Home Blog Page 19

Egypt’s GrowthLabs Acquires Startup Gate in $656,000 Expansion Deal

Lindsay Eke
-
0
Egypt’s GrowthLabs Acquires Startup Gate in $656,000 Expansion Deal

Egyptian startup support platform GrowthLabs has acquired Startup Gate in a deal valued at around EGP 35 million, or approximately $656,000.

The acquisition brings together GrowthLabs’ backend startup management system, known as “Catalyst OS”, with Startup Gate’s founder and investor networking platform.

GrowthLabs provides infrastructure tools used by startup accelerators, incubators, and entrepreneurship programmes to manage operations, track startups, and support founders through different growth stages. Startup Gate, founded in 2025 by Emmy Tawfik, focuses on connecting founders with investors and helping startups improve visibility within the investment ecosystem.

The combined company says the merger is aimed at solving one of the biggest challenges facing startup ecosystems across emerging markets: fragmented startup data and disconnected funding processes.

By combining both platforms, the company plans to create a more unified system that gives accelerators, investors, and founders clearer visibility across the entire startup journey, from discovery and incubation to fundraising and growth.

Following the acquisition, Tawfik will take on the role of Chief Operating Officer within the merged business.

The transaction was brokered by advisory firm M-Empire, which supported the completion of the deal.

The merged platform has also announced plans to expand into five additional markets before the end of 2026, although the company has not yet disclosed which countries are being targeted.

The acquisition reflects a broader trend across Africa and the Middle East, where startup ecosystem platforms are increasingly consolidating services to offer founders more integrated support around funding, mentorship, operations, and investor access.

Togolese Startup DoctaMob Launches Healthcare Super-App to Improve Access to Medical Services

Lindsay Eke
-
0
Togolese Startup DoctaMob Launches Healthcare Super-App to Improve Access to Medical Services

Togo-based healthtech startup DoctaMob has launched a new digital healthcare platform in Lomé designed to make it easier for people to access medical services through mobile and web applications.

The platform, available on both Android and iOS devices, brings several healthcare services together in one application. Users can book doctor appointments online, locate nearby healthcare centres, find pharmacies on duty, request ambulances, and arrange home-based medical care.

DoctaMob also offers teleassistance and remote medical advice services, allowing patients to connect with healthcare professionals without needing to travel physically.

The startup describes the platform as a healthcare “super-app”, inspired by international digital health models such as Doctolib, but adapted to suit the realities of healthcare access in Togo and other African markets.

The company says its main goal is to simplify the patient care process and reduce some of the long-standing problems affecting healthcare delivery in the country. These include long waiting times, limited access to medical information, and difficulties patients face when trying to locate trusted healthcare providers.

To improve trust and safety on the platform, DoctaMob said all healthcare professionals listed on the app must go through a verification process before their profiles are approved. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other practitioners are required to submit credentials and supporting documents to confirm their qualifications.

The company believes this verification system will help reduce fake profiles and protect users from unlicensed medical services.

DoctaMob joins a growing number of African healthtech startups working to improve healthcare access through digital platforms. Similar companies operating across West Africa include Rivia, ASKcare, and Kénèya Koura.

The wider African digital health sector has continued to grow as smartphone usage, mobile money adoption, and internet access increase across the continent. Startups are increasingly using technology to improve healthcare delivery through telemedicine, digital consultations, healthcare mapping, and online patient management systems.

Beyond Togo, DoctaMob has also outlined plans to expand into other African countries facing similar healthcare access and coordination challenges. The company said it intends to gradually grow its services across the region as demand for digital healthcare solutions continues to rise.

Senegal and Turkey Sign Telecom Partnership to Boost Digital Cooperation

Lindsay Eke
-
0
Senegal and Turkey Sign Telecom Partnership to Boost Digital Cooperation

Telecommunications and Post Regulatory Authority (ARTP) of Senegal and Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) of Turkey have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation in telecommunications, digital services, and postal regulation.

The agreement was signed during the 2026 World Regulatory Symposium held in Ankara and marks a new step in digital cooperation between both countries.

The signing ceremony was led by Dahirou Thiam and Ömer Abdullah Karagözoglu.

Several senior officials attended the event, including Moustapha Sokhna Diop, alongside representatives from international telecommunications organisations and officials from both regulatory bodies.

According to both institutions, the partnership comes at a time when regulators globally are facing rapid changes linked to emerging technologies, digital commerce, cybersecurity threats, and growing data governance challenges.

