The Fast Accelerator program aims to bolster Africa’s digital ecosystem by supporting startups on their journey to growth and expansion.

After conducting a 2-week Online Bootcamp with over 60 tech companies and experienced mentors, the FAST Accelerator’s 12 chosen startups will proceed to a comprehensive 5-week acceleration experience in Silicon Valley, California, starting in October.

Microsoft is a key partner in this endeavor, recognizing the potential of African startups and SMEs in contributing to the continent’s digital economy. Mame-Fatou Gueye, SME Program Manager at Microsoft Africa Transformation Office, emphasized the significance of African entrepreneurs in addressing local societal and economic challenges.

The FAST Accelerator program received an overwhelming response, with over 1200 applications from 35 African countries spanning various industries such as Financial Services, Healthcare, Agriculture, Transportation & Logistics, Clean Technology & Energy, and Creative Media & Entertainment. These applicants offered cloud-based solutions harnessing AI to drive innovation and efficiency while addressing critical challenges.

Dr. Dave Ojika, founder and CEO of Flapmax, highlighted their mission to create impactful AI-driven solutions and facilitate global-scale growth opportunities for African startups, SMEs, and enterprises through partnerships with Microsoft and Intel.

The FA23 cohort, selected based on their readiness to scale within Africa and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), comprises diverse startups from various sectors:

1. Zeeh Africa: AI-powered open banking platform
2. Sumundi: Intelligent eCommerce platform
3. Cotrust Equity: Micro-lending platform
4. Trucki: AI-powered haulage infrastructure
5. Orange VFX: Animation and visual effects studio
6. 10mg Pharma: AI-driven medication cost savings
7. Wallx: Payment and business solution for small businesses
8. Moosbu: SME empowerment with AI
9. KCG Aquatec Fish Farming: Sustainable aquaculture infrastructure
10. Aibanc: AI-powered banking for high earners
11. Zendawa Africa: Enabling online sales for neighborhood pharmacies
12. Greenbii: AI-driven asset financing and software management

Starting from October 23, the FA23 cohort will embark on various activities, including training, AI integration, business development, fundraising, and more. Intel and Microsoft will collaborate with these startups on co-innovation projects, providing sales and marketing support and enabling go-to-market strategies. Additionally, the Flapmax engineering team will assist in optimizing Large Language AI models on Microsoft Azure and Intel platforms.

Flapmax has also introduced the FAST Portal, a digital matching platform designed to connect investors with startups within the FAST Accelerator community, facilitating introductions and collaborations to empower entrepreneurs and innovators in underserved markets.