Tag: daba

From Food to Tech: Where To Invest In Africa In 2024

Africa offers immense investment potential to achieve sustainable development while generating financial returns.

As outlined in the 2022 UNDP Africa Investment Insights Report, data from 10 African countries shows over 150 investment opportunities across diverse sectors.

These present strong multiplier effects towards poverty reduction and shared prosperity on the continent.

Food and beverages, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and renewable energy emerged as the top five sectors for investment opportunities in the report.

Together, they accounted for over 60% of identified prospects spanning Eastern, Western, and Southern Africa.

The Daba Intelligence team further explores five more sectors. Read on to discover where Africa’s hottest investment opportunities lie.

Where To Invest In Africa: Here Are The Top 10 Most Promising Sectors

1. Food and Agriculture

The food and agriculture sector plays an integral economic role across Africa.

Despite the growth of its middle class and a reduced reliance on agriculture, Africa continues to experience a rising population and an increasing demand for food.

As a result, the continent offers substantial investment prospects in the agriculture and agribusiness sectors. These opportunities encompass investments in various aspects of the agricultural value chain, including farmland, agricultural inputs, processing, and agritech innovations.

Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular, faces significant agricultural needs that extend beyond fundamental elements like fertilizer, seeds, and irrigation to include essential infrastructure improvements.

Companies involved in enhancing roads, storage facilities, ports, and power grids in the region can also thrive as they support and facilitate the growth of Sub-Saharan Africa’s thriving agricultural operations.

These investments not only offer potential financial returns but also contribute to addressing the food security challenges that the region faces.

Africa continues to experience a rising population and an increasing demand for food.

2. Infrastructure

Infrastructure needs remain critical for advancing socioeconomic outcomes. Requirements continue rising amidst rapid urbanization and industrialization.

While Africa’s infrastructure shortage is undeniable, it provides abundant investment opportunities – particularly for sectors like construction, telecommunications, energy, and transportation, to name a few.

The AfDB estimates that the continent needs up to $170 billion per year by 2025 to overhaul its infrastructure, with two-thirds of that being needed for entirely new infrastructure and the remaining one-third for maintenance.

Consequently, roads, housing, electricity, waste management, and other long-term projects signal strong public-private partnership potential.

3. Healthcare

The healthcare and prescription medicines sectors are estimated to have a combined worth of $3 billion, with innovator/patented medications contributing around $1.7 billion to this value. Over-the-counter medicines currently hold a value of $378 million.

Given the rise in pharmaceutical companies producing generic medicines, there’s a strong likelihood of increased investment in the nation’s healthcare sector.

This is particularly significant considering that 85% of Africa’s population depends on public health services.

It’s reasonable to anticipate that the public would readily embrace the National Health Insurance Plan, seeking access to more affordable medicines and treatment facilities.

Don’t miss out on exclusive investment opportunities in Africa! Download the Daba app today and unlock a world of potential returns while making a positive impact.

4. Education

Investing in education in Africa presents an opportunity to support the continent’s growth while yielding returns. Africa’s population is expected to double by 2050, driving demand for quality education.

Investment opportunities exist in building and running schools, educational technology, scholarships, and training programs. Private schools and higher education are particularly promising given the increasing demand for affordable, quality education.

Educational technology also provides a large-scale opportunity. With growing mobile and internet access, online platforms and apps can deliver affordable education in remote, underserved areas.

Investing in education in Africa presents an opportunity to support the continent’s growth while yielding returns.

Providing African students and professionals with scholarships and training is another impactful investment. Partnerships with organizations already active in this space provide ideal investment channels.

Africa’s expanding youth population and demand for quality education create an opportunity to spur development through investment and generate financial returns.

5. Renewable energy

Africa has abundant renewable energy resources that present major investment opportunities as the continent transitions to sustainable energy sources.

Solar and wind power are projected to see massive growth, with installed capacity increasing 100x for solar and 35x for wind by 2050. This will require billions in investment over the coming decades.

Morocco, South Africa, and North African countries will be key markets for solar and wind projects due to strong solar irradiation and wind resources, according to the World Economic Forum.

Hydroelectric power also offers substantial potential, with capacity expected to quadruple by 2050. Sub-Saharan African countries have the greatest remaining hydro resources to tap. Green hydrogen production is another area primed for major growth and exports, with projects already underway in Morocco, Namibia, and South Africa.

