Top Industries for CSR Grants in African Tech

2 weeks ago

13 26 minutes read

Top Industries for CSR Grants in African Tech — image 36201132d009de2a48debd615d2c628c.jpeg

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) grants are transforming African tech by funding women-led startups tackling key challenges. Here’s what you need to know:

Fintech leads CSR funding, addressing financial inclusion with $1.04 billion raised in 2024.
Climate Tech and Renewable Energy focus on clean energy access, with solar and wind projects scaling rapidly.
Health Tech bridges healthcare gaps, with innovations like telemedicine and AI saving lives.
EdTech improves access to education, vital in a region where 86% of children struggle with basic reading.
AgriTech supports food security and smallholder farmers, leveraging tech for sustainable farming practices.
Social Impact Tech combines technology with community-focused solutions, driving progress in underserved areas.

Women entrepreneurs are central to this shift, delivering strong results despite funding disparities. In 2023, female-led startups secured 8.2% of African tech funding, up from 2.8% in 2022. Sectors like health tech and fintech show the highest potential for CSR-backed growth. To succeed, startups must align with CSR goals, demonstrate measurable impact, and showcase scalable models.

SERAS CSR Awards Africa: Bridging SDGs Gap Through Impact Investing

CSR Grant Trends in African Tech

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding in Africa’s tech scene is on the rise, fueled by a blend of demographic shifts and technological advancement. In 2024, African tech startups collectively secured $2.2 billion through equity, debt, and grants, with an additional $408 million raised by February 2025. This growth reflects increasing investor confidence in a continent expected to house 25% of the global population by 2050 and generate a staggering $16 trillion in combined business and consumer spending. These numbers set the stage for key sector-specific trends shaping the future of CSR investments.

Corporate sponsors are increasingly drawn to the continent’s vibrant, urbanizing population. They are prioritizing startups with proven revenue models and clear scalability, making CSR grants particularly appealing for businesses that combine social impact with financial sustainability.

Fintech continues to dominate CSR funding, pulling in $1.04 billion in 2024. The sector addresses financial inclusion challenges while delivering measurable returns. Meanwhile, climate tech, agri-tech, and health tech are emerging as critical areas of focus, attracting blended capital due to their alignment with global sustainability objectives.

“Africa tech is in its early growth phase, with untapped demand and rising talent fueling rapid platform adoption and future success.” – Lexi Novitske, Managing Partner of Norrsken 22

Women entrepreneurs are at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging innovation to tackle pressing community challenges. Despite facing a daunting $42 billion funding gap, women-led startups in Africa are demonstrating exceptional performance and social impact. A notable example is the UNESCO Initiative launched in August 2024, which selected 15 women entrepreneurs from 28 African countries to receive financial grants, fundraising coaching, and tailored technical support for applying AI in sustainable development.

Corporate sponsors are recognizing the ripple effect of supporting women entrepreneurs. For instance, eHA Impact Ventures received a $1.9 million grant aimed at scaling women-led companies to enhance health and economic outcomes for African women and their communities. Similarly, the IFC’s She Wins Africa program selected 100 women-led startups in February 2024 for comprehensive investment readiness training.

Strategic partnerships are also redefining how CSR grants are utilized. Liquid Intelligent Technologies, for example, has launched initiatives like the STEM Digital Literacy Programme and the YES programme, which have significantly improved youth infrastructure and skills. These programs have achieved impressive results, including high pass rates and widespread participation[Liquid South Africa | CSR, 2025].

Corporate sponsors are particularly drawn to sectors addressing critical infrastructure and market challenges. Energy, mobility, and agritech startups are seeing increased CSR investments due to their ability to tackle foundational issues with scalable solutions. A standout example is the $8 million investment in Kofa‘s battery-swapping network in Ghana, supported by the Shell Foundation and the UK Government’s TEA platform. This project underscores how CSR funding is targeting transformative infrastructure initiatives.

“Supporting women will go a long way in not just improving their societal impact but also contribute immensely to sustainable development especially in the African region.” – My Le, Board Executive at eHealth Africa

The data paints a clear picture: CSR grants are increasingly directed toward startups with a solid product-market fit, strong unit economics, and scalable business models. This shift from traditional charity-based CSR to impact-driven investment is creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs committed to building sustainable, community-centered businesses that deliver both social and financial returns. Women-led ventures, in particular, are emerging as key players in this evolving landscape.

1. Fintech

Fintech emerges as a powerful sector for CSR grants, directly tackling Africa’s pressing financial challenges. With 57% of African adults still unbanked, fintech provides a gateway to financial services for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and individuals who have traditionally been left out of the banking system.

