The Southern Africa Startup Awards connects the best of Southern Africa tech startups across the region to a global network. These awards were started in 2018 and they are a subset of the Global Startup Awards (GSA). This platform has been providing and continues to provide the stage for startups to connect with investors. The awards seek to recognize innovation leaders, tech startups, and entrepreneurs demonstrating innovative solutions to address Africa’s pain points. Not only do they recognize but they also reward and support. The core impact areas considered are environmental sustainability, inclusive economic growth, diversified emerging technologies and innovation, and cross border collaboration.
What It Takes To Be Considered For These Awards
There are 5 things that form the basis for being considered as a startup for these awards. These are:
- Being a startup looking to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
- Looking to expand your tech enterprise into other African and global markets.
- Seeking visibility on a global tech platform to attract investors and financiers.
- Having solutions that may scale to address Africa’s key impact areas.
- Want to network with global leaders, governments, corporates, and stakeholders.
Zimbabwean Startups Nominated This Year
Best Newcomer
Vambo Academy – you can check out its website here.
Courtlex Technologies – you can check out its website here.
Founder Of The Year
The Housing Hub – you can check out its website here.
Yanaya Lifestyle – you can check out its website here.
Mobility For Africa – you can check out its website here.
Labcybersec – you can check out its website here.
Best VC
No Zimbabwean nominees are under this category.
Best Co-working Space
Tech Hub – you can check out its website here.
Best Accelerator Or Incubator Programme
No Zimbabwean nominees are under this category.
Startup Of The Year
Yanaya Lifestyle – you can check out its website here.
The Housing Hub – you can check out its website here.
Adventure Horizons – you can check out its website here.
Labcybersec – you can check out its website here.
Thumeza – you can check out its website here.
Women In Tech
Vambo Academy – you can check out its website here.
Thumeza – you can check out its website here.
AgriTech
Passion Poultry – you can check out its website here.
Lancreek Technologies Africa – you can check out its website here.
Farmbuzz Agriculture Solutions – you can check out its website here.
HealthTech
No Zimbabwean nominees are under this category.
Commerce Tech
Thumeza – you can check out its website here.
Industrial Tech
Solarpro – you can check out its website here.
Tach Luxure Pvt Ltd – you can check out its website here.
ESG Tech
Thumeza – you can check out its website here.
Tanima Solutions – you can check out its website here.
Voting ended on the 30th of November and fingers crossed that most of our nominees will win. I thought it important to discuss them given that several Zimbabwean startups were nominated. Next year will be yet another edition and it would be great to see more Zimbabwean startups being nominated. That can be your goal to end up scooping an award next year. There is so much to benefit from being a part of this. You get access to new markets, funding, a global network of leaders, and global exposure. Overall, it is encouraging to see more startups from Zimbabwe making a mark in the world of entrepreneurship. For more information on the Southern Africa Startup Awards, you can go to the website.
