South Africa’s growing startup ecosystem will once again take center stage at VivaTech 2026 in Paris, one of the world’s biggest technology and startup events. From 16 to 20 June, seven South African startups will represent the country at the event’s 10th edition, showcasing solutions focused on financial inclusion, mobility, healthcare, sustainability, sports technology, artificial intelligence and enterprise development.
The initiative is expected to create new opportunities for investment, partnerships, market access and international collaboration for the selected startups. It also strengthens the relationship between the South African and French tech ecosystems at a time when African innovation is attracting growing global attention.
VivaTech brings together startups, major companies, investors, policymakers and technology leaders from around the world to explore solutions to some of today’s biggest global challenges. For South African startups, the platform offers visibility on a global stage and the chance to connect directly with international investors and business leaders.
The delegation heading to Paris reflects the diversity of South Africa’s innovation economy, with companies solving practical problems affecting millions of people across the continent.
Startups Solving Everyday Problems Across Africa
Sports technology startup BallTalent, led by Lesego Ndlovu and Simon Mokgotlhoa, is focused on changing how football talent is discovered and managed. The platform helps players get noticed by scouts while also giving coaches tools to manage and develop their teams. By connecting young athletes with opportunities, BallTalent is helping to modernize sports talent identification and development in Africa.
Impact Business Development, led by Hanlie Lizette Wessels, is bringing digital solutions to businesses and communities through enterprise and supplier development initiatives. With more than 50 years of combined experience across different industries, the company focuses on improving business growth, customer experience, education, emotional wellbeing, health and clean energy solutions. The company says its approach is built around partnerships and technology-driven systems that help businesses reduce risk and improve long-term sustainability.
Kasi Money, founded by Thami H., is targeting one of South Africa’s largest underserved markets, workers who earn irregular or cash-based incomes. The fintech platform serves gig workers, freelancers and informal traders who often struggle to access traditional banking services. The platform allows users to open accounts within minutes using a South African ID, passport or asylum document. Users can also deposit cash at more than 400,000 retailers and spaza shops, while gaining access to a Mastercard debit card, insurance, investments and flexible cash advances. The company is positioning itself as a banking solution designed around the realities of how millions of Africans earn and manage money.
Transport technology company Loop, led by Imtiyaaz Riley and recently selected for the Google Accelerator 2026 program, is working to modernize South Africa’s minibus taxi industry. The startup uses technology to improve the safety, convenience and efficiency of shared transport systems. Loop’s long-term vision is to improve transport experiences for four million riders and more than 400,000 taxi drivers by bringing digital systems into one of the country’s most important transport sectors.
Healthcare innovation startup NAVU Mobility, founded by Amohetsoe Shale, is addressing the high cost of prosthetic devices for above-the-knee amputees. The company develops affordable prosthetic knees using modular, repairable systems built from off-the-shelf components. Its first product, the NK Gen 1, is designed to reduce costs while still providing strength, stability and natural movement. Beyond the technology itself, NAVU Mobility aims to help people return to work, school and daily life while also supporting healthcare systems with scalable local solutions.
Sustainability-focused company Urobo Biotech, led by Wessel Myburgh, is tackling the growing challenge of bioplastic waste. While bioplastics are often promoted as environmentally friendly alternatives, the company argues that proper waste management remains a major issue. Urobo Biotech is developing enzymatic solutions that break down bioplastic waste into high-value fuels and chemicals. The company’s broader goal is to support the development of a circular economy while reducing dependence on conventional plastics and lowering environmental pollution.
Artificial intelligence startup Vambo AI, founded by Chido Dzinotyiwei, is focused on making AI accessible in African languages. The company was created to address the fact that many African languages remain largely unsupported by global technology systems. Vambo AI develops multilingual AI tools aimed at helping businesses, governments and communities communicate more effectively. The company believes language should never be a barrier to accessing healthcare, education, financial services or technology.
Building Global Connections for African Innovation
The South African delegation heading to VivaTech highlights how African startups are increasingly building solutions designed for local realities while also competing on a global level. The selected companies are addressing practical issues ranging from transportation and healthcare to financial inclusion and environmental sustainability.
The initiative also reflects the growing importance of international collaboration within the startup ecosystem. Organizers thanked partners who helped shape and support the delegation, describing the project as a collective effort aimed at strengthening ties between South Africa and France’s technology sectors.
As VivaTech celebrates its 10th anniversary, the event continues to position itself as a global meeting point where startups, investors and major corporations connect around innovation. For the South African startups attending this year, the Paris event represents more than international exposure, it is an opportunity to attract funding, scale their businesses and show how African innovation is solving challenges with locally built solutions.
