Zambia To Host The 2022 AfriLabs Annual Gathering
Exploring a theme that focuses on collaboration and connectivity, this year’s edition of the Gathering will be held in Lusaka, Zambia from the 25th to the 28th of October. AfriLabs is pleased to announce the theme for this year’s AfriLabs Annual Gathering – “INTER-AFRICA CONNECTIVITY, COLLABORATION & INNOVATION”. The 2022 AfriLabs Annual Gathering will be held in Zambia and will have Jacaranda Hub as the host hub. This was announced at a press briefing in Lusaka, the Zambian capital. Register now: www.afrilabsgathering.com The AfriLabs Board Chair, Moetaz Helmy during the briefing spoke about the focus for this year’s Gathering. “The Gathering this year focuses on the innate ability of Africa to build Africa. We want to look inward and interrogate how we can scale the innovation economy regionally and across the continent. We want to explore ways we can improve innovation support and tackle our well-known challenges. We are inviting everyone that has Africa’s growth at heart, everyone that believes that leveraging collaboration and communal effort is how we will make progress as a people” AfriLabs is Africa’s largest community of innovation hubs and enablers who seeks to build a thriving innovation ecosystem, powered by its community of innovation hubs. These hubs provide centres for financial, legal, business, and training support necessary for aiding successful entrepreneurs in developing innovative solutions to Africa’s problems and creating employment opportunities to stimulate economic growth. AfriLabs supports these innovation centres with access to resources and builds their capacity with knowledge sharing while offering a platform for collaboration and partnership. “This year’s Gathering is themed “INTER-AFRICA CONNECTIVITY, COLLABORATION & INNOVATION” and what better time to explore this topic than now. AfriLabs just celebrated a decade of existence and we are looking into the next decade; what can we do better? What can the innovation ecosystem in Africa do better to improve the quality and impact of the innovations we produce?” said Anna Ekeledo, AfriLabs Executive Director at the briefing. “For there to be growth, there must be sustainable innovation, and for there to be sustainable innovation, there must be structures that support and enable innovation. We can’t scale and sustain our progress if we are not intentional about it.” The Zambian Minister of Science & Technology, Minister Hon. Felix Mutati was also present at the briefing. “Hosting this year’s Gathering presents an opportunity for Zambia to show more of its potential as a leader in entrepreneurship and innovation in the Southern African region” “I want to agree with the Executive Director of AfriLabs, that if we are to make progress as an African continent, the doors must be open to each other. We must partner and collaborate with each other to open doors to innovation transformation” he said during his speech. “Collaboration and engagement must be a part of stakeholders’ agenda of supporting startups”. Speaking on the Zambian Government involvement in developing the local innovation ecosystem, Mara Zhanet Michelo, CEO of Jacaranda Hub, Zambia said “I would also like to commend the new dawn government under the leadership of His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema on its commitment to driving technology and innovation through the newly formed Ministry of Technology and Science. In executing its mandate, the Ministry of Technology and Science is fostering research and innovation in order to improve commercialization and market acceptance in digital economies. The Ministry is now in the centre of the human development process and Jacaranda Hub is proud to be a co-anchor in that development process”. The AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2022 which will take place in Lusaka, from the 25th – 28th of October 2022 aims to attract hundreds of delegates from all African Countries and the diaspora. bringing together different leaders in Africa from government officials to business executives, hub managers, decision-makers, innovators, and startups. Through Ubuntu, the Annual Gathering is dedicated to uplifting Africa by relentlessly testing and trying solutions that will enhance resilience in resource utilization and leadership. Interested in partnering with AfriLabs for this year’s edition of their Annual Gathering, send an email to felista@afrilabs.com and/or jen@afrilabs.com. About AfriLabs AfriLabs is a network of technology innovation hubs across Africa, it was founded in 2011 with a desire to build a community around rapidly emerging tech hubs in Africa. AfriLabs aims to support the growth of the technology and innovation economy across Africa. The AfriLabs Annual Gathering brings opportunities for hubs in the