African Tech News Blitz: September Highlights

We have been tracking the success of startups in the African tech economy since June. Both success and failures in startups have been witnessed over the months.? In this issue of the African Tech News Blitz, we summarise the peaks and valleys of the African tech industry in September. Continue reading to learn about what took place .

1.Eight2Five based? CollaboMe introduces a game changer for creatives

CollaboMe, housed in the Eight2Five Innovation Hub, hosted a co-creation workshop for their upcoming creatives collaboration platform. Creatives can use the portal to connect with other creatives, locate opportunities, and receive payments, among other things. It also helps to create jobs by connecting creatives with established institutions. These institutions include non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and enterprises. CollaboMe intends to be the go-between, allowing organisations to find new and intriguing creatives while also giving new creatives an opportunity to work on large projects.

2.ZTA encourages youth led innovation in tourism?

A few years following the introduction of ZIMBHO, ZTA introduced another local tourism champion. The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), introduced the Tourism Innovation Challenge to encourage innovation in domestic tourism. The initiative is a terrific example of youth taking a lead in the African Tech economy while embracing the continent's unique culture.? It not only improves the economy but also educates locals about their heritage. Growing the tourism economy entails constantly innovating so that fresh goods and services can be presented to the market, hence creating new tourism economic value. Tourism has been doing extremely well in Zimbabwe with 50% of its income coming from domestic tourism.?

3.GIZ and GSMA partner introduces a mobile innovation lab in Tunisia?

The German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ)? collaborated with GSMA Mobile for Development to establish a Mobile Innovation Hub. The hub will stimulate the development of mobile digital solutions while also boosting the platform economy across several industries. GIZ and the GSMA will work with the Tunisian government and the local digital ecosystem to construct the Platforms for Tomorrow Acceleration Programme. This will assist entrepreneurs in the African tech economy to create platforms that succeed. The initiative will provide selected innovators with focused and customised technical assistance to optimise their solutions. It will also help them? increase their scaling potential and improve their socio - economic impact.

4.Africa’s biggest smartphone giant get rewarded for their innovation

In September, Africa recorded a win in the mobile tech sector. TECNO, the largest smartphone brand in the African Tech industry, was named Innovative Mobile Phone Brand of the Decade. The award was presented during the Marketing Edge awards event on September 16, 2022. Tecno was recognised for their long-term dedication to developing ultra intelligent and smart devices. The Marketing Edge awards are an annual event that honours and rewards companies and industry professionals for their remarkable excellence and innovation.

5.Google awarded $4 million in equity-free funding to 60 African companies.

Additionally, during the month, Google provided equity-free capital to 60 African startups. Startups from Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria will participate in a 6-month training programme and receive equity-free funding as part of Google for Startups' Black Founders Fund. Since its inception in April 2012, the Google for Startups programme has generated approximately 4,600 employment. This is through the startups in which it has invested, while the startups raised more than $290 million in capital.?

This concludes our IT News Blitz for September, in which we keep you informed about developments in the African tech sector. We at Eight2Five Innovation Hub think that diversity leads to greater success. As a result, we pledge to develop with startups that choose to be innovative. Everyone benefits when everyone is involved. Connect with us on social media if you'd want to contribute market insights and data that will help entrepreneurs flourish above and beyond. We wish you a prosperous October and ask you to join us as we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mental Health Month, and Cyber Security Month.