Marrakech, June 5th 2024 – AfriLabs, the largest network of technology and innovation hubs across Africa, and UM6P Ventures, that aims to advance entrepreneurship and accelerate scientific innovation in Morocco and Africa, announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU). This synergy ambitions to empower startups within the UM6P ecosystem, foster co-innovation projects, and propel Africa’s innovation landscape forward. 

The signing ceremony was held at the GITEX Africa event, which took place in Marrakech, Morocco from May 29th to 31st. This marks the beginning of a one-year collaboration that aligns with each organization’s mission to stimulate economic growth and foster innovation across the continent. 

Through this MOU, AfriLabs, and UM6P Ventures will collaborate on several key initiatives aimed at advancing scientific innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa. They will provide comprehensive support for startups within the UM6P ecosystem, including mentorship, resources, and access to AfriLabs’ extensive network of over 450 technology innovation hubs across 53 African countries. Additionally, the AfriLabs Connect Deal Room (ACDR) initiative will open up a pipeline of de-risked and investible startups within the AfriLabs network to UM6P Ventures, facilitating further investment opportunities. Through this collaboration, UM6P Ventures will leverage UM6P’s infrastructure, expertise, and talent to strengthen the African startup ecosystem. 

The collaboration will also engage in co-innovation projects that address local and regional challenges, leveraging UM6P’s research and development capabilities alongside AfriLabs’ entrepreneurial ecosystem. Furthermore, they will explore the potential launch of UM6P courses tailored for the AfriLabs Academy audience, enhancing educational offerings and skill development across the continent. 

On this occasion, Mayssa Mrabet, Director of Community at AfriLabs reflected on this initiative saying : “We are thrilled to partner with UM6P and UM6P Ventures to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa. This collaboration aligns with our vision of building a vibrant community around tech hubs and stimulating economic growth through digital innovation.” 

Yassine Laghzioui, CEO of UM6P Ventures, stated: “This partnership underscores UM6P Ventures’ dedication to driving innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent. By combining our resources and expertise, we are poised to significantly impact the African startup ecosystem. Together, we aim to tackle the distinct challenges faced by our communities, contributing to sustainable development and economic growth in Africa, through innovative solutions.”

About AfriLabs 

AfriLabs is the largest network of technology and innovation hubs across Africa, driving the growth of Africa’s innovation ecosystem. With a mission to support the development of the African technology and innovation ecosystem, AfriLabs connects hubs and other stakeholders to facilitate collaboration, resource sharing, and knowledge transfer. 

About UM6P 

University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) is a Moroccan university focusing on developing solutions to specific continental and more broadly global challenges. UM6P is oriented towards education and research, with strong links to industry, business, and innovation. The university commits itself to empowering a new generation of talents that will build and lead the future of Africa. 

About UM6P Ventures 

UM6P Ventures is the investment arm of University Mohammed VI Polytechnic, founded as a vehicle for the university to advance entrepreneurship and accelerate scientific innovation in Morocco and Africa. It is an early-stage ventures firm investing in Deeptech Ventures and Digital Transformation. 

UM6P Ventures provides Deeptech Ventures with capital and advanced talent sourcing, subject domain expertise, and the ability to access specialized equipment and infrastructure. UM6P Ventures has a robust ecosystem and an investment portfolio actively invested in Agriculture, Chemicals, GreenTech and Healthtech. 

Visit: https://um6pventures.com 

For more information about AfriLabs, visit www.afrilabs.com and to learn more about UM6P, visit www.um6p.ma 

For media inquiries, please contact pr@afrilabs.com & comms@afrilabs.com & Communication@um6p.ma