#FreeRebecca
The past few days have not been a pleasant one for the African Innovation Ecosystem, especially the AfriLabs network as Rebecca Enonchong, our Board Chair and one of Africa’s most prominent tech entrepreneurs, has been detained since Tuesday, the 10th of August, 2021 in her home country, Cameroon. Rebecca was illegally and unlawfully arrested and has been held at the Gendarmerie Légion in Douala, Cameroon for 3 (three) nights, without any legal, written formal charges, warrant, or summons in her name. This is a blatant disregard of her fundamental rights accorded to her by the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights to which the Republic of Cameroon is a signatory which stipulates that freedom, equality, justice, and dignity are essential objectives for the legitimate aspirations for the African people. A timeline of injustice According to Rebecca’s lawyers, on the 10th day of August 2021, the Commander of the Littoral Gendarmerie Légion in Douala, Cameroon invited Rebecca Enonchong to his office for a courtesy visit. Upon her arrival, Rebecca Enonchong was interrogated and detained, which continued the following day, without just cause. Rebecca was informed she was being prosecuted for contempt of court, on the person of Mr Jean Claude Robert FOE, Attorney General of the Littoral Court of Appeal. She was also notified that she was to be taken into custody on the instructions of the same Mr Foe. On the 11th day of August 2021, we were informed of the illegal detention and arrest of Rebecca Enonchong by Jean Claude Robert FOE, Attorney General, at the Gendarmerie Légion in Douala, Cameroon. August 12, 2021, she was again taken to the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Bonanjo and awaited the instructions that would be given by the Public Prosecutor but he has refused to receive Rebecca Enonchong’s lawyers. The lawyers have requested clarity on their client’s case since the “case file is empty”. August 13, 2021, Rebecca Enonchong is still deprived of her freedom at the pleasure of the Attorney General who is both judge and party in this case. best youngsexdoll.com with cheap prices here. convenient to use is usually a important highlight attached to who sells the best diamond painting kits. swiss replicauhren.to was probably well respected by all the fields. de.wellreplicas.to raises the pure essentials of watchmaking to the level of art. best orologireplica outlet. What can we do? As a community, we will not sit back and watch one of us get robbed of her fundamental human rights. Here is what you can do to help: Join us in this appeal against injustice by signing this petition and sharing it with your network. Use the hashtag #FreeRebecca to post about it on social media. We are compiling a list of contact details of relevant embassies and influential organisations that can help put pressure on the Cameroonian Government for the release of Rebecca Enonchong. We have compiled what we have so far in a spreadsheet and your input will be appreciated. Access the database here. Take a picture of yourself holding a placard or piece of paper with the inscription #FreeRebecca. Share the picture on social media and use the same hashtag. You can also use this image as your display picture on social media to create more awareness. Here is a pre-written tweet that you can use. Call anyone you know in Cameroon and make the case for them to call the authorities. If in Cameroon, call the authorities and make the case for her release. Make an appointment at the Cameroonian Embassy in your country and go with other investors and entrepreneurs as a team to make a case for Rebecca to the Ambassador – and go with a written statement if possible. If you have any information that would be helpful to her case as well as would like to support strategically or volunteer time, please email tessy@afrilabs.com. The global community is watching #FreeRebecca: Global Voices Sub-Saharan Africa condemns the arbitrary arrest and detention of Cameroon’s tech leader Rebecca Enonchong https://t.co/Xtkg0c77m9 via @feathersproject & @NjeriWangari — Njeri wa Wangarĩ (@Kenyanpoet) August 12, 2021 Good Morning All! We are at Bonanjo. Rebecca has been brought & her file registered. Now the wait is on for the magistrate of the Court of 1st Instance who has yet to show up. #FreeRebecca pic.twitter.com/AuMwm8W28m — Kah Walla (@KahWalla) August 12, 2021 Please sign the Petition · Petition for the Cameroonian Government to #FreeRebecca · https://t.co/NKpys3YOs2 https://t.co/rsgfuBGSZe — Kola Aina (@kola_aina) August 12, 2021 JUST IN: Reports that Cameroonian born technology entrepreneur, Rebecca Enonchong @africatechie is being detained at the Gendarmerie Legion in Douala, #Cameroon. #FreeRebecca pic.twitter.com/MIpWNUWggx — Techloy (@techloy) August 11, 2021 This is #RebeccaEnonchong @africatechie from Cameroon; she is one of Africa’s Most Influential Tech-Entrepreneurs. Powerful first for her intellect and business acumen. She has been arrested and locked up in Cameroun without any reason. #FreeRebecca @UNIC_Yaounde @USEmbCameroon pic.twitter.com/uHTEH3ORXf — MacJordan ⚡️👨🏾💻 (@MacJordaN) August 11, 2021 Tech CEO Rebecca Enonchong detained in Cameroon, sparking outrage as many call for her release "We have received no documentation of what she is accused of, nor formal written complaint against her. She is a victim of an abuse of power," her lawyer says https://t.co/6njUe6UJNE — CNN Africa (@CNNAfrica) August 13, 2021 The Cameroonian tech entrepreneur was reportedly arrested and held at the Gendarmerie Legion (a police station) in Douala, apparently by government order and without any arrest warrant.https://t.co/9u4pyAMEsH — TechCabal 👨🏾🚀 (@TechCabal) August 12, 2021 Day 3 of Rebecca Enonchong illegal detention by Cameroonian Government officials. We demand that they #FreeRebecca. pic.twitter.com/W7tb1dyAGR — AfriLabs (@AfriLabs) August 13, 2021 They wish to extend the custody of @africatechie under the pretext of wanting to interview 2 other witnesses which still constitutes an offence according to article 119 paragraph 3 « In any case, the hearing of a witness cannot alone justify an extension of custody » #FreeRebecca pic.twitter.com/eOjJzq1dzE — ActivSpaces (@ActivSpaces) August 12, 2021 The Commander of the Littoral Gendarmerie Legion invited @africatechie to his office for a courtesy visit, in order
#FreeRebecca
Ces derniers jours n’ont pas été plaisants pour l’Écosystème Africain d’Innovation, et plus particulièrement pour le réseau AfriLabs puisque Rebecca, notre Présidente du Conseil d’Administration et l’une des plus éminentes entrepreneuses dans le domaine de la technologie en Afrique, a été détenue depuis le Mardi 10 Août, 2021 dans son pays d’origine, le Cameroun. Rebecca a été illégalement et illicitement arrêtée par Jean Claude Robert FOE, Procureur Général de la Cour d’Appel du Littoral et est détenue à la Gendarmerie Légion de Douala, Cameroun depuis 3 (trois) nuits, sans aucune accusation légale, écrite et formelle, mandat ou citation à son nom. Cette action constitue un mépris flagrant des droits fondamentaux qui lui sont accordés par la Charte Africaine des Droits de l’Homme et des Peuples dont la République du Cameroun est signataire et qui stipule que la liberté, l’égalité, la justice et la dignité sont des objectifs essentiels des aspirations légitimes du Peuple Africain. Une chronologie de l’injustice Selon les avocats de Rebecca, le 10 Août 2021, le Commandant de la Légion de Gendarmerie du Littoral à Douala, Cameroun a invité Rebecca Enonchong à son bureau pour une visite de courtoisie. A son arrivée au bureau du Commandant de la Légion, Rebecca Enonchong a été interrogée et détenue, ce qui s’est poursuivi le lendemain, sans motif valable. Par la suite, Rebecca a été informée qu’elle était poursuivie pour outrage à magistrat, en la personne de Monsieur Jean Claude Robert FOE, Procureur Général de la Cour d’Appel du Littoral. Elle a également été notifiée qu’elle devait être placée en garde à vue sur les instructions du même Monsieur Foe. Le 11 Août 2021, nous avons été informés de la détention illégale et de l’arrestation de Rebecca Enonchong par Jean Claude Robert FOE, Procureur Général, à la Gendarmerie Légion de Douala, Cameroun. Le 12 Août 2021, elle a été de nouveau conduite au Parquet du TPI Bonanjo et a attendu les instructions qui seraient données par le Procureur Général mais, celui-ci a refusé de recevoir les avocats de Rebecca Enonchong. Les avocats ont demandé des éclaircissements sur le cas de leur cliente puisque le “dossier est vide”. Le 13 Août 2021, Rebecca Enonchong est toujours privée de sa liberté au bon vouloir du Procureur Général qui est à la fois juge et partie dans cette affaire. Que pouvons-nous faire? En tant que communauté, nous n’allons pas rester les bras croisés et regarder l’une d’entre nous se faire voler ses droits humains fondamentaux. Voici ce que vous pouvez faire pour nous aider: Rejoignez-nous dans cet appel contre l’injustice en signant cette pétition et en la partageant avec votre réseau. Utilisez le hashtag #FreeRebecca pour en parler sur les médias sociaux. Voici un tweet pré-écrit que vous pouvez utiliser. Nous sommes en train de compiler une liste de coordonnées d’ambassades et d’organisations influentes susceptibles de faire pression sur le Gouvernement Camerounais pour la libération de Rebecca Enonchong. Nous avons compilé ce que nous avons jusqu’à présent dans une feuille excel et votre contribution sera appréciée. Accédez à la base de données