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Hany Al-Sonbaty

Hany Al-Sonbaty

Hany Al-Sonbaty is an Egyptian entrepreneur, investor, and visionary who has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the MENA startup ecosystem.

 

With a passion for innovation and a commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in the region, Hany has made significant contributions to Africa’s tech ecosystem. He is the Managing Director of Sawari Ventures, a venture capital firm based in Egypt that invests in technology startups in the MENA region. He is also the Co-Founder of Flat6Labs, a startup accelerator program that has become a beacon of hope for early-stage startups across the region.

Under Hany’s leadership, Flat6Labs has emerged as a pivotal player in the MENA startup ecosystem.
The program offers startups financial support and invaluable mentorship and guidance, helping them transform their ideas into successful businesses. Hany’s journey from a visionary entrepreneur to a catalyst for change in the MENA startup ecosystem is inspiring. His dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to fostering innovation have made him a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs across the region.

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Seynabou Dieng

Seynabou Dieng is a remarkable social entrepreneur who has dedicated her efforts to positively impacting agricultural value chains.

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Coumba Sow

Coumba Sow is a Senegalese agro-economist and public policy specialist.

 

Her remarkable journey in the service of vulnerable populations in the Sahel region is an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance, local knowledge, and global collaboration. Since 2017, Coumba Dieng Sow has been at the forefront of emergency humanitarian and resilience efforts for the FAO in Africa.

One of the hallmarks of Coumba’s work is her advocacy for the use of endogenous knowledge, including agroecology and local investments, to reduce vulnerabilities and promote sustainable agriculture.
Her belief in the power of communities to adapt and thrive under adverse conditions is both admirable and effective.

Coumba’s most significant initiative is the “1 million cisterns for the Sahel.”
Inspired by Brazil’s successful Fome Zero program, this initiative seeks to provide rural communities with better access to water in the face of climate change. Coumba is currently serving as FAO’s Country Representative for Rwanda.

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Isak Pretorius

Isak Pretorius

Isak Pretorius is a true trailblazer with a heart dedicated to uplifting Africa.

 

As the Group CEO of ForAfrika, he’s not just carrying on a legacy but forging an inspiring path towards a brighter future for the continent. Isak’s journey is rooted in the remarkable legacy of his parents, Peter, and Ann Pretorius, who founded JAM International. From this noble foundation, ForAfrika emerged as a beacon of hope. Isak’s commitment to humanitarian services and business acumen are the driving forces behind ForAfrika’s impactful initiatives. ForAfria is the largest African humanitarian and development organization working for an Africa that thrives.

The organization is driving change on the continent in several sectors, including health, education, water, and food.
Isak’s passion lies in bridging the divide between non-profit and for-profit sectors. He envisions an Africa where development knows no bounds, where prosperity and sustainability walk hand in hand. His insights have contributed to sustainable programs that are changing lives across the continent. As a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) since 2009, he’s part of a global network of leaders shaping the world.

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Hany Al-Sonbaty

Hany Al-Sonbaty is an Egyptian entrepreneur, investor, and visionary who has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the MENA startup ecosystem.

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Guy Futi

Guy Futi has worked in the corporate world since 2008, beginning his career as the Founder of MAJI WATER, a beverage venture with a social mission to provide clean drinking water to those in need globally.

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Diene Keita

Diene Keita

Diene Keita is the Deputy Executive Director for
Programmer for the 
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), appointed in June 2020.

She has over 30 years of experience working for international non-profit organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNFPA. Keita’s journey in international non-profit organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNFPA, has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her leadership has spanned numerous countries, including the United States, Niger, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Haiti, Senegal, Ethiopia, Mauritania, Benin, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Nigeria.

Keita is a true visionary, a passionate advocate for global public health, and a champion of adolescent and maternal health.
Her dedication extends to promoting inclusive growth, gender equality, public policy, and international diplomacy. With a profound commitment to UNFPA’s mission, she tirelessly works to create a world where pregnancy is wanted, birth is safe, and young people’s potential is fulfilled.

