Nine startups showed off their cutting-edge solutions at Safaricom during a demo session for the company's Spark Accelerator Program last Friday. These young companies displayed how far they've come in expanding tech limits and business growth. Safaricom Chief Business Development and Strategy Officer Michael Mutiga praised these startups for their hard work. He said the demo day proves these companies can overcome challenges and create smart solutions for real problems.
The program picked nine businesses from more than 200 applications for its first group. These include HealthX Africa, Vuna Pay, Black Rhino VR, Twiva, Chpter, Chirpy, Nobuk Africa, Faidi HR, and Chumz. They spent recent months improving their business plans and building stronger tech systems. Safaricom helped them, along with partners Sumitomo Corporation, M-Pesa Africa, and iHub.
Mutiga talked about big wins from these startups. Several have started working within Safaricom's systems. HealthX and Chpter will appear on the M-Pesa business app by April. Black Rhino VR ran a marketing campaign at 11 universities and won Best Emerging Technology in Marketing at the 2024 Marketing Society of Kenya Gala Awards. Together, these startups raised over $400 million (Sh51.7 billion), making Kenya stand out as a major innovation center.
He explained that Safaricom wants to become the top purpose-driven tech company in Africa. The business builds answers that use its main platforms—M-Pesa, connectivity, and smart devices—to push innovation forward and help business owners succeed. During the week before demo day, Safaricom joined tech talks at Sarit Center, showing that it wants to create spaces where startups can grow strong.
As the first group celebrates success, Mutiga hinted at what comes next. They're talking about when to start taking applications for the second group. He said they're looking ahead as they mark this milestone. The deadline for second group applications is May 15, 2025. Safaricom wants to find the next batch of startups ready to completely change the market.
Mutiga stressed that Safaricom supports startups beyond just giving money. They ensure that these new companies have the resources, connections, and guidance needed to expand and make lasting changes. The demo day focused on celebrating these startups—their ideas, determination, and futures. Mutiga said they look forward to breakthrough moments that will spark the next wave of fresh ideas in Kenya's startup world.
The program picked nine businesses from more than 200 applications for its first group. These include HealthX Africa, Vuna Pay, Black Rhino VR, Twiva, Chpter, Chirpy, Nobuk Africa, Faidi HR, and Chumz. They spent recent months improving their business plans and building stronger tech systems. Safaricom helped them, along with partners Sumitomo Corporation, M-Pesa Africa, and iHub.
Mutiga talked about big wins from these startups. Several have started working within Safaricom's systems. HealthX and Chpter will appear on the M-Pesa business app by April. Black Rhino VR ran a marketing campaign at 11 universities and won Best Emerging Technology in Marketing at the 2024 Marketing Society of Kenya Gala Awards. Together, these startups raised over $400 million (Sh51.7 billion), making Kenya stand out as a major innovation center.
He explained that Safaricom wants to become the top purpose-driven tech company in Africa. The business builds answers that use its main platforms—M-Pesa, connectivity, and smart devices—to push innovation forward and help business owners succeed. During the week before demo day, Safaricom joined tech talks at Sarit Center, showing that it wants to create spaces where startups can grow strong.
As the first group celebrates success, Mutiga hinted at what comes next. They're talking about when to start taking applications for the second group. He said they're looking ahead as they mark this milestone. The deadline for second group applications is May 15, 2025. Safaricom wants to find the next batch of startups ready to completely change the market.
Mutiga stressed that Safaricom supports startups beyond just giving money. They ensure that these new companies have the resources, connections, and guidance needed to expand and make lasting changes. The demo day focused on celebrating these startups—their ideas, determination, and futures. Mutiga said they look forward to breakthrough moments that will spark the next wave of fresh ideas in Kenya's startup world.
