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Aramco expands global venture capital programme with $4 billion funds injection
It will take Aramco's overall venture capital allocation to $7.5bn, which also includes the $500 million venture capital fund Wa'ed Ventures that focuses on the start-up ecosystem in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Kenyan green entrepreneurs mark Day of Zero Waste with festival
The Fest culminated a week-long digital campaign dubbed #BeatPlasticPollution aimed at addressing the plastic pollution menace in Mombasa.
[Kenya] Livestock sector players review investment opportunities, challenges in unique forum
With the demand for livestock products projected to grow by up to 50% by 2030, there’s a clear opportunity for strategic investments to drive growth and innovation in the sector.
Kenya startups raised the highest amount of funding in Africa in 2023, report
For some time now, Nigeria has always received the biggest share of startup investments, however, in 2023, Kenya overtook the West African country, gaining the highest amount of tech funds on the continent.
EIB Global announces $30 million investment in Seedstars Africa Ventures I, a VC fund for African entrepreneurs
Innovative businesses and start-ups across Africa will benefit from better access to risk capital thanks to a US$30 million equity investment by EIB Global in the Seedstars Africa Ventures I venture capital fund.
Kenyan climate tech startup Amini raises $4 million seed funding raises to accelerate growth into new sectors
Amini’s successful raise follows a $2 million pre-seed funding round that closed in March 2023. The pre-seed round was led by Pale Blue Dot, backed by Superorganism who also participated in this seed round alongside new investors such as Satgana.
[Kenya] Mombasa innovators showcase green innovations during the royal visit
Mombasa’s young innovators addressing marine plastic pollution caught the attention of King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their royal visit to Kenya.
Circu Li-ion receives €8.5m seed funding to automate sustainable battery recycling
Circu Li-ion has announced the closing of a €8.5m seed financing round.
Estonian startup Bisly raises €3.6m for energy-saving building automation in EU
Bisly has closed a €3.6 million round of fundraising.
Stockholm-based climate fintech Cloover secures €7m for renewable energy solutions
Cloover has closed an oversubscribed €7 million pre-seed investment round.
Finnish energy tech startup Capalo AI raises €500K to accelerate growth
Capalo AI has raised €500K funding to further develop its virtual power plant.
Bedrock Energy raises $8.5m to decarbonize commercial real estate with geothermal energy
Bedrock Energy has announced $8.5 million in seed capital.
[Column] Christopher Saul: Kenya’s AI revolution can happen with the IT you already have
AI is set to become the most prolific and impactful technology trend in the world.
STHL East Africa bets on demand for power tools to grow revenues
German power tools manufacturer, STIHL East Africa, has reported a significant increase in revenue in its first year of operation since upgrading its marketing office to a fully-fledged sales subsidiary.
LinkedIn names renewable power producer BrightNight as top U.S. startup
BrightNight has been named as top U.S. startup by LinkedIn.
Lipa Later announces close of Sh500 million privately placed debt issuance
According to the company, the journey to empower Kenyan consumers with convenient and accessible financing options has been met with enthusiasm from customers and the private capital markets.
Openvolt raises €1.5m to enable the next generation of energy applications
Openvolt has raised a pre-seed round of €1.5m led by Cavalry Ventures.
Kenyan insurtech startup Turaco acquires Ghana’s MicroEnsure
Turaco, the Kenyan insurtech startup, has acquired MicroEnsure Ghana from MIC Global.
Five Kenyan cleantech startups selected for JICA’s Project NINJA accelerator
Five Kenyan cleantech startups have been selected for the 3rd cohort of JICA.
Swedish startup Novatron Fusion secures €5m seed funding to propel fusion energy innovation
Novatron Fusion announced the successful closure of its seed round, raising €5m.
Dutch-based EIT InnoEnergy secures over €140m to accelerate growth of its portfolio companies
EIT InnoEnergy has successfully completed its private placement round of over €140m.
Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Venture Capital joins Israeli startup nT-Tao's Series A funding round
Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Venture Capital has joined nT-Tao's Series A funding round.
STIHL East Africa set to introduce battered powered products
STIHL East Africa has announced plans to introduce battery powered products in the East African Market as the firm celebrates its one year anniversary in the region.
The place of Kenyan startups in growing the medtech sector
Investment in the medical devices segment of Africa’s startup space has the potential to hit $259 billion by 2030. Currently, the sector has attracted $500 million in investments.
Nodal Power raises $13m to build renewable energy power plants at landfills
Nodal Power has raised a $13m to mitigate methane emissions at landfills.
Heat battery maker Rondo Energy secures $60m to speed industrial decarbonization
Rondo Energy has raised $60 million in new financing.
From catwalks to urban planning: Milan's sustainable city transformation, Plug and Play
Milan is a city known for its vibrant fashion and cultural scene.
Berlin-based startup NeXtWind secures $750m to build sustainable energy market in Germany
NeXtWind has completed $750m second financing round.
Proptech AI startup Zenerate partners with SoLa Impact to automate affordable housing developments
Zenerate has partnered with SoLa Impact.
Treehouse secures $10m to bring EV chargers into homes
Treehouse, an electrification company that delivers turnkey installations for home EV charging, announced $10m in funding.
6 industries that chemical recycling is poised to disrupt, Plug and Play
Chemical recycling is a process in which waste materials are broken down into their original chemical compounds.
Kenyan healthtech startup Zuri Health secures additional investment from Marula Square
Zuri Health has secured additional investment from Marula Square.
Safaricom Shareholders approve two new subsidiaries to invest in Kenyan tech start-ups
These significant developments, approved at Safaricom’s 15th Annual General Meeting (AGM), represent a momentous step towards supporting tech entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, and fortifying Safaricom's role as a key enabler of the Kenyan tech community.
ev.energy secures $33m funding to drive electric vehicle-grid integration in North America and Europe
ev.energy announced its $33m Series B raise.
Kenyan households bet on food MSEs for affordable meals
An estimated 60 per cent of rural and urban Kenyan households access their daily meals from micro/small enterprises (MSEs) at local markets.
Kenyan healthtech startup Zuri Health raises undisclosed funding from Five35 Ventures
Kenyan healthtech startup Zuri Health has raised an undisclosed amount of funding.
Kenyan agritech startup Kyosk acquires KwikBasket, expands into fresh produce market
Kenyan agritech startup Kyosk, is expanding into the African fresh produce market.
NEU Battery Materials concludes $3.7m seed funding round
NEU Battery Materials, a Singapore-based lithium-ion battery recycling startup, has raised $3.7m seed funding round.
Kenyan e-Health startup MYDAWA raises $20m funding from Alta Semper Capital
MYDAWA has received $20m capital injection from private equity investor.
Kenyan fashion e-Commerce startup ShopZetu raises pre-seed funding to fuel growth of its marketplace
Kenyan fashion e-Commerce startup ShopZetu has raised $1m pre-seed funding.
Kenyan startup MESH grows to reach 150,000 young entrepreneurs
Kenyan startup MESH, announced it has reached 150,000 members.
Italy’s Planckian closes €2.7m pre-seed round to develop quantum batteries
Planckian has raised over €2.7 million in pre-seed funding round led by Eureka! Venture.
Kenyan mobility startup Stima secures €100k investment
Stima Mobility has secured €100,000 investment from DEG Impulse.
Focused Energy startup raises $82m funding to advance laser-based nuclear fusion
Focused Energy raised $11m in Series A funding, bringing its total funding to $82m.
UK renewable energy startup tem. raises £2.5m to transform the broken energy market
tem., the UK-based renewable energy startup, has secured £2.5m funding round.