Keita is not only a highly respected and accomplished leader but also a beacon of hope in the field of global health and development.
Her unwavering dedication inspires us all to work towards a more equitable and brighter future for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.

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VC Firm Enza Capital Closes $58m Fund II to Support Next Generation of African Entrepreneurs

New Investments

VC Firm Enza Capital Closes $58m Fund II to Support Next Generation of African Entrepreneurs

Enza Capital, a Pan-African venture capital firm, has closed its second fund at $58 million.

The fund will be used to invest in early-stage startups that are “organizing the offline online” and “digitizing key African industries.”

Enza Capital was founded in 2019 by Niyi Ajao and Wale Ayeni, two experienced venture capitalists with a deep understanding of the African startup market.

The firm has already invested in a number of successful startups, including fintech company Flutterwave, logistics company Kobo360, and healthcare company Lifebank.

The closing of Fund II is a significant milestone for Enza Capital and for the African startup ecosystem as a whole.

It is one of the largest early-stage funds ever raised in Africa, and it is a testament to the growing interest from global investors in the continent’s startup scene.

The fund will focus on investing in startups in the following sectors:

  • Fintech
  • Logistics
  • Healthcare
  • Human capital
  • Climate tech

Enza Capital is particularly interested in startups that are using technology to bridge the gap between the online and offline worlds and to digitize key African industries.

The firm is also known for its innovative approach to venture capital. In addition to providing capital, Enza Capital also provides its startups with access to a network of mentors, advisors, and resources.

The closing of Fund II is a positive development for the African startup ecosystem. It shows that there is growing interest from global investors in the continent’s startups, and it provides Enza Capital with the resources it needs to continue to support the next generation of African entrepreneurs.

Analysis

The closing of Enza Capital’s Fund II is a significant event for the African startup ecosystem. It is one of the largest early-stage funds ever raised in Africa, and it is a testament to the growing interest from global investors in the continent’s startup scene.

The fund is also notable for its focus on investing in startups that are “organizing the offline online” and “digitizing key African industries.” This is a critical area of investment, as Africa is still rapidly urbanizing and its economy is becoming increasingly digital.

Enza Capital’s innovative approach to venture capital is also worth noting. The firm provides its startups with access to a network of mentors, advisors, and resources, in addition to capital. This is important, as startups in Africa often face unique challenges that require specialized support.

Overall, the closing of Enza Capital’s Fund II is a positive development for the African startup ecosystem. It provides a strong signal to global investors that Africa is a place where they can find attractive investment opportunities.

It also gives Enza Capital the resources it needs to continue to support the next generation of African entrepreneurs.

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“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.

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Cleantech Investor Gaia Impact Raises New $42M Fund to Invest in African Startups

New Investments

Cleantech Investor Gaia Impact Raises New $42M Fund to Invest in African Startups

Gaia Impact, a cleantech investment firm focused on Africa, has raised a new $42 million fund to support early-stage startups developing sustainable solutions for the continent.
 
Gaia Energy Impact Fund II had the backing of Schneider Electric, Capital Croissance, and Investisseurs & Partenaires – I&P.

The fund will be used to invest in startups that are developing innovative solutions to Africa’s most pressing environmental and social challenges.
 
These include climate change, energy access, water scarcity, and pollution. The fund will also focus on supporting startups led by women and entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups.

Gaia Impact’s portfolio of companies includes several successful African startups, such as M-KOPA Solar, a solar energy company that provides pay-as-you-go solar systems to households in East Africa, and Afribon, a waste management company that converts organic waste into biogas and fertilizer.

The fund comes when there is growing investor interest in African cleantech startups.
 
The growth of the African cleantech sector is being driven by a number of factors, including the continent’s rapid urbanization, its growing population, and its abundant natural resources.
 
