Senegalese cloud communications company, LAfricaMobile, has raised $2.2 million in additional Series A funding as it accelerates growth across French-speaking Africa.
The round was led by Bpifrance, the French state-backed investment bank, with participation from Janngo Capital, Southbridge Investments, and Ciwara Capital.
This investment follows earlier fundraising milestones, including €500,000 in seed funding in 2020 and $4.6 million raised in the first tranche of its Series A in April 2024.
The funds will support the startup’s expansion into Central Africa, product development, and integration of advanced artificial intelligence to enhance its offerings.
Who is MALICK DIOUF?
Malick Diouf is the visionary behind LAfricaMobile. He is a telecommunications engineer with deep expertise in technology and innovation.
A graduate of Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, Diouf combines technical acumen with business leadership to address Africa’s unique communication challenges.
Before founding LAfricaMobile in 2014, he honed his skills at leading global companies.
- Diouf worked as an IT engineer at EADS Innovation Works and Novacom Services, where he specialized in design and development.
- He also served as IT Operations Manager at High Connexion, overseeing critical systems for large-scale projects.
This background unarguably laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey, where he set out to bridge communication gaps for businesses and communities across Africa.
What we know
LAfricaMobile, founded in 2014, is a cloud-based mobile marketing and communications platform designed to help businesses and organizations connect with their audiences across Africa.
The company’s solutions are tailored to local realities, ensuring businesses can effectively engage diverse markets.
Operating in over 15 African countries—including Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Togo, Burkina Faso, and Niger—LAfricaMobile provides customizable tools that integrate seamlessly with existing systems or operate independently.
Its offerings include SMS, voice, and data communication services, as well as AI-driven solutions like advanced chatbots and personalized marketing tools.
Since its inception, LAfricaMobile has facilitated nearly 100 million transactions and collaborated with 60 mobile operators, becoming a key player in Africa’s rapidly growing cloud communication sector.
What Market is LAfricaMobile playing?
Techparley gathered that the Public Cloud market in Africa is projected to grow by 20.26% (2024-2029) resulting in a market volume of US$25.46bn in 2029.
- In an earlier report, revenue in the Public Cloud market in Africa is projected to reach US$10.12bn in 2024.
- Platform as a Service is expected to dominate the market in Africa with a projected market volume of US$3.14bn in 2024.
What you should know?
LAfricaMobile’s latest funding positions it to harness this momentum, scaling its operations and innovating in response to rising demand for cloud communication services.
What is Malick Diouf’s Vision
“We are thrilled to have reached this milestone,” said the CEO. “This funding round not only reflects investor confidence in our vision but also empowers us to accelerate digital transformation for businesses across Francophone Africa. Our goal is to make mobile communication inclusive and impactful for communities, ensuring our services address both enterprise needs and societal challenges.”
Commentary
- As Africa’s digital ecosystem evolves, LAfricaMobile is gradually becoming as an enabler of seamless communication for businesses. The company’s AI-powered tools—such as advanced chatbots and localized marketing platforms—are bridging communication gaps in underserved areas, enabling businesses to reach audiences that traditional methods often overlook.
- Experts suggest that LAfricaMobile could play a pivotal role in Africa’s next wave of digital transformation, particularly in industries like fintech, healthcare, and education. By fostering connectivity and empowering enterprises, the company is well-positioned to redefine communication across the continent, driving economic and social progress.
