Happy New Year, everyone! 🎉
We’re back from a rejuvenating New Year’s vacation, ready to kick off another exciting chapter. The first month of the year has been a whirlwind of activity, filled with incredible milestones and achievements. As we dive into the year ahead, here are the top headlines that set the tone for what promises to be an eventful and productive year:
- Tendo Technologies advances to the acceleration phase of the timbuktoo Fintech Accelerator.
- Medtrack Technologies advances to the acceleration phase of the timbuktoo Healthtech Accelerator.
- Remoteli’s CEO launches Africa’s Next CEO show, offering GHS100,000 startup investment.
- Former FDA Director Eric Karikari-Boateng joins Bio Usawa to lead its global regulatory strategy.
- Nsano appoints Priscilla Hazel as CEO, succeeding Kofi Owusu-Nhyira.
- Mastercard strengthens its West African presence with Accra office launch.
- Kowri expands into Southern Africa with strategic partnership in Namibia.
Incubator & Accelerator
Tendo Technologies advances to the acceleration phase of the timbuktoo Fintech Accelerator.
Tendo Technologies, the Y combinator-backed ecommerce fintech, has been selected among the 20 finalists advancing to the Acceleration Phase of the timbuktoo Fintech Accelerator Programme. Tendo is an e-commerce fintech platform enabling individuals from underserved communities to start online businesses with zero capital investment.
The Accelerator will provide grant funding of $ 20,000 and support startups to refine their product development and go-to-market strategies to support growth in domestic and pan-African markets.
Medtrack Technologies advances to the acceleration phase of the timbuktoo Healthtech Accelerator.
Medtrack Technologies has been selected among the 15 finalists advancing to the Acceleration Phase of the timbuktoo Healthtech Accelerator Programme. MedTrack is a health information operating system that links patient health data to national biometric identification systems. Its patient-focused platform enables seamless collaboration among healthcare providers, fostering a paperless ecosystem that connects clients, providers, and facilities nationwide.
The Acceleration will provide comprehensive support, including mentorship, funding, and access to state-of-the-art resources to the startups to help them scale their solutions and address Africa’s most pressing healthcare challenges. T
Funding
Remoteli’s CEO launches Africa’s Next CEO show, offering GHS100,000 startup investment.
Spearheaded by Samuel Brooksworth, CEO of Remoteli, the series offers a transformative platform for aspiring business leaders to bring their innovative ideas to life. With an investment of GHS100,000 at stake, contestants have the opportunity to turn their groundbreaking concepts into impactful ventures capable of driving economic growth.
In its inaugural season, Africa’s Next CEO will spotlight 10 ambitious contestants, each with a business idea aimed at addressing real-world challenges while creating jobs and advancing Ghana’s economic development. Over the course of five episodes, participants will engage in a series of rigorous tasks designed to test their creativity, resilience, and business acumen.
Talent
Former FDA Director Eric Karikari-Boateng joins Bio Usawa to lead its global regulatory strategy.
Bio Usawa, Inc., a leading biotechnology company committed to delivering affordable and accessible monoclonal antibody-based therapies for cancer, ophthalmic, autoimmune, and infectious diseases in Africa, has tapped the former Head of Laboratory Service at the Ghana’ Food and Drugs Authority, Eric Karikari-Boateng as its Head of Global Regulatory Strategy.
As Head of Global Regulatory Strategy, he will guide efforts to build next-generation regulatory capacity for ensuring timely approval and delivery of the biotech industry’s innovative, life-saving biotherapies.
Nsano appoints Priscilla Hazel as CEO, succeeding Kofi Owusu-Nhyira.
Nsano has announced the appointment of Priscilla Hazel as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a key leadership transition as Kofi Owusu-Nhyira steps down from the role. Priscilla Hazel, who has served in various capacities over seven years, including as Head of Commercial, has been instrumental in driving partnerships and extending Nsano’s reach across Africa. Her promotion to CEO reflects her leadership capabilities and is expected to instill confidence among stakeholders.
Expansion
Kowri expands into Southern Africa with strategic partnership in Namibia.
Kowri has expanded into the Southern African Development Community region through a strategic partnership with Velopay, an emerging fintech company in Namibia. Together, the companies will leverage their innovative technologies to offer accessible financial solutions, including mobile banking, digital payments, microloans, insurance, savings, and investment products.
Mastercard strengthens its West African presence with Accra office launch.
Mastercard has expanded its operations in West Africa with the opening of its first office in Accra. This strategic milestone underscores Mastercard’s commitment to supporting the country’s growing digital economy by providing innovative financial products and services tailored to the market.
