Last week, TIME magazine released its list of the 50 most genius companies in 2018 which featured six companies in Africa. The list, according to TIME, features the businesses that are 'inventing the future' with notable names like SpaceX. Airbnb, WeWork and more.
TIME, which recently switched hands, assembled a list of the companies by soliciting for nominees from its editors and journalists. They then evaluated each nominee on key factors, including "originality, influence, success, and ambition".
The six companies from Africa that featured on the list are;
1. Bitland
The startup is using blockchain technology to help solve the land registry challenges that exist in some parts of the African continent. Founded in 2013 by Larry C. Bates, who also serves as the Chief Security Officer, Bitland currently operates in at least five African countries. These include; Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, and Mauritius.
2. BRCK
Founded in 2014 by Erik Hersman, Jon Shuler, Philip Walton, and Reg Orton, BRCK is an integrated hardware and software company based in Nairobi. The startup offers infrastructure as a service and has in the past released notable products.
Also read: Taking a look at Bitland, just a year after launching in Uganda
These include Moja which is powered by SupaBRCK. To date, BRCK has raised at least $4.2 million in funding from two rounds led by Invested Development and Revolution.
3. Ona
Ona is a social enterprise that builds the data infrastructure to drive change. Founded in 2013 by Matt Berg and Peter Lubell-Doughtie, Ona is headquartered in Nairobi with operations in New York.
4. Agriprotein
Agriprotein specializes in nutrient recycling to create sustainable sources of protein for the mono-gastric animal feed industry. Founded in 2008, the company is headquartered in Cape Town. According to TIME, they have raised also raised $105 million to break ground on three new farms within the next 12 months, in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
5. Babymigo
Babymigo is a platform that helps mothers ask, chat and connect with 'certified experts' across Africa. Founded in 2017 by Adeloye Olanrewaju and Cletus Ajibade, the startup is headquartered in Lagos.
Through the platform, moms, and moms-to-be - as they call them - can ask questions and get fast answers from experienced moms & Medical Experts. They can also chat in groups with experts, find moms in the same age group and city, find books and reviews of hyperlocal maternity and child care services. Other activities include identifying and attending offline events, meetups, and antenatal classes.
6. Wonderbag
Wonderbag is a powerless slow cooker that continues to cook food, which has been brought to a boil by conventional methods for up to 12 hours. The Wonderbag is a heavily insulated container that functions as a non-electric, go-anywhere slow cooker. The company says that they have "have distributed more than 1 million Wonderbags around the world." They also have offices, factories and distribution centers in the U.S., South Africa, The Netherlands, Ghana, and the U.K.