<h1>Press Release: Pumpkn Secures Investment to Transform Funding for African Agribusinesses</h1>Renew Capital makes its first-ever investment in South Africa in an agribusiness loan platform.<a href="https://latest-api.renewcapital.com/uploads/7_2_2024_FINAL_Pumpkn_Press_Release_6b346ca3f2.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Download full press release</a>JOHANNESBURG, South Africa,&nbsp;July 2, 2024&nbsp;—&nbsp;Africa’s agricultural sector plays a significant role in the continent's economy, contributing about 35% to the GDP and supporting the livelihoods of nearly half of Africa's 1.4 billion population. Despite its immense potential, agriculture faces a funding gap hindering its growth. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/pumpkn/">Pumpkn</a>, a South African startup, is actively addressing this challenge by offering and facilitating financial support for agribusinesses.<figure class="image"><img src="/uploads/Zuri_Instagram_1_0bd40616a3.png" alt="A photo of the three co-founders of Pumpkn, a South African startup that provides a digital platform to connect agribusinesses with financing by leveraging data for credit assessments."></figure>Pumpkn leverages data to make credit assessments of agricultural small and medium-sized enterprises (agri-SMEs). On the other hand, Pumpkn helps lenders easily identify bankable businesses and manage their loan portfolio. Pumpkn’s overall objective is to make agribusiness financing commercially viable for lenders and make loans accessible for agribusinesses. These loans help these businesses to obtain the necessary tools, machinery, and equipment to facilitate their growth.“Despite agriculture being the major GDP contributor for many African countries, many agriculture-focused businesses still have a hard time finding the financing they need to grow and thrive. Pumpkn is committed to working closely with agribusinesses to enable their growth, with a direct impact on job creation,” said <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/zaheerdindar/">Zaheer Dindar</a>, co-founder &amp; CEO of Pumpkn. "Pumpkn seeks to fill the financing gap for agribusinesses by providing farmers and entrepreneurs with the financial resources they need to thrive."Pumpkn stands out with its aim to provide fast loan approvals, zero paperwork and seamless accessibility. Pumpkn's intuitive platform directly links to agri-SMEs' bank accounts, empowering them to swiftly secure essential financing."We are witnessing an important shift in Africa, with technology playing a major role in boosting sectors including agriculture," said Adam Abate, principal of investment at Renew Capital. "We are thrilled to support Pumpkn on its mission and proud to have them as our first-ever investment in South Africa."*Ecosystem activation, pipeline development and capacity-building support provided to Renew Capital portfolio companies is generously supported by Global Affairs Canada.

Renew Capital makes its first investment in South Africa with Pumpkn, a South African startup enhancing agribusiness financing and leveraging data to bridge the funding gap for agri-SMEs in Africa's agricultural sector.

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Press Release: Pumpkn Secures Investment to Transform Funding for African Agribusinesses

