By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Entrepreneurs willing to partake in the Qualcomm Make in Africa 2025 programme can now begin to submit their entries, the organisers have disclosed.

The 2024 edition was won by Kenya’s Aurora Health Systems, getting the Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund after it beat the other nine finalists to the prize.

The finalists were drawn from six African countries, including Nigeria, which had Kitovu, founded by Nwachinemera Emeka.

Kitovu is revolutionizing agriculture with its WareGuard smart warehouse management solution, designed to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance food security for millions of farmers.

The 10 startup owners were chosen and supported because their products addressed challenges in healthcare, agriculture, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and industrial sectors.

The Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program showcases the energy and innovation emerging from the African technology scene, demonstrating Qualcomm’s commitment to supporting startups as part of the broader Qualcomm Africa Innovation Platform.

The Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund is provided by Qualcomm through its Qualcomm Wireless Reach Initiative to supports startups in scaling their societal and market impact.

Aurora Health Systems was selected for its innovative wireless, portable ECG device with LTE connectivity.

This device assists patients with cardiovascular disease by enabling remote data transmission of ECG data to healthcare providers, even in rural areas.

The firm is the first in East Africa to train ECG AI models on locally sourced data, resulting in more accurate algorithms and improved AI-powered diagnostics.

“The Make in Africa startups are disrupting traditional industries and tackling socio-economic challenges, crafting innovative solutions with global market reach by using AI, advanced connectivity, and IoT,” the President of Qualcomm MEA, Wassim Chourbaji, stated.

“This startup mentorship program reflects Qualcomm’s commitment to supporting promising early-stage deep tech startups, empowering local talents, creating jobs and driving economic growth,” Chourbaji added.

Business Post reports that the 10 finalists for the 2024 edition were Aurora Health Systems which provides AI-based cardiovascular healthcare tools, CropScan from Kenya which uses solar-powered smart farming IoT devices, Cure Bionics from Tunisia which makes smart 3D printed prosthetic devices, DevisionX from Egypt which provides AI-based low-code computer vision tools, and Kalio from Cameroon which builds AI tools for Agricultural IoT.

Others were Kitovu from Nigeria which provides tools and software for smart agricultural warehouse management, NextAI Studios from Kenya which builds AI-based emotion detection into toys for children’s mental healthcare, RIM Nextgen from Kenya which uses smart tools for monitoring propane consumption, Sparcx from South Africa which uses AI for enhancing radar signal processing, and ViZmerald from Tunisia which works on AI-based textile industry inspection.

By Dipo Olowookere

To tackle the critical cash flow challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across Africa, investors like P2Vest, Norrsken Accelerator, Afrinovation Ventures, Kaleo Ventures, and 54 Collective (formerly known as Founders Factory Africa), have invested about $1.6 million into Billboxx.

The integrated billing-to-payment platform, founded in 2023, successfully closed the pre-seed funding round, which is a mix of debt and equity, due to its innovative approach and commitment to building a more financially secure future for SMEs – the backbone of the African economy.

Manual invoicing and deferred payments often result in delayed payments, stifling many SMEs, but Billboxx’s integrated billing-to-payment platform streamlines billing processes, reduces inefficiencies from manual invoicing and mitigates the impact of deferred payments.

By providing automated billing and invoicing, secure payment facilitation, and tailored cash flow financing, Billboxx empowers businesses to achieve consistent cash flow and focus on growth.

Since its inception, the company has facilitated over $4 million in invoice payments through its MVP launched in May 2023.

The platform boasts strategic integrations with a leading commercial bank in Nigeria, a prominent African payment gateway, and multiple lending partners, enabling seamless payment facilitation via bank transfers, cards, and financing options.

“Cash flow difficulties are the leading cause of business failures in Africa, with delayed invoice payments being a major contributor.

“Billboxx is dedicated to solving these issues with an integrated platform that ensures consistent cash flow and financial resilience for businesses.

“This funding round enables us to expand our impact and empower more SMEs to thrive,” the co-founder and chief executive of BillBoxx, Mr Justus Obaoye, said.

Another co-founder and chief technical officer, Mr Abdulazeez Ogunjobi, noted that, “Delayed invoice payments pose a significant threat to SME growth and survival.

“Our platform not only streamlines the billing-to-payments workflows but also offers strategic embeddings to expedite payments. We aim to alleviate payment concerns and allow SMEs to focus on their core business.”

One of the investors, Bongani Sithole of 54 Collective, said, “We’re enthusiastic about the innovative work the Billboxx team is building. These 3x founders with successful exits under their belts are leveraging their leadership and business experience to tackle a massive pain point for SMEs across Africa.

“We invested in the company due to the large market size of the opportunity, impressive early traction gained from strong early partnerships with notable large corporates and startups, and the solid tech product the team has developed. We’re delighted to back Justus and Abdulazeez as they continue to scale Billboxx.”

