Make-IT in Africa

We promote digital innovation for sustainable and inclusive development

Tech Entrepreneurship Initiative ‘Make-IT in Africa’

Digital entrepreneurship is the driving force for global economic growth and poverty alleviation as we look towards the future. Entrepreneurs have the potential to modernise the economies and societies of their countries, discover innovative solutions to development challenges and create new opportunities for employment.

Make-IT promotes digital innovation for sustainable and inclusive development, focusing on entrepreneurs running early growth phase start-ups. Here, for instance, digital innovation in health, agriculture and energy plays a key role for development and involves applying technologies such as innovative app solutions, internet of things systems, 3D printing, blockchains, and many more.


About Make-IT in Africa

The Tech Entrepreneurship Initiative ‘Make-IT in Africa’ promotes digital innovation for sustainable and inclusive
development in Africa. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) implements this project on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), as part of BMZ’s Digital Africa Initiative.

In close collaboration with more than 30 corporate and finance partners, social enterprises, hubs, and networks, ‘Make-IT in Africa’ supports an enabling environment for young entrepreneurs – to enable better access to finance, markets and skills.


Goals and impact

In its four-year project phase (2017-2020), Make-IT supports tech start-ups in their early growth phase and strengthens public and private intermediaries of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The initiative’s objectives are that:
20 key stakeholders from public and private sectors in each supported ecosystem improve their collaborations, creating a stronger and more supportive environment for digital entrepreneurship.

200 digital enterprises receive support from Make-IT and its partners to build and secure 2,000 future-proof jobs.

400 digital enterprises benefit from matchmaking opportunities and international market exposure, to successfully scale their businesses and acquire investments.

Their products and services support millions of users all over Africa in key sectors such as health, agriculture, energy, financial services and smart cities.


Key sectors for Make-IT

 

Agritech solutions – give millions of smallholder farms better access to markets, weather data, finance and insurance, thus generating income in rural areas.

 

 

 


E-Health solutions
– improve medical care and boost the entire health management system, thus saving lives and reducing the spread of disease.

 

 

 


Smart energy solutions
– enable internet access, off-grid use of renewable energies and infrastructure. This enables education and business activities until the evening hours.

 

 

 


Fintech solutions
– enable mobile phone payments and access to financial and insurance products for all people, especially in rural areas. This is an important step out of poverty.

 

 


Key areas of our work


Better access to finance
– creating a pan-African “investment pipeline” for tech start-ups and better information about financing opportunities, and connecting start-ups with finance partners. Our collaboration partners include funds, investor networks, development banks and foundations.


Capacity building for growth
– preparing tech entrepreneurs for the challenges of managing growth and achieving investment readiness. Jointly with business partners and leading innovation hubs, we established a benchmark for “partners in acceleration”.


Better access to markets
– establishing business-to-business and public-private partnerships to provide start-ups exposure and matchmaking opportunities at local and international levels. This includes study tours, trade fairs, B2B events, etc.


Innovation ecosystem support
– providing partner institutions, associations and other intermediaries with forums for multi-stakeholder dialogue, knowledge sharing and capacity development.

 


Pan-African milestones

With the partners of the Make-IT Alliance, we focus on

  • Investment pipelines, such as a joint start-up pool where investors can share offers with entrepreneurs
  • Online training based on a “best of” selection of opensource educational material
  • Online deal rooms for pitches and matchmaking for tech start-ups and investors
  • Joint accelerators (e.g. with Airbus, Merck, etc.) to allow for joint innovation of start-ups and corporates
  • Digital Innovation Made in Africa – a showcase series for tech entrepreneurs with high impact
  • Developing a mentorship pool (with VC4Africa) to enable mentor-driven financing and learning
  • Exposure for international visibility of innovation ecosystems and start-ups (e.g. Cebit, Vivatech, Afrolynk, etc.)
  • Pan-African knowledge sharing for innovation hubs and intermediaries (e.g. at Transform Africa, i4policy)

