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.”
DÉFI DE L’INNOVATION AGA – FORMATION D’ACCÉLÉRATEUR : DÉMOCRATIE ET GOUVERNANCE EN AFRIQUE
Dans le cadre de l’Agenda 2063 de l’Union africaine, qui vise à créer un continent pacifique et uni pour les générations à venir, la Commission a décidé de mettre l’accent sur le thème de cette année “Faire taire les armes : créer des conditions propices au développement de l’Afrique”. Ce thème vise à créer un continent sans conflit et met donc l’accent sur l’engagement des jeunes grâce à leur pensée radicale qui fait naître l’innovation. L’Union Africaine – Architecture de Gouvernance Africaine (AGA) a donc organisé un Défi de l’Innovation pour les Jeunes qui a fait appel à des innovateurs Africains, des centres d’incubation ainsi que des hubs d’innovation avec des initiatives qui contribuent à la démocratie et à la bonne gouvernance. Les candidatures ont été envoyées de toute l’Afrique et de la diaspora. Au total, 20 innovateurs ont été sélectionnés et ils recevront un soutien à partir d’une semaine de formation accélérée virtuelle. Le programme d’accélérateur virtuel est mis en œuvre dans le cadre du projet conjoint AGA – COMESA sur l’engagement des jeunes dans la gouvernance démocratique et la sociologie des processus de développement économique en Afrique, en soutien à la Direction Suisse du Développement et de la Coopération (SDC). L’accélérateur virtuel sera conduit virtuellement par AfriLabs du 23 au 27 Novembre 2020. Le programme d’accélérateur virtuel d’une semaine vise à développer les innovateurs participants et leurs innovations. Cela impliquera de faire venir des experts à bord en tant que facilitateurs et entraîneurs et de mettre à la disposition des innovateurs des connaissances industrielles, techniques et commerciales cruciales. Le programme se déroulera du Lundi 23 au Lundi 30 Novembre 2020 et comprendra Une session conjointe de définition des objectifs avec les innovateurs et leurs entraîneurs. Sessions de formation virtuelle intensive d’une semaine Vérification quotidienne des entraîneurs avec les innovateurs Une session de discussion inspirante par les meilleurs professionnels de l’industrie Un jour de pitch Un coaching de suivi, dont l’intensité sera décidée en fonction des performances et des besoins de chaque innovateur. À la fin du programme, les lauréats seront sélectionnés pour recevoir des reconnaissances et récompenses. La sélection sera basée sur différentes évaluations effectuées avant, pendant et après le programme.
AfriLabs and Mozilla Sign Partnership
To explore new technology ideas that will solve real-life issues. To further inform and develop sustainable solutions for the African region, AfriLabs, a pan-African network of 225 technology innovation hubs across 47 African countries, announced that it has partnered with Mozilla to convene roundtable discussions with African startups, entrepreneurs, developers and innovators. These roundtable discussions will focus on understanding the local needs, expertise and capabilities of African countries and explore under-served issues and areas that could spur the next generation of innovation in the region. “The right intervention is very important and for the design to fit, conversations are necessary. We are excited to listen and engage with the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa with Mozilla and we are hopeful that this partnership will open the right dialogues for better-fit innovations on the continent,” said Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director of AfriLabs. Mozilla and AfriLabs will be launching exploratory research in the form of round table discussions to better understand the ecosystem, explore and identify new product ideas that solve real-life issues The discussions will be hosted as part of Mozilla’s efforts to reinvest within the African tech ecosystem and support local innovators with scalable ideas that have the potential to impact across the continent. “Mozilla is pleased to be partnering with AfriLabs to learn more about the intersection of African product needs and capacity gaps and to co-create value with local entrepreneurs,” said Alice Munyua, Director of Africa Innovation Program. AfriLabs partnership with Mozilla is a boost to a series of initiatives to support the African innovation economy during the pandemic. AfriLabs is awarding grants to host virtual meetups on COVID-19 in partnership with AFD’s sponsored capacity-building programme. AfriLabs is also a partner on DFID’s COVIDaction support programme for local production in Africa, and VC4A’s venture showcase to fund early-stage startups with seed funding up to $1M. AfriLabs partnership with Mozilla brings together two organisations committed to supporting communities of technologists by putting people first. The partnership will help develop more relevant, sustainable support for African innovators to build scalable resilient products, leveraging honest and candid discussions to identify areas of common interest. AfriLabs was founded in 2011 to build a community around rapidly emerging tech hubs and innovation spaces that serve as meeting points and communities for developers, entrepreneurs, and investors. Our aim is to empower these hubs by building their capacity to support startups and businesses and build a thriving, innovative economy in Africa. Visit www.afrilabs.com for more information. Every year, AfriLabs hosts an Annual Gathering of ecosystem stakeholders to plot the way forward for the continent’s entrepreneurial growth. This year’s edition is going virtual and will hold conversations on how Africa’s Tech community can build resilient innovative systems. Learn more and be a part of this year’s Gathering here. About Mozilla Mozilla is the not-for-profit behind the popular web browser, Firefox. We believe the Internet is a global public resource, open and accessible to all. We work to ensure it stays open by building products, services and programs that put people in control of their online lives and contribute to a healthier Internet. Firefox protects people’s privacy and empowers users to make smart choices in their online life. Visit www.mozilla.org for more information. To download Firefox for yourself visit www.firefox.com.
