Nous sommes ravis d’annoncer que Daba Finance a été sélectionnée parmi 21 startups de pointe pour participer à la cohorte inaugurale de l’accélérateur Visa Inclusive Fintech.
Il s’agit d’une étape importante pour notre entreprise qui poursuit sa mission de fournir des opportunités d’investissement à travers l’Afrique.
Qu’est-ce que le Visa Inclusive Fintech Accelerator ?
Le Visa Inclusive Fintech Accelerator est un programme lancé en septembre 2023 par Visa en collaboration avec Plug and Play, l’une des plus grandes plateformes mondiales d’innovation. Il vise à promouvoir la diversité et l’inclusion dans l’industrie de la fintech en soutenant et en responsabilisant divers fondateurs dans l’industrie de la technologie.
Grâce à cet accélérateur, Visa et Plug and Play créent une plateforme inclusive pour aider les divers fondateurs à surmonter les défis uniques dans l’espace des startups technologiques. Le programme fournit des conseils stratégiques, un accès aux produits et aux connaissances de Visa, un mentorat, des connexions avec l’industrie et un soutien personnalisé aux startups sélectionnées.
Pourquoi est-ce important pour Daba ?
Le fait d’avoir été sélectionné pour la cohorte inaugurale est une énorme validation du modèle d’entreprise et de l’impact de Daba Finance. En tant que startup développant l’accès aux produits financiers à travers l’Afrique, cet accélérateur est parfaitement aligné avec nos objectifs.
La participation au programme nous permettra de tirer parti de la vaste expertise de Visa en matière de paiements et du réseau mondial de Plug and Play. Nous nous réjouissons de collaborer avec les dirigeants de Visa pour faire évoluer notre produit.
Qu’est-ce que cela signifie pour nos utilisateurs ?
Pour les utilisateurs de Daba Finance, notre participation à l’accélérateur Visa Inclusive Fintech Accelerator se traduit par une expérience produit améliorée. En intégrant les capacités de Visa, nous pouvons offrir des méthodes de paiement plus transparentes et plus sûres pour investir, transférer des fonds et accéder à des services financiers par le biais de notre plateforme.
L’expertise et le soutien dont nous bénéficions dans le cadre du programme nous aideront à accélérer notre feuille de route en matière de développement de produits. Nous prévoyons d’exploiter les connaissances de Visa pour créer des fonctions plus centrées sur l’utilisateur qui simplifient l’investissement et les finances pour nos utilisateurs.
Le chemin à parcourir
Nous sommes honorés de travailler avec des institutions respectées telles que Visa et Plug and Play. Les enseignements tirés de cette expérience seront d’une valeur inestimable dans l’accomplissement de notre mission de démocratisation de l’investissement à travers l’Afrique.
There are not many places to look but up in the new year for African tech stakeholders after what turned out to be a tough 2023 for startups globally.
This year, budgets and valuations were cut, business models revised, layoffs were frequent, and some startups shuttered as the harsh realities of a funding downturn, mismanagement, and fraud took their toll on African tech.
It’s time to take stock of the last 12 months in what’s been a rollercoaster year. Read on to discover the major themes in Africa’s tech ecosystem.
The venture funding market shrinks
The exuberance of 2022’s VC landscape gave way to a stark reality in 2023, with funding plummeting by around half globally in the first half of the year.
This dramatic shift coincided with hikes in interest rates, which had a chilling effect on fundraising. For every 1% hike in interest rates, there was an alarming 3.2% decline in VC capital.
This tightening environment not only reduced the pool of VC money available to startups but also made debt financing, a potential alternative, a less viable option due to higher borrowing costs.
After a bullish 2022 in which Africa was the only continent to record growth in venture funding values, there was no escaping the downturn this year.
The funding winter reached the continent in the H1 2023. Startup funding plunged to just over $1bn, a stark drop from $3.5bn the year before, per AVCA data.
Investors completed 263 deals – a 40% reduction in both deal volume and funding compared to the previous year.
Although African startups staged an impressive comeback in Q3 2023, with funding jumping by 28% compared to the year before.
The general slowdown prompted a reshuffle, with investor focus shifting towards nurturing young startups in their early stages or mature players nearing unicorn status.
Most likely Africa’s VC funding figures fell far from 2022 levels. The final tally as of Q3 2023 to date, per AVCA, stood at $2.95bn – down from the $4.3bn that was raised by the same point last year.
That means Africa’s venture capital industry managed to attract two-thirds (69%) of the capital it accrued by September 2022, and a more disappointing 56% of the total funding last year.
While VC funding is harder to come by, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs)—such as the IFC, BII, US DFC, and Proparco—are becoming more active in the tech startup landscape.
Venture debt & hybrid rounds become more frequent
2023’s funding scorecards are yet to roll out but available estimates suggest the continent’s startups still managed to attract more than $5bn.
Compared to previous years, a higher portion of the total funding is likely to be in the form of venture debt, which has become an alternative source of capital for African startups.
Notable in startup fundraising announcements this year is the growing frequency of mixed equity and debt funding rounds.
Examples include:
Okra Solar’s Series A round ($7.85m equity and $4.15m debt);
Complete Farmer’s pre-Series A funding round ($7m equity and $3.4m debt)
Wetility’s $50m fundraising included a $33m commercial debt package from a consortium of commercial and development banks
While venture debt shines as a catalyst for early-stage ventures, providing crucial working capital to fuel their growth, it’s also increasingly powering expansion for more established startups.
