Cashflow for African SMEs, Asset financing in Uganda

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January 18, 2022
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4 min read

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Good day,

Today I'm discussing:

  • Float’s $17m seed to power small businesses
  • Asaak’s raise to support asset financing

Float wants to power small businesses in Africa

branch app home page

If you follow our newsletter closely, you probably observed how much I was fascinated by the number of funding startups are securing to improve small and medium scale business activities in Africa. Be it bookkeeping, logistics and eCommerce, to a total overhaul of their operations, 2021’s numbers showed these startups meant business. 

This year, the trend has not stopped. Float, a Ghanaian fintech has raised $17 million seed to help, you guessed it, power small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The round was a mix of $7 million equity led by Tiger Global and Jam Fund, and $10 million debt led by Carius. 

With slight tweaks to their approach, you’ll find the likes of Brass, Kippa, Alerzo, Capiter, Sabi, and Payhippo playing in this space. 

Micro-lending platforms are waxing strong, but SME lending still remains a difficult nut to crack in Africa and really generous estimates in Nigeria put the gap at $28 billion. These SMEs account for the bulk of employment in nearly every continent and contribute a huge chunk to the GDP. 

Though there are potentially 44 million African SMEs to onboard, depending on the model these companies operate, this number could shrink when you narrow parameters to those who have registered businesses, own smartphones, and are computer literate. 

At the end of the day, it comes down to those who acquire the right customers and find ways to make non-factors of the little hurdles I mentioned above.

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Read more: Ghanaian fintech Float raises $17M seed to power cash flow for commerce in Africa

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Asaak’s raise to support asset financing

Asaak Motorcycle taxi
Source: Asaak

Crazy things are happening in Morocco: On Friday, January 14, 2022, Ghita Mezzour, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, announced the launch of the initiative "MoroccoTech."

Well, maybe not so crazy, but what’s MoroccoTech? According to Mezzour, it is the national brand to promote the Moroccan digital sector. The idea is to position the country as a digital destination of choice internationally while creating a global dynamic that will benefit all Moroccan ecosystems in their digital transformation.

In 2021, Moroccan startups hit a record-high of $29 million in funding, perhaps an indication of the country’s burgeoning tech ecosystem. 

It was worse: In 2017, the Moroccan government sought a $50 million loan from the World Bank to close the funding gap for tech startups and going by this analysis, there was quite a lot wrong with the ecosystem.

From a nascent private equity scene to lack of access to credit to restrictive regulations, Morocco’s investment scene required some push. Personally, I’m not sure most African countries were all that different.

At some point in the country’s recent history, Moroccans could not enjoy the use of WhatsApp, Facebook, Skype, or even YouTube. 

The launch of MoroccoTech should hopefully see more Moroccan startup success stories. At least, much better than has been heard in the last few years.

TL;DR: Morocco is looking for outside investments into its tech ecosystem.

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In case you missed it

  • How Wiicreate is helping African startups improve brand visibility with branded merchandise. Read

What I’m reading

  • The $514M Scam: The Anatomy Of Nigeria’s Biggest Ever Ponzi Scheme. Read
  • PayPal Sued for Freezing Customer Accounts Without Explanation. Read

Opportunities

  • Techpoint Build 2021 is this week!!! Register here. Meanwhile, keep your eyes peeled for new information on VIP tickets.
  • Applications are now open for the Circular Economy Accelerator incubator. You can apply here
  • Applications are open for Norrsken Impact Accelerator. You can apply here
  • Cowrywise is recruiting! Check out these roles
  • Reliance HMO is looking for a Content Creator. You can apply here
  • Genesys Health is currently hiring for the roles of Sales Associate, Software Engineer, and Junior Software. Apply here.
  • IndicinaCo is presently hiring Engineering Managers, Senior Software Engineers, and Senior Frontend Engineers. Apply here.
  • PR agency, Wimbart, is looking for an Account Executive. You can find the job description here.
  • If you reside in Rivers State, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, apply for the Software Developer Internship Program 2022. Click here.
  • If you’re a fresh graduate and have a flair for tech, join the Guaranty Trust Holding Company Tech Academy. Join here.

Have a splendid week ahead.

I help Nigerian fintech companies understand consumers, acquire and retain paying users | Telling stories at Moniepoint, Techpoint Africa.
I help Nigerian fintech companies understand consumers, acquire and retain paying users | Telling stories at Moniepoint, Techpoint Africa.
I help Nigerian fintech companies understand consumers, acquire and retain paying users | Telling stories at Moniepoint, Techpoint Africa.

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