But in the midst of all the economic dreariness and bad news, the local startup scenes of Johannesburg and Cape Town in particular have kept ticking along and might even play a role in reinvigorating investor confidence in Africa’s most advanced economy.
– Quartz Africa
Africa is home to some of the most innovative tech startups in the world. Perhaps there is no place more indicative of the continent’s burgeoning tech industry than the nation of South Africa.
South African startups have made considerable contributions to various economic sectors, but perhaps no more so than in the areas of science and technology. Several scientific and technological innovations heralded around the world have originated from Africa’s most southern nation.
The impact that startups have had in South Africa cannot be overestimated. The country recently experienced economic stagnation, with many experts stating the country was in a recession in the early months of 2016. However, the economy has lately rebounded, with many emphasizing the important impact of startups in the turnaround.
This post focuses on five of the most innovative startups in South Africa. These young companies have the potential to make considerable noise in their respective markets, and may eventually become industry leaders.
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HealthQ
TechCentral said recently of a trip to HealthQ: “You could be forgiven for thinking you’ve wandered onto the set of Star Trek when you visit the offices of HealthQ.” Others have touted the company as a South African manifestation of Silicon Valley. Indeed, innovation seems to be programmed into HealthQ’s DNA.
HealthQ has focused its business model around designing and engineering proprietary fitness software technology. Utilizing biomathematics and high-tech sensors, the company markets its platform to other firms intending to bring fitness products onto the market.
According to the company’s website, the aim of their designing processes is “to give people deep insights into their health and fitness…then use these insights to make better choices about lifestyle, diet, exercise, and even medication.”
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GUSTpay
GUSTpay is a mobile payments solution company with a twist. With apps available in both the Apple and Android stores, GUSTpay offers a digital event ticketing solution that’s integrated with near field communication (NFC)-enabled wristbands for “Shorter queues…(and) fast and efficient entry.” Partnering with a number of merchants throughout South Africa, GUSTpay also enables users to purchase products or services from their virtual accounts, rather than having to use cash.
Understanding the vital nature of social media, GUSTpay allows its users (with merchant approval) to check-in and interact with their online networks. Merchants who wish to integrate events with social media can also enable Wi-Fi access for their customers via their NFC wristbands.
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Domestly
Domestly is an actual online marketplace where people can request the services of local cleaning professionals on-demand. It’s a bit like Uber, but for home cleaning services. The platform also allows cleaners to capitalize on their good name via a ranking system, which they can leverage to set their own rates.
Individuals can order cleaning services via the website or the Domestly app, available via Apple’s App Store and Google Play. Clients have ability to choose a half-day (4 hours) or full day (8 hours) cleaning session. To date, over 500 “trusted and peer reviewed cleaners” are registered on the site.
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WhereIsMyTransport
WIMT has developed its business model around optimizing public transportation systems through the power of data. To accomplish this, WIMT has developed a “single data platform for the public transport ecosystem.” The data is collected from transit operators and fed into a single, central platform. Operators can distribute the information and update it in real time for end-users of transit systems, and over time, cities and transit operators can use the data to assess the effectiveness of systems and plan improvements.
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Tuluntulu
This once-small mobile streaming service has since been heralded by numerous tech outlets as the most innovative startup company in Africa. As an app available on both Google Play and Apple’s App Store, Tuluntulu gives its customers the convenience of accessing their favorite television channels 24/7, with “no buffering or waiting.” The app works even on mobile devices with low-bandwidth connections.
Recently, Tuluntulu eclipsed the previous record for the most downloads on a Video-on-Demand (VOD) platform. The app recently exceeded over 500,000 downloads.
The company’s widespread and ever-expanding user base is attributed to a couple of key factors. First, the app uses far less data than other services—estimated at just 50 megabytes per hour of usage. Second, streaming content available on the service has a uniquely African focus, with channels like Africa4U, which offers programs that showcase African culture, innovation, and lifestyles; Nolly4U, which features Nigerian movies; and Mafrik, which is wholly devoted to West African music videos. Tuluntulu enjoys a reputation as THE go-to media streaming service in Africa, similar to how Netflix is perceived in the United States and other markets. Best of all, it’s free to download the app, and there are no subscription fees.
Cecilia Ibru 