It may be one of the newer innovation awards in Africa, but AppsAfrica is also one of the most exciting and a place to find the tech to watch over the next year. And, excitingly, they have just announced their next batch of finalists and there are loads of them! This means, over the next few blogs, Inventive Africa will feature our favourites from across the board and I can’t wait to discover what new ideas are coming out of Africa. The annual Awards now in their third year attracted over 300 submissions from across 31 countries.
Some of the finalists have in fact already been featured on Inventive Africa. Of course, Farm Drive are there. Their innovative farm solutions have adjourned award ceremonies for over a year. Also Featuring amongst the finalists are Mastercard 2Kuze, who assist small holder farmers financially, Carter, a Tinder app for car buying, Flutterwave, a digital payment specialist across Africa, PiggybankNG, a previous winner that encourages saving, We are not surprised to see these incredible innovation continue to make waves, but which are the next big African technologies?
Solar energy is creating great change in many communities in Africa. Organisations like Solar Sisters are empowering people in their business and home life. Trend Solar are doing the same by distributing and financing a range of solar systems. Their systems are aimed at both low income houses, with a 70 Wh systems, up to 32 Kw all in one mini grid systems for companies or communities.
The Tr70 kit comes including a solar panel, solar battery device, two Led light bulbs and lamp holders, a portable rechargeable LED tube light, and even a solar smartphone! So they not only enable a safer living environment, away from candles and dangerous kerosine lamps. The smart phone is vitally important as it enables the consumer buy their energy on a pay as you go basis, using of course mobile money. The smart phone also means that the individual or family have access to many other important information, regarding their business, education, savings, or even entertainment. With many under privileged families in Africa spending 35% to 30% of their income on lighting and phone charging, this solution should drastically reduce this expenditure and enable funds to be spent on self development. (or saved)
In a time where the world is trying to create equality for all, girls and women still lag behind in many circumstances. Often, research into the lives of girls and attitudes towards girls is hindered. Often men are doing the research, or the head of a household is a man, which alters the information. TEGA is a girl operated mobile enabled research tool, which gives an accurate insight into the lives of girl. TEGA teaches girls from 18-25 to collect meaningful, honest data about the worlds they live in, in real time. Any research made can be uploaded in a matter of minutes, and be analysed shortly after.
Not only does TEGA enable girls to portray the reality of their lives, which can inform policy and create greater awareness to the issues that girls face around the world, but it also gives girls employable skills for their future. They are currently operating in hard to reach areas in Nigeria, Malawi and Rwanda.
Financial planning is not possible for everyone. How should a small hold farmer get access to funds to develop his business, when it is impossible for him to get a credit rating. Without this, they may not be able to access a good savings scheme, or other benefits offered by banks. JUMO seeks to change this by using behavioural data form mobile usage to build a financial identity for the individual.
For many people, having this rating will mean their first contact with a bank. This will change their lives completely, with the ability to save for a rainy day, develop their businesses, and provide more for their families. JUMO is offering loans, easy ways to repay, and also easy ways to pay for good. A one stop shop! Check out their inspiring video below
Fintech is providing incredible opportunities for the unbanked. It is creating a new type of financial culture in Africa. Mobile money, like MPesa and its spinoffs are providing security for families, which was not previously possible. JUMO are not the only innovation in the same field. We featured Lending Square a few months ago, who are creating credit ratings in a similar manner in Ghana. Don’t be surprised if they are winning awards soon also!
Unfortunately we don’t have enough space in this blog to feature all of the fantastic innovations that will feature in this years Apps Africa. But, in upcoming blogs, we will continue to talk about some of the others.
If you know of any innovations in Africa, an innovation that is changing lives, or you also want to be a guest blogger, get in contact with us on Twitter @inventiveAfrica or via email. Please she the blog with your network on Twitter and Facebook. Also, don’t forget to check out and like out Facebook page!
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