Nine African startups have been recognised for their innovative solutions on this year’s prestigious Impact/100 list, showcasing their potential to drive meaningful change.
By Bonface Orucho
Nine African startups offering diverse innovative solutions in different sectors have been included in the prestigious 2024 Impact/100 list, highlighting Africa’s potential to address global challenges.
According to the lead publisher and startup supporter, the Norrsken Foundation, the Impact/100 was developed as “a list of the world’s most promising impact startups” and is “100 ways to fix the future”.
The 100 startups were selected from over 1,200 competitors.
Celebrating his company’s inclusion in the list, CEO of Kenyan-based electric vehicle automaker Roam, Filip Lovstrom, said the recognition was “fuel for our mission to change how Africa moves.”
“We’re committed to pushing boundaries, by making electric mobility a reality, and transforming everyday journeys into a statement for sustainability,” he added.
Roam was recognised for tackling global challenges by providing clean, affordable transport across Africa and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Other African startups included in the 2024 Impact list are:
Shara – FinTech
Shara is based in Kenya and focuses on unlocking financial access for Africa’s unbanked population. Shara describes itself on its website as a company that uses cutting-edge technology to provide seamless financial solutions that enable individuals and small businesses to thrive by overcoming barriers to financial services.
Rology – HealthTech
Headquartered in Egypt, Rology leverages artificial intelligence and remote technology to provide accurate medical diagnostics. The company addresses the shortage of radiologists in emerging markets by connecting hospitals and doctors to remote radiology experts, enhancing healthcare outcomes.
Credrails – FinTech
Credrails, a Kenya-based FinTech company, powers Africa’s digital economy by providing businesses and consumers with easy access to financial data. Their open financial platform bridges the gap between financial institutions, helping businesses make informed decisions and fostering financial inclusion across the continent.
Kapu – FoodTech
Based in Kenya, Kapu is revolutionizing the food industry by making essential food items more affordable for low-income communities. Through innovative technology and supply chain optimization, Kapu aims to reduce the cost of food in Africa, ensuring better access to nutrition for all.
Bamboo – FinTech
Bamboo is a Nigeria-based FinTech startup that enables Africans to invest in U.S. stocks, making Wall Street accessible to the continent. The platform provides users with tools to invest globally with ease, democratizing access to international financial markets for African consumers.
Autochek – FinTech
Autochek, based in Nigeria, simplifies vehicle ownership by providing a digital platform for car sales, financing, and maintenance. Recently expanding into electric cars, Autochek is making it easier for Africans to own, finance, and maintain both traditional and electric vehicles.
Orca Fraud – FinTech
Orca Fraud is a South Africa-based company that uses artificial intelligence to detect and prevent fraud before it occurs. Their advanced AI tools monitor and identify potential threats, protecting businesses and consumers from financial fraud in real-time.
African Management Institute (AMI) (Kenya)—Education
Based in Kenya, the African Management Institute (AMI) provides practical, hands-on training for African businesses and entrepreneurs, according to its website. Through innovative learning platforms and tailored programmes, AMI empowers leaders and managers across the continent to build sustainable and successful businesses, helping drive Africa’s economic growth.
Logos of the 100 startups are to be displayed on NASDAQ’s iconic Times Square sign in New York in the USA as part of the recognition.
Bird story agency
Nine African startups have been recognized on the 2024 Impact/100 list for their innovative solutions contributing to global challenges. The Norrsken Foundation's list selected these startups from over 1,200 candidates based on their potential to make a significant impact in various sectors. Kenyan-based Roam includes electric vehicle solutions addressing clean transportation needs in Africa. Other featured startups include Shara and Credrails from the FinTech sector, promoting financial inclusion; Rology, addressing healthcare diagnostics with AI; Kapu, enhancing affordability and access to food; Bamboo, enabling investment in U.S. stocks; Autochek, streamlining vehicle ownership; Orca Fraud, tackling financial fraud with AI; and the African Management Institute, offering education and training for business success in Africa. These recognition efforts include displaying the startups' logos on NASDAQ’s Times Square sign, highlighting their achievements and potential for driving meaningful change.
