Six African startups among the pioneers of the World Economic Forum 2022
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has announced the names of 100 tech startups selected for the 2022 cohort of Tech Pioneers. These include six startups from four African countries: Nigeria (1), Kenya (3), Rwanda (1) and Cameroon (1). Cameroon and Rwanda join the list for the first time this year.
The nominated startups were selected based on their innovation, impact, leadership and importance to the goals of the World Economic Forum.
The selected startups develop solutions in their sectors, such as climate change, food security, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, etc.
The 2022 cohort of tech pioneers is already bringing big changes to industries around the world. By joining this community, these emerging technology leaders can continue to show not only the impressive technological advancements within their companies, but also how their companies are helping to build a better future for us all.
Saemoon Yoon, Technology Pioneer Community Manager, World Economic Forum.
Over the next two years, they will collaborate on WEF projects, events, workshops and activities to address global concerns. This year’s pioneers will join an outstanding cohort of alumni that includes top brands such as Airbnb, Google, Kickstarter, Mozilla, Spotify, TransferWise, Twitter and Wikimedia.
Read also: Meet the 15 African startups selected for the Google for Startups Accelerator program 2022
About the WEF Pioneer List
The WEF Technology Pioneers Program enables the technology pioneers community to connect with public and commercial sector leaders, propose new solutions to address the current crisis, and help define the global agenda on critical issues.
It comprises a global network of early-stage and growth-stage startups that have a substantial impact on business and society by designing, developing and deploying innovative technologies and ideas.
Since its inception in 2000, the program has had a number of large companies that were once participants. These include Airbnb, bluebird bio, Bloom Energy, Cyberdyne, Editas Medicine, Foundation Medicine, Google, Kaggle, Kickstarter, Mozilla, Palantir Technologies, Proteus Digital Health, from Scribd, Spotify, Twitter and Wikimedia.
This community has expanded to become a member of the Global Innovators Community of promising startups, as well as a member of the Network of Centers for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a community where members help shape new policy on current technology topics.
Also Read: Egypt Raises $1.2 Billion in 3 Years, Representing 83.3% of Total North African Startup Funding
Meet the selected startups
Okra
Okra was founded in 2020 by Fara Ashiru Jituboh and David Peterside. It was designed to deliver digitized financial services across Africa while providing a single API for a variety of financial use cases across industries and businesses.
The company has been described as Africa’s first API super-connector. According to the founders, the aim is to enable financial institutions to develop tailor-made financial/savings products.
The fintech startup received its first $1 million pre-seed in a TLcom Capital fundraiser in 2020. In 2021, the startup also closed a $3.5 million seed round led by the American company Susa Ventures, bringing its total funding to $4.5 million.
Access Afya
Access Afya is a Kenyan health technology start-up that provides low-cost, quality healthcare coverage to low-income citizens of Kenya.
While maintaining a chain of clinics, pharmacies and mobile health facilities, the company uses technology to operate a model that utilizes physical and digital infrastructure for its users.
Founded in 2012 by Melissa Menke, the startup is one of the first fully licensed virtual clinics in Kenya. In 2019, the organization was recognized for providing the best customer experience in Kenya.
Send
Sendy is a Kenya-based freight delivery startup that specializes in building simple infrastructure for African e-commerce and consumer brands. It was founded in 2015 by Evanson Biwott, Don Okoth and American Malaika Judd. as a marketplace to provide a more efficient and economical way to deliver goods using technology.
The company uses an assetless strategy, with an app that manages contract drivers who own their own vehicles, while confirming deliveries, developing performance metrics, and managing payments.
In 2020, the Kenyan startup raised a $20m Series B round led by Atlantica Ventures and Toyota Corporation.
Also Read: Rwanda Partners with World Economic Forum and World Bank to Host Africa Drone Forum and Flight Competitions
Pula Advisors
Pula Advisors is a Kenyan Agritech start-up and insurance company specializing in building and delivering innovative agricultural and digital insurance solutions to small and medium-sized farmers to help them secure high incomes and improved farming methods .
The startup was launched in 2015 by Rose Goslinga and Thomas Njeru. In 2021, Pula raised $6 million in a Series A seed funding round led by TLcom Capital.
ampersand
Ampersand is the first and most advanced integrated power solution for electric motorcycles and transport in Africa. The Rwanda-based company has been named as the first battery alternative energy network for light-duty automobiles.
Founded by Josh Whale, Ampersand has performed more than 50,000 battery swaps since its inception in 2019. The startup designs and finances cheaper and more efficient electric motorcycles in East Africa.
Ejara
Ejara is a Cameroonian fintech that offers low-cost investment choices such as fractional shares, cryptos, commodities, and more.
The startup was launched in 2020 by Nelly Chatue-Diop, and over 8,000 customers have transacted cryptocurrencies on the platform since its inception.
The firm raised $2 million in 2021 to launch the use of cryptocurrency and investment services in the region.
