Chekkit, Blackcopper, 43 Other startups make long-list of finalists for 2023 AfricaTech Awards

The top 45 startups have been long-listed for the second edition of the AfricaTech Awards, a pan-African initiative celebrating enterprises driving innovation and development impact throughout the continent. The list was revealed on Thursday, April 27, by Viva Technologies and the International Financial Corporation (IFC).

The startups were selected by knowledge partner Deloitte from a pool of more than 380 applicants - up 30% from the first edition in 2022. The Fintech category received the highest number of applications (143), followed by Climate Tech (124) and Health Tech (115). Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Tunisia, and South Africa have the highest participation rates among the 33 African countries represented. This year, 91% of the applicants have at least one woman on their board. 

"At a time when startups have needed the most support, we are proud that the AfricaTech Awards are promoting the unique vibrancy of the African tech ecosystem to the world. These 45 identified startups are evidence that Africa is playing a leading role in Health Tech, FinTech, and Climate Tech; the AfricaTech Awards have been designed to help them reach their full potential," explain Viva Technology Co-Presidents Maurice Lévy and Pierre Louette, and Managing Director François Bitouzet. 

The 2023 AfricaTech Awards are part of IFC's strategy to strengthen tech ecosystems in emerging markets and help innovative startups scale. IFC recently announced a $225-million venture capital platform to support tech entrepreneurs across Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Pakistan. IFC also expanded the IFC Startup Catalyst Program by $60 million to help seed funds, incubators, and accelerators finance and mentor early-stage startups and prepare them for later-stage investment. 

“Tech startups play a key role in emerging markets by supporting economic growth and scaling innovative solutions to pressing development challenges. Yet many of them go unnoticed by international investors,” said Makhtar Diop, IFC's Managing Director. “The AfricaTech Awards offer tech entrepreneurs in emerging markets a global stage that can help them connect with the investors, mentors, and partners they need to scale their innovations across the continent and beyond. That is why IFC is a strong supporter of this initiative.”

In the next stage of the selection process, a panel of industry experts will identify the top three startups in each category, which will be invited to join Viva Technology 2023, to be held from June 14 to June 17 in Paris. The winners of the AfricaTech Awards will be announced on Viva Technology’s main stage.  

45 startups were shortlisted for further competition (in alphabetical order).

The top 15 startups in the Fintech category, sponsored by Cassava Technologies and Helios Investments Partners, include: 

ffinity Africa - Ghana

Alpha Direct Insurtech - Botswana 

Asante Financial Services Group - Kenya Balad - Egypt

Bizao - France

Blackcopper - Nigeria 

Curacel - Nigeria

Fingo - Kenya

Flouci - Tunisia

ImaliPay - Kenya

Kippa - Zambia

Knabu - United Kingdom

PremierCredit - Zambia

Sparkle Microfinance Bank - Nigeria

ValU - Egypt 

The top 15 startups in the Health Tech category, include: 

AfyaRekod - Kenya

Baobab Circle - United Kingdom

BioCertica - South Africa 

Chekkit - Nigeria

Docline - Spain

Ilara Health - Kenya

Meditect - Ivory Coast

My Dawa - Kenya

O7 Therapy - Egypt

Pharmacy Marts - Egypt

Rology - Egypt

Shezlong - Egypt

Talamus Health - United States of America

Waspito - Cameroon

Zuri Health - Kenya 

The top 15 startups in the Climate Tech category, include: 

ADAPTA - Kenya 

Baramoda - Égypte 

CloudFret - France 

I-Sense - Maroc 

Koolboks - France 

Kubik - Éthiopie 

Kumulus Water - France 

MellowVans - Afrique du Sud 

NjordFrey - Rwanda 

OKO - Israël 

Sand to Green - France 

Solar-FI - Kenya 

Tirhal - Soudan 

TradeBRICS - Afrique du Sud 

Treepz - Ghana