The “Meet the Tôshikas” initiative has recognised six African technology startups as finalists in a program that aims to immerse Japanese investors in Africa’s vibrant startup ecosystems while guiding the selected African startups on a journey to become investment-ready.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and Double Feather Partners collaborated to create this initiative to strengthen ties between Japanese investors and African startup scenes while positioning these companies for potential significant investments.
Read also: AVEVA reduce carbon footprints through tech innovations
Selected from a varied group of thirty entrepreneurs from Zambia, Angola, and South Africa, these finalists will undergo specialised three-month training to enhance their investment approaches. A US$20,000 award and the opportunity to present their ideas during a week-long investor roadshow in Tokyo are additional benefits for each firm.
Innovations and Ideas from Tôshikas Programme Participants
Anda and Mamboo Set the Benchmark Angola is a nation of creative people, and two firms are causing an uproar in the tech sector there. Anda is transforming the moto-taxi business for millions of travellers, making it safer and more effective. Anda saves time and lives by optimising urban mobility with their state-of-the-art solution. Meanwhile, Mamboo is changing how people get their hands on food and consumer products.
Their innovative technology makes deliveries quick, easy, and dependable, which helps busy Angolans live better lives.
Mamboo delivers convenience to homes nationwide, from fresh vegetables to household necessities. These two innovators are establishing Angola as a centre of innovation and entrepreneurship and demonstrating the nation’s capacity to produce solutions that impact lives and shape the future.
There are groundbreaking inventors in South Africa; Jobox assists recently graduated individuals in finding their first jobs, while Zoie Health pioneers e-health solutions for improved healthcare access.
By bridging the healthcare divide, Zoie Health makes high-quality medical care easily accessible. Jobox addresses young unemployment by bringing gifted people together with stimulating prospects, influencing the nature of work in the future, and promoting economic expansion.
These firms demonstrate the dynamic spirit of entrepreneurship and the positive impact possibilities of South Africa.
Zambia’s creative leaders excel! Bosso makes building a house more accessible and less expensive, allowing for realising aspirations. Time is saved, and productivity increases when AfriOnline Group unifies grocery, supermarket, and wholesale ordering on a single platform. These two up-and-coming talents are highlighting Zambia’s innovation and advancement!
Read also: Innovating with AI: GTA Conference 2024 Apply now!
Building Bridges: Africa-Japan Business Connections with UNDP Support
Tomas Sales, the private sector special advisor at the UNDP Africa Sustainable Finance Hub, which is responsible for the “Meet the Tôshikas” project, expressed profound honour in being able to offer African startups the chance to connect with Japanese investors through METI’s support.
He also emphasised the importance of this initiative in allowing Japanese investors to explore and identify compelling startup ventures in Africa, which have been carefully selected through a strategic ecosystem development approach that considers both local growth potential and risk awareness, facilitated by a network of on-the-ground partners.
Sales further noted that by showcasing a diverse range of markets, from the more established South African market to the emerging markets of Angola and Zambia, the program presents a comprehensive view of the variety and potential of early-stage investment opportunities for investors looking to deploy capital in Africa strategically.