“Through the simple act of democratizing finance, fintechs are supporting African countries especially the citizens to build their resilience to withstand global shocks.” – Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT and Innovation, Rwanda

By offering credit access, promoting savings, and improving government transparency, fintech delivers tangible benefits. For farming communities, it minimizes reliance on middlemen, lowers food costs, and strengthens financial stability. Transitioning to cashless transactions also drives economic formalization, enhances fiscal transparency, and curbs financial leakage.

On the environmental side, fintech supports renewable energy initiatives, facilitates investments in eco-friendly projects, and promotes low-carbon technologies. Its digital-first approach fosters practices that align with green goals, creating a dual impact on social and environmental fronts.

Potential for Scalability and Long-Term Sustainability

Fintech’s growth potential in Africa is staggering. The continent’s digital payments market is projected to hit $1.5 trillion by 2030, with revenues climbing from $10 billion in 2023 to $47 billion by 2028 – a fivefold surge. Investments in African fintech reached $3.1 billion in 2024, a 215% jump since 2020, with the sector growing 35% faster than fintech markets in Latin America and Southeast Asia.

This rapid expansion is supported by solid infrastructure. Africa boasts 495 million mobile subscribers, and mobile internet users are expected to grow from 300 million in 2020 to nearly 475 million by 2025. Sub-Saharan Africa alone accounts for 64% of global mobile money accounts.

Real-world examples highlight fintech’s transformative impact. In Kenya, the M-TIBA platform has connected over 2 million users to essential healthcare services via mobile technology. Similarly, M-KOPA raised $75 million in March 2024 to scale its solar home systems, enabling consumers to pay through mobile money micropayments.

These developments underscore fintech’s ability to scale and sustain its impact, with women-led ventures playing an essential role.

Track Record of Women-Led Startups in the Sector

Despite facing funding hurdles, women-led fintech startups in Africa are breaking ground with innovative solutions. Between 2013 and 2021, less than 5% of the $12.6 billion in funding for African tech startups went to all-female founding teams[10, 34]. However, around 3.2% of fintech firms in Africa are founded solely by women – double the global average of 1.6%[10, 34].

Progress is evident. In 2023, funding for startups with at least one female co-founder rose to 16.6%, and female-led ventures accounted for 8.2% of total funding, up from 2.8%.

Several women-led companies showcase this progress:

Lami Technologies, founded by Jihan Abass in 2018, has secured $1.8 million in seed funding and sold over 72,000 insurance policies through partnerships with Kenya Commercial Bank and Jumia[10, 34].
Okra, co-founded by Fara Ashiru Jituboh, developed an open finance platform serving over 400 clients, including more than 20 banks in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. The company raised $4.5 million in venture capital[10, 34].
MoneyAfrica & Ladda, founded by Oluwatosin Olaseinde, have built a community of 300,000 followers and over 15,000 active users, with MoneyAfrica projected to generate $1 million in revenue and Ladda managing $700,000 in assets[10, 34].
Pezesha, founded by Hilda Moraa, has facilitated loans for over 100,000 businesses through partnerships with more than 20 companies since 2017.

These examples highlight the untapped potential of women entrepreneurs in fintech, urging investors to take notice.

Relevance to Pressing Challenges in African Communities

Fintech leverages mobile technology to bridge infrastructure gaps, driving economic empowerment in African communities. It increases market competition, creates jobs, and supports sustainable agribusiness, all while helping alleviate poverty and improve household financial management.

Rwanda offers a notable example of fintech’s impact. By mid-2022, the share of e-payments in Rwanda’s GDP grew from 95% to 111.9%, signaling widespread adoption of digital financial services.

Fintech’s dominance in Africa is undeniable. Between 2020 and 2021, fintech accounted for over 2,000 of the 5,200 tech startups on the continent. A study spanning 39 African countries revealed that fintech encourages formal banking adoption, expanding financial inclusion across the region.

2. Renewable Energy and Clean Tech

Renewable energy and clean technology bring together social progress and environmental solutions across Africa. With more than 600 million Africans – mostly in rural areas – lacking access to electricity, clean energy projects tackle both immediate needs and broader climate goals.

These initiatives have a ripple effect on communities. For instance, when women no longer spend hours collecting firewood, they gain time for education or income-generating activities. Youth, in turn, find employment opportunities in roles like solar panel installation and maintenance. Reliable electricity also transforms clinics and schools, enabling them to better serve their communities.