Cumulatively, nearly $3 trillion in capital expenditure on renewables and supporting infrastructure will be needed in Africa by 2050. Investing early can allow financial institutions to drive the transition and capitalize on long-term opportunities.

Africa’s CleanTech landscape is experiencing an unprecedented boom, fueled by a combination of abundant renewable resources.

6. Commodity markets

Many African nations rely extensively on the trade of commodities. Some of them navigate the ups and downs of commodity cycles, exemplified by major oil-exporting countries like Angola and Nigeria, as well as copper-producing nations such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia.

According to UN estimates, Africa holds over 30% of global mineral reserves, including more than half the world’s reserves of gold, chrome, and platinum, a significant proportion of global diamond reserves, and 5% of naturally occurring lithium ore reserves.

The continent is also home to leading global exporters of agricultural commodities like cocoa (Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana), coffee (Ethiopia and Uganda), tea (Kenya), and cotton (Benin, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Sudan, and Mali).

Looking for a chance to make a difference while earning returns. Head over to our app to start investing in Africa’s growth today!

7. Retail and e-commerce

Africa’s expanding middle class, which has surged from 313 million people over the past 30 years, presents enticing investment prospects in retail-focused sectors.

For context, telecom companies in Africa have added over 400 million subscribers—more than the entire US population—since 2000.

The growth of Africa’s middle class can be attributed mainly to robust economic expansion, a shift towards salaried employment, and a move away from agriculture. The general pace may have been slower than expected but the continent’s demographic makeup remains attractive.

Catering to this market is a rapidly growing e-commerce industry, helped by an increasing number of Internet users. By 2025, Africa is forecast to have over half a billion online shoppers, with a 40% penetration, and a 17% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).

8. Real estate and housing

Urbanization and population growth in numerous African countries have fueled a rising demand for both residential and commercial real estate.

This dynamic landscape offers compelling opportunities in real estate development projects, allowing investors to capitalize on the continent’s growth momentum to potentially profit from the appreciating property values.

Many of the proven investment techniques that have succeeded in the Western world, such as long-term rentals, real estate investment trusts (REITs), vacation rentals, and lease options, can yield comparable returns in the African market.

Investors who prefer a cautious approach can consider options like REITs and other real estate funds. These investment vehicles can provide exposure to the real estate market while diversifying risk and potentially offering more stable returns.

9. Financial services and fintech

Africa’s financial services landscape has evolved over the last two decades and will play a critical role in securing the continent’s future.

Without sustainable funding and commercial credit, project development in key areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, and energy projects remain concepts rather than reality.

Regulatory reforms, the emergence of an urban middle class, and technological advancements allow financial institutions access to funding mechanisms to mitigate risk and maximize returns.

Want to take the next step in tapping Africa’s investment potential? Head over to our website or download the Daba app now to start your journey.

Revenues in the financial services sector at large could grow at about 10% per annum to $230 billion by 2025.

The emergence of fintech-driven solutions particularly holds great promise for this sector. Africa’s fintech potential was around $150 billion in 2020, per a report by McKinsey, fueled by insurance, retail, and SME lending.

Going forward, the market is projected to grow by 10% per year to reach around $230 billion by 2025, with the blockchain, payments, and wallets sectors expected to grow fastest.

10. Technology and Innovation

Africa’s technology sector is experiencing rapid growth, with numerous innovative companies emerging to address real-world challenges and cater to consumer demands.

These African startups enjoy several advantages, including being early movers in the market and aligning with favorable demographic trends.

Despite the global economic slowdown experienced in 2022, African startups managed to secure record levels of funding from venture capitalists in the United States, Europe, and other regions.

Notably, the continent has even given rise to seven unicorns – startups valued at over $1 billion – further underlining the burgeoning potential and success of Africa’s tech industry.

Impact and Returns

Most opportunities are projected to generate a new positive outcome for underserved groups. This indicates they can meaningfully contribute to overcoming pressing sustainable development challenges.

They also offer attractive returns. About half forecast internal rates of return exceeding 20%, alongside high gross profit margins.

However, long investment horizons are common, especially in capital-intensive sectors like transportation and infrastructure where patience is key.

Financing and Implementation

Although some opportunities meet conditions for market-rate financing, most require blended public-private approaches.

These partnerships can address risks related to regulation, affordability, skills gaps, and enabling environment constraints.

Collaborations through regional bodies like the African Continental Free Trade Area also allow businesses to access larger markets, diversify portfolios, and share experiences. Additionally, they enable countries to focus interventions around their comparative advantages.

