programme last year was transformative for eFama. The program equipped us with the tools and support to overcome major hurdles, like expanding our market reach and refining our business model. With expert guidance and a supportive community, we were able to connect farmers directly with buyers, ensuring they receive payment promptly. Today, eFama has experienced exponential growth – we’ve secured significant funding, created jobs, and empowered other women in the industry. This program wasn’t just helpful; it provided the foundation for our long-term success.”

For more information about the program, please visit SCWiT – WomHub or contact Senamile@womhub.com

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Applications Open for Timbuktoo HealthTech Accelerator Program Offering $100K to Transform Healthcare in Africa

New Investments

Applications Open for Timbuktoo HealthTech Accelerator Program Offering $100K to Transform Healthcare in Africa

A new initiative, the Timbuktoo HealthTech Accelerator Program, is calling on visionary entrepreneurs and innovators across Africa to submit their groundbreaking ideas for transforming healthcare on the continent.

The program is seeking startups with scalable, defendable solutions that leverage technology to address critical healthcare challenges and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Timbuktoo HealthTech Accelerator Program aims to foster a thriving ecosystem of startups developing innovative solutions in areas such as AI-driven diagnostics, locally manufactured medical devices, and biotechnology tailored to African needs. 

Criteria for Applicants:

  • Technology-enabled solution: Startups must have a digital-first approach to their solutions.
  • Contribution to SDGs: Solutions should align with and contribute to one or more of the UN SDGs.
  • Scalability: Startups must have a clear path to growth and expansion.
  • Defensibility: Startups should have a competitive advantage, such as intellectual property or domain expertise.
  • Innovation: Startups must offer a novel approach to solving health challenges.
  • Monetization strategy: Startups should have a clear plan for generating revenue.

Areas of Interest:

  • Disease prevention
  • Clinical preventive frameworks and community advocacy
  • Vaccine and medicine production
  • Medical robotics and automation
  • Genomics
  • Biomedical systems
  • Patient care journey
  • Pandemic/health emergencies management
  • Malnutrition and stunting

Benefits for Selected Startups:

  • Membership in the Timbuktoo HealthTech Hub ecosystem
  • Mentorship from industry experts
  • Equity-free funding of up to $100,000 USD
  • Networking opportunities
  • Access to investor networks
  • Resources and support to accelerate growth

Application Process:

Interested startups can apply online at [https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Xtvls0QpN0iZ9XSIrOVDGUX3Ay1r98ZLhR07OQNsAPxUMlNIMERKNjBMSFUwUktHUDM0UktWUjVPNy4u&origin=lprLink&route=shorturl] by October 6, 2024.

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SA’s Omnisient Raises $7.5 Million to Expand Privacy-Preserving Data Platform

New Investments

SA's Omnisient Raises $7.5 Million to Expand Privacy-Preserving Data Platform

South African startup Omnisient has secured $7.5 million in Series A funding to accelerate its growth and expand its privacy-preserving data collaboration platform across Africa and beyond.
 

Founded in 2019, Omnisient offers a unique solution that enables businesses to extract valuable insights from consumer data without compromising privacy.

The platform protects over 160 million consumer profiles and is currently used to assess credit risk and facilitate access to financial services for millions of underserved individuals.

The investment, led by Arise, a company focused on African financial services and fintech, will support Omnisient’s expansion into new markets and partnerships.

The company aims to create the world’s largest repository of alternative consumer data, empowering banks and insurers to extend financial services to a broader population.

“This investment aligns with our vision of using innovative fintech solutions to drive growth in Africa’s financial services sector,” said Gavin Tipper, CEO of Arise.

“Omnisient’s technology will help banks and data providers identify new customers, unlock new revenue streams, and foster financial inclusion.”

Omnisient’s co-founder, Jon Jacobson, expressed gratitude for the investment and emphasized the company’s commitment to creating a more inclusive financial ecosystem.

“We are excited to partner with Arise to expand our reach and make a positive impact on people’s lives,” he said.

