GGD Startup: PopCom
PopCom turns traditional vending machines and kiosks into smart retail spaces. Using biotech integration, automated retail software and artificial intelligence, PopCom manufactures vending machines; able to sell everything from digital NFT artwork to beauty products. Founder Dawn Dickson, established the company after realizing many vending outlets or self-serving kiosks were not providing owners with critical consumer data (like sales or traffic analytics).
GGD Startup: Fanbase
Unlike most social media apps, Fanbase is geared to make you money ASAP. The network serves as a platform for multiple types of content; video, podcasts, movies, and more.
GGD Startup: Zuri Health
Zuri Health is a telemedicine company disrupting traditional, analog healthcare. To better serve patients, the startup deploys mobile software like AI, apps and SMS messaging. A key aspect of Zuri’s mission is to “not just cure illnesses but prevent them.” Founded in Kenya, the healthtech startup has expanded to other countries in Africa. Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana, and Zambia all have Zuri Health services.
GGD Startup: Calendly
To create Calendly, Tope Awotona emptied out his personal savings in 2013. The founder was determined to build a scheduling automation tool that was intuitive and simple to use.
Welcome to Tech City, Sierra Leone
An estimated $150 million has been allocated to establish Tech City, a digital innovation hub in Sierra Leone. The city will be built in Tikonko, Bo district, about 250 km east of Freetown, the country’s historic capital. The initial investment will be used to build data centers, device manufacturing/assembly lines, and boost digital infrastructure.
Google Launches “Umoja” Cable: Linking Africa and Australia
As part of its Africa Connect initiative, Google has announced the construction of a new fiber optic cable system linking Australia and Africa. The project, known as “Umoja” is the first-ever fiber optic cable to directly boost internet services between the two continents.