This is the case with:
Mobility FinTech startup Moove Africa. It has raised $325m to date ($150m in equity and over $175m in debt)
Kenyan solar home system provider d.Light’s $125m securitization facility. The company’s total securitized financing is $490m since 2020
An uptick in startup shutdowns, pivots & downsizing
With global macro headwinds seeing investors cut fewer checks and some reportedly renege on commitments, a slew of startups were forced to downsize, pivot, or in many cases, close up shop.
At least 15 African startups shuttered this year, including those with once highly-celebrated status on the continent: 54 Gene, Dash, Sendy, WhereIsMyTransport, Lazerpay, Zumi, Zazuu, Hytch, Okada Books, Pivo, Vibra, Redbird, Bundle Africa, Spire, Qefira.
Combined, these startups raised over $200m in disclosed VC funding while operational.
Meanwhile, others like Copia, MarketForce, and Twiga Foods have had to change the way they operate.
It’s noteworthy that the funding slowdown has hit a certain type of African startups hardest—well-funded ventures chasing growth-at-all-costs strategies.
Cleantech/climate-tech now as popular as fintech
The tide is rising for climate tech (comprising innovations across agriculture, clean energy, sustainable materials, environmental sustainability, e-mobility, and nature-based solutions) in Africa.
Last year, funding to the sector grew 3.5 times to over $860m, making it Africa’s most funded after fintech.
It has maintained the second spot so far this year, per AVCA report. Data from Africa: The Big Deal shows the sector accounts for 32% of total VC funding as of Q3, behind fintech’s 35%.
And over the past 12-18 months, several VC firms—among them Satgana, Catalyst Fund, Equator, and EchoVC—have introduced funds to support startups in the sector.
The timing of this surge in climate funding couldn’t be better as Africa grapples with the increasingly severe impacts of climate change, we write in our Pulse54 newsletter, which explores climate tech in general and active players in the sector.
Spotlight on fraud & founder misconduct
Amidst the remarkable growth of Africa’s tech ecosystem, shadows loom over malpractices that impede the full potential and integrity of the continent’s startup landscape.
In 2023 alone, numerous unsettling reports emerged, depicting common themes such as financial misappropriation, deficient or corporate malfeasance, instances of sexual harassment, and the prevalence of toxic work cultures.
Startups like Ghana’s Dash and Float, Egypt’s Capiter, South Africa’s Springleap, and Nigeria-based companies such as PayDay, 54Gene, and Patricia were implicated.
More recently, Tingo was charged by the US SEC, accused of engaging in a “massive fraud” involving “billions of dollars of fictitious transactions,” all under the leadership of CEO Dozy Mmobuosi.
The lessons drawn from the challenges of 2023 underscore the critical need for regulatory clarity to eliminate grey areas in compliance.
Furthermore, investors must prioritize ensuring proper governance to safeguard the integrity of the African startup ecosystem.
Mergers & acquisitions become a survival strategy
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have emerged as a primary exit strategy and, in the current depressed funding environment, a lifeline for African startup founders.
In Q1 2023 alone, seven M&A deals took place in the African startup ecosystem worth over $710m. Tunisia-based InstaDeep’s $682m acquisition in January by Germany’s BioNTech accounted for much of that.
By the end of the year’s first half, there had been at least 16 M&A deals per Big Deal data. About half of them reportedly involve struggling startups.
While this year’s total is likely to be some way off 2022’s 44 deals, one fact remains true: M&As have become a prominent feature of the African tech ecosystem.
Limited funds and the fragmented nature of the African tech market are major drivers.
The presence of numerous small and medium-sized companies across various regions and sectors makes consolidation through M&As a strategic move.
This approach creates larger, more diversified startups that can better compete globally and attract investment.
In addition, African startups are currently viewed as less liquid assets compared to other markets, primarily due to limited exit opportunities.
Thus, as the quest for a reliable path to liquidity in the African tech ecosystem grows, M&As become a viable option for venture capitalists and investors to explore.
Other noteworthy moments and highlights of the year
Starlink, a satellite internet service of Elon Musk-owned SpaceX, became operational in 6 African countries
And digital infrastructure, especially data centers, continues to draw the attention and backing of investors—from telco giants to private equity firms.
Closing Notes
As 2023 hurtles to a close, the question on everyone’s mind is will 2024 be better?
Perceptions of industry performance and expectations for the future vary.
Flagging. That’s how we would describe the African tech startup funding scene in 2023.
Global macro headwinds saw investors cut fewer checks and some reportedly backed down from commitments, forcing a slew of startup shutdowns and downsizing.
While on the surface, it seems Africa’s VC funding figures fell far from 2021 and 2022 levels, available estimates suggest the continent’s startups still managed to attract more than $5 billion.
Before the year’s scorecards start to roll out, we take a look at the top 10 largest fundraising rounds in the African tech startup industry this year and the trends they reveal.
Fewer mega-deals (just four >$100m rounds vs nine in 2022):
This signifies a shift towards cautious optimism from investors.
While big bets still happen, they’re rarer, with investors preferring to spread their bets on multiple promising startups.
This could lead to a more sustainable ecosystem, with startups forced to focus on stronger fundamentals and traction before securing large funding rounds.