Africa is also home to some of the world’s most pressing environmental and social challenges, making the continent one of the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

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“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.

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South African Fintech Startup Revio Raises $5.2M to Revolutionize African Payments

New Investments

South African Fintech Startup Revio Raises $5.2M to Revolutionize African Payments

Revio, a South African fintech startup, has raised $5.2 million in a seed round led by QED Investors and Partech.

The funding will be used to expand Revio’s team, launch new products, and enter new markets across Africa.

Revio provides businesses with a payment orchestration platform that makes it easy to accept payments from customers all over Africa.

The platform supports a wide range of payment methods, including mobile money, bank cards, and local payment schemes.

Revio’s platform is particularly useful for businesses that sell products and services to customers in multiple African countries.

The fintech startup is already working with a number of leading businesses in Africa, including MTN, Airtel, and Uber.

The company plans to use its new funding to expand its reach and help more businesses streamline their payment processes.

Revio’s latest investment is a sign of the growing interest in fintech in Africa.

Africa has a large and growing population, but many people do not have access to traditional banking services.

Fintech startups like Revio are making it easier for people to access financial services and make payments.

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South African VC Firm Secha Capital Closes $15.8 Million Fund to Invest in Early-Stage Startups

New Investments

South African VC Firm Secha Capital Closes $15.8 Million Fund to Invest in Early-Stage Startups

Secha Capital, a South African venture capital firm, has announced that it has raised $15.8 million in new funding.

The firm plans to use the funds to invest in early-stage startups in South Africa and other African countries.

Secha Capital was founded in 2020 by Rushil Valabh and Brendan Mullen, who have over 20 years of experience in investing and building businesses in Africa.

The firm focuses on investing in startups that are addressing large addressable markets and have the potential to create significant job growth.

Secha Capital has already invested in a number of successful South African startups, including SweepSouth, a digital platform for on-demand home cleaning services, and Luno, a cryptocurrency exchange.

The firm’s new funding round was led by the SA SME Fund, a jobs-focused fund of funds, and also included investments from the venture arm of Rand Merchant Bank, 27four Investment Managers, and Caleo Capital.

The investment by Secha Capital is a positive development for the South African startup ecosystem.

The firm’s focus on investing in early-stage startups is particularly important, as it can help to fill a gap in the funding landscape for South African startups.

The investment is also a sign of the growing interest in investing in African startups.

Africa is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world, with a booming startup ecosystem.

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“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.

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SunCulture Gets Backing From Investment Energy Platform Nithio to Drive Solar Irrigation, Farming Innovations Across Africa

New Investments

SunCulture Gets Backing From Investment Energy Platform Nithio to Drive Solar Irrigation, Farming Innovations Across Africa

Nithio, a leading energy investment platform, has invested in SunCulture, a Kenyan solar irrigation company.
 
 

The investment will be used to expand SunCulture’s operations across Africa and to develop new farming innovations.

SunCulture provides farmers with affordable solar-powered irrigation systems, which can help to increase crop yields and reduce costs.

Solar irrigation is a particularly promising technology for Africa, as it can help farmers overcome the challenges of water scarcity and climate change.

The company also offers a variety of other farming services, such as training and support.

SunCulture has already helped over 50,000 farmers in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda to adopt solar irrigation. The company’s goal is to reach 1 million farmers by 2025.

The investment by Nithio in SunCulture is expected to have a significant impact on the agricultural sector in Africa.

SunCulture’s solar irrigation systems can help farmers increase their crop yields and reduce their costs, which can lead to higher incomes and improved livelihoods.

The investment is also expected to boost innovation in the agricultural sector.

Nithio’s investment, made through its investment vehicle, Nithio FI, is part of the Productive Use Appliance Financing Facility (PUAFF), which catalyzes the uptake of productive use appliances across Africa.

PUAFF is managed by CLASP, an international non-profit organization that improves the energy and environmental performance of appliances and equipment.

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“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.

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