The GSMA has launched its second Ecosystem Accelerator Innovation Fund following the success of the first round which invested in start-ups across the continent.
The Fund, provides selected start-ups in Africa with grant funding, technical assistance, and the opportunity to partner with mobile operators in their markets to help scale their products and services into sustainable businesses with positive socio-economic impact.
For the second round, the Fund will be supporting start-ups operating in the Sharing Economy, and/or developing services for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The first round of the fund provided funding for seven African start-ups;
Kytabu: Kenya
Kytabu is a leasing application for textbooks that are downloadable from any internet-enabled device on the online library or preinstalled on a Kytabu tablet.
Optimetriks: Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda
Optimetriks is a developing solutions for customers to provide feedback and data for companies operating in Africa to better serve their needs
Prepclass: Nigeria
PrepClass is a tutoring marketplace that connects learners and tutors through an online platform.
Raye 7: Egypt
Raye7 is a culturally sensitive carpooling solution for daily commuting which uses the trust reflected in social networks using mobile services.
Safemotos: Rwanda
SafeMotos’ mobile-based platform increases road safety and enables more transparent market interaction between motorcycle taxi drivers and customers.
Twiga Foods: Kenya
Twiga Foods provides improved market access to farmers by buying fresh produce from them while ensuring a constant hassle-free supply chain for roadside vendors.
UX: Mozambique
UX’s product Biscate connects workers in the informal sector (plumbers, painters, mechanics etc.) to customers through USSD and web technologies.
The deadline is 16th of  July, Apply Now.