This Week in African Tech 🌍

Hey, Maryann here 👋🏽 

This week in African tech, AI is powering mental health in Egypt, $110 million is flowing into Kenya’s startups, and Jumia is opening up its logistics network to social sellers. Plus, 10 African startups are getting a boost from the EU’s Data Governance initiative.

In the deal roundup, South African safety and med-tech startups score fresh capital, Moroccan agri-tech is expanding, and Egypt’s proptech scene lands a $75 million raise.

The full scoop’s just below—but first, a quick announcement:

Now, on to this week’s roundup….

Tech Roundup

• EIB Global and Kenya’s Family Bank are mobilizing $110 million to finance businesses in Kenya. The funding will prioritize women-led enterprises and youth entrepreneurs across the country.

• Estonia’s ESTDEV and Finland’s HAUS have selected 10 African startups for support under the EU-backed Data Governance in Africa initiative. The programme targets digital-social innovation in sectors like health, agriculture, and finance. Selected startups will receive training, mentorship, and support to scale.

• Egyptian healthtech startup Shezlong has launched an AI-powered therapy assistant to support mental healthcare delivery. The tool gives therapists access to insights and advanced analytics, enhancing how they understand and support patients.

• E-commerce giant Jumia is opening its logistics network to third-party businesses, including social media traders. The move aims to cut fulfillment costs, diversify revenue, and support its push for profitability by 2027.

• Nigerian mobility startup Treepz has partnered with Miva Open University to become its official transportation provider. Treepz will offer transport services across key cities to support Miva’s growing student base.

• South African startup The Messenger Network (TMN) has launched Clinch, a WhatsApp-based business directory and marketplace. Clinch helps local businesses connect directly with customers through the messaging app.

• About 130 businesses have made the 2025 Africa's Fastest-Growing Companies Ranking by the Financial Times. The list is dominated by Nigerian and South African companies, with OmniRetail ranking #1, and PalmPay as #2. Other companies on the list include Termii, Chari, Gozem, and WiSolar.

• Nigerian logistics company Cargoplug is expanding to the UK with its first self-managed hub. The new facility will streamline shipping between the UK and Nigeria.

Deal Roundup

• South African WhatsApp-based safety platform Community Wolf has raised £340,000 ($432,000) in a round led by Fuel Ventures. The funding will support platform development and boost visibility through digital and out-of-home marketing campaigns.

• South African med-tech startup Impulse Biomedical has secured an undisclosed amount of funding from E Squared Investments and ANZA Capital. The capital will help commercialize its products, navigate regulatory hurdles, and prepare for international expansion ahead of a Series A raise.

• Moroccan agri-tech startup Sand to Green has secured a $50,000 grant at the DeepTech Summit 2025. The funding will support its expansion across Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Europe.

• Egyptian proptech startup Nawy has raised $75 million in funding, including $52 million in equity led by Partech and $23 million in debt from top Egyptian banks. The capital will boost its mortgage product, Nawy Now, and drive AI-led expansion across MENA.

• South African emergency response startup AURA has raised $15.1 million in a Series B round co-led by Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund and Partech. The funding will support its US expansion and the development of a global platform to dispatch emergency responses across borders.

Other Events and Opportunities

• The Africa Cloud and Security Roadshow is coming to Kampala Serena Hotel on June 5, 2025, bringing together CIOs, cloud experts, and cybersecurity professionals for a focused day of insights and networking. With tailored sessions addressing regional tech challenges and keynote speakers from across Africa, the event is designed to spark high-level conversations that influence real technology decisions. Register here.

• The Africa Startup Festival is hosting its Nairobi Ecosystem Mixer on May 30, 2025. Join founders, investors, and corporate leaders at this exclusive event, in partnership with Antler, ALX Ventures, and sponsored by Cloudplexo. Limited spots available—secure yours now! Register here.

• She Disrupts is hosting the African Tech Business Entrepreneurs Event on 21st May at Theia Café in Accra. Expect sharp keynotes on AI, blockchain, film, and the future of work, hands-on sessions, high-energy networking, and insights from Paulette Watson, MBE.

And that's a wrap!

That’s it for this week. See you on Wednesday 😃 

Cheers,

The Tech Safari Team

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