Edtech startup, AltSchool Africa, Expands Its Reach to Kenya in East Africa

Kenya will be AltSchool Africa’s second initiative in East Africa after Rwanda. AltSchool Africa is a Nigerian educational technology (edtech) firm and has officially announced its expansion into Kenya. In order to help Africans transition into global technology professions, the organization offers a wide range of in-demand tech courses. With the position of country manager, Tabitha Kayvu leads the Kenyan division.

Established in 2021, AltSchool has rapidly gained traction in the edtech landscape. Its financial foundation received a significant boost with a $3 million investment in May 2023, coupled with an additional $1 million in pre-seed funding earlier the same year. The success of AltSchool extends beyond Kenya, with a strong presence in the United States and Rwanda, attracting learners from an impressive 105 countries. The platform currently boasts over 60,000 learners hailing from more than 100 countries.

Adewale Yusuf, one of AltSchool's co-founders, envisions a future in which ten million Africans have the skills required to find meaningful work and contribute to the continent's economic progress. He ranks Kenya as AltSchool's second-largest market, after only Nigeria. The decision to expand operations to Kenya has been driven by the country's high enrolment numbers..

Head of Growth and Partnerships at AltSchool Nifemi Akinwamide said that the company is in continuous communication with Kenyan communities and organizations, stressing that the growth is in line with the company's goal of providing Africans worldwide with the necessary skills to take advantage of opportunities in technology. Akinwamide makes vague mention of intentions to open in additional African nations where AltSchool has had notable success.

AltSchool Africa, despite providing virtual education, places a strong emphasis on building offline communities and partnerships for its learners. This strategy, successfully implemented in Nigeria, will be replicated in Kenya. Akinwamide stresses that the start-up’s focus extends beyond ensuring students merely graduate; rather, the emphasis is on ensuring learners understand what employers seek before completing their training.

Initially, AltSchool Africa concentrated on offering one-year diploma courses in software engineering. Over time, the edtech start-up has diversified its offerings, introducing new courses covering data engineering, sales, fintech product management, and digital marketing. The platform is organized into five distinct schools: data, engineering, business, product, and creative economy. AltSchool Africa now features short courses on sales, content, and music creation. Yusuf affirms that these course offerings will be maintained in Kenya and will be conducted in English, with future plans to introduce courses in Swahili.

AltSchool Africa adopts a flexible pricing model ranging from $20 to $50 per month for the duration of its courses. Additionally, the platform embraces the income-sharing agreement (ISA) model, a popular approach in the edtech industry. Under this model, students agree to share a percentage of their future income in exchange for reduced upfront costs.

The pressing gap between Africa’s ten million job seekers and the three million employed underscores a significant skills mismatch. AltSchool Africa offers itself as a bridge, providing students with globally sought-after skills in business, analytics, engineering, media, and the creative economy. The platform's expansion into Kenya demonstrates its commitment to solving this crucial need at a larger scale. As AltSchool Africa expands its footprint, it plays a critical role in altering the educational environment and educating African students for the challenges and opportunities of the global technology-driven economy.

3 million USD raised by Kenyan eyewear startup, Lapaire to expand across Africa

The Kenyan eyewear startup, Lapaire, has successfully raised $3 million in financing to facilitate its expansion across the African continent. This significant investment round was led by Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P), with noteworthy participation from AAIC, FINCA Ventures, and Beyond Capital. The injection of funds positions Lapaire strategically to advance its mission of providing accessible eye care solutions throughout Africa.

Following the successful completion of this financing round, Lapaire is poised to embark on an ambitious plan to open 300 eye care centres. An additional 80 locations are earmarked for establishment in 2024, creating a robust network of eye care facilities. This expansion initiative is not only a testament to Lapaire's commitment to enhancing eye care accessibility but also a substantial contributor to employment generation. The plan includes the creation of at least 250 jobs, encompassing roles such as eye specialists, branch managers, sales representatives, and various support positions.

