Start-ups – Page 5 – Africa Tech Digest

Nigeria’s tech startups have become a political talking point to sway young voters

14Jan

By Africa Tech DigestNo Comments

Start-ups, West Africa

Nigeria’s tech startups have become a political talking point to sway young voters

Nigeria’s tech ecosystem has come in for praise over the past decade given the rise of startups solving problems and serving addressable market needs using technology. Investment—running into hundreds of millions of dollars—has flowed in and several startup and tech hubs have launched, ensuring a pipeline of innovative ideas. But tech startups are increasingly becoming political fodder too. With Nigeria’s general elections barely a month away, candidates looking to sway young voters—a majority of the electorate—are name-dropping tech companies in a bid to appear friendly to the ecosystem. In a recent debate for governorship candidates in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial nerve center, leading candidates made sure to tout their support to the local ecosystem—Africa’s mo...

How African tech startups can help you travel smarter in 2019

4Jan

By Africa Tech DigestNo Comments

Start-ups, West Africa

How African tech startups can help you travel smarter in 2019

Alongside the likes of Travelstart and Jovago (now Jumia), Hotels.ng is a pioneer in the African travel tech space. Yet the sector is swiftly moving beyond simple booking platforms. Now, Hotels.ng is a well-established player, and one that is expanding across Africa. At the time of its launch, however, it was almost revolutionary. “A few years ago finding and making hotel reservations was an offline process. You would have to ask someone who already knew of a hotel, or drive around looking for hotel signs,” said the company’s chief executive officer (CEO) Mark Essien. “These days, consumers have moved their searches to the internet. What we have done is provide the means for these hotels, many of which have no digital savvy staff, to thrive in a space that is increasingly em...

East Africa Top 10 Tech Startups to Watch

29Dec

By Africa Tech DigestNo Comments

East Africa, List & Guides, Start-ups

East Africa Top 10 Tech Startups to Watch

The tech startup scene in the African continent is experiencing record-breaking growth and increased international attention. In 2017, African tech startups received over $560M in investment according to research by Partech Ventures (a 53% increase from $367M in 2016). While South Africa and Nigeria still lead in attracting tech investments for the continent, East Africa is rapidly grabbing diverting more attention and investment dollars, catalyzed by strong innovation hubs and incubators. Nairobi stands as the pillar and anchor of East Africa’s interest, attracting 26% of total investments into Africa. Results from I-DEV East Africa Tech Survey showed strong evidence that Kenya continues to take a the lead in attracting attention and growing the ‘hottest’ companies to watch in East Af...

5 Nigerian startups you should pay attention to in 2018

29Dec

By Africa Tech DigestNo Comments

List & Guides, Nigeria, Start-ups

5 Nigerian startups you should pay attention to in 2018

This past year wrapped up with several notable events surrounding the Nigerian tech scene. While some events provoked watery eyes, such as the passing on of young talents, there was also a lot to rejoice over. More local startups caught the attention of foreign investors, and the tech scene is decentralising from Lagos and emerging in other states. Furthermore, Nigerian startups have shown doggedness in their quest to solve problems in the country as more keep springing almost on a daily basis. There’s a chance that these only signal the beginning of brighter and more achievements in the new year. While we await more, here are 5 Nigerian startups you shouldn’t take your eyes off as 2018 creeps in. Monapay Monapay, a fintech startup, launched in 2017 intends to go...