Startups Making Change In Africa

Innovative African Startups Transforming the Continent. As of February 21, 2025, several African startups are making significant strides in their respective industries, driving innovation and positive change across the continent. Here are ten notable startups and their impactful contributions:

Moneypoint

A Nigerian fintech company providing an all-in-one financial ecosystem for businesses and individuals, offering services like digital payments, banking, credit, and business management tools. They are particularly known as Nigeria’s largest merchant acquirer, powering a significant portion of the country’s point-of-sale (POS) transactions. If you will like to learn more about the services they offer, please visit https://moniepoint.com/.

M-Kopa

A Kenyan startup offering affordable solar-powered energy solutions to off-grid households, improving access to electricity and reducing reliance on kerosene. By providing pay-as-you-go solar systems, M-Kopa has connected over 5 million customers to clean energy. If you will like to learn more about their services visit their website here: https://www.m-kopa.com/

Tyme

A South African digital bank offering accessible and affordable banking services, including savings accounts, loans, and insurance, aiming to increase financial inclusion in the region. Tyme has expanded its services to multiple countries, impacting millions of customers. To learn more about their services, Please visit their website here: https://bank.tymedigital.co.za/

BasiGo

A Kenyan company providing electric buses to public transport operators, reducing carbon emissions and operating costs. BasiGo has raised $42 million to deliver 1,000 electric buses to East Africa, promoting sustainable transportation. To learn more about their services and unique offers, please visit their website for more information: https://www.basi-go.com/

d.light

A company offering solar-powered products, including lights and home systems, to off-grid communities across Africa, enhancing access to clean energy. d.light has raised $176 million in a securitization facility and $186.4 million total in 2024, expanding its reach to millions. To learn more about this company and their services, Please visit their website here:https://www.dlight.com/

Kuda

A Nigerian digital bank providing zero-fee banking services, including savings, loans, and investment products, aiming to revolutionize banking in Africa. Kuda has amassed over 5 million users, significantly impacting financial inclusion. To learn more about their services, Please visit their website here: https://kuda.com/

Wave

A mobile money service operating in Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire, offering free and instant money transfers, bill payments, and airtime top-ups, enhancing financial accessibility. Wave has expanded rapidly, serving millions of users in Francophone Africa. ToTo learn more about their services, visit their website here:  https://www.waveapps.com/

Pixii Motors

A company producing electric scooters for urban transport, providing an eco-friendly and affordable alternative to traditional vehicles, addressing urban mobility challenges. Pixii Motors has introduced innovative designs, contributing to sustainable transportation solutions. Pixii motors has one of its headquarters in France. To Learn more about their products, visit their website here: https://www.pixiimotors.com/

Carbin Africa

An AI-powered used car marketplace connecting buyers and sellers across Africa, streamlining the car buying and selling process. Carbin Africa has introduced innovative features, enhancing the automotive market's efficiency. To learn more about their services, please visit their website here:https://www.carbin.africa/

Zone

A blockchain-based payment gateway facilitating secure and transparent transactions across Africa, promoting financial inclusion and trust. Zone has partnered with various financial institutions, expanding its services continent-wide. To learn more about their services, visit their website here: https://zonenetwork.com/

These startups are leveraging technology and innovation to address critical challenges in Africa, from financial inclusion and clean energy access to sustainable transportation and digital services, driving positive change across the continent.

As you read through this Article, we hope it opens your eyes to the opportunities that are around you. Africa  has a lot of opportunities for business growth and  industries that are still underdeveloped. Do some research and find something that you are passionate about. Just like the small businesses listed here that became large businesses, you can create a path for yourself and bring something new to the African business landscape.

 

​We'd love to hear about your experiences with this startup's services. Could you share whether you've used them and, if so, would you recommend them? Additionally, what benefits have you enjoyed, and what improvements would you suggest? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.​

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