Madica Fuels AI Innovation in Africa with New Investments and Key Partnership

Madica, a hands-on investment program for Africa's earliest startups, has added two exciting AI companies to its lineup: Anavid from Tunisia and Hypeo AI from Morocco. This move fits perfectly with Madica's goal to lift up founders from overlooked places and build stronger startup scenes across the continent. At the same time, Madica is teaming up with the African Business Angel Network (ABAN) to make it easier for more African startups to get the cash and advice they need to grow. These steps show how Africa is stepping up in the global AI race, turning big ideas into real tools that solve everyday problems.Madica started in 2022 and works closely with Flourish Ventures, a group that backs early ideas focused on fair and open tech. It's open to all kinds of businesses, not just one sector, and targets the tough spots in Africa's startup world—like not enough money for new ideas or too few mentors to guide founders. Madica wants to spread out the funding pie, which often sticks to big cities or hot trends, and give a boost to founders from smaller towns or groups that get left behind. To join, startups need a basic working product, some paying customers, full-time leaders, and roots in Africa with little outside big-money help before. They pitch online, and Madica scouts far and wide for fresh talent.The two new picks highlight North Africa's rising star in AI.

Anavid, started by Ahmed Chaari and David Nilsson in Tunisia, is a smart system that hooks into store security cameras. It spots odd actions in real time using computer vision tech, helping shops cut theft and get better tips on how customers shop. This could save retailers big losses and make stores safer and smoother for everyone. Then there's Hypeo AI from Morocco, led by Meriam Bessa and Salah Eddine Mimouni. It's a simple online tool that handles influencer marketing from start to finish—matching brands with creators, checking content, and even sorting payments. Bessa, the CEO, says her region bursts with creative sparks, but lacks the tech links to make them shine. "We're using AI to rethink how brands and creators team up and succeed," she adds. Madica's support will sharpen their AI edge.Each startup gets up to $200,000 in seed money, plus an 18-month program packed with help. This includes custom lessons on growing a business, one-on-one coaching, tips on running things well, and care for founders' health and balance. They also get two free trips to tech hotspots in Africa and abroad, where they learn top tricks, meet investors, and tweak their plans. It's not just cash—it's a full toolkit to scale up, go beyond borders, and last long-term.

Madica's head, Emmanuel Adegboye, calls these founders "visionaries building tools to lift communities and change fields." He points out that game-changing ideas often hide in spots others skip.This comes on top of earlier 2025 wins like Medikea for health tech, Daleela for services, Pixii Motors for green rides, and ToumAI for smart tools. Madica pushes hard for women leaders and spread-out locations, making sure Africa's tech story includes everyone. The new tie-up with ABAN, shared at their big Lagos meetup, takes it further. ABAN links angel investors—folks who bet small on early dreams—with bigger money players. Together, they'll swap leads on hot startups, join forces on buys, and help Madica's teams raise more rounds. ABAN's president, Yemi Keri, says Africa's new economy needs homegrown cash and smart local backers. "This link closes the gap between small angels and big funds, so more money stays in Africa and reaches startups everywhere."These moves matter big for Africa's startup world. AI is hot globally, but Africa can lead with fixes for local headaches like shop safety or marketing on a budget. By backing North African talent and linking investors,

Madica and ABAN cut roadblocks, spark jobs, and pull in outside eyes. It's about fair play—more cash for women, rural spots, and fresh faces. As Africa grows, programs like this could turn the continent into an AI powerhouse, blending local smarts with world-class tools. For founders, it's a clear sign: your idea counts, and help is here to make it fly.fBack the Underdogs: Madica's focus on overlooked founders proves big wins come from untapped spots—investors should scout beyond big cities for real gems.

Tools like Anavid and Hypeo show AI shines when solving everyday issues, a nudge for tech builders to prioritize community needs over flashy trends. Teaming angels with big funds, like Madica-ABAN, builds steady cash flows—key for Africa's startups to scale without begging abroad.Cash alone isn't enough; blending money with coaching and trips creates lasting success, a model for nurturing early ideas anywhere.