Emilien Di Gennaro

The Global Startup Awards is a competition that aims to recognize and reward outstanding startups, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem players across different regions ¹ ² ³. The competition involves several phases, including public nominations, selection of regional finalists, regional jury and public voting, and selection of global winners ². Here are some key points about the competition: - The competition is held annually and is open to startups, individuals, and ecosystem players from various regions ¹ ². - Public nominations are accepted, and anyone can nominate a startup, individual, or ecosystem player in relevant categories ¹ ². - The competition has several categories, including startup, individual, and ecosystem player categories ². - A jury selects the regional finalists, and the regional winners are selected based on a combination of jury ratings and public votes ². - The global winners are selected through a similar process, with global finalists competing in their respective categories ². Vote for African Puzzle and be part of the great initiative in an informal sector.

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Our Conversation was so amazing, Cishahayo Songa Achille! I will grab the same opportunity and share how AFRIINNOX Ltd came to existence, and how we do what we do. After 2 years and 10 months of Techinika.’s Journey, When I was at Bridge2Rwanda's English Immersive and College Preparatory program Isomo Academy, Elie Ntakirutimana, who is currently majoring in #AgricultureScience at Cornel University in New York, was my classmate. During our research class at Bridge2Rwanda, we were heart-touched by the paper we wrote about Hunger in Africa, where #226.7 million people are starving, and simply means that 1 in 4 people suffers from hunger here on our land (Hunger in Africa: Facts, Causes, Consequences, n.d.). Because Agriculture Care is in Elie Ntakirutimana’s DNA, and given my Electrical & Electronics Engineering Expertise and background, we decided to found AFRIINNOX Ltd, which operates in the agriculture field, not only because we fear hunger, but also because we know that it is a right solution to everyone who can eat. The company was then registered under Rwanda Development Board and started to operate in Rwanda. So, what do we do? At AFRIINNOX Ltd, we invent new agritech machines, systems, and equipment that address different agriculture challenges and later, commercialize them for community use. How do we invent? Our From Idea to the Market Stages are: Ideation, Validation, Pretotyping, Prototyping, Testing, Market Strategy Development, Business Analysis, Feedback Incorporation Final Product, and then commercialization. While our products are yet to go out, we currently build farmers' Agritech capacity through our training and consultation programs offered to both private farmers and agricultural cooperatives in Rwanda, after acknowledging that not even all farmers are aware of the existing technologies. Now why would 1 in 4 people (It’s too heavy that it’s 100 in 400 people) suffer from hunger since we’re bringing innovative, tech-embedded machines, systems, and equipment that are going to improve the agricultural produce? We always welcome any supportive entity or individuals, who believe that agriculture means life. The AFRIINNOX Community we’ve created believes that If you can Eat, You’re a Part of Us!

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Today, I want to talk about retail financing in Africa and our significant contribution at HiQ Africa to cultivate a resilient and sustainable supply chain market across the continent. In many parts of Africa, access to financing for retail businesses, particularly in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, remains a significant challenge. This lack of access to capital can hinder the growth and prosperity of merchants, limiting their ability to expand operations, stock inventory, and meet customer demand. At HiQ Africa, we recognized this pressing issue and embarked on a mission to drive positive change within the retail landscape. Through Zata Point, our innovative solution, and our strategic partnerships, we're paving the way for a brighter future where merchants have the financial resources they need to thrive. Our flagship initiative involves leveraging cutting-edge technology, including our Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) infrastructure, decentralized marketplace, and mobile Point of Sale (mPOS) system, all seamlessly integrated with digital wallets. Thanks to our collaboration with our partners, we are implementing a real-time credit scoring mechanism that empowers merchants with on-demand access to financing. By embedding banking services directly into the FMCG supply chain, we're not only streamlining financial transactions but also fostering greater resilience and sustainability. With access to working capital precisely when they need it, merchants can optimize their operations, drive growth, and contribute to the overall economic development of their communities. At HiQ Africa, we're proud to be at the forefront of driving positive change within the African retail landscape. By empowering merchants with the tools and resources they need to succeed, we're not just building businesses; we're building futures. I'll be updating you about our progress, and if you're looking forward to further conversations or have any inquiries, feel free to reach out to me directly. Let's continue this journey together towards a brighter, more prosperous future for African commerce. Join us in shaping a brighter, more prosperous future for African commerce. Together, let's create resilient and sustainable supply chain markets that uplift communities and drive economic progress across the continent. #HiQAfrica #ZataPoint #RetailFinancing #FMCG #SupplyChain #FinancialInclusion #SustainableDevelopment #AfricanCommerce #FintechInnovation #EmpoweringMerchants #BuildingFutures #EconomicDevelopment #AfricaRising #CommunityEmpowerment #BusinessGrowth #FinancialAccess #DigitalWallets #ERPInfrastructure

