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Vincent Maposa

Vincent Maposa

Vincent Maposa is a South African entrepreneur passionate about innovative energy solutions.

 

He is the Founder and CEO of Wetility, a solar solutions company harnessing the sun’s power to keep South African homes and businesses energized. Founded in 2018, Wetility’s mission is to “make clean energy accessible and affordable for everyone in Africa.”

The company offers a wide range of products, including solar panels for homes and businesses, solar batteries, and solar water heaters.
Maposa’s innovative energy solution is helping businesses and homeowners save money on their energy bills, reduce their carbon footprint, and become more energy independent. Under his leadership, Wetility has achieved a number of notable milestones, including raising $48 million in debt and equity to expand its solar energy product.

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Mahmoud Mohieldin

Mahmoud Mohieldin is an Egyptian economist and development expert who has held several high-level positions in international organizations and the Egyptian government.

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Patricia Obo-Nai

Patricia Obo-Nai, the Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone Ghana, stands at the forefront of Ghana’s digital revolution.

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Caren Wakoli

Caren Wakoli

In a world where leadership and social impact are more critical than ever, there are individuals who stand out as beacons of hope and empowerment.

 

Caren Wakoli, the founder of the Emerging Leaders Foundation (ELF), is one such remarkable individual. Her journey is an inspiring testament to the power of one person’s vision to create lasting change. Born and raised in Kenya, Caren recognized the immense potential within her country’s youth population, despite the many challenges they faced. It is for this reason that she set out on a mission to nurture this potential and transform it into tangible impact.

Caren’s vision gave birth to the Emerging Leaders Foundation, a non-profit organization that has since become a cornerstone of youth empowerment in Kenya.
Through ELF, she has provided young people with the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to become leaders and changemakers. Caren’s work extends beyond leadership development. She is a vocal advocate for gender equality and social justice, championing the rights of women and marginalized communities in Kenya.

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Makole Mupita

Makole is an accomplished executive and fund manager making remarkable strides in South Africa’s energy industry.

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Aya ElGebeely

Aya is an Egyptian software engineer and entrepreneur who aims to bridge the gap between top tech talents and hiring companies.

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Dr. Adetola Salau

Dr. Adetola Salau

Dr Adetola Salau is a Nigerian author, social innovative entrepreneur, global educator, and transformation agent.

 

She has over two decades of experience driven dramatic results in the education sector, with a focus on reengineering the mindset of African children to create their economic prosperity through STEM skills. Dr Adetola Salau’s journey in education and STEM began with a deep-rooted passion for equipping the youth with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Armed with this passion, she embarked on a mission to revolutionize education in Africa.

With a doctorate in education, Dr. Salau possesses a profound understanding of the pedagogical principles that underpin effective teaching and learning.
This expertise has been instrumental in shaping her innovative approach to STEM education, which places an emphasis on practical, hands-on learning experiences.

She envisions a future where African children are not just consumers of technology but active contributors to its advancement.
To realize this vision, she founded organizations and initiatives aimed at empowering children with STEM skills that are not only competitive but also transformative. One such initiative is the Global Educational Skills Summit (GESS), where Dr. Salau is a distinguished leader.

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Yemi Keri

Yemi Keri is a Nigerian technology leader, investor, and entrepreneur who is making a significant impact on Africa’s tech and investment space.

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Acha Leke

Acha Leke is a Cameroonian businessman and consultant currently serving as the Chairman of Africa for McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm.

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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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Onyeka Akumah

Onyeka is a Nigerian tech entrepreneur who has demonstrated his commitment to using technology to solve some of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.

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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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Tony O. Elumelu

Tony Elumelu is a Nigerian entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist passionate about Africa’s economic development.

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Jason Njoku

Jason is a British-Nigerian serial entrepreneur, African film magnate, and start-up investor in Africa’s emerging tech ecosystem.

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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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Zandile Mkwanazi

Zandile is an award-winning social entrepreneur who dreams of empowering 10 million women and girls with tech and coding skills by 2030.

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Alain El Hajj

Alain is an Egyptian fintech enthusiast and entrepreneur with a demonstrated history of working in the financial technology industry.

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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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Joe Kinvi 

He has a strong background in finance, having held significant roles such as Head of Finance at Touchtech Payments, which was acquired by Stripe, as well as positions at Stripe and Paystack.

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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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Empower Africa Times Newsletter

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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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