MNT-Halan‘s $400 million round in Egypt and M-KOPA‘s $250 million in Kenya are rare exceptions, highlighting their established market positions and potential for significant impact.
Fintech takes the top spot but the landscape is more diverse:
Fintech remains a dominant sector due to its potential to address financial inclusion challenges in Africa.
However, other sectors like cleantech and mobility are gaining traction, indicating diversification in investor interest.
This diversification can lead to a more balanced and resilient ecosystem, as the success of the startup scene is not solely dependent on one sector.
The presence of Husk Power, Wetility, Nuru, Planet42, and Moove in the top 10 shows the growing importance of these sectors in attracting investor attention.
The rising prominence of debt + equity rounds:
This hybrid approach combines the flexibility of equity with the stability of debt, offering startups a more tailored financing solution.
It can be particularly useful for startups with strong revenue models but limited access to traditional equity funding.
This trend could democratize access to funding for startups, especially in emerging markets, as it caters to startups at different stages of growth and risk profiles.
MNT-Halan, M-KOPA, Planet42, and Moove all used debt + equity rounds, demonstrating the growing popularity of this approach.
Geographical distribution
The top 10 deals primarily focus on South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, showcasing the continued dominance of these countries in the African startup scene.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) emerged as a surprise entry in the top 10 thanks to Nuru‘s sizable Series B round.
Series B dominance
The majority of deals being Series B raises indicates a focus on mature startups with proven traction and scalability, further highlighting likely investor risk aversion.
Overall, the top 10 fundraising rounds paint a picture of a resilient African tech ecosystem adapting to a challenging global environment.
While mega-deals were scarce, the diversity of sectors, financing models, and geographical representation suggests potential for sustainable growth in the long term.
Stay tuned to our blog for a broader piece that explores standout trends in Africa’s tech landscape in 2023 and our high-conviction themes for the new year—to be published soon!
Venmo, Cash App, and Zelle are familiar names in the world of mobile-based digital payments in the West, having revolutionized how money is transferred and received by millions of people.
But did you know that Africa has been ahead of the game with its own mobile money systems since as far back as 2007?!
That’s right.
Today, we take you on a journey of how Africa became the biggest mobile money player in the world.
Where it all began
Once upon a time, not too long ago, accessing financial services was a challenge for many Africans. Unlike in the U.S. or Europe, traditional banking services were often very limited, especially in remote and rural areas.
But then mobile money.
In 2007, Safaricom, a leading mobile network operator in Kenya, launched a mobile money service called M-Pesa. Little did they know that this innovative concept would spark a digital revolution that would sweep across the continent.
M-Pesa, meaning “mobile money” in Swahili, allowed users to save, send, and receive money using just their mobile phones. This groundbreaking innovation proved to be a game-changer, enabling people without bank accounts to participate in the formal financial system.
In 2007, Safaricom, a leading telecommunications company in Kenya, launched a mobile money service called M-Pesa. Image credit: African Markets
The initial idea behind M-Pesa was to create a convenient way for Kenyans to transfer money securely. The service quickly gained popularity, as people in remote areas, where traditional banking services were scarce, embraced it as a means to conduct financial transactions with ease.
In no time, mobile money took root and started to grow, not only in Kenya but also in neighboring countries.
M-Pesa was launched in Tanzania the following year and is now present in at least 10 countries.
So, what made mobile money so popular?
Well, let’s unravel its magic!
Imagine a scenario: a hardworking individual in a rural village wants to send money to their family in the city.
Historically, this would involve a long and costly journey, with the risk of loss or theft. But with a mobile money account, a few taps on a phone screen can instantly transfer funds to their loved ones, efficiently.
One of the key factors that contributed to the rapid adoption of mobile money was its simplicity: all you needed was a basic mobile phone, and suddenly, you had a bank in the palm of your hand.
No more long queues or complicated paperwork. Money transfers could be done with a few simple clicks.
For deposits and withdrawals, mobile money agents, often found in local shops, act as the bridge between the digital and physical worlds, allowing users to convert cash into digital currency and vice versa.
An M-Pesa agent attends to a user. Image credit: HBS Digital Initiative
By 2010, M-Pesa had acquired 10 million active users and by 2016, it served almost 29.5 million active customers through a network of more than 287,400 agents. In the same year, the service processed around 6 billion transactions, peaking in December at 529 transactions every second.
The success of M-Pesa in Kenya sparked a wave of enthusiasm. As word spread about the convenience and reliability of mobile money, its impact began to reverberate throughout the continent.
Impressed by the service, other African countries eagerly jumped on the mobile money revolution, building theirs in M-Pesa’s image.
Over the next few years, the service spread to countries like Uganda, Ghana, Rwanda, and South Africa as mobile network operators and financial institutions started realizing the immense potential of mobile money.
MTN launched its MoMo service in Uganda in March 2009 and in Rwanda in February 2010. Telesom ZAAD in Somaliland in 2009 and Hormuud launched EVC Plus in Somalia in 2011.
By 2011, more than 100 mobile money services were operating in Africa, reaching people who previously had limited access to formal financial services.
Africa continues to lead global adoption
Fast forward to today, more mobile money services have emerged in Africa while mobile money accounts and transaction value on the continent continue to skyrocket.
Africa accounted for up to 70% of the world’s $1 trillion mobile money value in 2021 after mobile money transactions on the continent jumped 39% from $495 billion in 2020 to $701.4 billion.
