AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2025: Celebrating a Decade of Innovation Excellence in Nairobi, Kenya

AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2025: Celebrating a Decade of Innovation Excellence in Nairobi, Kenya The AfriLabs Annual Gathering returns for its 10th edition, a milestone celebration of innovation, collaboration, and progress in Africa’s tech ecosystem. From 13-15 October 2025, Nairobi, Kenya, will host this premier event under the theme, “Africa’s Innovation Future: Policy, Partnerships, and Progress.”    As AfriLabs’ flagship event, the Annual Gathering brings together key stakeholders from across Africa’s technology and innovation landscape—hub leaders, startup founders, investors, corporates, policymakers, development agencies, academia, and media—providing a platform to network, exchange ideas, and forge lasting partnerships.    The 10th Annual Gathering promises to be transformative and the 2025 theme emphasizes the urgent need for robust policies, strategic partnerships, and measurable progress to unlock Africa’s innovation potential. The event will explore how aligned efforts between governments, private sector players, and development partners can drive socio-economic growth and position Africa as a key player on the global innovation stage.    Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss policy frameworks that enable startups and innovation hubs to thrive, explore successful public-private partnerships driving impactful solutions, develop actionable roadmaps for inclusive socio-economic growth, and engage with cutting-edge insights and innovations showcasing Africa’s competitive edge.    The Gathering will feature dedicated tracks tailored to address the critical needs of Africa’s innovation ecosystem, expect dynamic keynote sessions, panel discussions, workshops, and masterclasses led by global and regional thought leaders. The showcase and exhibitions will spotlight groundbreaking solutions from startups and tech hubs, while pitch competitions will offer innovators the chance to secure funding and scale their solutions.    “This milestone edition of the AfriLabs Annual Gathering is a testament to the incredible growth and impact of the African innovation ecosystem over the last decade,” said Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director at AfriLabs. “As we look to the future, the Gathering will be a critical platform for driving the policies, partnerships, and progress necessary to position Africa at the forefront of global innovation. Together, we will cultivate the collaborations and solutions needed to address Africa’s challenges and seize its opportunities on a global scale.”   Join us in Nairobi as we celebrate a decade of innovation excellence and chart a new course for Africa’s technology and innovation ecosystems. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, policymaker, or innovation enthusiast, the AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2025 is your platform to contribute to Africa’s innovation journey.    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.    For more information about the AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2025 and AfriLabs, visit www.afrilabsgathering.com and www.afrilabs.com.  For media inquiries, please contact pr@afrilabs.com & comms@afrilabs.com  

AfriLabs and Algeria Venture Forge Partnership to Drive Sustainable Growth and Development in Africa

AfriLabs and Algeria Venture Forge Partnership to Drive Sustainable Growth and Development in Africa   AfriLabs, the largest pan-African innovation-focused organization empowering and building a community around innovation hubs and other stakeholders, is excited to announce a new partnership with Algeria Venture, a state-owned startup accelerator in Algeria aimed at fostering startup innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. Through its range of programs, the backing of governmental and financial institutions, Algeria Venture plays a significant role in nurturing the startup ecosystem and driving economic growth in Algeria.   This partnership was unveiled at the AfriLabs Annual Gathering event 2023, which took place in Kigali, Rwanda, from the 11th to 13th of October where both organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The event was a platform to discuss how to accelerate the digital economy in Africa and identify the available opportunities, it was attended by innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and other stakeholders from across the continent.   The AfriLabs – Algeria Venture partnership aims to identify areas of potential joint initiatives where both organizations may seek and analyze cooperation opportunities, encourage innovation and support in the management, funding and promotion of the startup ecosystem across Africa.   Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director at AfriLabs, said “We are thrilled to partner with Algeria Venture, this partnership is a significant step towards promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa. It will provide a platform for Algerian startups and innovative projects to connect with the wider African innovation ecosystem, and for AfriLabs to expand its reach and impact in North Africa. The partnership will also enable both organizations to share knowledge, resources, and expertise, and to collaborate on joint initiatives that will drive sustainable growth and development on the continent.”   Sidali Zerrouki, General Manager at Algeria Venture, said, “This partnership with AfriLabs will enable Algeria Venture to expand its network of stakeholders engaged in innovation and maximize its impact on the African continent; furthermore, it will ensure the startups it promotes to acquire new market shares and forge relationships with local actors.”   This partnership is a testament to AfriLabs’ commitment to driving innovation and technology in Africa and to Algeria Venture’s dedication to promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in Algeria. Together, these organizations will work towards creating a more prosperous and equitable future for all Africans.   For more information about the AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2023 and AfriLabs, visit www.afrilabsgathering.com and www.afrilabs.com. To learn more about Algeria Venture visit  www.aventure.dz   For media inquiries, please contact jen@afrilabs.com, ifunanya@afrilabs.com, and joshua@afrilabs.com. ………………………………………………………………………………………   About Algeria Venture Algeria Venture, also known as A-Venture, is a state-owned startup accelerator in Algeria aimed at fostering startup innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.    Through its range of programs, the backing of governmental and financial institutions, Algeria Venture plays a significant role in nurturing the startup ecosystem and driving economic growth in Algeria.   About AfriLabs AfriLabs is an organization committed to fostering innovation and building a strong community around innovation hubs and other key stakeholders across all African countries. Through data analytics, tailored training programs, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and specialized support, AfriLabs equips Africa with the essential skills and resources needed to drive sustainable development and growth within the continent’s tech and innovation landscape. As an organization aiming to raise $1bn in the next three years, AfriLabs engages with policymakers and stakeholders to shape policies that empower the pan-African innovation economy, driving sustainable growth and technological advancement backed by data.    Visit the AfriLabs website www.afrilabs.com to learn more about how the largest pan-African innovation-focused network is making a difference.