[Column] Patrick Ndegwa: Journey to the centre of the cloud; why Kenya should store data locally
Kenyan businesses are migrating to the cloud en masse.
[Interview] Caroline Mutuku, General Manager, Glovo, Kenya
Caroline Mutuku is Kenya's General Manager of multi-category app Glovo.
Fintech firm LemFi expands diaspora remittance services to Kenya
LemFi announced it has formally launched its diaspora remittance services in Kenya.
[Kenya] Entrepreneurs tackling marine plastics problems feted
The awards, which showcased the most effective solutions to tackle Mombasa’s marine plastics problem, were the culmination of a six-month initiative funded by USAID and Global Affairs Canada.
Plug and Play, Suncor partner to accelerate sustainable energy, digital transformation
Plug and Play has announced a new relationship with Suncor.
46VC invests in Exum Instruments' Series A funding round
FortySix Venture Capital (46VC), announced its strategic investment in Exum Instruments' Series A funding round.
Plenitude, Energica partner to provide innovative solutions for electric mobility
Plenitude (Eni) and Energica have partnered to develop new cutting-edge projects.
[Column] Mukesh Bector: A simple place to start if you’re lagging on digital transformation
Digital transformation: we’ve all heard the phrase a thousand times.
Nigeria's regtech startup Youverify launches its full cycle compliance solutions in Kenya
Youverify has officially entered the Kenyan market.
[Column] Joanne Mwangi – Yelbert: Entice more women in tech to bridge skills gap and bolster growth
Incredible improvements in tech are rapidly reshaping our world.
STIHL EA to invest Sh100 million to boost local manufacturing
Power tools manufacturer STIHL East Africa has announced it will invest Sh100 million in local accessories manufacturing every year as it seeks to localise its product development in the region.
Kenya's B2B e-Commerce startup Wasoko expands to Zambia
Wasoko has revealed plans to invest over $1 million in Zambia. The B2B retail and e-Commerce made this announcement while announcing its official entry into the Southern African country.
Nigerian fintech startup Grey expands into Kenya
Nigerian fintech startup Grey has picked Kenya as its East African Hub as it expands operations in the largest economy in the East African Community.
Swedish sodium-ion battery developer Altris secures €4.8m funding, appoints new CEO and CFO
Altris, the Swedish sodium-ion battery developer, has secured €4.8 million of bridge financing from its current owners and appointed Björn Mårlid as its new CEO and Christer Bergquist as new CFO.
Mobile app points Ugandan stakeholders to reliable fisheries data
Trained data collectors consult with fishers to update the easy-to-use app with data such as fish catch quantity, type of fishing nets and boats used, and how much money the fishers expect to earn.
Cleantech startup Emrgy secures $18 million to scale renewable energy projects within water infrastructure
Emrgy’s waterpower technology leverages existing underutilized waterways and infrastructure to deliver low-cost renewable power to energy off-takers.
The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council appoints Elgon Kenya MD for advisory role
The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, CWEIC, has selected agro input company Elgon Kenya as its strategic partner and appointed its Managing Director Dr. Bimal Kantaria to its global advisory council.
GRASP fellowship invests in African women researchers
The Kenyan women, and others selected for the GRASP Fellowship, are set to participate in a series of interventions, including leadership and mentoring training, designed to enable them to become more effective policy practitioners
Factor[e] Ventures launches a new venture studio to transform the African startup ecosystem
Delta40 focuses on technology-driven energy, agriculture, and mobility ventures led by diverse, experienced founders.
Insurtech startup Turaco and Airtel Money launch low-cost hospital cash insurance product in Uganda
Kenyan and Ugandan insurtech startup Turaco, has partnered with Airtel Mobile and Prudential Assurance to launch a low-cost hospital cash insurance product with Funeral Benefit.
[Column] Shabir Ahmed: Practical approach, clear business case needed for sustainability success
A growing wealth of evidence shows that sustainability has become a mainstream business and societal issue. Leading companies are embracing sustainability not only to reduce harmful practices but also to accelerate business transformation.
[Column] Veerakumar Natarajan: How tech can help stimulate micro economies
Technological progression plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth. A lack of access to technology can hinder local economies, particularly in developing countries such as Kenya and other African nations.
[Column] Didi Onwu: Understanding youth entrepreneurship in Kenya - why fintech is an attractive sector
Boasting one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, Kenya is on the rise to become a powerhouse of innovation on the continent. This is largely in part due to the country’s thriving culture of entrepreneurship and its significant startup ecosystem.
Elgon Kenya partners with Ministry of Agriculture to reward young farmers
Agro input company Elgon Kenya has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Education to reward pupils and their teachers for participating in food production in a wider scheme that seeks to motivate school going children into farming.
[Interview] Mikhail Marchenko, Co-founder, JuicyScore, Kenya
Mikhail Marchenko is the Co-founder of JuicyScore, which recently launched its operations in Kenya. JuicyScore offers anti-fraud and risk management solutions to digital lenders, insurance companies, e-commerce and classifieds.
CcHUB launches $15m accelerator for edtech startups in Kenya and Nigeria
Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), touted as Africa’s largest innovation and incubation hub, announced it is launching a $15 million accelerator program for targeting edtech startups.
Insurtech startup Lami joins forces with Unchorlight to provide insurance covers for Boda Boda riders in Kenya
Digital insurance provider Lami Technologies is partnering with Unchorlight Kenya (UNK), to provide boda boda riders in the country with access to suitable and reliable insurance covers.
Kenyan fintech startup Power Financial raises $3m seed funding to accelerate growth
Power Financial Wellness, a Kenyan fintech startup that seeks to advance the financial well-being of its customers has secured a $3 million seed funding.
Battery startup NanoGraf raises $65m Series B to scale North American production of silicon anode products
NanoGraf, an advanced battery materials company and enabler of the world’s most energy-dense lithium-ion 18650 cell, announced it has raised $65 million in an oversubscribed Series B funding round.
Mombasa Plastic Prize selects 60 Kenyan innovators to tackle plastic pollution along the coastline
Aged 18-25, the finalists are grouped into 15 teams and are now in a race to be one of the top three teams to win over KES 7 million of cash prizes. The first-place team will take home KES 3.5 million.
Africa’s mobility startup eWaka secures $540K loan from SECO to accelerate growth
Kenyan mobility solutions provider eWaka has secured a $540K loan from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) of the Swiss Confederation.
Kenyan government drops fraud charges against Nigerian fintech Flutterwave
The Kenyan government has dropped charges of financial impropriety against Flutterwave, according to a new report by Bloomberg.
French hydrogen startup HySiLabs raises €13m Series A funding to accelerate growth
HySiLabs, the novel hydrogen transport and storage technology developer, announced €13 million Series A financing led by Equinor Ventures, and joined by the European Innovation Council Fund, EDP Ventures and PLD Automobile.
Deep-tech startup KrossLinker develops cost-effective aerogel insulation to accelerate energy efficiency adoption
KrossLinker, an energy-efficiency-focused deep-tech advanced material startup, is designing and developing the world's most insulating nanomaterial, aerogel, that is low-cost, environmentally friendly, and scalable.
Kenyan rural Internet Service Provider Mawingu raises $9m to scale its operations across the country
Rural Internet Service Provider (ISP), Mawingu has raised $9 million in Series B funding to scale its operations across Kenya.
[Startup Interview] Don Okoth, General Manager, Sendy, Kenya
Don Okoth is General Manager for Kenyan Fulfillment and Logistics startup Sendy. In this interview, he talks about the current state of logistics in Kenya and beyond, including Sendy's role in shaping the industry.