On the environmental side, the case for clean energy is undeniable. Although Africa contributes less than 4% of global CO₂ emissions, it bears the brunt of climate impacts. Clean energy initiatives not only help African communities build resilience but also contribute to global climate efforts.

Potential for Scalability and Long-Term Sustainability

Africa’s renewable energy potential is enormous but largely untapped. The continent holds 60% of the world’s solar resources, yet it utilizes only about 1% of this capacity. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technical potential is estimated at 7,900 GW, while hydropower and wind energy potentials are 1,753 GW and 461 GW, respectively.

The sector’s growth is already evident. Solar PV capacity in Africa grew from roughly 0.5 GW in 2015 to an anticipated 20 GW by 2025. Similarly, onshore wind capacity is expected to jump from about 1 GW to 20 GW in the same timeframe. Decentralized solar solutions, in particular, are proving both scalable and quick to implement.

Economic projections further highlight the viability of renewable energy. A continental plan aims to invest $1.3 trillion over the next 10 to 15 years, adding 60,000 megawatts of renewables annually. By 2050, this transition could lead to a 6.4% higher GDP, 3.5% more jobs, and a 25.4% improvement in living standards across Africa. Additionally, every dollar invested in renewables creates three times more jobs than investments in fossil fuels. These trends also open doors for women-led ventures to play a transformative role in local communities.

Track Record of Women-Led Startups in the Sector

Women entrepreneurs are at the forefront of clean energy innovation in Africa, even as they face significant funding barriers. Despite generating higher revenues per dollar invested, women-led startups receive less than 5% of venture capital funding. Closing this gap could unlock $316 billion in GDP by 2025.

ElleSolaire in Senegal is a standout example. In 2022, the organization received a grant from the Signify Foundation for its Women Saving 4 Resilience (WS4R) project. This initiative trains women entrepreneurs and provides them with working capital to distribute clean energy solutions in rural areas. The project set out to train and certify over 70 women, creating new income opportunities for 2,100 members of rural women’s savings groups.

“I love my status as a woman entrepreneur. I am in control of my own choices and there have been a lot of positive changes in many facets of my life. I am proud of what I have accomplished and my goal is to continue on this path.” – Seynabou Faye, ElleSolaire Women Entrepreneur

Women, who are often the primary energy managers in rural households, are uniquely positioned to advocate for clean energy adoption, making them vital agents of change in their communities.

Relevance to Pressing Challenges in African Communities

Clean tech tackles some of Africa’s most urgent energy issues. Without significant intervention, an estimated 595 million Africans could still lack electricity by 2030.

The absence of electricity has far-reaching effects, especially in healthcare. For example, 15% of sub-Saharan healthcare facilities operate without power. Projects like Ethiopia’s DREAM initiative demonstrate how mini-grids can address these challenges. The DREAM project aims to establish 200 mini-grids by 2030, providing electricity to over 290,000 people, creating or improving 60,000 jobs, and cutting up to 200,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

Economic accessibility is improving as well. The cost of solar electricity dropped by 85% between 2010 and 2020, making clean energy solutions more affordable. In West Africa alone, 200 million people lack access to energy, a challenge that disproportionately affects women and girls. These pressing issues highlight the importance of targeted CSR efforts that support women-led clean tech ventures.

3. Health Tech

Health tech is stepping up to address Africa’s pressing healthcare challenges, where 60% of the population lacks adequate access to healthcare. With issues like weak infrastructure, funding gaps, and workforce shortages, the sector is leveraging mobile technology and data analytics to bridge these divides. Mobile-enabled telemedicine is especially impactful in a region where mobile penetration reached 44% in 2023. CSR efforts in this space focus on building better health infrastructure, running awareness campaigns, and encouraging preventive care. By using technology to close healthcare gaps, the sector not only improves lives but also creates room for new, tech-driven healthcare solutions.

Potential for Scalability and Long-Term Sustainability

Despite raising $550 million between 2020 and 2023, Africa’s health tech sector faces a staggering $66 billion annual financing gap. Scalable digital solutions could change the game, with projections suggesting they could add billions of dollars to key markets by 2030. These tools are expected to reduce patient costs by 19%, cut medication errors by 55%, and improve efficiency by 30% . AI alone could save 1 million lives in Africa by 2030, while remote healthcare solutions might reach over 700 million people.

Currently, nearly 350 startups across 27 African countries are innovating in the digital health supply chain. These companies have already tracked 98 million vaccines and 72 million other critical health products, showcasing their potential to scale and make a lasting impact.

“Africa has a $66 billion annual healthcare financing gap. We can’t solve it with infrastructure alone. Technology – digital health, medtech, and biotech – offers a unique opportunity to bridge this gap and leapfrog traditional healthcare models.”

