Innovative Solutions for Emerging Markets

Smaller startups in the telecom market are working towards addressing local challenges and promoting economic growth in emerging markets and rural areas:

BRCK: BRCK is a Nairobi-based startup that provides innovative solutions for internet connectivity in rural and remote areas. Their rugged, portable routers can switch seamlessly between Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and cellular networks to provide reliable connectivity in low-bandwidth environments. (https://www.brck.com/)

Tizeti: Tizeti is a Lagos-based startup that provides high-speed internet access to underserved areas in Nigeria through the use of solar-powered Wi-Fi towers. Their innovative business model allows customers to access affordable, high-speed internet without the need for physical infrastructure. (https://wifi.com.ng/)

ARED: ARED is a Rwandan startup that provides a mobile solar kiosk solution that can be used to charge phones, connect to Wi-Fi, and access digital content. Their solution supports local entrepreneurs in delivering digital services in remote areas, creating new economic opportunities in the process. (https://www.ared.com.rw/)

Zipline: Zipline is a San Francisco-based startup that uses drones to deliver medical supplies to remote and rural areas in Africa. Their innovative delivery system enables the timely and efficient delivery of critical medical supplies, improving access to healthcare in underserved areas. (https://flyzipline.com/)

mPharma: mPharma is a Ghana-based startup that provides innovative solutions for pharmaceutical supply chain management. Their technology platform enables patients to access affordable, high-quality medications while also reducing waste and improving efficiency in the healthcare supply chain. (https://mpharma.com/)

Kobo360: Kobo360 is a Nigerian startup that provides a technology platform for logistics and supply chain management. Their platform connects businesses with local transporters, providing a reliable and efficient logistics solution in underserved markets. (https://www.kobo360.com/)

Sigfox: Sigfox is a French startup that provides an Internet of Things (IoT) network for low-power, low-bandwidth devices. Their technology enables IoT devices to communicate in remote areas and in areas with limited connectivity, making it ideal for use in emerging markets. (https://www.sigfox.com/en)

Loonify: Loonify is a German startup that provides a balloon-based internet solution for remote and rural areas. Their solution utilizes high-altitude balloons to provide affordable, high-speed internet access to underserved communities. (https://www.loonify.com/)

Azuri Technologies: Azuri Technologies is a UK-based startup that provides innovative off-grid solar solutions for homes and small businesses in emerging markets. Their pay-as-you-go model makes solar energy affordable and accessible to people in rural and remote areas. (https://www.azuri-technologies.com/)

WeFarm: WeFarm is a UK-based startup that provides a peer-to-peer network for small-scale farmers in emerging markets. Their platform enables farmers to share knowledge and information with each other, improving agricultural practices and increasing crop yields. (https://wefarm.org/)

Paga: Paga is a Nigerian fintech startup that provides innovative mobile payment solutions for underserved communities. Their platform enables people to send and receive money using their mobile phones, improving access to financial services in rural and remote areas. (https://mypaga.com/)

Hiber: Hiber is a Dutch startup that provides low-cost, low-power, global connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Their technology enables IoT devices to communicate in remote areas and in areas with limited connectivity, making it ideal for use in emerging markets. (https://www.hiber.global/)

Bluetown: Bluetown is a Danish startup that provides low-cost, solar-powered Wi-Fi hotspots for rural and remote areas. Their solution utilizes solar panels and energy-efficient hardware to provide affordable, high-speed internet access to underserved communities. (https://www.bluetown.com/)

Wazi Vision: Wazi Vision is a Ugandan startup that provides affordable eyewear and eye care services to underserved communities. Their innovative technology enables them to provide high-quality eyewear and eye exams at a fraction of the cost of traditional providers. (https://www.wazivision.com/)

AgroCenta: AgroCenta is a Ghanaian startup that provides an online platform for small-scale farmers to sell their products and connect with buyers. Their platform enables farmers to access new markets and increase their income, while also improving food security in the region. (https://www.agrocenta.com/)

Zzapp Malaria: Zzapp Malaria is a UK-based startup that provides an innovative solution for the detection and prevention of malaria in remote and rural areas. Their technology enables rapid detection of malaria using a mobile phone, improving access to healthcare in underserved communities. (https://zzappmalaria.com/)

Acacia Innovations: Acacia Innovations is a Kenyan-based startup that provides innovative technology solutions for agriculture and agribusiness. Their platform enables farmers and agribusinesses to access finance, training, and market information, improving productivity and incomes in the sector. (https://acaciainnovations.com/)

Image credit to Okra Solar

Okra Solar: Okra Solar is an Australian-based startup that provides an innovative solar energy solution for rural and remote areas. Their technology enables the creation of decentralized solar grids, providing affordable and reliable energy access to underserved communities. (https://okrasolar.com/)

Fuzu: Fuzu is a Finnish-based startup that provides an online platform for career development and employment opportunities in emerging markets. Their platform enables job seekers to access career guidance, job listings, and skill-building opportunities, improving employability and reducing the skills gap. (https://www.fuzu.com/)

