Fifteen African countries have been recognized in the 2026 Change 100, a global initiative that highlights startups solving some of the world’s most urgent social and environmental challenges. The program is designed to give these businesses the support, visibility and networks they need to grow and scale their impact.
Launched by We Make Change in partnership with ChangeNOW, Microsoft’s Entrepreneurship for Positive Impact, Carbon13, Unrest, All Good Ventures and Social Shifters, the initiative brings together key players in the global innovation ecosystem. The winners were announced on March 30, 2026 at the ChangeNOW Summit held at the Grand Palais in Paris.
At its core, Change 100 focuses on accelerating startups that are building practical solutions in areas such as climate action, healthcare, education and sustainable development. For African startups, inclusion in this list opens doors to global exposure, funding opportunities and technical support that can help them expand their reach.
Driving Impact Across Key Sectors
The selected African startups reflect a wide range of solutions addressing both local and global challenges.
ATAREC in Morocco is working to reduce emissions in maritime industries through its Wave Beat technology, which captures ocean wave energy without harming marine ecosystems. The company, founded in 2020, aims to lower energy costs and environmental impact for maritime facilities while supporting carbon neutrality.
Bena Care in Kenya, founded in 2017, operates mobile dialysis units that reach rural communities through a government-supported model. Patients receive treatment at no cost and the company also provides home-based nursing care for chronically ill patients.
Che Innovations in Uganda, founded in 2023, has developed NeoNest, a low-cost neonatal transport warmer that helps keep newborns safe during transfers in low-resource settings. The company also offers affordable newborn positioning solutions to support care both in hospitals and at home.
Chemolex in Kenya, founded in 2019, focuses on preventing ocean-bound plastics through waste collection and advanced recycling. It converts plastic into industrial-grade materials while creating income opportunities for women and youth in waste collection networks.
CHITELIX in Tunisia, founded in 2023, converts seafood by-products such as invasive blue crab shells into biodegradable materials. This reduces pollution and dependence on harmful industrial inputs across sectors like agriculture and cosmetics.
Dosy in Egypt, founded in 2021, is a women-led micromobility platform offering female-only scooter ride-hailing services. The company also provides training programs that create employment opportunities for women while promoting safer and more sustainable urban transport.
FriendnPal in Nigeria, founded in 2023, uses artificial intelligence to detect early signs of mental health challenges. The platform operates across low-bandwidth channels and local languages, making mental health support more accessible in underserved communities.
Helton Traders in Uganda, founded in 2021, turns plastic bottle waste into affordable polyester sewing threads. The company works with local waste collectors and offers products that are cheaper and delivered faster than imported alternatives.
Lena in Nigeria, founded in 2025, is an AI-powered learning platform that works offline on low-end smartphones. It transforms national curriculum content into gamified experiences, making education more accessible without requiring internet access.
MariTest in Uganda, founded in 2023, has developed a portable diagnostic device that detects malaria in under two minutes without blood samples. The solution is designed for low-resource and off-grid settings and also supports real-time disease tracking.
Rada 360 in Tanzania, founded in 2022, provides a climate-smart agriculture platform that uses satellite data and artificial intelligence to help farmers and agribusinesses make better decisions in response to climate challenges.
SAMI+ in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, founded in 2024, delivers AI-powered portable ultrasound services to improve prenatal care. Its model combines solar power, connectivity and local training to reach underserved communities.
ScribeMe in Egypt, founded in 2024, is an assistive platform that converts visual information into audio descriptions for visually impaired users. It uses artificial intelligence to interpret images, documents and real-time video.
Smart Kitchen Solutions in Uganda, founded in 2021, produces clean cooking briquettes from organic waste and energy-efficient stoves from recycled metal. These solutions reduce fuel costs, limit indoor air pollution and promote sustainable waste management.
Texula in Egypt, founded in 2024, converts banana tree agricultural waste into bio-based textile fibers. Its technology allows manufacturers to adopt more sustainable materials without changing existing production systems.
Unlocking Growth Opportunities for African Innovators
Beyond recognition, the Change 100 initiative provides practical support that can significantly impact the growth of these startups. Selected companies gain visibility across a global community of more than 50,000 professionals, investors and impact leaders. This exposure helps position them as credible solutions providers in international markets.
Participants also receive hands-on coaching from corporate professionals and access to skilled volunteers. This support helps founders address operational challenges, refine their business models and prepare for scaling. In addition, startups are connected to exclusive acceleration opportunities through partners who are actively looking to support high-impact ventures.
The initiative is open to startups founded within the last 10 years that offer innovative solutions to social or environmental challenges. Whether focused on climate, education, biodiversity or other impact areas, the program aims to identify businesses with the potential to create meaningful change at scale.
For African startups, inclusion in Change 100 is more than an award. It is a pathway to growth, collaboration and long-term impact. As these businesses continue to develop and expand, they are not only solving local challenges but also contributing to global efforts toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.