– Sewu-Steve Tawia, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Jaza Rift Ventures

Track Record of Women-Led Startups in the Sector

Although women-led health tech startups received just 1% of venture capital funding in 2024, the sector saw a major breakthrough in 2023 with a 2,000% surge in funding, totaling $21 million . This shift highlights the potential for CSR initiatives to empower women entrepreneurs who are reshaping healthcare across the continent.

One standout effort is the Investing in Innovation Africa (i3) initiative, backed by the Gates Foundation and Sanofi‘s Global Health Unit. In February 2025, i3 awarded $1.6 million in grants to 15 health tech startups. Early-stage startups received $50,000 each, while growth-stage companies were awarded up to $225,000. Since its 2021 launch, i3 has invested $3 million in 60 startups across 16 African countries.

A prime example of women-led innovation is Figorr, a Nigerian startup addressing vaccine preservation. Using a low-cost, tech-enabled device, Figorr ensures visibility in the supply chain for temperature-sensitive medicines. During the COVID-19 pandemic, i3 connected Figorr with the Nigerian government, enabling rapid scaling. To date, Figorr has tracked over 200 million vaccines, improving distribution and reducing waste.

“With the right resources, African-led companies can scale commercially while reaching underserved communities.”

– Dr. Uchenna Igbokwe, CEO of SCIDaR

Relevance to Pressing Challenges in African Communities

Health tech is directly tackling the healthcare access issues that affect millions across Africa. In many countries, pharmacies and drug shops provide 50–70% of healthcare services. Solutions like LifeBank and Zipline are making a tangible difference. LifeBank connects blood banks to hospitals, serving over 1,000 facilities and delivering more than 45,400 units of supplies since 2016. Meanwhile, Zipline’s drones have revolutionized access in remote areas, delivering over 10 million health products and 15 million vaccine doses in Rwanda .

However, funding remains a challenge. In the first half of 2024, health tech companies in Africa raised just $42.2 million, accounting for only 6.5% of total funding on the continent. This shortfall underscores the urgent need for CSR initiatives to step in, not only to fill investment gaps but also to address critical healthcare issues.

“The Africa HealthTech Marketplace is a game-changer for healthcare in Africa. By offering a platform showcasing local, scalable solutions, we empower healthcare providers across the continent to access the tools they need to improve health outcomes.”

– Dr. Jean Kaseya, Africa CDC Director General

sbb-itb-dd089af

4. EdTech

EdTech is taking on some of Africa’s toughest educational hurdles, making it a natural fit for CSR programs aimed at creating a positive social impact. The statistics are staggering: Africa needs 17 million more teachers by 2030 to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, and before the pandemic, 86% of children in sub-Saharan Africa struggled with basic reading skills.

CSR-supported EdTech solutions are stepping in to bridge these gaps. Digital platforms are opening up access to education through online courses, interactive tools, and even virtual reality, which enhances traditional classroom learning. AI tools are also making a difference by identifying where students struggle and tailoring lessons to their individual needs.

One standout example is the 2021 partnership between Edutech, PLT Health, Halls, and HG, which brought the Mindspark Maths program to Mitchells Plain, South Africa. This AI-powered platform personalized math lessons for students, leading to major improvements in their understanding of basic concepts.

“It is imperative that Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) are formulated deliberately to ensure that the challenges that are faced by this beautiful continent in democratizing education can be removed. The coming together of these entities will yield a greater result in ensuring that each child in the continent can have access to good quality education, independent of their geographical location or financial status.” – Rogers Sithole, Group Chairman of OneConnect

Efforts like these demonstrate the potential for tech-driven education to bring about meaningful change on a large scale.

Potential for Scalability and Long-Term Sustainability

Africa’s EdTech sector is poised for significant growth, thanks to its youthful population and increasing tech adoption. With 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30, and an estimated 22 million young people entering the workforce annually by 2050, the continent is teeming with potential.

The numbers back this up. The African EdTech market is projected to exceed $20 billion within the next decade, fueled by widespread smartphone adoption. AI is expected to drive a $350 billion surge in online education globally, while Africa’s EdTech market, valued at over $500 million in 2020, is growing at an annual rate of more than 15%.

Startups are already scaling up to meet this demand. Eneza Education uses SMS and mobile apps to reach students in Kenya, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. Nigeria’s uLesson Group offers adaptive online learning tailored to individual needs, and AltSchool Africa is focusing on technical skills through virtual modules.

This growth is further supported by increasing smartphone use, lower data costs, and the availability of content in local languages, making EdTech more accessible to underserved communities.