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🌍 Invest in Guinea Webinar: Unlock New Opportunities 🌟 We’re thrilled to invite you to an exclusive webinar focused on investing in Guinea, set to take place on September 18, 2024. This event is designed to provide you with crucial insights and opportunities for investment in one of West Africa's most promising markets. 📅 Date: September 18, 2024 📍 Platform: Zoom What to Expect: In-depth analysis of Guinea’s investment landscape Key sectors for growth and opportunities Strategies for successful investment Expert advice from industry leaders 🔗 Register Now: https://bit.ly/4dYqcom Join us to explore how Guinea can be your next investment destination and connect with key stakeholders in the region. Don’t miss out on this chance to discover new avenues for growth and success! #InvestInGuinea #Webinar #InvestmentOpportunities #WestAfrica #BusinessGrowth #RegisterNow

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Here are the high-level trends in terms of start-up funding in Africa in the first half of 2024. - African startups raised $780 million in the first half of 2024, a 57% decline compared to the first half of 2023. - The total funding marks a 31% drop compared to the second half of 2023. - Two-thirds of this funding came from equity, with the other third being debt, a significant increase in debt funding compared to the past. - Four out of five dollars invested in African startups went to ventures based in the Big Four (Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt and South Africa). - A third of all the funding went to Kenya alone. - Series B rounds took the lion's share, with startups raising $135 million, which comprises 20.7% of the total funding. - The mobility sector attracted the largest share, taking in $254.5 million, which accounts for 39% of the total funding. - Fintech received about $109.1 million, which is 16.7% of the total. - Debt funding is a rising trend, with two deals, M-Kopa's $51 million and Spiro's $50 million debt financing, accounting for nearly half of the total debt raised. https://lnkd.in/dcGWYSzG

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We are delighted to announce that Serigne Mansour Gaye, President at UK Senegal Business Council, will be speaking at AFSIC - Investing in Africa, 7-9th October 2024. Company Overview: Launched on 20 November 2017, the Senegal-UK Chamber of Commerce is a not for profit organisation which is dedicated to forging professional and business relationships between Senegal and the UK. Working in close co-operation with businesses and ministerial bodies in both Senegal and the UK, the Chamber provides a platform for greater bilateral trade and investment opportunities. Through its "Senegal Business Hub Services", the Chamber has already helped several companies set up in Senegal. Acting as the first point of call for prospective investors, the Chamber can help UK businesses identify market opportunities, access regional business intelligence and benefit from a range of other services offered to members (including marketing and media services, regulatory and compliance checks and due diligence and company background checks). Existing investors can also benefit from the Chambers' business support services, market research and knowledge sharing in order to ensure continued growth and expansion. The Chamber also supports Senegalese companies seeking to partner with UK businesses or looking to invest in the UK. The Chamber already boasts a membership pool spanning sectors from Finance, Tech and Insurance to Oil and Gas, Electricity and Agriculture. To bolster that network, the Chamber has to date participated in a host of industry conferences and seminars in London, Liverpool, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Recent highlights include the launch event hosted in the London offices of International law firm, Addleshaw Goddard and upcoming events include a Senegal Investment Day hosted by Bloomberg, London. Guidance published by the Foreign and Commonwealth office cites Senegal as one of the most stable countries in Africa. The Chamber is well placed to help both new and existing UK investors to access exciting opportunities and extend their trading relations beyond more traditional partners within the Commonwealth. As a former French colony, Senegal is still dominated by French companies with only a relatively small (albeit growing) British presence. The Senegal-UK Chamber of Commerce can play a role in facilitating that growth by helping to build ties and overcome any challenges of doing business in Senegal. Register NOW to attend AFSIC – Africa’s Investment Event, 7-9th October 2024. London #afsic #afsic2024 #investinginafrica #africaninvestment #africafinance

