Strengthening AI foundations is not just important—it's critical for the future of industrial and sustainable development. Without solid AI infrastructure, the potential of technology to revolutionize industries remains untapped. We are thrilled to present the results of our application process for the AI Hub for Sustainable Development Startup Accelerator Pilot. This initiative, part of the co-design of the AI Hub for Sustainable Development, has showcased the wealth of innovation across the African continent, highlighting the immense potential of AI to drive progress.
The programme has sparked a wave of creativity, attracting over 300 applications from cutting-edge startups from the nine priority countries of the Italy-Africa Mattei Plan for a six-month co-design accelerator pilot. With innovative solutions in energy, agriculture, health, water, education and training, and infrastructure, these startups are leading the charge towards a smarter, more sustainable world.
As we present the results of this application process, we invite you to explore the work of 12 standout startups that exemplify the innovation and potential we've seen throughout this journey. These companies are not just building businesses – they're laying the foundation for an AI-driven, sustainable future across Africa.
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We categorized the applications based on their primary focus within the AI value chain:
IRIF is a technology-driven agricultural company dedicated to empowering a new generation of African farmers through innovation and sustainable practices.
Country: Ethiopia
AI Value Chain Focus Area: Data
Project’s Focus: Agriculture
SDGs Focus:
IrWise is a pioneering startup that specializes in smart irrigation solutions, integrating advanced technology with sustainable agricultural practices.
Country: Tunisia
AI Value Chain Focus Area: Data, Compute
Project’s Focus: Agriculture, Water
SDGs Focus:
Kytabu is an innovative edtech company in Kenya that leverages AI-driven tools to enhance educational outcomes.
Country: Kenya
AI Value Chain Focus Area: Data, Talent
Project’s Focus: Education and Training
SDGs Focus:
NextAV leverages AI-driven super-resolution technology to transform low-resolution public satellite images into detailed, high-resolution data.
Country: Tunisia
AI Value Chain Focus Area: Data, Compute
Project’s Focus: Education and Training
SDGs Focus:
TradePulse is a mobile-first AI based SaaS tool for cashflow tracking with embedded revenue-based financing for agro-processors and light manufacturers in emerging economies.
Country: Kenya
AI Value Chain Focus Area: Data, Compute
Project’s Focus: Education and Training
SDGs Focus:
Alder Green Solutions leverages advanced AI and blockchain technology to revolutionize agriculture and combat climate change.
Country: Tunisia
AI Value Chain Focus Area: Data, Talent, Compute
Project’s Focus: Agriculture, Energy, Water
SDGs Focus:
CAREDIFY specializes in IT development focused on AI and machine learning solutions for cardiac health.
Country: Algeria
AI Value Chain Focus Area: Data, Compute
Project’s Focus: Health
SDGs Focus:
Danaya provides tailored identity verification services for KYC/KYB compliance in French-speaking African countries.
Country: Ivory Coast
AI Value Chain Focus Area: Data
Project’s Focus: Digital Infrastructure
SDGs Focus:
Eco Metering Africa is revolutionizing African agriculture by empowering smallholder farmers with cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions.
Country: Kenya
AI Value Chain Focus Area: Data, Compute
Project’s Focus: Agriculture, Water, Energy
SDGs Focus:
FriendnPal is Africa’s first AI-powered multilingual mental health support app, designed to provide accessible and culturally relevant mental health care.
Country: Ivory Coast
AI Value Chain Focus Area: Data, Talent
Project’s Focus: Health
SDGs Focus:
Maternanet is an innovative health-tech startup transforming maternal healthcare in Africa through cutting-edge technology and compassionate human connections.
Country: Kenya
AI Value Chain Focus Area: Data, Talent
Project’s Focus: Health
SDGs Focus:
Nobuk is a payment reconciliation startup helping groups and collectives in Africa to manage collection processes seamlessly by automating payment reconciliation and report sharing.
Country: Kenya
AI Value Chain Focus Area: Data
Project’s Focus: Digital Infrastructure
SDGs Focus:
