Top African Startups
Africa is the second-largest and also the second most populated continent. It is endowed with different kinds of natural resources and wildlife, making it the most favorable spot for startups. Besides, Africa is making much economic progress in different sectors such as tourism and agriculture. Also, many businesses and startups are doing well and competing with other businesses around the globe.
Here are Africa’s top startups to watch.
Trella
Trella was founded in 2018 by Ali El Atrash, Omar Hagrass and Pierre Saad in Egypt. The company provides B2B transportation for shippers. The main objective of the company is to make trucking and supply chain fast and efficient. The company intends to expand its operations o other countries, having made hundreds of trips within Egypt. The startup is creating job opportunities for drivers and also empowering drivers by giving them a source of income. The company received a seed funding of $600,000.
Gozem
Gozem was founded in 2018 by Emeka Ajene, Gregory Costamagna and Raphael Dana. It is a transportation company that works through the use of an App. It operates in Togo and Benin employing between 500 and 1000 employees and has over 800,000 users already.
The startup is registered in Singapore but it moved its operation to Africa. Recently, the company began its operations in Burkina Faso, Mali, Gabon, Senegal and Cameroon. It offers transport services through motorcycles and taxis. The app shows that there are more than 800 drivers already registered on the app. The startup has a funding of $900,000.
Mpost
Mpost is a Kenyan startup founded in 2016 by Abdulaziz Omar and Twahir Mohamed. It employs between 1000 and 5000 employees. The startup offers postal services where mobile phone numbers are used as addresses. Whenever one has a mail, a notification is sent to the receiver through the mobile number. Essentially, it is a mobile post office that works through the use of an app. The company has funding of $1,900,000 and it plans to expand its operations.
RideSafe
RideSafe is a Kenyan startup that was founded in 2017 by Asiimwe Benson Mugisha. The startup is offering insurance services to motorcycle riders. Also, riders can receive first aid to motorcycle accident victims. The company works in collaboration with passengers, first responders and investors to avail health services during accidents. They also reward motorcycle riders who portray good behavior.
Motorcycle death-related incidences have been on the rise and that is why the startup is working to find a solution. The company has received funding of $100,000.
Kaoun
Kaoun is a Tunisian founded startup that was founded in 2018 by Nebras Jemel, Anis Kallel and Rostom Bouazizi. It is a financial, cryptocurrency, mobile payments and FinTech Company that allows users to create remotely bank accounts on web and apps.
The company is working in partnership with banks in Tunisia and can register users through Know Your Customer (KYC) service via a Smartphone.
Pineapple
Pineapple is a South African startup founded in 2017 by Marnus Van Heerden, Matthew Elan Smith and Ndabenhle Junior Ngulube. The startup offers peer to peer insurance services to users. One can get quotes related to insurance products through a picture.
All you need to do is to take a picture of what you want to insure and then post it. You will get an insurance quote for that product. It has total funding amounting to $1,900,000.
Yobante Express
Yobante Express is a Senegalese startup that was founded in 2018. It is a platform that brings together local couriers and the domestic and crossborder traders to offer them efficient delivery. Therefore, the company offers delivery services through the use of a motorcycle, bus or car. Users can use an app to request a delivery. Once the parcel has been sent to the pickup point, the recipient uses a unique PIN to confirm that he has received the parcel.
Yobante Express has received over $500,000 funding and it aims to expand its operations to other countries.
FlexClub
FlexClub is a South Africa startup registered in the Netherlands. It was founded in 2018 by Marlon Gallardo, Rudolf Vavruch and Tinashe Ruzane. It is a subscription platform for people who want to buy cars. The platform then marches the car with Uber drivers. The company has plans t expand to other geographies and so far it has received funding amounting to $1,200,000.
Bottom Line
With many startups coming up in Africa, many investors are scrambling to get a share of the continent’s cake. It is the next Silicon Valley due to its huge economic potential for its vast natural resources and wildlife. There is a lot that remains to be utilized. It is no doubt that Africa is the place to watch for upcoming startups.