<h1>Secrets of Egypt's Momentum&nbsp;</h1>Context for the country’s current state and startup potentialThe past few months have been full of exploration for Matt and I as we’ve traveled around Africa to meet founders and to better understand startup ecosystems on the continent. Today, you find me in Cairo, Egypt. Last week, we were in Casablanca, <a href="https://www.renewcapital.com/newsroom/secrets-of-moroccos-momentum" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Morocco</a> and next week, we will be in Lagos, Nigeria.&nbsp;Side note: For those who are interested (and not familiar with the ecosystem), we are hosting a Zoom webinar on “Nigeria’s Startup Scene: How Does it Stack Up?” June 19th, 12:30 PM Eastern.&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RfG8ycMnTnOh8tc4QQva6g">Register here</a>.&nbsp;Renew Capital has been exploring Egypt for about a year now, and we are currently sourcing startups for investments as part of Renew Venture Lab (<a href="https://venturelab.renewcapital.com/">apply here</a>). We have so much to learn, but these are some of our key takeaways on Cairo this week and our earlier trip in March.&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="/uploads/IMG_7314_832de261f0.JPG" alt="A beautiful photo of Cairo's skyline over the river, featuring modern buildings and historical architecture."></figure>Here are a few things we have learned:&nbsp;<ul><li>A startup leader in MENA - Cairo's startup ecosystem is a leading hub in the MENA region, driven by strong sectors such as fintech, e-commerce and logistics. The e-commerce sector seems to be growing rapidly due to a young population and increasing internet penetration. Cairo’s ecosystem benefits from a supportive environment with various active investors and other stakeholders. Cairo's strategic location and robust talent pool further enhance its appeal as a startup hub​​.</li><li>Cairo is a city of contrast - I’ve worked in frontier and emerging markets for 20 years. But in Cairo the contrast was unique. First, you have&nbsp;ancient and new -&nbsp;You’ll find the Pyramids of Giza 15 minutes from the center of town and then 30 minutes in the other direction you have New Cairo and the New Administrative Capital with giant IT parks, IKEA, beautiful malls, modern restaurants and the tallest building in Africa. The contrasts are almost overwhelming. Next, you have&nbsp;outside versus inside and day versus night&nbsp;- Cairo is dusty and dense and on the outside of buildings and during the day, the old city can look a bit run down. But, when you go inside it’s like a new world. You find beautiful old buildings with great architectural designs and finishing work. It’s clean and beautiful. In Cairo, you have to know where to look. Also, once the sun sets, the buildings are lit up and it’s absolutely breathtaking!</li><li>Cairo is surprisingly affordable - Granted, the currency devalued in March by almost 40%, but even before that, internationals who live here describe Cairo as a very affordable city. A Starbucks run in March for four people - lattes, cappuccinos, juice drinks and snacks ran us about $6.</li><li>Cairo is large! -&nbsp;Cairo is the&nbsp;<a href="https://citymonitor.ai/environment/infrastructure/what-are-the-largest-cities-in-the-middle-east#:~:text=It%20is%20the%20most%20populated%20%E2%80%98metropolitan%E2%80%99%20area%20in%20the%20Middle%20East">largest city</a> in the Arab world with a population of almost&nbsp;<a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/egypt/overview">10 million</a> and the whole urban area being above&nbsp;<a href="https://populationstat.com/egypt/cairo">22 million</a>. Egypt has two of the continent’s <a href="https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/lifestyle/top-10-african-cities-with-the-highest-population/sz3n5pv" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">largest cities</a>, with the second being Alexandria. As many cities and populations in the developed world age and shrink, Egypt and Cairo are forecasted to grow with nearly 43% of Egyptians living in urban centers.&nbsp;</li><li>Egypt is wealthy, relative to other SSA countries -&nbsp;Cairo had Starbucks, McDonalds, Hardees (Carl’s Juniors), delivery services, Uber, IKEA, Carrefour and everything you could want. We all know this development in South Africa. But, prior to my first visit in March, I didn’t know I would also find it in Cairo. Its&nbsp;<a href="https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.PCAP.CD#:~:text=6%2C391.3-,Egypt%2C%20Arab%20Rep.,-2022">GDP per capita</a> is more than $4,000, which is one of the wealthier countries in Africa.&nbsp;<a href="https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.PCAP.CD?locations=A9&amp;most_recent_value_desc=true">10th</a> among the 54 countries on the continent and many believe the&nbsp;<a href="https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/520322.aspx">structural reforms</a> President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is putting in place will help the country see higher GDP growth in the coming years.&nbsp;</li><li>Egypt (and Africa) may become the focal point of a shift in geopolitical power -&nbsp;​​From an Economist article titled “<a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2024/03/13/gulf-countries-are-becoming-major-players-in-africa">Gulf countries are becoming major players in Africa</a>”, “As African leaders seek alternatives to dwindling Chinese loans and Western aid, the Gulf’s rise is reshaping geopolitics on the continent, with effects good and bad.” Cairo - as the epicenter of Africa’s Arab cultural and economic influence - will be one to watch as this geopolitical reshuffle happens. For example, in November 2023 Saudi pledged to invest $25B in Africa by 2030.&nbsp;</li></ul><h2>Go Deeper on Egypt?</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/renew-capital_egypt-in-12-photos-activity-7207270407031238657-zxwu?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cairo in 12 photos</a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIbSkaTdvrg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interview with Matt and Laura</a></li><li><a href="https://latest-api.renewcapital.com/uploads/Egypt_s_Startup_Ecosystem_Factsheet_07e3c034a1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Egypt Startup Ecosystem Factsheet</a></li><li><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/X5JctByrSorhGMUL7">Cairo Startup Ecosystem Google Map</a></li></ul>