Track Record of Women-Led Startups in the Sector

While women-led startups in African tech face hurdles, EdTech is showing signs of progress. Only 17.3% of African tech startups have a female co-founder, and just 11.1% have a female CEO, but funding for women-led startups is on the rise. In 2023, startups with at least one female co-founder secured 16.6% of total funding in African tech, up from 9.3% in 2022.

One example is Apiwe Hotele, who leads Enlighten, a South African EdTech platform powered by AI. Enlighten offers online lessons, tracks student progress, and identifies learning gaps. By August 2024, the platform had supported 300 students and launched a digital hub to improve access to devices and connectivity, aiming to address the STEM skills gap in Africa.

Challenges remain, with 79.3% of female founders reporting gender-based biases and 74% feeling disadvantaged when pitching to investors. Limited access to funding continues to be the biggest obstacle, cited by 55.2% of female founders. Despite these barriers, the achievements of women-led startups highlight EdTech’s growing role in African CSR efforts.

Relevance to Pressing Challenges in African Communities

EdTech is tackling one of the region’s most urgent issues: 98 million children in sub-Saharan Africa are currently out of school. By equipping the next generation with education, EdTech contributes to workforce development, spurs innovation, and drives economic growth.

Take Enko Education as an example. With support from ACW, the company is expanding its network of K-12 schools, giving students across Africa access to quality education and pathways to top universities worldwide.

CSR initiatives are increasingly recognizing the role EdTech can play in addressing these challenges. By combining financial support with cutting-edge learning tools, CSR programs can make education more accessible and personalized, helping students overcome barriers and achieve their potential.

“Access to education should not be hindered by cost or location.” – Matimba Mbungela, Chief Human Resources Officer, Vodacom Group

5. AgriTech

AgriTech is at the forefront of addressing some of Africa’s most pressing challenges, making it a natural fit for CSR efforts. This sector tackles critical issues like food security, climate change, and poverty, impacting millions across the continent.

Agriculture accounts for 35% of Africa’s GDP and employs over half of its workforce. Yet, despite holding 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, Africa receives just 1% of global agri-tech investment [79,78]. This stark gap highlights a unique opportunity for CSR initiatives to drive meaningful change.

The sector delivers both social and environmental benefits. Every $1 invested in agriculture generates $4 in GDP. Moreover, tech-driven sustainable farming practices help conserve soil, manage water efficiently, and mitigate climate change. For instance, Nigeria’s SunCulture employs solar-powered irrigation systems that cut water use by up to 80% while increasing crop yields by 30%.

“We are looking to support and drive investments to transform our African food system which is under severe pressure.” – Sherief Kesseba, Managing Partner, Climate Resilient Africa Fund

With the growing demand for sustainable food production, investors are increasingly drawn to opportunities that align with their values while also offering competitive financial returns. This dual appeal sets the stage for substantial market growth.

Potential for Scalability and Long-Term Sustainability

Africa’s AgriTech sector is primed for growth, driven by urgent needs and supportive policies. To achieve food security goals by 2030, the continent requires $330 billion in agricultural investments. This creates a vast market for tech-enabled solutions.

Recent success stories underscore the sector’s scalability. Egyptian startup ReNile secured funding in January 2025 to expand operations in Egypt and enter Saudi Arabia with its smart farming solutions. Similarly, Apollo Agriculture raised funds in 2024 to scale operations across Africa, with backing from Swedfund and ImpactConnect.

Governments are also stepping up, introducing policies to attract investment and encourage innovation. Initiatives like Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) and Smart Africa‘s Agri-Tech Blueprint are driving change across the sector [76,81]. Countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana are emerging as key hubs, creating an environment conducive to long-term sustainability.

Track Record of Women-Led Startups in the Sector

Women-led ventures are playing a transformative role in AgriTech, offering solutions that expand market access, improve financial services, and promote climate-smart technologies.

Take ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams in 2012. Operating in four West African countries, the company supplies over 450 supermarkets and platforms like Amazon by turning local produce into export-ready products. This not only creates jobs but also boosts farmers’ incomes.

Similarly, Hafsah Jumare’s CoAmana uses digital platforms to connect smallholder farmers with markets and financial services. With over 15,000 users across Africa, the platform has increased trade efficiency and improved farmer incomes.

Other inspiring examples include Cam Dairy Foods, founded by Aisha Bashir, which transforms pastoral communities into organized cooperatives for sustainable dairy production, and Oya Foods, co-founded by Lebo Biko in 2020, which produces shelf-stable dried foods using ingredients sourced primarily from women farmers [82,83].

