AFRILABS ANNUAL GATHERING 2019 TO BE HOSTED IN ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA
AfriLabs, the largest pan-African network of technology and innovation hubs with over 130 members across 36 countries, will be be holding the 4th edition of its AfriLabs Annual Gathering in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 28th – 30th October, 2019. The theme of this year’s Gathering is ‘Connect:Towards an Integrated Innovation Ecosystem’ and it will be co-hosted by AfriLabs hub members; Tech Village and xHub, with Iceaddis as a main support hub. The AfriLabs Annual Gathering provides a unique opportunity for tech hubs in the AfriLabs network and other stakeholders in the African tech ecosystem such as local innovators (entrepreneurs), corporates, investors, academia and developmental agencies to convene, network and share knowledge. The AfriLabs Annual Gathering has previously been held in different regions across Africa. In 2016, the Annual Gathering was held in Accra, the 2017 edition was held in Cairo, Egypt and the 3rd edition of the AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2018 was held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2019 will be focusing on connecting players of the African innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, which includes hubs, innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, academia, venture capitalists, development agencies, investors, governments as well as business development organisations, creatives amongst others. The main goal will be to build collaborative and sustainable systems and create synergies that will pave the way for the African innovation ecosystem to thrive and develop the African continent. The Gathering will host over 350 leaders and decision makers of these stakeholder groups. The 3-day gathering will feature panel discussions, keynote addresses, presentation sessions, multiple parallel workshops, local ecosystem tour, networking sessions, and open floor exhibitions. Each session and dialogue will be focused on thematic topics such as driving investment for African startups and job creation through entrepreneurship, working with research institutions and universities on converting research to innovation, and strengthening institutional frameworks and networks that drive synergies between the media, corporate, creative, technology sectors among others. The AfriLabs Annual Gathering annually engages people and organisations passionate about building the future of African innovation, solving development challenges and supporting technology driven enterprises on the continent. This year, we are excited to be holding the Annual Gathering in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and with a strong focus on collaboration and strengthening our ecosystem sustainably, we are looking forward to the high impact interactions, sessions and outcomes of the AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2019. We are particularly thrilled to have The TechVillage, xHub and Iceaddis working with us to make this year’s Gathering a success. As the 2019 theme states, ‘Connect: Towards an Integrated Ecosystem’, we invite any person or organisation invested in driving development on the African continent through innovation to work with us to achieve this vision – Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director, AfriLabs About AfriLabs AfriLabs is a pan-African network of over 130 technology innovation hubs across 36 African countries. AfriLabs is an organisation that supports innovation across African countries in order to raise successful entrepreneurs that will create jobs and develop innovative solutions to African problems. About Tech Village The Tech Village is an Innovation Hub designed to provide resources, a community and the best possible working environment for entrepreneurs and for those who dare to think differently. About xHub xHub is an initiative of Center for African Leadership Studies that incubates and mentors young entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into businesses and services. About Iceaddis Iceaddis is a collaborative work environment that facilitate creative projects and events. It is also a place where young entrepreneurs, local and visiting creatives get professional support and consultancy. For more information about the Annual Gathering including speaking, partnership and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.afrilabs-gathering.com or call +2348149612015. You can also send us an email via akufelista@afrilabs.com.