Kenyan healthtech startup Zuri Health raises funding to expand across Africa
Kenyan healthtech startup Zuri Health announced it has raised an undisclosed amount of funding from Moroccan VC UM6P Ventures. The funds will be used to support Zuri’s growth and expansion across Africa.
Workstyle Africa and SNDBX launch entrepreneurship centers in East Africa
Serviced office space provider, Workstyle Africa, has partnered with SNDBX International, a business growth ecosystem, to open five one-stop-shop entrepreneurship centres and workspaces in East Africa.
Mobility startup BasiGo and AVA to assemble 1,000 electric buses in Kenya
BasiGo, the Kenyan-based electric manufacturer has partnered with the Associated Vehicle Assemblers (AVA), to assemble its buses in the country.
Battery recycling startup Redivivus receives funding from ENEOS Innovation Partners to accelerate growth
Redivivus, a lithium-ion battery recycling startup, announced an investment from ENEOS Innovation Partners, a corporate venture capital firm committed to delivering new energy, materials, and services.
Sustainable mobility startup eWAKA receives 500K CHF loan to accelerate growth
eWAKA, one of Africa’s most promising sustainable mobility startups, has received strategic support from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) Start-up Fund of the Swiss Confederation.
Swedish solar power startup SunRoof raises €13.5m growth round to expand across Europe and the US
Swedish solar power startup SunRoof announced it has raised €13.5 million growth round extension to bring its pioneering solar roof system to more homeowners worldwide.
Kenyan fintech startup Kwara raises $3m seed extension
Kenyan fintech startup Kwara has raised a $3 million seed extension. The new investment was led by existing backers DOB Equity, Globivest and the founder of Kobalt Music.
Beijing-based Astro-E closes seed round financing to accelerate growth
Astro-Energy Technology (Astro-E), a Chinese provider of household new energy products and systems, raised an undisclosed amount in Seed funding led by CAS Venture Capital, followed by Asia Green Fund (AGF) and Ningbo Angel Capital Guiding Fund.
Maven Mentorship programme to equip teenagers with skills for the future
Former Principal Executive Director at Britam PLC Stephen Wandera has launched a mentorship programme aimed at equipping teenagers with the necessary skills to be prepared for the future.
The Carbon Blockchain expands footprint in Africa with acquisition of Minerva Green
The Carbon Blockchain (TCB), a carbon finance and technology services company that produces high-integrity carbon credits has announced the acquisition of Minerva Green.
Kenya to host sixth edition of continental agriculture expo
Kenya will host the 6th edition of Africa Agri Expo in February 2023 , endorsed by Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development aimed at bringing the entire agricultural value chain under one roof.
The Kenya Trade Network Agency launches trade facilitation tool
The Trade Facilitation Platform facilitates trade in Kenya by reducing delays and lowering costs associated with clearance of goods at the Kenyan borders, while maintaining the requisite controls and collection of levies, fee and duties, where applicable, on imports and exports.
Indian AI-based asset and plant performance startup UptimeAI raises $3.5m funding to expand in the U.S.
UptimeAI, an AI-based digital transformation solution provider for the energy, chemicals, and heavy industries, has raised a total of $3.5 million funding led by Emergent Ventures.
African tech startup SeamlessHR picks Nairobi as its East African Hub
Nigeria’s tech startup SeamlessHR has launched its offices in the Kenyan market, choosing Nairobi as its East African Hub.
Identity verification startup Verified.Africa launches in Kenya
Verified.Africa, the pioneer of ID verification, document verification and digital KYC compliance solutions, announced it has launched in Kenya.
Canadian B2B automotive trading startup TRADE X opens new trading facilities in Kenya
TRADE X, a B2B cross-border automotive trading platform based in Ontario, Canada, announced it has opened a new Kenyan trading corridor, which includes both a shared bonded warehouse in Mombasa and an office in Nairobi.
Kenyan fintech startup Hisa unveils realtime stocks trading
Fintech startup Hisa has launched an application that allows Kenyans to invest in the stock market directly from their phones using mobile money.
Kenyan supply chain and logistics startup Leta secures $3m pre-seed funding to accelerate growth
Leta, the supply chain and logistics startup driving distribution optimization, announced the close of $3 million Pre-Seed equity round.
Kenya to host international poultry expo next year
Demand for poultry products is on the rise in Kenya driven by an emerging middle-class created in existing and new urban settlements as a result of devolution.
Kenyan agritech startup Stable Foods raises $600k funding to grow its climate smart smallholder platform
Stable Foods, a Kenyan agritech startup offering a host of solutions to small-scale farmers, has raised $600k funding round, to build out its climate smart smallholder food production platform.
IBM announces five members selected for its Sustainability Accelerator programme
IBM has announced five global non-profits as new members of the Sustainability Accelerator programme. The programme is a global pro bono social impact program which seeks to help marginalized communities.
Milken Institute and Motsepe Foundation announce $2m prize competition in green energy
The Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation, launched the Milken-Motsepe Prize in Green Energy, a $2 million prize competition to reward entrepreneurs and innovators.
SE Ventures announces €500m Fund II to accelerate climate and industrial tech startups
SE Ventures announced a €500 million Fund II establishing the firm as one of the largest VCs focusing on climate and industrial technology.
Mobility startup BasiGo secures $6.6m funding to accelerate electric bus uptake in Kenya
BasiGo, the first company to introduce electric buses into Kenya, has announced $6.6 million in new funding led by Mobility54.
ACRE Africa targets Kenyan farmers with climate smart insurance
Insurance can help cushion smallholder farmers from crop and financial losses that occur as a result of climate change, yet many are reluctant to invest in such schemes. But why?
Kenyan logistics startup Sendy raises funding from Japanese VC MOL PLUS to accelerate growth
Kenyan fulfillment and logistics startup Sendy, announced it has received funding from MOL PLUS the Corporate Venture Capital of Japanese transport firm Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL).
500 Global launches its Pan-African accelerator Manager Bootcamp in Kenya
Venture capital firm 500 Global, has partnered with Germany’s economic development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GIZ and its Make-IT in Africa initiative, which fosters the growth of Africa’s innovation ecosystems.
French battery startup Verkor raises more than €250m financing for its innovation centre
French battery startup Verkor announced it has raised more than €250 million, for the inauguration of its R&D lab, an integral part of the Verkor Innovation Centre.
Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa lead fintech growth in Africa, Mastercard
A report by payment services company Mastercard has revealed that South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya are among the most vibrant fintech markets in the continent.
YEGO ride-sharing platform from Rwanda launches in Kenya
YEGO Global, a ride-sharing platform from Rwanda has entered the Kenyan market to take on Uber and Bolt through its subsidiary - YEGO Mobility Kenya.
Kenyan fintech startup Tanda announces agency banking entry in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania
Kenyan fintech startup Tanda announced plans for agency banking entry in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania to accelerate growth within the East African markets.
UK-based climate tech startup Levidian secures £12m investment from Baker Hughes to scale growth
US energy technology giant Baker Hughes has backed Levidian’s world-first decarbonisation technologies with a £12m investment at a £130m valuation, opening up global collaboration opportunities.
National Grid Partners invests $20m in startups to transform the grid
National Grid Partners (NGP) announced investments of $20 million across three startups to transform the way utilities and other enterprises manage vast physical infrastructure.
