The African Telecommunications Union is pushing to get countries on the same page about managing radio waves and data rules. Its leader, John Omo, stated that real advancement needs much broader backing from governments and institutions. He made these remarks while appearing online for the finish of Qualcomm's Make in Africa startup program for 2025. Omo called innovation the main engine for the continent's future, praising the latest group of companies.
Qualcomm's vice president for international government affairs, Elizabeth Migwalla, also spoke. She expressed happiness with the clever solutions presented, saying tech-based answers are key for economic change. The 2025 effort picked ten startups from nations including Nigeria, Kenya, and Tunisia. They are working on problems in areas like farming, healthcare, and city transport. One Kenyan venture, Farmer Lifeline, won a special social impact prize for its use of wireless tech to find crop pests.
Applications for the 2026 program are currently being accepted. This is the third year for the equity-free scheme, which gives business advice and engineering help to early-stage founders using tech like AI and connectivity. This year's participants included companies creating smart beehive monitors, portable disease scanners, and electric scooter battery swaps. All finalists will get some funding, with extra support going to the overall winner to help expand their project.
Qualcomm's vice president for international government affairs, Elizabeth Migwalla, also spoke. She expressed happiness with the clever solutions presented, saying tech-based answers are key for economic change. The 2025 effort picked ten startups from nations including Nigeria, Kenya, and Tunisia. They are working on problems in areas like farming, healthcare, and city transport. One Kenyan venture, Farmer Lifeline, won a special social impact prize for its use of wireless tech to find crop pests.
Applications for the 2026 program are currently being accepted. This is the third year for the equity-free scheme, which gives business advice and engineering help to early-stage founders using tech like AI and connectivity. This year's participants included companies creating smart beehive monitors, portable disease scanners, and electric scooter battery swaps. All finalists will get some funding, with extra support going to the overall winner to help expand their project.
