Qualcomm has revealed the final shortlist of 10 startups for its Make in Africa 2025 program, aimed at accelerating Africa’s deep technology ecosystem through mentorship, training, and support focused on 5G, Edge AI/ML, Compute, and IoT.
The cohort includes two Nigerian startups—Aframend (AI-driven drug discovery with African phytochemicals) and ClimatrixAI (hyperlocal flood risk prediction)—and two Tunisian ventures—AmalXR (AI-powered VR rehabilitation) and Ecobees (AI-based beekeeping monitoring). Other startups span Kenya, Senegal, Benin, and Tunisia, working on solutions from solar-powered AI crop robots and electric scooters to AI-based healthcare diagnostics and cold storage.
Since its launch three years ago, Qualcomm Make in Africa has received over 435 applications from 19 countries. Selected startups gain access to free hardware, mentorship, business coaching, engineering consultations, and IP protection guidance. The program also offers stipends and awards via the Qualcomm Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund to scale societal and market impact.
In partnership with the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) and leading IP law firm Adams and Adams, Qualcomm supports innovation through initiatives like L2Pro Africa, a free IP e-learning platform empowering startups and researchers across the continent.
Wassim Chourbaji, Qualcomm’s SVP & President MEA, praised the cohort’s potential to revolutionize sectors including agriculture, climate, transportation, and healthcare. ATU Secretary-General John Omo underscored the importance of broad collaboration among governments, investors, and academia to support African ingenuity.