ici. Prenez une photo de vous tenant une pancarte ou un papier avec l’inscription #FreeRebecca. Partagez la photo sur les reseaux sociaux et utilisez le même hashtag. Vous pouvez également utiliser cette image comme votre photo d’affichage sur les reseaux sociaux pour créer plus de sensibilisation. Appelez toutes les personnes que vous connaissez au Cameroun et demandez-leur d’appeler les autorités. Si vous êtes au Cameroun, appelez les autorités et plaidez pour sa libération. Organiser un rendez-vous à l’ambassade du Cameroun dans votre pays et faire équipe avec d’autres investisseurs et entrepreneurs pour plaider la cause de Rebecca auprès de l’ambassadeur et aller avec une déclaration écrite si possible. Voici une déclaration pré-écrite que vous pouvez utiliser. La communauté mondiale suit l’évolution de la situation #FreeRebecca: Global Voices Sub-Saharan Africa condemns the arbitrary arrest and detention of Cameroon’s tech leader Rebecca Enonchong https://t.co/Eb9WQUKIO0 via @feathersproject — Sydney Allen (@sydneyallen67) August 13, 2021 Good Morning All! We are at Bonanjo. Rebecca has been brought & her file registered. Now the wait is on for the magistrate of the Court of 1st Instance who has yet to show up. #FreeRebecca pic.twitter.com/AuMwm8W28m — Kah Walla (@KahWalla) August 12, 2021 Please sign the Petition · Petition for the Cameroonian Government to #FreeRebecca · https://t.co/NKpys3YOs2 https://t.co/rsgfuBGSZe — Kola Aina (@kola_aina) August 12, 2021 JUST IN: Reports that Cameroonian born technology entrepreneur, Rebecca Enonchong @africatechie is being detained at the Gendarmerie Legion in Douala, #Cameroon. #FreeRebecca pic.twitter.com/MIpWNUWggx — Techloy (@techloy) August 11, 2021 This is #RebeccaEnonchong @africatechie from Cameroon; she is one of Africa’s Most Influential Tech-Entrepreneurs. Powerful first for her intellect and business acumen. She has been arrested and locked up in Cameroun without any reason. #FreeRebecca @UNIC_Yaounde @USEmbCameroon pic.twitter.com/uHTEH3ORXf — MacJordan ⚡️👨🏾💻 (@MacJordaN) August 11, 2021 Tech CEO Rebecca Enonchong detained in Cameroon, sparking outrage as many call for her release "We have received no documentation of what she is accused of, nor formal written complaint against her. She is a victim of an abuse of power," her lawyer says https://t.co/6njUe6UJNE — CNN Africa (@CNNAfrica) August 13, 2021 The Cameroonian tech entrepreneur was reportedly arrested and held at the Gendarmerie Legion (a police station) in Douala, apparently by government order and without any arrest warrant.https://t.co/9u4pyAMEsH — TechCabal 👨🏾🚀 (@TechCabal) August 12, 2021 Day 3 of Rebecca Enonchong illegal detention by Cameroonian Government officials. We demand that they #FreeRebecca. pic.twitter.com/W7tb1dyAGR — AfriLabs (@AfriLabs) August 13, 2021 They wish to extend the custody of @africatechie under the pretext of wanting to interview 2 other witnesses which still constitutes an offence according to article 119 paragraph 3 « In any case, the hearing of a witness cannot alone justify an extension of custody » #FreeRebecca pic.twitter.com/eOjJzq1dzE — ActivSpaces (@ActivSpaces) August 12, 2021 The Commander of the Littoral Gendarmerie Legion invited @africatechie to his office for a courtesy visit, in order to get to know her better. On her arrival at his office she was interrogated without being informed of the
AfriLabs welcomes 24 innovation hubs into its network
We are increasing the odds of a thriving innovation economy in Africa by building an inclusive community! As part of our core values at AfriLabs, we believe that it is only in ensuring inclusion and diversity that we build an ecosystem that will be the foundation on which Africa develops to be the global powerhouse we want her to be. This is why we serve as a nexus point for all innovation leaders as well as hubs across the continent and even in the diaspora. Today, we welcome 24 new hubs into our community and our network has now expanded to 7 new cities with a total of 292 hubs in 49 African countries. A diverse and inclusive community such as ours hopes to improve the outcome of various disruptive solutions such as creating an atmosphere where the promotion of indigenous innovations is welcome. We are doing this by providing support for research with local relevance, creating and promoting positive business environments for local entrepreneurs/hubs and the activation of institutions that specifically deal with the development and scaling of innovations that further goes on to have a ripple effect on various African economies on the continent. “As we get closer to our goal of building a thriving innovation economy in Africa, It gives us great pleasure that we have been able to gain entrance into 7 cities