Launched in 2005, Esoko provides real-time information about market pricing, as well as three-day weather forecasts and even agricultural tips and techniques-all via text messages. The company serves one million farmers, half or them in Ghana and the rest spread across 19 African countries. Esoko's network of agents monitor price fluctuations in markets across Africa and feed the information into its database.

African start-ups like Esoko have a key role in creating opportunities for those who need them most. That's why IFC and the Soros Economic Development Fund each invested $ 1.25 million in equity in Esoko.

"We, in the venture capital space, need to be on the future, and what could be better than all these solutions?" Says Wale Ayeni, IFC Senior Investment Officer with the Africa Venture Capital team. "I think there is a huge opportunity for technology to transform and employ youth on the continent."

Before Esoko, setting prices for farm produce was a gamble for many rural farmers who did not have market information. Middlemen took advantage of farmers to sell at below-market prices.

Esoko also offers match-making services to connect farmers and traders. When in doubt, farmers can dial the company's call center for advice in their own local language, like Swahili or Twi.

All this information adds up to more informed decisions and better income: A study conducted by researchers from New York University found that farmers using Esoko boosted their profits by 11 percent.

"Our vision is to drive empowerment among the African rural population through digital inclusion," says Daniel Asare-Kyei, Esoko's chief executive officer. For Asare-Kyei, entrepreneurship and innovation are key to unlocking Africa's potential.

"Africa can not succeed without being adventurous and creating new business for ourselves," he says, adding that the emphasis should be on building knowledge-based economies. "In the past, it was largely about producing raw materials for export. Now, people are using their intellect to develop new tools for their new communities. "