The fund will focus on startups in a number of sectors, including fintech, agritech and edtech.

The fund will be managed by Black Ostrich Ventures’ team of experienced investors, who have a proven track record of investing in and supporting early-stage startups in Africa.

“If you look at the capital inflows into VC in Africa, the Big Four countries—Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya—attract all the capital. But most exits do not happen in these markets,” says Ajani Windsor-Areago, General Partner of Black Ostrich Ventures.

The Black Ostrich Ventures Africa Fund is part of a growing trend of venture capital investment in Africa.

In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in African startups from investors around the world.

The launch of the Black Ostrich Ventures Africa Fund is a positive sign for the African startup ecosystem.

The fund will provide much-needed capital to early-stage startups, and it will help to accelerate the growth of the ecosystem.

The project, called the “Quality Healthcare Activity,” will focus on improving the quality of maternal and child health services, as well as the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS and malaria.

The project will be implemented in 67 woredas (districts) in the Sidama, Amhara, Oromia, Central Ethiopia, South Ethiopia, and Southwest Ethiopia Peoples’ Regions.

It will work with local governments, health facilities, and community-based organizations to improve the quality of care, strengthen health systems, and increase access to services.

The project will reach over 10 million people over the next five years. It is part of USAID’s broader commitment to improving health in Ethiopia.

Here are some other details about the project:

– The project will work to improve the quality of care in health facilities by providing training for health workers, upgrading equipment, and improving infrastructure.

– The project will also work to strengthen health systems by providing support for planning and management, and by enhancing the capacity of local governments to deliver health services.

– The project will increase access to services by providing transportation to health facilities, and by providing financial assistance to people who cannot afford to pay for care.

The project is expected to significantly contribute to improving the quality of care, strengthening health systems, and increasing access to services.

The company’s strategic move to enter France reflects its growing presence and commitment to delivering innovative healthcare solutions on a global scale.

Founded to revolutionize the healthcare industry through technology, Sobrus has rapidly emerged as a frontrunner in the digital health landscape.

The company’s platform offers a range of services that streamline healthcare access.

Sobrus’ recent achievement of crossing $500 million in transaction volumes underscores its successful integration of technology to improve healthcare experiences.

The expansion into the French market marks a significant step forward for Sobrus.

By leveraging its expertise and proven track record in Morocco, the company aims to replicate its success in France and contribute to enhancing healthcare services in the country.

Sobrus’ expansion is expected to introduce a range of benefits to the French healthcare landscape.

The company’s success story has been primarily rooted in its pioneering platform, “Sobrus Pharma,” which has become the backbone of over 5,000 pharmacies in Morocco.

This innovative platform seamlessly connects pharmacies, distributors, wholesalers, and pharmaceutical laboratories, streamlining the flow of medicines and healthcare products.

The initiative aims to fuel the growth of startups in this niche sector, enhancing their ability to transform the construction industry through technology-driven solutions.

The accelerator programme, named the “Construction-Tech Innovation Accelerator,” is set to provide a unique platform for aspiring entrepreneurs in Egypt’s thriving startup ecosystem.

With construction being a critical sector in the country’s economy, the programme holds the potential to revolutionize traditional processes and bring forth disruptive advancements.

Startups selected for the accelerator will undergo an intensive mentoring and support program, gaining access to Flat6Labs’ extensive network of industry experts, seasoned mentors, and potential investors.

Additionally, the selected startups will receive seed funding to help kickstart their projects and translate their ideas into tangible products or services.

The programme is designed to cater to a wide range of construction-tech innovations, including but not limited to building information modeling (BIM), sustainable construction practices, smart cities solutions, modular construction, and real-time project management platforms.

Flat6Labs’ launch of the Construction-Tech Innovation Accelerator marks a significant step in fostering technological innovation within Egypt’s construction industry.

By providing startups with the resources, mentorship, and funding needed to propel their ideas forward, this accelerator programme has the potential to reshape how construction is approached and executed in the country.

The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) granted the approval on August 22, 2023, after a review of the proposed acquisition.

The CAK said the acquisition was unlikely to negatively impact competition in the digital credit market.

Moniepoint is a payments and lending platform that provides businesses and individuals access to financial services.

Kopo Kopo, meanwhile, is a credit scoring and lending platform that uses data from mobile phones to assess the creditworthiness of borrowers.

The acquisition of Kopo Kopo will allow Moniepoint to expand its operations into Kenya and other East African countries.

The acquisition is also a sign of the growing maturity of the African fintech market.

The acquisition is expected to close in the coming weeks.

In addition to the above, here are some other details about the acquisition:

– Moniepoint is backed by investors such as Tiger Global Management, Sequoia Capital, and Accel Partners.

– Kopo Kopo is backed by investors such as Partech Africa, 500 Startups, and Founders Factory Africa.

– The acquisition will help Moniepoint expand its reach in Kenya and other East African countries.

– The acquisition is also expected to help Moniepoint develop new financial products and services.

This unveiling marks a significant stride in Kenya’s efforts to embrace clean energy solutions and reduce the carbon footprint of its transportation sector.

Basigo’s introduction of the E9 Kubwa electric bus model is a testament to the country’s commitment to environmental preservation and its ambition to lead the way in sustainable mobility.

As global conversations about climate change intensify, the launch of this electric bus model signifies a decisive step forward in transforming the public transportation landscape.

The E9 Kubwa electric bus boasts a range of features that set it apart as a game-changer in the transportation sector.

