In the past, investing was often seen as only accessible to the wealthy or sophisticated investor.

However, the rise of tech startups is making it easier and more affordable for Africans to invest in their future.

Tech startups are helping Africans invest in a number of ways.

For example, they are developing mobile apps that make it easy for people to open investment accounts and start investing with just a few taps.

They are also offering low-cost investment products and services tailored to African investors’ needs. 

One such startup is Thndr.

Who is Thndr?

Thndr is an Egyptian fintech startup that was founded in 2020 by a group of visionary entrepreneurs who recognized the immense potential for disruption in Egypt’s financial services industry.

The company’s founders, Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr, embarked on a mission to leverage technology and innovation to bridge the gap between traditional banking and the unmet financial needs of millions of Egyptians.

With a mission to democratize access to financial services and redefine the financial landscape, Thndr has rapidly emerged as a trailblazer in the Egyptian fintech ecosystem.

What Does Thndr Do?

Thndr operates as a digital investment platform, providing users easy access to a wide range of financial products and services.

Their comprehensive offering includes:

• Investment Opportunities: Thndr offers a diverse portfolio of investment options, allowing users to invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other financial instruments. Their user-friendly interface simplifies the investment process, making it accessible to novice and experienced investors.
• Savings and Wealth Management: Thndr’s platform empowers users to save and grow their wealth with customizable savings plans and investment strategies. They provide tools and insights to help users make informed financial decisions.
• Financial Education: Recognizing the importance of financial literacy, Thndr is committed to educating its users. They offer a wealth of resources, including articles, videos, and webinars, to help individuals enhance their financial knowledge.
• Accessibility: Thndr is designed to be accessible to all Egyptians. They have made significant strides in ensuring their platform is user-friendly, even for those with limited financial experience or access to traditional banking services.

There are several factors driving this growth, including the increasing urbanization of the continent, the growth of the middle class, and the rise of e-commerce.

While the sector continues to experience a raft of challenges, a number of startups are working to address the challenges facing B2B and end-to-end distribution in Africa.

MarketForce is one such startup.

Who is MarketForce?

MarketForce is a Kenyan B2B e-commerce platform that digitizes retail distribution in Africa.

It enables informal merchants to order goods for next-day delivery directly from its merchant super-app dubbed RejaReja.

Traders are also able to access goods on credit based on the history of their transactions and credit profiles.

MarketForce was founded in 2018 by Tesh Mbaabu and Mesongo Sibuti.

The company is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, and has operations in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, with plans to expand to more African countries in the near future.

What Does MarketForce Do?

MarketForce offers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to transform how retailers and brands interact with their customers and manage their operations.

Here are some key aspects of what MarketForce does:

• Retail Merchandising: MarketForce provides a cutting-edge platform that enables retailers to manage and optimize their in-store merchandising activities efficiently. This includes real-time visibility into store compliance, shelf space allocation, and inventory management.
• Mystery Shopping: The startup offers a unique mystery shopping platform that allows brands to gain valuable insights into their customers’ in-store experiences. This helps brands fine-tune their strategies to meet customer expectations better.
• Field Sales Optimization: MarketForce empowers field sales teams with tools to streamline their operations, from route planning to order management. This results in increased sales, reduced operational costs, and improved customer satisfaction.
• Data Analytics: Leveraging the power of data, MarketForce provides retailers and brands with actionable insights. This data-driven approach helps them make informed decisions, refine their strategies, and stay ahead in the competitive retail landscape.

MarketForce’s Mission:

At the heart of MarketForce’s mission is the desire to transform retail into a more customer-centric and efficient industry.

They aim to empower retailers and brands with the tools and insights to create exceptional shopping experiences.

MarketForce believes that enhancing the connection between brands and retailers can ultimately benefit the end consumer through improved product availability, better service, and personalized shopping experiences.

This inefficiency and opacity in the agricultural input supply chain can have a significant impact on farmers’ incomes and productivity.

