The winners, Morocco’s MIRRIAH, Jordan’s SmartWTI and Uganda’s Freza Nanotech, were recognised after presenting their businesses at Techne Summit Alexandria in Egypt on October 3. The awards were announced the following evening at Seedstars Villa. However, the organisers did not disclose the prize amounts.
The competition, led by Seedstars, highlights the growing role of African and Middle Eastern entrepreneurs in developing practical technologies to address challenges affecting farmers, businesses and communities.
Each of the three winning companies focuses on a different problem. MIRRIAH provides solar powered irrigation systems for smallholder farmers while training rural women and young people to install and sell the equipment. Its approach combines access to agricultural technology with opportunities for local employment and business development.
SmartWTI uses connected sensors to monitor water consumption and identify leaks, helping users manage water supplies more efficiently. Freza Nanotech, meanwhile, develops products designed to keep fruits and vegetables fresh for longer, particularly in markets where access to cold storage remains limited.
Their success comes as SANAD ElevateHer advances 22 startups from nine markets, including Kenya, Ghana, Egypt, Tunisia and Zimbabwe. The selected businesses operate in sectors such as agriculture, clean energy, recycling, transportation, digital services and logistics.
The wider group includes several ventures working to improve agricultural productivity, market access and resource management.
In Kenya, Riziki Nature Based Solutions produces mesquite based fuel and biochar for land restoration. Soko Kijiji helps women traders access markets through digital platforms, while VunaPay Solutions develops tools for cooperative management, farmer payments and financial services.
Another Kenyan company, Wavu, uses WhatsApp to connect fish farmers with production supplies, logistics services and other forms of support needed to run their businesses.
Elsewhere, Ghana’s Biowax Ghana develops edible coatings intended to extend the freshness of agricultural produce. Morocco’s Jafife uses solar drying technology to reduce food waste, while Tunisia’s Pixii Motors is developing battery swapping solutions for electric two wheelers.
Zimbabwe’s Nyamula Logistics Solutions is also among the selected businesses, using digital tools to connect freight operators and improve the coordination and tracking of deliveries.
These companies reflect the variety of challenges the accelerator seeks to address, from reducing post harvest losses and improving access to essential resources to making transportation and supply chains more efficient.
SANAD ElevateHer is implemented by Seedstars and funded by the SANAD Fund for MSME through its advisory and capacity building arm, managed by Finance in Motion GmbH.
The programme supports 38 startups at different stages of development, from prototype to growth. It places particular emphasis on women led businesses and companies that increase women’s participation through ownership, leadership, employment or the customers they serve.
Beyond financial recognition, participating founders have received mentoring and practical training in pricing, unit economics, sales, business development and investor readiness.
The programme has also organised workshops in Marrakech and a founders bootcamp ahead of the Alexandria presentations. These activities helped participants assess their progress, strengthen their business models and improve their pitches to potential investors and partners.
The 22 selected startups will now receive further support to prepare for fundraising, establish partnerships and expand their operations. The programme also aims to connect founders with investors and financial institutions within the SANAD network.
Sabrina Salama, MENA Partnerships Lead at Seedstars, said developing a successful technology business requires more than creating an innovative product. Entrepreneurs must also consider installation, distribution and affordability to ensure their solutions meet customers’ needs.
Her remarks highlight a key challenge facing startups working in agriculture, water management and food preservation: turning promising technology into services that people can access and afford.
With additional guidance and opportunities to connect with investors, the participating businesses will have a chance to strengthen their operations and expand their reach in markets where water shortages, food losses and infrastructure gaps remain pressing concerns.