and grow the community to 292 hubs and we are super excited for the endless opportunities this new addition would bring”. Kenechukwu Chukwu, Member Services Manager, AfriLabs. Welcome to our newest members joining us from West Africa: Black Innovations Africa – Jos, Nigeria, Mentors Innovation Hub – Yola, Nigeria, Grazac – Abeokuta, Nigeria, Opolo Global Innovation – Lagos, Nigeria, Edufun Technik STEM Hub – Onitsha, Nigeria, Ado Business Incubation Centre (ABIC Hub) – Onitsha, Nigeria, iValley Ghana – Damongo, Ghana, Ghana Innovation Hub – Accra, Ghana, Tamale International Hub – Tamale, Ghana, Start-Up SME Centres – Kumasi, Ghana, North East Innovation Hub – Walewale, Ghana, Eastern Tech Hub – Koforidua, Ghana, Expert’labs Mali – Bamako, Mali, Fondation Jeunesse Numérique – Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire, Mahna – Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso and Data Science, Nigeria. We are pleased to have Konetahub – Juba, South Sudan and Collective Lab, Tunis, Tunisia join us from Northern Africa and a hearty welcome to Le Boukarou – Douala, Cameroon from Central Africa. Denaya Dennis, Founder & Executive Director, Koneta Hub had this to say, “I am very excited that Koneta Hub has been welcomed to be part of the great African innovation network: – AfriLabs. It is in our belief as Koneta that when the youth are given an opportunity, there will be tremendous opportunities and solutions to the socio-economic issues challenging our growth. We look forward to contributing to the innovation ecosystem and bringing more opportunities for South Sudan.” From Southern Africa, we welcome REDHub, Durban, South Africa. Karibu to Techbuzz Hub – Kampala, Uganda, Future Females Invest – Beau Plan, Mauritius, Kiota Hub (University of Iringa) – Iringa, Tanzania and AMCET Innovation Hub (Al-Maktoum College of Engineering and Technology – AMCET) – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from Eastern Africa. Habibu Mrisho, the Hub Manager at AMCET INNOVATION HUB, speaks of his excitement at being a part of the network. “Being part of the AfriLabs network adds some advantages to me and the hub due to the fact that the network gives me the privilege to attend some events that would help me to meet other people across the world as well as expand our access to opportunities.”
AfriLabs accueille 24 hubs d’innovation dans son réseau
Nous améliorons les chances d’une économie de l’innovation florissante en Afrique en créant une communauté inclusive! Conformément aux valeurs fondamentales de AfriLabs, nous pensons que ce n’est qu’en assurant l’inclusion et la diversité que nous construirons un écosystème qui constituera la base sur laquelle l’Afrique se développera pour devenir la puissance mondiale que nous voulons qu’elle soit. C’est pourquoi nous servons de point de convergence pour tous les leaders de l’innovation ainsi que pour les hubs à travers le continent et même dans la diaspora. Aujourd’hui, nous accueillons 24 nouveaux hubs dans notre communauté et notre réseau s’est étendu à 7 nouvelles villes, avec un total de 292 hubs dans 49 pays africains. Une communauté diverse et inclusive telle que la nôtre, espère améliorer les résultats de diverses solutions perturbatrices telles que la création d’une atmosphère propice à la promotion des innovations locales. Nous y parvenons en soutenant la recherche avec une pertinence locale, en créant et en promouvant des environnements commerciaux positifs pour les entrepreneurs/hubs locaux et en activant des institutions qui s’occupent spécifiquement du développement et de la mise à l’échelle des innovations qui ont ensuite un effet d’entraînement sur diverses économies africaines sur le continent. “Alors que nous nous rapprochons de notre objectif de construire une économie de l’innovation florissante en Afrique, nous sommes très heureux d’avoir pu entrer dans 7 villes et étendre la communauté à 292 hubs, et nous sommes très enthousiastes quant aux opportunités infinies que ce nouvel ajout apportera”. Kenechukwu Chukwu, Responsable des Services aux Membres, AfriLabs. Bienvenue à nos nouveaux membres d’Afrique de l’Ouest : Black Innovations Africa – Jos, Nigéria, Mentors Innovation Hub – Yola, Nigéria, Grazac – Abeokuta, Nigéria, Opolo Global Innovation – Lagos, Nigéria, Edufun Technik STEM Hub – Onitsha, Nigéria, Ado Business Incubation Centre (ABIC Hub) – Onitsha, Nigéria, iValley Ghana – Damongo, Ghana, Ghana Innovation Hub – Accra, Ghana, Tamale International Hub – Tamale, Ghana, Start-Up SME Centres – Kumasi, Ghana, North East Innovation Hub – Walewale, Ghana, Eastern Tech Hub – Koforidua, Ghana, Expert’labs Mali – Bamako, Mali, Fondation Jeunesse Numérique – Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire, Mahna – Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso et Data Science, Nigéria. Nous sommes heureux d’accueillir Konetahub – Juba, Sud-Soudan et Collective Lab, Tunis, Tunisie, en provenance d’Afrique du Nord, et nous souhaitons la bienvenue à Le Boukarou – Douala, Cameroun, en provenance d’Afrique Centrale. Un autre nouveau membre, Denaya Dennis, Fondateur et Directeur Exécutif, Koneta Hub a déclaré : “Je suis très heureux que Koneta Hub ait été accueilli pour faire partie du grand réseau d’innovation africain : – AfriLabs. Nous croyons, en tant que Koneta, que lorsque les jeunes ont une chance, il y a de grandes opportunités et des solutions aux problèmes socio-économiques qui entravent notre croissance. Nous sommes impatients de contribuer à l’écosystème de l’innovation et d’apporter plus d’opportunités au Sud-Soudan.” En provenance d’Afrique australe, nous accueillons REDHub, Durban, Afrique du Sud. Karibu à Techbuzz Hub – Kampala, Ouganda, Future Females Invest – Beau Plan, Maurice, Kiota Hub (Université d’Iringa) – Iringa, Tanzanie et AMCET Innovation Hub (Al-Maktoum College of Engineering and Technology – AMCET) – Dar es Salaam, Tanzanie d’Afrique de l’Est. Habibu Mrisho, the Hub Manager at AMCET INNOVATION HUB, speaks of his excitement at being a part of the network. “Being part of the AfriLabs network adds some advantages to me and the hub due to the fact that the network gives me the privilege to attend some events that would help me to meet other people across the world as well as expand our access to opportunities.”
AfriLabs calls for reversal of the Twitter ban in Nigeria
To build a sustainable innovation economy that solves national issues while improving the economic welfare of the citizens, governments must play their role by providing forward-thinking policies that create a suitable and stable environment for entrepreneurs and individuals to thrive. AfriLabs is a community of over 250 innovation enablers, entrepreneurs and tech talents in 49 African countries. Our community in Nigeria consists of startups that are making remarkable strides in developing scalable solutions, providing employment and attracting record-breaking foreign and local investments. For example, last year during a pandemic, according to several funding reports, Nigerian startups raised over $100 million USD. We believe that the Twitter ban imposed by the Government of Nigeria threatens the success story in Nigeria innovation space and will take us several steps backwards. The government cannot pledge in its vision to transform Nigeria into a leading digital economy as stated in the Nigerian National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020-2030) and then suppress technology and communication tools that are instrumental to innovation development and stakeholder engagement. The AfriLabs community and secretariat in Nigeria are deeply concerned by this ban. We believe that jobs and businesses that are enabled by Twitter and similar national and international platforms are under threat and this could significantly affect the economy of Nigeria, in addition to suppressing the digital rights and freedom of citizens. AfriLabs strongly appeal to the government of Nigeria to reverse the ban and instead constructively engage the innovation ecosystem and entrepreneurs that strive every day to build a prosperous economy in Nigeria.
2021 AfriLabs Annual Gathering to now be held in Nigeria
Considering developments with the global COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainties caused by new air travel restrictions, the AfriLabs Board has decided to move this year’s Annual Gathering to Nigeria. “For reasons beyond our control, we are unable to hold the AfriLabs Annual Gathering in Marrakech as originally planned. To avoid the long process of opening up a bid for a new host country at this late time, the 2021 AfriLabs Annual Gathering will be hosted in Abuja, Nigeria where our Secretariat is situated. The AfriLabs Board and Community are grateful for all the support by Douar Tech, our Moroccan member hub that has worked diligently since 2020 to host this event and we look forward to bringing the Annual Gathering to Morocco at another time.” The AfriLabs board stated after their meeting in Dakar. The 2021 AfriLabs Annual Gathering is an important edition as it coincides with AfriLabs 10th year anniversary and provides an opportunity to spotlight the growth and evolvement of the African Innovation Ecosystem. For more information on how to be a part of the Gathering as a sponsor/partner, please contact: Jennifer Okeke-Ojiudu Ecosystem Events Manager Email: Jen@afrilabs.com Tel: +234 7081350087
Building a Community for Innovators to Thrive in Africa; AfriLabs Onboards 28 New Members, Enters 7 New Cities and 1 New Country.