AFRILABS PARTNERS WITH THE AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TO HOST THE 2019 AFRILABS ANNUAL GATHERING IN ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA
AfriLabs, the largest pan-African network of 158 technology and innovation centers in 45 African countries is pleased to announce its partnership with the Division of Human Resource and Youth Development in the Department of Human Resource, Science and Technology within African Union Commission to host the 2019 AfriLabs Annual Gathering. Every year, AfriLabs organises its Annual Gathering to provide a unique opportunity for tech and innovation hubs within the AfriLabs network and other stakeholders in the African innovation ecosystem like local innovators (entrepreneurs), corporates, investors, academia and developmental agencies to convene, network and share knowledge. The fourth edition of the AfriLabs Annual Gathering themed ‘Connect: Towards an Integrated Innovation Ecosystem’ is scheduled to take place from the 28th – 30th of October 2019. The event will focus on building collaborative and sustainable systems and creating synergies that will pave the way for the African innovation ecosystem to thrive and contribute to the social and economic development of the African continent. This is a significant partnership that launches a deeper engagement between the African Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem and African member states, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and other multilateral development organisations working with the African Union Commision and collaboratively moving towards our common vision of an integrated and prosperous African continent. We are calling on other partners and ecosystem stakeholders interested in contributing to the social and economic development of our continent to work with us and our community of innovation hubs across the continent to achieve a successful Annual Gathering 2019 and ultimately our vision for Africa – Anna Ekeledo Executive Director, AfriLabs. As we make concerted efforts to realising the development of the continent under the forward-looking 1 Million by 2021 Initiative, it gives us great pleasure to partner with AfriLabs on providing a unique opportunity for tech and innovation hubs. The efforts to effectively harness Africa’s demographic dividend can only be accelerated in collaborating with dedicated stakeholders. We remain grateful to these partners who are as invested as us in ensuring that the potential of youth on the continent is realised by tapping into these areas which recognise the importance of digital skills as an avenue to achieve sustainable economic development. – H.E Prof. Sarah Anyang Agbor, Commissioner of Human Resources, Science and Technology This collaboration is part of a broader agreement with the HRST Department to support the ‘1 Million by 2021’ Initiative, launched by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat. The initiative seeks to implement tangible interventions in the key areas of Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Engagement (4Es), and aims to reach at least 1 million youth by 2021 through these key areas. AfriLabs will be partnering with HRST to support the initiative as well as the youth empowerment and development work on the continent. In light of the foregoing, both parties have agreed to explore and implement mutually rewarding viable initiatives focused on, among others, the following areas of cooperation; Co-hosting the AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2019 and other relevant events. Collaboration on deploying digital skills training to African youth by curating training content, deploying through virtual and physical spaces including AfriLabs members hubs and labs. Collaboration on engagement platforms aimed at building and managing responsive innovation ecosystems. Technical Support and partnership with AUC through linkages with relevant AUC policy Organs, Members States and RECs to facilitate enhanced policy dialogues, and alternative learning pathways, resources and tools to enhance quality access to Education and Engagement Opportunities. About AfriLabs AfriLabs is the largest pan-African network of 158 innovation and Technology hubs across 45 African countries aimed at supporting the growth of technology hubs and their communities to raise high potential entrepreneurs that will stimulate economic growth and social development in Africa. Our vision is an African continent characterized by open collaboration, African made solutions and jobs for all driven by technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.Visit www.AfriLabs.com to learn more about AfriLabs and Register to attend at afrilabs-gathering.com. About The African Union Commission’s The Department of Human Resource, Science and Technology (HRST) within the African Union Commission is mandated to coordinate and oversee continental action on human resource development, Education, Science, Technology and promoting youth development agenda. The 1 Million by 2021 Initiative aims to galvanize political action and commitment from development partners. The initiative targets 1 million young people through direct investments and essential game-changing interventions while also responding to fundamental questions on new approaches to solving existing problems targeted towards African realities. Through coordinated and focused implementation, the overarching goal is that the direct and accumulated impact on the lives of young people should reverberate across the continent. Visit www.au.int to learn more about African Union Commission’s 1 Million by 2021 Initiative.
ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES; OFFICIAL AIRLINE PARTNER FOR THE 2019 AFRILABS ANNUAL GATHERING
AfriLabs, the largest pan-African Network of 158 technology and innovation centers across 45 African countries, is excited to announce that Ethiopian Airlines is the ‘Official Airline Partner’ for the 2019 AfriLabs Annual Gathering. Ethiopian Airlines extends to AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2019 participants a special discount of 30% on Economy class tickets and 20% on Business class tickets. The discount is applicable on return trips to Addis Ababa only on Ethiopian Airline operated flights. Every year, AfriLabs organizes its Annual Gathering to provide a unique opportunity for tech hubs in the AfriLabs network and other stakeholders in the African tech ecosystem like local innovators (entrepreneurs), corporates, investors, academia, and developmental agencies to convene, network, and share knowledge. The fourth edition of the AfriLabs Annual Gathering will be hosted by AfriLabs hub members; Tech Village and Xhub Addis with the theme ‘Connect: Towards an Integrated Innovation Ecosystem’. The event will be taking place from 28th-30th October 2019 at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Register to attend at afrilabs-gathering.com We are super excited to have Ethiopian Airlines; one of the leading airlines in the world as our Official Airline partner. We look forward to having our guests enjoy the best flight experience to Addis Ababa- Felista Aku (Events Coordinator, AfriLabs). About AfriLabs AfriLabs is a pan-African network of 158 technology innovation hubs across 45 African countries. AfriLabs is an organization that supports innovations across African countries in order to raise successful entrepreneurs that will create jobs and develop innovative solutions to African problems. Visit www.AfriLabs.com to learn more about AfriLabs. About Ethiopian Airlines Ethiopian Airlines is the flag carrier of Ethiopia. Operating at the forefront of technology, the airline has also become one of Ethiopia’s major industries and a veritable institution in Africa. Visit www.ethiopianairlines.com to learn more about Ethiopian Airlines.
THE 2020 AFRILABS ANNUAL GATHERING IS GOING VIRTUAL
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the health and safeguarding of our community, the 5th AfriLabs Annual Gathering will take place virtually from the 12th to 14th October 2020. The AfriLabs Annual Gathering has historically been held at different cities around the African continent in collaboration with national and local governments, the private sector and our member hubs. While the COVID-19 pandemic makes it impossible for us to meet face to face, it now presents a powerful opportunity to be even more inclusive in participation. BUILDING A RESILIENT INNOVATIVE AFRICA The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected every sector of the continent’s economy and we must look inwards and collaborate to build a resistance that charges towards a glooming economic prediction to birth a thriving innovative economy in Africa. So it’s perfect that resilience is the overarching theme of this year’s conference as we convene to discuss “ Building a Resilient Innovative Africa”. Now more than ever, building a resilient and innovative Africa through an integrated approach by engaged Africans who speak with one voice on innovation targeted at the actualization of the SDGs and Africa’s Agenda 2063 is paramount. DESIGNING AN INCLUSIVE EVENT TO EXPLORE AFRICA’S INNATE ABILITY TO BUILD We are focused on designing an inclusive, exciting event for our hub managers, partners, sponsors and all curious innovators from Africa and across the globe who want to be part of this conversation in one way or another. In our normal AfriLabs Annual Gathering tradition we will have three days of programming exploring the building of communities, the importance of partnerships and Africa’s innate ability to build. We’d be delighted to hear from potential speakers. Please get in touch by sending an email to jen@afrilabs.com. We are excited to have dedicated partners that work with us every year to make sure the AfriLabs Annual Gathering is a success. Our Annual Gathering presents a unique and exciting value proposition to sponsors that we would be delighted to share with you. Partner with us as a sponsor and help make our first virtual annual meeting a success. Please get in touch by sending an email to jen@afrilabs.com. We will be rolling out more information about the 2020 AAG in the coming days. Don’t miss out, subscribe for updates here: bit.ly/SubscribeToAfriLabsNewsletter. AfriLabs is a pan-African network of 202 technology innovation hubs across 46 African countries. The organisation was founded in 2011 to build a community around rapidly emerging tech hubs, with a mission to support the growth of these technology hubs and their communities to raise high potential entrepreneurs that will stimulate economic growth and social development in Africa.
