Five African startups have been named winners at AfricArena Johannesburg 2025.
AfricArena Johannesburg 2025 is a two-day Founder’s Summit that focuses on empowering selected startups with skills, knowledge and on-hand training that enables them to become investor-ready.
Hosted in collaboration with AWS Startups and 22 On Sloane, the event brought together global investors, industry leaders, and high-growth startups for a day of pitching, networking, and collaboration.
The event showcases innovative startups across various industries, recognizing those making significant strides in technology, finance, and sustainability.
Cureroot won the AfricArena Best Deep Tech and AI Startup Award. Cureroot is a drug discovery firm intended to combat global health challenges. The company leverages traditional plant knowledge, artificial intelligence, and automated lab processes to curate a drug pipeline by using African flora, enabling the health industry to address the challenges of superbugs and emerging viruses.
The best fintech startup award went to eQub. eQub digitizes Ethiopia’s traditional “equb” savings model, offering a secure platform for collective saving and lending. Through mobile-based groups, it enhances financial inclusion and credit access, bridging the gap between traditional banking and underserved communities.
The AfricArena Best SaaS Startup Award was awarded to Funti3r, a blockchain and AI-powered workforce platform connecting businesses with verified global talent. By integrating smart contract payments, verifiable credentials, and AI-driven matching, Funti3r streamlines the hiring process while reducing costs, paving the way for the future of work in Africa and beyond.
The Best Agnostic Startup Award was secured by Loop Taxi, a company that offers an efficient, sustainable ride-hailing solution using AI-driven routing and electric/hybrid vehicles. It ensures affordability, reliability, and reduced carbon emissions, optimizing fleet efficiency for daily commutes, corporate travel, and last-mile connectivity.
Finally, the AfricArena Most Promising Entrepreneur Award was given to SB Card Pty Ltd, the startup behind Smart Business Card. This innovative networking solution replaces traditional paper business cards with an NFC-enabled digital card that allows users to share contact details, websites, and social media links with a simple tap on any NFC-enabled device.
“We are thrilled at the turnout and strong support of Africa’s tech, innovation and investment community at this event. This is a powerful indicator of what Africa’s tech ecosystem is capable of when a continent backs up, invests in and mentors high-quality African-led, African-founded tech startups pioneering groundbreaking tech solutions capable of transforming lives across Africa and the world. ”Dan Mabbyalas, AfricArise Director and AfricArena Head of Product & Programs said.
”Given the high quality of deal flow, we are excited for the rest of the AfricArena Tour 2025 circuit as we bring Africa’s successful tech story to the world.”
AfricArena Johannesburg 2025 continues to shine a spotlight on groundbreaking startups, empowering African entrepreneurs with the resources and visibility they need to scale and succeed in global markets.
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