Africa is full of innovators who are turning socio-economic challenges into viable businesses that make a true difference, socially. Social entrepreneur Tony Ansah, founder of Ansah Africa, has listed his own personal top 10.

1. Go! is a motorcycle hailing App that recently launched in Mogadishu, Somalia. The venture is providing access to a safe, cost-effective, and convenient transport and mobility solution to locals.

2. RideSafe is a motorcycle insurance service provider that taps into Blockchain technology. Founded in Kenya, the platform offers affordable insurance to Boda Boda drivers as well as medical care if they are involved in an accident.

3. Honeyflow Africa is a Nigerian beehive App that monitors activities of bee hives remotely, helping boost the honey production of Nigeria’s bee-keeper communities whilst improving biodiversity.

4. Chipper Cash is a borderless mobile money payment platform that enables people from Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda to send and receive funds with no fees. This payment service was founded in San Francisco, CA by Ghanaian and Ugandan entrepreneurs and aims to improve the way transactions are made, boosting financial inclusion in the region.

5. Uganics is a Ugandan social enterprise that produces and sells mosquito repellent soaps. These products are helping to prevent malaria in the region, especially amongst mothers and children under the age of five living in rural areas.

6. Fundis is a peer-to-peer online platform that connects local consumers with craftsmen such as informal electricians in Kenya. This online service is helping locals find vetted and reliable craftsmanship service providers.

7. Digital Health Access is a Ugandan health education and consultation platform that connects consumers with healthcare professionals and service providers. This mobile App is helping patients find on-demand medical services and gain access to medical experts.

8. Frikmat is a business-to-business e-commerce platform from Ghana that allows businesses to trade with one another exchange products and services and access other opportunities in different countries and regions

9. Soltech from South Africa is creating and selling school backpacks, lifestyle bags, outdoor umbrellas, and armbands with solar power features. Their goods are helping children study at night, particularly children who live in households that don’t have access to electricity.

10. Fashion Map is a mobile App from Nigeria that connects local consumers with tailors, fashion designers, and clothing brands. Their online service is helping locals to find artisans for essential clothing items, especially for special occasions and so on.

Tony K Ansah is a self-published author and a social entrepreneur based in Rhode Island, United States. He founded Ansah Africa, a consulting and marketing start-up that connects donors in the US with non-profits in Africa.  

Afrinection is constantly on the lookout for innovative African companies that are thinking out of the box and making a difference in the communities that surround them. If you are doing just that, or if you know of someone who does, please get a free profile on Afrinection and complete our online questionnaire. We would love to feature your story on our blog, and telling it to the rest of the world.