Learn about Cairo's fast-growing startup scene, its role in the MENA region, the unique blend of ancient culture and modern growth shaping its business landscape.

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Secrets of Egypt's Momentum 

<h1>Secrets of Morocco's Momentum&nbsp;</h1>Context for the country’s growth and startup potentialMatt and I have been in Morocco for almost two weeks now, last week, attending&nbsp;<a href="https://gitexafrica.com/?utm_source=theafricabrief.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=africa-in-brief-may-31-2024">GITEX Africa</a>&nbsp;in Marrakesh hosted by the Dubai World Trade Center and this week exploring the startup ecosystem in Casablanca. Renew Capital has had a small presence in Morocco since January and we are currently sourcing startups for investments as part of Renew Venture Lab (<a href="https://venturelab.renewcapital.com/">apply here</a>). We have so much to learn still, but these are some of our key takeaways so far.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="/uploads/Image_a4f058478e.png" alt="Collage of four photos: Renew Capital’s Co-CEO, Matt Davis, with the U.S. Ambassador to Morocco at a Moroccan startup demo, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jenaa El Fnna Square in Marrakech, GITEX Africa event in Marrakesh, Morocco, May 2024, Moroccan seafood pastilla delicacy."></figure><ul><li>Taking Their "Game Up": The 2030 FIFA World Cup is a tri-country event with Portugal, Spain and Morocco set to play host. Moroccans are inspired (and perhaps a little nervous!) that they will be compared to the two other countries. Competition is good and we predict continued improvement in quality across the services sector, and a boom in real estate and services industries, along with the creation of new tech companies that Europeans are used to in their home country. Sidenote: The airline, Royal Air Maroc is&nbsp;<a href="https://simpleflying.com/royal-air-maroc-new-aircraft-fleet/">slated to quadruple</a>!&nbsp;</li><li>A Better Wall?: Morocco and other countries in Northern Africa will need to absorb a massive amount of migrants looking for a life - but being rejected entry - into Europe. We see huge potential (or problems if not done) for Europe to help build up factories and invest in job-absorbing industries in Northern Africa to minimize migration. Look for a boom in high job creation industries.</li><li>Windfall of Too Much Tourism: Spain received 85 million&nbsp;<a href="https://www.investinspain.org/content/icex-invest/en/noticias-main/2024/turismo-2023.html">tourists last year</a> and many want to move there. But some say Spain is now starting to burst at the seams. Morocco is a great country to absorb that spillover. Look for a big boom in the tourism industry!</li><li>Long Live the King: Moroccans LOVE and trust their King and they believe the monarch has a good plan to build their country. This also creates stability and focus - people work hard when they're not worried about politics. Given the factors above and the stability, look for GDP growth to beat forecasts.</li><li>Homeward Bound: Amid Europe's polarized migration debates, descendants of Moroccan immigrants are moving back to Morocco. Seeking better opportunities and reconnecting with their heritage, many find support through platforms like&nbsp;<a href="https://web.facebook.com/groups/277379784237975/?_rdc=1&amp;_rdr">"J’ai décidé de m’installer au Maroc"</a> on Facebook and "<a href="https://www.instagram.com/vivre_au_maroc/?hl=en">Vivre au Maroc</a>" on Instagram. Despite adjustment challenges, positive feedback highlights Morocco's appeal for social and economic advancement, with returning diaspora contributing to the nation's growth. There’s little to no brain drain problem in Morocco!&nbsp;</li></ul>Go Deeper on Morocco?<ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/renew-capital_morocco-in-12-photos-activity-7204750404012675072-q5Wb?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Morocco’s Momentum in 12 Photos</a></li><li><a href="https://latest-api.renewcapital.com//uploads/Morocco_Startup_Ecosyestem_Fact_Sheet_006a5a8686.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Morocco’s Startup Ecosystem Factsheet</a></li><li><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/placelists/list/ET4sW5dcS_6HWsverJmwqA">Casablanca Startup Ecosystem Google Map</a></li></ul>

