The Lisk Blockchain Incubation Hub, powered by CV Labs, has launched the second batch of its six-month program aimed at supporting African startups building with Lisk’s Layer 2 protocol.
The program began in mid-June 2025 with over 20 startups selected across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, clean energy, agriculture, and digital media. It is designed to be virtual and flexible, allowing founders to develop their products while receiving guidance from technical and business mentors.
During the first week, participants were onboarded, introduced to mentors, and helped to outline clear growth plans. The second week focused on storytelling and pitch-building, led by @gideongreaves of LiskHQ, offering insights into creating pitch decks that align vision with investor expectations.
20 Start-ups Driving The Surge Of Web 3 in Africa
The cohort reflects a shift from early-stage experimentation to building products that address persistent gaps in financial access, healthcare delivery, infrastructure development, and ownership models in Africa.
Financial Technology and DeFi
Startups in this category are building practical financial solutions aimed at individuals, small businesses, and underserved groups, closing the gap of traditional banks for millions across the continent. The use cases range from remittances to cooperative finance and credit access, combining the simplicity of Web 2 products with Web 3 transparency.
- Azza – Crypto trading through WhatsApp for stablecoins.
- BlockCoop – DeFi platform for SACCOs, automating savings and share trading.
- ETHQub – Digitized community lending using Ethiopia’s traditional pooled savings model.
- Lucred – BNPL, salary advances, and asset financing with AI-powered credit scoring.
- MyAza – An AI multi-currency bank and automation for cross-border payments.
- Rafiki – Real-time payment system for subcontractors and gig workers.
- RemittEase – Remittance platform for fast cross-border SME transactions.
- Studio Claris (Prosperi) – Operations and sales tool with digital payment capabilities.
- Swahilies – Financial tracking and credit access for African SMEs.
HealthTech and Wellness
These startups are focused on improving access to care and medication through digital tools. Many combine AI and blockchain for diagnostics, service delivery, or therapy.
- Imisi Healthcare – B2B healthtech marketplace connecting patients, clinics, and providers.
- Lifeline – A blockchain platform powering access to medication and diagnostics.
- Therabot – AI mental health platform offering voice therapy, avatars, and group sessions.
Infrastructure, Sustainability & Tokenized Assets
This category includes platforms focused on energy, agriculture, and transport systems that are transparent, traceable, and aligned with sustainability goals.
- AxiMobility – EV mobility platform with environmental data tracking and community rewards.
- EneageX – Renewable energy tokenization and marketplace integration.
- Niteon – Agritech solution linking verified African commodity producers to global buyers.
Creator Economy & IP Monetization
With a focus on fair revenue models, these platforms support artists and creators by giving them better control over ownership and payments.
- Audioblocks – Music-sharing platform with monetization through direct fan engagement.
- Delight Productions – Decentralized streaming platform with royalty transparency.
Decentralized Work and Incentives
These startups support task-based work, skills-based compensation, and open incentive structures.
- Project Oryx– Contribution-based reward protocol for Web3 communities.
- Workdey – AI-powered gig platform connecting freelancers with blockchain payments.
Web3 Travel
- Esosa – AI travel concierge for culturally relevant travel experiences in Africa.
What To Expect
The startups are currently developing their products with regular guidance and milestone tracking built into the program. The focus over the coming months will include refining MVPs, growing user bases, and preparing for investor engagement.
Lisk’s program is part of a broader effort to support real-world applications of blockchain in high-growth regions like Africa. Further updates on product launches, funding rounds, and user growth will follow as the cohort continues to build.
