Nine innovative African startups across various sectors have been honored on the Norrsken 2024 Impact/100 list, highlighting the continent’s growing potential to tackle global challenges through technology and entrepreneurship. The Impact/100 list, curated by the Norrsken Foundation, features 100 of the most promising impact startups worldwide, described as “100 ways to fix the future.” This year’s selection was made from over 1,200 competitors, underscoring the significance of the achievement for the featured companies.
Roam (Kenya) – Electrifying African Mobility
Roam, formerly known as Opibus, is a Kenyan electric vehicle manufacturer committed to transforming transportation across Africa. CEO Filip Lövström expressed his enthusiasm about the company’s inclusion on the list, stating it fuels their mission to change how Africa moves. Roam develops electric motorcycles and buses tailored for the African market, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable, affordable transportation solutions.
Shara (Kenya) – Unlocking Financial Access
Shara is a fintech startup focused on providing financial services to Africa’s unbanked population. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, Shara offers seamless financial solutions that enable individuals and small businesses to overcome barriers to financial inclusion. Their platform provides access to banking services, savings, loans, and payment solutions, fostering economic empowerment in underserved communities.
Rology (Egypt) – AI-Powered Medical Diagnostics
Based in Egypt, Rology leverages artificial intelligence and remote technology to address the shortage of radiologists in emerging markets. By connecting hospitals and doctors with remote radiology experts, Rology ensures timely and accurate medical diagnostics. This innovation enhances healthcare outcomes by providing access to specialized medical expertise, even in remote or underserved areas.
Credrails (Kenya) – Powering the Digital Economy
Credrails is a Kenyan fintech company that offers an open financial platform, providing businesses and consumers with easy access to financial data. By bridging the gap between financial institutions, Credrails enables seamless data sharing and integration, which helps businesses make informed decisions and promotes financial inclusion across the continent.
Kapu (Kenya) – Making Food Affordable
Kapu is revolutionizing the food industry in Kenya by reducing the cost of essential food items for low-income communities. Through innovative technology and supply chain optimization, Kapu connects consumers directly with producers, eliminating intermediaries and reducing prices. This approach ensures better access to nutrition and aims to alleviate food insecurity.
Bamboo (Nigeria) – Democratizing Investment
Bamboo is a Nigerian fintech startup that opens up access to global investment opportunities for Africans. The platform allows users to invest in U.S. stocks and other international assets, making Wall Street accessible to the continent. By lowering the barriers to entry for investing, Bamboo empowers individuals to grow their wealth and participate in the global economy.
Autochek (Nigeria) – Simplifying Vehicle Ownership
Autochek is transforming the automotive industry in Africa by providing a digital platform for buying, financing, and maintaining vehicles. With a focus on both traditional and electric cars, Autochek simplifies the process of vehicle ownership. The platform offers services such as vehicle inspections, financing options, and maintenance support, making it easier for Africans to own and maintain vehicles.
Orca Fraud (South Africa) – Preventing Financial Fraud
Orca Fraud is a South African company utilizing artificial intelligence to detect and prevent financial fraud in real-time. Their advanced AI tools monitor transactions and identify potential threats, protecting businesses and consumers from fraudulent activities. By providing robust fraud detection solutions, Orca Fraud enhances security in the financial sector.
African Management Institute (AMI) (Kenya) – Empowering Business Leaders
Based in Kenya, the African Management Institute provides practical training and learning programs for businesses and entrepreneurs across Africa. AMI offers innovative learning platforms and tailored programs that equip leaders and managers with the skills needed to build sustainable and successful businesses. Their work contributes to economic growth and the development of strong business ecosystems on the continent.
Global Recognition and Future Impact
As part of the recognition, the logos of these 100 startups will be displayed on NASDAQ’s iconic Times Square sign in New York City, offering global visibility. The inclusion of these African startups not only showcases the continent’s burgeoning tech ecosystem but also underscores its potential to provide solutions to global challenges.
These companies are making significant strides in sectors such as fintech, healthtech, mobility, food security, and education. Their innovative approaches address key issues aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ranging from financial inclusion and affordable healthcare to sustainable transportation and economic empowerment.
About the Impact/100 List
The Impact/100 list is an initiative by the Norrsken Foundation aimed at identifying and supporting startups with the potential to solve pressing global challenges. The foundation believes in the power of entrepreneurship to drive positive change and works to highlight companies that are making a tangible impact on the future.
