Propelling "The Firsts" in Africa

Entrepreneurship is considered to be a promising career path. Over the years we have seen a rise in entrepreneurs in different fields. This has not only been beneficial for the economy but also the environment. This rise has significantly accelerated the development of several African technologies. In the last few years, we have witnessed many solutions to issues that have affected Africa for years.

Some of our Propella entrepreneurs have also taken that upon themselves and are developing products that are not only a first for South Africa but also the continent. These products may be the first in Africa, but they are also providing much needed solutions to the challenges that Africans are facing.

When we think about where innovations and discoveries first originated, our beautiful continent isn’t necessarily the first that comes to mind. Africa is generally viewed as a continent of need, but in reality, we are a continent of innovators, investors, thinkers and professionals. The number of innovations that have been developed during the COVID-19 pandemic are only a hint of what we can do as a continent.

We are proud of our entrepreneurs who are driving innovation forward and providing our continent with new products and services.

Prosthetic Engineering Technologies

Prosthetic Engineering Technologies was founded in August 2020 by an Industrial Engineer, Luvuyo Sume and Clinical Prosthetist, Riaan Knight. The company was established to localize prosthetic liners for amputees. The first product, a silicone prosthetic liner, is currently in pre-commercialisation and will be commercialised early in 2023.

Luvuyo Sume shared why this kind of product is so important:

“We are excited about being the first company not only in South Africa but Africa to manufacture prosthetic liners. The prosthetic liner will be produced cost effectively to make affordable to the poor. This will give these amputees the opportunity to have access to world class prosthetic components, at a reduced cost of the imported versions. Access to these components will enable amputees to lead a higher quality life which has not been possible with the outdated technology they currently have."

Mechatech Engineering Solutions

Mechatech was established in 2020 by a group of four Engineers driven by the passion to change the world through technology. With the support and funding from Propella, Mechatech began to develop the first Smart 3D Cement Printer on the African Continent. These Mechatronic engineers are designing and building an innovative 3D printing prototype for building houses and structural buildings. This modular and scalable CNC machine will extrude special light-weight concrete to ‘print’ a variety of interesting shapes and forms, much quicker and cheaper than conventional methods. The printer is set to be completed in 2023.

Ergo Seat

Ergo Seat is founded by Dr Berno Stander and focuses on developing and commercialising a highly bespoke seating adaptation which conforms the sitting surface to the specific measurements of the user, such as leg length, arm length, back curvature, spinal angles and height. Berno's vision is to improve ergonomics globally.

Innovative Dental Solutions 

Innovative Dental Solutions is a dental labotory located in Kariega, providing professional and dental laboratory services. After watching the movie Concussion, founder, Ralph Meintjies became motivated to find a way to help protect those playing contact sports by inventing a gum guard that records and transmits information related to impacts that may result in injuries sustained by those playing sports.

The innovators that we have highlighted in this article are not the only ones who are making an impact on the continent, there are so many more. Africa is bursting with talent and innovative ideas. Propella Business Incubator will continue to work hard and showcase what the continent has to offer and tell their stories to the world. We hope that you are inspired and that you will support and invest in us as we believe and guide Africa’s potential.