African startups have once again demonstrated their growing influence on the global innovation scene, as four innovators from the continent were recognized at the prestigious Global Startup Awards (GSA) held in Istanbul on September 25, 2024. Competing against startups from over 120 countries, the African winners showcased the continent’s potential to lead in diverse fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), green technology, and entrepreneurship.
The awards, held at the historic Esma Sultan palace on the Bosphorus, are the largest independent startup ecosystem competition in the world, and this year’s edition received over 36,000 nominations from around the globe. The event celebrated the most promising startups and ecosystem stakeholders, recognizing their contributions to advancing technology and entrepreneurship on a global scale.
Among the African winners, Kenya’s BasiGo emerged victorious in the Best Green Tech category for its revolutionary work in sustainable mobility. The electric vehicle startup has been at the forefront of creating affordable, low-carbon public transport solutions in Africa. BasiGo’s CEO, Jit Bhattacharya, expressed his pride in winning the global award, stating that it serves as affirmation of Africa’s leadership in climate action. “This recognition isn’t just about innovation in mobility,” Bhattacharya remarked, “it’s about driving sustainable development in Africa. We’re just beginning our journey and are excited to make African cities global leaders in affordable, smart, low-carbon public transport.”
South Africa’s MoMint won the Best Web3.0 & AI Startup award for its pioneering work at the intersection of AI and blockchain technology. The startup, led by CEO Ahren Posthumus, has been focused on financing renewable energy projects in underserved regions. “Without energy, nothing is possible,” Posthumus said. “It’s an honor to be recognized on this global platform, and we hope to continue making a significant impact where it is needed most.”
Uganda’s TechBuzz Hub was named Best Coworking Space, highlighting the critical role of collaborative workspaces in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Accepting the award, CEO Twesigye Keneth credited the Hub’s supportive community and dedicated team for making the coworking space a success. “Coworking is more than just shared space; it’s about creating environments where ideas thrive, businesses grow, and people connect meaningfully,” he noted.
Another notable win came from Egypt, where Hadeer Shalaby, founder of Freeziana, was named Founder of the Year. Shalaby’s journey from being recognized as Africa’s top founder in 2023 to now receiving global accolades was a testament to her dedication and passion. “This award inspires me to keep pushing forward, empowering more women, and making a difference together,” Shalaby said.
These achievements mark another significant milestone for African startups on the global stage. In the previous year, Africa celebrated a historic victory when Ethiopian startup Kubik and Ugandan newcomer Emata won major titles at the GSA’s global finale in Copenhagen. The success of these four African startups at this year’s competition underscores the continent’s growing reputation as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurial talent.
Jo Griffiths, co-founder of GSA Africa, celebrated Africa’s impressive performance, stating, “African innovations have earned their rightful place on the global stage. With four out of 12 global awards coming back to Africa, this increased visibility is crucial for building investor confidence, attracting funding, and unlocking new opportunities.”
The Global Startup Awards continue to empower and connect innovators worldwide, providing a platform that recognizes their success and fosters future growth. Africa’s strong presence at this year’s event sends a clear message that the continent is not only solving local challenges but also contributing to solutions that address global issues.
GSA co-founder and CEO Kim Balle echoed this sentiment, praising the resilience and creativity of African entrepreneurs. “The talent emerging from Africa is nothing short of inspiring. These winners are driving change locally while offering solutions that the world urgently needs. Africa is undeniably a key player in shaping the future of innovation.”
With more than 340,000 votes cast in this year’s edition, the Global Startup Awards have further solidified their position as a premier event in recognizing groundbreaking startups and innovations from every corner of the world. As African startups continue to gain recognition and visibility on the global stage, their success serves as a beacon of the continent’s limitless potential in driving impactful change.
