NAIROBI, Kenya-Africa’s tech landscape just got a major boost, thanks to the launch of XA Africa, a new initiative aimed at connecting African tech founders with seasoned investors and industry experts from around the globe.
Co-founder Nitin Gajria says the move is designed to provide startups with the capital, mentorship, and expertise they need to thrive in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving market.
XA Africa’s entry into the African tech scene is more than just an investment play—it’s a strategic link between Africa and Southeast Asia’s bustling business ecosystems.
According to Gajria, African tech founders are in a unique position to tackle the continent’s most significant challenges and seize its most promising opportunities.
The network’s presence in Africa will be crucial in helping founders access the tools and insights necessary to make their ventures successful.
“We see XA Africa’s expansion as a natural progression,” Gajria explained. “It allows us to connect amazing founders to experienced and expert operators from the tech industry.”
This connection is not limited to Africa but extends globally, offering founders a chance to collaborate and learn from Southeast Asian ecosystems, further fueling innovation and growth.
XA Africa has already made its mark by investing in four promising African startups: Crop2Cash in Nigeria, BuuPass in Kenya, Kaya in South Africa, and Talamus Health in Ghana.
These startups, spanning sectors from agriculture to health tech, have received financial backing and mentorship that promises to accelerate their growth.
One standout is Kenya’s BuuPass, a platform co-founded by Sonia Kabra and Wycliffe Omondi, which allows users to book and pay for bus and train tickets online.
The founders expressed their excitement about XA Africa’s involvement, particularly its strong network of experts.
“XA Network has introduced us to advisors from Expedia and truly understands the dynamics of emerging markets,” Kabra and Omondi stated. This kind of mentorship and support is exactly what African startups need to break through and scale globally.
XA Africa was co-founded by a trio of industry heavyweights. Nitin Gajria, former Managing Director of Google Sub-Saharan Africa, leads the charge alongside Jason Scott, a venture capitalist known for his work with Google’s Black Founders Fund, and Marek Dawidowicz, the current Marketing Director at YouTube.
Together, their expertise in tech, marketing, and venture capital makes XA Africa a powerhouse of knowledge and connections for African startups.
Their goal is to leverage their deep networks and understanding of the tech world to help African entrepreneurs build sustainable, impactful businesses.
By offering both capital and mentorship, XA Africa aims to foster a thriving ecosystem of innovation and problem-solving across the continent.
