The Global Startup Awards (GSA) Africa platform has once again proven itself to be the premier stage for showcasing innovative solutions, attracting investments, and offering international visibility to startups across the continent.
This year’s competition saw a record-breaking number of entries and unprecedented public engagement, underlining the dynamic and robust entrepreneurial landscape flourishing in Africa.
Out of a staggering 11,949 entries, Eastern Africa contributed a significant 26%, marking a notable 15% increase from 2023. This region’s strong participation underscores its growing influence in the African startup ecosystem.
Among the Eastern African regional winners, Ethiopia emerged as a standout, securing five of the coveted awards, a testament to the nation’s focused efforts in fostering innovation. Other countries represented include Mauritius, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Sudan, and Uganda.
The most prominent sectors this year were Agritech, Fintech, and Greentech, with pioneering technologies making their debut in the Greentech and Agritech fields. Ethiopia led the way with five finalists, followed by Kenya with three, Tanzania with two, and Mauritius, Rwanda, and Uganda each with one winner.
The startups are actively contributing to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 4 (Quality Education).
The entrants ranged across various stages of development: ideation (4%), pre-seed (27.4%), seed (37.2%), growth (27.8%), and maturity and exit (3.5%).
Dr. Hassen Hussein, CEO of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute, emphasized the importance of such platforms, stating, “Initiatives like the GSA Africa Awards create crucial opportunities for startups to showcase their solutions, attract investment, and gain visibility. These initiatives are pivotal in developing innovation-based economies across the continent.”