Ignitia: Ignitia is a Swedish-based startup that provides innovative weather forecasting solutions for rural and remote areas. Their technology enables accurate and reliable weather forecasts for small-scale farmers, improving agricultural productivity and resilience in the face of climate change. (https://ignitia.se/)

Lumkani: Lumkani is a South African-based startup that provides an innovative fire detection solution for informal settlements. Their technology enables early detection of fires in densely populated areas, reducing the risk of loss of life and property. (https://www.lumkani.com/)

KopaGas: KopaGas is a UK-based startup that provides an innovative solution for cooking gas access in emerging markets. Their technology enables the use of smart meters to track and manage the use of gas, improving affordability and reducing waste in the sector. (https://www.kopagas.com/)

Kumbaya: USA-based Kumbaya provides innovative, low-cost communication solutions to underserved communities worldwide. Their technology enables reliable connectivity through solar-powered devices, satellite connectivity, and cloud-based services. Kumbaya's solutions support education, healthcare, and disaster relief efforts, improving access to critical services in remote and rural areas.

Website: https://www.kumbayatech.com/

Twiga Foods - A Kenyan startup that uses technology to improve the supply chain for small-scale farmers and vendors, making it easier for them to sell their products and reach new markets. URL: https://twiga.ke/

Sendy - A Kenyan delivery and logistics startup that uses technology to connect businesses with local transporters, providing a reliable and efficient logistics solution in underserved markets. URL: https://sendyit.com/

Flutterwave - A Nigerian fintech startup that provides payment and financial services to businesses and individuals, improving access to financial services in underserved communities. URL: https://flutterwave.com/

Kobo 360 - A Nigerian startup that provides a technology platform for logistics and supply chain management. Their platform connects businesses with local transporters, providing a reliable and efficient logistics solution in underserved markets. URL: https://www.kobo360.com/

SunCulture - A Kenyan startup that provides innovative solutions for small-scale farmers, including solar-powered irrigation systems and climate-smart farming technology. URL: https://sunculture.com/

Okra Solar:- A Kenyan startup that provides a digital platform for small shops and retailers to order and receive goods from manufacturers and distributors, improving access to goods and markets for small-scale entrepreneurs. URL: https://sokowatch.com/

Andela - A Nigerian-based startup that provides training and development for software engineers, improving access to technology jobs and talent in underserved communities. URL: https://andela.com/

Ilara Health - A Kenyan startup that provides innovative diagnostic tools and health technology for small-scale health clinics and facilities, improving access to healthcare services in underserved areas. URL: https://www.ilarahealth.com/

SafeBoda - A Ugandan startup that provides a ride-hailing and transport service, improving access to affordable and safe transportation in urban areas. URL: https://www.safeboda.com/

Tugende - A Ugandan startup that provides a lease-to-own model for motorcycle taxis, improving access to transportation and income for entrepreneurs in underserved communities. URL: https://www.tugende.com/

One Acre Fund: One Acre Fund is a non-profit social enterprise that provides smallholder farmers in Africa with access to financing, training, and market connections. Their innovative model has helped over 1 million farmers increase their harvests and incomes.

URL: https://oneacrefund.org/

Digital Green: Digital Green is a non-profit organization that uses technology to improve agricultural practices and increase the income of smallholder farmers in Asia and Africa. Their platform enables farmers to access customized information and training videos, improving their farming techniques and yields.

URL: https://www.digitalgreen.org/

d.light: d.light is a social enterprise that provides affordable solar-powered solutions for people living off the grid. Their innovative products include solar lanterns, home systems, and appliances that help to improve access to clean energy in rural and remote areas.

URL: https://www.dlight.com/

Ignitia: Ignitia is a weather forecasting service that provides accurate, localized weather predictions for smallholder farmers in West Africa. Their technology enables farmers to make informed decisions about planting, harvesting, and other critical activities.

URL: https://www.ignitia.se/

M-KOPA: M-KOPA is a social enterprise that provides affordable solar-powered solutions for households in Africa. Their pay-as-you-go model makes solar energy accessible and affordable for people living off the grid, improving their quality of life and reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.

URL: https://www.m-kopa.com/

Komaza: Komaza is a social enterprise that provides sustainable forestry solutions for smallholder farmers in Africa. Their innovative model enables farmers to earn income from tree planting and harvesting, while also restoring degraded land and improving local ecosystems.

URL: https://www.komaza.com/

Large Corporations,  among others, are working towards addressing unique challenges in emerging markets and rural areas through the development of innovative solutions in the telecom market.