“We blend innovation and impact – redefining African food processing through heritage, sustainability, and inclusion.” – Lebo Biko, Co-founder, Oya Foods

Relevance to Pressing Challenges in African Communities

AgriTech is uniquely positioned to tackle Africa’s most urgent challenges, making it highly relevant for CSR initiatives aimed at community development. Agriculture employs 65–70% of the labor force and contributes 30–40% to GDP, yet productivity remains low due to small farm sizes, limited mechanization, and restricted access to finance and markets.

The role of women in agriculture further highlights its importance. In 2019, 36% of all working women were involved in agri-food systems – a figure that rises to 66% in sub-Saharan Africa.

AgriTech tools are already making a difference. For example, 30% of rural women farmers use these technologies, with 50% reporting increased productivity after adopting platforms like FarmDrive. Additionally, 35% of AgriTech users rely on mobile wallets for payments, and 60% of women farmers using Esoko have seen improved crop yields and higher market prices.

Green Eden Farms in Nigeria, led by CEO Stephanie Meltus, exemplifies the potential of AgriTech. The company uses artificial intelligence and IoT sensors to optimize irrigation, pest control, and disease prevention, significantly boosting productivity and enhancing food security.

“Food security remains one of the most pressing challenges in Africa, affecting millions of people across the continent. Women entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in addressing this issue by driving innovation and sustainability in the agricultural sector.” – Tsitsi Mutendi, Founder and Lead Consultant, Nhaka Legacy Planning

AgriTech’s ability to improve productivity, strengthen food security, and reduce poverty – while promoting sustainable practices – makes it an ideal focus for CSR investments aimed at creating lasting community benefits.

Building on the momentum of fintech, clean tech, and health tech, Social Impact and Inclusion Tech is emerging as a powerful driver for corporate social responsibility (CSR) investment in Africa’s tech landscape.

Social Impact and Inclusion Tech sits at the crossroads of technology and social justice, making it a natural fit for CSR goals. This sector directly addresses some of Africa’s most pressing issues – poverty, inequality, limited access to education and healthcare, and environmental challenges.

CSR in Africa often goes beyond traditional charity work, focusing on environmental protection, community building, and ethical business practices. Social Impact and Inclusion Tech aligns with these objectives by delivering solutions that improve living conditions, promote economic growth, and enhance social welfare.

Technology plays a key role here by ensuring transparency and directing resources effectively. Digital platforms are being used to close critical gaps in various sectors. For example, CSR programs are leveraging IoT sensors and drones to advance sustainable farming practices, while telemedicine and health data analytics are helping bridge healthcare disparities.

The environmental benefits of this sector are also noteworthy. Climate change continues to worsen Africa’s development challenges, with increasing droughts, floods, and other environmental shifts. Social Impact and Inclusion Tech tackles these issues head-on. Initiatives like Replenish Africa, which improves access to clean water, show how technology can address both social and environmental needs while empowering underserved communities.

Potential for Scalability and Long-Term Sustainability

The potential for growth in Social Impact and Inclusion Tech is immense, driven by Africa’s young and rapidly growing population. With millions lacking access to basic resources and education, the demand for inclusive tech solutions is vast.

Scalability in this sector often depends on integrating CSR into a company’s core business model. Businesses that embed social responsibility into their strategies not only drive innovation but also build strong brand loyalty and customer trust. The challenge lies in designing initiatives that expand their impact without proportionally increasing costs.

Sustainability requires adaptability. Companies achieve this by refining processes, using cloud computing and data analytics, and sourcing materials from suppliers committed to ethical and environmentally responsible practices.

Track Record of Women-Led Startups in the Sector

Women-led startups are making waves in Social Impact and Inclusion Tech, delivering tangible results. Sub-Saharan Africa boasts the highest rate of women entrepreneurs globally, with 26% of women engaged in entrepreneurial activities. These women-led businesses are not only as successful as their male-led counterparts but are also more likely to focus on empowering women and driving social change.

One standout example is the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women’s collaboration with DHL Express. In 2020, they launched the HerVenture app in Kenya to support women entrepreneurs during the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2021, the initiative expanded to South Africa, helping over 25,000 women start and grow their businesses. Plans are in place to support an additional 19,500 women between 2024 and 2026.

Women founders bring unique perspectives to the sector, often identifying unmet needs and addressing issues related to women’s health, education, and social welfare. Their resilience and commitment to social responsibility make them well-suited to creating lasting impact.