AfriLabs and Djembe Consultants Unveil Report on Building a Resilient Innovative Africa
AfriLabs, the largest pan-African network of technology and innovation centres in partnership with Djembe Consultants, the award-winning Africa-focused communications consultancy, launched an Insights Report during the 2020 AfriLabs Annual Gathering. The report assesses the impact of COVID-19 on the continent’s young innovators and entrepreneurs and provides perspectives from industry experts as to how African decisionmakers from both the public and private sectors can accelerate support across the full innovation spectrum including education, inclusivity, investment, policy and research and development. The continent’s survival DNA, always durable to internal and external shocks of all shapes and forms, proves a resilience in its youthful demographic, one that is constantly creating, innovating, and looking ahead. Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director, AfriLabs Themed ‘Building a Resilient Innovative Africa’, the report is a result of a survey of over 1,000 pan-African innovators, entrepreneurs, and start-ups from both Djembe’s and AfriLabs’ vast innovation and entrepreneurship networks. Framed within the context of key milestones for the continent, including the impending African Free Trade Continental Area (AfCFTA), UN SDGs, and the African Union Agenda 2063, the report also brings together the expert perspectives of individuals from some of the continent’s leading development and private sector organizations including the African Union, African Development Bank, Afreximbank, Honoris United Universities, Mastercard Foundation, Mozilla, SMART Africa, and UN Women amongst others. It features unique insights from regional innovations hubs as well as celebrates inspiring African homegrown innovation success stories. Djembe Consultants’ Chief Executive Officer, Mitchell Prather, commented, “Djembe’s latest Insights Report reaffirms our strongly held belief that the African innovation ecosystem is singularly the most important enabler of widespread socio-economic development. Despite the innate resilience African innovators and SMEs have shown during this challenging year, this ecosystem urgently needs further intervention of policymakers and industry supporters to create a more conducive environment for innovators and SMEs to survive and thrive. While the uncertainties of COVID-19 continue to threaten economic stability and growth, future economic prosperity can be greatly enhanced by nurturing the African innovation spirit to prepare the continent for incredible success, just when it needs it most.” Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director at AfriLabs and contributor to the report, added, “The continent’s survival DNA, always durable to internal and external shocks of all shapes and forms, proves a resilience in its youthful demographic, one that is constantly creating, innovating, and looking ahead. Though we are have observed policymakers and governments step up to varying degrees, more needs to be done to drive greater innovation inclusivity from securing access to data, to reimagining education, investing in R&D and supporting international expansion. By building a more resilient innovative Africa, the region can truly embrace its full potential.” Scaling Homegrown Innovations Beyond Borders Majority of the entrepreneurs (90%) are likely to need to or be able to scale their business in the wake of COVID-19 74% say they are currently exploring the possibility of entering international markets 51% indicate that while they are aware of state support, they find this support to be inadequate in meeting their current business scaling needs Majority of innovators and startups (42%) see innovation hubs as potential platforms to access funding, followed by networking opportunities, capacity building and R&D Strengthening Policy Development to Encourage R&D and Innovation Investor funding is the number one issue governments must address to build innovation resilience. This is followed by fostering entrepreneurship and eradicating corruption Driving Innovation Inclusivity – Women, Youth, and Informal Markets Majority of entrepreneurs (45%) feel that the creation of expanded market opportunities for homegrown businesses is the main key driver of innovation inclusivity. This is followed by the provision of support services and the curation of capacity development programs to address the unique challenges of operating in the informal markets are key to driving innovation inclusivity on the continent. A high proportion of respondents (41%) do not feel there is enough support from the private and public sector to drive greater inclusivity within hubs and the wider innovation ecosystem The full report can be accessed online here.
