Three Kenyan Startups Named Among World Economic Forum's Technology Pioneers of 2022

Six African tech startups have been listed by the World Economic Forum (WEF) among its selection of the 100 most promising Technology Pioneers of 2022.

The WEF Technology Pioneers are described as early to growth-stage companies from around the globe that are pioneering new technologies and innovations to solve some of the world's most pressing problems such as climate change, food security, and cybersecurity.

“Technology Pioneers are an integral part of the Forum’s Global Innovators community, which is an invitation-only group of the world’s most promising start-ups and scale-ups that are at the forefront of technological and business model innovation," said a statement by WEF.

The 100 selected companies will get the opportunity to participate in the WEF activities, events, and discussions throughout the year as well as contribute to Forum initiatives over the next two years, working with global leaders to help address key industry and societal issues.

They will join an alumni community that comprises some of the world's most valuable tech companies, including Google, Twitter, Spotify, Wikipedia, and Mozilla.

The seven African startups named in the list include Okra (Nigeria), Access Afya (Kenya), Sendy (Kenya), Pula Advisors (Kenya), Ejara (Cameroon), and Ampersand (Rwanda).

Access Afya is a health-tech startup that specializes in the provision of quality and affordable healthcare for the global mass market. It uses technology to leverage available "patient data to facilitate efficient diagnostic, operational and follow-up care pathways."

Sendy specializes in building Africa's e-commerce fulfillment infrastructure for consumer brands. 

Pula Advisors a Kenyan insurance and technology startup that uses technology to provide agriculture insurance to millions of smallholder farmers in emerging markets. The goal is to de-risk all agricultural investments and guarantee profit. 

Okra is a Nigerian API/fintech startup that specializes in digitalizing financial services across the continent. It makes it possible for fintechs and even banks to easily access customers' financial data.

Ampersand, a Rwandese startup, is a leading battery-swap energy network for light vehicles. Cameroonian startup Ejara specializes in helping Africans at home and in the diaspora to invest in different forms of investments including equities, cryptos, and commodities.