“If you want outsized returns in Africa, invest in the people who’ve been underestimated the longest: women founders.” – Anita Williams, Build & Scale: Africa Edition

Relevance to Pressing Challenges in African Communities

Social Impact and Inclusion Tech plays a critical role in addressing urgent issues across health, education, and agriculture. Millions in Africa still lack access to basic resources, and the continent’s young population faces significant educational barriers. Tech solutions offer a pathway to meaningful change.

This sector’s relevance is evident in initiatives like Google’s partnership with UNESCO through the Google Digital Skills for Africa program, which provides digital literacy training to bridge the skills gap. Similarly, Safaricom’s integration of M-Pesa with CSR efforts enables small businesses to access microloans and financial literacy resources, addressing financial inclusion challenges.

Healthcare is another area of focus. Mobile clinics equipped with telemedicine tools allow patients to consult specialists without the need for long and costly travel. These solutions are helping to alleviate the healthcare access crisis affecting millions.

The economic benefits are also significant. Closing gender gaps in leadership could add over $316 billion to African economies by 2030, yet women entrepreneurs currently face a $42 billion funding gap annually. Social Impact and Inclusion Tech startups are uniquely positioned to address these disparities through innovative approaches.

Environmental challenges are equally within this sector’s scope. For instance, Unilever’s CSR program, in collaboration with Oxfam and local governments, supports sustainable agriculture in rural Africa. This initiative highlights how technology can deliver both social and environmental benefits, paving the way for sustainable progress across the continent.

CSR Grant Comparison by Industry

Examining CSR grants across various tech sectors reveals valuable insights for women-led startups aiming to secure funding. This analysis highlights which industries offer the best opportunities and the specific factors driving success.

Health tech stands out as a leading sector for women-led startups. In 2023, women-led healthtech companies in Africa secured a staggering US$52 million, representing 31% of healthtech investments – a massive growth of over 2,000% compared to previous years. A standout example is Kasha, a Kenya-based healthtech startup, which raised US$21 million – the largest funding round for a woman-founded company in this sector. Additionally, four companies – Kasha, Dawi Clinics, Maisha Meds, and Chefaa – together accounted for 75% of the total funding raised by female founders in healthtech.

Industry Overview Table

Industry	Average Grant Size	Success Metrics for Women-Led Startups	Key Requirements	Key Benefits
Health Tech	US$5M – US$21M	31% of sector funding	Clinical validation, regulatory compliance	Largest funding amounts; strong investor interest
Fintech	US$200K – US$2M	3.2% are female-founded (double the global rate)	Financial licenses, robust security protocols	Established ecosystem; clear performance metrics
AgriTech	US$100K – US$500K	High female CEO representation	Proven agricultural impact, scalability	Strong alignment with SDGs
EdTech	US$150K – US$750K	21.5% female founders	Demonstrable educational outcomes, user adoption	Growing demand; measurable outcomes
Clean Tech	US$300K – US$1.5M	Moderate representation	Environmental impact metrics, sustainability	Climate focus attracts CSR funding
Social Impact Tech	US$50K – US$300K	Not specified	Community impact evidence, scalable model	Direct SDG alignment; mission-driven appeal

Certain industries are particularly receptive to female leadership. For instance, legal tech has a notable 27.6% of startups with female founders, followed by healthtech (23.4%), recruitment and HR (22.7%), and edtech (21.5%). These figures suggest that focusing on sectors with a track record of female leadership can improve grant success rates.

However, challenges persist. In 2022, female-led ventures captured only 4% (US$188 million) of total funding, while male-led ventures dominated with 96% (US$4.6 billion). Encouragingly, 2023 saw progress: startups with at least one female co-founder raised 16.6% of total African tech funding, up from 9.3% in 2022. Female-led startups alone accounted for 8.2% of funding in 2023, a significant rise from 2.8% in 2022.

Sector-Specific Challenges and Opportunities

Each sector presents unique requirements. For instance:

Fintech: Startups must navigate complex regulations and implement strong security measures.
Health Tech: Strict clinical validation and regulatory compliance are essential.
AgriTech: Demonstrated agricultural impact and scalability are key.
Social Impact Tech: Clear community engagement and measurable outcomes are critical.

Recent investments highlight the diversity of opportunities. For example, Village Capital and Standard Chartered invested US$200,000 in three women-led startups, including Dabchy (a fashion marketplace from Tunisia) and FreshSource (an Egyptian agri-tech platform digitizing supply chains). These examples underscore how addressing specific market needs can attract CSR funding across various sectors.

