African startups are innovating across mobility, HR, cryptocurrency, agritech, and artificial intelligence, building solutions tailored to the continent’s unique challenges. Here are five companies to watch:
1. BodEr (E-mobility, Kenya) – Cutting carbon emissions with e-bikes
Founded by Martin Lusasi and Kelly Mutugi, BodEr is a Kenyan ride-hailing platform that uses electric two-wheelers to connect commuters and small businesses with e-bike riders. The startup partners with manufacturers like Roam and Ampersand, and riders can also access financing for bikes.
BodEr charges a 15% commission per ride and earns 10% on e-bike sales. It plans corporate mobility services and a leasing/subscription model for campus communities. AI-based route optimisation and IoT helmet safety features differentiate it from competitors like Uber and Bolt.
Why we’re watching: BodEr’s focus on green transport and secondary cities positions it uniquely in Kenya’s competitive ride-hailing market.
2. Pyn (HRTech, Nigeria) – Job placements with guaranteed outcomes
Founded by Charles Okala, Pyn is a job placement platform that guarantees candidates a job within 60 days or refunds fees. Candidates undergo a three-day verification process assessing real-time problem-solving skills, not just credentials.
Candidates pay ₦30,000–₦300,000 ($21–$215) depending on seniority, while companies pay per verified profile. A pilot with 400 users reported a 70% success rate, compared to 20% under its prior model.
Why we’re watching: Pyn reframes hiring as a verification and placement challenge, ensuring both businesses and candidates get certainty in an era of AI-generated portfolios.
3. MyCryptocasa (Crypto/Web3, Nigeria) – Gaming meets crypto
Founded by Dosunmu Damola, MyCryptocasa integrates crypto trading with Web3 multiplayer gaming. Users can play money-backed games using NGN or cryptocurrency, learn about digital assets, and engage socially. Partners like Quidax and Fincra handle payments and compliance.
Why we’re watching: By gamifying crypto, MyCryptocasa increases utility and adoption of virtual assets in an engaging, user-friendly way. Official launch: February 1, 2026.
4. Crop2Cash (Agritech, Nigeria & Kenya) – Digitising farmers offline
Founded by Seyi Alabi and Michael Ogundare, Crop2Cash serves smallholder farmers without internet access via a USSD platform. Farmers can transact, buy inputs, access insurance, request mechanisation, and get AI-driven advisory services in local languages.
The startup has generated over $1.5 million in revenue, unlocked $3 million in credit, and serves 540,000+ farmers.
Why we’re watching: Crop2Cash aligns with on-the-ground realities in Africa, enabling financial inclusion and agricultural productivity without relying on internet connectivity.
5. KwenuAI (AI services, Nigeria) – Making AI accessible for SMEs
Founded by Kamsi Okorafor and Hope David Micheal, KwenuAI helps African SMEs integrate AI into their workflows, training teams or building custom solutions. It embeds AI into platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram, reducing adoption friction and providing multilingual voice and video translation.
Why we’re watching: With Africa’s AI adoption below 20%, KwenuAI translates global AI tools into locally relevant, low-friction solutions for small businesses, bridging a critical technology gap.
These startups showcase Africa’s innovative approach to solving transport, employment, finance, agriculture, and AI adoption challenges, proving that local solutions can leapfrog traditional models.
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