Explore Morocco's growing startup ecosystem with Renew Capital, fueled by tourism, returning diaspora and a stable economy.

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Secrets of Morocco's Momentum 

<h1>Press Release: Roscas Building Financial Inclusion Platform in Mozambique</h1>Renew Capital invests in Roscas to expand their work providing financial products to underserved communities <a href="https://latest-api.renewcapital.com/uploads/2024_15_04_FINAL_Roscas_Press_Release_4dd5ecce27.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Download the full press release</a>MAPUTO, Mozambique, April 15, 2024 — Financial inclusion remains a paramount global challenge. However, a Mozambican fintech startup,<a href="https://roscas.co.mz/">&nbsp;Roscas</a>, is addressing the problem by introducing digital solutions that empower individuals and communities across the country. Roscas aims to digitize traditional savings groups by integrating digital tools and financial products tailored to the informal sector's needs. <img src="/uploads/1000200717_788ce36d91.jpg" alt="Roscas team and founder posing in their office in Maputo, Mozambique.">With an estimated 85% of individuals engaged in informal sectors in sub-Saharan Africa, the demand for accessible financial security products like insurance and pensions has reached critical levels. Roscas bridges this gap, empowering individuals historically excluded from formal financial systems to access welfare products, such as insurance, capitalized savings and loans."At Roscas we are fueled by our vision to dismantle barriers not only to financial but also to economic inclusion, by equipping underserved communities with tools to shape their financial destinies," said <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/josegudo/">José Samo Gudo</a>, CEO and co-founder at Roscas. "The investment from Renew Capital Angels marks an exciting milestone in our journey, propelling us toward our vision of nurturing economic resilience and empowerment in Mozambique and sub-Saharan Africa."With a robust multichannel strategy embracing platforms such as WhatsApp, USSD, and mobile applications, Roscas aims to ensure its suite of financial products reaches its target audience with unparalleled ease."Renew Capital is happy to announce our first investment in Mozambique. The decision to invest in Roscas underscores the increasing acknowledgment of the role innovative financial technology solutions play in fostering economic growth. We are delighted to support the team in achieving their goal, enhancing their services, and broadening their impact,” says <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lic%C3%ADnio-chissano-375099124/?originalSubdomain=mz">Licinio Chissano</a>, investment and project manager at Renew Capital.&nbsp;

Renew Capital invests in Roscas, a fintech startup in Mozambique to enhance financial inclusion by digitizing savings groups and offering tailored financial products for underserved communities.

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Press Release: Roscas Building Financial Inclusion Platform in Mozambique