AfriLabs and Renew Capital Drive Investment in African Startups –  Leveraging a Shared Vision for Impactful Change in Africa

AfriLabs and Renew Capital Drive Investment in African Startups –  Leveraging a Shared Vision for Impactful Change in Africa   AfriLabs and Renew Capital formed a strategic and collaborative relationship that will foster innovation, drive sustainable and impactful change in Africa by signing a memorandum of understanding at the 2023 AfriLabs Annual Gathering event hosted in Kigali, Rwanda.     This exciting partnership will enable Renew Capital to gain access to de-risked and investable startups within the AfriLabs network through AfriLabs Connect Deal Room (ACDR); an initiative that connects global investors with innovative startups in Africa seeking to raise scale-up funding for their businesses. The referred startups from the ACDR will be considered by Renew Capital for inclusion within the prevailing investment process for funding.   Ajibola Odukoya, Chief Operating Officer at AfriLabs, said, “We are excited to work with Renew Capital to provide a platform for African startups to access capital, training and mentorship , and It will help to spur the wave of change that African innovators and entrepreneurs have long sought. Connecting investors to innovative projects will create economic and social value not just in Africa, but throughout the world.”   “As a firm our mission is to grow companies that in turn build their nations and leave a lasting legacy,” said Lucas Robinson, Director of Regional Private Sector Projects at Renew Capital. “We’re excited to work more closely with AfriLabs and its continent-wide network of entrepreneurship hubs to add value to the business ecosystems in Africa.   This partnership shows the dedication of both organizations to promoting entrepreneurship, collaboration, and knowledge sharing on the continent. Together AfriLabs and Renew Capital will work to create a brighter future for all Africans, with an eye towards sustainable development and inclusive growth.   For more information about the AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2023 and AfriLabs, visit www.afrilabsgathering.com and www.afrilabs.com. To learn more about Renew Capital visit  www.renewcapital.com.    For media inquiries, please contact jen@afrilabs.com, ifunanya@afrilabs.com, and joshua@afrilabs.com. ………………………………………………………………………………………   About Renew CapitalRenew Capital is an Africa-focused impact investment firm that backs innovative companies with high-growth potential. Renew Capital manages investments made on behalf of the Renew Capital Angels, a global network of angel investors, foundations and family offices who seek financial returns and sustainable social impact.   About AfriLabs AfriLabs is an organization committed to fostering innovation and building a strong community around innovation hubs and other key stakeholders across all African countries. Through data analytics, tailored training programs, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and specialized support, AfriLabs equips Africa with the essential skills and resources needed to drive sustainable development and growth within the continent’s tech and innovation landscape. As an organization aiming to raise $1bn in the next three years, AfriLabs engages with policymakers and stakeholders to shape policies that empower the pan African innovation economy, driving sustainable growth and technological advancement backed by data.    Visit the AfriLabs website www.afrilabs.com to learn more about how the largest pan-African innovation-focused network is making a difference.