Overview

Website Visit website
Location Berlin, Germany
Targets Africa
Sectors Sector agnostic

Programs

Events

Portfolio

Name Country Sector(s)
Afrikapu Ltd
Style With A Story
Kenya E-commerce, Educational products, Specialty retail
GoMetro
Improve the way we move
South Africa Computer software, Mobile, Transport and logistics
Qataloog
Learning content distribution engine
Nigeria Education, Educational products, Educational servi…
Swipe2Pay
Empowers SME's to accept both card & mobile money as a mode of payment
Uganda Financial services
Kitovu Technology Company
Transforming African agriculture, one farmer at a time.
Nigeria Agritech, Artificial intelligence, Machine learnin…
Fastagger Inc
Democtatizing AI one data set at a time
Kenya Artificial intelligence
One Kiosk Africa Limited
Trusted Trade and Finance Partner for Local Stores
United States of America E-commerce, Fintech, Retail
AMPZ
where talents meet opportunities
Nigeria Big data, ICT, Sports and wellness
Teheca
Digital platform that decentralizing physical healthcare delivery.
Uganda Healthcare, Healthcare providers and services, Inf…
Farmula Limited
Fresh from source.
Kenya Agritech, Blockchain, Machine learning
Gerocare Solutions Ltd
Providing access to medical care for underserved segments of people
Nigeria Healthcare, Healthcare providers and services
Mhogo Foods
Adding value to cassava tubers, Impacting small-holder farmers
Kenya Agribusiness
Taimba
East Africa’s First Data-Driven Food Supply Chain Platform.
Kenya Agribusiness, E-commerce, Mobile
Track Your Build
Building something? Build it right, build it better.
Nigeria Construction, Diversified services
Ecodudu Limited
Insects are the Future
Kenya Agribusiness
Shamba Records
Promoting and digitizing small scale farmers in Africa
Kenya Agritech, Blockchain, Mobile
Weza Ventures Ltd
New generation lending platforms, Credit Scoring and Fraud Mitigation
Kenya Fintech
Micrive Infinite Limited
Holy Union of Man and Machine
Kenya Healthcare
AppCyclers
Promoting a safer, and greener environment.
Ghana E-commerce, Electronics, Waste management and recy…
Africa Global Radio
An online radio station promoting and projecting Global Africa.
Ghana Internet
Flamingoo Foods Company Ltd
Agribusiness Food Trade Tech Enabled Climate Smart
Tanzania, United Republic of Agritech, Artificial intelligence, Transport and l…
AF MAP WORKS
Agritech, Environmental and land surveying services
Ghana Agritech, Environmental services
Doctoora E-Health Ltd
Healthcare you can trust
Nigeria Healthcare, Real estate
clinicPesa
Save For Health, Save A Life.
Uganda Financial services, Healthcare
Commodities Network Management Limited
Data-driven distribution of proven agriculture solutions.
Ghana Agribusiness, Agritech, Crop farming
Grow For ME
Farm from anywhere
Ghana Agritech, Fintech, ICT
WazInsure
Data-driven insurance management platform
Kenya Enterprise software, Insurance, Machine learning
Zydii
Accessible, Transformative Digital Training Designed for Africa
Kenya EdTech, Mobile, Software as a Service
MOBicure
A safe space for young adults to discuss sex
Nigeria E-commerce, Healthcare, Sexual and reproductive he…
Trusteefarm Limited
Improving Access to Quality and Safe foods across the Globe
Ghana Agribusiness, Agritech, Internet of things (IoT)
Go Ads Africa
Buy online and offline ads on one platform.
Nigeria Adtech
Lentera Limited
Precision agriculture for every farmer
Kenya Agribusiness, Agritech
Training Hub
We Train Future Data Experts and provide AI solution to companies.
Rwanda Artificial intelligence, Information technology, M…
Chekkit Technologies
Connect. Verify. Trust.