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Africa’s 250 biggest companies by market cap., by African Business Magazine. Biggest by region: Southern: Naspers #SouthAfrica (No. 1 overall) North: Attijariwafa Bank #Morocco (8) West Africa: Dangote Cement #Nigeria (12) East Africa: Safaricom #Kenya (22) MY VIEW: #Ethiopia: Ethiotelecom to be ranked next year, likely in top 20, as it becomes the first company to be listed on the new ESX (Ethiopian Securities Exchange) via the IPO of 10% of its shares. Several private and state owned companies to do IPOs subsequently which will provide wide ranging sectoral investment opportunities for investors to participate in the expected significant growth of Ethiopia’s economy. Note: ESX to start trading fixed income and equity securities by November 2024. Dynamic and transformational times ahead for Ethiopia’s capital markets and the broader financial services sector. Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) Ethiopian Capital Market Authority ethio telecom

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Benin & Togo Business Delegation 🚀🌍 Discover opportunities in Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Technology, Infrastructure and more across two dynamic markets! Let's explore investment potentials and forge powerful connections. 🔹 Benin, with its strategic location on the Gulf of Guinea, serves as a vital entry point for trade in West Africa. Its economy is experiencing steady growth, bolstered by a stable political climate and a focus on infrastructure development. 🔹 Togo, known for its strategic deep-water port in Lomé, is a critical hub for regional trade. The country is on a path to economic transformation, with efforts to enhance its business climate and attract foreign investment. Register Now: https://lnkd.in/grSXNJfg BI NEWS BENIN Prime News TV Bénin Togo Digital News Togo Breaking News Dainik Jagran The Times Of India Embassy Of Togo Ministry of External Affairs, India BENIN MINISTRY OF ECONOMY AND FINANCE TOGI Investment Group Benin Investment Forum #benin #togo #businessopportunities #investment #westafrica #agriculture #renewableenergy #technology #infrastructure #globaltrade #mars #bilateraltrade #internationalbusiness

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Exciting Opportunities Await in Senegal! 🌍💼 Why Senegal? 🌱 Robust Economic Growth: Senegal boasts a stable economy with consistent growth rates, offering a conducive environment for investment. 📈 Strategic Location: Positioned at the crossroads of West Africa, Senegal serves as a gateway to a market of over 350 million consumers in the ECOWAS region. 💡 Government Support: With a commitment to economic reforms and investment-friendly policies, the Senegalese government actively encourages foreign investment. 🏗️ Infrastructure Development: Ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Dakar-Diamniadio Toll Highway and the new Blaise Diagne International Airport, enhance connectivity and facilitate business operations. #InvestInSenegal #Senegal #InvestmentOpportunities #AfricaRising

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🤖✨ Reflections on #AIExpoAfrica: When Tech Innovation Meets Real-World Challenges ✨🤖 Attending AI Expo Africa was an amazing experience! 🌍 From ground breaking ideas to inspiring discussions, the potential of AI and technology in Africa is truly something to celebrate. But… it wasn’t without its own “tech hiccups.” Presenters faced some frustrating moments with audio-visual glitches – videos that wouldn’t play, sound issues in the room, and connection problems preventing remote participants from joining. This got me thinking… 💭 In an era where we’re pushing the limits of AI and tech, shouldn’t we also focus on ensuring the basics work smoothly? If we’re showcasing the future, shouldn’t we also hold ourselves accountable for making that future accessible and reliable? 👉 I’d love to hear your thoughts! Should tech events be a model of operational excellence as much as they are about innovation? How can we, as advocates and users, ensure that technology supports us seamlessly, even in critical moments? And, here’s a teaser… There was one session that truly stood out to me. I’ll be diving deeper into it in an upcoming article, so stay tuned for some valuable insights! 📄✨ Looking forward to your comments and thoughts. Let’s discuss! 💬👇 #AI #TechChallenges #Innovation #HumanAccountability #Technology #FutureOfAI #AfricaTech #EventManagement

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This highlights a challenge many African entrepreneurs face, especially in specialized industries. Beyond the strategies shared, it's crucial to emphasize the role of collaborative ecosystems. For instance, partnerships with universities and technical institutes can fast-track the training of skilled assistants, as seen in Ethiopia’s healthcare sector, where universities partner with hospitals to train staff efficiently. Similarly, cross-industry collaborations can open doors for knowledge sharing and innovative solutions. Moreover, patient education programs or client workshops could help set realistic expectations and build trust, reducing the dependency on direct doctor-client interactions for every minor query. Scaling is a journey, and together, we can unlock Africa's immense potential. I’d love to hear more stories of how businesses are creatively addressing these hurdles! #Leadership #Scaling #AfricanBusinesses