In line with our vision of supporting innovation on the continent, we have welcomed 28 new hubs into our network! We are now in 7 new cities and 1 new country, Comoros and this brings our member hubs to a total of 268 innovation hubs in 49 African countries. With the number of innovation hubs springing up on the continent, it is crucial that they have a community of like-minded individuals to co-create with and also have adequate support for growth. These hubs as we know play a pivotal role in the economic growth and development of their various countries. We made a commitment 10 years ago to promote and support innovation across the continent and this involves building a community that provides solutions to solve real-life issues for Africans and solving those problems affects the rest of the world at large, and this is still our goal. “We are always excited when we admit new members into our network. A journey that started 10 years ago, we still remain true to our core values of building and supporting a community that powers innovation in Africa.” Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director of AfriLabs said about the latest admission of members into the network. “The future is full of opportunities for the African Tech Ecosystem because of communities like ours, and our arms are always open to innovation hubs that want to be a part of us!” Joining us from Western Africa is Ilorin Innovation Hub, Unimak Workflow Innovation Hub, Duapa Werkspace, 8thGear Hub, Cirkle Labs, Equilibrium Zone, Fobespace Hub, The Hub, GoGlobal Hub, Dare to Innovate, Vision Incubation Hub, Noni Hub, Impact Cove and The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law Innovation Hubs. We have Institute of Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (SIMAD University), Muni University Business Incubation Centre (Muni University), SNDBX International, WITU Hub, DICOS Incubator LLP, Com’Work, Nakuru Box Innovation Center and The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law Innovation Hubs from Eastern Africa. And from Central Africa, WETECH, Youth Business Cameroon (YBC), Startup Factory Djibouti, Kum’lab, Akewa Accelerateur became a part of the AfriLabs family. We also welcome Innovation Co-Lab Durban, The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law Innovation Hubs from Southern Africa. 249 Startups and The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law Innovation Hubs from Northern Africa are part of our newest members. “The impact of collaboration in the African technology and innovation ecosystem can never be overemphasized. It is pleasing for us as a network to foster more connectivity for hubs across Africa and also ensure the growth and sustainability of our ecosystem through our constant expansion. We are glad to welcome another addition to the AfriLabs network, as we look forward to achieving an innovative Africa together.” said Kenechukwu .C. Chukwu, Member Services Manager at AfriLabs in her comment about the new members. Michael Asante Saforo, Hub Manager, Duapa Werkspace, one of the newly admitted hubs said that his organisation is extremely grateful for the opportunity to be part of the AfriLabs network. “Being part of AfriLabs will boost our reach to do more for young entrepreneurs and startups and we couldn’t be more grateful. We aspire to contribute our quota to the goals of AfriLabs and more. Duapa Werkspace being in the Western Region of Ghana places us in a strategic spot to connect the youth to a lot of wonderful opportunities.” Last year, we gave over 250,000 euros to 17 of our members to execute support programmes for entrepreneurs and innovators in their communities, under our Capacity Building Programme funded by Agence Française de Développement through the Digital Africa Seed Fund. Esther Nansbuga, Programmes Manager, Women In Technology Uganda also a newly admitted hub said her team looks forward to connecting with other hubs across Africa to learn and share knowledge to support young women and girls to become innovative, technologists, and entrepreneurs in Africa’s tech economy.