Lapaire has already established its presence with 58 locations across six African nations: Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Uganda. This existing network serves as a foundation for Lapaire's broader strategy, which focuses on consolidating its position in established areas like Ivory Coast, Togo, Mali, and Uganda. The subsequent phase involves expanding into additional African countries, demonstrating Lapaire's commitment to making eye care accessible on a pan-African scale.

Since its inception in 2018, Lapaire has been dedicated to addressing the neglected health sector of eye care in developing nations. In countries such as Kenya and across Africa, accessing eye treatment has been an expensive endeavour, leaving this critical aspect of healthcare underprioritized. Lapaire aims to change this narrative by positioning itself as Africa's premier eyewear brand, with plans to establish clinics initially in major cities and subsequently in rural areas.

The impact of Lapaire's efforts thus far is evident in its claim of providing over 300,000 free eye examinations to prospective clients and delivering eyeglasses to 180,000 individuals. The company identified two primary barriers to widespread spectacle wear among Africans: the prohibitive cost and a lack of awareness. Lapaire addressed the awareness issue by conducting free eye exams, ensuring that individuals were informed about their visual health. To tackle the cost challenge, Lapaire introduced a flexible payment option, allowing customers to pay for their glasses over time. This innovative approach includes a variable payment option, with customers required to pay only 30% of the total purchase amount upfront.

The Lapaire group, which comprises over 300 dedicated individuals, focuses on providing attractive and affordable spectacles to everyone. While eye specialists play a crucial role, a notable aspect is that 80% of the workforce comes from diverse professional sectors. Joséphine Amouroux, Head of Talents & Communications at the Lapaire Group, highlights that many candidates are surprised to discover the range of vocations available at Lapaire, beyond the traditional roles of Opticians and Salespeople. The company's structure encompasses Finance teams managing accounting, Marketing and Communications teams nurturing Lapaire's brand image, Supply Chain teams overseeing product sourcing and logistics, and HR teams driving workforce expansion and skill development through digital tools.

Recognizing the importance of openness and diversity, Lapaire places a strong emphasis on a hiring strategy based on gender equality. This commitment is reflected in the company's achievement of having 49% women in group positions and 32% women in managing roles. Lapaire strives to foster a meritocracy-based, safe work environment, where women can thrive and men contribute positively to closing the gender gap.

Jerome Lapaire, founder and CEO of Lapaire, expresses the company's readiness to accelerate expansion and positively impact the lives of one million people throughout the continent by 2026. Approximately 35% of Africans experience visual problems that can be addressed with eyeglasses. However, the cost of obtaining a pair of glasses remains a barrier for many. In the rapidly expanding digital health sector in Africa, vision care emerges as a viable niche, fueled by increased insurance coverage and a younger demographic driving demand.

Lapaire's vision extends beyond eyewear retail; it aspires to become Africa’s go-to eyewear brand, making clear vision accessible to all. The company's strategic plan to establish eye care centres reflects its commitment to addressing the prevalent visual problems in Africa. By expanding its reach into major cities and eventually rural areas, Lapaire aims to provide high-quality eyeglasses at reasonable prices, empowering individuals to lead fuller lives with clear vision.

In conclusion, Lapaire's recent funding success positions it at the forefront of the eyewear sector in Africa. The investment not only fuels expansion but also contributes to job creation and reinforces Lapaire's commitment to making eye care accessible across the continent. As Lapaire continues to innovate and expand its reach, it plays a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of eye care in Africa.

Undisclosed amount of funding from Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) received by "KOKO" a Kenya-based climate-tech company

Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), a distinguished African corporate and investment bank, has taken a commendable stride in its commitment to advancing green energy and forest conservation across Africa. This commitment extends beyond sponsorship, as RMB has made a direct investment in the climate tech start-up, KOKO, as part of its broader carbon business growth project. This strategic move aligns seamlessly with RMB's dedication to propelling sustainable energy solutions on the continent.

KOKO, an innovative impact-investing start-up, is at the forefront of environmental consciousness, aiming to redefine cooking solutions in Africa. The core mission of the company is to introduce greener and more contemporary cooking alternatives, and this mission has received substantial support through RMB's recent investment.

