As we embark on 2021, it’s clear that this year may bring about significant shifts compared to 2020. Last year, we saw sectors like edtech and biotech gain momentum, with e-commerce benefiting from the surge in online shopping driven by the global pandemic. Now, we’re looking ahead to the trends that will shape the African tech landscape this year.
Fitness and Health Technology – Koromone Koroye
Fitness tech is expected to grow significantly this year. With the rise of virtual fitness during the pandemic, more Africans are turning to digital health and wellness solutions. Nigerian fitness trainer Abayomi Oladinni, for example, launched a fitness app that offers personalized training experiences, which highlights the growing interest in tech solutions for fitness. As more people embrace digital wellness tools, the sector is likely to expand, offering new opportunities for tech entrepreneurs.
Music and Skincare Technology – Edwin Madu
The music industry in Africa is increasingly leveraging technology, with artists like Mr. Eazi and Bez Idakula investing in platforms designed to address the unique challenges faced by African musicians. These tech solutions range from event management tools to digital streaming services, marking a new era for African music.
In skincare, AI-driven solutions like BARE are gaining traction, with an emphasis on providing products tailored to the specific needs of Black skin. This personalized approach to beauty tech is expected to grow, making skincare solutions more accessible and effective.
Lending and Property Technology – Olumuyiwa Olowogboyega
Lending technology is evolving in Africa, with companies creating alternative platforms to offer lower-cost credit assessments. Startups like OZÉ are helping individuals access loans by providing more comprehensive data to lenders.
In the property technology (proptech) space, companies like Spleet and Fibre are exploring innovative ways to manage rental payments, potentially transforming the rental market by enabling a monthly payment model, which could unlock new opportunities for the sector.
Agricultural Technology – Alexander Onukwue
Agriculture continues to be a focus for technological innovation in Africa. Agritech startups such as Apollo Agriculture, Sun Culture, and Releaf are addressing challenges in farming and food production. With increasing investments in the sector, 2021 is expected to see continued funding and new solutions aimed at improving agricultural productivity across the continent.
Femtech – Bright Azuh
The rise of Femtech in Africa is gaining momentum, with companies developing solutions specifically for women’s health and lifestyle needs. Companies like MumsVillage and BabyBliss in Kenya and Nigeria are expanding their offerings, while funding for female-led tech ventures is on the rise. The funding gap between male and female entrepreneurs is significant, but new initiatives are helping to narrow the gap and provide more support for women in tech.
Education Technology – Daniel Adeyemi
The pandemic highlighted the potential of education technology, as more schools and students adapted to online learning. Although only a small percentage of African children currently benefit from Edtech tools, this sector is poised for significant growth in 2021. Companies like Valenture Institute (South Africa), Gebeya (Ethiopia), and uLesson (Nigeria) are leading the way, and as more funding flows into the sector, Edtech is expected to complement, rather than replace, traditional education methods.