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.
AfriLabs Admits 27 new members and expands to 47 African Countries
In line with its vision of a thriving innovation economy in Africa, driven by the power of its community, AfriLabs has added 27 new members to its network which brings the total number of members to 225 in 47 African Countries. Furthermore, this means that AfriLabs has extended her reach to 8 new cities and a new country, Cabo Verde. In North Africa, IMPACT Lab, Savannah Innovation Lab and City of Innovation, Research & development joined the AfriLabs Community. In West Africa, Work and Connect, Itanna, The Assembly Innovation Hub, Bayelsa Tech Hub, EBusiness Incubation Center, Kër Thiossane, Yison Tech Hub, Northern Innovation Lab, Developers Academy, Ghana Tech Lab, Maio Business Center and The Disruptive Lab became a part of the largest hubs network in Africa. The Maker Club, The WOW Factory and The Neo Hub also joined the network from Southern Africa, and members from East Africa include THE LIGHT Universe, E4Impact Accelerator, Chandaria Business Innovation and Incubation Center, Empretec Mauritius and Obuntu Hub. Central Africa was not left out as Climate Change Africa Opportunities (CCAO), United Advance Development, StartOpp Zone and SCS Afrique Centrale Innov also became member hubs of AfriLabs. Earlier this year, AfriLabs added 28 new hub members, and with the recent admissions, the total number of new members added this year so far stands at 55. “I am excited to be connected within the ecosystem of tech hubs and incubation centres in Africa. We are looking forward to learning from those that have been in the game, the region, and so much more. As you know, we have been operating in Africa for only about 2 yrs, so we have a lot to learn and also have a lot to offer. That’s the excitement we are looking forward to.” Malik Khan, Founder of Disruptive Lab Faraja, Gambia. Also, Zindzi Letsididi from TheNeoHub Gaborone, Botswana, shared the Hub’s expectation for being a part of the AfriLabs community. “As TheNeoHub, we are excited to be part of the largest pan-African network of technology and innovation centres, AfriLabs. Being a member of this prestigious network will bring our hub closer to an integrated and prosperous future in innovation and technology fostered by open collaboration and growth in entrepreneurship. This opportunity will expand our network and co-creation across the continent.” The Executive Director of AfriLabs, Anna Ekeledo, also had the following to say about the admission of new member hubs: “Our vision is a thriving innovation economy in Africa, driven by the power of our community, and we are happy that more hubs with the same purpose are joining us. The pandemic has affected businesses across the continent in a way nothing has done before, and collaboration through communities like ours is a right step in the right direction.” AfriLabs was founded in 2011 to build a community around rapidly emerging tech hubs and innovation spaces that serve as meeting points and communities for developers, entrepreneurs, and investors. The aim is to empower these hubs by building their capacity to support startups and businesses and build a thriving, innovative economy in Africa. Every year, AfriLabs hosts an Annual Gathering of ecosystem stakeholders to plot the way forward for the continent’s entrepreneurial growth. This year’s edition is going virtual and will hold conversations on how Africa’s Tech community can build resilient innovative systems. Learn more and be a part of this year’s Gathering here: https://www.afrilabs-gathering.com/.