AFRILABS AND DJEMBE CONSULTANTS PARTNER TO PRODUCE INSIGHTS REPORT ON BUILDING A RESILIENT INNOVATIVE AFRICA IN A COVID-19 WORLD
Djembe Consultants Named Official Communications Partner for AfriLabs Virtual Annual Gathering AfriLabs, the largest pan-Africa network of 225 technology and innovation centers across 47 countries in Africa has partnered with Djembe Consultants, the award-winning African-focused communications consultancy, to develop a report on the future of African innovation amidst a backdrop of a global pandemic. The Report is themed ‘Building a Resilient Innovative Africa’ in line with the focus of the 5th AfriLabs Virtual Annual Gathering from October 12 to 14, 2020, where highlights from the Report will be unveiled. This year’s Annual Gathering will see a robust dialogue on how to build a resilient innovative Africa. Given COVID-19’s economic impact on our network members, the dialogue around strengthening the innovation ecosystem is so critical for when Africa emerges from this global pandemic. The Report will cover trends and opportunities in technology and enterprise, the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the framing of a regional policy discussion around African innovation – crucial dialogues in the quest towards realizing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the region-wide socio-economic objectives set out in the African Union Agenda 2063 in the post-COVID economy. The three report themes are Scaling Homegrown Innovations Beyond Borders; Driving Innovation Inclusivity – Women, Youth, and Informal Markets; and Strengthening Policy Development to Encourage R&D and Innovation. The Report will bring together powerful perspectives on what it takes to build innovation resilience in Africa across sectors such as agriculture, energy, health, ICT, and manufacturing, as well as other equally fundamental sectors such as education, finance, and services. Commenting on the report, Nekesa Were, Director of Strategy, AfriLabs “AfriLabs is excited to have Africa’s leading communications consultancy, Djembe Consultants, onboard as a partner for this year’s AfriLabs Virtual Annual Gathering. This year’s Annual Gathering will see a robust dialogue on how to build a resilient innovative Africa. Given COVID-19’s economic impact on our network members, the dialogue around strengthening the innovation ecosystem is so critical for when Africa emerges from this global pandemic.” Leveraging the innovation DNA of both organizations, the Building a Resilient Innovative Africa Report will feature the perspectives of young African startups and innovators alongside valuable insights from leading public and private sector stakeholders from the continent and beyond including Afreximbank, Honoris United Universities, Mastercard Foundation, Mozilla and the UN Women, amongst others. If you’re an African startup, innovator, or entrepreneur, share your perspectives on what it takes to build resilience in the African Innovation Ecosystem by participating in the survey here. Djembe Consultants, CEO, Mitchell Prather said, “Djembe Consultants is pleased to partner with Africa’s largest network of technology and innovation hubs to elevate the dialogue around strengthening African innovation resilience in these unprecedented times. As Official Communications Partner of the AfriLabs Annual Gathering this year, Djembe looks forward to unveiling important insights based on the real-world opinions, experiences, and attitudes of African innovation stakeholders from across the continent. The Insights Report will provide a range of stakeholders, from investors to policymakers, with a uniquely relevant and timely understanding of the opportunities and challenges that African innovators face as we learn to move forward in the new normal of a COVID world.” Previously held in several cities across Africa, this year’s edition of the AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2020 will be virtual with conversations centered around building a resilient innovative Africa by leveraging collaborations, communities, and Africa’s innate ability to build. The roles of innovators, corporates, governments, and other stakeholders will be examined with discussions on the need to disrupt the status quo, and force innovations to evolve and adapt to the new realities of an Africa in a recovering world. The 3-day Gathering will feature sessions and activities with focused panel discussions on thematic topics, keynote addresses, presentation sessions, multiple parallel workshops, local ecosystem tours/exhibitions, and networking sessions. Registration is currently ongoing. As part of the ongoing partnership, Djembe Consultants will be conducting customized training workshops for AfriLabs community members and partner hubs across the continent. Follow Djembe Consultants on social media for further updates.
