The program will provide selected startups with $100,000 in funding, mentorship, and support from a team of experienced investors and entrepreneurs.

The Baobab Network Accelerator Programme is designed to help African startups scale their businesses and reach their full potential.

The program will focus on helping startups develop their products and services, improve their go-to-market strategies, and raise additional capital.

The program is open to all African startups, regardless of sector or stage of development.

However, priority will be given to startups using technology to solve real-world problems in Africa.

The application process for the Baobab Network Accelerator Programme is now open.

To apply, startups must submit a pitch deck and a video application. The deadline to apply is October 31, 2023.

The Baobab Network Accelerator Programme is a significant investment in African startups and the continent’s tech ecosystem.

The program is expected to help the selected startups grow their businesses and create jobs across Africa.

Benefits of participation in the Baobab Network Accelerator Programme:

$100,000 in funding
Mentorship and support from a team of experienced investors and entrepreneurs
Access to Baobab Network’s network of partners and resources
Opportunity to pitch to potential investors

Eligibility criteria:

• African startup
  Using technology to solve a real-world problem in Africa
• Strong team with a proven track record
  Scalable business model

Application process:

• Submit a pitch deck and a video application
• Shortlisted startups will be invited to pitch to a panel of judges
• Selected startups will be announced in November 2023

Program timeline:

The program will start in January 2024 and run for six months.

During the program, startups will participate in a series of workshops and mentorship sessions.

At the end of the program, startups will pitch their businesses to a panel of potential investors.

The Baobab Network Accelerator Programme is a valuable opportunity for African startups to learn from experienced investors and entrepreneurs and to raise the capital they need to grow their businesses.

This marks the startup’s first major international expansion since its launch in 2022.

Auto24 was founded by Axel Peyriere, a French entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the African automotive industry.

The startup aims to revolutionize the used car buying and selling experience in Africa by providing a transparent and convenient platform for buyers and sellers to connect.

Auto24 offers a wide range of used cars from a variety of makes and models.

All cars are inspected and certified by Auto24’s team of experienced mechanics before being listed on the platform.

Auto24 also offers a number of value-added services, such as financing options, insurance plans, and warranties.

Auto24’s expansion into Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa is a significant development for the African tech ecosystem. It demonstrates the growing maturity of African startups and their ability to scale to new markets.

Why Auto24 chose these markets

Peyriere said that Auto24 chose to expand into Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa for a number of reasons.

Morocco and South Africa are two of the largest car markets in Africa.

Auto24 believes that it can make a significant impact in these markets by offering a more transparent and convenient way to buy and sell used cars.

Rwanda is an important market for electric cars. Auto24 is committed to promoting the adoption of electric cars in Africa, and it sees Rwanda as a key market for this initiative.

Senegal is similar to Côte d’Ivoire in terms of its culture and economy, and Auto24 believes that its experience in Côte d’Ivoire will help it to quickly succeed in Senegal.

The partnership will focus on three key areas:

– Infrastructure: The AfDB and Google will work together to invest in and develop digital infrastructure, such as broadband internet and data centers.

– Skills: The two organizations will collaborate to provide training and development opportunities for Africans in digital skills, such as coding and data science.

– Innovation: The AfDB and Google will support African startups and entrepreneurs in developing new digital products and services.

The partnership is part of the AfDB’s Digital Transformation Strategy, which aims to accelerate Africa’s transition to a digital economy.

The collaboration is expected to have a significant impact on digital transformation in Africa.

The AfDB’s financial resources and expertise in development, combined with Google’s technological expertise and global reach, will help to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies across the continent.

The partnership is also expected to boost economic growth and create jobs in Africa.

The digital economy is growing rapidly around the world, and Africa is well-positioned to benefit from this growth. with the latest move expected to help ensure that Africa has the infrastructure, skills, and innovation ecosystem necessary to compete in the global digital economy.

The awards recognize, honor, and celebrate women entrepreneurs and business owners in Africa across various industry sectors for their achievements and contribution to the continent’s inclusive economic growth and social development.

The 24 finalists were selected from a record number of nominations received from across Africa.

The finalists represent a diverse range of sectors, including technology, agriculture, education, healthcare, and finance.