<h1>Press Release: Affinity, Ghana's Trailblazing Digital Bank, Continues to Expand</h1>Renew Capital makes first investment in Ghana&nbsp;<a href="https://latest-api.renewcapital.com/uploads/2024_09_04_FINAL_Affinity_Press_Release_ddf8da1454.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Download the full press release</a>ACCRA, Ghana, April 9, 2024&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/affinityghana/">Affinity</a>, a full-scale digital bank, was established with a bold vision to provide banking services to 350 million adults who remain unbanked in Africa. Operating as a digital banking platform, Affinity offers a full suite of banking services, including current, savings and investment accounts, transfers, payments and loans with a targeted focus on financially excluded populations in Africa.<figure class="image"><img src="/uploads/486_A3496_4d2eaa9836.jpeg" alt="Group photo of the Affinity team in Accra, Ghana, featuring over 30 members outside their office, all smiling and waving to promote financial inclusion in Africa."></figure>In Africa, digital banks like Affinity are emerging as transformative forces, disrupting the industry and driving financial inclusion. Affinity stands out by prioritizing customers, offering accounts with no fees and competitive interest rates on deposits and providing access to a range of affordable loan products.“At Affinity, we've developed a fully integrated platform dedicated to promoting financial inclusion by effectively addressing the challenges faced by individuals and MSMEs without access to financial services across sub-Saharan Africa,” stated the group CEO and founder of Affinity Africa, <a href="https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tmouganie">Tarek Mouganie</a>. "Our approach revolves around low-cost deposits, fully online digital channels and becoming the most affordable MSME lender."Affinity's mission is anchored in recognizing the critical importance of financial inclusion, especially for small businesses and individuals in Africa facing barriers due to traditional documentation requirements, leading to rejection by conventional banks. The company's commitment to leveraging technology to bridge these financial gaps underscores its pivotal role in shaping the future of banking in Africa.“Progress is being made across the continent related to financial inclusion, but there are still millions more to reach,” stated <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcoelofse/?originalSubdomain=et">JC Oelofse</a>, Renew Capital’s head of investment. “Renew Capital is thrilled to invest in Affinity, our first investment in Ghana and looks forward to supporting them as they look to expand across the continent.”*Ecosystem activation, pipeline development and capacity-building support provided to Renew Capital portfolio companies is generously supported by Global Affairs Canada.

Renew Capital makes its first investment in Ghana by investing in Affinity, a digital bank dedicated to enhancing financial inclusion for unbanked populations across Africa.

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Press Release: Affinity, Ghana's Trailblazing Digital Bank, Continues to Expand

<h1>Press Release: Bosso Africa Secures Funding to Digitize Africa's Construction Supply Chain</h1>Zambian company is enhancing affordability and efficiency in the procurement of building supplies<a href="https://latest-api.renewcapital.com/uploads/2024_02_02_FINAL_Bosso_Africa_Press_Release_16b40f27d6.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Download the full press release&nbsp;</a>LUSAKA, Zambia, February 2, 2024 - The lack of affordable housing for millions of people in Africa is a pressing issue, but <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/bosso/">Bosso Africa</a> is seeking to change that. The Zambia-based company provides an all-in-one user-friendly online marketplace that streamlines the sourcing of building materials for hardware stores, construction companies and individual builders.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="/uploads/IMG_0256_2e03f35cce.jpg" alt="Grouo photo of Bosso team with founder in Lusaka, Zambia, digitizing construction supply chains to improve affordability and efficiency in Africa's building sector."></figure>By partnering with financial institutions, Bosso is working to further access to finance, providing customers with opportunities for various financing options, including stock advances using the “buy now pay later” (BNPL) credit approach, mortgages and the "save now, build later" (SNBL) approach."The challenges and potential within Africa's construction industry are immense and this presents a significant opportunity,” said Bosso’s CEO <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chisepo-chirwa-b1062b2b/?originalSubdomain=zm">Chisepo Chirwa</a>. “Bosso’s mission is to make affordable building materials universally accessible through our e-commerce platform, providing a faster, more cost-effective and efficient solution."Through strategic collaborations with manufacturers, Bosso Africa offers a diverse product range and improves transparency and efficiency for users in the construction supply chain which ultimately reduces transaction costs.&nbsp;“Most African governments are currently pushing for affordable housing for their citizens. Affordable housing however starts with the provision of affordable housing materials,” says Renew Capital’s investment and project manager for Zambia, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvin-chitangala-42b77512b/">Calvin Chitangala</a>. “Bosso's innovative platform improves the sourcing of building materials in Africa and we are delighted to support them in their journey.” *Ecosystem activation, pipeline development and capacity-building support provided to Renew Capital portfolio companies is generously supported by Global Affairs Canada.