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E-Motorcycle Maker Ampersand Raises $2 Million to Expand East African Electric Motorcycle Market

New Investments

E-Motorcycle Maker Ampersand Raises $2 Million to Expand East African Electric Motorcycle Market

Rwandan electric motorcycle manufacturer Ampersand has announced a $2 million Series A extension, bringing its total funding to $21.5 million.
 

The fresh capital will be used to expand the company’s operations into other East African countries.

Investors in the funding round included AHL Venture Partners, Everstrong Capital, and Beyond Capital Ventures.

The investment will support Ampersand’s goal of deploying 5 million electric motorcycles by 2033.

“This additional investment will accelerate the rollout of our EV energy technology and infrastructure to the mass market,” said Josh Whale, Ampersand CEO.

“We are closer than ever to achieving our goal of providing affordable, sustainable transportation solutions to millions of people across East Africa.”

Founded in 2016, Ampersand assembles and finances electric motorcycles in Rwanda. The company’s motorcycles are claimed to be 45% cheaper to operate and produce 75% fewer emissions than petrol alternatives.

Ampersand is now preparing for a Series B funding round to further scale its operations and increase production in Rwanda and Kenya.

The company recently announced a partnership with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD to build 40,000 electric motorcycles in these countries by the end of 2026.

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Yvonne Johnson: Driving Financial Inclusion in Africa with Indicina

Yvonne Johnson: Driving Financial Inclusion in Africa with Indicina

Yvonne Johnson is a Nigerian entrepreneur and the founder of Indicina, a fintech company focused on transforming the lending landscape in Africa.

Indicina provides digital tools that help financial institutions assess creditworthiness and manage risk more effectively.

Yvonne’s work centers on improving access to credit for underserved communities and making financial services more inclusive and accessible across the continent.

Before establishing Indicina, Yvonne built a solid career in finance and technology.

She worked in consulting and investment banking, where she developed expertise in financial analysis, risk management, and technology implementation.

These experiences shaped her understanding of the challenges in the financial sector, particularly the difficulties many people face in accessing credit.

In 2018, Yvonne founded Indicina with the aim of addressing these challenges.

The platform uses data science to provide insights that help lenders make better decisions.

By analyzing alternative data sources, Indicina offers a more comprehensive view of an individual’s creditworthiness, allowing banks and other financial institutions to extend credit to those who might otherwise be overlooked.

This approach not only helps people gain access to loans but also supports the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs who need funding to expand their operations.

Under Yvonne’s leadership, Indicina has grown into a significant player in the African fintech space.

The company’s technology is now used by a variety of financial institutions, from traditional banks to new digital lenders.

Yvonne’s work has been recognized for its impact on financial inclusion, though specific awards are not widely reported.

Her contributions go beyond just technology. She is committed to changing the way financial services are delivered in Africa.

By focusing on data-driven solutions, she is helping to create a more inclusive financial system that serves everyone, regardless of their background or financial history.

Today, Yvonne Johnson continues to lead Indicina, driving innovation and expanding the company’s reach.

Her work remains focused on one goal: making financial services accessible to all.

Through her efforts, she is playing a vital role in shaping the future of finance in Africa.

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Kenyan Startup Sukhiba Connect Raises $1.55 Million to Expand WhatsApp-Based Commerce

New Investments

Kenyan Startup Sukhiba Connect Raises $1.55 Million to Expand WhatsApp-Based Commerce

Kenyan social commerce startup, Sukhiba Connect, has secured a $1.55 million seed extension round, bolstering its efforts to expand its WhatsApp-based commerce platform across Africa and emerging markets.
 

Led by EQ2 Ventures, the funding round also saw participation from Accion Venture Lab, Musha Ventures, Quona Capital, and existing investor CRE Ventures.

This latest investment follows a $1.5 million seed round raised in 2023.