AFRILABS AND DJEMBE CONSULTANTS UNVEIL REPORT ON BUILDING A RESILIENT INNOVATIVE AFRICA
AfriLabs, the largest pan-African network of technology and innovation centres in partnership with Djembe Consultants, the award-winning Africa-focused communications consultancy, launched an Insights Report during the 2020 AfriLabs Annual Gathering. The report assesses the impact of COVID-19 on the continent’s young innovators and entrepreneurs and provides perspectives from industry experts as to how African decisionmakers from both the public and private sectors can accelerate support across the full innovation spectrum including education, inclusivity, investment, policy and research and development. The continent’s survival DNA, always durable to internal and external shocks of all shapes and forms, proves a resilience in its youthful demographic, one that is constantly creating, innovating, and looking ahead. Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director, AfriLabs Themed ‘Building a Resilient Innovative Africa’, the report is a result of a survey of over 1,000 pan-African innovators, entrepreneurs, and start-ups from both Djembe’s and AfriLabs’ vast innovation and entrepreneurship networks. Framed within the context of key milestones for the continent, including the impending African Free Trade Continental Area (AfCFTA), UN SDGs, and the African Union Agenda 2063, the report also brings together the expert perspectives of individuals from some of the continent’s leading development and private sector organizations including the African Union, African Development Bank, Afreximbank, Honoris United Universities, Mastercard Foundation, Mozilla, SMART Africa, and UN Women amongst others. It features unique insights from regional innovations hubs as well as celebrates inspiring African homegrown innovation success stories. Djembe Consultants’ Chief Executive Officer, Mitchell Prather, commented, “Djembe’s latest Insights Report reaffirms our strongly held belief that the African innovation ecosystem is singularly the most important enabler of widespread socio-economic development. Despite the innate resilience African innovators and SMEs have shown during this challenging year, this ecosystem urgently needs further intervention of policymakers and industry supporters to create a more conducive environment for innovators and SMEs to survive and thrive. While the uncertainties of COVID-19 continue to threaten economic stability and growth, future economic prosperity can be greatly enhanced by nurturing the African innovation spirit to prepare the continent for incredible success, just when it needs it most.” Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director at AfriLabs and contributor to the report, added, “The continent’s survival DNA, always durable to internal and external shocks of all shapes and forms, proves a resilience in its youthful demographic, one that is constantly creating, innovating, and looking ahead. Though we are have observed policymakers and governments step up to varying degrees, more needs to be done to drive greater innovation inclusivity from securing access to data, to reimagining education, investing in R&D and supporting international expansion. By building a more resilient innovative Africa, the region can truly embrace its full potential.” Scaling Homegrown Innovations Beyond Borders Majority of the entrepreneurs (90%) are likely to need to or be able to scale their business in the wake of COVID-19 74% say they are currently exploring the possibility of entering international markets 51% indicate that while they are aware of state support, they find this support to be inadequate in meeting their current business scaling needs Majority of innovators and startups (42%) see innovation hubs as potential platforms to access funding, followed by networking opportunities, capacity building and R&D Strengthening Policy Development to Encourage R&D and Innovation Investor funding is the number one issue governments must address to build innovation resilience. This is followed by fostering entrepreneurship and eradicating corruption Driving Innovation Inclusivity – Women, Youth, and Informal Markets Majority of entrepreneurs (45%) feel that the creation of expanded market opportunities for homegrown businesses is the main key driver of innovation inclusivity. This is followed by the provision of support services and the curation of capacity development programs to address the unique challenges of operating in the informal markets are key to driving innovation inclusivity on the continent. A high proportion of respondents (41%) do not feel there is enough support from the private and public sector to drive greater inclusivity within hubs and the wider innovation ecosystem The full report can be accessed online here.
La Rencontre Annuelle de AfriLabs 2021 se tiendra maintenant au Nigéria