Country in Focus – Cameroon “Africa in Miniature”
To highlight the ever-growing and diversified community of the AfriLabs network, we are pleased to introduce our new series on our community and their impact in their respective countries. As one of the fast-rising innovation communities in Africa, Cameroon has 2 unique systems; the Anglophone and the Francophone Ecosystem – a reflection of Africa’s diversity based on culture and its geographic sphere. In 1998, governing telecommunication in Cameroon enabled the introduction of two private mobile operators (Orange in 1999 and MTN in the year 2000), and within ten years, the first digital service in Cameroon began, thereby creating convenience in communication through mobile telephony which came into existence in Cameroon in 1999 with the advent of Societe Camerounaise des Mobile (mobilis) now called “Orange Cameroun.” Despite the emergence of telecom into the country, access to the internet by Cameroonians was difficult, hence the partnership between Equacomm and Camtel came into play to provide more access to wireless internet, as they believed closing the gap could be reduced through the deployment of Wi-Fi technologies throughout the country, considered less expensive and accessible via mobile telephones, whose penetration rate exceeds 80% in Cameroon. In 2010, there was a challenge as regards licensing of telecommunication companies in Cameroon which affected the service delivery of companies like Créolink, Ringo Sarl, Northwave Sarl (Vodafone), TNT Africa, and Afrikanet Online among others. ART, however, stepped in and began to issue “temporary permits” to operators disregarding regulatory measures which weren’t welcomed by the government. The then Cameroonian Prime Minister, Philémon Yang, signed a decree fixing the procedures for establishing operating networks and providing electronic communication services subject to a licensing scheme, due to the criticism posed by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (Agence de Régulation des Télécommunications – ART), for illegally granting itself the issuance of “temporary permits” to telecom companies subject to licensing. 2010 marked the beginning of hub evolution in Cameroon with ActivSpaces being the first to pivot in the entrepreneurial landscape, alongside Jokkolabs, and EtriLabs. Out of over 25 tech hubs in Cameroon, AfriLabs has a record of 17 which includes; Zixtech Hub, Jongo Hub, NexGen Technology Center, Innova237, among others. ActivSpaces, founded in 2010, was founded to increase the odds of success for young tech entrepreneurs in Cameroon by creating environments that will serve as catalysts permitting their technology innovations to thrive. They have supported over 87 Startups, 1000+ community members, and have organized over 2000 events in partnership with several organizations. Their mission has always been to train, encourage and support young Cameroonian innovators into becoming world-class technology entrepreneurs capable of building successful technology enterprises. Zixtech Hub has been actively engaged in Entrepreneurship. The tech hub focused on tech solutions that solve real problems, with the vision of being the leading hub that turns ideas into enterprises. Being located in Limbe, South West Region of Cameroon, it has launched more than 15 startups with 30 Small businesses that have sprung up from them. The hub has trained more than 1500 Entrepreneurs and supported more than 200 businesses in Cameroon, Africa, and Europe. Jongo Hub since its inception has grown into a community of over 5000 innovators, bringing together creatives, techies, civil society leaders, and engineers. Jongo hub has so far served 180 startups, supported over 300 startups, and also provided to 200 young individuals skills in graphics design, motion graphics, web and mobile app development, photography, Serigraphy, and print technologies. They have trained more than 2000 entrepreneurs in design thinking, Business Development, Business Modelling and Financial Management. Seedstars, Google Developers Groups, and Startupgrind have hosted some key programs and competitions for startups in the thriving ecosystem in Cameroon. There has been tremendous growth with public incubators in the 10 Regional Universities in the country receiving support from the State. Between 2017 to 2020, the number of hubs and incubators has grown more than 20 times, and in the area of startup investments, it has been more of a baby step as some startups have raised funds within the ecosystem while most are still in the infancy stage using the lean methodology. However, the country has notable startups like DroneAfrica, the first-ever Africa-made drone manufacturing company, which is a flagship project of Will & Brothers Consulting, founded by William Elong. This startup reportedly raised a fund of 200,000 USD to facilitate its project and was said to have created a major shift in tech and innovation in Cameroon. Other notable startups include; Giftedmom, Hymo medical, Orion, Ouicare, and many more. A catalyst to the growth of the Cameroon ecosystem is the presence of smaller ecosystems in the regions, the inclusion of this fuels when providing support for enterprises and encouraging collaboration for increased impact. For example, a very vibrant ecosystem of hubs, startups, and other stakeholders often called “Silicon Mountain” based in the English-speaking region thrives based on intensive collaboration and the AfriLabs hub members in that ecosystem have been very active in boosting the enterprises through training and support programs. Over the years, about 5000 ventures have benefitted from these programs which enabled their growth and scalability. 2017 was the explosion point for the ecosystem, with government institutions like APME (Enterprise promotion agency), Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises working actively with local partners and ecosystem experts in building policies to boost the ecosystem. The government launched the business incubation summit to bring experts together to share on how to restructure the ecosystem, thus some networks like Kmertech and CEEN (Cameroon Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Network) were created for a strategic partnership to enable the growth and sustainability of businesses which in turn will aid the development of the country’s economy. It is interesting to note that most founding members of these networks are also members of AfriLabs, which brings into play the actualization of the vision of a thriving innovation economy in Africa driven by the power of our community. Though very young and with a lot of work to be done, the diversity of the Cameroonian Innovation Ecosystem is a beacon of hope