CEO and co-founder of KOKO, Greg Murray, expresses the belief that RMB's investment showcases a profound commitment to leveraging carbon for the improvement of lives in Africa. This partnership is deemed crucial in driving the expansion of KOKO's platform across the continent.

Phil Norton, Carbon Finance Lead at RMB, takes pride in the collaboration with KOKO, emphasizing the shared goal of fostering rapid growth while providing affordable and low-emission energy to millions in Africa. This joint venture seamlessly aligns with RMB's broader objective of establishing a market-leading carbon trading and finance company to serve clients throughout Africa.

This strategic collaboration with KOKO closely aligns with The Nairobi Declaration, a recently unveiled strategic approach in Africa that leverages carbon to finance the continent's energy transition and nurtures the development of the African carbon market. Nigel Beck, Head of Sustainable Finance and ESG Advisory at RMB, emphasizes the significance of adhering to this strategic declaration.

The Nairobi Declaration, a pivotal element of Africa's negotiating posture at COP28 Dubai, plays a crucial role in steering the continent towards a sustainable energy transition. Rand Merchant Bank's support comes at a crucial juncture when carbon trading is gaining global momentum, and Africa stands to benefit from financing, which promotes long-term growth.

Charcoal remains a dominant fuel for cooking in urban Africa, as highlighted by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). With over 900 million Africans relying on harmful fuels like charcoal, resulting in massive deforestation, indoor air pollution, and substantial greenhouse gas emissions, KOKO's mission takes on heightened importance. The transition to contemporary, clean fuels becomes imperative for the entire continent.

KOKO, with its pioneering approach, aims to replace unhealthy solid fuels across the continent with its renewable fuel dispenser. The start-up advocates for liquid bioethanol cooking fuel as a quick, safe, and cost-effective alternative to polluting cooking fuels like charcoal. The deployment of distribution, dispensing, and end-use technologies ensures that customers can access clean fuel at more affordable rates than polluting fuels.

KOKO operates a micro-distribution network of fuel ATMs, providing liquid bioethanol cooking fuel to informal communities. Customers, using smart canisters, can conveniently obtain KOKO Fuel from a widespread network of 2,500 advanced KOKO Fuel ATMs situated in convenience stores throughout urban Kenya. The fuel is used in modern 2-burner cookers, producing a clean blue flame akin to cooking with gas. This renewable bioethanol cooking fuel is derived from sugar molasses. The coordination of payments, fuel distribution, and data is efficiently managed by KOKO Cloud, ensuring safety, quality, and excellent customer service.

Crucially, KOKO's reduction of carbon emissions aligns with global compliance and voluntary carbon markets. Revenues generated from the sale of high-quality carbon credits are shared with Kenyan households, serving as a non-government energy subsidy that makes the solution affordable even for the most impoverished individuals. This innovative approach is instrumental in driving KOKO's mission to create a positive impact on both the environment and the lives of the people it serves.

KOKO proudly claims to have served 1.1 million Kenyan households with bioethanol, and its pay-as-you-go fuel strategy aims to reduce dependency on polluting solid fuels. As a technology company founded in 2014, KOKO continues to expand its reach, currently serving approximately one million households across eight cities in Kenya. Supported by a robust regulatory framework and backing from the Government of Kenya, KOKO's bioethanol cooking fuel utility represents a transformative solution in service of the Kenyan people.

In 2021, KOKO received prestigious recognition as the world’s leading emerging markets climate technology solution by FT / IFC Transformational Business Awards. Additionally, being acknowledged as a "Lighthouse" project by the African Carbon Markets Initiative underscores the integrity of KOKO's business model.

KOKO's impact extends beyond its utility operations, directly employing 2,000 staff and supporting the incomes of an additional 15,000 Kenyan families involved in the bioethanol supply chain. The collaboration between KOKO and Rand Merchant Bank exemplifies a broader shift towards environmentally conscious solutions in Africa. This partnership not only supports KOKO's mission to revolutionize cooking solutions but also signifies a shared commitment to sustainable energy transition and forest conservation on the global stage.

