Category: African Changemakers

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Justin Stanford

African Changemaker

Justin Stanford

Stanford is a South African entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and champion for Africa’s tech ecosystem.

He is the Co-Founder and General Partner of 4Di Capital, a Cape Town-based venture capital firm that invests in technology startups. Stanford started his career as a software developer before transitioning to entrepreneurship and is recognized as one of the leading figures in the South African startup ecosystem. He has served as a mentor and advisor to numerous startups and has been a vocal advocate for improving the business climate for entrepreneurs in the country.

Stanford co-founded the Silicon Cape Initiative in 2009 to highlight and catalyzer South Africa’s nascent emerging technology startup ecosystem. In 2013, Forbes listed him as ’30 Under 30: Africa’s Best Young Entrepreneurs.

You may also like...

The Commercial Potential of Africa’s Digital Revolution

  • EmpowerAfrica
Did you know that over 525 million people used the internet in Africa in 2019? If current growth trends continue, almost 75% of Africans are expected to come online by 2030.
READ MORE

SA’s The Awareness Company Secures $1.6M Seed Funding to Enhance AI and Expand Market Reach

South African SaaS startup The Awareness Company has successfully raised $1.6 million in seed funding to scale its marketing and sales efforts while advancing the AI capabilities of its flagship product.
READ MORE

Renew Capital Invests in Power Financial Wellness to Boost Financial Health for Workers in Africa

Renew Capital has announced its investment in Power Financial Wellness, a fintech platform dedicated to enhancing financial management tools for workers across formal and informal sectors.
READ MORE

Egyptian EdTech Startups Schoolz and Ibn Sina Secure Investments from EdVentures

EdVentures, an Egyptian venture capital firm specializing in education technology, has announced six-figure investments in two Egyptian ed-tech startups—Schoolz and Ibn Sina Training Academy.
READ MORE
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Richmond Bassey

African Changemaker

Richmond Bassey

Richmond is a Nigerian tech entrepreneur making global investment opportunities more accessible for Africans.

He is doing this through Bamboo, a digital investment platform that gives Nigerians real-time access to buy, hold, or sell stocks on the U.S. stock market from their mobile phones or computers. Founded in 2018, Bamboo’s cutting-edge technology aims to democratize access to global investment opportunities for Africans. The startup was one of the 200 companies selected for Forbes’ first Digital Startup Accelerator Program in Nigeria.

Richmond previously served as a Product/Project Manager at L5Lab, an incubator and investment firm building technology-enabled companies that help Africa realize its potential.

You may also like...

The Commercial Potential of Africa’s Digital Revolution

  • EmpowerAfrica
Did you know that over 525 million people used the internet in Africa in 2019? If current growth trends continue, almost 75% of Africans are expected to come online by 2030.
READ MORE

SA’s The Awareness Company Secures $1.6M Seed Funding to Enhance AI and Expand Market Reach

South African SaaS startup The Awareness Company has successfully raised $1.6 million in seed funding to scale its marketing and sales efforts while advancing the AI capabilities of its flagship product.
READ MORE

Renew Capital Invests in Power Financial Wellness to Boost Financial Health for Workers in Africa

Renew Capital has announced its investment in Power Financial Wellness, a fintech platform dedicated to enhancing financial management tools for workers across formal and informal sectors.
READ MORE

Egyptian EdTech Startups Schoolz and Ibn Sina Secure Investments from EdVentures

EdVentures, an Egyptian venture capital firm specializing in education technology, has announced six-figure investments in two Egyptian ed-tech startups—Schoolz and Ibn Sina Training Academy.
READ MORE
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Bruce Nsereko-Lule

African Changemaker

Bruce Nsereko-Lule

Bruce is a Ugandan tech entrepreneur and investor currently serving as the General Partner of Seedstars Africa Ventures.

Seedstars Africa is the African Seedstars, a Swiss-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups around the world.

As the General Partner of Seedstars Africa, Nsereko-Lule is responsible for identifying and investing in promising startups across the continent, focusing on driving social impact and innovation. He brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously worked as a founding Investment Principal at Chandaria Capital. Nsereko-Lule is also a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa and has spoken at various events and conferences about the need to support and nurture the continent’s emerging tech ecosystem.

Through his work at Seedstars Africa and other initiatives, he is helping to create a more vibrant and inclusive startup scene in Africa, capable of driving economic growth and social progress across the continent.

You may also like...

The Commercial Potential of Africa’s Digital Revolution

  • EmpowerAfrica
Did you know that over 525 million people used the internet in Africa in 2019? If current growth trends continue, almost 75% of Africans are expected to come online by 2030.
READ MORE

SA’s The Awareness Company Secures $1.6M Seed Funding to Enhance AI and Expand Market Reach

South African SaaS startup The Awareness Company has successfully raised $1.6 million in seed funding to scale its marketing and sales efforts while advancing the AI capabilities of its flagship product.
READ MORE

Renew Capital Invests in Power Financial Wellness to Boost Financial Health for Workers in Africa

Renew Capital has announced its investment in Power Financial Wellness, a fintech platform dedicated to enhancing financial management tools for workers across formal and informal sectors.
READ MORE

Egyptian EdTech Startups Schoolz and Ibn Sina Secure Investments from EdVentures

EdVentures, an Egyptian venture capital firm specializing in education technology, has announced six-figure investments in two Egyptian ed-tech startups—Schoolz and Ibn Sina Training Academy.
READ MORE
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Uka Eje

African Changemaker

Uka Eje

Uka Eje is a Nigerian entrepreneur and social impact leader using technology to solve Africa’s agriculture challenges.

He is the co-founder and CEO of Thrive Agric, an agritech company that provides smallholder farmers access to input finance, data-driven extension services, and premium markets. Before founding Thrive Agric, Eje worked as a Team Lead at Royal Impact Corp, a social enterprise that builds systems around the food, agricultural and technological sectors aimed at solving the daily challenges of a targeted society.

Under Eje’s leadership, Thrive Agric has raised over $10 million in funding from investors such as Y Combinator, partnered with over 100,000 farmers across Nigeria and Ghana, and has disbursed over $50 million in loans to farmers.

In addition to his work at Thrive Agric, Eje is also a member of the Young Entrepreneurs of Nigeria (YEN), where he serves as the head of the Agro cluster. He also mentors several startups in the agriculture and technology sectors. Eje is a recipient of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Award and the Seedstars World Global Finalist Award.

You may also like...

The Commercial Potential of Africa’s Digital Revolution

  • EmpowerAfrica
Did you know that over 525 million people used the internet in Africa in 2019? If current growth trends continue, almost 75% of Africans are expected to come online by 2030.
READ MORE

SA’s The Awareness Company Secures $1.6M Seed Funding to Enhance AI and Expand Market Reach

South African SaaS startup The Awareness Company has successfully raised $1.6 million in seed funding to scale its marketing and sales efforts while advancing the AI capabilities of its flagship product.
READ MORE

Renew Capital Invests in Power Financial Wellness to Boost Financial Health for Workers in Africa

Renew Capital has announced its investment in Power Financial Wellness, a fintech platform dedicated to enhancing financial management tools for workers across formal and informal sectors.
READ MORE

Egyptian EdTech Startups Schoolz and Ibn Sina Secure Investments from EdVentures

EdVentures, an Egyptian venture capital firm specializing in education technology, has announced six-figure investments in two Egyptian ed-tech startups—Schoolz and Ibn Sina Training Academy.
READ MORE
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Darshan Chandaria

African Changemaker

Darshan Chandaria

Darshan is a prominent Kenyan businessman and entrepreneur widely recognized for his contributions to the growth and development of the African economy.

He is the CEO and Director of Chandaria Industries, a family-owned business that has become one of the region’s leading manufacturers and distributors of consumer goods. He is also the Founder of Chandaria Capital, a Nairobi-based Venture Capital Fund investing in scalable, high-impact, and innovative businesses creating sustainable long-term growth for Africa. Beyond his role as a business leader, Darshan is also deeply committed to giving back to his community as he is involved in various philanthropic initiatives, including education, health, and environmental conservation.