Sector success often ties to maturity and alignment with CSR goals. Healthtech benefits from addressing urgent healthcare needs, fintech thrives on Africa’s mobile money innovations, and agritech tackles food security challenges. For women entrepreneurs, focusing on sectors with established female leadership and aligning proposals with measurable social impact offers a clear path to funding success.

“Gender inequality has continued to challenge women in Africa’s tech community, and some of the findings reveal ongoing challenges. For instance, the total share of funding raised by ventures with at least one female co-founder declined again in 2024.”

Emmanuel Adegboye, head of Madica

For women entrepreneurs, understanding this funding landscape provides a roadmap to build impactful businesses while aligning with broader CSR priorities in African tech.

Conclusion

CSR grants are proving to be a game-changer for women-led African tech startups, offering support across sectors like health tech, fintech, renewable energy, EdTech, AgriTech, and social impact tech. Among these, health tech has drawn notable investor attention, but other sectors also hold exciting potential for growth. This diverse funding ecosystem thrives when business goals align with CSR priorities, creating a fertile ground for success.

To secure CSR funding, aligning with global standards is crucial. Over 70% of African businesses have recognized the competitive edge gained by embedding the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their operations. Women entrepreneurs are encouraged to showcase measurable social impact while crafting sustainable business models that tackle pressing challenges. Tsitsi Mutendi, Founder and Lead Consultant at Nhaka Legacy Planning, underscores this point:

“Aligning your business with the Sustainable Development Goals is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage”.

For women entrepreneurs, incorporating sustainability practices, promoting workplace inclusion, leveraging technology for social impact, and forming partnerships with community organizations can significantly enhance their chances of success.

Strategies like targeting female-focused funds, crafting data-driven pitches, and starting with modest seed grants can also pave the way. As Ife Durosinmi-Etti, founder of Hereconomy, aptly puts it:

“Visibility brings trust – You need to build credibility – even 500,000 naira can be the foundation for something big”.

The funding landscape is shifting, with growing interest in climate tech, AI-driven solutions, and sustainable business models. For instance, the UNESCO program in August 2024 selected 15 women entrepreneurs from 28 African countries for AI and tech-focused grants, signaling increased support for women-led ventures.

Although women-led startups secured only 2% of funding in 2024, the progress over recent years – from 2.8% in 2022 to 8.2% in 2023 – shows that persistence pays off. This steady improvement highlights the importance of targeting sectors with strong female leadership and aligning with corporate ESG priorities. From fintech to social tech, the contributions of women-led startups remain vital to Africa’s ongoing tech transformation.

FAQs

How do CSR grants help women-led startups thrive in African tech?

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) grants are making a big difference for women-led startups in Africa’s tech scene. They tackle major hurdles like limited funding and lack of mentorship by offering financial support and specialized programs designed to help women entrepreneurs grow their businesses and drive innovation in tech.

Programs like the IFC’s She Wins Africa and the African Women’s Development Fund are stepping up to close the funding gap for women founders. These initiatives provide not just funding but also mentorship and strategic guidance, giving women-led startups the tools they need to expand and leave a lasting mark on Africa’s tech industry.

What challenges do women entrepreneurs in African tech face when applying for CSR grants, and how can they address them?

Women entrepreneurs in Africa’s tech sector face a variety of hurdles, including limited funding opportunities, gender biases, societal expectations, and restrictive policies. These obstacles often make it harder for women-led startups to secure corporate social responsibility (CSR) grants and achieve sustainable growth.

To navigate these challenges, women entrepreneurs can take several proactive steps:

Craft targeted CSR proposals that clearly outline how their initiatives address funding gaps and create opportunities for mentorship.
Diversify funding streams by forming partnerships with organizations that actively support gender equity.
Use technology as a tool to access training, connect with mentors, and expand professional networks, strengthening their skills and opportunities.

By implementing these approaches, women-led startups can enhance their ability to attract CSR support and contribute to the growth of Africa’s tech ecosystem.

Why does the fintech sector attract the most CSR funding in Africa, and why is it considered a strong area for future investment?

The fintech industry in Africa attracts considerable CSR funding because it tackles pressing issues like financial inclusion and limited access to banking services. In many parts of the continent, traditional banking systems are either unavailable or inaccessible to large segments of the population. Fintech solutions, such as mobile payment platforms and micro-lending services, offer practical ways to close this gap.

This sector is also viewed as a strong investment opportunity thanks to its fast-paced growth and potential to boost economic progress. With a youthful, tech-savvy population and the growing use of smartphones, fintech startups are in a prime position to transform financial systems across Africa while delivering meaningful social benefits.

Source link

2 weeks ago

13 26 minutes read