Salve,
Yesterday, the Kenyan government agreed to adopt Microsoft”s cloud-first strategy to enhance public service delivery.
How? Microsoft and the ICT Authority will partner to create a cooperative framework for working with ministries, departments, agencies, and the national government. By February 2024, the framework should be completed.
With the ultimate goal of bolstering Kenya’s digital transformation, the agreement’s primary objective is to assist the government in implementing the Kenyan Digital Economy Blueprint. This entails using technology and increasing productivity to provide citizens with e-government services.
Here’s what I’ve got for you today:
- Vodacom wants to improve healthcare for South Africans
- Waspito’s $2.5m seed extension
- FrontEdge gets $10m seed
Vodacom wants to improve healthcare for South Africans
What’s the news? Vodacom and the Free State Department of Health have partnered to introduce digital health solutions — the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system and the assisted reality medico-legal surveillance system (ARMSS).
What’s the goal? These solutions will enhance care in public hospitals and lower medical malpractice risks throughout the province, as over 80% of South Africans rely on public health.
Maintaining the government’s “Batho Pele” ideals of prioritising people in all technological public service touchpoints is consistent with this move.
How will these tools work? The CAD tracks ambulance requests from when a call is placed until the patients reach their destination. It includes the electronic records of the patients’ treatments during transportation to a medical facility, as well as the patient report form.
ARMSS, available via RealWear wearable technology, enables frontline medical staff members to record audio and video of their various procedures while working together hands-free.
It also helps to securely store and forward the audio-visual recordings for reporting and investigative purposes.
These solutions use mobile devices, SIM connectivity, and smartphone management software.
Well, the telco and the Free State Department of Health in South Africa have previously partnered. In 2022, Vodacom distributed 136 new cold chain units, valued at R1.8 million, throughout the province.
Waspito’s $2.5m seed extension
Waspito, a Cameroonian health startup, has received a $2.5 million seed extension to expand into Senegal and Gabon.
DP World via Newtown Partners, Saviu Ventures, AAIC Investment, Axian Ventures, and Health54 invested in this additional seed round.
Founded in 2020 by Jean Lobe Lobe, Waspito is a Cameroonian startup that enables users to video call and communicate with verified doctors.
Users can choose a doctor from a list of those currently online when they log in to the site. Before consultations, patients pay using several methods, including insurance.
Waspito also makes it easier to deliver medication and collect samples from homes. When a doctor prescribes medical testing, a technician from one of its partner laboratories visits to collect samples.
Billed as Facebook for healthcare, Waspito expects an increase in consultations through its platform as it implements a hybrid model that it is testing in the Ivory Coast, where it has established mini-clinics to serve patients who can’t access its online services.
How? Waspito is establishing these clinics within the vast national network of La Poste Corporation, Ivory Coast’s national postal service. With the help of the nurses who work at these sites, patients will have virtual access to doctors and other healthcare services offered by its partners.
FrontEdge gets $10m seed
What’s the news? Nigerian fintech startup, FrontEdge, has announced its $10 million debt and equity seed round to enable the growth of African cross-border trade.
The equity investment, which makes up 30% of the funding, saw participation from several investors, including TLG Capital and Flexport.
What does FrontEdge do? Founded in 2021 by Moni Alli, the company provides working capital and software tools to SME exporters and importers to facilitate cross-border and international transactions.
It provides SME exporters with upfront funding through transaction-based underwriting without the need for collateral. However, Alli stated that the timing of its intervention varies depending on the risk it is willing to take.
After initially creating a platform focused on lending, the startup has integrated with various databases to underwrite buyers’ offshore credits and offer insights into the dynamics of cross-border trade between buyers and sellers.
Traction? Since the company’s founding, SME exporters who use FrontEdge’s services have increased their monthly sales by three times and grown by 20%. It has completed over 50 contracts and has recorded a zero default rate thus far.
Plans? FrontEdge intends to diversify its revenue streams beyond financing by hiring more personnel and expanding its financing product throughout Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Kenya. It also wants to launch new products.
In case you missed it
What I’m reading and watching
Opportunities
- Lawyers Hub has opened applications for its 2023 Startup Law Accelerator program. Apply here.
- If you are a female between the ages of 18 and 28 who lives in Africa and is interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity, apply for the CyberGirls Fellowship by December 11, 2023 here.
- Apply for the Women Who Code fellowship by November 25, 2023 here.
- Do you live in Nigeria and work with a local or foreign company? Whether it’s remotely, on-site, hybrid, full-time, part-time or as a freelancer, @TheIntelpoint is trying to understand the Nigerian workspace: how you work, and toxicity in the workspace among others. Please, fill out the questionnaire here.
- If you are a software engineer, creative designer, product manager, design researcher, or a techie looking for an internship role, please, check out this website.
Have a great Thursday!
Victoria Fakiya for Techpoint Africa.