The two regulators said stronger collaboration is becoming increasingly important as countries work to manage the impact of technologies such as satellite communications, e-commerce platforms, and expanding digital services.

Under the agreement, ARTP and BTK will create a structured framework for cooperation focused on sharing regulatory knowledge, strengthening institutional capacity, and supporting innovation within the digital economy.

The partnership will also support collaboration around startup ecosystem development, consumer protection, and improving digital service experiences for users in both countries.

Both organisations further committed to expanding technical training programmes, expertise exchange initiatives, and joint projects aimed at accelerating digital transformation.

Officials said the agreement is expected to support more resilient and sustainable digital economy growth in both Senegal and Turkey while strengthening long-term institutional cooperation between the two regulators.

The partnership also reflects growing international collaboration among telecommunications regulators as governments seek to modernise digital policy frameworks and improve regulatory readiness for rapidly evolving technologies.

Nigeria and Germany Sign €365 Million Partnership Deal to Support Energy, Agriculture and SMEs

Lindsay Eke
-
0
Nigeria and Germany Sign €365 Million Partnership Deal to Support Energy, Agriculture and SMEs

Nigeria and Germany have signed a €365 million development and investment partnership aimed at supporting energy infrastructure, agriculture, and private-sector growth.

The agreement was signed at the German Embassy in Abuja and includes €65 million in new financial and technical cooperation alongside a €300 million export credit guarantee framework designed to encourage long-term investment in key sectors of Nigeria’s economy.

According to officials involved in the partnership, the €65 million portion will focus on concessional financing for small businesses, renewable energy projects, and women-led enterprises.

The larger €300 million export credit facility is expected to support investments from both public and private sector organisations operating in strategic industries.

Philip Knill described Nigeria as “a giant in Africa” and reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting the country’s economic development goals.

Knill also highlighted Germany’s continued support for the Presidential Power Initiative, a major electricity project being implemented in partnership with Siemens.

The initiative is designed to expand Nigeria’s electricity grid capacity to 25 gigawatts and improve power supply across the country.

Several German companies are already increasing their activities in Nigeria as part of broader investment and trade cooperation between both countries.

These include Siemens, SAP, Bayer, and STIHL, which are exploring opportunities in energy, digital transformation, and agricultural mechanisation.

Officials said existing programmes under the partnership have already supported more than 16,000 small and medium-sized enterprises across Nigeria.

The cooperation has also reached around 600,000 smallholder farming households, with some participants reportedly recording productivity and income increases of up to 90 percent.

The agreement reflects growing economic cooperation between Nigeria and Germany as both countries seek to strengthen investment, industrial development, renewable energy expansion, and agricultural productivity.

Africa Technology Conference 2026 Programme Unveiled Ahead of Côte d’Ivoire Event

Lindsay Eke
-
0
Africa Technology Conference 2026 Programme Unveiled Ahead of Côte d’Ivoire Event

Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Africa has announced the official programme for the second Africa Technology Conference (ATC 2026), scheduled to take place from 16 to 18 June 2026 in Abidjan.

The event will be hosted in Côte d’Ivoire for the first time after the inaugural edition was held in Tanzania in 2025.

ATC 2026 will bring together policymakers, energy executives, innovators, technical experts, and industry stakeholders from across Africa and other parts of the world under the theme: “Harnessing Innovation and Technology for a Resilient and Sustainable African Energy Sector.”

Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly has confirmed his participation and support for the conference. He is expected to deliver the opening keynote address alongside other senior government representatives.

Organisers say the conference will focus on the future of Africa’s energy industry, including innovation, infrastructure development, sustainability, and technology adoption across the sector.

One of the major additions to the 2026 edition is the launch of the Africa Gas and Innovations Summit, which will take place during the second day of the conference.

The summit will focus on the theme: “Accelerating Africa’s Gas Revolution: Innovations, Partnerships and Sustainable Growth.”

According to the organisers, the new summit will examine the growing role of natural gas in Africa’s energy transition and how partnerships, investment, and technology can improve energy access, industrialisation, and economic growth across the continent.

The three-day event will feature keynote speeches, technical presentations, panel discussions, case studies, and exhibitions showcasing new technologies and innovations shaping Africa’s evolving energy sector.

Delegates will also have opportunities to participate in networking sessions and industry collaboration events designed to encourage partnerships across the African energy ecosystem.

Riverson Oppong said Côte d’Ivoire was selected because of its growing influence within Africa’s energy sector and its focus on innovation and sustainable development.