AfriLabs’ Latest Expansion Heralds Exciting New Opportunities for Africa’s Digital Economy

We at AfriLabs are thrilled to announce our continued expansion as we work towards building thriving innovation and digital economies throughout Africa. Our latest addition, the Kingdom of Eswatini, as well as the five new cities of Matsapha, Zanzibar, Baidoa, Ota, and Musanze, have joined our community. As the largest pan-African association of innovation enablers, we are excited to increase our reach and impact. We are proud to welcome Novation City in North Africa, Privilege Access and Eureka Geo in Central Africa, Cube Zanzibar, Thousand Hills Hub, Somaliland Innovation Zone (SIZ), Southwest Innovation Hub, and Kabarak University Innovation and Business Incubation Center in East Africa, and Moolu Venture Lab, The Stalwart Hub, Platinum Hub, Ubulu Africa, Hebron Startup Lab, WAN-Hive Ghana, Green Tech Innovation, and Royal Science and Technology Park-Business Incubator (RSTP) in West and South Africa to our association of hubs. These additions will strengthen our efforts to achieve a fully digitalized Africa by 2030, as we continue to connect our hub members to a network of other stakeholders, lead innovation policy advocacy, and increase their capabilities through funding, collaborations, and knowledge sharing. We aim to enhance local African innovation ecosystems and provide better support for creating investment-worthy digital startups and businesses. We are optimistic about the impact our continuous expansion will have on Africa’s innovation and digital sector. As Mayssa Mrabet, our Director of Community, says, “AfriLabs will continue nurturing, supporting, and celebrating innovative ecosystems across the continent.” Our new members are equally excited to be a part of our growing network. Mely Monique, the Founder and CEO of Eureka Geo in Cameroon, states, “Becoming a member of AfriLabs is a unique chance for us to be part of the African digital ecosystem and access numerous opportunities.” Suleiman, Co-founder and Director of Cube Zanzibar, Tanzania, agrees, “This partnership amplifies our impact, aligning our island’s unique strengths with AfriLabs’ vision for a flourishing African innovation landscape.” We are looking forward to celebrating this growing community and plotting the way forward for the continent’s innovation growth at our Annual Gathering in Kigali from October 11-13. This year’s theme aims to accelerate Africa’s digital economy, and with the strength of the AfriLabs community, we invite you to join us. Don’t miss out – learn more and be a part of this year’s Gathering here: https://afrilabsgathering.com.

PRESS STATEMENT: AFRILABS CALLS FOR PEACEFUL RESOLUTION TO ONGOING SITUATION IN NIGER

AfriLabs is closely monitoring the situation in Niger and is deeply concerned by the current developments. We pray all parties involved to find ways to de-escalate the tension and seek a peaceful resolution. Niger has made significant progress in developing its innovation ecosystem, which includes a growing number of innovation hubs and startups. It is important that this progress is not lost due to the current situation. As an organization dedicated to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship across Africa, AfriLabs stands for peace, positive, and impactful development in Niger and across the continent. We believe that Niger has the potential to become a regional hub for innovation, and AfriLabs remains committed to supporting the growth and development of our member hubs in Niger and the technology and innovation ecosystem on the continent. We urge all stakeholders to work together to ensure that Niger can continue to make progress towards this goal. Signed, Moetaz HelmyOn behalf of the AfriLabs Board AfriLabs suit de près la situation au Niger et est profondément préoccupé par les développements actuels. Nous prions toutes les parties concernées de trouver des moyens de désamorcer la tension et de rechercher une solution pacifique. Le Niger a fait des progrès significatifs dans le développement de son écosystème d’innovation, qui comprend un nombre croissant de centres d’innovation et de startups. Il est important que ces progrès ne soient pas perdus en raison de la situation actuelle. En tant qu’organisation dédiée à la promotion de l’innovation et de l’entreprenariat à travers l’Afrique, AfriLabs est en faveur de la paix, d’un développement positif et impactant au Niger et à travers le continent. Nous pensons que le Niger a le potentiel pour devenir un centre régional d’innovation, et AfriLabs reste engagé à soutenir la croissance et le développement de nos Hubs membres au Niger et de l’écosystème de la technologie et de l’innovation sur le continent. Nous exhortons toutes les parties prenantes à travailler ensemble pour s’assurer que le Niger puisse continuer à progresser vers cet objectif. Signé, Moetaz Helmy Au nom du Conseil d’Administration de AfriLabs

U.S. Department of State and AfriLabs Partner to Address Climate Crisis and Foster Entrepreneurship