Nigeria Artificial intelligence, Blockchain, Pharmaceutica…
Social Lender
Microcredit based on social reputation
Nigeria Financial services
MSCAN Uganda
Save a Mother Save a Life
Uganda Healthcare providers and services, Sexual and repr…
Akili Labs
Affordable decentralized medical diagnostic systems
South Africa Biotechnology and medical research, Healthcare, Me…
EduPoint Limited
One stop point for connecting learners with verified tutors
Nigeria Education, Educational products, Educational servi…
NYEREKA TECH
Learn-Build-Innovate
Rwanda E-commerce, Educational services, Internet of thin…
Rural Farmers Hub
Crop intelligence solution for optimal farming decisions and timing.
Nigeria Agritech
Angaza Elimu
Delivering personalized and mastery-based learning experince
Kenya E-learning, Software as a Service
Bitmama
Exchange Africa
Nigeria Blockchain, Fintech
ClinicMaster INTERNATIONAL
Your Health Data Partner
Uganda Enterprise software, Healthcare providers and serv…
Bismart Insurance
Be smart Buy smart
Kenya Insurance
StaffBus.ng
A mobile pre-booking bus service for daily commute
Nigeria Leisure and travel, Transport and logistics
Brave
Stop searching. Start interviewing. Measure true talent potential.
Kenya HR and recruitment, Online analytics, Software as …
Gebeya Inc
The best of African talent
Ethiopia Education, Software as a Service
optimalogistic
Freight and logistics optimization through digital solution
Tunisia Green transportation and electric motors, Import a…
AfieWura
We provide rent finance for tenants and allow them to repay monthly.
Ghana Fintech, Real estate
Farmingtech Solutions LTD
We are one stop shop for dairy value chain
Kenya Agribusiness, Animal farming
Onboard
We transform manufacturers' product manuals into 3D engaging manuals.
Tunisia Agritech, Household appliances, Manufacturing
AB Precision Solutions
Improving yields through precision agriculture.
Ghana Agribusiness, Agrichemicals, Agritech
Agriculture Growth Network LTD(A.G.Network LTD)
No farmer left behind
Rwanda Agribusiness, Crop farming, E-learning
Agro Kings Limited
Advancing Human Lives
Ghana Agribusiness
Nvoicia – Growth Factor Technologies
Unlocking working capital
Ghana Agribusiness, Hospitality, Telecom
Agrorite
Feeding Africa sustainably
Nigeria Agritech, Animal farming, Crop farming
Redbird Inc
Convenient care for chronic disease
Ghana Healthcare
Cloud9xp
An online marketplace and booking service for leisure experiences.
Kenya Leisure and travel
CGS 3D
3D Animation 3D – in real time – AR – VR
Tunisia Construction, Virtual reality
MyFugo
Realize your passion
Kenya Financial services
Lucy.ng
online gifts superstore and brand merchandising company
Nigeria E-commerce, Logistics, Specialty retail
EPINEC
EPINEC is a cloud technology consulting company.
Nigeria Construction and manufacturing, Consulting and bus…
Sauti East Africa Limited
Empowering smes to trade safely, legally and profitably across borders
Kenya Agribusiness, Import and export, Mobile
Gravity Studios Ltd
We are a visual art agency
Rwanda Creative, media and entertainment, E-learning, Edu…
BidiiBuild
Simple and effective construction management platform.
Ghana Construction
Once Sync Limited
Creating innovative solutions using emerging tech for Africa.
Kenya Financial services, Internet, Mobile
ZEOLF
Prioritize science and engineering
Rwanda Agrichemicals, Construction and manufacturing, Nan…
DopeApps’ Keza 3D Game
Learning in a fun way is the way to go!
Rwanda E-commerce, E-learning, HealthTech
Mula Export Ltd
Feeding Nations
Kenya Agribusiness, Crop farming
SMART LOGGER
We Dream of a Better World
Tunisia Agribusiness, Farm machinery, Fish farming