He described Abidjan as an ideal host city for the conference, adding that ATC 2026 aims to strengthen collaboration, technology advancement, and knowledge-sharing across the industry.

Oppong also said the newly introduced Africa Gas and Innovations Summit will help deepen conversations around energy security, sustainability, and economic development through gas infrastructure and innovation.

To explore the full programme and register, visit Africa Technology Conference now

PTDF Opens Applications for 2026 Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Postgraduate Students

Lindsay Eke
-
0
PTDF Opens Applications for 2026 Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Postgraduate Students

Petroleum Technology Development Fund has opened applications for its 2026 Scholarship Scheme, offering fully funded postgraduate scholarships for Nigerians studying in local and selected international universities.

The scholarship programme is aimed at helping build skilled professionals for Nigeria’s oil, gas, energy, and technology sectors through advanced academic training.

According to the official programme details, successful applicants will receive full financial support covering tuition, accommodation, living expenses, research costs, and other educational needs.

The scholarship supports both MSc and PhD programmes in fields linked to engineering, energy, environmental sciences, technology, and industrial development.

Scholarship Benefits

Selected candidates will receive several benefits, including:

  • Full tuition fees
  • Living and accommodation stipends
  • Research and study support
  • Health insurance
  • Flight tickets for overseas scholars
  • Learning materials and academic support
  • Laptop provision for eligible candidates
  • Annual stipends reportedly worth about ₦700,000 for local scholars, depending on programme category

Scholarship Categories

The 2026 PTDF Scholarship Scheme includes four main categories:

  • Overseas MSc Scholarships
  • Overseas PhD Scholarships
  • Local MSc Scholarships
  • Local PhD Scholarships

According to PTDF, overseas scholarships will cover selected partner universities in countries including:

  • United Kingdom
  • Germany
  • France
  • Malaysia

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be Nigerian citizens
  • Hold at least a Second Class Upper degree for MSc applications
  • Possess a strong postgraduate qualification for PhD applications
  • Have completed the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme
  • Demonstrate good academic performance
  • Meet admission requirements for their chosen programme and institution

PTDF noted that additional conditions may apply depending on the scholarship category and study destination.

Priority Fields of Study

Eligible courses generally include:

  • Petroleum Engineering
  • Energy Studies
  • Geosciences
  • Environmental Technology
  • Renewable Energy
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
  • Offshore and Marine Engineering

Why the Scholarship Matters

The PTDF scholarship programme remains one of Nigeria’s largest government-funded academic support initiatives focused on developing local technical expertise within the energy industry.

Over the years, the programme has supported thousands of Nigerian students studying both within the country and abroad.

The initiative also supports broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity in energy innovation, industrial research, engineering, and technology development.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is 5th June 2026.

Interested applicants can access the application portal and full scholarship guidelines through the official PTDF Scholarship Portal.

Africa Finance Corporation Commits $100 Million to Back African Technology Funds

Lindsay Eke
-
0
Africa Finance Corporation Commits $100 Million to Back African Technology Funds

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has approved up to $100 million in commitments to support Africa-focused technology fund managers, in a move aimed at increasing local participation in the continent’s growing startup and digital economy.

The investment programme will focus particularly on African-owned fund managers and is designed to help close the gap in local institutional funding within Africa’s venture capital ecosystem.

AFC said the initiative will provide catalytic capital to technology investment funds supporting startups and fast-growing digital businesses across the continent.

As part of the first phase of deployment, AFC has already made anchor commitments to Lightrock Africa Fund II and Future Africa Fund III.

The corporation said the strategy allows it to support companies across different stages of growth, from early-stage startups to more mature technology businesses preparing to scale.

According to AFC President and CEO Samaila Zubairu, Africa’s young population and rapid digital adoption continue to create strong opportunities for technology-driven growth.

He said digital infrastructure has become as important to Africa’s development as roads, power, rail, and ports because it supports payments, logistics, services, cross-border trade, and job creation.

“Across the continent, young Africans are not waiting for the digital economy to arrive; they are seizing the moment,” Zubairu said.

The investment also reflects growing efforts to strengthen African ownership within the technology investment space, where much of the venture capital funding historically came from international investors.

Lightrock said AFC’s backing strengthens an existing relationship between both organisations, which have previously collaborated on investments in African technology companies including Moniepoint, Lula, and M-KOPA.

Pal Erik Sjatil described the commitment as a sign of confidence in technology-enabled African businesses with strong fundamentals and long-term growth potential.

Meanwhile, Future Africa said the funding comes at an important moment for Africa’s digital economy.

