XA Network, a leading investment network founded by tech alumni in Southeast Asia, on Thursday announced its expansion into Africa with the launch of XA Africa.

The move underscores the network’s vision and commitment to fostering innovation and supporting promising startups globally.
XA Africa is founded by a trio of experienced tech professionals:

● Nitin Gajria, former MD of Google Sub-Saharan Africa
● Jason Scott, venture capitalist and an architect of the Black Founders Fund at Google
● Marek Dawidowicz, current Marketing Director at YouTube and South African native

“Founders of technology startups in Africa are uniquely placed to solve some of Africa’s most profound challenges and unlock its greatest opportunities.

“We see the foray of XA Network into Africa as a natural progression, allowing us to connect amazing founders to experienced and expert operators from the tech industry”, says Nitin Gajria, Co-Founder of XA Africa.

XA Africa aims to connect exceptional African tech founders with seasoned investors and industry experts, primarily from global and regional technology companies, to provide not just capital but also the guidance and support needed to scale their ventures.

The newly established XA Africa has already made notable investments in promising African startups, including:

● Crop2Cash (Nigeria)
● BuuPass (Kenya)
● Kaya (South Africa)
● Talamus Health (Ghana)

“We are excited to have XA network on board because of their strong network of experts who are open to listening and helping.

“They’ve introduced us to advisors from Expedia and truly understand the dynamics of emerging markets, making them a valuable investor.” – Sonia Kabra & Wyclife Omondi – Founders of BuuPass

“Partnering with XA Network has been a game-changer for our company. Their strategic guidance and network have opened doors to new opportunities, and we’re excited to see the impact of our collaboration continue to unfold.

“We’re grateful for their trust in our vision.” – Michael Ogundare – CEO of Crop2Cash

Since its inception six years ago, XA Network has established itself as a significant player in the Southeast Asian startup ecosystem, making nearly 100 investments in the region, and consistent ranked as #1 investment network in the region.

XA Network comprises senior leaders from prominent global and regional technology companies and notable company founders.

This approach distinguishes XA Network, enabling it to offer portfolio companies unparalleled guidance and support from experienced industry operators.

“We also see an opportunity to build a stronger bridge between ecosystems in Africa and Southeast Asia along the way.

“In fact, this investment hypothesis has already been proven across some of the African founders we are currently supporting.”, Mr Gajria added

The XA Africa team will be hosting their first public Demo Day webinar on Thursday November 7, 1-2pm GMT+1, where Africa focused investors can meet and invest in four founding companies and learn more about XA Africa. Click here to register for the event.

Huawei, a global technology leader, has introduced a revolutionary new masterpiece to its smartphone lineup—the HUAWEI Mate XT. This groundbreaking tri-fold phone launched in September earned Best Smart Phone globally.

Before its release, this disruptive gadget had over 8 million preorders. Even though the lowest specification unit’s official pricing was $2800, the price per unit for the privileged few who preordered and chose to sell owing to extreme scarcity and demand reached over $20,000 on the Chinese black market.

While international shipments may take some time, Nigeria is fortunate to have received three units of Huawei’s groundbreaking smartphone. Last week, senior representatives from Huawei presented a sample of this ultra-advanced handset to Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Group and Konga Group, at the Zinox Group Corporate Headquarters, Yudala Heights, Victoria Island, Lagos. Mr. Ekeh had the honour of experiencing firsthand a device powered by analytics and AI designed to define the lifestyle of the modern 21st-century individual.

Huawei officials stated that this presentation to Mr. Ekeh was in recognition of his strategic contributions and pioneering role in Nigeria’s tech sector and, by extension, Africa’s digital transformation. Mr. Ekeh’s career includes his tenure as Microsoft’s Global Partner Advisor and his recent acknowledgment as Forbes Best of Africa’s Leading Tech Icon. He has earned numerous accolades for his visionary entrepreneurship and his role in transitioning Nigeria and other African nations from analog to digital democracy. His groundbreaking work encompasses innovations such as digital dispensing pumps, e-commerce platforms, WiMAX, wireless cloud solutions, and advancements in the health and educational sectors.

Expressing gratitude for being the first Nigerian to experience the device, Mr. Ekeh conveyed his appreciation to the Huawei team for this honour. He remarked on his prior interest in securing  units of the handset but noted the high global demand and limited availability. Upon unpacking the smartphone in the presence of his guests and staff, Mr. Ekeh described the elegant device as a “testament to God’s definition of a new lifestyle.” He concluded by stating, “With this remarkable innovation, I feel inspired to strive for longevity, embracing the possibilities technology brings. Thank you, Huawei, for your incredible contributions to the industry. Our partnership will remain steadfast.”

Huawei Technologies, a global leader in telecommunications and electronics, has always been at the cutting edge of innovation, breaking boundaries with innovation. Known for its advanced technologies, Huawei aims to extend its dominance and challenge competitors like Apple. The launch of the Mate XT is part of its strategy to maintain leadership in the global smartphone industry.

The HUAWEI Mate XT, unparalleled in power and design, is truly a world-class device with an inverse dual-hinge design that allows it to fold in a unique “Z” shape. This feature enables the phone to transform between a traditional single-screen phone and a 10.2-inch triple-screen foldable device, providing flexibility for various uses. The OLED display measures 6.4 inches when collapsed, delivering exceptional clarity and colour. When unfolded, it offers users a larger, immersive experience perfect for multitasking or entertainment.

Equipped with 16GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB, the Mate XT ensures powerful performance, supported by Huawei’s in-house Kylin chips and an AI assistant for enhanced usability. The 5,600mAh battery powers the device, with fast charging options of 66W wired and 50W wireless, allowing users to stay connected on the go.

The device’s luxurious design and top-tier specifications come at a price starting from $2,800 for the 256GB model. Despite its high cost, the device has already garnered massive demand, with about 8m million pre-orders reported. In some cases, the Mate XT has been resold for up to $20,000 in China’s black market, highlighting its status as a highly coveted product.

Huawei’s partnership with TD Africa will make this groundbreaking device available to the Nigerian market. The collaboration between these two tech giants ensures that cutting-edge devices like the HUAWEI Mate XT are accessible to Nigerian consumers. In addition, shoppers will be able to purchase the Mate XT on Konga, Nigeria’s leading e-commerce platform, when it hits the market.

The exclusive presentation of the very first HUAWEI Mate XT in Africa to Leo Stan Ekeh highlights both his leadership in the tech industry and Huawei’s dedication to Africa. Together, they are paving the way for a future where cutting-edge technology is accessible to all.