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The AfricaTech Awards, a pan-African initiative recognizing companies driving innovation and development impact across the continent, has announced the top 45 startups long-listed for its second edition.

Viva Technology, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and knowledge partner Deloitte selected the startups from a pool of more than 380 applicants, with the Fintech, Climate Tech, and Health Tech categories receiving the most applications.

Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Tunisia, and South Africa had the highest participation rates among the 33 African countries represented, and 91% of the applicants had at least one woman on their board.

Viva Technology Co-Presidents, Maurice Lévy and Pierre Louette and Managing Director, François Bitouzet expressed their pride in the unique vibrancy of the African tech ecosystem and the startups’ potential.

The AfricaTech Awards aim to help these identified startups reach their full potential by promoting them to the world.

The awards are part of IFC’s strategy to strengthen tech ecosystems in emerging markets and help innovative startups scale, as recently announced with its $225-million venture capital platform and the expansion of the IFC Startup Catalyst Program by $60 million.

The AfricaTech Awards offer emerging market tech entrepreneurs a global stage to connect with investors, mentors, and partners needed to scale their innovations across the continent and beyond.

The next stage of the selection process involves a panel of industry experts identifying the top three startups in each category, who will be invited to join Viva Technology 2023 in Paris from June 14 to June 17.

The winners of the AfricaTech Awards will be announced on Viva Technology’s main stage.

Fintech category

This includes Affinity Africa, Alpha Direct Insurtech, Asante Financial Services Group, Balad, Bizao, Blackcopper, Curacel, Fingo, Flouci, ImaliPay, Kippa, Knabu, PremierCredit, Sparkle Microfinance Bank, and ValU.

Cassava Technologies and Helios Investments Partners sponsor the Fintech category.

Health Tech category

This includes AfyaRekod, Baobab Circle, BioCertica, Chekkit, Docline, Ilara Health, Meditect, My Dawa, O7 Therapy, Pharmacy Marts, Rology, Shezlong, Talamus Health, Waspito, and Zuri Health.

Climate Tech category

This includes ADAPTA, Baramoda, CloudFret, I-Sense, Koolboks, Kubik, Kumulus Water, MellowVans, NjordFrey, OKO, Sand to Green, Solar-FI, Tirhal, TradeBRICS and Treepz.