Deloitte has launched its Fast50 Africa initiative, which recognises the 50 fastest growing technology companies in Africa based on revenue growth over the last five years.
The Technology Fast50 Africa is part of an international programme run by the professional services firm. Qualifying entrants of the Technology Fast50 Africa will be put forward to the Deloitte Technology Fast500 EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) programme, along with entrants from other national programmes run by Deloitte in the EMEA region. This means, for the winning company, increased visibility to potential investors and customers.
The organisers said the awards are all about growth driven by leading intellectual property and are a celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Kamal Ramsingh, tech leader for Africa at Deloitte, said they are looking to reward companies who have achieved the status of high growth leaders having demonstrated innovative strategies, sound management and marketplace vision.
Criteria
Qualifying companies must be: tech-focused and must develop or own proprietary technology that contributes to a significant portion of the company’s operating revenues; manufacture a technology-related product; devote a high percentage of effort to research and development of technology or use global or local technology to build an innovative and sustainable technology business.
Companies must also be run by and majority-owned by African citizens, have base operating revenues of at least US$75 000 and have current-year operating revenues of at least US$500 000. Each company must be headquartered on the continent, and have been operational for a minimum of five years.
Participants can be public or private and encompass all technology industry segments. Winners will receive a combination of mentoring, coaching and workshops from the partners, including Deloitte.