Suite à l’évolution de la pandémie mondiale de COVID-19 et aux incertitudes causées par les nouvelles restrictions sur les voyages aériens, le Conseil d’Administration de AfriLabs a décidé que la Rencontre Annuelle de cette année se tiendrait au Nigéria. “Pour des raisons indépendantes de notre volonté, nous ne sommes pas en mesure d’organiser la Rencontre Annuelle de AfriLabs à Marrakech comme prévu initialement. Afin d’éviter le long processus d’ouverture d’une candidature pour un nouveau pays hôte à ce moment tardif, la Rencontre Annuelle de AfriLabs 2021 sera organisée à Abuja, au Nigéria, où se situe notre Secrétariat. Le Conseil d’Administration et la Communauté de AfriLabs sont reconnaissants pour tout le soutien apporté par Douar Tech, notre hub membre Marocain qui a travaillé diligemment depuis 2020 pour accueillir cet événement et nous espérons pouvoir organiser la Rencontre Annuelle au Maroc lors d’une prochaine édition.” Le Conseil d’Administration de AfriLabs a déclaré après sa réunion tenue à Dakar. En effet, la Rencontre Annuelle de AfriLabs 2021 est une édition importante car elle coïncide avec le 10e anniversaire de AfriLabs et nous donne l’opportunité de mettre en lumière la croissance et l’évolution de l’Écosystème Africain d’Innovation. Pour en savoir plus sur la Rencontre Annuelle de AfriLabs, consultez le site www.afrilabs-gathering.com. Pour plus d’informations concernant les possibilités de participer à la Rencontre en tant que sponsor o u partenaire, veuillez contacter: Jennifer Okeke-Ojiudu Responsable des Événements de l’Écosystème Email : Jen@afrilabs.com Tél : +234 7081350087
Celebrating a Decade of Empowering and Inspiring Innovation across Africa at the AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2021
After going virtual for the first time last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s AfriLabs Annual Gathering which coincides with AfriLabs 10th year anniversary will be held in Marrakesh, Morocco from 25th-27th October 2021. The theme for this year’s Gathering is “AfriLabs at 10: A Decade of Empowering and Inspiring Innovation across Africa” and Douar Tech, an AfriLabs Member Hub based in Morocco will be a co-host of the event. The history of the African Innovation Ecosystem is a story of resilience, growth, collaboration and creativity. More than before, Africans are developing scalable solutions to their problems and one factor that is contributing to this is the growth of the support systems like innovation hubs (incubators, accelerators etc.) in the entrepreneurship space. AfriLabs has for a decade played an important role in the empowerment of innovation hubs across the continent. In our 10th year of existence, we reflect on the journey so far in providing support to the ecosystem. We celebrate our strides and that of our community and plan for the future with the dream of a thriving innovation economy in Africa. A YEAR OF GOLDEN CELEBRATIONS “AfriLabs will be 10 this year and we will be celebrating and reflecting on the strides of the Innovation Ecosystem in Africa. If you have been part of our story, we would like to invite you to celebrate with us in Morocco. If you haven’t worked with us or any of our community members yet in building the Africa of our dreams, still join us and let us all set the tone and ambitions for the next 10 years!” said Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director, AfriLabs. For this year’s Gathering, we are riding strongly with our community and for the first time, they were actively involved in the selection of the theme, and their choice is a reflection of our impact in empowering hubs and driving innovation across the continent. The 6th edition of the AfriLabs Annual Gathering will be highlighting 10 years of our existence and we will be hosting a series of exciting events throughout the year which climaxes at Morocco in an effort to share the successes and challenges of the last decade while looking forward to a future of more collaborations and opportunities. Looking back at all our previous Gatherings, this year’s event will spotlight the impact of innovation in Africa in the last decade, drive more strategic collaborations and we look forward to engaging more stakeholders in the African Tech Ecosystem as well as building sustainable capacity for hubs on the continent. “ This year, we look forward with the utmost anticipation to a post-pandemic world with fervent hopes to convene the Ecosystem in Morocco. 2021 will cumulate to the 10th year anniversary of the founding of AfriLabs; which will be the focus of most of the year’s events leading to a Finale at AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2021.” our Ecosystem Event Manager, Jennifer Okeke Ojiudu said. “Hosting the AfriLabs Annual Gathering in Marrakech is promised to be a unique and world-changing experience. More information to follow shortly.” “This gathering will be a unique momentum for the African innovative ecosystems narrative. It will allow us to reflect on the lessons learned in the last decade of ecosystem development, co-create and elevate our common vision for the upcoming one – by bringing ecosystem players together in Morocco, we also hope it sends a strong and clear signal that by its youth, innovators and entrepreneurs, Africa is one, ready to continue building together, growing together.” Hanae Bezad, Founder, Douar Tech on hosting the Gathering in Morocco. To stay updated on the activities of AfriLabs and information about the AfriLabs Annual Gathering and how you can be a part of it, kindly subscribe to our community newsletter here.
