DEG promotes digital start-ups in Africa

In many African countries, the number of smartphones has increased rapidly over the past few years. Already 15 years ago, many countries bypassed the expensive and time-consuming expansion of the landline network to focus on upgrading mobile technology. This technology jump is vital for local and regional economic development. Today eight of ten people have a mobile phone contract and even most of the rural areas are connected to the mobile phone network. DEG has made a vital contribution to this expansion, e.g. by financing mobile operators. But also the number of new apps is on the rise. Particularly Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, is home to a vibrant and growing app programmer scene.

One example of an app developed by a Kenyan company is the ZiDi health care app. The app, developed by the IT company MicroClinic Technologies Ltd., helps doctors and hospitals improve their patient management system, thereby improving the overall quality of local health care. DEG provides funding through co-financing from its up-scaling programme, a programme to promote innovative business models.

The ZiDi health care app is just one example of DEG’s support of start-up companies. An article by Christiane Laibach, member of the DEG Management Board, in the latest issue of the web magazine Tea after Twelve deals with this topic.