Startups + Innovations
Sub-Saharan Africa
- This Day
- Africa’s startup boom has transformed the continent’s business landscape, with hubs like Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt. However, despite this growth, startups face significant challenges, including fragmented markets, limited funding, and logistical hurdles. To overcome these barriers, industry experts emphasize the critical role of mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
- Punch
- Winock Solar, a Nigerian solar branding and distribution company, has announced the acquisition of $1.6m in equity funding from Acumen Fund Inc. and All On Partnerships for Energy Access. The funding will support the rollout of innovative solar products, including a standalone 1-kilowatt solar system tailored to the needs of micro-businesses and underserved communities.
- Startup|Energy
- Don’t miss this opportunity to see nine African energy startups present their innovations and solutions for the energy market in sub-Saharan Africa! These dynamic companies are bringing fresh approaches to decentralised energy supply with their products and business ideas. Register for free!
- Innovation Village
- The eKamva initiative is the result of a collaboration between various companies and research institutions, spearheaded by GoMetro, a transport technology platform. The consortium also includes flx EV, Powerfleet, HSW, ACDC Dynamics, and several entities within Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Engineering.
- Techbuild
- Beacon Power Services, a Nigerian energy tech company, has secured Series A funding to further develop its data and grid management solutions that enhance electricity distribution efficiency across Africa. With this funding, the company aims to refine its offerings, support ongoing operations, and expand its reach to new markets in Eastern and Southern Africa.
- Startup|Energy
- From 18 to 23 October, nine energy startups from four East African countries met for the 4th Energy Camp. They were selected from a total of almost 100 applications. Learn more about the Energy Camp and the participating startups.
- Techcabal
- Earthbond, a Nigerian startup that connects SME that want to buy solar solutions to solution providers, has raised a $200,000 pre-seed funding from Madica. The startup claims it has audited the solar power needs of over 100 businesses in Lagos in deals that could be worth $1 million.
- Empower Africa
- Arnergy, a Nigerian cleantech startup specializing in distributed renewable energy solutions, has raised $3 million in a bridge round led by All On, an off-grid energy impact investment company supported by Shell.
- Nairametrics
- Angel investors play a vital role in helping new businesses grow by providing the early funding that startups need to turn their ideas into real products and services. However, attracting these investors can be challenging, especially in tough economic times. One effective way to encourage more angel investing is through tax incentives.
- The Star
- Kenya’s dominance in the sector is partly driven by large-scale investments in solar energy solutions and precision agriculture. On the continent, however, most investors are concentrated in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, where innovation and funding activity are most prominent.
- Preo
- Drop Access (Kenya) and SLS Energy (Rwanda) are among the companies recognized in PREO's new funding round for their groundbraking activities in the productive use sector. More than 240 applications meeting the call’s core criteria were submitted from 29 countries, equating to a total funding request 17 times greater than was available.
- Capital News
- Linda Kamau, a young entrepreneur in Embu, upon recognizing the urgency of solving the climate change issue in the area, explored use of renewable energy sources to offer affordable irrigation services to low-income farmers.
- Pulse Live
- Seven Kenyan women-led startups secured a collective investment of Sh8.75 million through Standard Chartered's Women in Tech Program. The startups operate in agritech, health tech, bio-fuels, and fintech, providing clean energy solutions and promoting mental health through tech
- Disrupt Africa
- Yellow Malawi is a solar home system and mobile phone distributor that provides energy access to off-grid and rural customers in Malawi, while Zambia’s RDG facilitates access to essential renewable energy products and services that unlock potential and transform lives across Africa.
- Global Center on Adaption
- Green Impact Technologies, a youth-led enterprise co-founded by Joyce Sikwese and Admore Chiumia, is on a mission to empower farmers with sustainable, climate-smart solutions. Their mission? To make affordable renewable energy and sustainable agricultural tools available to those who need them most.