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
AfriLabs admet 27 nouveaux membres et s’étend à 47 pays Africains
En accord avec sa vision d’une économie de l’innovation florissante en Afrique, menée par la puissance de sa communauté, AfriLabs a ajouté 27 nouveaux membres à son réseau, ce qui porte le nombre total de membres à 225 dans 47 pays africains. En outre, cela signifie que AfriLabs a étendu son rayon d’action à 8 nouvelles villes et à un nouveau pays, le Cap-Vert. En Afrique du Nord, IMPACT Lab, Savannah Innovation Lab et City of Innovation, Research & development ont rejoint la communauté AfriLabs. Alors qu’en Afrique de l’Ouest, Work and Connect, Itanna, The Assembly Innovation Hub, Bayelsa Tech Hub, EBusiness Incubation Center, Kër Thiossane, Yison Tech Hub, Northern Innovation Lab, Developers Academy, Ghana Tech Lab, Maio Business Center et The Disruptive Lab sont devenus partie intégrante du plus grand réseau de hubs en Afrique. Le Maker Club, The WOW Factory et The Neo Hub ont également rejoint le réseau en provenance d’Afrique australe et les membres d’Afrique de l’Est comprennent THE LIGHT Universe, E4Impact Accelerator, Chandaria Business Innovation and Incubation Center, Empretec Mauritius et Obuntu Hub. L’Afrique centrale est également présente, puisque Climate Change Africa Opportunities (CCAO), United Advance Development, StartOpp Zone et SCS Afrique Centrale Innov sont également devenus des membres hubs du réseau AfriLabs. Au début de cette année, AfriLabs a ajouté 28 nouveaux membres du hub et avec les récentes admissions, le nombre total de nouveaux membres ajoutés cette année jusqu’à présent s’élève à 55. “Je suis très heureux d’être connecté à l’écosystème de hubs de la technologie et de centres d’incubation en Afrique. J’ai vraiment hâte d’apprendre de ceux qui ont été dans le jeu, de la région et bien plus encore. Comme vous le savez, nous ne sommes présents en Afrique que depuis deux ans environ, nous avons donc beaucoup à apprendre et aussi beaucoup à offrir. Voilà ce que nous attendons avec impatience”. Malik Khan, Fondateur de Disruptive Lab Faraja, Gambie. Par ailleurs, Zindzi Letsididi du NeoHub Gaborone, au Botswana, partageait également l’attente du Hub de faire partie de la communauté AfriLabs. “En tant que TheNeoHub, nous sommes ravis de faire partie du plus grand réseau panafricain de centres de technologie et d’innovation, AfriLabs. Être membre de ce prestigieux réseau rapprochera notre hub d’un avenir intégré et prospère en matière d’innovation et de technologie, favorisé par une collaboration ouverte et une croissance de l’esprit d’entreprise. Cette opportunité permettra d’étendre notre réseau et notre co-création à travers le continent”. La Directrice Exécutive de AfriLabs, Anna Ekeledo, a eu également les commentaires suivants à propos de l’admission de nouveaux membres: “Notre vision est une économie de l’innovation florissante en Afrique, portée par la puissance de notre communauté, et nous sommes ravis que d’autres hubs ayant le même objectif nous rejoignent. La pandémie a touché les entreprises du continent d’une manière que rien n’avait encore fait auparavant, et la collaboration par le biais de communautés comme la nôtre est un grand pas vers la bonne direction”. AfriLabs a été fondé en 2011 pour construire une communauté autour de hubs de la technologie et d’espaces d’innovation émergents qui servent de points de rencontre et de communautés pour les développeurs, les entrepreneurs et les investisseurs. Le but est d’autonomiser ces hubs en renforçant leur capacité à soutenir les start-ups et les entreprises, et de construire une économie innovante florissante en Afrique. Chaque année, AfriLabs organise une Réunion Annuelle des acteurs de l’écosystème afin de tracer la voie à suivre pour la croissance entrepreneuriale du continent. L’édition de cette année sera virtuelle et permettra de discuter de la manière dont la communauté de la technologie en Afrique peut mettre en place des systèmes innovants et résilients. Pour en savoir plus et participer à la réunion de cette année, cliquez sur le lien suivant: https://www.afrilabs-gathering.com/.
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.