Founding partner Iyin Aboyeji said Africa’s young population is already actively participating in the digital economy but still needs greater access to infrastructure, financing, digital tools, and technology skills to scale businesses successfully.

He added that AFC’s investment could encourage other development finance institutions, insurers, pension funds, and institutional investors to increase support for Africa’s technology ecosystem.

AFC said the commitments to Lightrock Africa Fund II and Future Africa Fund III represent only the first tranche of a broader investment strategy, with additional Africa-focused technology funds currently under evaluation.

The move comes as African startups continue to face a more cautious global funding environment, with investors increasingly prioritising sustainable growth, profitability, and stronger local ecosystem participation.

African Union Food and Energy Sovereignty Challenge 2026 Opens for African Innovators

Habeeb Ajala
-
0
African Union Food and Energy Sovereignty Challenge 2026 Opens for African Innovators

The African Union (AU) has opened applications for the 2026 Food and Energy Sovereignty Challenge, a continent-wide innovation initiative designed to support African startups, SMEs, and deeptech companies developing solutions for food and energy security.

The challenge seeks to identify and scale African-built technologies capable of strengthening the continent’s industrial capacity, climate resilience, and long-term economic independence.

According to the AU, the programme aims to mobilise a new generation of “Sovereignty Builders” capable of transforming proven innovations into large-scale continental solutions.

AU Targets Food and Energy Sovereignty Through Innovation

The African Union Food and Energy Sovereignty Challenge focuses on two major tracks designed to address some of Africa’s most pressing development challenges.

Track A: Innovation for Food Sovereignty

This category targets solutions that improve agricultural productivity, food systems, supply chains, climate-smart farming, and sustainable food security across Africa.

The AU is seeking innovations capable of strengthening local food production while reducing dependence on external systems and imports.

Track B: Innovation for Energy Sovereignty

The energy track focuses on technologies that improve access to reliable, sustainable, and locally driven energy systems.

Solutions may include renewable energy technologies, energy storage systems, grid innovations, clean cooking solutions, or industrial energy infrastructure designed for African markets.

Eligibility Requirements for the AU Sovereignty Challenge

Applications are open to citizens of African Union member states leading legally registered organisations.

To qualify, applicants must meet the following conditions:

  • The company must be at least 51% owned by African citizens, including diaspora Africans
  • The business must be legally registered
  • The innovation must have a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 or higher
  • The solution must align strictly with either food sovereignty or energy sovereignty

The AU stated that the challenge targets businesses with proven prototypes or market-ready technologies capable of scaling across the continent.

Benefits for Selected African Innovators

Selected participants will gain access to several growth and market expansion opportunities designed to help scale their solutions into continental ventures.

Industrial and Market Expansion Support

The programme will provide support for industrial scalability, helping innovators increase production capacity and expand into larger African markets.

Participants will also receive institutional support aimed at facilitating public procurement opportunities across national and regional markets.

Investor and Government Access

The AU challenge includes strategic networking opportunities with venture capital firms, institutional investors, and high-level government stakeholders.

Selected innovators may also participate in official African Union trade, innovation, and business missions across international markets.

Continental Visibility

Successful applicants will be featured in the “Africa Food & Energy Sovereignty Catalog 2026,” providing additional visibility for their innovations and businesses.

Submission Requirements for Applicants

Applicants must submit a structured application that includes:

  • A 300-word problem statement
  • A 500-word innovation and implementation summary
  • A 500-word impact and outcomes report
  • A pitch deck in PDF format
  • A three-minute video demonstration or external link
  • Legal registration and intellectual property documentation

The AU noted that all submissions must comply with the specified file size and format requirements.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the African Union Food and Energy Sovereignty Challenge 2026 is May 25, 2026, by 23:00 EAT (GMT+3).

Applicants with inquiries can contact:

FoodEnergySovereignty@AfricanUnion.org

Interested innovators can also visit the official African Union webpage for additional details and application guidelines.

RELX Environmental Challenge 2026 Opens Applications with $50,000 Prize for Sustainability Projects

Habeeb Ajala
-
0
RELX Environmental Challenge 2026 Opens Applications with $50,000 Prize for Sustainability Projects

Applications are now open for the 2026 RELX Environmental Challenge, a global competition supporting innovative projects that improve access to clean water, sanitation, and ocean sustainability solutions.

Since its launch in 2011, the RELX Environmental Challenge has recognised individuals and organisations developing practical environmental solutions with strong community impact and long-term sustainability.

