” – Karim Beguir, CEO and Co-founder of InstaDeep
InstaDeep’s AI solutions are also being used in drug discovery, climate modeling, and financial services. By leveraging AI to optimize decision-making processes, InstaDeep is at the forefront of innovation in North Africa.
4. Yassir (Algeria)
Yassir, founded in 2017 in Algiers, has become a leading super app in North Africa. With services ranging from ride-hailing to delivery and e-commerce, Yassir has gained popularity across Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco.
Some key features of Yassir include:
| Service | Reach | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Ride-hailing | Over 8 million users | Accessible transportation |
| Delivery | 2-hour delivery time | Efficient logistics |
| E-commerce | 1,000+ merchants | Supporting local businesses |
| Fintech | Mobile wallet integration | Digital payment solutions |
Yassir has been instrumental in providing employment opportunities for thousands of drivers and delivery partners, contributing to the region’s economic growth.
“Our goal is to create a seamless experience for users, whether they need a ride, a package delivered, or want to shop online. By integrating multiple services into one app, we aim to simplify everyday tasks for our customers.” – Farouk Meklat, CEO of Yassir
The super app model has gained traction in North Africa, with Yassir leading the way in offering diverse services through a single platform. With plans to expand further into neighboring countries like Libya and Mauritania, Yassir is poised for continued growth and success in the region.
5. Paymob (Egypt)
Paymob, founded in 2015 in Cairo, has emerged as a leading fintech company in North Africa. With a focus on digital payment solutions for small businesses, Paymob is driving financial inclusion and economic growth in the region.
Key features of Paymob’s platform include:
| Service | Impact | Users |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Payments | Enabling cashless transactions | Over 500,000 merchants |
| POS Solutions | Streamlining in-store payments | Integration with leading banks |
| Online Checkout | Secure e-commerce transactions | Integration with major platforms |
Paymob’s technology has been instrumental in accelerating the transition to a cashless economy in Egypt and beyond. By providing merchants with secure and convenient payment options, Paymob is empowering small businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
“Our mission is to democratize financial services and empower small businesses with the tools they need to succeed. By digitizing payments, we are helping merchants unlock new opportunities for growth and financial stability.” – Islam Shawky, CEO and Co-founder of Paymob
Paymob’s partnership with leading banks and e-commerce platforms has expanded its reach and impact, making it a key player in the region’s fintech ecosystem. As Paymob continues to innovate and expand its services, it is poised to shape the future of digital payments in North Africa.
6. Kumulus Water (Tunisia)
Kumulus Water, founded in 2019 in Tunis, is addressing water scarcity in North Africa through innovative atmospheric water generation technology. By extracting water from the air, Kumulus Water is providing clean and sustainable drinking water to underserved communities.
Key achievements of Kumulus Water include:
| Technology | Impact | Communities Served |
|---|---|---|
| Atmospheric Water Generators | Producing clean drinking water | Over 50,000 people |
| Solar-Powered Systems | Energy-efficient operations | Off-grid and remote areas |
| Water Quality Monitoring | Ensuring safe drinking water | Compliance with WHO standards |
By leveraging renewable energy sources and advanced water purification technology, Kumulus Water is not only addressing the immediate water needs of communities but also promoting environmental sustainability in the region.
“Our goal is to provide a reliable source of clean water to communities that face water scarcity challenges. By harnessing the power of renewable energy, we are creating a sustainable solution that can have a lasting impact on people’s lives.” – Leila Benjelloun, CEO of Kumulus Water
Kumulus Water’s innovative approach to water generation has the potential to transform water access in North Africa and beyond. As the company continues to expand its reach and deploy its technology in more communities, it is creating a positive impact on public health and environmental conservation.
7. Expensya (Tunisia)
Expensya, founded in 2014 in Tunis, is revolutionizing business expense management with its AI-powered tools. By automating expense reporting and streamlining financial processes, Expensya is helping businesses save time and resources.