The Way Forward: Seize Africa’s Investment Opportunities Today

Africa provides abundant investment prospects to simultaneously deliver positive impact and financial gains over the medium to long term.

Institutional investors and development partners should continue working together to turn opportunities into reality in areas including agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and renewable energy.

And for retail investors, the good news is that the proliferation of investment platforms like Daba makes participating in investment opportunities in Africa’s emerging markets easier than ever.

For more content and analysis on economic trends and investment opportunities in Africa, get the Daba application today! And if you’re an institutional investor ready to explore opportunities tailored to your interests and objectives, fill out this interest form on the Daba website!

February 18, 2024
Pourquoi les investisseurs sont enthousiastes à propos de l’Obligation du Trésor du Sénégal

Le Sénégal s’apprête à émettre une obligation du Trésor de 200 milliards de francs CFA (330 millions de dollars) en trois tranches ce mois-ci, suscitant un intérêt significatif des investisseurs.

Avec le pays d’Afrique de l’Ouest affichant l’une des économies à croissance rapide du continent africain, les investisseurs ont de bonnes raisons d’être enthousiastes.

Voici cinq facteurs qui alimentent l’enthousiasme des investisseurs pour l’émission de l’obligation :

1. Qualité de l’émetteur

Le Sénégal s’est établi comme un modèle de stabilité politique en Afrique de l’Ouest. Le pays a connu des transitions pacifiques du pouvoir depuis son indépendance en 1960.

Récemment, le président Macky Sall a annoncé qu’il ne chercherait pas un troisième mandat aux élections de 2024, apaisant les tensions politiques antérieures.

Le pays s’est également affirmé comme un participant fréquent et fiable sur le marché financier de l’Union économique et monétaire ouest-africaine (UEMOA). En 2023 seul, le gouvernement sénégalais a réalisé 44 émissions d’obligations sur cette plateforme.

Dakar, Senegal

Les agences mondiales de notation de crédit Standard & Poor’s et Moody’s ont classé le Sénégal respectivement aux niveaux d’investissement B+ et Ba3, soulignant l’amélioration de la solvabilité du pays.

Le FMI prévoit également que le Sénégal, déjà deuxième économie de l’UEMOA, enregistrera le deuxième taux de croissance économique le plus élevé en Afrique cette année et le cinquième au monde.

2. Flux de revenus réguliers

Comme la plupart des obligations gouvernementales, l’offre du Sénégal fournira aux investisseurs des paiements d’intérêts réguliers tout au long de la durée de vie de l’obligation, assurant un flux de revenus régulier.

La tranche de 5 ans offre un coupon de 6,25 %, la tranche de 7 ans offre 6,45 %, et la tranche de 10 ans offre 6,65 %, offrant aux investisseurs un flux de revenus semi-annuel robuste et stable, assurant des rendements attrayants surtout compte tenu des tendances actuelles des taux mondiaux.

3. Faible risque de défaut

Soutenues par un gouvernement souverain, les obligations souveraines comme celles du Sénégal présentent un risque de défaut extrêmement faible par rapport aux titres d’entreprises.

Alors que les obligations d’entreprises offrent des rendements attractifs, elles dépendent uniquement de la santé financière de l’entreprise émettrice. Le Sénégal n’a jamais fait défaut sur ses obligations.

Les investisseurs peuvent compter sur le gouvernement pour respecter ses paiements d’intérêts promis et le remboursement du principal.

President Macky Sall

4. Avantages fiscaux

Les investisseurs résidents bénéficieront d’une exonération d’impôts sur les paiements d’intérêts et le remboursement du principal. Cette combinaison de rendements attrayants sans imposition rend les obligations sénégalaises attrayantes en tant que proposition de revenus fixes.

Pour les investisseurs étrangers, les revenus sont soumis aux régimes fiscaux nationaux applicables.

5. Liquidité et accessibilité

Les obligations souveraines ont tendance à être plus activement négociées en raison de volumes d’émission plus importants, assurant une liquidité saine pour les investisseurs.

Les obligations peuvent être achetées directement auprès du gouvernement ou via des plateformes d’investissement en ligne telles que Daba.

Elles seront négociées sur la Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières (BRVM) de l’Afrique de l’Ouest francophone, assurant une liquidité pour les investisseurs.

Le gouvernement se réserve le droit de racheter des obligations sur le marché ouvert, permettant aux investisseurs de vendre facilement leurs avoirs.