Bosso Africa secures funding from Renew Capital to digitize construction supply chains, enhancing affordability and efficiency in Africa's building sector.

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Press Release: Bosso Africa Secures Funding to Digitize Africa's Construction Supply Chain

<h1>Press Release: Renew Capital Angels Invest in Jamii.one, a Micro Insurance Platform</h1>Supporting solutions to expand financial inclusion across Ethiopia, Renew Capital partners with Jamii.one<a href="https://latest-api.renewcapital.com/uploads/FINAL_Jamii_One_Press_Release_e2a1650a7b.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Download the Full Press Release</a>ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, September 28, 2023&nbsp;—&nbsp;Driving towards financial inclusion for communities across Ethiopia, Renew Capital Angels has partnered with Jamii.one, a trailblazer micro-insurance platform for the African landscape.The company has begun services in Ethiopia, where there are few insurance options for rural communities and only 42% of mobile phone owners own smartphones.<figure class="image"><img src="/uploads/unnamed_96ad0f588d.jpg" alt="A happy team photo of Jamii.one members posing together in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, showcasing their commitment to enhancing financial inclusion through micro-insurance solutions."></figure>Jamii.one’s growth has come from self-organized Ethiopian community groups called "Iddirs" that bring on average around 50 people together making monthly contributions for informal cooperative-like insurance for funerals and other significant life events.&nbsp;More than 30% of Ethiopians participate in Iddir groups, which often face operational difficulties due to manual data tracking and management, preventing them from fully meeting their members' financial needs. Jamii.one provides an app-based data registration tool for Iddirs and connects them to affordable, reliable insurance options. “When we entered the market it didn't take us long to introduce the Iddir community to Jamii.one. After we tailored our product for Iddir and enabled access to affordable group micro life insurance it was amazing to see the power of technology with the power of community,” says <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tigist-bezu-928519158" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tigist Bezu</a>, co-founder.&nbsp;Importantly, the app is designed to accommodate low literacy levels, offline functionality and limited smartphone usage, making it accessible to a wider segment of the population. This initiative aims to enhance financial inclusions across Ethiopia and beyond.

Renew Capital Angels invests in Jamii.one, a micro-insurance platform enhancing financial inclusion in Ethiopia. By leveraging community groups, Jamii.one offers affordable insurance solutions to rural populations, improving access to essential services.

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Press Release: Renew Capital Angels Invest in Jamii.one, a Micro Insurance Platform

<h1 style="margin-left:0px;">Press Release: Renew Capital Angels Invest in Kenyan Fintech FlexPay</h1>FlexPay is reshaping the financial services landscape in Africa with its flexible and affordable payment alternatives<a href="https://latest-api.renewcapital.com/uploads/FINAL_Flex_Pay_Press_Release_c41e2406d2.pdf " target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Download the Full Press Release&nbsp;</a>NAIROBI, Kenya, September 5, 2023 —Renew Capital Angels have invested in an innovative Kenyan fintech,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flexpay.co.ke/">FlexPay</a>. FlexPay’s"save now, buy later" platform allows customers to purchase products over time, interest-free, by setting personal savings goals. They provide customers with greater financial flexibility and purchasing power by collaborating with merchants to facilitate flexible payment options for high-value goods and services.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="/uploads/Flex_Pay_e4b9cbfb07.png" alt="Senior Investment Manager of Renew Capital with FlexPay founders in their Nairobi, Kenya office, showcasing partnership in innovative fintech solutions."></figure>“Our “save now, buy later” model represents an important evolution of “buy now, pay later”. It's an affordable, scalable, and sustainable model, particularly in Africa. We are looking forward to the future and plan to move quickly in the next three months to partner with merchants and blaze a new trail in the banking space,” said <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-machomba-618b697a?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAABDmyjQBkhBCNptBuO2vD_RO8NeUDZ-3uSI&amp;lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_search_srp_all%3BZZ2IaXumQsSzgSvDlaN8LA%3D%3D" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Richard Machomba</a>, CEO of FlexPay.&nbsp;FlexPay is one of the innovative financial service products that has emerged from Kenya, the home of Africa's first mobile money service, MPESA. FlexPay aims to bridge the affordability gap with practical and affordable financial services thus protecting customers from the dangers of debt."The youngest and fastest-growing populations in the world are generating massive demand for effective and affordable financial services. This is Africa’s great challenge and opportunity. FlexPay is leveraging exciting technology to power an empowering new model: “Save now, buy later,” said Matt Davis, CEO of Renew Capital.The investment aligns with Renew Capital's mission to support groundbreaking ventures across Africa.