They are also from a variety of countries, including Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The finalists for the 2023 AWIEF Awards are (listed in alphabetical order):

Young Entrepreneur Award

Salamba Diene, CEO, BIOSENE SARL, Senegal

Joyce Kamande, Co-founder & CEO, Safi Organics, Kenya

Jovia Kisakye, CEO, Sparkle Agro Brand, Uganda

Tech Entrepreneur Award

Norah Magero, Founder & CEO, Drop Access Limited, Kenya

Kathryn Malherbe, CEO, Med Sol AI Solutions, South Africa

Kidist Tesfaye, Founder & CEO, YeneHealth, Ethiopia

Agri Entrepreneur Award

Chinwendu Nweke, CEO, Bridge Merchant Enterprise, Nigeria

Forget Shareka, Founder, Chashi Foods, Zimbabwe

Nonopa Tenza, Founder & MD, Kevinot Farming, South Africa

Energy Entrepreneur Award

Linda Mabhena-Olagunju, Founder & CEO, DLO Energy Resources Group, South Africa

Ifeoma Malo, CEO, Clean Technology Hub, Nigeria

Margaret Yainkain Mansaray, Founder & CEO, Women in Energy Sierra Leone Limited, Sierra Leone

Creative Industry Award

Yasmina Belahsen, Founder, MayaDigital, Morocco

Gladys Chibanda, Founder & CEO, Krafted Ink, Zimbabwe

Ararat Tamirat, Founder & GM, Tuba By Ararat, Ethiopia

Social Entrepreneur Award

Damilola Aminat Adeyemi, Co-founder & CEO, D-Olivette Global Enterprise, Nigeria

Kayumba Chiwele, Founder & Principal Psychologist, MindAid Zambia, Zambia

Mundih Noelar Njohjam, Medical Doctor, Epilepsy Awareness, Aid and Research Association, Cameroon

Empowerment Award

Aya Chebbi, Founder & President, Nalafem Collective, Tunisia

Zulfat Mukarubega, Founder, University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies, Rwanda

Catherine Wijnberg, Founder & CEO, Fetola, South Africa

Lifetime Achievement Award

Rina Gunter, Founding Partner, Gunter Attorneys, South Africa

Dalia Ibrahim, CEO, Nahdet Misr Publishing House, Egypt

Anke Weisheit, Co-founder & Chair, PHARMBIOTRAC, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda

The winners of the 2023 AWIEF Awards will be announced at a special ceremony and gala dinner at the AWIEF2023 Conference and Awards.

The even is set for November 9 and 10 at the Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda.

The AWIEF Awards are sponsored by a number of leading organizations, including Microsoft, Google, and Amazon Web Services.

The 24 finalists for the 2023 AWIEF Awards are a truly inspiring group of women entrepreneurs.

They are making a significant contribution to the inclusive economic growth and social development of Africa. 

The accelerator scoured the African tech ecosystem to identify startups at the forefront of AI innovation, and selected a diverse group that spans various industries and regions.

Out of the 12 startups in the FA23 cohort, nine are Nigerian, and one each from Kenya, Tanzania, and Ghana.

The selected startups are:

Fintech:

1. Zeeh Africa – a Nigerian AI-powered open banking platform connecting businesses to financial data.
2. Cotrust Equity – the Uber for micro-lending in Africa.
3. Wallx – a payment and business solution for small business owners, the company is also a Nigerian founded, based in Lagos.
4. Moosbu – an all-in-one AI-Powered Operating System for small African businesses.
5. Aibanc – a Nigeria-based lending firm that allows customers to access credit through a mobile app.
6. Greenbii – an AI-driven asset financing and software management platform for SMEs.

Healthtech:

7. Zendawa Africa – a Kenyan healthtech service provider that is enabling neighborhood pharmacies to sell online.
8. 10mg Pharma – a Nigerian healthtech that employs an AI algorithm based on the code tree model to pair healthcare providers with financing partners who meet specific criteria.

Others:

9. Sumundi (eCommerce) – an eCommerce platform for Africa’s retail businesses based in Ghana.
10. Trucki (Logistics) – a Lagos-based logistics startup leveraging blockchain and AI to provide a haulage infrastructure that connects cargo stakeholders.
11. KCG Aquatec Fish Farming (Agritech) – a Tanzanian startup that is providing aquaculture infrastructure for fish farmers.
12. Orange VFX.

The FAST Accelerator is backed by tech giant Microsoft, which has pledged substantial resources to support these startups on their journey to harness AI for positive societal impact.

Through the program, these companies will gain access to cutting-edge technologies, mentorship, funding opportunities, and the chance to collaborate with industry experts.

