African Tech News Blitz: June 2022 highlights

African Tech News Blitz: June 2022 highlights?

Halfway down the year and a lot has already happened in?the African tech scene. It is important for a startup to keep their eyes and ears open to what is happening in?the industry and how that can affect, influence, or become lessons for their own businesses. We have gathered here five stories that can inspire you and entice you to read more about how other emerging businesses are pulling through or the mistakes they made you?could learn or even earn from.

1. MSF Africa dissolves US tech company?

Contrary to the popular one-way Transatlantic mergers where African startups are acquired by silicon valley giants and swallowed in the process, MSF Africa has taken over US-based Global Technology Partners (GTP). This could be the first of many as the African tech sector expands, proving that they are in the game to thrive. Read more about the acquisition here

2. Three Zimbabwean startups pitched at the Africa Blockchain Incubation demo day

Congratulations are in order as three Zimbabwean startups pitched at Africa Blockchain Incubation demo day held on Thursday. The Africa Blockchain Incubation Program is a structured Incubator Program focused on grooming the African Blockchain StartUps since March 2022. With a focus on Egypt and Zimbabwe, the project was supported by NEAR Foundation, to spark creativity and ideas implementation by StartUps who have been working on using NFT for Education, Credit Scoring, Real Estate, and Agriculture. Follow the link to watch Mint Condition, Tigere Housing, and Umoja Lands pitching to investors during the Demo Day event.?

3. Eight2Five Innovation hub, launched four partner startups into the market?

Eight2Five Innovation Hub, the business incubator powered by Old Mutual Zimbabwe introduced a start-up entry-to-market programme. The programme was inaugurated through a Launch event for the startup partners; E-Exam, Everything Zimbabwean, Taxpal, and Zezuru. This opens a new line of opportunities for startups to bring sustainable economic solutions across Africa. The launch followed an intensive and inclusive process that offered four tech startups ready for market support. You can find out about more Eight2Five opportunities and news by visiting their website.??

4. Kenyan food tech Kune closes down after raising $ 1 million pre-seed funding

Kune’s founder and CEO Robin Reecht announced the closure of the Kenyan food tech startup due to economic hardships and inflation in food supplies through a LinkedIn post last month. The company is in the business of delivering ready-to-eat meals at affordable prices. Kune closed down about a year after raising $ 1 million in pre-seed funding. This comes as a lesson that funding does not solve all the problems as statistics have proven that about 70% of startups fail after seed funding.?

5. Africa modernizes digital connections

Lastly, as technology continues to advance around the world, African countries are catching up with strategies and efforts toward inclusive digital economies. South Africa has started a three-year SA Connect programme aimed at modernizing networks as they partner with industry leaders. Bringing it back home, Econet wireless expanded its reach with the launch of a 5G network in Victoria Falls. This adds to the list that already has Harare and Bulawayo. The development will help connect the mining sector with their digital journey as they thrive to break into the global supply chains.?

We hope you had a good time catching up with some news in and around Africa. Do sign up for the newsletter for more insights. Also, we would love to know what you are doing and help you amplify your voice. Feel free to contact us in that regard or to share an interesting read. Email: [email protected]