Last year, that rose a further 22% to a jaw-dropping $836.5 billion (bigger than the GDP of Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy!) but its share of the global $1.26 trillion mobile money value fell to 66.4%.
Per GSMA’s 2023 State of the Industry Report, mobile money is growing faster in sub-Saharan Africa than in other regions except for the Middle East & North Africa.
However, it’s not just about the numbers
Perhaps its greatest achievement, mobile money has brought financial inclusion to millions of Africans who were previously excluded from the formal economy.
Data from the World Bank shows that around 45% of people living in Sub-Saharan don’t have access to a bank account. But mobile phones are widespread across the continent and are helping to bridge the financial gap.
As of 2022, Sub-Saharan Africa had up to 763 million registered mobile money accounts, more than double the figures in the next closest region, and more Africans now enjoy access to a whole range of financial services that were previously out of reach.
The innovative service has empowered women entrepreneurs, allowing them to take charge of their finances and contribute to their families’ well-being; facilitated access to education and healthcare; paved the way for exciting innovations such as mobile banking apps and digital wallets.
Beyond money transfers…
Mobile money services in Africa have also quickly evolved beyond simple person-to-person money transfers and cash in-cash out.
Providers have continually expanded their services, introducing innovative features to meet the diverse needs of their users.
For instance, mobile micro-loans and savings accounts empower individuals to access credit and save money, fostering entrepreneurship.
In Kenya, M-Shwari allows users to save money and access micro-loans directly from their mobile wallets, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Partnerships between mobile money providers and other companies have expanded the range of services available, with users now able to pay their electricity and water bills via mobile money and purchase airtime from network operators.
Health organizations have integrated mobile money into their operations, enabling payments for medical services and health insurance premiums.
Despite its transformative effect across the continent so far, it’s clear that the mobile money revolution in Africa is far from over.
Innovations continue to emerge, including interoperability between different mobile money platforms, making transactions even more convenient.
The potential for digital lending, savings, and insurance services on mobile money platforms holds great promise for the future.
As the mobile money landscape continues to evolve, so is the competition. Telecom companies, financial institutions, and fintech startups are all in the race to capture a share of this rapidly expanding market.
This healthy competition will only lead to improved services, lower transaction costs, and increased accessibility for users.
The growth of mobile money in Africa is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
From humble beginnings in Kenya, it has spread like wildfire, empowering individuals, driving economic development, and transforming societies across the continent.
As mobile money continues to evolve and expand its horizons, it remains one shining example of how technology is being harnessed to drive positive change in Africa.
Gérer votre argent de manière efficace est une compétence cruciale qui peut conduire à la stabilité financière et au succès à long terme.
Que vous commenciez tout juste votre parcours financier ou cherchiez à améliorer vos compétences en gestion financière, suivre vos finances est la première étape vers la réalisation de vos objectifs financiers.
Dans ce guide, nous expliquons l’importance du suivi de vos finances et fournissons des conseils pour vous aider à commencer sur la bonne voie.
Pourquoi suivre vos finances?
Conscience: Suivre vos finances vous permet de comprendre clairement d’où vient votre argent et où il va. C’est comme créer une carte routière pour vos finances, ce qui vous permet de voir le tableau d’ensemble et de prendre des décisions éclairées.
Imaginez que vous dépensiez 5 $ pour un café chaque jour avant le travail. En suivant vos dépenses, vous réalisez que vous dépensez 150 $ par mois rien que pour le café. Cette prise de conscience pourrait vous inciter à réduire à quelques fois par semaine, économisant environ 90 $ par mois.
Établissement d’un budget: Créer un budget est une partie essentielle de la planification financière. En suivant vos dépenses, vous pouvez identifier les domaines où vous pourriez trop dépenser et apporter les ajustements nécessaires pour atteindre vos objectifs financiers plus rapidement.
Gestion de la dette: Suivre vos dettes, telles que les cartes de crédit ou les prêts, vous aide à respecter les délais de paiement et à éviter des frais d’intérêt inutiles.
Épargne et investissements: Suivre vos finances vous permet de mettre de l’argent de côté pour l’épargne et les investissements de manière plus efficace. Cela vous aide à comprendre combien vous pouvez économiser chaque mois sans compromettre vos dépenses essentielles.
Commencer à suivre vos finances
Rassemblez les informations financières: Rassemblez tous vos documents financiers, y compris les relevés bancaires, les factures de carte de crédit, les factures d’électricité et toute autre source de revenus ou de dépenses.
Choisissez une méthode de suivi: Vous pouvez suivre vos finances en utilisant diverses méthodes, telles que :
Stylo et papier : Notez vos revenus et vos dépenses dans un cahier ou une simple feuille de calcul.
Applications mobiles : Il existe de nombreuses applications de budgétisation et de suivi des dépenses disponibles pour les smartphones, facilitant le processus.
Outils en ligne : De nombreuses plates-formes en ligne, comme Cowrywise, offrent des outils gratuits pour vous aider à suivre vos finances.
Catégorisez vos revenus et dépenses: Divisez vos revenus et dépenses en catégories pour mieux comprendre vos habitudes de dépenses. Les catégories courantes incluent le logement, la nourriture, le transport, les loisirs et l’épargne.
