Inside the 2018 Startup Cohort: 4 Companies Driving Change Across Africa
A 4-Month Sprint Toward Scalable Impact
Back in 2018, four promising startups were selected for a unique growth program—a four-month accelerator designed to help them sharpen operations, test solutions, and expand reach across the African continent. Each venture came from a distinct industry, yet all shared a core goal: to build scalable tools for real-world challenges. Let’s take a closer look at these pioneers and the numbers behind their missions.
Accounteer – Simplifying Finances for Over 8,500 Small Businesses
Cloud Accounting Built for African Entrepreneurs
Accounteer offers a full-service cloud accounting platform tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises. With more than 8,500 users across Africa, the platform helps business owners manage invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting—all in one place.
What makes Accounteer stand out isn’t just its clean user interface but its ability to integrate directly with external tools. Whether it’s a local bank, e-commerce service, or digital invoicing system, Accounteer connects seamlessly to streamline financial management for businesses that previously relied on manual processes.
Why It Matters
Manual bookkeeping is often a bottleneck for small enterprises in developing markets. Accounteer not only reduces errors but also frees up entrepreneurs’ time to focus on growth.
Table: Key Features of Accounteer
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Cloud-based Access | Work from anywhere, anytime |
| Bank Integration | Real-time financial syncing |
| E-commerce Integration | Automate online transactions |
| Invoice Generation | Professional billing in minutes |
| Expense Tracking | Stay on top of cash flow |
KoloPay – Saving Made Simple, One Goal at a Time
Targeted Savings for Real People
KoloPay approaches personal finance with a fresh mindset. Through its mobile and web app, users set savings goals—like buying a phone or planning a wedding—and work toward them gradually. The app offers exclusive discounts on goods and services via merchant partnerships, letting users stretch their savings even further.
What’s powerful here is the idea of “saving with purpose.” Instead of vague financial planning, KoloPay creates visual targets and tangible rewards. This turns saving into an active and emotionally engaging process.
Reaching the Underserved
In a region where traditional banking doesn’t reach everyone, KoloPay provides a practical alternative. For those who can’t afford to pay upfront, the app acts as a bridge—offering not just a financial product, but a path toward empowerment.
Powercube – Clean Energy That Cuts Costs
A 30% Reduction in Energy Spend for Households
Powercube is taking direct aim at Africa’s alternative energy problem. With inconsistent electricity supplies, many homes rely on diesel generators—an expensive, noisy, and polluting solution. Powercube’s offer? A subscription-based clean energy system that saves households at least 30% monthly compared to generators.
This isn’t just about convenience—it’s a full lifestyle shift. Customers swap out the stress of fuel costs and maintenance for a reliable, quiet, and affordable clean energy service.
Up to 70% Margin Boost for Landlords
For commercial clients—especially landlords—Powercube presents a revenue opportunity. By installing clean energy systems in buildings, they can improve service margins by up to 70%, turning energy infrastructure into a value-added asset.