Key features of Expensya’s platform include:
| Feature | Impact | Clients |
|---|---|---|
| AI-Powered Automation | Efficient expense reporting | Over 6,000 clients globally |
| Integration with Accounting Software | Seamless financial processes | Compatibility with major platforms |
| Real-Time Expense Tracking | Visibility into spending | Improved financial control |
Expensya’s user-friendly platform has been instrumental in helping businesses of all sizes manage their expenses more effectively. By providing real-time insights and automated processes, Expensya is empowering organizations to make informed financial decisions.
“Our mission is to simplify expense management for businesses and enable them to focus on growth and innovation. By leveraging AI and automation, we are transforming the way organizations handle their financial processes.” – Karim Jouini, CEO and Co-founder of Expensya
Expensya’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has made it a trusted partner for thousands of businesses worldwide. As the company continues to enhance its platform and expand its services, it is poised to shape the future of expense management in North Africa and beyond.
8. TemTem (Algeria)
TemTem, launched in 2019 in Algiers, has become a leading logistics super app in North Africa. By offering ride-hailing, delivery, and diaspora services, TemTem has gained popularity among individuals and businesses alike.
Key services provided by TemTem include:
| Service | Users | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Ride-hailing | Over 200,000 clients | Accessible transportation |
| Delivery | 2-hour delivery time | Efficient logistics |
| Diaspora Services | Support for overseas communities | Connecting families and businesses |
TemTem’s innovative approach to logistics has been instrumental in connecting people and businesses across North Africa. By offering a range of services through a single platform, TemTem is simplifying everyday tasks and improving the quality of life for its users.
“Our vision is to create a seamless logistics experience for individuals and businesses in North Africa. By leveraging technology and innovation, we are transforming the way goods and services are delivered in the region.” – Yasmine Djoudi, CEO of TemTem
With plans to expand its services to more countries in North Africa and the Middle East, TemTem is poised for continued growth and success in the region. By providing convenient and reliable logistics solutions, TemTem is shaping the future of transportation and delivery in North Africa.
9. Trella (Egypt)
Trella, founded in 2020 in Cairo, is optimizing freight logistics in Egypt and beyond. This digital platform connects shippers with carriers, streamlining the transportation of goods and reducing costs for businesses.
Key features of Trella’s platform include:
| Feature | Impact | Clients |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Marketplace | Efficient matching of shippers and carriers | Over 5,000 registered carriers |
| Real-Time Tracking | Visibility into shipments | Improved logistics management |
| Automated Payments | Seamless financial transactions | Enhanced payment processing |
Trella’s technology has been instrumental in revolutionizing the freight logistics industry in Egypt. By providing a digital platform that connects shippers and carriers in real time, Trella is enhancing efficiency and transparency in the transportation of goods.
“Our mission is to simplify freight logistics for businesses and carriers, making the process more efficient and cost-effective. By leveraging technology, we are transforming the way goods are transported in Egypt and beyond.” – Omar Hagrass, CEO and Co-founder of Trella
With plans to expand its services to more countries in North Africa and the Middle East, Trella is poised for continued growth and success in the region. By providing reliable and transparent logistics solutions, Trella is shaping the future of freight transportation in North Africa.
10. Solarize (Morocco)
Solarize, founded in 2017 in Casablanca, is delivering solar energy solutions for industries and households in Morocco. By harnessing the power of the sun, Solarize is promoting renewable energy adoption and reducing carbon emissions in the region.
Key achievements of Solarize include:
| Technology | Impact | Projects Completed |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Energy Solutions | Clean and sustainable power | Over 100 installations |
| Off-Grid Systems | Energy independence | Remote and rural areas served |
| Smart Grid Integration | Optimized energy distribution | Efficient power management |
By providing affordable and reliable solar energy solutions, Solarize is helping businesses and households reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and transition to a more sustainable energy source. With a focus on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Solarize is leading the way in the renewable energy sector in Morocco.
