From AgroTech to HealthTech, through FinTech and e-commerce, Africa has been experiencing a true technological revolution in recent years. This is driven by the startup ecosystem that has been establishing itself across the continent for about twenty years. Likewise, several Tech Hubs have emerged with the goal of supporting those with innovative ideas during the creation and acceleration phase of their startup.
Given the enthusiasm surrounding these Tech Hubs and the media spotlight on their activities, it is legitimate to wonder whether this will come to an end sooner than expected.
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The power of the internet on innovation in Africa and around the world
Far from being a simple network capable of connecting all continents, the internet has become the foundation of many technological innovations worldwide. Much like physical casinos that are gradually giving way to online casinos, things are evolving very quickly in the field of new technologies. For example, today it is possible to play a game of roulette from your home via online casinos, use modern payment methods such as cryptocurrencies, or even play in virtual reality. Given the accessibility and practicality of these new sophisticated platforms, one recognizes how much things are evolving in the field of new technologies. This “anything is possible” capacity is moreover one of the greatest motivations for startups and remains a great credit to Tech Hubs.
Africa still in the realm of innovation
Technological innovations in Africa are doing quite well and the digital world is booming with many opportunities for high-value-added startups. To be convinced, one only needs to look at these examples, considered pioneers of Tech worldwide:
- JUMO (South Africa): to reduce difficulties related to obtaining business loans;
- Glamera (Egypt): to book a medical procedure or beauty treatment online;
- Zafree Papers (Ethiopia): to offer paper made from agricultural waste;
- Kobo360 (Nigeria): to connect shippers and freight carriers;
- Yobante Express (Senegal): to facilitate transport and delivery in e-commerce;
- Easy Matatu (Uganda): to connect passengers with nearby taxis;
- Cowtribe Technology (Ghana): to achieve effective medical monitoring of livestock and poultry, etc.
This is of course a non-exhaustive list of all innovative startups in Africa.
Tech Hubs: growth promoters and investment catalysts
Tech Hubs are generally a meeting and sharing space between innovators and business promoters. Through workshops, training sessions and guidance, these digital players receive the advice and tools necessary to develop their business ideas. It is therefore an environment that evolves in parallel with that of startups. We are thus heading toward a time when there will be as many Tech Hubs as there are innovations.
This is moreover the mission of several policymakers in Africa who are now making digital technology a true priority. Unless an equally effective entity is found or a true Silicon Valley is built, Tech Hubs will always hold a prime place in the world of technological innovation in Africa.