Amsterdam-based Fastned receives €75m investment from Schroders Capital accelerate future growth
Fastned, the European fast charging company, announced a €75 million private placement of 2,032,520 new depositary receipts representing the same number of new ordinary shares in the capital of the Company with Schroders Capital.
Kenyan home furniture startup MoKo raises $6m to accelerate growth
Kenyan home furniture startup MoKo announced it raised $6.5 million in a Series B funding round, which is a combination of debt and equity.
Kenyan start-up unveils diabetic friendly cookies
Gerassimos Fourlanos, Founder, Ofelos Limited says, the cookies are targeted to consumers with diabetes or pre-diabetes, along with other medical conditions where blood sugar levels need to be monitored.
GridBeyond secures €6m investment from UK's Claret Capital to support smart energy expansion
GridBeyond, the pioneer in intelligent energy technology, has agreed a debt financing facility of €6 million led by Claret Capital, to support the Irish headquartered company’s continued internationalisation plans.
Kenyan startup Kyosk Digital expands to Uganda
Kyosk Digital Services aims to address some of the challenges that vendors of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) go through in sourcing products and restocking their outlets.
Boosting access to funding for businesses in the energy sector
But despite funding and support being available, most of these businesses struggle with fundraising and access to these financial resources.
APA insurance unveils new payment plan for comprehensive car insurance
The comprehensive car insurance payments are made over 12 months which allows clients to spread the cost over the course of a year.
German tech startup NeoCarbon raises €1.25 million to reverse climate change
NeoCarbon, a Berlin-based tech startup which retrofits cooling towers to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, announced it has raised €1.25 million in a Pre-Seed round co-led by PropTech1 and Speedinvest,
ABB partners with Dutch AI predictive maintenance scaleup Samotics to expand condition monitoring services
ABB and Samotics, the provider of ESA technology that is a high-growth scaleup company, have entered a strategic long-term partnership to provide enhanced condition monitoring services.
Kenyan agricultural insurtech startup Pula appoints Michael Joseph as Board Chair
Former Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph has been appointed as Board Chair of a Kenyan agricultural insurtech startup Pula.
Decentralized renewables are pointing entrepreneurs to sustainable jobs, report
The industry’s most comprehensive emerging markets employment census shows increased demand for DRE solutions is creating hundreds of thousands of formal and informal jobs.
Idealist Capital announces first close of its Climate Impact Fund to accelerate energy transition
Idealist Capital, a North American fund with a primary focus on the Canadian market, announced the first closing of the Idealist Climate Impact Fund LP (the Fund) with capital commitments totalling C$250 million.
Kenyan insurtech startup Turaco secures $10m funding to drive insurance adoption
Turaco, the insurtech driving mass market insurance adoption, has announced the close of a $10 million Series A equity round led by AfricInvest, via the Cathay Africinvest Innovation Fund.
Copenhagen-based Monta lands €30m additional financing to accelerate the buildout of EV charging infrastructure
Monta, the Copenhagen-based all-in-one EV charging management platform, announced it has secured an additional €30 million as part of a Series A+ round led by Energize Ventures.
[Startup Interview] Tesh Mbaabu, CEO, MarketForce, Kenya
Tesh Mbaabu is a serial entrepreneur who lives to blend commerce and technology. He is the Co-founder and CEO of Kenyan-based B2B platform for retail distribution of consumer goods and digital financial services in Africa today, MarketForce.
Smart energy startup Flair raises $7.6m Series A funding to expand climate tech for home and grid
Flair, creators of smart vents, thermostats and easy-to-use software for room-level temperature control, announced the closing of a $7.6 million Series A funding round.
Waya digital banking startup for African immigrants goes official
Waya, a Kenyan and US-based fintech startup has announced the official launch of its full-service digital bank and money transfer app targeting the African Diaspora.
Kenyan fintech startup Pezesha raises $11m to expand across Africa
Pezesha, a Kenyan fintech that has built a platform where small and medium enterprises can access funding, has raised $11 million in a pre-series A equity and debt funding.
Kenyan B2B e-Commerce startup Wasoko opens innovation hub in Zanzibar
Wasoko (formerly Sokowatch), an African B2B e-Commerce startup that leverages technology to transform the informal retail supply chain, announced the official launch of the “Wasoko Innovation Hub” in partnership with the Zanzibar government.
Kenyan startups raised $820m in VC funding in the first half of 2022, data
Kenya has secured an enviable position among the most competitive innovation and investment destinations in Africa. The country’s attractiveness has seen Big-Tech companies troop in to set shop in the capital, Nairobi.
Octopus rolls out €220m to drive green power generation, backs Exagen to build UK’s largest battery
Octopus Energy Group launched its new renewables fund Octopus Energy Development Partnership (OEDP), as the fund makes its debut investment in renewables developer Exagen to build new green energy.
South Korean edtech startup Day 1 Company announces plans to Dive into US
Korean edtech startup, Day 1 Company, announced plans to enter the U.S. market with the launch of a new product, Dive.
[Startup Interview] Collins Kathuli, Co-founder and CEO, Kyanda, Kenya
Kyanda is a Kenyan fintech startup that offers Digital Financial Services to businesses, SMEs and citizens.
UK-based Medi-science International partners with Kenyan healthtech startup Afya Rekod to enhance healthcare delivery
UK-based Medi-science International and Kenyan healthtech startup Afya Rekod have announced a strategic collaboration to transform healthcare delivery through improved access to personal health data.
BASF Venture Capital and Dutch-based Aqua-Spark invest in Sea6 Energy as part of Series B financing round
BASF Venture Capital, the corporate venture company of BASF SE, Germany, and Aqua-Spark, a Dutch investment fund focusing on the global aquaculture industry, are investing in Sea6 Energy as part of a Series B round.
Kenyan e-Logistics startup Lori Systems raises funding from Google to facilitate expansion efforts
Kenyan e-logistics startup Lori Systems which operates across East Africa, announced it has raised an undisclosed amount of Round B funding from Google, to facilitate the company’s expansion efforts.
Kenyan agritech startup IProcure secures $10.2m Series B funding to accelerate growth
iProcure, Africa’s tech and data-driven agricultural inputs supply company, announced the close of a $10.2 million Series B funding round that raised debt and equity from a diverse group of international investors.
German manufacturer The Stihl Group enters Kenyan market
The subsidiary dubbed Stihl East Africa will be its Eastern Africa hub servicing countries that include Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi among others.
Kenyan mobile commerce startup Copia unveils manufacturing unit for sugar and rice production
Copia Global, a Kenyan-based mobile commerce platform has unveiled a new manufacturing unit to enhance its output of affordable sugar and rice to the Kenyan market.
Kenyan insurtech startup Lami Technologies raises $3.7m to expand across Africa
Kenya-based insurtech startup Lami Technologies has raised a $ 3.7 million seed extension to expand its insurtech product across Africa.
Kenyan-based startup FaidiHR secures funding, eyes expansion
The startup, which offers digital human resource solutions to African companies, said they would use the investment to expand their business in East Africa, eyeing entry into Uganda, Tanzania and DRC.
Dutch home sustainability startup Woon Duurzaam receives €2.2m financing for further scaling up
EIT InnoEnergy supported Woon Duurzaam has received €2.2 million in a second investment round. The money will come from new investors Oneplanetcrowd and ROM InWest, and from existing shareholders EIT InnoEnergy and DOEN Participaties.
Kenyan wealth-tech startup Ndovu partners with Tulix to empower Africa’s diaspora to invest back home
Africa’s wealth management platform Ndovu has announced a strategic partnership withTulix, an Antler & Catalyst Fund portfolio company.