“Our vision is to create a cleaner and greener future for Morocco by promoting the adoption of solar energy. By providing reliable and efficient solar solutions, we are contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy landscape.” – Fatima Zahra Beraich, CEO of Solarize
As Solarize continues to expand its reach and deploy more solar installations across Morocco, the company is contributing to the country’s energy transition and shaping the future of renewable energy in North Africa.
Overall, these 10 standout startups are driving innovation and transformation in North Africa’s startup ecosystem. By addressing key challenges and unlocking opportunities for growth, these companies are reshaping industries and driving positive change in the region. With a focus on sustainability, technology, and social impact, North Africa’s startup scene is poised for continued success and growth in the years to come.
InstaDeep, a leading AI startup, has recently secured a significant funding round, signaling a strong show of support from its partners. Co-Founder and CEO Karim Beguir expressed excitement over the investment, highlighting the trust and confidence instilled by their partners in the company’s vision and potential.
The company’s impact extends far beyond just the realm of locust detection. In early 2023, InstaDeep organized the African Plant Genomics Hackathon, a collaborative event that brought together participants from 22 countries. Utilizing InstaDeep’s AgroNT model, the hackathon aimed to enhance the yield, nutrient content, and drought resistance of Ghanaian cassava, showcasing the company’s commitment to agricultural innovation.
Additionally, InstaDeep collaborated with iCompass to develop TunBERT, an NLP model tailored specifically for the Tunisian dialect. This joint research project not only advances the state-of-the-art for the Tunisian dialect but also demonstrates the positive outcomes that result from collaborations between leading AI startups, benefiting the Tunisian tech ecosystem as a whole.
From their Kigali office, the InstaGeo team, led by Arnu Pretorius and Ibrahim Yusuf, showcased their open-source framework at the February 2025 AI Action Summit in Paris. The framework simplifies remote sensing applications, further solidifying InstaDeep’s reputation as a pioneer in cutting-edge technology solutions.
On the other hand, Yassir, a prominent player in Algeria’s tech landscape, has been making waves since its inception in 2017. The platform, offering a variety of services from ride-hailing to food and grocery delivery, has positioned itself as a go-to solution for simplifying everyday tasks in Algeria. With over 8 million users and partnerships with 100,000 service providers, Yassir has become a household name in the country.
Backed by significant funding, including a $150 million Series B round, Yassir has expanded its operations to 45 cities across six countries, establishing a strong foothold in the Maghreb and French-speaking Africa. Founder and CEO Noureddine Tayebi envisions Yassir as the first super app to achieve mass adoption, driving innovation and convenience in the digital economy.
Yassir’s ambition extends to the financial services sector, aiming to become a payment institution and introducing digital payment features for users. This strategic move aligns with the broader digital transformation sweeping across North Africa, positioning Yassir as a key player in the region’s evolving tech landscape.
Transitioning to the fintech sector, Paymob emerges as a frontrunner in North Africa’s financial technology growth. Facilitating millions of transactions for users and merchants, Paymob has solidified its position as a major player in the region’s digital payment ecosystem. With a focus on empowering MSMEs and driving digital adoption, Paymob’s innovative solutions are reshaping the financial landscape in Egypt and beyond.
Through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge solutions, such as its collaboration with Nestle Egypt to digitize payments for waste workers, Paymob is driving digital change and financial inclusion in the region. The company’s recent Series B funding of $72 million underscores its rapid expansion and impact on the regional economy.
Kumulus Water, a trailblazer in addressing water scarcity in dry regions, has developed innovative atmospheric water generation technology to provide clean drinking water. With its Amphore machine, which converts moisture from the air into drinkable water, Kumulus Water is making a tangible impact in communities across North Africa.
By leveraging predictive algorithms and IoT technology, Kumulus Water blends advanced solutions with practical applications, contributing to the region’s tech-driven transformation. With a focus on scalability and impact, the company has secured $4 million in funding to address the pressing global issue of water scarcity, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional water sources.
