Dr. Rasha Rady, COO of Chefaa, 2022 winner of the Health Tech category. Photo credit: VivaTech
Africa's tech scene is booming with innovation. From clean-tech solutions addressing climate challenges to digital platforms expanding access to healthcare and financial services to underserved communities, startups across the continent are transforming industries and making a positive impact on society.
While the African startup space is growing – 2022 was a record year for African startup funding – the continent received only 1% of the global venture capital. As each country's startup ecosystem expands and diversifies, fostering connections between startups and global investors is key to closing this funding gap.
To spotlight companies that are driving innovation in Africa and help forge new cross-regional partnerships, VivaTech and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have teamed up for the second edition of the AfricaTech Awards. Over 380 startups applied to seize the opportunity to pitch their solutions at VivaTech and win the award in one of the three sector categories – Climate Tech, sponsored by OCP and SiteGround; FinTech, sponsored by Cassava Technologies and Helios Investment Partners; and Health Tech.
Today, VivaTech and IFC are proud to announce the nine startups – the top three in each category – that have been selected to advance in the competition and join VivaTech in Paris from June 14 to June 17, 2023. These startups are driving innovation and competitiveness in their sectors, opening new economic opportunities and improving the lives of millions of people across the continent. Get to know them:
Climate Tech Finalists
Kubik turns hard-to-recycle plastic waste into low-cost, low-carbon building materials, which can be used to build more durable, affordable, and sustainable buildings. The Nairobi-based startup’s vision is to build dignity through clean and affordable living for all.
Kumulus Water designs, manufactures, and operates machines that replicate the dew phenomenon in nature to produce drinking water in an economical and sustainable way, using as sole resources solar power and the humidity in the air.
OKO is an insurtech startup that focuses on providing affordable and accessible crop insurance to smallholder farmers. By utilizing satellite imagery and mobile technology, OKO offers personalized insurance products that protect farmers against the financial risks associated with adverse weather conditions and crop failure.
FinTech Finalists
Asante Financial Services Group is a leading neo-bank that supports Africa's growth by providing financial services through fintech solutions to growing micro and small businesses in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, and Rwanda.
Bizao is a pan-African payment hub helping companies accept any local payment methods in Africa. They currently cover 200 million end customers in 11 countries, having directly integrated 35 payment methods.
Curacel makes it easier for insurers to distribute their products, automate their claims processes, and drive revenue growth by providing easy-to-use technology solutions that have been specifically designed to drive insurance inclusion across Africa.
Health Tech Finalists
Ilara Health is a Kenyan health-tech startup focused on improving access to essential medical diagnostics in underserved areas. The company’s goal is to build Africa’s leading tech-enabled primary care provider, delivering affordable, quality healthcare to Africa’s low- and middle-income demographics.
MyDawa is an end-to-end digital healthcare solution offering a mobile and web platform that provides users access to telehealth consultations, lab concierge services, and at-home delivery of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical products.
Waspito is a platform that provides instant video consultations with doctors, mobile labs, and pharmacy services. These are all connected by a health social network where users can interact anonymously with doctors for reliable health information.
Stay Tuned for the Winners
These nine startups will have the opportunity to showcase their solutions at VivaTech 2023, gaining access to global investors and top executives in the tech industry. A panel of industry experts will select the winners, which will be announced on Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 5:30 PM on VivaTech’s Stage One.
Attendees can visit the AfricaTech Lab during the 4 days of VivaTech to meet these startups in person. While there, don’t miss the AfricaTech Stage Program, created with the help of Silverbacks Holdings, which will be highlighting the brightest in African tech.