Tech in Africa
The Africa Transformative Mobility Accelerator (ATMA) programme, driven by the Africa Mobility Initiative (AMI) has admitted 9 startups to its 2020/2021 cohort. A great deal of priority has bee given to Uganda and Kenya.
All startups shortlisted were vetted for their practical, transformative, and well-researched ability. The emerging 9 were shortlisted from a group of 9 startups operating in the mobility space. All the shortlisted startups will pass through a 6-month accelerator programme that will kick off on the 12th of October this year.
The programme will run for half a year and provide benefits in:
- Startup immersion trips in Uganda and Kenya
- Coaching and mentorship from local and international mobility development experts
- Networking with stakeholders and practitioners in four separate sessions held in Nairobi and Kampala between Nov 2020 and March 2021.
- Several curated seminars
- Pitching before a select pool of investors during the April Africa Transformative Mobility Summit to be held in Nairobi, Kenya.
- Compete for a $25,000 for the winner and $10,000 prize for runners up.
Here are the startups that were selected:
Uganda
Safarishare – A solution for individual travelers who can then go by their trip safely and affordably. Any registered car owner shares their travel routes to their subscribers so anyone planning to the same destination can travel with that driver can join at an affordable price.
Quick Tap – Employs technologies in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Near Field Communication (NFC) that deliver seamless payments for bus companies. This technology will promote the use of cashless payments for goods and services.
Easy Matatu – Works with matatu drivers to provide a safe and reliable network of reliable minibusses available on the Easy Matatu app.
Zembo Motorcycle – Zembo provides its Boda Boda riders with electric motorcycles and several recharge battery solar stations. Drivers enter into a rent-to-own arrangement with the motorcycle riders while spending less on the cheaper solar energy.
Ugabus – an e-ticketing bus system running across East Africa enabling travelers to purchase online tickets through secure mobile money payment options. Ugabus also offers a smart ticketing gadget that will be relied upon in the charging stations.
Kenya
Kiri EV Ltd – Kiri Ev is an electric vehicle manufacturer that makes vehicles that are stylish yet affordable for the East African market. They make special scooters and motorcycles that aim to depose the 125cc and 150cc petrol versions in power output, durability, and performance.
Ecobodaa – Uses a rent-to-own model for Boda Boda riders on their platform. All motorcycles on their platform are electrically powered.
Smatbeba – Revolutionizes transport and logistics by ensuring the delivery of goods and services remains efficient. Clients get to place orders on the Smartbeba website or App.
Amitruck – Creates transparency in cargo transport and delivery by connecting the cargo owners with interested transporters in a secure and efficient manner.