The competition awards a $50,000 prize to the first-place winner and $25,000 to the second-place winner. In addition, winners receive one year of free access to ScienceDirect, RELX’s scientific research database containing hundreds of thousands of environmental science publications.

RELX Environmental Challenge Focus Areas

The 2026 RELX Environmental Challenge is open to projects in two major categories: Clean Water or Sanitation and Ocean Sustainability.

Clean Water and Sanitation Projects

Projects submitted under this category must improve sustainable access to safe water or strengthen sanitation systems in vulnerable communities.

Organisers are seeking solutions that address water scarcity, sanitation access, hygiene challenges, and environmental health concerns through scalable and practical innovations.

Ocean Sustainability Projects

The ocean category focuses on initiatives that support marine ecosystems, ocean health, and environmental resilience.

Eligible projects may include innovations in marine conservation, ocean pollution reduction, coastal protection, and sustainable ocean-based environmental solutions.

Eligibility Requirements for the RELX Environmental Challenge

The RELX Environmental Challenge is open to both individuals and organisations operating in the non-profit and for-profit sectors worldwide.

Applicants must present projects that demonstrate clear environmental impact and community engagement. Furthermore, organisers stated that early-stage projects are strongly preferred.

Evaluation Criteria for Submitted Projects

According to the organisers, all submissions will be assessed based on several core factors.

Projects must:

  • Demonstrate innovation and practical applicability
  • Show scalability, sustainability, and replicability
  • Promote equity and non-discrimination in access
  • Positively impact communities and stakeholders
  • Encourage strong local participation and engagement

The competition aims to identify environmental solutions that can deliver measurable and lasting impact across different regions and communities.

Funding and Prize Structure

Each winning project will receive a single payment of up to $75,000 in funding support.

The first-place project will receive $50,000, while the second-place project will receive $25,000.

Winners will also gain complimentary one-year access to ScienceDirect, providing valuable scientific resources and environmental research materials to support further project development.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the 2026 RELX Environmental Challenge is July 12, 2026.

Interested applicants can visit the official RELX Environmental Challenge webpage for full application details and submission guidelines.

EU Delegation to Sierra Leone Opens 2026 Funded Traineeship for Young Graduates

Habeeb Ajala
-
0
EU Delegation to Sierra Leone Opens 2026 Funded Traineeship for Young Graduates

The European Union (EU) Delegation to Sierra Leone has opened applications for its 2026 funded traineeship programme for young graduates. The opportunity offers recent graduates in Sierra Leone the chance to gain hands-on experience in diplomacy, governance, media, political analysis, and international development.

The six-month traineeship will take place within the Political, Press and Information Section of the EU Delegation in Sierra Leone. Selected candidates will contribute to communication activities, research projects, media engagement, and political reporting while working closely with EU officials.

EU Delegation Seeks Young Graduates for Political and Media Roles

The programme targets young Sierra Leonean graduates interested in international relations, governance, journalism, law, and public affairs. According to the EU Delegation, trainees will support daily press reviews, update the delegation’s website and social media channels, and assist in drafting press releases and media documents.

Participants will also contribute to political, trade, and economic analysis related to local and regional developments. In addition, trainees will support public diplomacy activities, seminars, conferences, and official EU events in Sierra Leone.

Eligibility Requirements for the EU Funded Traineeship

Applicants must hold Sierra Leonean citizenship to qualify for the programme. Candidates should also possess at least a bachelor’s degree in fields such as Law, Social Sciences, Political Science, or Journalism.

Furthermore, applicants must have less than one year of professional work experience after graduation by the time the traineeship agreement is signed. However, internships, volunteering, student jobs, and university placements will not count as professional experience.

Benefits of the 2026 EU Delegation Traineeship

Selected graduates will receive a funded traineeship placement of up to six months within the EU Delegation’s Political, Press and Information Section. The tentative start periods are scheduled for June and October 2026.

Beyond professional exposure, the programme provides young graduates with practical experience in diplomacy, international cooperation, media communication, and policy analysis within a global institution.

How to Apply for the EU Delegation to Sierra Leone Traineeship

Interested applicants must submit the following documents via email:

  • A detailed Europass CV
  • A cover letter explaining their motivation for joining the traineeship
  • A completed application form

Applications should be sent to:

delegation-sierra-leone-traineeships@eeas.europa.eu

Applicants must include “Funded Traineeship – PPI” as the email subject line.

The application deadline is May 22, 2026.

For additional details, candidates can visit the official webpage of the EU Delegation to Sierra Leone traineeship programme.

1...181920...82Page 19 of 82