L’obligation sénégalaise sera négociée sur la BRVM, fournissant une liquidité pour les investisseurs.

Les investisseurs peuvent également acheter facilement des obligations sénégalaises par le biais de courtiers ou de fonds communs de placement sans participer directement aux enchères. La possibilité de retirer relativement facilement des investissements avant l’échéance offre une flexibilité supplémentaire.

Avec les perspectives de croissance économique solides du Sénégal et son profil de crédit, combinés à la fiabilité et aux avantages d’une obligation souveraine, les investisseurs peuvent s’exposer à l’une des économies phares de l’Afrique tout en obtenant un rendement attractif et sans risque sur leur capital.

Pour plus de contenu sur les tendances et opportunités d’investissement, consultez l’application Daba dès aujourd’hui !

January 30, 2024
Why Investors Are Excited About Senegalese T-Bond

Senegal is set to issue a 200 billion CFA francs ($330 million) treasury bond in three tranches, attracting significant investor interest.

With the West African nation boasting one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, investors have good reason to be excited.

Here are five factors driving investor enthusiasm for the bond issuance:

1. Quality of the Issuer

Senegal has established itself as a model of political stability in West Africa. The country has seen peaceful transitions of power since independence in 1960.

Recently, President Macky Sall announced he would not seek a third term in the 2024 elections, easing earlier political tensions.

Also Read: 2024 Outlook – A Year of Elections in Africa

The country has also established itself as a frequent and reliable participant in the West African Economic and Monetary Union’s (WAEMU) capital market. In 2023 alone, the Senegalese government conducted 44 bond and note issuances on this platform.

Dakar, Senegal

Global credit rating agencies Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s have classified Senegal at investment grade levels B+ and Ba3 respectively, underscoring the country’s improving creditworthiness.

The IMF also forecasts Senegal, already WAEMU’s second-largest economy, to record Africa’s second-highest economic growth rate this year and the world’s fifth.

2. Steady Income Stream

Like most government bonds, Senegal’s offering will provide investors with regular interest payments over the lifespan of the bond, enabling a steady stream of income.

The 5-year tranche pays a 6.25% coupon, the 7-year pays 6.45%, and the 10-year pays 6.65%, offering investors a robust and steady semi-annual income stream and ensuring healthy yields especially given current global rate trends.

3. Low Default Risk

Backed by a sovereign government, sovereign bonds like Senegal’s pose extremely little default risk compared to corporate paper. While corporate bonds offer juicy yields, they are only as reliable as the issuing company’s financial health.

Senegal has never defaulted on its obligations. Investors can count on the government to make good on its promised coupon payments and principal redemption.

President Macky Sall

4. Tax Advantages

Resident investors will enjoy exemption from taxes on interest payments and repayment of principal. This combination of healthy yields absent of taxes renders Senegalese bonds an attractive fixed-income proposition.

For foreign investors, income is subject to applicable national tax regimes.

5. Liquidity & Accessibility

Sovereign bonds tend to trade more actively owing to higher issuance volumes, ensuring healthy liquidity for investors.

The bonds can be bought directly from the government or through online investment platforms such as Daba.

They will trade on the francophone West Africa regional stock exchange, BRVM, providing liquidity for investors. The government reserves the right to repurchase bonds on the open market.

So investors can sell holdings fairly easily.

The Senegalese bond will trade on the francophone West Africa regional stock exchange, BRVM, providing liquidity for investors.

Investors can also conveniently purchase Senegalese bonds through brokerages or mutual funds without directly participating in auctions. The ability to relatively easily cash out investments before maturity provides additional flexibility.

With Senegal’s strong economic growth prospects and credit profile, combined with the reliability and advantages of a sovereign bond, investors can gain exposure to one of Africa’s star economies while earning an attractive risk-free return on their capital.

For more content on investment trends and opportunities, check out the Daba application today!

January 30, 2024
Principales conclusions du Rapport Partech 2023 sur le capital-risque technologique en Afrique

Le rapport annuel de Partech sur le capital-risque technologique en Afrique offre des perspectives précieuses sur l’évolution de l’écosystème technologique africain.

L’édition 2023 révèle un ralentissement significatif du financement, en accord avec les tendances mondiales du capital-risque, mais met en lumière des zones de résilience.

Voici les principales conclusions.

Diminution de moitié du financement reflète la conjoncture mondiale

En 2023, les start-ups africaines ont levé 3,5 milliards de dollars, soit une baisse annuelle de 46 %, répartie sur 547 transactions (-28 %). Les fonds propres ont spécifiquement enregistré une diminution de financement de 50 %.

