Covid-19 and African tech startups roundup [16/04/2020]

Johannesburg based startup Airbuy wants to work with SA startups to build their online stores at no cost, by offering them virtual technical workshops hosted by AWS Activate.

This, while The Innovation Hub is calling on SA innovators to submit their solutions relating to preventing the spreading of the novel coronavirus.

With the coronavirus (Covid-19) headlining news all over the world, Ventureburn has launched a regular daily roundup on the virus and how it is affecting Africa’s tech startup sector.

Those with any news releases relating to Covid-19 and Africa’s tech startup sector can send these to editor@memeburn.com.

SA startup Airbuy wants to work with startups to build their online stores at no cost, by offering them workshops hosted by AWS Activate

Here then is the latest on the coronavirus and African tech startups:

Fintech offers free AWS workshops: Johannesburg based startup Airbuy is offering to work with startups to build their online stores at no cost, by offering them virtual technical workshops hosted by AWS Activate. Airbuy co-founder Njabulo Makhathini (pictured above, right with fellow co-founder Tshepang Kobo) says the sessions will be facilitated next Monday (20 April) at 10am. Those interested can register here. Airbuy, which offers a payment method, was founded by Makhathini and Tshepang Kobo in 2017. Last year the startup raised R150 000 from a Pretoria-based investor who owns a digital marketing firm. “These workshops are not part of our business offering. It’s us doing our bit for the ecosystem. So, they will always be for free. They will continue happening, beyond the lockdown, once a month,” explained Makhatini.

Covid-19 challenge: The Innovation Hub is calling on local innovators to submit their solutions relating to
preventing the spreading of the novel coronavirus. It is offering successful applicants the opportunity to test, develop, incubate and commercialise their solutions. Submissions should address the direct and indirect societal effects of Covid-19 and be proven concepts that need maturation, or existing solutions that can be adapted. Applications close on 31 July.

UIF applications hit hitch: The Department of Labour’s Temporary Covid-19 scheme has paid out only R460-million to distressed companies so far, as many applications are incomplete or have been filed in the wrong format, Moneyweb reported in an article yesterday. The department said because of this the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has had to remove over 15 000 duplicate applications, leaving it with 23 245 applications. The department said only businesses that have had to partially or completely close their businesses on a temporary basis because of the country’s lockdown would qualify for relief.

$100k agripreneur prize: Generation Africa has launched its second annual $100,000 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize to find, inspire and support the best agrifood business models from young African entrepreneurs during the Covid-19 crisis. The 2020 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition will acknowledge two innovative ventures, one led by a man and one led by a woman. Each will take home $50 000 in prize money. Applications close on 18 June.

Read more: Covid-19 and African tech startups roundup [15/04/2020]
Read more: Covid-19 and African tech startups roundup [14/04/2020]
Read more: Covid-19 and African tech startups roundup [13/04/2020]

Featured image: Airbuy co-founders Tshepang Kobo and Njabulo Makhathini (Supplied)