Mr Obaoye and Mr Ogunjobi previously co-founded two startups: Charistouch (Carido), successfully acquired by Cars45, and Fixit45, a spin-off from Cars45.

Their leadership experience in large corporations and scaleups such as Schlumberger, Bolt, and OLX add to their strategic insight and entrepreneurial prowess.

As technology advances, the internet is undergoing a revolutionary shift toward decentralization. Known as Web3, this next phase of the internet is redefining how we interact with digital systems by emphasizing transparency, user ownership, and autonomy.

At the heart of this evolution are Web3 developers—professionals whose expertise in blockchain and decentralized systems is driving innovation and creating exciting new opportunities. Pursuing a Web3 career is not just about adapting to industry trends; it’s about shaping the future of technology. In this article, we’ll explore why Web3 developers are in high demand and how you can step into this promising field.

What is Web3?

Web3 represents the decentralized evolution of the internet. Unlike its predecessor, Web2, where centralized platforms dominate, Web3 leverages blockchain technology to create an ecosystem that is transparent, secure, and community-driven.

Some of the defining features of Web3 include:

• Decentralization: Control is distributed among users rather than being concentrated in a single organization.
• Transparency: Blockchain technology ensures that all transactions and operations are open and verifiable.
• Automation: Smart contracts allow for self-executing agreements, reducing the need for intermediaries.

This paradigm shift has unlocked immense opportunities, particularly for developers who can create, manage, and enhance Web3 applications.

Why a Web3 Career is the Future

1. Rapid Growth in Blockchain Technology

Blockchain is no longer just about digital currencies; its applications have expanded to include finance, healthcare, logistics, and gaming, among others.

This rapid adoption is driving an unprecedented demand for Web3 developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) and integrate blockchain solutions across various sectors.

2. High Demand and Competitive Compensation

The demand for Web3 talent has outpaced supply, making it one of the most lucrative fields in tech. Web3 developers often earn significantly more than traditional developers due to their specialized skills.

Many roles offer remote and flexible working arrangements, enabling global opportunities.

3. Opportunities for Innovation

Web3 is still in its infancy, making it a playground for innovators. From creating decentralized finance systems to building virtual economies in the metaverse, developers have the chance to work on groundbreaking projects that redefine industries.

Key Skills for a Successful Web3 Career

To excel as a Web3 developer, mastering certain skills is essential:

• Programming Knowledge: Proficiency in languages like Solidity, Rust, or Go, commonly used in smart contract and blockchain development.
• Blockchain Fundamentals: A deep understanding of how decentralized networks function and their architecture.
• Smart Contracts: The ability to design and implement self-executing contracts.
• Cryptography: Knowledge of encryption techniques to ensure security in applications.

Soft skills such as adaptability and problem-solving are equally important, given the fast-paced nature of the industry.

Benefits of Pursuing a Web3 Career

A career in Web3 comes with a range of unique advantages:

• Global Reach: The decentralized nature of Web3 opens doors to international opportunities without geographical limitations.
• Future-Ready Skills: Web3 expertise is increasingly sought after, offering a secure and sustainable career path.
• Collaborative Ecosystem: Unlike traditional tech environments, Web3 thrives on open collaboration and community-driven development.
• Freedom to Innovate: Developers have the flexibility to experiment and contribute to transformative projects.

Steps to Start Your Web3 Journey

Breaking into a Web3 career may seem challenging, but with a focused approach, it’s entirely achievable. Here’s how to get started:

Understand the Basics

• Learn the core concepts of blockchain technology, decentralized systems, and smart contracts.
• Explore educational resources, tutorials, and online communities for foundational knowledge.

Develop Technical Skills

• Master programming languages and frameworks commonly used in blockchain development.
• Familiarize yourself with Web3-specific tools and libraries to streamline your workflow.

Build Projects

• Start small by creating basic decentralized applications or experimenting with smart contracts.
• Showcase your work in a portfolio to demonstrate your capabilities for a potential employer.

Engage with the Community

• Join forums, developer meetups, and hackathons to network with others in the field.
• Stay updated on industry trends by following Web3-focused discussions and publications.

Continue Learning

• The Web3 space is constantly evolving, so staying up-to-date with advancements is crucial.
• Seek out certifications or courses to deepen your expertise and credibility.

Challenges and Future Outlook

While the opportunities in Web3 are immense, they come with challenges. The fast-evolving technology requires developers to continually upskill. Additionally, the regulatory landscape for blockchain and decentralized systems is still developing, which may introduce uncertainties. A Web3 career offers more than just a job—it provides a chance to shape the next wave of technological innovation. As industries embrace decentralization, the demand for Web3 developers will only grow. Whether you’re a seasoned tech professional or someone looking to enter the field, now is the perfect time to explore this exciting career path. By stepping into the world of Web3, you’re not just advancing your skills—you’re becoming part of a movement that’s redefining how we connect, transact, and collaborate online. The future of technology is here, and it’s decentralized. Will you be part of it?