A secure platform for transferring money to mobile users in Africa and a contactless payments solution for event planners are among seven start-up firms backed by the Orange Fab France acceleration programme.

Afrimarket enables migrants to send targeted remittances back home so that friends and families can make direct purchases, typically medicines, books and food.

The friend or family member receives an SMS to let them know that they have money to be spent in the chosen partner location. He or she can go directly to that location to spend their money received using their phone. They will not be able to withdraw cash and will only be able to use the money sent with the partner selected.

Meanwhile MyBee enables organisers to offer contactless payments including NFC at the events they run, a more efficient approach with less risk of fraud. At an event each participant is given a NFC-enabled smartphone, card or bracelet which they top up with funds and then use during the event.

The seven start-ups were chosen out of a total of 156.

Under the programme, the winners receive three months of support to develop their product and business. This includes mentoring as well as the chance to run tests with Orange customers in France and appear at events backed by the operator. The winners also have the opportunity to receive grants up to €15,000 in the form of convertible bonds. Lastly, they will be able to use Orange workspace in Paris.