Powered solely by electricity, the E9 Kubwa produces zero tailpipe emissions, improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The bus has an extended range, meaning it can cover substantial distances on a single charge, making it a viable option for various urban and intercity routes.

The E9 Kubwa bus also incorporates cutting-edge technology for enhanced safety, comfort, and efficiency, making it a reliable and futuristic choice for passengers and operators alike.

Basigo’s commitment to innovation aligns with Kenya’s broader vision to promote clean energy adoption and build a sustainable future.

Basigo’s E9 Kubwa model encourages other countries and manufacturers to explore greener transportation alternatives by showcasing the viability of electric buses.

The initiative, designed to uplift and support women in business, has garnered attention as a beacon of progress in fostering gender inclusivity within the tech and entrepreneurial sectors.

Empowering African Women Entrepreneurs

The Future is Female Mentorship Programme, now in its fourth year, aims to address the gender imbalance prevalent in the startup landscape by providing mentorship, guidance, and resources to women-led businesses across the African continent.

The programme’s commitment to nurturing a more inclusive entrepreneurial environment has not only fostered women’s empowerment but also sparked innovative ventures that contribute to economic growth and societal transformation.

20 Startups, 20 Visions

After a meticulous selection process, 20 exceptional startups have been picked to participate in this year’s mentorship programme.

Nine of the selected founders are from Nigeria, namely Al Hassan Keita, founder of EtioneraPay; Jennifer Echenim, founder of Bloccpay; Gold Sylvester, founder of Traddify; Ngozi Nwabueze, founder of PocketLawyers; Sarah Odiavbara, founder of Craftmerce; Olawunmi Akalusi, founder of Rísé NG; Bibi Ikuemonisan, founder of FarmCorps; Joy Akparobore, founder of VAMUZ; and Kemi Ogunkoya, founder of LeaderX.

Six others are from Kenya, namely Celeste Tchetgen Vogel, founder of e-Waka Mobility; Juliet (Shiro) Njoroge, founder of Mosmos Africa; Natasha Makindu, founder of Paydel; Fridah Karani, founder of Hela Money; Jackie Kamau, founder of The Laundry Lady; and Elizabeth Nduta, founder of Gwiji.

Mai Shakweer, founder of Egypt’s AutoMechanic; Jacqui Rogers, founder of South Africa’s My Pregnancy Journey; Sophia Abeid, founder of Tanzania’s Vide; Rym Bourguiba, founder of Tunisia’s WildyNess; and Vwanganji Amatende-Bowa, founder of Zambia’s Mightyfinance, complete the cohort.

These startups, hailing from various African countries and spanning diverse industries, reflect the breadth of innovation emerging from the continent.

Ranging from fintech to agritech, healthcare to e-commerce, the selected startups showcase the depth of women’s entrepreneurship and their ability to drive change in traditionally male-dominated sectors.

Mentorship, Collaboration, and Growth

The chosen startups will now have the opportunity to engage with seasoned mentors, industry experts, and successful entrepreneurs who will provide invaluable insights, guidance, and support throughout the programme’s duration.

Through personalized mentorship, workshops, networking events, and exposure to investment opportunities, the participating women entrepreneurs will be equipped with the tools necessary to scale their businesses and create lasting impact in their respective markets.

Championing Diversity for a Stronger Future

The 4th edition of the Future is Female Mentorship Programme marks a remarkable step forward in the ongoing quest for gender equality and representation within the African startup ecosystem.

By fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and mentorship, the programme not only empowers women-led startups but also contributes to the creation of a more diverse, resilient, and innovative business landscape.

The Road Ahead

The 4th Future is Female Mentorship Programme is set to kick off with an official launch event, where the chosen startups will be introduced to their mentors and fellow participants.

This collaboration signals a significant advancement in the region’s payment landscape, providing consumers with enhanced flexibility in managing their purchases.

Lipa Later has emerged as a pioneer in offering innovative credit solutions that allow consumers to make purchases and pay for them in installments.

This strategic alliance with Mastercard will amplify Lipa Later’s reach and impact, bringing BNPL options to a broader audience across the African continent.

The partnership aligns well with the growing trend of BNPL solutions gaining traction globally, as consumers seek more flexible and manageable ways to make purchases. 

Through its technology and network, Mastercard will empower Lipa Later to scale its BNPL services efficiently and securely across multiple markets.

By allowing consumers to spread payments over time, BNPL solutions offer an alternative to traditional credit options and align with changing consumer preferences.

The Lipa Later-Mastercard partnership signifies a noteworthy advancement in the African fintech landscape, as BNPL solutions gain momentum and become an increasingly integral part of modern commerce.

This collaboration holds the potential to reshape consumer behavior and financial access, ultimately contributing to more inclusive and digitally empowered economies across the continent.

The move marks a significant milestone for the region’s startup ecosystem as Antler seeks to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and drive innovation by providing essential financial support and mentorship.

The $60 million Fund is specifically earmarked to invest in early-stage startups with exceptional promise and potential across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, fintech, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence.

North Africa has increasingly gained traction as a fertile ground for startups and innovation, with many entrepreneurs tackling complex challenges and developing disruptive solutions.

With Antler’s entry into the scene, aspiring founders can now access the resources and support needed to turn their visionary ideas into reality.

Antler adopts a unique approach to investing by building companies from the ground up, providing selected founders with an initial capital injection and an immersive program that offers hands-on support, mentorship, and access to a vast global network of experts and investors.