Fifth Wall raises $500m climate fund to decarbonize global real estate
Fifth Wall, a venture capital firm focused on technology for the global real estate industry, has held the final close of its inaugural Climate Fund with $500 million in capital commitments.
Kenyan startup unveils multi -company single log-in cloud solution for HR -payroll consultants
The multi-company log-in module allows an individual consultant or company to manage centralized data, which facilitates payroll processing, pay slip, and report generating for different clients, under one account.
Online energy marketplace VECKTA closes $3.3m seed round to accelerate growth
VECKTA, the online energy marketplace that connects commercial and industrial energy users with capital, services, and equipment suppliers, announced it has closed a $3.3 million institutional seed round.
Cleantech startup Greener Process Systems develops modular system to capture maritime and industrial emissions
Greener Process Systems filed a series of patents that demonstrate their focus will expand to general industrial applications as well as further developments in CO2 capture, storage and re-utilization.
Kenyan healthtech startup AfyaRekod launches Universal Patient Portal for worldwide health data mobility management
Kenyan-based AfyaRekod launched the fully automated Universal Patient Portal – a block-chain driven technology that will transform the face of patient care across Africa and the World.
Nigerian fintech startup Mono launches in Kenya
Mono, a Nigerian fintech startup that builds open banking infrastructure to enable access to customer financial data and bank payments for digital businesses in Africa, announced it has expanded its services to Kenya.
Sustainability data and tech startup ESG Book closes $35m Series B to advance its next-gen technology capabilities
ESG Book, a global player in sustainability data and technology, announced it has closed $35 million in Series B funding to advance its next-generation technology capabilities.
Deeptech startup NEU Battery Materials raises S$800,000 seed funding to produce clean and sustainable lithium batteries
Deeptech startup, NEU Battery Materials has raised a total of S$800,000 in seed funding from Momentum Venture Capital and Se-cure Waste Management.
Nigerian Lab testing startup HealthTracka raises $1.5m funding for expansion to Kenya and Ghana
Nigerian at-home lab testing startup HealthTracka has raised $1.5 million in funding to expand its operations into Kenya and Ghana. The pre-seed funding which was led by Ingressive Capital.
Renewable energy startup Posh raises $3.8m seed round to automate EV battery recycling
Y Combinator alum, Posh, announced it has raised $3.8 million in seed funding. The Bay Area startup automates electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling to build sustainable energy storage solutions.
Kenyan startup unveils innovation that supervises spending for dependents
A Supervised Payment is a Digital Escrow Payment sent by a guardian to a dependent with the former setting the parameters of funds usage and the app supervising the actual use of the funds by the dependent.
Yearly funding for Kenyan start-ups to hit Sh100 billion by 2025
In the first three months of 2022, Kenyan Startups raised Sh48 billion venture funding more than the country did in all of 2021 where start-ups raised Sh41 billion.
Kenyan insurtech startup mTek secures $3m funding for expansion across the country
On the heels of a recent $1.50 million (KSh 170 million) investment, Kenyan insurtech startup mTek has secured an additional $3 million (KSh 340 million) investment, through both debt and equity from African-focused fintech platform, Finclusion Group.
AfricArena partners with FMO to accelerate tech startups in Ghana, Morocco and Tanzania
AfricArena, the African series of tech events, announced a partnership with FMO Ventures Program, the Rise Open Innovation Challenge, which focuses on accelerating the growth of startups looking to improve the state of Africa.
Kenyan fintech startup Power Financial Wellness partners with Penda Health to extend healthcare services to users
Kenyan fintech Power Financial Wellness has signed a partnership agreement with private healthcare solutions provider, Penda Health, to see both companies mutually benefit from their tech services.
Green tech startup Ecolibrium launches in the UK with $5m pre-Series A funding round
Advisory and climate tech-led sustainability solution Ecolibrium, has opened a new London HQ after raising $5m in a pre-Series A funding round, to support growing demand from commercial and industrial UK real estate owners.
Kenyan E-health startup Maisha Meds hits 1000 active facilities, expands to Nigeria
Kenyan digital pharmacy network Maisha Meds announced it has reached1,000 active facilities, making it one of the largest digital pharmacy networks in sub-Saharan Africa.
Nelson Maina: Betting on agriculture for economic transformation in Kenya
The gathering of experts drawn across the divide came amidst rising concerns over escalating costs in both production and consumer goods, an environment that doesn’t favour food security.
Vancouver cleantech startup VoltSafe introduces electrical technology to reduce the effects of inflation
Vancouver cleantech startup VoltSafe has introduced a new electrical technology to reduce inflation effects in marine, automotive and housing industries.
Upcycling startup Novoloop extends Series A round to $21m to develop industrial capabilities
Advanced upcycling startup Novoloop nnounced it has expanded its Series A to $21 million through an oversubscribed extension led by Mistletoe Singapore and Hanwha Solutions.
Kenyan fintech startup Hisa joins the NVIDIA Inception Programme
Hisa App, a Kenyan mobile investment platform that allows anyone in Kenya to invest in U.S. stocks and ETFs using mobile money, announced it was selected to join the NVIDIA Inception programme.
Pan-African fintech app Bamba raises $3.2m seed funding to scale growth
Kenyan fintech startup Bamba secured $3.2 million in seed funding to scale its app and build out its team. Venture capital firm 468 Capital led the round with participation from Presight Ventures.
Nelson Maina: Taming fertilizer prices to boost food security in Kenya
Kenya’s cost of living has hit unprecedented highs with prices of basic commodities being out of reach for many citizens.
realme addresses internet coverage gap with affordable smartphones
Phone manufacturer realme has captured the Kenyan market by making smartphones affordable hence closing a widening internet coverage gap, despite huge investments in high-speed internet across Africa.
Kenyan healthtech startup Zuri launches Whatsapp chatbot to democratize access to healthcare
Kenyan healthtech startup Zuri Health has launched a WhatsApp chatbot for its users across the country.
Glovo announces winners of its tech startup pitch competition in Kenya
On-demand delivery platform Glovo has announced the winners of its tech startup pitch competition in Kenya.
Kenyan farmer finds fortunes in herbs farming
The herbs and spices farming has captured international markets while creating a new age farming renaissance in an area that has traditionally been synonymous with farming of traditional low yielding crops.
Kenyan electric vehicle startup Opibus rebrands to ROAM
Kenya’s leading electric vehicle (EV) maker Opibus has changed its name to ROAM. The company was among the earliest entrants into the local electric vehicle manufacturing sector.
Kenyan mobile commerce startup Copia appoints former Amazon Executive to its Board
Copia Global, a Kenyan-based mobile commerce platform has announced the appointment of former Amazon executive Jason Murray to its Board.
Kenya-focused social e-Commerce startup Elloe raises over $1m in pre-seed round
Elloe, a US-based social e-Commerce startup focused on Kenya and emerging markets, announced the raise of an undisclosed amount in pre-Seed funding. Investors for the round were led by Philippines’ Mad Ventures, Inc.
AliExpress Co- Founder Tom Gong appointed CTO of Kenyan BNPL company Lipa Later
Tom Gong, Co-Founder AliExpress and former Technical Program Manager for Google Wallet, will be joining Lipa Later as the new Chief technology Officer effective March 2022.
Climate tech startup Station A launches Clean Energy Grades to instantly generate financial and carbon savings
Station A, the U.S. clean energy marketplace, announced it launched Clean Energy Grades, a new product that instantly tells you the financial return of switching to clean energy.
