On 29 March 2023, two African startups, Kubik and Emata, made history at the Global Startups Awards (GSA), winning ‘Startup of the Year’ and ‘Best Newcomer,’ respectively.
Their victories at the event in Copenhagen, Denmark, signals Africa’s growing influence in the international tech and innovation space. The GSA’s focus on green innovation and sustainable development goals has attracted some of the most promising innovators worldwide.
The awards offer startups exposure in the international arena, as well as access to new markets, funding opportunities, and a global network of leaders. More than 120 techpreneur companies from 115 countries competed for these coveted awards. The top ten trailblazer entries were announced at the gala event.
This is the first year to see winners of the GSA Africa make it onto the list of global finalists at this event. Last year, the GSA Africa considered 7 589 nominees before crowning the continent-wide winners in 12 categories, including ‘Women in Tech’, ‘HealthTech’, ‘AgriTech’ and ‘Best Newcomer’. Sixty regional winners were announced.
Two of these, Kubik and Emata, were recognised for their world-class skills and innovation at the GSA’s gala event.
Kubik, last year’s GSA Africa ‘Startup of the Year’ and winner of the ‘ESG Tech’ category, took first place in the GSA’s Startup of the Year category. The environmental technology company from Ethiopia turns plastic waste into low-carbon, low-cost buildings. Their environmentally friendly alternative building materials are designed to interlock, thereby circumventing the need for costly and polluting materials.
Emata was announced the Best Newcomer. By providing them with affordable digital loans, the Ugandan fintech company is revolutionising how smallholder farmers access financing. Not only has this startup automated the entire loan process from data collection and credit scoring to loan disbursement, they also cater for small and remote farmers by offering loans as small as UGX 60 000 ($15).
Jo Griffiths, co-founder of the GSA Africa and the Global Innovation Initiative Group (GIIG), says the future will be shaped by startups that master technology and innovation. “These awards help identify and celebrate future-shapers, and build a network of innovation organisations across the globe.
“This year, we are also breaking down boundaries and old misconceptions about Africa, with startups from this continent having earned global awards. Africa is the tech continent of the future and offers a world of opportunities.
“It is also a continent brimming with world-class talent, impact-driven ideas, and ample opportunities to scale,” she adds. “We are incredibly excited to connect with the next cohort of leaders in African innovation and to support their growth with new opportunities for funding, market access, and global mentorship. The world needs Africa to find solutions for some of its most pressing challenges.”
“I represent Kubik, but more importantly, I represent Africa,” recalled Kubik CEO and co-founder, Kidus Asfaw, during his acceptance speech at the Global Startup Awards. “It truly takes a village to build a company. It’s not without the support of our community and country that Kubik is where we are today as the global Startup of the Year.”
Asfaw further commented that he believes these awards will have “a massive positive impact on Africa’s startup ecosystem.”
“It brings a lot of exposure to the fact that Africa is a launchpad for innovation. The continent is often seen as a beneficiary of others’ solutions. The GSA will help change this perception.”
“It will also create public awareness that Africa has unique and impactful solutions that are investment-worthy,” he says. “At Kubik, we want to be a voice for the many silent but phenomenal African entrepreneurs who are creating world-changing products and services.”
Bram van den Bosch, CEO and co-founder of Emata, shared that even though Uganda may be considered a small country, it is known as the ‘Pearl of Africa’. “[The Best Newcomer] award stands testament to Uganda’s significant contribution to Africa’s, and now the world’s, innovation ecosystem.”
“The award gives us exposure to a global audience and attracts the attention of investors who share our vision for supporting smallholder farmers. It also confirms that our innovative approach to financing agriculture is unique and effective.”
“Getting exposure on a global stage is crucial for the African startup ecosystem for several reasons,” he adds. “It allows startups like Emata to showcase their innovative solutions to a wider audience. This exposure leads to increased funding, partnerships, and growth opportunities, which all help us scale and significantly impact the African continent and its people.
More importantly, global exposure can help change the negative narrative often associated with Africa. For too long, Africa has been portrayed as a continent needing aid rather than as a continent with significant potential and resources. We dare African farmers to dream big, invest in transforming their farms into businesses and secure their own prosperity.”
“Hosting the leading African startups that are driving positive transformation on a global scale offers incredible opportunities,” says Kim Balle, GSA co-founder and CEO. “We have long desired to create such a platform to showcase the distinct solutions that African startups offer to make a difference in people’s lives. We are excited to witness what is to come from this continent’s entrepreneurs and as we continue to invite finalists back to the annual GSA.”