Rand Merchant Bank's investment in KOKO serves as a testament to the potential impact when financial institutions join hands with innovative start-ups in driving positive change. Kenya, through initiatives like these, solidifies its position as a leader advocating for a shift to green energy on the global stage.

Could Somtel be elevating Somalia's Place in East Africa's Tech Scene?

 

Somtel, a telecommunications company co-owned by the influential Dahabshiil Group, has recently achieved a groundbreaking milestone by introducing 5G technology in Somalia. This move marks a significant leap forward for the nation's technological landscape.

Somtel has a robust history of innovation in Somalia. It has previously spearheaded initiatives such as introducing 4G LTE, VoLTE, eSIM technology, and the pioneering Bluekom Fiber broadband service. These endeavors have solidified Somtel's reputation as a frontrunner in the region's tech evolution.

Somtel's latest achievement involves the launch of 5G technology in Somalia. With its high-speed capabilities and wide coverage, the introduction of 5G promises a transformative impact on Somalia's digital connectivity, opening doors to new possibilities and opportunities.

This leap into 5G is expected to revolutionize various sectors within Somalia. It will enhance internet connectivity, fuel innovation, empower businesses, and ultimately enhance the lives of the Somali people.

Somalia's embrace of 5G aligns it with other tech-savvy African nations like South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria. This positions Somalia as a significant player in Africa's tech ecosystem, potentially attracting foreign investment and fostering a burgeoning tech scene.

Abdirashid Duale, CEO of Dahabshiil Group, expressed pride in Somtel's accomplishment, highlighting how this 5G venture aligns with their vision for a tech-driven future, poised to bring speedy ICT solutions and enrich digital lives in Somalia.

While celebrating this achievement, challenges such as infrastructure development, accessibility, and affordability need addressing. However, this milestone also presents opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.

Somtel's launch of 5G in Somalia represents a monumental stride in the country's technological journey. It sets the stage for a future where emerging technologies are harnessed for economic growth and improved livelihoods, positioning Somalia as a noteworthy player in East Africa's tech landscape.

All you need to know about Somtel 

Somtel (سومتيل‎) is a mobile network operator serving Somaliland, with a legacy dating back to its establishment in 1998. As a publicly traded entity registered in the British Virgin Islands, Somtel holds a notable position in Somalia's telecommunications sector, with majority ownership vested in UAE-based MTO Dahabshiil, owning approximately 95% since 2008. 

Headquartered in Hargeisa, Somtel has been a pivotal player in delivering mobile voice, data services, and innovative solutions to its customers, including Mobile Money Services, marking its footprint as a 3G and 4G (and now 5 services provider within Somalia's network.

Ownership and Structure:

Owned by Dahabshiil, Somtel operates under the official registration of the British Virgin Islands.

Services Offered:

Somtel's array of services spans from subscription-based offerings to internet services and cloud-based solutions, alongside its pioneering Mobile Wallet services, which have reshaped the digital finance landscape in the region.

Strategic Partnerships:

Somtel's strategic collaborations have played a pivotal role in enhancing its technological infrastructure and service offerings. The partnership with O3b Networks, Ltd. in November 2013 marked a significant stride in augmenting Somtel's network capabilities, promising high-speed, low-latency capacity to bolster its reliability and efficiency. Additionally, a partnership with Google since 2012 has strengthened Somtel's email services, showcasing the company's commitment to leveraging global partnerships for enhanced service delivery.

Frequency Band and Coverage:

Operating on GSM and 4G LTE networks with frequency bands including 3G 2100, 2G 1800, 900, and LTE 800MHz 20 FDD, Somtel's coverage spans both Somalia and Somaliland, catering to a broad customer base within the region.

Somtel's extensive services, fortified by strategic alliances and cutting-edge technology, underscore its pivotal role in transforming the telecommunications landscape in Somalia and Somaliland. As it continues to expand its offerings and technological footprint, Somtel stands poised to further revolutionize the digital experience for its customers while spearheading advancements in the region's telecommunications sector.