Blog - @iBizAfrica

04Nov 2024 by @iBizAfrica No Comments

Highlights from the Standard Chartered Group Board Visit

In Kenya’s fast-evolving entrepreneurial landscape, women are emerging as powerful drivers of change, building ventures that not only impact their communities but shape the nation’s economy. Yet, despite this progress, only 2.3% of African startup funding goes to solo or all-female founders, highlighting a persistent gap in resources and support. On November 4, 2024, @iBizAfrica Incubation Centre- Strathmore University, in collaboration with Standard Chartered, hosted the Standard Chartered Group Board Visit. This unique event aimed to bridge this gap by celebrating the strides of women entrepreneurs and fostering an environment of shared learning, bringing together alumnae from the Women in Tech (WiT) program and participants from the Access to Finance initiative, Somo Africa. Building a Future through Women-Led Enterprises Dr. Joseph Sevilla, Director of @iLabAfrica, opened the event by emphasizing…

31Oct 2024 by @iBizAfrica No Comments

Ballots and Business: How the U.S. Election Could Impact Kenyan Startups

Entrepreneurship, WEIP

As the U.S. presidential election draws global attention, it is crucial to understand how this major event could ripple through economies across the world, including here in Kenya. While the U.S. election might seem far removed from the daily operations of African startups, changes in U.S. policies—particularly regarding trade, foreign investment, and international development partnerships—can significantly shape the opportunities available to African businesses in the years to come. The U.S. is a key player in global markets, and its foreign policies often have far-reaching effects. For startups engaged in tech, agribusiness, renewable energy, or export-oriented sectors, shifts in leadership can influence access to capital, markets, and partnerships. In recent years, initiatives like Prosper Africa have fostered closer economic ties between the U.S. and Africa, aiming to increase trade and investment.…

11Oct 2024 by @iBizAfrica No Comments

Empowering Kenya’s Future: Launch of the Women Entrepreneurship Incubator Program (WEIP)

WEIP

September 26, 2024, the Women Entrepreneurship Incubator Program (WEIP) was officially launched by USAID in partnership with Strathmore University. This initiative aims to empower Women Owned-Small and Growing Businesses (WO-SGBs) across Kenya by providing tailored business development services, mentorship, and access to funding. This program is part of the growing recognition that women entrepreneurs are key drivers of economic growth in Kenya and beyond, yet often face barriers that limit their potential. Addressing Barriers to Women’s Entrepreneurship Women entrepreneurs face numerous challenges, from limited access to finance to restricted business development services. Studies have shown that women-led businesses in Africa are more likely to experience growth constraints due to systemic barriers such as lack of market access, low confidence, and fewer networking opportunities. According to a World Bank report, providing…

18Sep 2024 by @iBizAfrica No Comments

Get Payd: How One Startup is Cashing In on Fintech Innovation for SMEs

Accounting

Benaiah Wepundi, Founder, Get Payd In Africa’s ever-growing entrepreneurial landscape, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the economy. Yet, many struggle with a fundamental challenge: delayed payments. That is where Get Payd, a fintech startup founded by Benaiah Wepundi, steps in, aiming to transform how SMEs manage their payments, allowing them to focus on what matters most—growing their businesses. During a candid interview for the Mozilla Africa Mradi Innovation Acceleration Programme, Benaiah shared his journey of launching Get Payd, the obstacles he faced, and how training from @iBizAfrica Incubation Centre gave him the tools to grow his vision. Get Payd: Born from Real-Life Struggles The concept of Get Payd is rooted in the daily challenges faced by many African entrepreneurs. Late payments can severely disrupt cash flow,…

18Sep 2024 by @iBizAfrica No Comments

Breaking Barriers Together: Insights from the Standard Chartered Women in Tech Masterclass on Market Access

SC Women in Tech

For many African women entrepreneurs, the dream of going global can feel like staring at a door that just will not open. You have worked hard, built something amazing, but how do you take that next step and break into international markets? It is a question that so many of us struggle with—and we are not alone. The recent Standard Chartered Women in Tech Masterclass on Market Access tackled this very issue head-on, offering practical, relatable insights to help women-led startups overcome market access challenges.Read more about the unique challenges faced by African women entrepreneurs and how they are overcoming them here. The Struggle is Real Market access is tough. It is more than just having a brilliant product or service—it is about navigating a tangled web of trade barriers,…

