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African Tech Tycoons you should be aware of

African Tech Tycoons you should be aware of

by | Jun 21, 2022 | Africa, General, Opinions, Other News

Africa is known as the land of unending opportunities…the aphrodite for the ailing global economy. The continent is taking baby strides in different aspects, and there are people who are moving forward to be the harbinger of change so far as the African economic resurgence is concerned. Let’s discuss a few African Tech Tycoons and get to know more about their story here.

So let’s have a look at the African tech Tycoons …the black pearls of business in this article. (In no particular order).

1. Tunde Kehinde, Co-Managing Director Of African Courier Express 

Tunde Kehinde is a London-based businessman who co-founded Jumia, Africa’s first unicorn, with a financial investment of around $1 million from a rocket internet German startup. Presently the company has set a strong foot in Nigeria, and it is now the country’s top eCommerce website. 

The path of success with Jumia is so pronounced that Tunde Kehinde set up another tech business in the year 2014, collaborating with Ercin Eksin, founder of Africa Courier Express (ACE). This company aims to streamline the logistics of delivery for various companies working in Nigeria and other African countries.

Tunde recently co-founded Lidya; a digital fintech lender which allows SMEs to unlock one-click, same-day credit and build a credit rating for the first time.

So he is someone who can be a role model for African Youth. Indeed a pathfinder!

2. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Founder And General Partner, Future Africa

At the early age of 29, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji co-founded some of the most innovative and disruptive tech companies in Africa. Talk of Andela and Flutterwave, companies working actively to transform the tech innovation infrastructure for Africa. His efforts turned Africa’s challenges into opportunities.

With Andela, Aboyeji was of the opinion that Nigerians would love to if they thought they could earn around $105000 or even half from remote work. He joined Flutterwave in the year 2016 and helped raise funding of $35milion in a Series B round. Presently the company has gone on to become the fastest growing payment technology business and Africa’s unicorn. 

Iyin is currently looking to help African startups reach the same scale as western companies with Future Africa. By removing the issue of funding, a primary barrier to a startup’s success.

3. Ken Njoroge, Co-Founder Of Cellulant

Ken Njoroge started with just $3000 on his credit card and co-founded Cellulant, a mobile payment system that connects consumers to merchants.

Presently Cellulent has fitted its flag successfully in 10 countries in Africa. The company now connects to 200 merchants and 44 mobile network operators. 

Impressed by reputation and integrity, the government in Nigeria turned to the company and offered it a four-year-$8.9 m contract to run a registration and validation system for fertilizers at friendly prices. 

4. Obi Ozor, Co-Founder, Kobo360

Ozor Obi began with a small logistic company using the savings that he made by working part-time at a supermarket whilst in school. His small side business began to bring about $7000 every month.

Then he began his business, Kobo 360, a logistic business that uses technology. At that time, the infrastructure of this very business in Africa was not that good enough. But with a never say die attitude, the company has gone on to become one of the largest supply chain providers in Africa, reaching people with resources. It raised $37 million in its series A round.

Conclusion 

Other than these, there are other prominent names like Bright Simons, president of mPedigree Network, Jason Njoku, Founder iRokoTv, and Michael Macharia, the group chief executive SevenSeas Technologies. 

We are all as interested in Africa’s rise, and we know so are you too. There are many books and resources on Africa that you could download at thepirateproxybay.com to gain comprehensive knowledge.

Indeed the names discussed above are like stars that the African youth like to chase. They are working extremely hard to bring in fortunes for themselves, the company, and the continent in general.

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AI EXPO AFRICA LAUNCHES GRAND AI ART CHALLENGE

AI EXPO AFRICA LAUNCHES GRAND AI ART CHALLENGE

by | Jun 12, 2019 | General, Other News

Use AI to create an original piece of artwork and music to win a free trip to AI Expo in Cape Town, South Africa.

Cape Town 12 June 2019 –

In recent years, art-creating AI has pushed the boundaries of how we define art. This competition challenges the African AI & Data Science community on Zindi to create original artwork and music track(s) using artificial intelligence (AI).  The challenge is to create an original piece of artwork or music that leverages AI. There will be one winner for each category (visual art & music). Winners must be citizens of an African country and must be living in Africa.

AI Expo Africa is the largest business focused AI event in Africa. It is launching a grand challenge to create an original piece of artwork or music that leverages AI. Sign up at https://zindi.africa/competitions/ai-art. 

Awards will be presented to the winner at the exclusive AI Expo Africa VIP event. On the opening night of AI Expo Africa in Cape Town South Africa on 3 September 2019 – with the music track(s) being played during the event and art work on display. Both works will be auctioned during the exclusive networking / drinks reception event 4 September with proceeds going (50%) to the artist and (50%) to you guys at Starting Chance plus we would love to have you back at the event again.

GRAND AI ART CHALLENGE Winner

1st prize in each category (music and visual art) will receive:

  • 1 x VIP / full access ticket to AI Expo Africa worth $650 including all refreshments and food
  • $600 contribution to flights to Cape Town (limited to economy flights only within Africa)
  • $250 in total contribution for 2x nights hotel accommodation in Cape Town
  • 50% share in auction proceeds of the art works & music with 50% going to the event charity, Starting Chance.
  • A TV / Media Interview plus social media and press release for winners
  • Speaking opportunity in the case study track at AI Expo
  • Valuable networking opportunities with largest AI tech community in Africa 
  • Photography of the event will also be provided

2nd and 3rd placed creators will be given special mentions in press and social media.  This competition is sponsored by The AI Media Group, creators of AI Expo Africa. Cortex Ventures, Africa’s first AI only focused VC company.