Nigerian technology startups failed to win a price at the just concluded Facebook sponsored first-ever TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield Africa 2017 in Nairobi, Kenya.
TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield Africa saw 15 startups battle it out to win a US$25,000 prize. Nairobi-based Lori Systems, with its product and service in the Productivity and Utility category, was crowned the overall winner for its logistics and cargo platform for African businesses.
Facebook also used the contest to bring together hot African startups, developers, influencers and community leaders – to share ideas, learn and connect.
The sponsor said the event is designed to spotlight Africa’s creative, diverse talent and vibrant technology companies that are building products and solving problems for local and global audiences.
Other winners included Gaming and entertainment category by Ghanaian based SynCommerce, which lets users list and manage their products and inventory across multiple sales platforms i.e. Shopify, eBay, Etsy.
The last and third winner under Social good category was Ghanaian based AgroCenta, an online marketplace for African farmers.
Though Nigerian contestants did not win, a top contender, Lanre Oyedotun, Co-founder & CEO of Delivery Science, a Nigeria based startup, siad “It’s a great experience to be part of Battlefield. It’s encouraging that global brands like Facebook and TechCrunch are recognizing the talent in Africa. Our solution, FieldInsight, helps large organizations get visibility into their field operations. To be able to showcase this on a Pan-African platform is a privilege.”
In his remarks at Startup Battlefield Africa, Ime Archibong, Facebook’s Vice President of Partnerships, said “Congratulations to all the finalists. I’ve been so impressed with what I’ve seen today. Africa truly is a continent with remarkable creativity and talent – it was amazing to see some of Africa’s best innovators, makers and technical entrepreneurs showcase their disruptive innovations and tell their stories. I’m looking forward to what Africans will produce in the years to come – truly global products that will become household names.”
