Six Kenyan start-ups on list of Africa finalists

Gabriel Negatu (left), the director of the East Africa Regional Resource Centre, and Harry Hare, the executive producer of DEMO Africa, at an event bringing together Demo Africa start-ups and investors. FILE PHOTO |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• The start-ups covered various categories, with the most innovations falling within finance and banking. Other popular categories include education, transport and logistics, retail, communication and media.
• Kenya is second in the number of representatives while last year’s giant, Nigeria, tops the list again with eight representatives.

By LILIAN OCHIENG
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Six technology start-ups have been shortlisted from hundreds of promising technology brains in Africa to represent Kenya in this year’s Demo Africa in Lagos, Nigeria.

The start-ups are among thirty technology firms from across Africa that will pitch at the 2015 edition of the Demo Africa event.

“We are excited at the opportunities that technology has presented to our African youths in creating jobs and wealth. This is a great moment in the history of Africa, steadily rising to establish its digital footprint in the world. Congratulations to the finalists,” said Peter Jack, the director-general of the Nigeria National Information Technology Development Agency.

Kenya is second in the number of representatives while last year’s giant, Nigeria, tops the list again with eight representatives.

South Africa is represented by three start-ups, followed by Ghana, Egypt, Cameroon and Zimbabwe, which are each represented by two start-ups. Uganda, Tanzania and newcomer Ivory Coast will each be represented by one start-up.

FINANCE AND BANKING

The presence of Ivory Coast on the list of giants is a strong signal that more African nations are warming up to the ability of the continent to craft her own solutions to various needs.

The start-ups covered various categories, with the most innovations falling within finance and banking. Other popular categories include education, transport and logistics, retail, communication and media.

Harry Hare, the executive producer of DEMO Africa, congratulated all the participating entrepreneurs, noting the increase in the number of products from the applications received this year.

“I would like to congratulate every entrepreneur that took part in the DEMO Africa challenge," he said. "Though the stage can only accommodate thirty entrepreneurs this year, our pride is particularly in the large numbers of entrepreneurs that continue to support the cause to have Africa-generated solutions.”