Future Africa

Lori Systems is a logistics platform based in Nairobi, Kenya, that connects transporters with cargo owners across Africa. Founded in 2016, the company also has offices in Mombasa, Uganda, and Lagos. Lori addresses a significant challenge in the African logistics sector, where up to 75% of product costs can be attributed to logistics, compared to only 6% in the United States. The platform provides a tech-enabled and operations-driven marketplace that enhances transparency, flexibility, reliability, and cost efficiency, achieving savings of over 18% for users. It offers real-time tracking of cargo, automated documentation, and streamlined payment processes, facilitating smoother goods transportation across the continent. Since its product launch in May 2017, Lori has experienced rapid growth, with a compounded monthly increase of 30%. The demand for its services continues to rise, supported by recent investments from prominent institutional and strategic investors. The company has also received recognition, including winning Techcrunch Battlefield Africa.

Itana is Nigeria's first Digital Free Zone, designed to facilitate the operation of global technology-driven companies, including startups, e-commerce firms, and service providers, without the necessity of physical presence in the country. This innovative platform offers an optimal online jurisdiction for businesses seeking to expand across Africa. Itana is committed to supporting companies through various operational services, including business incorporation, banking, licensing, and immigration. Additionally, Itana aims to create a favorable environment for African technology talent by providing essential infrastructure and amenities, such as coworking spaces and outdoor facilities, to foster innovation and enhance the digital economy.

Nexford University is an online higher education institution founded in 2017 and based in Washington, D.C. It offers degree programs and courses designed to meet the demands of various industries, including technology, business, and healthcare. The university focuses on providing quality, affordable education that aligns with the needs of global employers, utilizing a curriculum informed by the skills most sought after in the job market. Nexford caters to students in multiple countries, such as the United States, the Philippines, Nigeria, and Egypt, and emphasizes flexible learning options to accommodate diverse learners. By leveraging artificial intelligence, the institution enhances its educational offerings to prepare students for success in a global workplace.

MIA Group is a consumer internet company in Francophone Africa. We are on a mission to make commerce easy through a digital ecosystem fulfilling the everyday needs of consumers online and offline. Our businesses include Miaplenou.com: The largest online retail platform operating in Togo, Benin, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Launched 2012. Kiosk: online reselling App that enables anyone to start a business without investment. Launched 2021. MiaPay: QR code payment and lifestyle services

Big Cabal Media (BCM) is a digital media company focused on serving African audiences through high-quality media brands and original content with both local and global relevance. It operates two prominent publications: TechCabal, which provides in-depth coverage of the technology sector's impact on Africa, and Zikoko, which captures and amplifies the narratives of Nigeria's youth culture. TechCabal offers valuable insights into startups, innovation, and technology, catering to entrepreneurs, investors, and decision-makers. Its data and intelligence unit, TechCabal Insights, assists development finance institutions, NGOs, and startups in navigating challenges within the digital economy. Meanwhile, Zikoko engages younger audiences through diverse content formats, including written articles, videos, and memes, reflecting the vibrant elements of youth culture. BCM aims to leverage Africa's digital economy as a path to prosperity for the continent.

Eden Life Inc., based in Lagos, Nigeria, specializes in tech-enabled housekeeping services for professionals. Through its online platform and mobile application, the company offers a range of services including laundry, meal preparation, house cleaning, equipment maintenance, and meal delivery. By aggregating vendors offering diverse services, Eden Life enables clients to efficiently manage their household chores.

Edves Limited is a company based in Lagos, Nigeria, that specializes in designing and developing school management software aimed at automating various administrative and educational processes. Founded in 2016, Edves's platform serves over 1,700 K-12 schools across 11 African countries, streamlining enrollment, school fees payment, result processing, and online learning. The software offers features such as e-books, video tutorials, and virtual classrooms, facilitating a comprehensive digital learning environment. Additionally, it provides tools for school owners to manage fee defaulters and set reminders, while educators can generate annual reports to track student performance. By enhancing digital infrastructure for educational institutions, Edves aims to improve learning outcomes and optimize school operations.