Enregistrez vos transactions régulièrement: La constance est la clé ! Prenez l’habitude d’enregistrer vos transactions quotidiennement ou hebdomadairement. Cela garantit que vous avez une image à jour de vos finances et évite le stress d’essayer de vous souvenir des dépenses plus tard.
Analysez vos finances: Une fois que vous avez suffisamment de données, examinez vos habitudes de dépenses et identifiez les domaines où vous pouvez réduire vos dépenses ou réallouer des fonds. Cette analyse vous aidera à définir des objectifs financiers réalistes et à prendre des décisions éclairées sur votre argent.
Faire les choses correctement
La vie est pleine de surprises. Suivre vos finances vous permet de constituer un fonds d’urgence. Par exemple, lorsque votre voiture a besoin de réparations imprévues, vous pouvez couvrir les coûts sans dérailler votre budget mensuel.
Suivre vos finances peut sembler intimidant au début, mais les avantages qu’il apporte à votre bien-être financier sont immenses.
Avec une meilleure compréhension de où va votre argent, vous pouvez prendre des décisions plus éclairées, créer un budget, rembourser vos dettes et épargner pour l’avenir.
N’oubliez pas que la constance et la détermination sont les clés du succès. Alors, commencez à suivre vos finances aujourd’hui et prenez le contrôle de votre avenir financier !
Managing your money effectively is a crucial skill that can lead to financial stability and long-term success.
Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or looking to improve your money management skills, tracking your finances is the first step towards achieving your financial goals.
In this guide, we break down the importance of tracking your finances and provide tips to help you get started on the right track.
Why track your finances?
Awareness: Tracking your finances enables you to clearly understand where your money is coming from and where it’s going. It’s like creating a roadmap for your finances, which allows you to see the big picture and make informed decisions.
Imagine you spend $5 on a coffee every day before work. By tracking your expenses, you realize you’re spending $150 a month on coffee alone. This awareness might prompt you to cut back to a few times a week, saving around $90 monthly.
Budgeting: Creating a budget is an essential part of financial planning. By tracking your expenses, you can identify areas where you might be overspending and make necessary adjustments to reach your financial goals faster.
Debt management: Keeping track of your debts, such as credit cards or loans, helps you stay on top of payment deadlines and avoid unnecessary interest charges.
Savings and investments: Tracking your finances allows you to set aside money for savings and investments more effectively. It helps you understand how much you can save each month without compromising your essential expenses.
Getting started with tracking your finances
Gather financial information: Collect all your financial documents, including bank statements, credit card bills, utility bills, and any other sources of income or expenses.
Choose a Tracking Method: You can track your finances using various methods, such as:
Pen and paper: Write down your income and expenses in a notebook or a simple spreadsheet.
Mobile apps: There are numerous budgeting and expense-tracking apps available for smartphones that make the process easier.
Online tools: Many online platforms, like Cowrywise, offer free tools to help you track your finances.
Categorize your income and expenses: Divide your income and expenses into categories to get a better understanding of your spending patterns. Common categories include housing, food, transportation, entertainment, and savings.
Record your transactions regularly: Consistency is key! Make it a habit to record your transactions daily or weekly. This ensures you have an up-to-date picture of your finances and avoids the stress of trying to remember expenses later.
Analyze your finances: Once you have enough data, review your spending patterns and identify areas where you can cut back or reallocate funds. This analysis will help you set realistic financial goals and make informed decisions about your money.
Getting it right
Life is full of surprises. Tracking your finances allows you to build an emergency fund. For example, when your car needs unexpected repairs, you can cover the costs without derailing your monthly budget.
Tracking your finances might seem intimidating at first, but the benefits it brings to your financial well-being are immense.
With a better understanding of where your money is going, you can make more informed decisions, create a budget, pay off debts, and save for the future.
Remember, consistency and determination are key to success. So, start tracking your finances today and take control of your financial future!
Africa’s CleanTech landscape is experiencing an unprecedented boom, fueled by a combination of abundant renewable resources, a growing green consciousness, and significant international investment.
But clean energy investments remain concentrated in just a handful of countries while much of the continent’s clean energy potential remains untapped. The IEA estimates that Africa requires $2 trillion in investment to close this gap.
Foreign investors are keenly aware of this opportunity. In 2022, the sector led foreign direct investment into Africa, according to the Africa Attractiveness Report by global consulting giant EY, further cementing the technology industry’s central role in driving investments into the continent.
From Senegal’s hubs to Cote d’Ivoire’s fintech advancements, exciting tech developments are shaping the future in francophone Africa.
Did you know that Africa is home to the largest number of French speakers in the world?
Yes, you read that right.
The French language, brought to the continent through colonialism by France and Belgium, is today spoken by an estimated 167 million people in Africa in 2023, who make up 51% of the global French-speaking population.
This population is spread across 29 countries, more than half of Africa’s 55, extending from the Maghreb in North Africa to sub-Saharan nations in the center and west such as Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon.
Up to 21 of those countries are known as “francophone countries”, where French is either the official or commonly spoken language.
And, according to some estimates, there will be 700 million French speakers by 2050, 80% of them in Africa.
Yet for all its ubiquity and predominance, the francophone region often remains overshadowed in discussions surrounding one of the continent’s most prominent trends: the surge in technology innovation and startups.
For the better part of the last decade, much of the attention, and investments, have been skewed toward startups in predominantly English-speaking countries.