Cela reflète la crise mondiale du financement du capital-risque alors que les investisseurs devenaient plus prudents. Cependant, l’Afrique a toujours attiré plus de 500 investisseurs, démontrant un intérêt continu et fort.

Baisse observée à tous les stades de financement

Le rapport montre des baisses à tous les stades de financement, la plus importante étant dans les tours de croissance (-31 % en moyenne). Les tours d’amorçage et de série A ont diminué modérément (8 à 16 %), tandis que la série B est restée stable.

Cela indique que les investisseurs se sont concentrés sur le soutien aux entreprises existantes de leur portefeuille plutôt que sur de nouveaux investissements.

Les 4 principaux marchés restent en tête, avec des changements

Les quatre principaux marchés africains – l’Afrique du Sud, le Nigeria, l’Égypte et le Kenya – dominent toujours, sécurisant 79 % des transactions. Cependant, leur part de transactions a légèrement diminué (passant de 77 %), signalant une activité croissante sur tout le continent.

L’Afrique du Sud a pris la première place en termes de fonds propres levés avec 548 millions de dollars. Cependant, le Kenya a capturé la première place pour le financement global avec 719 millions de dollars grâce à un financement important par la dette. Ainsi, ces deux nations sont actuellement en tête du financement technologique en Afrique.

Le Nigeria est resté en première position en termes de nombre de transactions, malgré une division par deux de son financement en fonds propres. Pendant ce temps, l’Égypte a subi le plus gros impact parmi les quatre premiers, avec une chute de 58 % des transactions en fonds propres.

Montée du francophone

Encourageant, 52 % des pays africains ont bénéficié d’investissements technologiques, contre 46 % en 2022. L’Afrique francophone a connu une croissance substantielle, représentant 15 % des fonds propres (contre 11 %) dans 20 % des transactions. Cela indique une attention renforcée du capital-risque au-delà des quatre principaux hubs technologiques.

La Fintech conserve la couronne du financement

Comme les années précédentes, la fintech s’est classée première tant en nombre de transactions (113) qu’en financement total des fonds propres (852 millions de dollars).

Le commerce électronique et les technologies propres se sont classés à égalité en deuxième position avec des parts de 13 % chacun. La domination de la fintech montre le besoin immense de l’Afrique en matière d’inclusion financière et de solutions de paiement.

La croissance du financement pour les fondatrices

Les start-ups fondées par des femmes ont levé 25 % des transactions en fonds propres, soit une augmentation de 3 points de pourcentage par rapport à 2022. Elles ont également obtenu 392 millions de dollars en fonds propres, représentant 17 % du total des fonds propres, contre 13 % l’année précédente. Bien que cela reste faible par rapport à la population, le soutien du capital-risque aux femmes leaders technologiques a gagné du terrain de manière significative.

La dette émerge comme un complément aux fonds propres

Le rapport met en avant la pertinence croissante de la dette, représentant 35 % du financement total contre seulement 24 % en 2022. Le Kenya a été en tête du financement par la dette avec une part de 32 %, axée principalement sur les entreprises de technologies propres et de fintech.

Alors que les fonds propres se resserrent, la dette offre une alternative de capital viable pour les start-ups africaines en maturation.

En résumé, bien que l’environnement de financement technologique en Afrique soit devenu nettement plus difficile en 2023, le secteur semble résister à la tempête.

Les acteurs clés ont maintenu des niveaux de financement respectables compte tenu du contexte, les investisseurs ont continué à soutenir un éventail de marchés et de fondateurs, et la dette a contribué à atténuer le ralentissement des fonds propres.

Le rapport de Partech suggère un optimisme prudent quant au retour de la croissance technologique en Afrique après la crise. Des métriques clés telles que le nombre de transactions et le financement des femmes soulignent l’élan sous-jacent de l’industrie.

Vous souhaitez en savoir plus sur les tendances en matière d’investissement et accéder aux opportunités en Afrique ? Téléchargez l’application Daba depuis vos magasins d’applications dès aujourd’hui !

January 30, 2024
Partech 2023 Africa Tech VC Report: Key Takeaways

The annual Partech Africa Tech Venture Capital report offers valuable insights into the evolution of the African tech ecosystem.

The 2023 edition reveals a significant funding slowdown aligned with global VC trends, yet highlights areas of resilience.

Here are the key takeaways.