The MUDiA Project
The future is created by your hands
Nigeria Big data, Business services, Education
LifeBank
Smart healthcare supply chain for Africa
Nigeria Healthcare, Transport and logistics
Crop2Cash
Grow it, cash it.
Nigeria Agribusiness, Agritech, Fintech
Aiscarecrow Technologies
your intelligent pest control
Ghana Agribusiness, Crop farming, Farm machinery
TalentsinAfrica
Finding exceptional talents in Africa just got easier
Ghana Healthcare providers and services
Bisa
Doctor at your finger tips
Ghana Healthcare
DoLessons
Tutoring and learning marketplace
Nigeria E-commerce, Education, Educational services
XY Analytics
Providing farmers with precision farming solutions, to improve yields
South Africa Animal farming, Crop farming
CodeLn
Your Ideal Dev is just a click away
Nigeria Educational products, Educational services, HR and…
PlayJoor
Realtime social gaming platform
Nigeria Computer games, Financial services, Mobile
FarmWallet Limited
Firming the value chain | Empowering the Farmer
Ghana Agribusiness, Blockchain, Fintech
Wastezon
Connecting Recycling industries with households to transact e-wastes.
Rwanda Clean technology, Environmental services, Waste ma…
HeHe Innovation Academy
Delivering Abundance
Rwanda Agritech, Computer software, E-commerce
National Quantum
Software Engineering, Mobile development, Medical equipment
Tunisia Medical equipment and supplies, Mobile
mlinzi.co.ke
Safeguarding your transcations from fraud
Kenya E-commerce, Financial services
Insight Africa
Better STEM. Smarter Students
Nigeria Education
CoverApp
It works
Kenya Financial services, Insurance
AgriEdge
Transforming Data into a Nutrient
Morocco Agritech, Artificial intelligence, Internet of thi…
Nectar
Making it easy to get paid for Electricity, Water and Gas before use.
Kenya Utilities
Placements Africa
"Indeed" for Internships in Africa
Nigeria Education, Educational products, Educational servi…
the Einstein
Connecting financial support to students in need in Africa
Rwanda Educational services
SmartClass Ltd
It is an e-learning platform that aims at connecting all students
Rwanda Educational services
Better Receipts
Smart, Digital Receipts for the 21st Century
Ghana Artificial intelligence, Fintech, Machine learning
TruSmart
Truly Smart
Nigeria Electronics, Internet of things (IoT), Machine lea…
Eazz Foods
Easier to Use, Easier to Transport, Best for Industrial Use
Ghana Agribusiness
Kawilab Energy systems
Inclusive Financing for Last Mile distribution of clean cooking
Kenya Clean technology and energy, Renewable energy
Golden Reformers
Bag4Change
Rwanda Clean technology and energy, Educational services
ONELAMP
Onelamp Envisions a World Where Every African Household has Access to Modern Clean Energy
Uganda Renewable energy
Severe weather consult
Data based Mitigation of climate change and adaptation.
Rwanda Agribusiness, Education
FRIONTOP LIMITED.
Business Path, Enabling your Lending.
Kenya Fintech
TWIS Ltd
Empowering children one story at a time
Rwanda E-learning, Educational products, Educational serv…
GasApp
The Gas People
Ghana Clean technology and energy, Internet of things (I…
Sabary Tours
Providing Lifetime Experience
Ghana Hospitality, Tourism
FARM FRESH Gambia Agribusiness, E-commerce
WamiAgro
An Agri-Tech company working with smallholder farmers
Ghana Agribusiness, Agritech, Crop farming
MajestEYE
To see and foresee
Tunisia Financial services, Healthcare, Utilities
Unfrauded
AI for auto insurance fraud
Tunisia Insurance
Muraho Technology
Promoting Equal Opportunity for Rwandan Women in Tech BPO Services.
Rwanda Artificial intelligence, Computer software, E-lear…

Articles