For context, francophone Africa typically attracts less than 20% of Africa’s annual VC funding.
Far from that, the region has produced some of the most notable fintech and software startups in Africa.
Senegal’s Wave (mobile money service), Tunisia’s InstaDeep(AI solutions provider recently acquired by BioNTech SE in a $684m deal), Morocco’s Chari (an e-commerce platform for small retailers), and Algeria’s Yassir (a super App for on-demand, ride-hailing, last-mile delivery, payment services, and more)are some shining examples.
So why does francophone Africa get sidelined?
Language barriers and investor preferences play a role in this disparity.
Most venture capital investors and firms active in Africa originate from the US and UK, favoring Anglophone markets due to familiarity.
Meanwhile, French investors are scarce in the African startup scene, contributing to the uneven funding distribution.
Another major reason for the lag in francophone African startups’ funding is their recent entry into the scene.
Their emergence in the last three years and early-stage status hinder larger funding rounds.
In 2021, Senegalese fintech Wave achieved a remarkable milestone as the country’s inaugural startup to reach a $1 billion valuation after raising $200 million.
Beating the odds: the rise of francophone startups
In 2021, Senegalese fintech Wave achieved a remarkable milestone as the country’s inaugural startup to reach a $1bn valuation after raising $200m.
Notably, it also stood out as the first unicorn outside of the traditionally dominant tech hubs such as Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya—and the pioneer in French-speaking Africa.
The IFC-led funding received significant attention, sparking curiosity about tech progress in the broader region.
Since then, investment in French-speaking African startups has steadily increased.
African startups raised $4.8bn in 2022, with Nigeria leading with $1.2bn, followed by Kenya, Egypt, and South Africa.
But data from Africa: The Big Deal, a publication that tracks venture funding in Africa, revealed a shift in momentum beyond the “Big Four.”
French-speaking countries like Algeria, Tunisia, and Senegal attracted $151m, $119m, and $112m respectively.
Côte d’Ivoire raised $34m, and Togo reached the $10m funding mark for the first time. Mali also marked its most successful year with $6m.
While investment in central francophone Africa remains lower than in other regions, Chad, Cameroon, Congo, and DRC saw increased investment inflows: from $24m in 2021 to $50m in 2022.
What does the future hold for “the French” in Africa?
Several trends indicate a change in the tech venture fortunes of French-speaking Africa.
For one, the region boasts some of the highest mobile phone adoption rates, which is fueling the rise of even more tech-driven startups. Some of these are:
Julaya (Côte d’Ivoire): provides African businesses with digital accounts to make payments, and disburse mobile money transactions to their employees and suppliers.
Gozem (Togo): a super app that offers a host of services – including transport, e-commerce, and financial services – across several countries in francophone Africa.
Daba (pan-African): enables people, primarily in francophone Africa, access a wide range of investment products, from stocks listed on the regional exchange BRVM, bonds, and mutual funds to early-stage ventures, all through a mobile application.
Jambo (DRC): focused on bringing Web3 to African markets with a mission to onboard the next billion African users.
Hub2 (Côte d’Ivoire): a leading fintech startup in interoperability and payment infrastructure in Francophone Africa, present in 14 countries.
Djamo (Côte d’Ivoire): offers digital banking solutions to people excluded financially.
Auto24 (Côte d’Ivoire): a direct-to-consumer used car company that provides new, innovative solutions to ensure transparent and secure transactions.
Bizao (Côte d’Ivoire): digitizes payments for local and international companies. Since 2019, Bizao has signed over 30 partnerships with telecom operators, banks, and mobile money operators in Africa.
Oko (Mali): develops affordable mobile-based crop insurance products to provide smallholder farmers with the financial security they need, regardless of unstable climate trends. The startup operates in Mali and Uganda and has brought insurance to more than 15,000 farmers.
Paps (Senegal): is a technology-driven transportation and logistics company that offers end-to-end services for customer satisfaction.
BioNTech bought InstaDeep for $684m.
The region also has a more conducive policy environment for innovation while offering startups a relatively easy regional expansion route due to shared culture, language, regulations, and currency.
Fourteen countries use the CFA franc, regulated by the West African Monetary and Economic Union and the Central African Economic and Monetary Community.
The currency is pegged to the Euro and does not fluctuate, providing the kind of foreign exchange stability that’s not available elsewhere on the continent.
Both unions represent 14% of Africa’s total population and 12% of its GDP.
In addition, the region is home to six out of the seven fastest-growing economies in sub-Saharan, per the IMF
French VC investors like Saviu, Orange Ventures, Newfund Capital, Proparco, CFAO, and AfricInvest are also increasingly backing startups in the region.
The presence of a robust early-stage support system in the form of competitions, incubators, accelerators, technological hubs, and venture studios is also contributing to entrepreneurship growth in the region.
Mstudio, for instance, supports early-stage entrepreneurs, and in terms of competitions, tech incubator Hadina RIMTI organizes the Entrepreneur’s Marathon in Mauritania.
For entrepreneurship training in Mali, workshops have been designed and conducted by local incubators CREATEAM and Impact Hub.
Jambar Tech Lab and Traction Camp meanwhile, are getting entrepreneurs in Senegal and Kenya ready to scale their businesses by partnering with incubators on the ground, CTIC Dakar & iHub.
