The Empower Africa Business Platform is Now Live !!!
The initiative aims to foster collaboration between South African entrepreneurs and Irish tech experts.
Over 350 tech startups applied for this year’s challenge, with the selected companies focusing on innovative solutions aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The winners will receive comprehensive support, including €10,000 in funding, a sponsored trip to Ireland for networking opportunities, and mentorship from industry leaders.
The participating startups are SmartView Technology, Momint, The Awareness Company, Athena, Adbot, Samanjalo, and Credipple.
Their solutions range from utility management and renewable energy to healthcare, advertising, and talent marketplaces.
“This initiative highlights the strong partnership between Ireland and South Africa in technology and innovation,” said Ambassador Austin Gormley.
“We are excited to support these entrepreneurs as they embark on their journey to create positive impact.”
The startups will undergo a rigorous pre-acceleration program before traveling to Ireland to connect with the country’s thriving tech ecosystem.
The Irish Tech Challenge is a joint venture between the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, Wits University’s Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, the Department of Science and Innovation, the Technology Innovation Agency, and Dogpatch Labs Ireland.
“We are delighted to partner with ISA to support the development of solar energy in Africa,” said Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50. “This partnership will help to accelerate the deployment of solar energy in Africa and improve the lives of millions of Africans,” he added.

South African private-equity firm Summit Africa has secured a US$20 million commitment from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) toward its second fund, Summit Private Equity Fund II (SPEF II).

German development finance institution DEG has reported a $20 million commitment to the Regional MSME Investment Fund for sub-Saharan Africa (REGMIFA), adding fresh capital to a vehicle that finances smaller businesses indirectly by lending to local financial institutions.

Electric mobility and distributed energy company Zeno has secured $25 million in new funding to accelerate the expansion of its electric vehicle and charging infrastructure across East Africa.