Founded in 2021 by Ananth Raj Gudipati and Abhinav Reddy, Sukhiba Connect leverages WhatsApp as a primary operating system to provide a conversational commerce and CRM platform for medium and large enterprises.

The platform enables businesses to connect with customers, manage orders, accept payments, and provide customer service all within the popular messaging app.

The new funding will be used to accelerate Sukhiba Connect’s expansion into new markets and enhance its platform’s capabilities.

The startup aims to become the leading CRM and sales force automation tool in emerging markets, competing with other social commerce players like Kapu and MarketForce’s Chpter.

Sukhiba Connect has already experienced significant growth since its initial seed round, with operations in eight markets across Africa and India.

It has partnered with leading manufacturers, distributors, retail chains, and direct-to-consumer brands, serving over 35,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“This seed extension marks a significant milestone for us,” said Gudipati. “It will enable us to scale our operations and enhance our SaaS platform to better serve our growing customer base.”

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Tonee Ndungu: Kenyan Innovator Transforming Education Through Technology in Africa

Tonee Ndungu: Kenyan Innovator Transforming Education Through Technology in Africa

Tonee Ndungu is a Kenyan entrepreneur known for his pioneering work in educational technology.

He is the founder of Kytabu, an app designed to make educational content more accessible and affordable for students across Africa.

Kytabu allows students to lease digital textbooks by page, chapter, or book, reducing the cost of education for many.

With a background in media and communication, Tonee has dedicated his career to addressing educational disparities in Africa.

He is a recognized TED Fellow, a title given to individuals with the potential to make significant contributions to the world.

His TED talks have highlighted the importance of using technology to improve access to education.

Tonee’s work with Kytabu has had a measurable social impact, helping to bridge the gap in educational resources in underserved communities.

He has received numerous awards for his contributions to education and technology and is widely respected as a leader in the African tech ecosystem.

In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Tonee is an active public speaker and mentor.

He regularly shares his insights at international conferences and is committed to guiding young entrepreneurs in Africa.

His achievements reflect a deep commitment to using technology for social good, particularly in the field of education.

With 10 years in Edtech, he is now fascinated by the convergence of EdTech and FinTech and the power both of those bring to individuals, families and communities in Africa.

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AfriLabs Welcomes 18 New Hubs, Expanding Network to 496 Across Africa

Key Developments

AfriLabs Welcomes 18 New Hubs, Expanding Network to 496 Across Africa

AfriLabs, the leading network of technology and innovation hubs in Africa, has announced the addition of 18 new hubs to its community.

This expansion brings the total number of hubs within the network to 496, spread across 261 cities in 53 African nations.

The newly admitted hubs represent a diverse range of regions and sectors, strengthening AfriLabs’ presence across the continent.

Notable additions include the SU LaunchLab in Stellenbosch, South Africa, marking AfriLabs’ first presence in the city.

Other notable additions include ScaleUp Namibia, OceanHub Africa, and the Graca Machel Trust’s Women Creating Wealth initiative in Southern Africa.

In North Africa, DigiArtLivingLab (DALL) has joined the network in Tunis and Nabeul, Tunisia, alongside Connect’Innov and The Dot.

Egypt has also welcomed PTS Investments Holdings and Aria Ventures to its network.

Western Africa has seen the addition of Mswitch in Abuja, Nigeria, while Eastern Africa has welcomed AFRICA TECH SPACE in Nakuru, Kenya; Owl Innovation Labs in Nairobi, Kenya; RLabs Tanzania in Iringa, Tanzania; and AfriFORTIFIED HUB in Kisumu, Kenya.

Central Africa has expanded its network with Ovation and KIVUTECH in Kinshasa and Bukavu, DRC, respectively; Revival Innovation Hub in Bua, Cameroon; and DIAMBILAY BUSINESS CENTER in Lubumbashi, DR Congo.

“We are thrilled to welcome these new hubs to our growing community,” said Mayssa Mrabet, AfriLabs director of community.

“Their unique perspectives and contributions will further strengthen our ability to drive innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent.”

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