Namibian start-up Tololi spotlighted by Yale Africa Startup Review
In a landmark achievement for Namibian entrepreneurship, Tololi, an innovative online marketplace, has secured a coveted spot on the prestigious Yale Africa Startup Review's Fourth Annual #YASR30 list.
The Yale Africa Startup Review (YASR) unveiled its fourth annual #YASR30 list earlier this month, spotlighting 30 groundbreaking start-ups from across Africa.
Notably, this year marks a historic moment as Namibia's entrepreneurial prowess earns recognition on this esteemed roster for the first time. Tololi's remarkable journey from local initiative to global recognition underscores the transformative potential of African start-ups in reshaping traditional industries.
Social good
Tololi's mission is simple yet profound: to revolutionise the food supply chain by connecting consumers directly with manufacturers and farmers. This online platform prioritises convenience and freshness, offering a diverse range of locally sourced products to customers. However, Tololi's impact extends far beyond the realm of e-commerce; it represents hope for Namibia's agricultural sector, where approximately 70% of the population relies on farming for their livelihoods.
Fillemon Nangolo, team lead for Tololi, emphasised the platform's commitment to leveraging technology for social good, stating: "At Tololi, we believe in harnessing the power of innovation to address pressing challenges in our food systems." Indeed, Tololi's recent partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) exemplifies this ethos.
Through this collaboration, Tololi and WFP have created a virtual marketplace that directly connects smallholder farmers with consumers. This initiative has facilitated the sale of a diverse array of fresh produce, including vegetables, potatoes, green peppers, onions, maize, cabbages, beetroot, tomatoes, and pumpkins. By leveraging technology and innovation, Tololi has empowered farmers to access local markets, thereby enhancing agribusiness and fostering economic resilience.
Profound impact
The impact of Tololi's virtual marketplace has been profound, with over 70 smallholder farmers already benefitting from increased market access. Moreover, the initiative has catalysed positive change across the entire food value chain, benefiting farmers, consumers and other stakeholders alike.
Reflecting on Tololi's inclusion in the #YASR30 List, Nangolo expressed gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the platform's commitment to driving sustainable development in Namibia and beyond. "Being recognised by the Yale Africa Startup Review is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team," remarked Nangolo. "We are proud to be at the forefront of innovation in Namibia and look forward to continuing our mission of transforming the agricultural sector."
At the heart of this year's selection process was a commitment to inclusivity and diversity. While powerhouse Nigeria continued to dominate, with 11 start-ups securing a place on the list, the 2024 edition marked a shift towards spotlighting lesser-known start-up cultures. Among these, Namibia emerges as a standout inclusion, alongside Zimbabwe, Zambia and North African nations such as Egypt and Morocco. "This year's list accurately captures the dynamic mix of real-economy and technology startups disrupting African economies," remarked Joseph Benson Aruna of DFS Labs, a YASR judge involved in the selection process.
The Yale Africa Startup Review (YASR) unveiled its fourth annual #YASR30 list earlier this month, spotlighting 30 groundbreaking start-ups from across Africa.
Notably, this year marks a historic moment as Namibia's entrepreneurial prowess earns recognition on this esteemed roster for the first time. Tololi's remarkable journey from local initiative to global recognition underscores the transformative potential of African start-ups in reshaping traditional industries.
Social good
Tololi's mission is simple yet profound: to revolutionise the food supply chain by connecting consumers directly with manufacturers and farmers. This online platform prioritises convenience and freshness, offering a diverse range of locally sourced products to customers. However, Tololi's impact extends far beyond the realm of e-commerce; it represents hope for Namibia's agricultural sector, where approximately 70% of the population relies on farming for their livelihoods.
Fillemon Nangolo, team lead for Tololi, emphasised the platform's commitment to leveraging technology for social good, stating: "At Tololi, we believe in harnessing the power of innovation to address pressing challenges in our food systems." Indeed, Tololi's recent partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) exemplifies this ethos.
Through this collaboration, Tololi and WFP have created a virtual marketplace that directly connects smallholder farmers with consumers. This initiative has facilitated the sale of a diverse array of fresh produce, including vegetables, potatoes, green peppers, onions, maize, cabbages, beetroot, tomatoes, and pumpkins. By leveraging technology and innovation, Tololi has empowered farmers to access local markets, thereby enhancing agribusiness and fostering economic resilience.
Profound impact
The impact of Tololi's virtual marketplace has been profound, with over 70 smallholder farmers already benefitting from increased market access. Moreover, the initiative has catalysed positive change across the entire food value chain, benefiting farmers, consumers and other stakeholders alike.
Reflecting on Tololi's inclusion in the #YASR30 List, Nangolo expressed gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the platform's commitment to driving sustainable development in Namibia and beyond. "Being recognised by the Yale Africa Startup Review is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team," remarked Nangolo. "We are proud to be at the forefront of innovation in Namibia and look forward to continuing our mission of transforming the agricultural sector."
At the heart of this year's selection process was a commitment to inclusivity and diversity. While powerhouse Nigeria continued to dominate, with 11 start-ups securing a place on the list, the 2024 edition marked a shift towards spotlighting lesser-known start-up cultures. Among these, Namibia emerges as a standout inclusion, alongside Zimbabwe, Zambia and North African nations such as Egypt and Morocco. "This year's list accurately captures the dynamic mix of real-economy and technology startups disrupting African economies," remarked Joseph Benson Aruna of DFS Labs, a YASR judge involved in the selection process.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article