And, open innovation programs like the Mali-based hackathon organized by DoniLab, CREATEAM, Jokkolabs, Teteliso & Impact Hub led to the design of a new urban mobility app for a large local firm.
The 400-million-population-strong francophone African market offers a distinctive opportunity as its tech ecosystem unfolds, and startups attract more attention and capital from regional and global investors.
While readiness for digital services varies across countries, recent successes like Wave and InstaDeep illustrate the region’s collective potential.
From Senegal’s tech hubs to Cote d’Ivoire’s fintech advancements, exciting tech developments are shaping the future of business and services in francophone Africa as much as they are in the more “popular” region.
Lorsqu’il s’agit d’options d’investissement, les obligations sont souvent considérées comme un composant fondamental d’un portefeuille bien diversifié. Elles offrent stabilité, revenu, et un niveau de risque relativement plus faible par rapport à d’autres voies d’investissement.
Dans ce blog, nous plongeons dans le monde des obligations, en explorant ce qu’elles sont, les différents types d’obligations disponibles, comment elles fonctionnent, et comment les investisseurs peuvent gagner de l’argent avec elles.
Qu’est-ce que sont les obligations ?
Les obligations sont des titres à revenu fixe qui représentent un prêt fait par un investisseur à un emprunteur, généralement une entreprise, une collectivité locale ou une entité gouvernementale.
Essentiellement, lorsque vous investissez dans une obligation, vous prêtez de l’argent à l’émetteur pour une période déterminée à un taux d’intérêt prédéterminé, appelé le taux de coupon.
L’émetteur s’engage à rembourser le montant principal, également appelé la valeur nominale ou valeur faciale, à l’échéance.
Quels sont les types d’obligations ?
Obligations gouvernementales : Ce sont émises par les gouvernements nationaux pour financer les dépenses publiques et gérer leurs politiques fiscales. Les obligations du Trésor, également connues sous le nom de T-bonds, en sont des exemples. Elles sont considérées comme la forme la plus sûre d’obligations car elles sont garanties par la pleine foi et crédit du gouvernement.
Obligations d’entreprise : Les entreprises émettent des obligations d’entreprise pour lever des capitaux à diverses fins, telles que l’expansion des activités, l’acquisition d’actifs ou le refinancement de la dette existante. Les obligations d’entreprise offrent des rendements plus élevés par rapport aux obligations gouvernementales, mais elles comportent également un niveau de risque plus élevé. La solvabilité de l’entreprise émettrice de l’obligation joue un rôle important dans la détermination de son taux d’intérêt.
Obligations municipales : Les obligations municipales, ou munis, sont émises par des gouvernements locaux ou régionaux pour financer des projets publics tels que des écoles, des hôpitaux ou le développement de l’infrastructure. Ces obligations sont souvent exemptes d’impôts fédéraux et peuvent également offrir des avantages fiscaux au niveau de l’État et local.
Comment fonctionnent les obligations ?
Lorsque vous achetez une obligation, vous devenez essentiellement créancier de l’émetteur. La valeur nominale de l’obligation représente le montant que vous recevrez à l’échéance. L’émetteur effectue des paiements d’intérêts périodiques, généralement semestriels, basés sur le taux de coupon. Les paiements d’intérêts sont fixes, fournissant un flux de revenus prévisible.
Supposons que vous décidiez d’investir dans une obligation gouvernementale. Vous achetez une obligation de 5 ans d’une valeur nominale de 1 000 $ avec un taux de coupon de 3 %. Cela signifie que l’émetteur gouvernemental vous versera 30 $ par an (3 % de 1 000 $) en tant que revenu d’intérêts. L’obligation a une échéance de 5 ans.
Chaque année, vous recevez un paiement d’intérêts de 30 $, généralement versé semestriellement (15 $ tous les six mois). À la fin de la période de 5 ans, lorsque l’obligation arrive à échéance, l’émetteur gouvernemental vous remboursera la valeur nominale de 1 000 $.
Ainsi, dans cet exemple, sur la période de 5 ans, vous recevriez un total de 150 $ en paiements d’intérêts (30 $ par an) et la valeur nominale de 1 000 $ à l’échéance. En investissant dans cette obligation gouvernementale, vous percevez un flux de revenus fixe et récupérerez finalement le montant principal que vous avez initialement investi.
Les obligations ont également un marché secondaire où elles peuvent être achetées et vendues avant l’échéance. Le prix de marché d’une obligation peut fluctuer en fonction de divers facteurs tels que les variations des taux d’intérêt, la solvabilité de l’émetteur et les conditions du marché. Si vous vendez une obligation avant sa date d’échéance, vous pouvez recevoir plus ou moins que la valeur nominale en fonction des taux de marché en vigueur.
Comment gagner de l’argent avec les obligations
Paiements de coupons : En tant que détenteur d’obligations, vous gagnez un revenu grâce aux paiements de coupons périodiques effectués par l’émetteur. Le taux de coupon, exprimé en pourcentage de la valeur nominale de l’obligation, détermine le montant que vous recevrez. Par exemple, si vous détenez une obligation de 10 000 $ avec un taux de coupon de 5 %, vous recevrez 500 $ par an.
Plus-value en capital : Si les taux d’intérêt diminuent après votre achat d’une obligation, sa valeur sur le marché secondaire peut augmenter. Les investisseurs sont prêts à payer une prime pour des obligations à rendement plus élevé, faisant monter leur prix. Dans ce cas, vous pouvez vendre l’obligation à un prix supérieur à ce que vous avez initialement payé, réalisant un gain en capital.
