Vivatech, the international tech event in Paris, which took place from June 15 to 18, put Africa in the spotlight. From Egypt to South Africa, through Kenya or Congo, dozens of countries participated. Many technological innovations often with a strong societal impact were presented. Three of them received awards at the first AfricaTech Awards.
By Merieme Alaoui, Paris
In the Afrika Tech pavilion, decked out in the colors of the international trade show in Paris, a small stage with a screen were opposite the visitors installed in a semi-circle on orange poufs. In a clocked timing, CEOs or other representatives of African startups, each in turn, introduce their innovation. Like the American pitch, they have less than four minutes to describe the context, the concrete needs of the population and defend their technology with punchy phrases and slides.
Among the 400 exhibitors at the Porte de Versailles, the latest innovations in humanoid robots or technologies to facilitate future telecommuting contrast with African innovations with a strong societal impact: Fintech, Climate Tech and Health Tech. « This vision of tech responds concretely to specific issues people are facing. This is also what we wanted to highlight, » says Laure Wybo, Vivatech Development Director.
300 companies competed, 60% of which created by women
The challenge for African inventors was also to compete in the first AfricaTech Awards organized with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank. After a challenge launched last March, 300 companies competed, 60% of which were created by women. At a great ceremony, three winners were finally highlighted on the main stage of the show.
Each represented one of the three key themes of this edition. Technologies that make life easier for patients were particularly commented on. In this category, the Egyptian company Chefaa was awarded. Dr. Rasha Rady presented the GPS-enabled pharmacy services application, which allows patients with chronic diseases to order, schedule and even refill their prescriptions. This is regardless of their location and income.
The start-up WEEE Center (Kenya) also received a trophy for its management of electronic waste through environmentally and human health safe operations. Finally, Click2Sure (South Africa) offers cloud-based, modular and scalable insurance. This technology allows insurance companies to better manage their overall business through real-time reporting and information.
Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation, explained the interest of this international showcase. « Africa abounds with innovative technology solutions that can help fight climate change, promote food security and expand financial inclusion. Yet, more than 80 percent of African startups report difficulties accessing finance. »
A focus on Africa from the first edition of Vivatech
The exhibition brought together 30 foreign countries against 22 in 2019, up over 35%. On the African side, Egypt and Mauritania joined the other partner countries. « From the start of Vivatech, we wanted to highlight the innovation of the African continent. From a media point of view in France, when we talk about Africa it is often Ebola, famine … But we forget that this continent is completely taking over the digital world and accordingly the ability to use few resources. Today, 47 African countries have applied for the challenge out of 54, which is huge, » says Laure Wybo, Director of Development at Vivatech.
While one of the stated objectives is to attract African countries in search of financing, the other is to boost major groups such as Vinci, Société Générale or Sanofi, already present on the continent. And to enable them to meet new local startups.
A small market with huge potential
The African market remains small compared to the rest of the world and concentrated in a handful of countries. 80% of the funds raised in startups in Africa are destined for four countries: Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt and South Africa. Between 2013 and 2019, the market is worth less than 4 billion dollars, compared to a market of over 500 billion in the United States and around 100 billion euros in Europe.
But its potential remains immense, with African start-ups eager to catch up. The rate of investment grew by 155% between 2017 and 2020 and the number of companies financed over the same period was more than 187% according to Proparco figures. « While the challenge is obviously to bring in capital, we are starting to see African startups move into Silicon Valley. This is a strong sign for us, » comments Laure Wybo.