The FAST Accelerator’s AI program aligns with the broader mission of supporting African startups in overcoming barriers to success.

By providing access to resources and expertise, the program seeks to empower entrepreneurs to create solutions that address pressing issues in their respective countries and regions.

Under the deal, MicroEnsure will rebrand as Turaco Ghana and retain the expertise of the existing team and leadership.

The acquisition is part of Turaco’s plan to expand its reach and deepen the penetration of affordable insurance across Africa.

MicroEnsure Ghana is a leading microinsurance provider in Ghana with a strong track record of providing innovative and affordable insurance products to low-income earners and small businesses.

The acquisition is expected to benefit both Turaco and MicroEnsure Ghana’s customers. Turaco will leverage MicroEnsure Ghana’s expertise and distribution network to reach more customers and offer a more comprehensive range of products.

MicroEnsure Ghana’s customers will benefit from Turaco’s tech-driven platform, improving the efficiency and convenience of their insurance experience.

MicroEnsure Ghana is Turaco’s second acquisition in the past year, having acquired Kenyan microinsurance provider Maisha Microfinance Bank in 2022. The acquisi

Leading investors, including AfricInvest, Partech, and LeapFrog Investments, back Turaco. The company has raised over $50 million in funding to support its growth and expansion plans.

The acquisition of MicroEnsure Ghana is expected to have a positive impact on the insurance industry in Ghana and across Africa.

Turaco’s tech-driven platform and focus on innovation will help to make insurance more accessible and affordable for low-income earners and small businesses.

The acquisition will also help to deepen the penetration of insurance in Africa.

Insurance penetration in Africa is currently very low, at around 3%.

The Move is a zero-emission vehicle designed to provide a comfortable and efficient transportation solution for urban and rural communities.

The Move is equipped with a 170 kWh battery pack that gives it a range of up to 200 kilometers on a single charge.

It can accommodate up to 51 passengers and features ergonomic seats, spacious aisles, and a low-floor entry for easy access.

The bus is also equipped with various safety features, including a collision warning system, lane departure warning system, and automatic emergency braking system.

ROAM has partnered with several local companies to develop and produce the Move, including Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM), Associated Vehicle Assemblers (AVA), and East African Portland Cement (EAPCC). The bus is assembled at KVM’s factory in Thika, Kenya.

The Move is a significant development for Kenya’s transportation sector.

It is the first all-electric shuttle bus to be built in Kenya, and it represents a significant step forward for the country’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

The Move is also expected to create jobs in the local economy and support the growth of Kenya’s EV industry.

In addition to its environmental and economic benefits, the Move also offers several advantages over conventional diesel-powered shuttle buses.

Electric buses are quieter and cleaner and require less maintenance than diesel buses. This makes them a more attractive option for operators and passengers alike.

ROAM plans to deploy the Move on several routes in Kenya in the coming months. The company is also exploring opportunities to export the bus to other African countries.

The introduction of the ROAM Move is a major milestone for Kenya’s transportation sector and the country’s efforts to combat climate change.

It is a testament to the country’s growing expertise in EV technology and its commitment to sustainable development.

Under the agreement, MCV will start manufacturing electric bus bodies for Volvo’s city and intercity buses.

The first buses are expected to be delivered to European customers in the first quarter of 2025.

The agreement is a significant boost for Egypt’s automotive sector, which is rapidly growing.

Egypt is already a significant exporter of vehicles and components, and the new partnership with Volvo will help Volvo further expand the country’s electric vehicle industry.

The agreement is also a sign of Volvo’s commitment to sustainable transportation, having pledged to go all-Egypt’sc by 2030.

“MCV’s work will enable us to offer a complete range of Volvo city and intercity buses in the premium segment. MCV is an ideal partner with the skills and capacity country’she high demands of our European customers,” explains Dan PettVolvo’s Vice President of Volvo Cars.

The agreement between Volvo Cars and MCV has a number o“MCV’sfits for both companies and for Egypt as a whole:

For Volvo Cars, the agreement will provide access to a new and growing market for electric buses as it continues with its mission to reduce its carbon footpri”t.

For MCV, the agreement will provide access to new technologies and expertise from Volvo Cars. MCV is already a leading manufacturer of buses in Egypt, and the agreement will help the company expand its product range and enter new markets.

The agreement is a sign of Egypt’s growing importance as a destination for foreign investment and manufacturing.