The African startup ecosystem has been buzzing with excitement as the winners of the Global Startup Awards Africa Summit were recently announced in Addis Ababa.
This year’s event, organized by the Global Innovation Initiative Group (GIIG) in collaboration with Ethiopian government ministries and other partners, celebrated the achievements of African startups that are making a significant impact on the continent.
The Winners
The Global Startup Awards Africa Summit revealed the names of 16 overall African category winners, showcasing the depth and diversity of the continent’s ability to build innovative solutions for all levels of societal inclusion.
Among the standout winners were two Ugandan startups:
- Zofi Cash – received the Best Commerce Tech award; for its efforts to revolutionize how salaried individuals access their wages, aiming to challenge and dismantle the outdated monthly pay system. Paul Kirungi, founder and CEO of Zofi Cash, expressed their commitment to disrupting the current pay cycle and creating a more equitable financial future for all.
- Tech Buzz Hub – secured the Best Co-working Space award; for its dedication to creating inclusive workspaces, supporting young entrepreneurs in fulfilling their enterprise dreams. Keneth Twesigye, CEO of Tech Buzz Hub, expressed his excitement about the award and the potential to make a global impact.
Read About: Zofi Cash Raises $1M to Accelerate its Salary Advances
These awards not only recognize the outstanding achievements of African startups but also highlight the growing influence of the African startup ecosystem on a global scale. The Global Startup Awards Africa aims to raise the visibility of African innovation, fostering connections and understanding across borders, cultures, and nationalities.
The winners of this year’s GSA Africa Summit will have the exclusive opportunity to engage with the GIIG Africa Fund, the competition’s dedicated investment partner. The GIIG Africa Fund and Foundation seek to find, fund, and grow African solutions to globally relevant challenges, furthering the impact of African startups.
Other Winners
The 16 African category winners represent a wide range of sectors and innovations, showcasing the depth and diversity of the continent’s startup ecosystem. Some of the other notable winners include:
- Hiryo (Egypt) – Startup of the Year: A women’s safety and anti-harassment app using high-end tech like AI to support women and fight gender-based violence.
- Awabah (Nigeria) – Best Newcomer: A digital technology company focused on building wealth and providing financial sustainability to informal sector workers.
- BasiGo (Kenya) – Best Mobility and Logistics: Focused on creating the future of clean, electric public transport in Africa.
- Coffee Resurrect (Ethiopia) – Best Greentech: Creating 100% natural personal care, nutraceutical, and food ingredients from coffee waste.
