9 Trends to Watch in 2025, VC Explained and Appload and Talaty in the Spotlight

We might be a bit late to the “Happy New Year” party, but better late than never, right?

We hope your year is off to an amazing start. Ours definitely is, and we’ve got some exciting updates from Renew Capital and the Africa Brief to share with you.

Let’s dive in!

Talaty Empoweres SMBs Using AI-Powered Financing Solutions

Talaty, a Moroccan fintech, uses AI to simplify financing for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Its platform helps financial institutions offer faster and more effective working capital solutions while supporting SMBs' growth.

Why It Matters: Access to financing is a key barrier for SMBs, with many failing due to payment defaults. Talaty’s AI-powered platform helps financial institutions address these issues, expanding access to essential financial services.

Learn more about Talaty and Renew Capital’s recent investment.?

Appload Revolutionizes Cargo Shipping in Southern Africa

Appload is simplifying cargo shipping in Southern Africa by connecting shippers and carriers on its digital platform.

Why It Matters: Streamlined logistics are critical for businesses to save time and reduce costs. Appload empowers industries like agriculture, manufacturing and retail by streamlining cargo transport and ensuring transparency and trust.

With an investment from Renew Capital, Appload is scaling its impact across Mozambique and beyond, offering businesses sustainable, cost-effective and reliable logistics solutions while driving innovation in the region’s logistics market.

Spotted in the Africa Brief

Trends to Watch in 2025

The first 2025 edition of The Africa Brief spotlights nine key topics and trends in politics, economics and technology we believe will shape the continent for better or worse in 2025.

Read our inaugural 2025 edition and subscribe for more weekly insights.?

The VC Model Explained

Lucas Robinson shares why not every business is a fit for venture capital (VC) funding. While VC focuses on scaling solutions in large markets, many incredible small businesses may find better opportunities through local angel investors, impact funds or even grants.

Key insights:

• Why venture capital may not be the best solution
• Other funding avenues you can consider

Read the full article for more insights.

GOD. COUNTRY. KING.

Morocco is emerging as a gateway to Africa's startup ecosystem driven by stability and vision under King Mohammed VI since 1999. The country’s innovation landscape is thriving with growing potential.

Here are some key takeaways shared by Laura Davis.?

• Taking Their "Game Up": Hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup is driving Morocco and enhancing its services, real estate and tech sectors, with Royal Air Maroc set for bigger expansion.
• Long Live the King: Political stability under King Mohammed VI encourages trust, hard work and conditions for Morocco's GDP to exceed expectations.
• Homeward Bound: Moroccan descendants are returning home for better opportunities and to reconnect with their heritage amid Europe’s migration debates.

Interested in learning more about the Morocco ecosystem? Shoot us an email and plan to join us from April 12 to 19 for GITEX Africa.

Renew Capital manages the Renew Capital Angels,?a global community of for-purpose investors who seek financial returns and sustainable social impact by making investments into growth-oriented small and medium enterprises in Africa.?Together, with our partners, we aim to build and strengthen the private sector in the countries where we work. We invite you to join us.