Africa is undergoing a digital transformation. From Lagos to Nairobi, innovative startups are reinventing business models and promoting digital inclusion essential to the continent’s development. How can entrepreneurs build viable solutions while maximizing their social impact?

Tech at the Service of Inclusive Development in Africa

Digital innovation plays a crucial role in reducing inequalities and accelerating economic growth on the continent.

• Fintech: Making Finance Accessible to All
  Fintech startups have disrupted the African financial market by offering accessible solutions to unbanked populations. For example, M-Pesa in Kenya has enabled millions of people to carry out secure transactions without a bank account. In 2022, fintech accounted for 45% of tech fundraising in Africa according to Partech Africa, confirming its economic potential.
• EdTech: Democratizing Access to Education
  The development of digital educational tools allows thousands of young people to access quality training. Ubongo (Tanzania) and Eneza Education (Kenya) use interactive content to reach low-income children. The rise of platforms like Coursera and ALX Africa also facilitates the learning of in-demand skills for the job market.
• HealthTech: Improving Access to Healthcare
  The growth of digital health solutions has revolutionized access to care in remote areas. Zipline, through its drones, delivers medicine in Rwanda and Ghana, reducing patient care delays. Platforms like mPharma also facilitate the affordable supply of medicines.

Key Success Factors for African Tech Startups

To ensure their sustainability and impact, tech companies must be built on solid foundations.

• Adapt Your Model to the African Market
  Creating solutions that take local realities into account is essential. Wave (Senegal) revolutionized mobile payments by lowering transfer fees. A similar strategy can be applied to various sectors by focusing on accessible and scalable solutions.
• Access to Funding and Investors
  In 2022, African startups raised $6.5 billion, with a strong concentration in Anglophone Africa. Chipper Cash (Uganda) raised $150 million thanks to a solid business model. Programs like Google for Startups Africa and Orange Fab also offer opportunities to young entrepreneurs.
• Build a High-Performing Tech Team
  Training local talent is essential. Institutions like Moringa School (Kenya) and Andela are preparing the next generation of developers and engineers in Africa. Encouraging the return of the African diaspora also strengthens expertise and innovation in the industry.

Building Sustainable and Inclusive Tech

The future of African tech depends on regulation, infrastructure, and digital inclusion.

• Regulation and Legal Framework
  Several African countries have implemented policies that encourage innovation. Nigeria and Kenya facilitate fundraising by simplifying the procedures for creating tech companies. Incubators like i4Policy support startups in navigating local regulations.
• Infrastructure and Connectivity
  About 40% of Africans do not have access to quality internet (World Bank). Initiatives like Starlink and Liquid Intelligent Technologies aim to improve connectivity and expand digital opportunities.
• Invest in Digital Inclusion
  Digital development also involves youth training and women’s empowerment in tech. Programs like Digital Africa and She Code Africa support these efforts by training thousands of young people every year.

The rise of digital technology presents a unique opportunity for Africa to accelerate its economic development while promoting social inclusion. With adapted strategies, access to appropriate funding, and reinforced infrastructure, Africa can become a major player in global tech.

If you want to deepen your knowledge and maximize your opportunities in this sector, don’t miss the exclusive masterclass with Marjorie Saint Lot, Regional Director for Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa at TapTapSend, on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 10 a.m. GMT on Entourage.
Live or on replay, discover concrete strategies in this masterclass to create inclusive and sustainable digital solutions, ready to tackle the unique challenges of the African market.

If you’re looking for personalized and immediately actionable advice, book a session with our experts on Entourage.