Introduction
NBA Africa has revealed the 10 startup companies from seven African countries that have been selected to present their products at a Demo Day at the NBA headquarters in New York City. These startups are part of the "Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator" program, which was launched in April 2024 to support Africa’s burgeoning technology ecosystem and foster the growth of the next generation of African entrepreneurs.
Spotlight on the Finalists: Diverse Innovations from Across Africa
The selected startups represent a wide range of innovative solutions aimed at transforming various sectors, including event management, youth development, AI, and digital marketing. Here’s a closer look at the finalists:
HustleSasa (Kenya): A platform offering comprehensive live event services, including payment processing, attendee check-in, merchandise sales, customer data management, and influencer tracking.
Backrest (Rwanda): Developer of the WristWrist wearable technology, a cashless payment solution for event venues. Attendees can preload funds onto wristbands for seamless, quick transactions during events.
Buzza (Nigeria): Provides digital solutions to sports organizations, helping them transition from paper-based to digital management. The platform supports website creation, payment processing, and revenue growth while offering athletes tools to track their performance and build their profiles.
Festival Coins (Nigeria): Creator of Tix Africa, a customizable, no-code event registration and ticketing platform for events in Nigeria and Ghana. The platform enables organizers to sell tickets online, process payments, and manage on-site registrations efficiently.
Gara (Côte d’Ivoire): A pan-African video gaming and comics platform that promotes digital entertainment on the continent through culturally relevant products, including games featuring local celebrities and adaptable payment systems for local currencies.
Naemo Global (Nigeria): Developer of Afriskaut, a proprietary scouting software that uses data analytics and AI to revolutionize sports scouting in Africa. The platform processes football match videos to extract critical data for scouting the next generation of elite talent.
Power to Girls Foundation (Ghana): Provides My Power App, a social connection and mentorship platform for girls and women aged 13-20. The app offers educational resources, mentorship opportunities, a confidential helpline, and a supportive community focused on education, mental health, and personal development.
Salubata (Nigeria): Innovator of modular shoes made from repurposed plastic waste. With global patents and design rights, Salubata aims to reduce the global carbon footprint through its environmentally friendly products.
UBR VR (Egypt): Delivers immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences in Egypt, offering players the chance to explore rich historical and fantasy worlds. These culturally relevant VR experiences foster community connections and player interaction.
Vambo Technologies (South Africa): A digital language technology platform leveraging AI to provide real-time translation, content creation, and language learning tools. Vambo AI supports widely spoken languages such as Amharic, Yoruba, French, and Portuguese, as well as niche African languages, promoting digital inclusion across the continent.
NBA Africa's Commitment to Fostering Innovation
Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa, praised the talent and creativity of all the applicants and congratulated the 10 deserving finalists. "We have been inspired by the level of talent and creativity from all of the applicants, and we congratulate the 10 deserving finalists who will showcase their innovative solutions at Demo Day later this month," Akamanzi said. She emphasized NBA Africa’s commitment to supporting the growth of startups on the continent, noting that the four prize-winning companies will help elevate the sport and creative industries in Africa for years to come.
Supporting Africa’s Next Generation of Tech Entrepreneurs
Operated by ALX Ventures, the "Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator" was open to early-stage startups in Africa that are developing solutions in event management, ticketing, youth development, AI, and digital marketing. This initiative aims to strengthen Africa’s tech ecosystem by providing startups with access to mentorship, capital, and opportunities to drive growth in the sports and creative industries.
The Road Ahead: Demo Day and Beyond
At the upcoming Demo Day, the selected startups will pitch their products to a panel of international industry leaders. The panel will then select four winning companies, which will receive financial support, mentorship, and the opportunity to participate in workshops and development programs facilitated by NBA Africa and its partners.
These efforts underscore NBA Africa’s dedication to empowering African entrepreneurs and fostering innovation that will have a lasting impact on the continent’s economy and cultural landscape.