Kenyan social commerce startup Tushop raises $3m pre-seed funding to accelerate growth
Tushop, a Kenyan social-commerce platform that enables group-buying of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs), announced it has raised $3 million in pre-seed funding, led by 4DX Ventures.
On-demand transport platform Bolt launches 2nd edition of its Women in Tech internship program in Kenya
On-demand transport platform Bolt announced it has rolled out the second edition of its Women in Tech internship program in Kenya.
Plug and Play Japan kicks off 3rd Smart Cities accelerator program in Osaka and Tokyo
Plug and Play Japan has selected 25 startups from Japan and overseas for their accelerator program that promotes open innovation in Smart Cities theme. From the Batch 3 program, it will expand and operate at two locations, Tokyo and Osaka.
Konza Technopolis and ASSEK sign MoU to support startups in Kenya
Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) and the Association of Startups and SME Enablers in Kenya (ASSEK) have signed an MoU to enhance innovation and support startups in Kenya.
Lipa Later selects Hotpoint as new retail partner
Lipa Later, a payment option that allows customers to purchase commodities through affordable monthly instalments has on-boarded Hotpoint as a new retail partner. Hotpoint appliances is Kenya’s premier supplier of Home Appliances and Electronics.
Kenyan fintech 4G Capital raises $18.5m Series C funding to scale lending to MSMEs
Kenyan fintech credit provider 4G Capital has raised $18.5 million in Series C funding from global private equity firm Lightrock.
Kenyan e-Commerce startup Sokowatch raises $125m, rebrands to Wasoko
Kenyan based B2B e-Commerce startup Sokowatch has raised a $125 million Series B equity round, the largest venture financing round ever raised for a non-fintech startup in Africa.
FirstEnergy contributes $1m to UBIZ Venture Capital to support minority businesses in Northeast Ohio
To help expand and grow minority-owned businesses in northeast Ohio, FirstEnergy announced a $1 million contribution to UBIZ Venture Capital, a small business lending program affiliated with the Urban League of Greater Cleveland.
EV startup BasiGo flags off first electric buses in Kenya
Nairobi headquartered e-mobility startup BasiGo flagged off the first electric buses in the country for passenger use.
[Kenya] Applications for 5th cohort of Standard Chartered Bank's Women in Tech program open
The Standard Chartered Bank has opened applications for the 5th cohort of its Women in Tech incubator program.
5G Open Innovation Lab selects MetaPower to join its startup development program
MetaPower, the innovators creating the future of Intelligent Wireless Power, announced its selection as one of 12 startups newly added to the 5G Open Innovation Lab (5G OIL).
On-demand delivery platform Glovo launches pitch competition for early-stage tech startups in Kenya
On-demand delivery platform Glovo has launched a pitch competition targeting early-stage tech startups in Kenya that are delivering value to SMEs.
Carrier launches venture firm to accelerate sustainable innovation and disruptive building and cold chain technology
Carrier Global Corporation, the global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions, has created Carrier Ventures, a new global venture capital group.
Energy-efficient AI semiconductor startup EdgeCortix closes over $8m Series A funding
EdgeCortix the AI-focused fabless semiconductor company, announced the closing of over $8 million in series A funding.
GE Healthcare partners with Kenyan healthtech startup Afya Rekod to simplify access to medical records in Africa
GE Healthcare and Kenya-based startup Afya Rekod have announced a collaboration that seeks to transform care delivery through improved access to personal health data in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Kenyan foodtech startup Kune starts commercial operations in Nairobi
Kenyan foodtech startup Kune has officially launched commercial operations with four meal hubs located in strategic locations in Nairobi.
Kenyan retail tech startup MarketForce raises $40m Series A to scale up super app for Africa’s informal merchants
MarketForce, the Nairobi-headquartered B2B platform for retail distribution of consumer goods and digital financial services in Africa, announced the closing of a $40 million Series A round.
TDK Ventures invests in green hydrogen-electrolysis startup Verdagy
TDK Corporation announced that subsidiary TDK Ventures, Inc. has invested in green hydrogen company Verdagy to enhance the development and rapid commercialization of their scalable, low-cost approach to hydrogen electrolysis.
London-based Bramble Energy closes £35m to fund its hydrogen fuel cell technology
London-based fuel cell company Bramble Energy has closed a £35 million investment round to help further expand its game changing capabilities in solving key challenges in the production and implementation of hydrogen fuel cell stacks.
Wealthtech startup Ndovu launches in Kenya
Wealthtech startup Ndovu officially launched in Kenya. Founded by Radhika Bhachu, Ro Nyangeri, and Gianpaolo De Biase, Ndovu is an investment platform that provides easy access to financial markets.
Kenyan insurtech startup Lami acquires Bluewave Insurance Agency
Kenyan insurtech startup Lami Technologies has acquired Bluewave Insurance Agency, another Kenyan-based insurtech startup, for an undisclosed amount.
Kenyan healthtech startup Afya Rekod raises $2 million in seed funding to scale across Africa
Afya Rekod has seen interest from various health parties in Africa, Europe, Asia and the United States increase significantly since its launch in April 2020.
FirstEnergy invests $2.5m venture capital fund in Energy Impact Partners' to advance sustainable energy future
To help advance a sustainable energy future, FirstEnergy Corp. announced a $2.5 million investment in global venture capital firm Energy Impact Partners' (EIP) Frontier Fund.
Australian climate tech startup UPowr launches Helios to help companies decarbonise customer base, increase LTV
Australian climate tech company UPowr, launched its flagship climate software solution Helios in beta mode to select partners.
Kenyan logistics startup Amitruck raises $4m seed funding to accelerate digital solutions across Africa
Kenya-based digital trucking logistics startup Amitruck has announced it has secured $4 milllion in a seed funding round that had the participation of investors from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S.
JICA’s NINJA Accelerator completes 2nd Demo Day in Kenya, sends delegation to Silicon Valley
Shamba Pride, Saada Tech, Kijenzi, M-Paya Energy, and MyMovies.Africa are the five startups that shined during the 2nd Demo Day of the NINJA Accelerator in Kenya.
UK's carbon offset ratings startup Sylvera raises $32m funding to become source of truth in carbon markets
Carbon offset ratings provider, Sylvera, announced it has raised $32.6 million in Series A funding to accelerate its mission to become a source of truth for carbon markets.
Call for startups to Pitch Live at 2022 Africa Startup Summit in Nairobi, Kenya
Africa Tech Summit has opened applications to the 2022 edition of Pitch Live at the fourth Africa Startup Summit.
Online platforms lift the fortunes of Kenyan artists
Kenyan artists have not been left behind and are embracing digital platforms with impressive results.
Swedish-Kenyan electric vehicle tech startup Opibus launches first electric bus designed and developed in Africa
Swedish-Kenyan electric vehicle technology startup Opibus has introduced the first all-electric bus in Kenya as well as the first African designed electric bus ever.
Kenyan mobile commerce startup Copia raises $50m to ramp up African expansion
Kenyan-based mobile commerce platform Copia Global raised $50 million in a Series C equity round led by Goodwell Investments.
Kenyan fintech startup Zanifu closes $1m seed financing round to accelerate growth
Kenyan fintech startup Zanifu announced it has successfully closed a $ 1 million seed financing round to scale its business and improve on its platform.
Kenya's Poa Internet announces first close of $28m financing round by Africa50
Poa Internet and Africa50 announced the completion of Africa50’s equity investment into Poa. This funding is part of the $28 million financing round led by Africa50.
[Kenya] Sankore announces pitch competition targeting blockchain startups
Nairobi-headquartered blockchain community Sankore is launching the Sankore Pitch Competition Tour (PCT) in Nairobi.
Kenyan BNPL startup Lipa Later secures $12m funding to expand across Africa
Lipa Later, one of it’s kind buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) company operating in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Nigeria, has raised $12 million from a consortium of investors.
Kenyan ride-hailing startup MARAMOJA opens its API to fintechs and insurtechs
Kenya's ride-hailing platform MARAMOJA Transport has opened its API to local fintechs and Insurtechs. Through a new partnership with Switchlink Africa, service providers will be able to connect with MARAMOJA's drivers and customers.
Berlin-based clean energy startup Ostrom raises €4.4m to make transition to green energy convenient and affordable
Berlin-based clean energy startup Ostrom has raised a total of €4.4 million in pre-seed and seed funding to further its goal of making the switch to green energy as easy and affordable as possible.
African scientists make a case for home grown research on continent’s food systems
A storytelling event organized by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), saw four accomplished African researchers working on agriculture and food security share their personal journeys in agricultural research, and discuss how they are working to transform farming on the continent.
Kenyan fintech startup Paylend raises $2m seed investment to accelerate growth
Paylend, a Kenyan fintech startup focused on providing access to finance and digitizing MSMEs in Kenya announced it has raised $2 million seed investment from Next Chymia Consulting HK Limited.
Kenyan fintech startup Tanda inks deal with Twiga Foods to enable vendors vend its digital financial services
Kenya’s fintech startup Tanda announced a new partnership with Twiga Foods that will see Twiga vendors become a one-stop-shop for a variety of digital and financial services offered by Tanda.
The University of Nairobi and Elgon Kenya to develop agriculture technology and innovation centre
The agriculture sector in Kenya has received a major boost following a partnership between two leading institutions to set up a technology and innovation centre, the first of its kind in East Africa.
Kenyan tech startup Wowzi raises $3.2m seed funding to expand across Africa
Kenyan tech startup Wowzi has raised $2 million in seed funding to expand its digital marketplace across Africa.
Canadian electric vehicle startup eLeapPower raises $21m funding to accelerate initial production and global growth
eLeapPower, a technology innovator revolutionizing electric vehicles inside and outside, with its Smart Inverter System, announced it raised $21 million CAD in Series A funding.
FirstEnergy invests in Venture Capital Fund to help advance sustainable energy innovation
As part of its efforts to advance new technologies that will benefit customers and address climate change, FirstEnergy announced an incremental investment in global venture capital firm Energy Impact Partners' (EIP) Fund II.
African mobility fintech Moove enters Kenyan market, broadens vehicle financing to bikes and trucks
Moove, an African mobility fintech, has launched operations in Nairobi, its first city in East Africa and sixth on the continent.
Kenyan smallholder farmers insulated from weather vagaries by picture-based insurance
A climate-smart crop insurance scheme introduced in Kenya has come to their rescue by combining satellite data and smartphone imagery to provide farmers with much needed protection.
Adanian Labs opens January 2022 cohort applications for its Venture Building Program
Adanian Labs has launched the Adanian Labs Venture Building Program call for startups for 2022. The program invites applications from tech entrepreneurs for the 2022 cohort of exceptional startups to join Adanian Labs in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Nigeria and South Africa.
Kenyan e-health startup Zuri Health launches in Senegal
Kenyan health tech startup Zuri Health has launched its operations in Senegal. The startup has partnered with Expresso Senegal to launch its operations in the country.
AUDA-NEPAD, JICA, Afreximbank & BCG partner to support 5 East African healthcare startups
The 5 healthcare startups were feted for their completion of the Home Grown Solutions (HGS) Accelerator for Pandemic Resilience.
[Startup Interview] Roman Bysko, CEO, Meredot, Latvia
Meredot is a Latvia-based mobility infrastructure startup that develops electric fueling stations to charge an e-scooter wirelessly and help cities thrive by resolving mobility issues and maximizing the benefits of micro-mobility. The startup’s Co-founder and CEO elaborates.
Kenyan-based Penda Health partners with femtech e-Commerce startup Kasha to ease contraceptive access for consumers
Healthcare solution provider Penda Health announced a partnership with Rwandan femtech e-Commerce startup Kasha, to enable increase access to contraceptive products via the Kasha digital platform.
Renewable energy startup Enexor selected for Plug and Play Energy and Sustainability Accelerator to drive bioenergy agenda across Asia
Plug and Play’s Energy and Sustainability Accelerator is a 3-month program sponsored by the Plug and Play Tech Center (“Plug and Play”), the world’s largest early-stage investor, accelerator.
Kenyan e-pharmacy platform MYDAWA receives $1.2 million funding in fight against HIV & AIDS
This grant is aimed at increasing access to PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) services through MYDAWA’s award winning e-pharmacy model, supporting the fight against HIV& AIDS in Kenya.
Kenyan fintech startup Asilimia raises $2 million funding to expand into new markets
The startup raised $1 million in pre-seed funding from a wide range of investors, including two-time unicorn founder, Fredrik Jung Abbou (co-founder of Kry and Lendo), Norrsken Impact Accelerator and other prominent founders from across Europe.
Kenyan gaming startup Usiku Games develops Africa’s first mobile football game
Kenyan gaming startup Usiku Games unveiled an amateur football mobile game to promote outdoor physical activities and encourage sportsmanship among youths in East Africa.
Tech startup wowzi to create one million jobs for African youth
Kenyan tech startup Wowzi has announced plans to create one million gig jobs for African youth in 2022 through its online marketplace, after successfully delivering over 150,000 paid jobs in 2021.
Kenyan fintech startup Kwara launches regional offices to reach SACCOs across the country
Kenyan fintech startup Kwara opened regional offices in the Western, Central, Rift Valley and Coastal regions of Kenya as part of its expansion in the country.
Kenyan entrepreneurs reap returns from rearing insects for feeds
Aware of this fact, the Insect Feed for Poultry, Fish and Pig Production (INSFEED) project has been exploring the use of insects, such as black soldier flies (BSF) and crickets, within animal feeds.
Kenyan Mental health startup Shamiri Institute raises $1m, expands to the rest of Africa
Shamiri Institute, a Kenyan mental health startup has raised $1 million in funding from the Templeton World Charity Foundation to tackle the scourge of mental health in Kenya and the rest of the African continent.
Estonian-based fintech startup Fairown secures €4.2 Million funding to invest in waste reduction
Estonian-based fintech company Fairown will fuel international growth and empower more brands to shift from a linear to a circular economy.
Helion raises $500 million, targets 2024 for demonstrating net electricity from Fusion
Helion, a clean energy company committed to creating a new era of plentiful, zero-carbon electricity from fusion, has announced the close of its Series E raise of $500 million.
Kenyan fintech startup Kwara and Lami Technologies partner to provide insurance products for SACCO members
The partnership will allow SACCO members to conveniently access innovative insurance products ranging from health, general, life, business, and property coverage through the Kwara platform.
Kenya-based electric mobility startup Opibus secures $7.5 million funding
Opibus says it will use this new funding to scale its operations in electric motorcycle and bus manufacturing.
Kenyan fintech startup Kwara partners with Lami Technologies to give SACCO members access to insurance products
Kenyan digital banking fintech startup Kwara has partnered with insurance technology company, Lami Technologies, to provide SACCO members with affordable and transformational insurance products.
Kenyan-based payroll startup Workpay expands to Nigeria
Workpay, a Nairobi-based YC graduate, is expanding its operations to Nigeria. The cloud-based workforce management startup will now offer Core HR, Payroll, and employee record services to organizations in the country.