Releaf is a Nigerian company founded in 2017 that operates as an online marketplace connecting agribusiness buyers and sellers. It focuses on sourcing ingredients for African food factories, including cassava, palm oil, ginger, and maize, among others. Releaf aims to create climate-adaptive supply chains in response to the continent's growing population. The firm provides extension services to smallholder farmers, acting as a buyer and streamlining the conversion of raw materials into factory-grade inputs for vegetable oil production. By leveraging digital technologies such as USSD and open banking, along with proprietary machinery, Releaf collaborates with over 2,000 smallholder farmers, facilitating the supply of high-quality palm kernel nuts to food factories. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency for food manufacturers but also supports the economic development of small agricultural startups.

MarketForce is a technology company headquartered in the United States, with operations in Kenya and Nigeria, focused on enhancing B2B commerce and fintech solutions for African merchants. Launched in 2018, the company has developed the "RejaReja" platform, which allows merchants to digitally source, order, and pay for inventory. In addition to these services, MarketForce offers access to financing, enables digital payment collection, and allows merchants to resell digital financial services like airtime and utility tokens. Operating in five markets across Sub-Saharan Africa, MarketForce has established a rapidly growing network that includes over 200,000 merchants and 50 consumer brands. The company employs an asset-light business model to drive efficiency and productivity in the distribution of goods, utilizing advanced technology to streamline operations for its users.

Rivy is making it easier to finance small and medium sized businesses in Africa. There is a need for financing of $158 bn for SMEs in Nigeria alone. To start, Rivy o helps SMEs access and spend lender capital effectively. During their first full operational year in 2020, the Rivy o co--founders leveraged their domain expertise and founding experience to beat their 2020 goal by 50%.

Nexford University is an online higher education institution founded in 2017 and based in Washington, D.C. It offers degree programs and courses designed to meet the demands of various industries, including technology, business, and healthcare. The university focuses on providing quality, affordable education that aligns with the needs of global employers, utilizing a curriculum informed by the skills most sought after in the job market. Nexford caters to students in multiple countries, such as the United States, the Philippines, Nigeria, and Egypt, and emphasizes flexible learning options to accommodate diverse learners. By leveraging artificial intelligence, the institution enhances its educational offerings to prepare students for success in a global workplace.

Termii is an online platform based in Lagos, Nigeria, that assists African businesses in engaging with their customers through personalized communication via SMS, email, voice, and instant messaging channels. Founded in 2014, Termii offers a comprehensive suite of business applications that cater to various needs including digital branding, sales, marketing, customer relationship management, eCommerce, accounting, inventory, and project management. By providing these tools, Termii aims to enhance customer retention and improve business operations, making it easier for companies to secure repeat customers and foster effective communication.

Evolve Credit Limited operates a platform designed to enhance financial accessibility and transparency for consumers in Africa. Established in 2020 and based in Lagos, Nigeria, the company enables users to compare a variety of loan products, including personal loans and business loans, based on price, interest rates, and terms. Its platform also features expert reviews and personalized recommendations, helping users select the most suitable financial options for their needs. In addition to serving individuals, Evolve Credit provides solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises, addressing a broad spectrum of lending requirements. The company's goal is to streamline the loan application process while promoting inclusivity in financial services.

Releaf is a Nigerian company founded in 2017 that operates as an online marketplace connecting agribusiness buyers and sellers. It focuses on sourcing ingredients for African food factories, including cassava, palm oil, ginger, and maize, among others. Releaf aims to create climate-adaptive supply chains in response to the continent's growing population. The firm provides extension services to smallholder farmers, acting as a buyer and streamlining the conversion of raw materials into factory-grade inputs for vegetable oil production. By leveraging digital technologies such as USSD and open banking, along with proprietary machinery, Releaf collaborates with over 2,000 smallholder farmers, facilitating the supply of high-quality palm kernel nuts to food factories. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency for food manufacturers but also supports the economic development of small agricultural startups.

Kobo360 is a digital logistics platform that connects cargo owners, truck operators, and drivers to streamline the supply chain process. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, the platform utilizes data analytics and artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency in logistics operations, particularly in last-mile delivery. Kobo360 aims to reduce communication gaps and optimize pick-ups and deliveries, ensuring goods are moved seamlessly across the continent. The company also supports rural farmers by minimizing farm wastages, thereby enabling them to access new markets and increase their earnings. In addition to its logistics services, Kobo360 plans to establish a marketplace to link farmers directly with buyers globally, which will help eliminate intermediaries and improve profitability for smallholder farmers. Ultimately, Kobo360 seeks to build a comprehensive logistics ecosystem that enhances trade and commerce in Africa and emerging markets.