Halved Funding Reflects Global Downturn

In 2023, African startups raised $3.5B, a 46% annual drop, spread across 547 deals (-28%). Equity specifically saw a 50% funding decrease.

This mirrors the global VC funding crunch as investors became more cautious. However, Africa still captivated over 500 investors, proving continued strong interest.

Drop Seen at All Funding Stages

The report shows drops across all funding stages, but the largest was in growth rounds (-31% ticket average). Seed and Series A shrank moderately (8-16%), while Series B held steady.

This indicates investors focused on supporting existing portfolio companies rather than new investments.

Top 4 Markets Still Lead, With Shifts

The African “big four” markets —South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Kenya—still dominate, securing 79% of deals. However, their deal share fell somewhat (from 77%), signaling increasing activity across the continent.

South Africa took first place by total equity raised at $548M. Yet Kenya captured the top spot for overall funding at $719M thanks to major debt financing. So these two nations currently lead Africa’s tech funding.

Nigeria persisted as #1 by deal count, despite its equity funding being halved. Meanwhile, Egypt took the biggest hit among the top four, with equity deals plummeting 58%.

Francophone Rising

Encouragingly, 52% of African countries saw a tech investment, up from 46% in 2022. Francophone Africa enjoyed substantial growth taking 15% of equity (up from 11%) across 20% of deals. This indicates strengthened VC attention beyond the major four tech hubs.

Also Read: Francophone Africa – An Emerging Startup Powerhouse

Fintech Retains Funding Crown

As in previous years, fintech ranked first in both deals (113) and total equity funding ($852M).

E-commerce and cleantech tied for second place with 13% shares each. Fintech’s dominance shows Africa’s immense need for financial inclusion and payment solutions.

Funding to Women Founders Growing

Startups with female founders raised 25% of equity deals, up 3 percentage points from 2022. They also secured $392M in equity, representing 17% of total equity versus 13% last year. While still low relative to the population, VC backing for women tech leaders gained meaningful ground.

Debt Emerges as Complement to Equity

The report highlights debt’s increasing relevance, making up 35% of total funding versus just 24% in 2022.

Kenya led debt financing with a 32% share, focused heavily on cleantech and fintech companies.

As equity tightens, debt provides a viable capital alternative for maturing African startups.

In summary, while the Africa tech funding environment grew markedly more challenging in 2023, the sector appears to be weathering the storm.

Key players retained respectable funding levels given the climate, investors continued backing a breadth of markets and founders, and debt helped cushion the equity slowdown.

The Partech report suggests cautious optimism for African tech growth returning post-downturn. Key metrics like deal count and women’s funding underscore the industry’s underlying momentum.

Want to learn more about investment trends and access opportunities in Africa? Download the Daba application from your app stores today!

January 30, 2024
Daba sélectionnée pour la cohorte inaugurale de Visa Inclusive Fintech Accelerator

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.

January 21, 2024
2023 Recap: Major Themes in African Tech
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
- Nigeria lifted a ban on cryptocurrency imposed by the Central Bank almost 3 years ago
- Egypt’s MNT-Halan raised $400m in an equity and debt round that saw it become Africa’s latest unicorn (a private company valued at $1bn or more).
- Bosun Tijani, founder of CcHUB, was appointed as Nigeria’s minister of communications, innovation, and digital economy
- Wasoko and MaxAB, Africa’s leading e-retailers from Kenya and Egypt, are exploring a possible deal that could lead to African tech’s largest merger
- Jumia and Bolt shut down their food delivery businesses amid struggles that underscore the challenging nature of the industry
- 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.

For one, many factors that kept VC activity subdued in the continent this year are still present going into the new year: inflationary pressure, currency volatility, debt worries, muted economic growth, high interest rates, and geopolitical tensions, among others.

But even amidst the uncertainty, investors remain optimistic and Africa’s tech ecosystem is as resilient as ever.

We’re down to the last hours of what’s been a rollercoaster year. Daba wishes you happy holidays and a prosperous new year ahead!
December 31, 2023
2023 Recap: African Largest VC Rounds

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!

December 24, 2023
How Mobile Money Changed Africa

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.

By 2011, over 50% of the Kenyan adult population had an M-Pesa account, rising to 90% in 2016.

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.

Mobile Money also promises to transform cross-border money transfer and international remittances in Africa, driven by companies like MFS Africa, Mama Money, and Paga, to name a few

More innovation on the horizon

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.

December 23, 2023
Comment suivre vos finances
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 !
December 17, 2023