June 22, 2023
by Introducing the dynamic group of 25 African startups supported by the Google for Startups Black Founders Fund. This impressive cohort showcases the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation emanating from Africa’s thriving startup ecosystem, with notable contributions from Nigeria and Kenya.
Nigeria is Leading the pack, a tech industry powerhouse, with 10 great startups making their mark. These Nigerian entrepreneurs are tackling healthcare, fintech, and logistics challenges, shaping Africa’s digital economy. HealthDart, Evolve Credit, and Periculum are examples of Nigerian startups poised to significantly impact.
Kenya, renowned for its tech-savvy population, presents its own brand of innovation, with six startups securing a place in the cohort. These Kenyan entrepreneurs are disrupting logistics, construction supply chains, and bookkeeping industries through their cutting-edge platforms. Fleetsimplify, Jumba, and Uzapoint are at the forefront of transforming these sectors.
While Nigeria and Kenya shine, it’s essential to acknowledge the pan-African nature of this cohort. Startups from Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, Rwanda, and other African nations also contribute to this impressive lineup. This diversity underscores the collaborative spirit of Africa’s startup ecosystem, where entrepreneurs from across the continent join forces to drive innovation and address common challenges.
The Google for Startups Black Founders Fund empowers these startups by providing financial support, resources, and mentorship opportunities. This inclusive approach levels the playing field for African entrepreneurs, enabling them to thrive and positively impact their communities and society.
Here is the list of the startups in alphabetical order:
- Akoma Health (Nigeria): A tech platform offering accessible, culturally conscious mental health services in Africa.
- BezoMoney (Ghana): Providing digital banking services for Africa’s underbanked population through mobile and web platforms.
- Chargel (Senegal): A digital trucking platform connecting shippers and carriers in Francophone West Africa.
- Charis UAS (Rwanda): Utilizing drone technology to provide 3D geospatial data.
- Evolve Credit (Nigeria): A software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution for digitizing and managing banking services.
- Excel At Uni (South Africa): Supporting student funders through digital services.
- EzyAgric (Uganda): Leveraging AI-powered mobile technology to enhance Africa’s farming sector.
- Fez Delivery (Nigeria): A last-mile logistics platform catering to various industries.
- Fleetsimplify (Kenya): A monetization platform connecting gig drivers and vehicle owners.
- HealthDart (South Africa): A digital health maintenance organization (HMO) offering end-to-end health services with insurance.
- Herconomy (Nigeria): A female-focused fintech initiative aiming to become Africa’s first women’s bank.
- Jumba (Kenya): Improving Kenya’s construction sector supply chain through a business-to-business (B2B) platform.
- MDaaS Global (Nigeria): Establishing tech-powered diagnostic centers for affordable healthcare.
- My Pocket Counsel (Nigeria): A legal tech platform for contract generation and management.
- Orda (Nigeria): A pan-African neo-bank serving the restaurant industry with cloud-based software.
- Periculum (Nigeria): A data company assisting in credit assessment and mitigating fraud and churn risks.
- Raenest (Nigeria): A fintech firm providing global financial services to African freelancers and startups.
- Ridelink (Uganda): An e-logistics platform offering shipping services and real-time tracking.
- Susu (Côte d’Ivoire): A health platform providing healthcare services and insurance funded by the African diaspora.
- Talamus Health (Ghana): Offering tech solutions to address healthcare inefficiencies in Africa.
- TruQ (Nigeria): Streamlining mid-mile logistics across Africa through third-party vehicle connectivity.
- Tushop (Kenya): A tech platform facilitating group buying of daily essentials in Kenya.
- Uzapoint (Kenya): Providing a mobile/web point-of-sale (POS) solution for digitizing bookkeeping in Africa’s informal sector.
- Zinacare (South Africa): An online platform offering accessible and affordable healthcare services.
- Zydii (Kenya): Localized digital training solutions for African SMEs.