Darshan’s business acumen and philanthropic efforts have earned him numerous awards and recognitions. In 2014, he was awarded the Order of the Grand Warrior by the President of Kenya in recognition of his contributions to the country’s economic growth.

You may also like...

The Commercial Potential of Africa’s Digital Revolution

  • EmpowerAfrica
Did you know that over 525 million people used the internet in Africa in 2019? If current growth trends continue, almost 75% of Africans are expected to come online by 2030.
READ MORE

SA’s The Awareness Company Secures $1.6M Seed Funding to Enhance AI and Expand Market Reach

South African SaaS startup The Awareness Company has successfully raised $1.6 million in seed funding to scale its marketing and sales efforts while advancing the AI capabilities of its flagship product.
READ MORE

Renew Capital Invests in Power Financial Wellness to Boost Financial Health for Workers in Africa

Renew Capital has announced its investment in Power Financial Wellness, a fintech platform dedicated to enhancing financial management tools for workers across formal and informal sectors.
READ MORE

Egyptian EdTech Startups Schoolz and Ibn Sina Secure Investments from EdVentures

EdVentures, an Egyptian venture capital firm specializing in education technology, has announced six-figure investments in two Egyptian ed-tech startups—Schoolz and Ibn Sina Training Academy.
READ MORE
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Catherine Muraga

African Changemaker

Catherine Muraga

Catherine is a Kenyan information technology professional and tech leader with a passion for applying technology to create business outcomes or impact lives positively.

 She is currently serving as the Managing Director of Microsoft Africa Development Centre. Launched in 2019, the Microsoft Africa Development Centre (ADC) is focused on driving innovation, developing technology solutions, and fostering talent in Africa. The ADC is Microsoft’s premier software engineering and development centre on the African continent and aims to leverage the talent and potential in Africa to solve global challenges, address local needs, and contribute to Microsoft’s overall mission.

In her role, Catherine leads ADC’s collaborations with various stakeholders, including governments, universities, and local communities, to empower developers, entrepreneurs, and businesses in Africa. 

You may also like...

The Commercial Potential of Africa’s Digital Revolution

  • EmpowerAfrica
Did you know that over 525 million people used the internet in Africa in 2019? If current growth trends continue, almost 75% of Africans are expected to come online by 2030.
READ MORE

SA’s The Awareness Company Secures $1.6M Seed Funding to Enhance AI and Expand Market Reach

South African SaaS startup The Awareness Company has successfully raised $1.6 million in seed funding to scale its marketing and sales efforts while advancing the AI capabilities of its flagship product.
READ MORE

Renew Capital Invests in Power Financial Wellness to Boost Financial Health for Workers in Africa

Renew Capital has announced its investment in Power Financial Wellness, a fintech platform dedicated to enhancing financial management tools for workers across formal and informal sectors.
READ MORE

Egyptian EdTech Startups Schoolz and Ibn Sina Secure Investments from EdVentures

EdVentures, an Egyptian venture capital firm specializing in education technology, has announced six-figure investments in two Egyptian ed-tech startups—Schoolz and Ibn Sina Training Academy.
READ MORE
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Farida Bedwei

African Changemaker

Farida Bedwei

Farida Bedwei is a Ghanaian software engineer, tech entrepreneur, and disability rights advocate.

Despite her physical challenges, Bedwei developed a passion
for technology and pursued her education in computer science at the University
of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom.

After completing her studies, she embarked on a successful
career in the technology industry. Bedwei is known
for her significant contributions to Ghana’s financial and banking sectors,
having co-founded Logiciel Limited, a Ghanaian software company
specializing in financial and banking software solutions. She is also a
Principal Software Engineer at Microsoft. Bedwei has
received several awards and recognition for her work, including being named one
of Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government.

You may also like...