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🌍 Exploring the Secrets Behind the Success of African Startups and SMEs! Incredible growth is happening across the continent, but what drives it? Dive into the key factors that are empowering these businesses to thrive and transform Africa. Don't miss your chance to be part of this journey—apply now for the #Tunisia_Boost_Up program! #startups #Africa #entrepreneurship #innovation #businessgrowth #AfricanStartups #SMEs #TunisiaBoostUp

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Some conferences are a perfect mix of great conversations, diverse insights and inspirational keynotes - my gratitude and congratulations to Resources for Africa who have once again delivered an exceptional #LondonIndaba (https://lnkd.in/eTqfTGtz) on the challenges we need to address and the opportunities we need to action: ▶ What African mining jurisdictions need to do to make mining more attractive ▶ How international governments are partnering with African governments and the mining industry in pursuit of critical minerals and metals ▶ Geopolitics, conflict and shifting alliances impacting the outlook for the global supply and demand of critical minerals and metals ▶ Is value addition/beneficiation the silver bullet for African economies? Many "AHA" moments, particularly Rohitesh Dhawan sharing his views on what it will take to truly change hearts and minds towards mining, and having the opportunity to unpack "So little money (for mining), so many opportunities!" with Tetiana Dzhumurat, Christophe Roux and David Halkyard. Differentiating which segments of the industry are performing better than others, examining policy interventions as well as vertical integration trends (and hurdles), bridging the pricing time-gap - all are essential to unlock responsible investment towards developing the assets and operations needed to power the transition and shape sustainable economies. I'm already looking forward to the next conversation !

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Africa's renewable energy sector is sparking a revolution. 🌍💡 With a surge in investment expected over the next few years, the continent's M&A landscape is ablaze with potential. The urgency to expand access to power and meet net-zero commitments has propelled both public and private sectors to ramp up investment and explore innovative financing solutions. From solar farms to wind turbines, Africa is embracing sustainable energy sources to power its future and uplift communities. It's an electrifying time of growth and transformation, and I'm excited to witness the continent's bright energy future unfold. ⚡🌱 #RenewableEnergy #AfricaEnergyRevolution #EnergySector

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[READ] Last week I had the privilege of participating in the Economic Development Assembly in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Staged in partnership by the Government of Côte d'Ivoire, Global Citizen, Bridgewater Associates and Harith, the summit was an opportunity to amplify the call for G20 countries to play their part in the 21st replenishment round of the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA). This is a cause quite close to my heart, and to which I have fully committed, and towards whose realisation I will spare neither energy nor effort. The reason for that is simple; once you have seen Africa the way me and my team at Harith have seen it, indifference to the continent’s developmental potential, its population dividend and the attendant challenges and opportunities, ceases being an option availed to you. The IDA offers developmental funding support in the form of very low to zero interest loans with high concessionality, as well as grants to 77 eligible and participating, poor and developing countries, many of whom are on this continent. During last week’s EDA, for example, we heard from leaders including Rwanda’s Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente, how that country has leveraged IDA funding to drive electrification from a mere 6% in 2009 to 78% today, build 22 000 classrooms to deal with overcrowding and long distances that children used to walk to school. The country was also able to build 5 modern hospitals in 5 years. Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio told the gathering how IDA funding has enabled his country to advance free basic edication, including through support for the school nutrition and transport programmes, textbooks, as well as provision of sanitary pads to keep girl children in school. The list is endless. The bottomline is that the work IDA does in countries including those on our continent complements what we do to harness the continent’s capital and structure developmental infrastructure projects in a manner that mitigates countries’ indebtedness and leaves a tangible and indelible legacy. That’s why, along with over 100 eminent persons, activist corporates, humanitarians, philanthropists and Global Citizens from around the world, I have signed the Abidjan Accord in support of IDA 21 replenishment. Other notable signatories include my esteemed partner, Bridgewater Associates CEO Nir Bar Dea, and humanitarians and activists from member of The Elders Mary Robinson to Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka to Nomzamo Mbatha , as well as global corporates such as Intel Corporation and Cisco, and many others. I urge you to make your voice heard by signing the Abidjan Accord here… (https://lnkd.in/dJqEWxfW)

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