In a statement, Google says the tech start-ups will receive up to R1 million each in non-dilutive funding, as well as up to R3.6 million in Google Cloud credits.

Folarin Aiyegbusi, head of Start-ups Ecosystem, Africa at Google, says: “We are acutely aware of the crucial role entrepreneurs play in the survival and sustainability of the economy and the contribution these businesses make to social development.

Pre-loved fashion is no longer a niche market, regelated to thrift stores, collection bins and charity stores.

Driven by e-commerce solutions and strategies, pre-loved fashion has now gone mainstream. It is estimated that global sales of pre-loved clothes will be a $350 billion market by 2027.

Phumi Körber founder of WISI-Oi, Africa’s first video-based resale platform tells AfricArena’s Jabulile Sonya Ngwenya why WISI-Oi is determined to help people declutter their wardrobes, sell their clothes and generate income.

The AfricArena Grand Summit, held on December 5-6, 2023, in Cape Town, South Africa, concluded with an awards ceremony, wrapping up a year-long search for Africa's top tech startups.

WISI-Oi, led by founder Phumi Körber, secured the Best FemTech Startup (powered by AWS) during the intense pitch battles among 35 startups from Southern, East, North, and West Africa.

Top experts from VC’s, accelerators and tech companies such as, Amazon, IDEAX Ventures, Yellowwood’s GIxGB Labs, Zen Consortium, Flat6Labs, Circle+, Plug and Play, Naspers Labs, The Delta, Jedar Capital, Hatchery Cape Town and other top Tech.

Entrepreneurs and ecosystem enablers have selected the best Early stage Startups in Africa for 2023.

This award recognises a retailer or retailing initiative that prioritises sustainability by including pre-loved and gently worn clothes, swap shops, garment rental and similar activities, as well as supporting local producers, vertical and regional supply chains, and sustainable design and manufacturing.

AfricArena, Africa’s leading start-up accelerator, has announced the winners of its Johannesburg summit.

Grindstone and Naspers Labs have announced the 10 women-led startups selected for their South African women-focused accelerator program, GrindstoneX.

A resale fashion marketplace where sellers and buyers can trade new and pre-loved fashion. 

We are incredibly honored to be nominated in the retail category for the Sustainability awards. Our community is growing stronger.

Looking into selling pre-owned clothing online can be an extra source of income

Fast fashion is killing our planet | How we can make a difference

Conscious consumption and sustainable fashion are the future if we are to avoid climate catastrophe

Online Fashion Resale Platform Allows South Africans To Turn Their Unwanted Wardrobe Into Cash

Guest: Phumi Körber | A South African fashion lover, social entrepreneur, and founder of the WISI-Oi marketplace 

We uncover the history and growing hustle of thrifting — and where you can find the most coveted gem

The circular economy | Conscious consumption & sustainable fashion

“The shift in living and working habits means we don’t need nearly as much clothing as we used to -hybrid work or WFH (work from home) allows us to scale down on work wardrobes,” says Phumi Körber