Marrakech, Morocco, June 2, 2023 – The United States Department of State’s Office of Global Partnerships (E/GP) and AfriLabs signed an MOU at the GITEX Africa event in Marrakech, forging a partnership to address the climate crisis and promote entrepreneurship in Africa. During her speech, Dorothy McAuliffe, Special Representative from the Office of Global Partnerships, described the collaboration with AfriLabs as a significant step toward building 21st-century U.S.-Africa public-private partnerships. Through this collaboration, both organisations aim to support the Coalition for Climate Entrepreneurs (CCE) initiative, which focuses on nurturing startups and entrepreneurs driving climate solutions in developing nations. “We are excited to join forces with the U.S. Department of State in our shared mission to empower entrepreneurs and drive sustainable change,” said Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director of AfriLabs. “This partnership will create opportunities for climate-focused startups in our hub community across Africa to access expertise, capital, and global markets.” Under the MOU, the U.S. Department of State and AfriLabs will collaborate on various programs, including the U.S. Climate Ops and Partnership Opportunity Delegations (PODs), to connect climate entrepreneurs with resources and targeted opportunities. Also, the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and BridgeUSA will assist promising climate entrepreneurs. The partnership will focus on four pillars: engagement, expertise, capital, and deployment. By fostering collaboration, providing skills and knowledge, attracting investment, and implementing climate solutions, the partnership aims to make a significant impact. The MOU is effective immediately and will continue until the completion of the partnership goals, with the option for extension.   …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… For media inquiries, please contact: U.S. Department of State Ashwood Heffern – Heffernja1@state.gov Avery Rodriguez – RodriguezAN2@state.gov AfriLabs Jennifer Okeke-Ojiudu – jen@afrilabs.com Joshua Omena – joshua@afrilabs.com About the U.S. Department of State: The U.S. Department of State is the leading foreign affairs agency of the United States government, dedicated to shaping a peaceful and prosperous world. The Office of Global Partnerships fosters public-private collaborations to address global challenges and promote sustainable development. About AfriLabs: AfriLabs, a dynamic community-focused organization has been empowering and nurturing innovation hubs across Africa since 2011. By building capacity, providing capital, networking, and advocating for policy changes, AfriLabs cultivates highly-promising innovators and entrepreneurs in its member hubs’ communities, ultimately driving economic and social growth. In addition to fostering a robust community around these rapidly emerging innovation hubs in Africa, the organization also connects them to other stakeholders in the broader ecosystem, thereby improving the quality of their interventions and contributing to a thriving African innovation economy.

French Version of AfriLabs Academy to Drive Innovation Support in Francophone Africa

Lubumbashi, DRC – May 12th, 2023 – AfriLabs, the largest association of technology and innovation hubs across Africa, has launched the French version of the AfriLabs Academy during the Ecosystem Event that concluded the AfriLabs Capacity Building Programme workshop at CINOLU, Lubumbashi, DRC. The launch marks a significant milestone in the Association’s efforts to build capacity among Francophone Africa hub managers and staff, entrepreneurship support organisations (ESOs) and other startup support structures.   The AfriLabs Academy is an integral part of the AfriLabs Capacity Building Programme, supported by AFD through its Digital Africa Seed Fund. The platform is designed to provide training and management skills to those supporting African startups and MSMEs in their communities. The content on the platform is co-created and certified by Strathmore University, with the platform developed based on a needs assessment undertaken by AfriLabs in 2019 to identify the needs of ESOs and hubs in Africa.   Speaking at the launch, Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director of AfriLabs, highlighted the importance of the French version of the AfriLabs Academy in supporting French-speaking African Innovation Ecosystems. “The launch of the French version of the AfriLabs Academy marks a significant step in our efforts to ensure that all African innovation communities have access to the resources and tools needed to build the capacity of African startups and MSMEs,” she said.   The AfriLabs Academy was first launched in May 2022, and since then, it has provided training and capacity-building support to over 500 hub managers and staff, ESOs and other startup support structures across Africa. With the launch of the French version of the platform, AfriLabs expects to extend its reach and impact even further, building capacity and supporting startups and MSMEs across French-speaking African countries.   To learn more about the AfriLabs Academy and the AfriLabs Capacity Building Programme, please visit www.academy.afrilabs.com.