However, in Kenya, iProcure, an agritech startup, has emerged as a beacon of hope and empowerment for farmers and a disruptor that is revolutionizing the agricultural supply chain like never before.

Who is iProcure?

iProcure is a Nairobi-based startup that is working to optimize the agricultural input supply chain in rural Africa.

Founded in 2013, iProcure has developed its distribution infrastructure, connecting major agricultural input suppliers directly to local agro-dealers via its proprietary distribution technology system.

Recognized as one of Kenya’s pioneers of digital agriculture, iProcure leverages technology to bridge the gap between farmers and essential agricultural inputs.

What Do They Do?

iProcure’s core mission revolves around providing farmers with access to quality agricultural inputs, including seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and more, through a seamless digital platform.

Here’s how they accomplish this:

Digital Ordering Platform: iProcure has developed a user-friendly mobile and web application that allows farmers to order agricultural inputs directly from the comfort of their homes. This eliminates the need for farmers to travel long distances to access these crucial supplies.

Network of Retailers: iProcure collaborates with a vast network of retailers strategically located across rural areas. These retailers serve as collection points, ensuring that farmers can easily pick up their orders.

Quality Assurance: Ensuring the quality of agricultural inputs is a top priority for iProcure. They partner with reputable suppliers and provide farmers access to certified products, improving crop yields and quality.

Credit Solutions: To further support smallholder farmers, iProcure offers credit solutions, enabling farmers to access inputs even when they lack immediate funds. This innovative approach fosters financial inclusion in the agricultural sector.

Their Mission:

iProcure’s mission is crystal clear: to empower smallholder farmers with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to increase their agricultural productivity and improve their livelihoods.

They believe that by making high-quality agricultural inputs accessible and affordable, they can contribute to food security and economic growth in rural communities.

What They Have Achieved:

• Raising over $20 million in funding from investors such as Safaricom, IFC, and Rabobank.
• Expanding its operations to Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
• Building a network of over 10,000 agro-dealers.
• Supplying over 1 million smallholder farmers with agricultural inputs.

Impact:

iProcure’s work is having a significant impact on the agricultural sector in Africa.

By optimizing the supply chain, iProcure is helping to reduce the cost of agricultural inputs and make them more accessible to smallholder farmers.

This is leading to increased agricultural productivity and incomes for farmers.

HearX Group is a South African startup developing innovative digital solutions to improve access to hearing healthcare.

Who is HearX Group?

Founded in 2015, HearX Group has swiftly become a trailblazer in the field of hearing healthcare technology.

This Pretoria-based startup combines cutting-edge technology with a passion for improving access to hearing care solutions.

Their journey began with a simple but powerful vision: to provide affordable, accessible, and accurate hearing screening solutions to people all over the world.

What Do They Do?

HearX Group specializes in developing innovative hearing health solutions that leverage the power of digital technology.

They have harnessed the capabilities of smartphones and tablets to create easy-to-use hearing screening and diagnostic tools.

Their flagship product, hearScreen, is a mobile application designed to perform accurate hearing screenings.

This app has transformed hearing assessments, making them more accessible and cost-effective, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

The startup also offers a suite of services for healthcare professionals, including hearTest and hearDigits, which enable comprehensive audiometry and hearing aid fitting, respectively.

These technologies have disrupted the traditional hearing healthcare model, making it possible for more individuals to receive timely and affordable care.

Their Mission

HearX Group’s mission is clear and compelling: they aim to democratize hearing healthcare.

They believe that everyone, regardless of their location or financial means, should have access to high-quality hearing services.

This mission aligns with the World Health Organization’s efforts to address the global hearing loss burden, affecting over 466 million people worldwide.

By leveraging technology, HearX Group has set out to eliminate barriers to hearing healthcare.

They have been instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of early hearing detection and intervention, a critical factor in improving the quality of life for those with hearing loss.