AfriLabs and Make-IT in Africa team up to bolster local networks of African innovation enablers at the 2021 AfriLabs Annual Gathering and beyond
AfriLabs is excited to announce that we are partnering with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH to support local networks of innovation hubs in Africa. The partnership with the GIZ project Make-IT in Africa supports the organizational development of local tech hub networks and associations, as well as strengthens the connection between tech hub networks and AfriLabs through a series of strategic discussions before and during this year’s AfriLabs Annual Gathering in Nigeria. In 2019, at the AfriLabs Annual Gathering in Ethiopia, Make-IT in Africa and AfriLabs joined hands in support of emerging local hub networks. A workshop was jointly organized and hosted to discuss challenges and opportunities arising for local hub networks in Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria. The session promoted a better understanding of networks’ mandates and objectives, dialogue and peer exchange, but it also inspired delegates from other countries, like Rwanda, to explore setting up networks of their own. This year, we plan to build on the progress made in 2019 with a series of workshops that continue exploring the added value tech hub networks bring to our ecosystems, the needs of emerging networks and, especially, the support AfriLabs, as well as other ecosystem actors, could provide to such networks. The insights will be presented during the main panel session on Day 1 of the 2021 AfriLabs Annual Gathering and will cater primarily to tech and innovation hubs and their networks, but will also address entrepreneurs and start-ups, policy makers, development organizations and AfriLabs itself. “AfriLabs and Make-IT in Africa share the same vision. By creating networks and nurturing regional connections, we both support local partners to lay strong foundations for robust and resilient innovation ecosystems”, says Matthias Rehfeld, Make-IT in Africa’s Head of Programme. “Having laid a great basis for our cooperation in 2019 we now bring our partnership to the next level: we are excited to continue building on the strengths of local hubs networks. ” As AfriLabs is in the process of developing its next 10-year strategy, these discussions could not be more timely. The feedback and agreements from the dialogue will inform the strategic direction AfriLabs will take in supporting existing and emerging networks in the future. AfriLabs Executive Director, Anna Ekeledo says “We are delighted by this partnership as it is very timely and plays a crucial part in improving AfriLabs strategy in enabling innovation. More than ever, we need to strengthen local hub networks if we are to scale quality and relevant innovation support to the startups beyond the reach of the limelight. This is how strategic collaborations promote inclusivity and sustainable growth, and we hope to see more in the near future.” About the AfriLabs Annual Gathering The AfriLabs Annual Gathering is AfriLabs’ flagship event which provides a unique opportunity for tech hubs within the AfriLabs network and other stakeholders of the African technology and innovation ecosystem (such as corporates, development agencies, academia, and investors) to convene, network, learn and share knowledge. The 2021 AfriLabs Annual Gathering marks AfriLabs 10th year of existence and the event aims to celebrate and reflect on this milestone, and what the future holds for innovation in Africa. Be a part of the AfriLabs Annual Gathering, to be held 27-29 October 2021 in Abuja, Nigeria as well as virtually. Register here to access the event. If interested in partnership and sponsorship, please send an email to felista@afrilabs.com. About Make-IT in Africa Make-IT in Africa believes in the catalytic power of African innovation and digital technologies for green and sustainable development. In close collaboration with digital visionaries like start-ups, innovation enablers and political partners, we empower African innovation ecosystems. Together, we aim to strengthen an environment in which the full potential of African digital innovation can unfold. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH implements this project on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Promoting African Start-ups for the Continent’s Urban Future: Smart Cities Innovation Programme launched by Rwandan-German Development Cooperation
Africa is rapidly urbanising. The United Nations predict that Africa’s population will grow faster than in any other part of the world, with over half of the continent’s populace residing in urban areas by 2050. To direct this rapid urban growth, technological solutions play an increasingly important role. Smart cities and communities, as evidenced in large-scale pilot projects in Nigeria, Kenya and Rwanda, can help ensure Africa’s urban future is socially inclusive and green. In face of this endeavour, the Rwandan Ministry of ICT and Innovation and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH – on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) – launched the Smart Cities Innovation Programme (SCIP) on 16-17 September 2021 together with multiple local and international partners, including Siemens, Volkswagen, Amazon Web Services, Jasiri, Viktoria Ventures and more. Over six months, the SCIP supports African start-ups to scale innovative products which can boost the potential of urbanisation, ensuring smart cities achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth. By scaling innovations for smart cities, the programme concretely contributes to Africa’s urban transformation in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. The SCIP uses Rwanda’s pilot initiative towards green urbanisation, Green City Kigali, as an application case for smart city solutions in Kigali. By testing and adapting their solutions under realistic market conditions start-ups work on a viable business opportunity and explore the potential of the Rwandan market.