In a region where water scarcity poses a significant challenge, Kumulus Water’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is paving the way for a future where water abundance is achievable. CEO and co-founder Iheb Triki envisions a future where their high-tech solutions empower institutions and households to achieve water independence, making a meaningful difference in the fight against water scarcity.
Overall, these innovative startups in North Africa are driving technological advancements, fostering economic growth, and addressing critical challenges in the region. With their ambitious visions and impactful solutions, InstaDeep, Yassir, Paymob, and Kumulus Water are at the forefront of the region’s digital transformation, shaping a brighter future for North Africa and beyond.
Solarize offers a range of services to help businesses and individuals transition to solar energy:
| Service | What It Offers | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Panel Installation | Customized solar solutions | Reduced electricity bills |
| Energy Audits | Assessment of energy needs | Optimized energy consumption |
| Financing Options | Flexible payment plans | Affordable access to solar energy |
| Maintenance Services | Regular upkeep of solar systems | Long-term efficiency |
Solarize’s impact on the energy sector in Morocco is significant. The company has installed over 10,000 solar panels, reducing carbon emissions by 15,000 tons annually. This not only benefits the environment but also helps businesses and individuals save on energy costs.
CEO of Solarize, Amine Mounir, shared his vision for the company:
“Our mission at Solarize is to make solar energy accessible to all in Morocco. We believe that renewable energy is the future, and we are committed to helping our clients make the transition to sustainable energy sources.”
One of Solarize’s notable projects involved providing solar panels to a local school in a rural area, ensuring access to electricity for students and teachers. This initiative not only highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainability but also its focus on community development.
By offering localized solutions to meet essential energy needs, Solarize is driving technological advancements in Morocco’s energy sector. The company’s innovative approach to solar energy is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the economic growth of the region.
Solar energy is making significant strides in Morocco, accounting for 7.82% of the country’s electricity with an installed capacity of 831 MW. Solarize, a company focusing on four main sectors – industrial, agricultural, hospitality, and residential – is at the forefront of this transition.
In the industrial sector, Solarize offers grid-connected systems that lock in electricity costs below market rates, providing cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions. For the agricultural sector, tailored solar installations help in cutting down operational costs, making farming more efficient and environmentally friendly. In the hospitality sector, self-consumption systems ensure a consistent and reliable power supply, meeting the energy needs of hotels and resorts. And for residential areas, grid-tied solutions help in meeting daily electricity requirements, promoting a cleaner and greener lifestyle.
Solarize simplifies the adoption of solar energy by handling the entire EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) process, especially in a country like Morocco where regulations for renewable energy projects are still evolving. Mohamed Alaoui, the managing director of Africa Climate Solutions, acknowledges the challenges in the regulatory framework for small-scale renewable energy projects in Morocco compared to other countries in the region.
With Morocco experiencing a 6.5% annual increase in electricity consumption and facing challenges like water scarcity and rising temperatures, Solarize offers solutions that not only meet growing energy needs but also address environmental concerns. The company’s focus on reducing environmental impact for industrial clients showcases its commitment to sustainability.
Morocco’s abundant solar potential, averaging 5 kilowatt hours per square meter daily, positions Solarize as a key player in the country’s energy transition. The company’s approach reflects broader trends in North Africa’s renewable energy landscape, where startups are driving innovation and sustainability.
In the broader context of North Africa’s startup ecosystem, the fintech, renewable energy, and e-commerce sectors are thriving. Companies like Paymob and D.Light are leading the way in fintech and renewable energy, respectively, addressing regional challenges and driving growth. The e-commerce sector, represented by platforms like Cartona, is reshaping supply chains and market access for small retailers.
Looking ahead to 2025, North Africa’s startup ecosystem is poised for further growth, despite challenges like limited digital access and a gender gap in smartphone ownership. Targeted solutions in AI integration, EdTech, and digital health are expected to drive industry-wide change and create job opportunities for the region’s youth population.