The Commercial Potential of Africa’s Digital Revolution

  • EmpowerAfrica
Did you know that over 525 million people used the internet in Africa in 2019? If current growth trends continue, almost 75% of Africans are expected to come online by 2030.
READ MORE

SA’s The Awareness Company Secures $1.6M Seed Funding to Enhance AI and Expand Market Reach

South African SaaS startup The Awareness Company has successfully raised $1.6 million in seed funding to scale its marketing and sales efforts while advancing the AI capabilities of its flagship product.
READ MORE

Renew Capital Invests in Power Financial Wellness to Boost Financial Health for Workers in Africa

Renew Capital has announced its investment in Power Financial Wellness, a fintech platform dedicated to enhancing financial management tools for workers across formal and informal sectors.
READ MORE

Egyptian EdTech Startups Schoolz and Ibn Sina Secure Investments from EdVentures

EdVentures, an Egyptian venture capital firm specializing in education technology, has announced six-figure investments in two Egyptian ed-tech startups—Schoolz and Ibn Sina Training Academy.
READ MORE
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Jeremiah Thoronka

African Changemaker

Jeremiah Thoronka

Jeremiah Thoronka is a Sierra Leonean innovator, entrepreneur, and scholar with intimate knowledge of energy, climate change, environment, sustainability, and development.

Born in Freetown, Jeremiah is best known for inventing a device that develops and deploys kinetic energy harvesting systems to generate clean, renewable energy from pedestrian and street traffic vibrations.

In 2017, he founded Optim Energy which was behind the development of the device. Optim Energy has deployed its systems in several countries, including Sierra Leone, Rwanda, and Kenya. It received funding from the United Nations Development Programme and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Jeremiah is a recipient of the prestigious Global Student Prize Laureate.

 

You may also like...

The Commercial Potential of Africa’s Digital Revolution

  • EmpowerAfrica
Did you know that over 525 million people used the internet in Africa in 2019? If current growth trends continue, almost 75% of Africans are expected to come online by 2030.
READ MORE

SA’s The Awareness Company Secures $1.6M Seed Funding to Enhance AI and Expand Market Reach

South African SaaS startup The Awareness Company has successfully raised $1.6 million in seed funding to scale its marketing and sales efforts while advancing the AI capabilities of its flagship product.
READ MORE

Renew Capital Invests in Power Financial Wellness to Boost Financial Health for Workers in Africa

Renew Capital has announced its investment in Power Financial Wellness, a fintech platform dedicated to enhancing financial management tools for workers across formal and informal sectors.
READ MORE

Egyptian EdTech Startups Schoolz and Ibn Sina Secure Investments from EdVentures

EdVentures, an Egyptian venture capital firm specializing in education technology, has announced six-figure investments in two Egyptian ed-tech startups—Schoolz and Ibn Sina Training Academy.
READ MORE
Posted on by — Leave a comment

 Lillian Barnard 

African Changemaker

Lillian Barnard

Lillian is a South African tech enthusiast with extensive knowledge and experience in technology

She is currently serving as the President of Microsoft in Africa.

In her role, Lillian is leading Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to drive impact in Africa at scale.

The company’s impactful initiatives range from developing digital skills among African youth to supporting startups and entrepreneurs.

Before her current role, Lillian was the Managing Director of Microsoft South Africa, becoming the first woman to hold the position since the company reinvested in the country in the early 1990s.

Lillian is also playing a vital role in bridging the technology gender gap in Africa.

 

 

You may also like...

The Commercial Potential of Africa’s Digital Revolution

  • EmpowerAfrica
Did you know that over 525 million people used the internet in Africa in 2019? If current growth trends continue, almost 75% of Africans are expected to come online by 2030.
READ MORE

SA’s The Awareness Company Secures $1.6M Seed Funding to Enhance AI and Expand Market Reach

South African SaaS startup The Awareness Company has successfully raised $1.6 million in seed funding to scale its marketing and sales efforts while advancing the AI capabilities of its flagship product.
READ MORE

Renew Capital Invests in Power Financial Wellness to Boost Financial Health for Workers in Africa

Renew Capital has announced its investment in Power Financial Wellness, a fintech platform dedicated to enhancing financial management tools for workers across formal and informal sectors.
READ MORE

Egyptian EdTech Startups Schoolz and Ibn Sina Secure Investments from EdVentures

EdVentures, an Egyptian venture capital firm specializing in education technology, has announced six-figure investments in two Egyptian ed-tech startups—Schoolz and Ibn Sina Training Academy.
READ MORE