AfriLabs Welcomes 19 New Members, Expanding to Two New Cities

03/05/2023 – AfriLabs, the largest network of technology and innovation hubs in Africa, is pleased to announce the admission of 19 new members to its community. With the addition of these new members, AfriLabs now has a total of 419 members in 52 African countries, including access to two new cities: Sousse in Tunisia and Baidoa in Somalia. As an association, AfriLabs is committed to driving innovation and entrepreneurship on the continent by bringing together technology hubs, startups, investors, and other key stakeholders in the ecosystem. With the addition of these new members, AfriLabs continues to expand its network and strengthen its mission of building a thriving innovation economy in Africa. “We are thrilled to welcome these 19 new members to the AfriLabs community,” said Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director of AfriLabs. “Their inclusion represents our commitment to driving innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent, and we look forward to working with them to achieve our collective goal of building a thriving innovation ecosystem in Africa.” The new members of AfriLabs are: Enroot, Cairo, Egypt, Entrepreneurship Center of Social Impact-ECSI (Heliopolis University), Cairo, Egypt, Ichraf Jarray of Hive 12, Sousse, Tunisia, Soha Amer of Université Senghor (University), Alexandria, Egypt, iZET Hub, Nairobi, Kenya, KHUB, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, WiseHub, Kisumu, Kenya, Antler Foundation Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya, Knight Ventures (KV Hub), Lagos, Nigeria, Axia Technology and Innovation Hub, Jos, Nigeria, Eridan Group, Lagos, Nigeria, Mainstream Exelient Hub, Jos, Nigeria and Afritech Hub, Tamale, Ghana. Others include: Tech Hub Harare, Harare, Zimbabwe, Acelera Angola, Luanda, Angola, Afrisource Innovation Center, Windhoek, Namibia, Fondation BantuHub, Brazzaville, Congo, IDENTIC Foundacion, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea and LPC Space (Espacio Locos por Cultura), Malabo, Equatorial Guinea Caroline Odera of WiseHub said, “We look forward to more partnerships, learning, and building together as we represent the voices of women and girls from the Lake Victoria region.” Vembe Rajil of Fondation BantuHub added, “By joining AfriLabs, we are delighted to contribute to the growth of innovation and sustainable development on the African continent. Together, we are stronger.” AfriLabs welcomes these new members and looks forward to working with them to create a more sustainable and diverse innovation ecosystem across Africa. For more information about AfriLabs and its members, please visit www.afrilabs.com.

Rwanda’s ICT Minister endorses the AfriLabs Annual Gathering

AfriLabs, the largest pan-African network of technology and innovation hubs in Africa is pleased to announce that Rwanda’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Hon. Paula Ingabire has given her endorsement for the 2023 AfriLabs Annual Gathering (AAG) to be held in Kigali, Rwanda. This came after her tweet last year expressing her excitement when Rwanda won the bid to host this event. In a recent meeting with a team from AfriLabs consisting of Anna Ekeledo – the Executive Director, Steve Tchoumba – an AfriLabs board member, and some other apex staff, the Minister pledged her support for the AAG and expressed her commitment to hosting all stakeholders of the African technology and innovation ecosystem for a series of events, adding that she is ready to showcase the opportunities available to them in Rwanda. “Rwanda is always open to welcome regional and global innovators, and more so to champion critical conversations that unlock forward-looking policies and opportunities for the start-up ecosystem. Our goal is to empower scalable startups that collectively transform our communities with cutting edge innovations,” said Hon. Paula Ingabire. The AAG is AfriLabs’ flagship event which first took place in 2016 in Accra, Ghana, and is held yearly in different cities across the continent. Over the years, it has grown from being just an opportunity to convene the African technology and innovation ecosystem into being an avenue to build African institutions, chart policy pathways and become a vehicle to usher in the next wave of African technology advancement. Through collaboration, stakeholder engagement, policy advocacy and Government engagement, the event has turned into a focal point for change in Africa. To this end, Hon. Ingabire has committed to having further conversations on policy throughout this year that will yield tangible results in the ecosystem. We are also pleased to announce that the theme for this year’s Gathering is “Accelerating Africa’s Digital Economy by the Strength of our Community”, and it is scheduled to take place from the 11th to 13th of October 2023. “AfriLabs appreciates the people, government, and innovation community in Rwanda for the strides they have made in positioning themselves as one of the most progressive countries on the continent. We thank the Honorable Minister for putting her weight behind platforms like the AfriLabs Annual Gathering. We look forward to onboarding more partners as we approach the Gathering. To the entire African innovation ecosystem, see you in Kigali in October,” said Anna Ekeledo during her meeting with the Rwandan Minister of ICT. Registration for the 2023 AfriLabs Annual Gathering has commenced. Secure your spot at www.afrilabsgathering.com.

10×1000 Fintech Program

Do you desire growth and expansion for your FINTECH startup this year? Then you should apply for the 10 X 1000 Flex Program! 10 X 1000 Tech for Inclusion is an open and global fintech training platform that enables learners to become drivers of digital economic growth. Its mission is to train 1,000 emerging talents and tech leaders each year for the next ten years. 10×1000 is a philanthropic initiative launched jointly by Alipay and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, in 2018. The 2023 10×1000 Flex Program is implemented through AfriLabs. Learn more and apply here: https://bit.ly/10X1000FlexPrograms & apply with case-sensitive code aflt4i