Échelonnement des obligations : En investissant dans des obligations de différentes échéances, vous pouvez créer une échelle d’obligations. Cette stratégie aide à gérer le risque lié aux taux d’intérêt et fournit des flux de trésorerie réguliers. À mesure que chaque obligation arrive à échéance, vous réinvestissez le principal dans une nouvelle obligation à plus long terme, bénéficiant éventuellement de taux d’intérêt plus élevés.
Pour un investisseur, les obligations fonctionnent en fournissant un flux de revenus fixe à travers des paiements d’intérêts périodiques et en restituant le montant principal à l’échéance. Vous pouvez gagner de l’argent avec les obligations grâce aux paiements de coupons, à l’appréciation en capital si la valeur de l’obligation sur le marché secondaire augmente, et grâce à diverses stratégies telles que l’échelonnement d’obligations.
En général, les obligations offrent stabilité et peuvent être une option d’investissement attrayante pour ceux qui recherchent un revenu régulier et un risque moindre par rapport à d’autres investissements.
Africa is not only rich in cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes but also offers incredible investment opportunities.
But investing in the continent requires patience as strategies that succeed in one country may not work in others.
In this post, we explore five compelling reasons why you should consider investing in Africa, even if you reside outside the continent.
A young and fast-growing market
Africa has over 1.3 billion people and is the world’s youngest region, with almost 60% of its population under 25 years old while the median age is 19.
The continent also boasts a rapidly growing population and an expanding middle class. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2030, over 40% of Africans will belong to the middle or upper classes, and there will be a higher demand for goods and services.
By that time, household consumption is expected to reach $2.5 trillion, more than double that of 2015 at $1.1 trillion.
With increasing urbanization and rising disposable incomes, it presents an untapped market ready for investors to tap into a vast consumer base, which offers tremendous growth potential across various sectors.
Innovation and entrepreneurship
Africa is witnessing a remarkable surge in innovation and entrepreneurship. From fintech startups to renewable energy solutions, African entrepreneurs are harnessing technology to solve local challenges and create scalable businesses.
The continent has produced at least seven unicorns—private companies worth $1 billion or more.
One such startup is Flutterwave, a Nigerian fintech unicorn revolutionizing digital payments across the continent. Another standout is Andela, a pan-African company connecting skilled software developers with global companies.
These innovative startups demonstrate Africa’s increasing prominence in the global tech landscape, fueling economic growth and driving technological advancements across the continent.
By investing in African startups and venture capital funds, you can support these innovative minds while potentially benefiting from their future successes.
Rapid digital transformation
Africa has witnessed a rapid digital transformation in recent years, revolutionizing various sectors.
With increasing internet penetration, mobile connectivity, and innovative solutions, the continent has embraced technology in all facets of life.
More so, the contribution of the mobile industry to its GDP will grow to almost $155 billion.
From mobile banking to e-commerce platforms, Africa’s digital revolution is empowering individuals, bridging the digital divide, and creating opportunities for socio-economic development across the continent.
The abundance of natural resources
Africa is blessed with an abundance of natural resources that contribute significantly to its economic potential.
With vast mineral deposits, the continent holds a substantial share of the world’s reserves of gold, diamonds, platinum, and other precious metals. It is also rich in oil and gas resources, with countries like Nigeria, Angola, and Algeria being major producers.
Additionally, Africa possesses extensive reserves of timber, fertile agricultural land, and a diverse range of flora and fauna.
These resources present immense opportunities for economic growth, industrial development, and foreign investment.
With the right investment strategy, you can benefit from the continent’s rich resources and contribute to its sustainable development.
Stronger and more dynamic economies
Africa is experiencing a remarkable shift towards diverse and stronger economies. With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development, several African nations are making significant strides.
The continent has witnessed a surge in technological advancements, fostering digital transformation and leapfrogging traditional infrastructure barriers.
Countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa have emerged as tech hubs, attracting global investments and nurturing homegrown startups. African governments are also supporting sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, and manufacturing to stimulate economic growth and reduce dependency on commodities.
Regional collaborations, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), are promoting intra-African trade, opening up new markets, and encouraging economic integration.
Africa’s total exports are projected to reach approximately $952 billion by 2035, driven by the growth of regional trade and enhanced connectivity, according to a new report by Standard Chartered.
This momentum towards diverse and stronger economies is poised to unleash Africa’s immense potential, empowering its people and offering investors exciting opportunities across the continent.
Investing in Africa presents a world of opportunities for those outside the continent.
With an untapped market, abundant resources, growing infrastructure, a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, and favorable policies, Africa is poised for economic growth and development.
Disclaimer:This material has been presented for informational and educational purposes only. The views expressed in the articles above are generalized and may not be appropriate for all investors. The information contained in this article should not be construed as, and may not be used in connection with, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or hold, an interest in any security or investment product. There is no guarantee that past performance will recur or result in a positive outcome. Carefully consider your financial situation, including investment objective, time horizon, risk tolerance, and fees prior to making any investment decisions. No level of diversification or asset allocation can ensure profits or guarantee against losses. Articles do not reflect the views of DABA ADVISORS LLC and do not provide investment advice to Daba’s clients.