AfriLabs network and other stakeholders to share knowledge around a common theme and build partnerships. The event was first hosted by Ghana in 2016 and now Zambia will be the first Southern African Country to host it in October 2022. Currently, AfriLabs boasts of 320 member hubs, and during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the network had a massive impact where 70% of women-based projects were supported and €267,000 was invested to support various African communities. Additionally, €36,000 was raised as grants to host SDGs and Covid-19 virtual meetups while over 2,000 ecosystem enablers, staff, and hub managers were trained on best practices for startup support. Email: secretariat@afrilabs.com Website: www.afrilabs.com Jacaranda Hub The bid to host AfriLabs Annual Gathering in Zambia was secured by Jacaranda Hub and will also be hosted by Jacaranda Hub in partnership with the Ministry of Science and Technology. Jacaranda Hub is a social enterprise and ecosystem developer that provides support to young people and youths through the provision of collective services, infrastructure, and specialized tools and equipment. Founded in 2017, Jacaranda Hub utilizes available global and local resources to upgrade Zambian skills through training programs that aim at progressing public services, businesses, and people’s lives. The organization is mandated to engage Zambian youth in contributing to national commercial and social-economic expansion. As such, this mandate aligns with the government’s agenda of building innovative startups in Zambia and calling for collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology to make it possible. “Our mission is to leverage ICT in promoting the Development of an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Zambia” – Mara Michelo, CEO at Jacaranda Hub
UNDP Accelerator Labs and AfriLabs Announce Powerful Partnership to Advance Innovation Policy in Africa
Abuja, Nigeria & New York, United States, 10 November 2021 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Accelerator Labs and AfriLabs held a hybrid live and virtual event hosted by AfriLabs as part of their 2021 Annual Gathering on 29 October 2021 to formally announce their partnership and path forward. Anna Ekeledo, AfriLabs Executive Director and William Tsuma, Senior Advisor and UNDP Nigeria Accelerator Lab Focal Point attended the in-person event at the ImpactCove Hub in Abuja, Nigeria. Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa and Gina Lucarelli, UNDP Accelerator Labs Team Leader joined virtually. This partnership between two well-established actors in the African innovation ecosystem will focus on harnessing the knowledge of local innovators across the continent to close the gap towards the Sustainable Development Global Goals (SDGs). To date, Africa is only on track for Goal 14 (life below water), with a regression on Goals such as 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions), which is why we urgently need to mobilize the collective intelligence of more than 1 billion Africans to accelerate progress toward these Goals. While Africa is fueled by an incredibly innovative community of grassroots innovators, youth and members of the informal sector, governments do not yet fully utilize this incredible potential. With this partnership the UNDP Accelerator Lab Network and AfriLabs bet on the African innovation ecosystem to increase its contribution to solving the continent’s most pressing development challenges and advance innovation policy in Africa. Both partners’ scale and networks across the continent make them uniquely positioned to achieve that. The UNDP Accelerator Lab Network comprises 91 labs covering 115 countries among which 35 are located in Africa, and AfriLabs is the largest pan-African network, comprising 320 technology and innovation hubs across 51 African countries and the diaspora. “With our youth population projected to be over 500 million over the next 5 years, the importance of job creation cannot be understated, and innovation hubs act as a platform that build systems and businesses that create these jobs. We see this partnership as a powerful collaboration that can multiply the effect of our goals and we look forward to recording measurable impact tailored to revolutionize the innovation ecosystem in Africa,” Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director of AfriLabs said about the partnership. “Together, AfriLabs and the 35 UNDP Accelerator Labs in Africa will draw lessons from existing policies and develop a framework which will be shared as input for African leaders,” said Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa. “This can shape inclusive innovation policies that will better address the complexity of current development challenges.” “Bottom-up innovation plays a critical