Africa’s tech start-up scene is ALIVE AND KICKING

MUHAMMAD NABIL

AFRICA’S technology start-up scene is vibrant – and growing fast. There are currently more than 640 active technology hubs across the continent, and according to Partech Africa, start-ups raised $1.163 billion (R17bn) in equity funding in 2018 – a 108% yearon-year growth.

In my work with Microsoft 4Afrika, I have had a front row seat to the innovation and creativity many African startups have employed to address pressing economic and social gaps and needs.

African tech start-ups are renowned for building solutions to some of the most complex challenges. This often stems from having first-hand experience of the problem, and knowing best how to solve it.

Whether it’s using agri-tech to improve crop yields, using technology to deliver finance solutions to the previously unbanked or pairing solar power and IoT to solve power reliability issues, African innovation is alive and thriving, and the Covid19 pandemic has only fanned these flames of ingenuity. Microsoft 4Afrika has a strong commitment to entrepreneurs and we actively engage with SMEs and start-ups, providing training on how to apply technology to their business and helping them understand how they can benefit from a broad range of available devices and services.

When it comes to investing in start-ups, we look for cloud-oriented solutions with growth potential in health care, agriculture, financial services, government services and education.

We prioritise industries that promote economic development and societal impact, but have also invested in start-ups in areas including gaming, entertainment (a massive industry in Nigeria), transportation and energy.

We are in a period of unprecedented challenges, but we’re also experiencing rapid technology advancement that is transforming our world. When people can use technology and create it, they can experience higher paying jobs.