Microsoft: Through its Affordable Access Initiative, Microsoft has partnered with local providers to bring internet connectivity to rural areas in Africa and other regions. Microsoft also offers cloud-based solutions to support healthcare and education initiatives. (https://www.microsoft.com/)

IBM: IBM has established a research lab in Nairobi, Kenya, focused on developing innovative solutions to address local challenges, such as access to water, healthcare, and energy. IBM also provides cloud-based services and analytics solutions to support economic development and sustainability efforts. (https://www.ibm.com/)

GE: General Electric has partnered with the African Development Bank to develop a 5-year program aimed at promoting economic growth in Africa by providing support for infrastructure development and increasing access to healthcare and clean water. (https://www.ge.com/)

Google: Google has launched initiatives like Project Link and Project Loon to expand internet connectivity in underserved regions in Africa and other regions. Google also provides support for education and entrepreneurship initiatives through its Google for Entrepreneurs and Google for Education programs. (https://www.google.com/)

Schneider Electric: Schneider Electric has partnered with organizations in Africa to promote access to energy and reduce carbon emissions through the development of sustainable energy solutions. Schneider Electric also provides training and support for entrepreneurs and small businesses in the region. (https://www.se.com/)

Huawei: Huawei has established partnerships with local providers in Africa and other regions to promote the development of ICT infrastructure and improve connectivity in underserved areas. Huawei also provides support for healthcare and education initiatives through the development of innovative technologies and solutions. (https://www.huawei.com/)

Starlink: Starlink is a satellite internet company owned by SpaceX that aims to provide high-speed internet access to underserved areas around the world. Their low-earth orbit satellites enable high-speed internet access to even the most remote locations. (https://www.starlink.com/)

Orange: Orange is a French telecommunications company that has established partnerships in Africa to improve connectivity and support economic development. They have launched initiatives like the Orange Digital Center to support digital innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. (https://www.orange.com/)

Safaricom: Safaricom is a Kenyan telecommunications company that has pioneered innovative solutions like M-PESA, a mobile money transfer system that has transformed the way people in Kenya make payments and access financial services. (https://www.safaricom.co.ke/)

Tigo: Tigo is a telecommunications company operating in Latin America and Africa that has launched initiatives like Tigo Business to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in the region through the provision of innovative telecom solutions. (https://www.tigo.com/)

Vodafone: Vodafone is a global telecommunications company that has established partnerships in Africa and other emerging markets to improve connectivity and support economic development. They have launched initiatives like the Vodafone Foundation to support social innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. (https://www.vodafone.com/)

Alcatel-Lucent: Alcatel-Lucent is a French telecommunications equipment company that provides innovative solutions for telecom networks, including 4G and 5G mobile networks, fixed broadband networks, and cloud-based services. They have established partnerships in Africa to improve connectivity and support economic development. (https://www.alcatel-lucent.com/)

Thales: Thales is a French multinational company that specializes in providing security solutions and technology systems. In Africa, they provide innovative telecom solutions such as air traffic control systems, secure communications networks, and digital security systems for critical infrastructure. (https://www.thalesgroup.com/)

Engie: Engie is a French multinational company that provides innovative solutions for energy and infrastructure. In Africa, they have launched initiatives to improve access to energy through the use of renewable energy sources and innovative energy storage solutions. (https://www.engie-africa.com/)

Total: Total is a French multinational oil and gas company that has established a strong presence in Africa, providing innovative solutions for the energy sector, including solar power systems and off-grid energy solutions. (https://www.total.com/en)

Facebook: Expanding internet connectivity in underserved regions through initiatives like internet.org and investing in startups such as Andela that provide tech talent in Africa. URL: https://internet.org/

Cisco: Cisco Networking Academy supporting economic development and improving connectivity in Africa through partnerships, innovative solutions for telecom networks https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/about/csr/socio-economic-development/africa.html

Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge, which is a competition for startups and entrepreneurs that are using technology to solve some of the world's most pressing social and environmental problems. It also includes information on other programs and initiatives for startups interested in partnering with Cisco for social impact. https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/about/csr/social-investment/cisco-global-problem-solver-challenge.html

IBM: Developing innovative solutions in Nairobi, Kenya, to address local challenges such as water, healthcare, and energy, and providing cloud-based services and analytics solutions to support economic development and sustainability efforts. URL: https://www.ibm.com/watson-africa/

Microsoft: Partnering with local providers to bring internet connectivity to rural areas through the Affordable Access Initiative and offering cloud-based solutions to support healthcare and education initiatives. URL: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/affordable-access-initiative/home

Google: Expanding internet connectivity in underserved regions through initiatives like Project Link and Project Loon, supporting education and entrepreneurship initiatives through Google for Entrepreneurs and Google for Education programs. URL: https://blog.google/technology/innovation/bringing-internet-access-to-the-unserved/

General Electric: Partnering with the African Development Bank to promote economic growth in Africa through infrastructure development, healthcare support, and clean water initiatives. URL: https://www.ge.com/africa/

Visa: Improving financial inclusion in emerging markets through partnerships with mobile money providers in Africa and other regions. Visa's startup engagement program, Visa Everywhere Initiative, on their website: https://usa.visa.com/run-your-business/visa-everywhere/innovation/everywhere-initiative.html

Mastercard: Improving financial inclusion in emerging markets through partnerships with mobile money providers and providing financial services for underserved communities in Africa. URL: https://www.mastercard.com/news/perspectives

Uber: Providing affordable and reliable transportation options for underserved communities in several African countries. URL: https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/

Coca-Cola: Providing economic opportunities through job creation and investment in local communities, and supporting water conservation and sustainability efforts in the region. URL: https://www.coca-cola.com/global/sustainability/africa-sustainable-business