13Sep 2024 by @iBizAfrica No Comments

Mind Your Business: Navigating Mental Health in the Startup World

SC Women in Tech

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the pressures of running your startup? You are not alone. This is a common experience among entrepreneurs, and it was the focus of the first Cohort 7 #SCWomenInTech Masterclass: Mental Health for Startup Founders. Balancing the demands of running a startup with maintaining personal well-being is a challenge that many founders face. It is not just about managing a business; it is about managing yourself, too. According to Forbes Africa, at least 42% of African startup founders report experiencing mental health challenges, with stress, anxiety, and financial pressure being the primary culprits. These numbers highlight a growing concern in the entrepreneurial community, where the pressure to succeed often overshadows the need for self-care. Our Women in Tech Masterclasses are designed to support female entrepreneurs…

15Jul 2024 by @iBizAfrica No Comments

AI Revolutionising Education: A Story of Innovation and Inclusion

Artificial Intelligence

No one can deny Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising many industries and education is no exception. It is clear that AI’s role in learning is expanding quickly, and AI is already transforming the way we learn and teach. On June 24th & 25th, 2024, in the picturesque setting of Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland, two innovative minds from @iBizAfrica Incubation Centre - Strathmore University, Maxwell Opondo and Lexi Syoluka, showcased their innovative ideas at the Global Learning Council’s Annual Meeting. This opportunity came after their exceptional performance in the GLC HP Strathmore Hackathon, a program by the Global Learning Council (GLC), HP, and @iBizAfrica Incubation Centre. Breaking Down Barriers with AI Maxwell’s Zerobionic aims to address the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities by utilising a robotic arm that translates signs and gestures into…

01May 2024 by @iBizAfrica No Comments

EMPOWERING AFRICAN YOUTH THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP.

Incubation, Innovation

The Dunin Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre Strathmore Chapter Program Launch recently marked a significant milestone in Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape, bringing together key stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and the entrepreneurial spirit. This initiative, in partnership with iBizAfrica, Strathmore University, and Dunin Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC), exemplified the power of universities and industries working hand in hand to foster entrepreneurship. A Photo of The DDQIC Top 20. Strathmore, Nairobi. The event served as a platform for attendees to gain invaluable insights and inspiration from those involved and a past program participant. Notable speakers included Oliver Omondi, the founder of ZuriPacks and a past program participant, who shared his journey and experiences in entrepreneurship. Dr. Joseph Sevilla, the Director of @iLabAfrica, passionately emphasized the urgency of empowering Africa’s…

01May 2024 by @iBizAfrica No Comments

PIONEERING ORTHOPEDIC INNOVATION WITH AMEK MANUFACTURING

Incubation, Innovation

Mercy Kilonzo, a second-year student studying Financial Economics at Strathmore University, envisions making waves in the healthcare industry with her startup idea, Amek Manufacturing. As one of the top 20 student startups selected for the DDQIC Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship Program: Strathmore Chapter, Mercy’s journey is not just about entrepreneurship; it’s about conceptualizing a transformative idea that could reshape the future of healthcare. “I’ve always had a passion for finding solutions to real-world problems,” Mercy shares. “When I learnt about the shortage of affordable orthopedic implants in our country, I knew I had to do something about it.” Influenced by both parents in the medical industry and her desire to make a difference, Mercy conceived the idea of Amek Manufacturing, aimed at locally producing orthopedic implants, screws, and plates using…

01May 2024 by @iBizAfrica No Comments

EMPOWERING EDUCATION: INSIDE THE GLC HP STRATHMORE HACKATHON

Accounting

GLC HP STRATHMORE HACKATHON Did you know that in 2024, almost 1.13 million primary school children in Kenya aged 6 to 13 years old have dropped out of school, according to a recent survey? This alarming statistic highlights a range of challenges hindering access to education, including limited internet access, parental reservations about education, nomadic lifestyles, and financial barriers to school fees. Globally, approximately 5% of children are out of school, while many enrolled students struggle to meet educational standards. Disparities in access to quality education persist, particularly in underserved communities, as highlighted by a report from Usawa, a non-governmental organisation. In response to these challenges, the Global Learning Council (GLC), HP, and @iBizAfrica-Strathmore University have united to launch the GLC HP Strathmore Hackathon. This collaborative initiative aims to merge technology and education, addressing…