role if we want to accelerate progress towards the Goals,” shared Gina Lucarelli, UNDP Accelerator Labs Team Leader. “We know there is power in the homegrown innovation happening across the continent and this partnership will help us tap into this potential. I am particularly excited about the upcoming national innovation policy dialogues we are co-organizing to surface what kind of innovation policies can unleash and enable all that power.” The signing ceremony has officially kickstarted this knowledge partnership for the African innovation and development ecosystem. Next up, the partners are organizing a panel series called the “Africa Innovation Policy Dialogues” which will take place in 2021 and 2022, starting in Nigeria and Kenya in November 2021, and will discuss how local innovations can contribute to accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals even, and especially, in times of COVID-19. About AfriLabs AfriLabs was founded in 2011 to build a community around rapidly emerging tech hubs―innovation spaces that serve as meeting points and communities for developers, entrepreneurs, and investors. They believe that supporting the development of the African technology and innovation ecosystem enables Africa to participate in the global knowledge and innovation market place thereby stimulating economic growth. Currently 320 member hubs strong across 51 African countries and the diaspora, AfriLabs vision is to build a thriving innovation economy in Africa, powered by their community. To learn more, visit afrilabs.com or follow @AfriLabs on social media. About UNDP Accelerator Labs The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Accelerator Lab is the world’s largest and fastest learning network on wicked sustainable development challenges. Co-built as a joint-venture with the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany and the Qatar Fund for Development, the Network covers 115 countries, and taps into local innovations to create actionable insights and reimagine sustainable development for the 21st century. Learn more at acceleratorlabs.undp.org or follow us at @UNDPAccLabs For more information or media inquiries, please contact: Joshua Omena A., AfriLabs Communications, +234 7051243829, joshua@afrilabs.com Erika Antoine, UNDP Communications, +1 929 406 5348, erika.antoine@undp.org
Moetaz Helmy is AfriLabs new Board Chair as AfriLabs elects new board members
We are pleased to announce the election of new members to the AfriLabs Board. AfriLabs now has a new Board Chair, a new Board Secretary, a new Francophone Representative and a new Board Member. At the 2021 AfriLabs Annual General Meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, the AfriLabs community exercised their rights as registered members of the network and voted in new AfriLabs board members. This came on the heel of a very interactive campaign season, as nominated candidates had engaged with the community and shared their plans to move the organisation forward. AfriLabs new Board Chair is Moetaz Helmy, the co-founder of the District Spaces and kmt house in Cairo, Egypt. Moetaz Helmy is an African serial entrepreneur and founder of multiple development projects and businesses on the national and regional levels. Helmy earned a bachelor’s degree at the French University in Egypt in 2010, as well as a master’s degree from Mulhouse University, both in Mechanical and Production Engineering. In 2013 he graduated from Nantes University in France with a Master in Business Administration. He is currently the Executive Director of Rollo Africa, one of the biggest business simulation projects on the continent, powered by the African Union, UNDP and AfriLabs. Moetaz was previously the Board Secretary before his election as Board Chair. He is taking over from Rebecca Enonchong who was Board Chair for two tenures (2017-2021). “I am excited to be handing over to Moetaz who has over the years showed his passion for innovation on the continent. This is the standard – that we can change leadership but the vision remains the same, and I know the community will be expecting a certain level of continuity and even better representation of them in the Boardroom” said Rebecca at the Board handover meeting. Other elected board members include Linda Kwamboka from Kenya as Board Secretary. She was previously a Board Member from 2019 – 2021. She is also a member of the board at MFarm and iLab Africa. Elodie Nonga, founder of WETECH, Cameroon was elected as the Francophone Representative on the AfriLabs Board. Steve Tchoumba of Cameroon (Manager of ActivSpaces) was also elected as a Board Member alongside Daniel Chinagozi from Nigeria (founder of Innovation Growth Hub) who retained his seat. Kudzai Mubaiwa from Zimbabwe (co-founder of iZone Hub) also retained her seat as AfriLabs Board Treasurer.