JICA kicks off 2nd Cohort of its NINJA Accelerator in Kenya
The NINJA Accelerator in Kenya, powered by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in partnership with Double Feather Partners, Deloitte Tohmatsu and Kenyan implementation partner GrowthAfrica, is kicking off its 2nd cohort with five tech-enabled Kenyan startups.
[Startup Interview] Adedokun Muhammed-Ali Adedeji, Founder, Brightcloud Automobile, Nigeria
Adedokun Muhammed-Ali Adedeji is a Nigerian innovator, entrepreneur and logistics manager. A green mobility advocate, Adedokun is the founder of Brightcloud Automotive.
Google selects nine Kenyan startups to receive equity-free funding via its Africa Investment Fund
During its very first “Google for Africa” event held early this month, Google announced it will be investing up to $50 million in African early- and growth-stage startups via its Africa Investment Fund.
Canadian energy startup Pani secures $8m to scale up AI solution to improve water and energy efficiency in water treatment facilities
Pani, a Canadian software-as-a-service (SaaS) company, announced the completion of an oversubscribed $8 million CAD capital raise.
Berlin-based startup Made of Air raises €5m seed round to make thermoplastics for Audi, H&M Group and other companies
Made of Air, the carbon negative materials startup that turns wood waste into thermoplastics, announced a €5 million in seed funding, led by Norwegian sustainability-focused family fund.
Israeli startup RepAir Carbon closes $1.5m seed round to develop cell for modular Direct Air Capture
Israeli startup RepAir Carbon closed a $1.5m seed round to develop cell for modular Direct Air Capture inspired by fuel cell technology. The seed funding will allow the RepAir team to refine the company's existing prototype cell.
Ugandan fintech startup Fin-e Innovations raises $300,000 to bridge funding gap of African energy SMEs
Fin-e Innovations, a fintech start-up based in Uganda, has closed pre-seed funding of $300,000 from an undisclosed party in the United States.
[Kenya] Mavazi Elevate program targets fashion industry creatives with business skills
A training initiative is empowering creatives in the fashion industry and small local businesses across the 47 counties in Kenya.
German startup Focused Energy raises $15m seed round to pursue commercial fusion energy production
Focused Energy, a laser fusion startup dedicated to developing fusion as a means of generating clean alternative energy, announced the successful completion of $15 million in seed funding.
[Column] Patrick Ndegwa: Growing a successful tech startup in Kenya, 4 key elements
The tech scene in Kenya is thriving. Even amid a global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and election fever, our dynamic African country has found a way to cut through the clutter and establish itself as the world’s ‘Silicon Savannah’.
Absa partners with Melanin Kapital to launch unsecured lending for startups in Kenya
Absa Bank Kenya has partnered with Pan African impact investment platform Melanin Kapital, to launch an investor readiness program that places startups driving social impact on the path to accessing up to KES3 million in unsecured lending.
Nigerian fintech startup Infibranches secures $2m funding from All On to drive growth in the renewable energy sector
Shell-funded impact investment company All On announced a $2 million investment in fintech company, Infibranches Technologies, to help bridge the energy distribution gap in underserved rural and peri-urban areas of Nigeria.
TDK Ventures invests in seed round for dry lithium-ion electrode manufacturing startup, AM Batteries
TDK Corporation announced that subsidiary TDK Ventures has invested in AM Batteries (AMB) to support the commercialization of its dry electrode coating technology that improves the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries.
Pangea Trust opens applications for its Startup Connect Programme
Pangea Trust has opened applications for its Startup Connect Programme, to increase the deployment of diaspora remittances and networks to provide investment capital to MSMEs and startups in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia.
Canadian machine learning startup CruxOCM raises $6m venture financing to accelerate growth
CruxOCM, the pioneer of robotic industrial process automation (RIPA) for control room operations, announced it has raised $6 million in venture financing to fuel growth.
Kenyan female entrepreneurs embrace digital platforms to power operations
A group of trailblazing Kenyan women are carving their own paths to success. From doctors to content creators, they are using the power of online platforms to amplify their voices and help others flourish.
Tech startup SIMBA Chain raises $25m in Series A funding to accelerate growth
SIMBA Chain , the technology company that eliminated the complexities of blockchain app development and reduced energy usage, thus opening the door to a world of users, has closed a $25 million Series A funding round led by Valley Capital Partners.
Kenyan retail tech startup MarketForce raises $100,000 funding from Harambeans Prosperity Fund
The Harambeans Prosperity Fund, a donor advised investment vehicle formed through the Harambe Entrepreneur Alliance’s network of prominent families and corporations co-invested $100,000 in Y Combinator Harambean venture MarketForce.
Innovative entrepreneurs driving African renaissance
Innovative solutions by African entrepreneurs continue to make local impact while having a global appeal.
Energy Distribution startup Fuel Me wins Plug And Play's Supply Chain and Logistics Program
Fuel Me, a cloud-based fuel and energy distributor, was selected from a competition with 100 participating companies, for Plug and Play's "Supply Chain and Logistics Program".
Prieto Battery startup raises $5.7m to accelerate development of solid-state advanced rechargeable batteries
Prieto Battery announced it has closed on the first tranche of its $5.7 million Series C Round financing. The investment will accelerate Prieto's development of its proprietary 3D solid-state rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
Kenyan fintech startup Kwara selected for Mastercard Start Path program
Kenyan fintech startup Kwara is among the 11 startups that have been selected to join the Mastercard Start Path program.
Tech executive Mark Bregman launches Quidnet Ventures, a venture capital fund based in New Zealand
Mark Bregman, a successful tech executive and entrepreneur, has launched Quidnet Ventures, a venture capital fund based in New Zealand and operated out of New Zealand, San Francisco and New York City.
Lithium-ion battery recycling and manufacturing startup Battery Resourcers appoints Kelly Kay to its Board of Directors
Battery Resourcers, a vertically integrated lithium-ion battery recycling and manufacturing startup announced the appointment of Kelly Kay to its Board of Directors.
Oxford Foundry partners with FMDQ Private Markets to accelerate Nigeria’s startup ecosystem
Oxford Foundry and FMDQ Private Markets have launched a global partnership to accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.
Interviews.
[Interview] Caroline Mutuku, General Manager, Glovo, Kenya
Caroline Mutuku is Kenya's General Manager of multi-category app Glovo. Caroline joined Glovo in December 2022 from Swvl Kenya where she also served as the General Manager from December 2021. In this interview...read more here
[Interview] Renate Swanepoel, COO, INC. Networking
Renate Swanepoel is an entrepreneur, global networker and inspirational speaker that has helped thousands of people around the world to find their purpose. She has gained significant networking and communication...read more here
[Interview] Anne-Marie Chidzero, Chief Investment Officer, FSD Africa
Anne-Marie Chidzero is the Chief Investment Officer at the Financial Sector Deepening Africa (FSD Africa) Investments. In this interview, she talks about the risks and opportunities in backing Africa’s early-stage startups...read more here
[Interview] James Kilpatrick, Chair, Gravitilab, UK
Gravitilab is a "Space as a Service" business providing research, testing and qualification facilities to space agencies, government, academia and commercial enterprises. The company’s Chair and Chief Finance Officer...read more here
[Interview] Ramanjeet Singh, CEO, Woosper, USA
Woosper is a US-based digital advertising and marketing agency focused on creating experiences that help clients discover their place in the digital world. The CEO Ramanjeet Singh...read more here