To thrive in the coming years, startups in North Africa will need to prioritize strong governance, align with sustainable development goals, and continue driving innovation in key sectors. With the potential for market growth and expanded financial inclusion, the region’s startup ecosystem is on track to address infrastructure challenges and drive economic development through technology and innovation. There is a growing trend in the world of fashion and beauty that is all about embracing individuality and self-expression. This trend is all about ditching the cookie-cutter image of beauty and instead celebrating what makes each person unique. This movement is all about breaking away from traditional beauty standards and embracing diversity in all its forms.
One of the key components of this trend is the idea of body positivity. This movement is all about accepting and loving your body, no matter its size or shape. It’s about recognizing that beauty comes in all forms and that there is no one-size-fits-all definition of what it means to be beautiful. Body positivity is about celebrating your body for all that it is, flaws and all, and rejecting the notion that there is only one type of body that is considered beautiful.
Another aspect of this trend is the rise of gender-neutral fashion. More and more designers are creating clothing lines that are not tied to traditional gender norms. This means that anyone, regardless of their gender identity, can wear whatever they feel comfortable in. This movement is all about breaking down the barriers of what is considered “masculine” or “feminine” and instead allowing people to express themselves through their clothing in a way that feels authentic to them.
In addition to body positivity and gender-neutral fashion, this trend also includes a focus on diversity and inclusivity in the beauty industry. More and more brands are expanding their shade ranges to include a wider variety of skin tones, making it easier for people of all ethnicities to find products that work for them. This movement is all about recognizing that beauty is not limited to one particular look and that everyone deserves to feel represented and included in the beauty industry.
Overall, this trend is all about celebrating individuality and embracing what makes each person unique. It’s about breaking away from traditional beauty standards and instead embracing diversity in all its forms. By embracing body positivity, gender-neutral fashion, and inclusivity in the beauty industry, we can create a more inclusive and welcoming world where everyone feels seen and valued for who they are. The Impact of Climate Change on Global Food Security
Climate change is a pressing issue that is affecting every corner of the globe, including our food systems. The impact of climate change on global food security is becoming increasingly evident, as extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and changing precipitation patterns are disrupting agricultural production and distribution.
One of the most immediate impacts of climate change on food security is the increase in extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and storms. These events can devastate crops, leading to food shortages and price spikes. For example, the drought in California from 2012 to 2016 severely impacted the state’s agricultural sector, leading to decreases in crop yields and increased prices for consumers.
Rising temperatures are also affecting crop production, as many crops have specific temperature requirements for optimal growth. As temperatures rise, some crops may not be able to thrive in their current locations, leading to declines in yields. This is particularly concerning in regions with already high levels of food insecurity, where even small changes in temperature can have significant impacts on food production.
Changing precipitation patterns are another consequence of climate change that is affecting food security. Some regions are experiencing more frequent and intense rainfall, leading to flooding and soil erosion. In other regions, droughts are becoming more common, leading to water scarcity and decreased crop yields. These changes in precipitation patterns are making it more difficult for farmers to predict and plan for their growing seasons, further exacerbating food insecurity.
In addition to these direct impacts on agriculture, climate change is also affecting food security through its impact on food distribution and access. Extreme weather events can damage transportation infrastructure, making it difficult to transport food from producers to consumers. This can lead to food shortages in some areas, while in others, food may be available but unaffordable due to increased prices.
Addressing the impact of climate change on global food security will require a multi-faceted approach that includes both mitigation and adaptation strategies. Mitigation efforts, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to more sustainable agricultural practices, can help slow the rate of climate change and reduce its impacts on food production.
Adaptation strategies, such as developing drought-resistant crop varieties and improving water management practices, can help farmers cope with the changing climate and maintain food security in the face of increasing challenges. International cooperation and support will also be crucial in addressing the global nature of the issue, as climate change knows no borders and its impacts on food security are felt around the world.
In conclusion, climate change is having a profound impact on global food security, threatening the availability and affordability of food for millions of people. Addressing this issue will require urgent action at the local, national, and international levels to mitigate its impacts and ensure a sustainable food supply for future generations.