A New Era of Growth: AfriLabs expands its network to 320 innovation hubs in 51 African countries
We are excited to announce that we have crossed 300 member hubs as a community and are now in 51 African countries. As a network organisation that is strengthening innovation across Africa, we understand the importance of having everyone that shares the same vision on board, and that’s why this milestone means a lot to us. The journey of AfriLabs is one charged with the strength of a connected community. As we celebrate 10 years of existence, this gives us a moment to reflect on our impact through the decade and also to celebrate our commitment and growth so far – from 5 founding hub members to a fast-growing community of 320 innovation hubs in 51 countries! “As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, it’s really amazing to look back at the various milestones achieved over the years and what a way to crown the celebration by gaining access to 51 African countries. This is what a Pan-African community should look like – broad, diverse and inclusive. The future has never been more exciting” said Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director of AfriLabs at the announcement of the new members during the 2021 AfriLabs Annual General Meeting. We have 28 entries of new hubs spread across the 5 regions of Africa to enable the extension of the network into 8 new cities and 2 new countries. The new countries include the Central African Republic and Sao Tome & Principe. 2 hubs were admitted from North Africa, 5 from East Africa, 12 from West Africa, 5 from Southern Africa, and 4 from Central Africa, making it a total of 28 hubs to be admitted. Joining us from North Africa is 302labs Coworking Space in Cairo, Egypt, and H.SEVEN in Casablanca, Morocco. Baraza Media Lab – Nairobi, Kenya, Barkulan Coworking and Innovation Hub – Hargeysa, Somaliland, Winam Capital – Kisumu, Kenya, STEM Impact Centre – Nairobi, Kenya, and iVenture Africa – Kampala, Uganda from East Africa. “I am extremely excited to expand my network. The opportunities to meet with African entrepreneurs are limited in Somaliland and I hope to come stronger with inspirations and ways to build an ecosystem here” said Ahmed Omer, founder of Barkulan Hub. Centre for Social Innovations (CSI) – Kumasi, Ghana, Agrico Hub – Techiman, Ghana, Social Entrepreneurship Hub – Takoradi, Ghana, Africa ICT Right – Accra, Ghana, Dansyn Innovation Social Organization (Dansyn ISO) – Bolgatanga/ Upper East Region, Ghana, Engausa Global Technologies Hub – Kano, Nigeria, Hamplus Technologies Int’l [Hamplus Hub] – Abraka, Nigeria, KeoLID Innovation Hub – Ouagadougou, Bobo-dioulasso, and Koudougou, Burkina Faso, Wootlab Innovations Limited – Abuja, Nigeria, Guzakuza – Accra, Ghana and Rhotel House of Innovation – Monrovia, Liberia and The Bulb, Lagos, Nigeria have joined the network from West Africa. We have Africa Beyond 4IR – Pretoria, South Africa, WECREATE Zambia – Lusaka, Zambia, NyamukAfrica – Lusaka, Zambia, WomHub – Johannesburg, South Africa and MSU Innovation Hub – Gweru, Zimbabwe from Southern Africa become a part of our network. From Central Africa, we have O’Botama – Yaoundé, Cameroun, Centrafrique Tech – Bangui, Central African Republic, Hardware Innovation Valley Community – Buea, Cameroon and SOW Hub Ecosistema d Startup – São Tomé, São Tomé e Príncipe. Yunika Robert Bellarmine N., Co-Founder & President of Hardware Innovation Valley Community (HIVC) said: “Being actors in technology requires an extension of one’s action to a community of a bigger network hence creating a greater possibility for impact as tech hubs and innovators. Being part of this formidable AfriLabs network is equated to stepping on one’s feet on a platform of reputable transformation. As Co-Founder and Lead of Hardware Innovation Valley Community Hub, I will say on behalf of my team that this is a very exciting start to endless opportunities and collaborations.”
AfriLabs announces more strategic partners for the AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2021 event: EU-Africa Digilogic, Mozilla, and the University of Basel
Ecosystem Enablers with a common goal of a connected Africa join forces at the 2021 AfriLabs Annual Gathering to drive innovation as the future of Africa’s growth. We are delighted to have these outstanding organizations come on board to support the largest pan-African conference in Africa. DIGILOGIC, a Horizon 2020 project, funded by the European Commission, is the first European and African Digital Innovation Hub (DIH) focusing on smart logistics. DIGILOGIC enables the growth of a common innovators’ ecosystem, where talents from both Europe and Africa will benefit from access to technology, knowledge, and ultimately market opportunities and investments. The African partners are: Prototipi (a Nigerian SME), MEST Africa (an NGO based in Ghana), and Bongo-Hive (a DIH based in Zambia); the European partners are Digital Logistics Hub (Germany), VTT (a research centre from Finland), Endeva (an NGO based in Germany) and Friuli Innovazione (a DIH based in Italy). Prototipi and MEST will lead DIGILOGIC workshop “The Pan-EU Africa sustainable network of Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) fostering smart logistics solutions” at the Afrilabs Annual Gathering 2021. At Mozilla, there is a global community of technologists, thinkers, and builders working together to keep the Internet alive and accessible, for individuals worldwide to be informed contributors and creators of the Web. They believe this act of human collaboration across an open platform is essential to individual growth and our collective future. In 2020, AfriLabs and Mozilla partnered to convene a series of roundtable discussions with African startups, entrepreneurs, developers, and innovators to better understand the tech ecosystem and identify new product ideas – to spur the next generation of open innovation. A report based on these discussions will be published before the end of the year. During the upcoming Gathering, Mozilla will lead workshops on the Common Voice project and Lean Data Practices. The University of Basel has been educating talents from Switzerland and abroad since 1460. Since then, it has been continuously contributing to the creation and transfer of knowledge, adapting to new frameworks, and driving reflection and change in society, business, and culture. Today, the University of Basel is among the Top 100 leading research universities. In its global outreach, Africa and Basel have been developing joint activities for a long time. The Basler Afrika Bibliographien (BAB), the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), swisspeace, the Center for African Studies in Basel (ZASB), and the University’s National and International Cooperation (NIC) have been engaging partners for many. Today, for raising high potential science entrepreneurs, the University of Basel prides itself on working with AfriLabs, the leading tech hub and innovation space supporter on the African Continent. 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. Register here.