Renew Capital Angels invests in FlexPay, a Kenyan fintech offering flexible 'save now, buy later' payment solutions.

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Press Release: Renew Capital Angels Invest in Kenyan Fintech FlexPay

<h1>NINJA Program Creating Champions for the Startup Ecosystem of Ethiopia&nbsp;</h1>Launching the NINJA Acceleration ProgramThe first industrial revolution used water and steam power to mechanize production. The second used electric power to create mass production. The third used electronics and information technology to automate production. Now, a fourth “digital” industrial revolution is underway, building on the technological advancements of the last century and characterized by a fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres.&nbsp;Ethiopia is no exception - as stated in the country’s most recent Ten Year Development Plan (2020/21-2029/30) published by FDRE Planning and Development Commission, “technological capability and digital economy” is one of the ten key strategic pillars that are set to help attain the development goals of Ethiopia. In support of this work, the Government of Ethiopia (GoE) has committed to “build the human resources capacity to increase the potential workforce in the innovation, technology and research subsectors”.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="/uploads/2_S4_A3486_2f6e583bcb.jpg"></figure>In its current state, Ethiopia has to play catch up with the rest of the world when it comes to fully integrating the fruits of the third industrial revolution into its key economic sectors. Materializing this and fully entering into the fourth industrial revolution can likely be attained by promoting the nascent startup ecosystem that is just developing in the country’s economy, something that the GoE recognizes and supports.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Ethiopian Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MinT) is giving due attention to entrepreneurship and its immense potential to contribute to the growth of the economy. Working alongside the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), MinT and JICA are seeking to encourage startup innovation that has the potential to solve persisting sectoral problems through the use of emerging technologies as part of the Next Innovation With Japan (NINJA) Acceleration Program.&nbsp;After the launch of the 2022 NINJA Acceleration Program in Ethiopia, the program accepted nearly 100 applications from startups all over Ethiopia in December to compete in a multi-stage and multi-month acceleration competition. The program’s three-phased selection process resulted in six trailblazing, technology startup finalists that have the potential to revitalize the country’s economy through driving sectors such as agriculture, tourism, logistics and digitalization and ICT.Following the selection of the six startups that fit the objectives of NINJA Acceleration Program, JICA and MinT, in collaboration with the implementing partner Renew Capital, will be hosting a Kickoff Conference on April 7, 2023 that will serve as the formal launch of a curated, four-month intensive training program for the six startups. The NINJA Acceleration program will lay the foundation for the selected startups to appropriately scale and build a world-class business through practical training, coaching and mentorship. It will also provide the six startups with a disbursement amount of ETB 500K and a trip to Japan for further training and networking.&nbsp;The Kickoff Conference will host a panel discussion by key stakeholders and the final business pitches of the winning six startups. This Kickoff Conference will also serve as a platform from which the finalists and their products are widely publicized to local and international stakeholders, such as enabling bodies, entrepreneurial support organizations, capital providers and potential customers.&nbsp;<a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Rfyt508jSRGMg1NmLbKmrA">[Please register here]&nbsp;</a>----------------------------------------1)Schuab, Klaus. World Economic Forum. 2016.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/01/the-fourth-industrial-revolution-what-it-means-and-how-to-respond/">Link</a>