Ugandan start-ups ink deals at Africa’s biggest tech show
The 15 entrepreneurs from Youth Startup Academy (YSA) Uganda took full advantage of GITEX Africa 2024, and some left with new international partnerships.
New partnerships with global partners
Energized by the vibrant atmosphere of GITEX Africa, YSA Uganda entrepreneurs showcased their innovative businesses to more than 1,000 visitors. From exchanging insights with industry leaders to pitching their ideas to investors, these dynamic startups demonstrated their ability to innovate. With the event’s focus on the continent's booming tech ecosystem, the YSA start-ups attended more than 100 meetings with potential investors and businesses partners. These meetings forged valuable connections that will elevate their ventures.
- Ntakye Holdings, which produces solar-powered farm equipment, signed a partnership with Jubix, a Korean company developing an electric energy service platform. The two companies will research and develop energy monitoring devices and explore trade between their markets.
- Canine Safari Ltd. agreed to use the AI-based translation provided by Korean firm Flitto Inc. to provide East African tour information in more languages.
- Hive Colab, an incubation hub which has operated YSA since 2022, signed an agreement with Dain Leaders Corp., a Korean digital healthcare company. Together, they will develop joint training and research, and assist exchange between Ugandan and Korean startups.
The Ugandan government also showed active support for YSA participants. Godfrey Kabyanga, the State Minister of ICT and National Guidance of Uganda, promised government support for Kikazi Agri Products, which produces millet flour. Kikazi is now set to be connected to the Uganda Research Institute (URI) for mass production, to gain access to advanced machinery, and to scale up their production.
Two YSA semi-finalists at the Supernova Challenge
In the Supernova Challenge, billed as Africa’s biggest pitch competition, YSA’s IKnowFarm and Anchor machines reached the semifinals. Anchor machines uses a web-based and a mobile GPS application to connect earth-moving equipment like excavators or bulldozers to clients in road construction and farming.
IKnowFarm is an app that helps farmers grow better crops and animals, with 24/7 extension services, weather forecasts, market linkages, and digital literacy trainings.
