As African startups continue attracting global attention, initiatives focused on scaling local innovation are becoming increasingly important. Nova Garage, a new pan-African platform launched under the patronage of Kenyan President William Ruto, aims to strengthen that momentum by connecting high-potential founders directly with investors, policy makers and corporate leaders. The platform’s inaugural Class of ’26 reflects a growing wave of African companies building solutions in fintech, healthtech, climate innovation, logistics and artificial intelligence.
The founders will present their companies during the Africa Forward Summit taking place on May 11 and 12 at the Kenya Cultural Center – Norfolk in Nairobi. Launched in 2026 by the French-African Foundation and the Autonomous Advancement Initiative, Nova Garage works in partnership with firms including Concerto and Nuvision. The initiative is also supported by Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora.
The platform selected 15 founders from eight African countries through a merit-based process focused on startups already demonstrating traction and investment readiness.
According to the organizers, Nova Garage was created to bridge the gap between youth-led innovation and institutional capital while showcasing African-built solutions capable of competing on regional and global markets. Rather than functioning as a competition, the platform focuses on creating strategic dialogue that can unlock long-term investment pipelines for founders.
Startups Solving Africa’s Challenges Through Innovation
Among the selected founders is Anas Chanaa, co-founder and CEO of Morocco’s Nucleon Security. The company provides AI-powered endpoint detection and response solutions designed to adapt to different business environments. Nucleon is also focused on strengthening cybersecurity resilience by developing its own AI engine source code internally, reducing risks associated with hidden vulnerabilities and foreign-controlled systems.
From Guinea, Hamidou Barry, CEO of SkaleTek, is building software-as-a-service solutions that help businesses improve efficiency and streamline operations. The company focuses on helping organizations adapt to changing digital demands while unlocking growth opportunities through technology.
In Côte d’Ivoire, Boum III Jr, the Cameroonian co-founder and CEO of Daba Finance, is working to democratize investment access across Africa. Founded in 2021, Daba Finance gives retail investors access to stocks, bonds and startup investment opportunities, with a strong presence in the UMOA region and plans to expand into CEMAC markets.
Nigeria’s David Adeleke, co-founder and CEO of Zeeh Africa, is helping expand financial inclusion through open banking, credit services and buy now pay later solutions. The company’s mission is to build an ecosystem where financial organisations support each other and stimulate innovations while providing users with highly secured and seamless services.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Henock Mukendi, CEO of Daredare, is addressing logistics challenges through an integrated platform that combines express delivery, warehousing, order fulfillment, escrow payments and real-time tracking. The company is building logistics infrastructure for a more connected, efficient and intelligent commerce ecosystem in Africa.
Ghanaian entrepreneur Iddi Mohammed Faried, CEO and co-founder of Kodu Technology, is tackling both environmental sustainability and menstrual health challenges. The company manufactures biodegradable sanitary pads using banana and plantain fibers while transforming agricultural waste into reusable production materials. Through this model, Kodu Technology is contributing to waste reduction while improving access to menstrual health products.
Senegal’s Kadia Faye, co-founder of Sikili, is working to reduce electronic waste while improving access to affordable technology. By offering guaranteed refurbished electronics, Sikili is helping extend the life cycle of devices while supporting digital inclusion in underserved communities.
Building Scalable Businesses for Continental Growth
Healthcare innovation also forms a major part of the Nova Garage cohort. Dr. Millicent Wanjiku Wanyeki, founder and CEO of Panacea in Kenya, has developed an AI-powered barcode verification system designed to reduce hospital medication errors. The platform integrates into hospital workflows to help healthcare workers ensure patients receive the correct medication during treatment.
Also from Kenya, Tom Kinyanjui, co-founder and CEO of Neural Labs Africa, is using AI to improve access to diagnostic healthcare. The company’s technology, NeuralSight, screens medical images in real time and identifies more than 20 pathologies linked to diseases including lung cancer, pneumonia, tuberculosis and prostate cancer. The company says it is leveraging advanced technologies to improve diagnostic accuracy and support faster medical intervention across Africa.
In Côte d’Ivoire, Pierre-Alexandre Assou, co-founder and CEO of Flot, is promoting cleaner transportation by helping ride-hailing drivers become owners of electric vehicles within 36 months. The company says its platform can improve drivers’ incomes while reducing carbon emissions through electric mobility adoption.
Kenya’s Rodgers Wisdom is leading Keverd AI, a cybersecurity company helping financial institutions fight fraud using advanced device intelligence technology. The platform identifies devices even when fraudsters attempt to hide through VPNs, proxy chains or incognito browsing, helping institutions reduce risks linked to fake accounts, SIM swaps and money laundering.
Another Kenyan entrepreneur, Valerie Gonzales, CEO and co-founder of Nima AI, is transforming online shopping experiences through AI-powered virtual styling technology. The platform allows customers to virtually try on products while giving sellers data-driven insights that can help improve sales and customer confidence in Africa’s growing social commerce market.
Accessibility innovation is being driven by Victoria Mwaura, founder and CEO of Provision Sight Africa. The company develops affordable AI-powered navigation devices for visually impaired individuals. The company’s vision is to create technology designed in Africa, for Africa and eventually for the world.
In Côte d’Ivoire, Waly N’Diaye, co-founder and COO of Blok, is working to improve construction supply chains by helping builders access certified construction materials with better traceability and delivery systems. The platform also supports small retailers by giving them collective bargaining power and improving access to compliant products at competitive prices.
The launch of Nova Garage further strengthens Nairobi’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s leading innovation hubs. Often referred to as Silicon Savannah, the city has become a center for fintech, agritech, cleantech and digital entrepreneurship across the continent.
Beyond Kenya, Nova Garage reflects a wider shift taking place across Africa’s startup ecosystem. Increasingly, young African entrepreneurs are building businesses focused not only on local impact but also on regional expansion and global competitiveness. Through direct access to investors, institutional leaders and international networks, Nova Garage aims to help transform promising startups into scalable companies capable of shaping Africa’s economic future.
