Sikili: Powering Digital Inclusion Through Sustainable Tech

PIC CAPTION: Co-founders of Sikili, Kadia Faye (left) and Maguelone Biau (right), two visionary entrepreneurs driving digital inclusion and sustainability across Africa through refurbished technology.. Image: Supplied / Siliki

In a continent where access to technology can determine opportunity, Sikili is redefining how Africans connect, work, and grow. Founded by Maguelone Biau from Côte d'Ivoire and France, alongside co-founder Kadia Faye from Senegal, Sikili was born out of a desire to create a business that does good, one that meets people’s needs while protecting the planet for future generations.

AfricArena’s Mandilakhe Somdle sat down with Maguelone Biau, founder of Sikili, to discuss her entrepreneurial journey, the importance of sustainability in Africa’s tech landscape, and what it takes to build a startup that merges innovation with impact.

Turning E-Waste Into Opportunity

Sikili is tackling one of Africa’s most pressing challenges, the affordability of tech and the growing problem of e-waste. By offering guaranteed refurbished electronics, Sikili bridges the gap between accessibility and sustainability.

In markets where millions are excluded from digital tools due to high prices, Sikili provides affordable, quality devices that extend the life of existing tech, reducing electronic waste and enabling digital inclusion across low- and middle-income communities.

“The biggest challenge we’ve faced is the lack of digitalization across the entire value chain, from suppliers to distributors,” says Maguelone. “Building a startup in Africa often means creating the digital infrastructure as you grow.”

Building Trust, One Device at a Time

Sikili’s journey started humbly, selling, talking to customers, and learning directly from their needs. With an initial investment of €20,000, the founders bootstrapped the business until investor backing helped them raise €600,000 to scale operations.

Their breakthrough moment came through word of mouth, customers recommending Sikili to one another. That trust, Maguelone shares, remains their proudest milestone.

“Seeing our first customers trust and recommend us proved that our model truly meets a real need,” she says.

Driving Impact Through Sustainability

Sikili measures its success not only in revenue or growth but through impact: the number of devices whose lives they extend, the tons of e-waste avoided, and the increased access to technology for underserved communities.

This vision for sustainable impact is what earned Sikili visibility with investors after pitching at the AfricArena Summit, opening new doors for funding and partnerships across the continent.

A Vision for Africa’s Circular Future

Looking ahead, Maguelone envisions Sikili as a catalyst for sustainable innovation and inclusivity. 

“Over the next five years, I want to build something that empowers communities, solves real problems, and contributes positively to the planet,” she explains.

Her advice to young African founders?

“Stay close to your users. Build trust, iterate fast, and never lose sight of your mission. Partnerships and resilience will carry you through every challenge.”

Discover more from Siliki at www.sikili.io

Explore African startup stories at africarena.com