2021 AfriLabs Annual Gathering: Leveraging Academia as a tool for building the next generation of entrepreneurs on the continent
AfriLabs is excited to partner with Honoris United Universities for the 2021 AfriLabs Annual Gathering as we seek to involve the academia in raising the next generation of entrepreneurs to expand the growth of innovation on the continent. Honoris is invested in reshaping the delivery of education to improve the standard of living of Africans with a focus on entrepreneurship, partnerships, skills development, 21st-century learning environments, and women entrepreneurship. Part of their commitment is to transform the African continent by empowering the next generation of agile leaders with entrepreneurial mindsets. The partnership with AfriLabs, the largest pan-African network of technology and innovation hubs with over 300 members across 50 African countries, is to conduct joint activities that serve the missions of both organizations with a view to collaborating on new and existing programmes across the continent. This includes the AfriLabs Annual Gathering, a unique opportunity for stakeholders in the African tech ecosystem to convene, network, share knowledge around a common theme and build partnerships. Honoris hubs are welcomed into the pan-African AfriLabs network, giving access to joint learning, events, collaboration, and cultural/knowledge exchange. This includes most recently the Collective Lab in Tunisia, as well as future additions of Nile’s Start-up 2.0 in Nigeria and Regent’s Red-Hub in South Africa. This year, Nile University, a member institution of the Honoris network has been selected as one of the venues for the ecosystem tour and activities on day 3 of the 2021 AfriLabs Annual Gathering. The day will be characterized by a tour of Nile University facilities plus a session to formally announce the partnership which will also feature an engaging panel discussion themed Innovative Entrepreneurship and Employability, involving faculty, alumna, entrepreneurs, and key employability partners such as the Tony Elumelu Foundation and PwC. 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 27-29th 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 Honoris United Universities Honoris United Universities is the first and largest pan-African private higher education network committed to educating the next generation of African leaders and professionals able to impact regionally in a globalized world. Collaborative intelligence, cultural agility, and mobile mindsets and skills are at the heart of Honoris’ vision of higher education. Honoris United Universities joins the expertise of its member institutions to develop world-class African Human talent that is competitive in today’s fast-paced, demanding, and increasingly digitized labor and start-up markets. Honoris United Universities gathers a community of 61,000 students on 70 campuses, learning centers, and online, in 10 countries and 32 cities. The network counts 14 institutions: multidisciplinary universities, specialized schools, technical and vocational institutes, contact, distance, and online institutions. Students have an opportunity to experience exclusive partnerships and exchange programs in more than 85 universities across Europe and the United States. Over 300 degrees are offered in Medicine, Health Sciences, Engineering, IT, Business, Law, Architecture, Creative Arts and Design, Media, Political Science, and Education. Honoris United Universities. Education for Impact. www.honoris.net
Experience the Innovation community in Abuja at the 2021 AfriLabs Annual Gathering
Ubuntu is one of AfriLabs core values and the journey so far has been one that was brought alive by our community. We are excited to announce that at this year’s AfriLabs Annual Gathering in Abuja, Nigeria, there will be an ecosystem tour on the 3rd day of the conference. This will feature 4 innovation and tech hubs which include Enspire Hub, The CANS, Ventures Platform and Seedbuilders. These hubs will host side-events to highlight their roles in improving innovation in Nigeria and Africa at large as well as a general showcase of their facility. The ecosystem tour will provide a unique opportunity for participants of the event to explore the Abuja tech and innovation community by visiting specific innovation centres within the city. It will present an opportunity for guests to learn more about the startups, projects and ideas being executed in these spaces. 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 27-29th 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.
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).
#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