Construire une communauté permettant aux innovateurs de prospérer en Afrique ; AfriLabs accueille 28 nouveaux membres, fait son entrée dans 7 nouvelles villes et 1 nouveau pays
Conformément à notre vision de soutenir l’innovation sur le continent, nous avons accueilli 28 nouveaux hubs dans notre réseau ! Nous sommes actuellement présents dans 7 nouvelles villes et un nouveau pays, les Comores. Cela porte le nombre de nos membres à un total de 268 hubs d’innovation dans 49 pays Africains. Considérant le nombre de hubs d’innovation qui émergent sur le continent, il est essentiel qu’ils bénéficient d’une communauté d’individus partageant les mêmes idées pour co-créer ensemble et qu’ils bénéficient d’un soutien adéquat pour leur croissance. Comme nous le savons, ces hubs jouent un rôle primordial dans la croissance économique et le développement de leurs différents pays. Il y a dix ans, nous avons pris l’engagement de promouvoir et de soutenir l’innovation à travers le continent. Cela implique la création d’une communauté qui fournit des solutions pour résoudre des problèmes de vie réelle pour les Africains et la résolution de ces problèmes affecte le reste du monde en général, et c’est toujours notre objectif. “Nous sommes toujours enthousiastes lorsque nous admettons de nouveaux membres dans notre réseau. Un voyage qui a commencé depuis 10 ans, nous restons toujours fidèles à nos valeurs fondamentales de construire et de soutenir une communauté qui stimule l’innovation en Afrique.” Anna Ekeledo, Directrice Exécutive de AfriLabs a déclaré à propos de la dernière admission de membres dans le réseau. “L’avenir est plein d’opportunités pour l’Ecosystème Africaine de la Technologie grâce à des communautés comme la nôtre, et nos bras sont toujours ouverts aux hubs d’innovation qui veulent faire partie de notre réseau !”. Parmi les pays d’Afrique Occidentale qui nous rejoignent, il y a Ilorin Innovation Hub, Unimak Workflow Innovation Hub, Duapa Werkspace, 8thGear Hub, Cirkle Labs, Equilibrium Zone, Fobespace Hub, The Hub, GoGlobal Hub, Dare to Innovate, Vision Incubation Hub, Noni Hub, Impact Cove et Le Hague Institute for Innovation of Law Innovation Hubs. En Afrique Orientale, nous avons l’Institute of Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (SIMAD University), Muni University Business Incubation Centre (Muni University), SNDBX International, WITU Hub, DICOS Incubator LLP, Com’Work, Nakuru Box Innovation Center et Le Hague Institute for Innovation of Law Innovation Hubs. En provenance d’Afrique centrale, WETECH, Youth Business Cameroun (YBC), Startup Factory Djibouti, Kum’lab, Akewa Accelerateur ont rejoint la famille AfriLabs Nous accueillons également Innovation Co-Lab Durban, The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law Innovation Hubs d’Afrique du Sud. 249 startups et le Hague Institute for Innovation of Law Innovation Hubs d’Afrique du Nord font partie de nos nouveaux membres. “On ne soulignera jamais assez l’impact de la collaboration dans l’écosystème Africain de la technologie et de l’innovation. C’est agréable pour nous, en tant que réseau, de favoriser davantage la connectivité des hubs à travers l’Afrique et également d’assurer la croissance et la durabilité de notre écosystème grâce à notre expansion constante. Nous sommes heureux d’accueillir des nouveaux membres au sein du réseau AfriLabs, et nous espérons réaliser ensemble une Afrique innovante “, a déclaré Kenechukwu .C. Chukwu, Responsable des Services aux Membres chez AfriLabs, dans son commentaire sur les nouveaux membres. Michael Asante Saforo, Gérant du Hub, Duapa Werkspace, l’un des nouveaux hubs admis, a déclaré que son organisation est extrêmement reconnaissante pour l’opportunité de faire partie du réseau AfriLabs. “En faisant partie de AfriLabs, nous permettons de mieux aider les jeunes entrepreneurs et les startups et nous ne pourrions pas être plus reconnaissants. Nous aspirons à contribuer notre part aux objectifs de AfriLabs et plus encore. La situation de Duapa Werkspace dans la Région Occidentale du Ghana nous place dans une position stratégique pour connecter les jeunes à un grand nombre d’opportunités merveilleuses.” L’année dernière, AfriLabs a donné plus de 250 000 euros à 17 de ses membres pour réaliser des programmes de soutien aux entrepreneurs et aux innovateurs dans leurs communautés, dans le cadre de son Programme de Renforcement des Capacités financé par l’Agence Française de Développement par le biais du Fonds d’Amorçage de Digital Africa. Esther Nansbuga, Responsable des Programmes, Women In Technology Ouganda, également un hub nouvellement admis, a déclaré que son équipe est enthousiaste à l’idée de se connecter avec d’autres hubs à travers l’Afrique pour apprendre d’avantage et partager des connaissances afin d’aider les jeunes femmes et les filles à devenir des innovatrices, des technologistes et des entrepreneurs dans l’économie de la technologie en Afrique.
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.