LA RÉUNION ANNUELLE AFRILABS 2020 DEVIENT VIRTUELLE
Compte tenu de la pandémie COVID-19, de la santé et de la sauvegarde de notre communauté, la 5ème Réunion Annuelle AfriLabs aura lieu virtuellement du 12 au 14 Octobre 2020. La Réunion Annuelle AfriLabs a toujours eu lieu dans différentes villes du continent Africain en collaboration avec les gouvernements nationaux et locaux, le secteur privé et nos membres du Hub. Alors que la pandémie COVID-19 nous empêche de nous rencontrer face à face, elle nous offre maintenant une occasion unique de participer de manière encore plus inclusive. Les conséquences de la pandémie COVID-19 ont touché tous les secteurs de l’économie du continent et nous devons nous replier sur nous-mêmes et collaborer afin de créer une résistance qui se dirige vers une sombre prédiction économique pour faire naître une économie innovante florissante en Afrique. Il est donc parfait que la résilience soit le thème principal de la conférence de cette année alors que nous nous réunissons pour discuter de “Construire une Afrique Innovante et Résiliente”. Aujourd’hui plus que jamais, il est primordial de construire une Afrique innovante et résistante grâce à une approche intégrée par des Africains engagés qui parlent d’une seule voix sur l’innovation visant à actualiser les SDG et l’Agenda 2063 pour l’Afrique. Nous nous efforçons de concevoir un événement inclusif et passionnant pour les gestionnaires de nos hubs, nos partenaires, nos sponsors et tous les innovateurs curieux d’Afrique et du monde entier qui veulent prendre part à cette conversation d’une manière ou d’une autre. Dans la tradition habituelle de notre Réunion Annuelle AfriLabs, nous aurons trois jours de programmation explorant la création de communautés, l’importance des partenariats et la capacité innée de l’Afrique à construire. Nous vous présenterons plus d’informations sur la Réunion Annuelle AfriLabs 2020 dans les jours à venir. Ne manquez pas de vous abonner aux notre mises à jour ici : bit.ly/SubscribeToAfriLabsNewsletter. Nous serions ravis d’entendre des conférenciers potentiels. Veuillez nous contacter en envoyant un courriel à jen@afrilabs.com. Nous sommes fiers d’avoir des partenaires dévoués qui travaillent avec nous chaque année pour assurer le succès de la Réunion Annuelle AfriLabs. Notre Réunion Annuelle présente aux sponsors une proposition de valeur unique et passionnante que nous serions ravis de partager avec vous. Associez-vous à nous en tant que sponsor et contribuez au succès de notre première réunion annuelle virtuelle. Veuillez nous contacter en envoyant un courriel à jen@afrilabs.com.
Construire une communauté permettant aux innovateurs de prospérer en Afrique ; AfriLabs accueille 28 nouveaux membres, fait son entrée dans 7 nouvelles villes et 1 nouveau pays
Conformément à notre vision de soutenir l’innovation sur le continent, nous avons accueilli 28 nouveaux hubs dans notre réseau ! Nous sommes actuellement présents dans 7 nouvelles villes et un nouveau pays, les Comores. Cela porte le nombre de nos membres à un total de 268 hubs d’innovation dans 49 pays Africains. Considérant le nombre de hubs d’innovation qui émergent sur le continent, il est essentiel qu’ils bénéficient d’une communauté d’individus partageant les mêmes idées pour co-créer ensemble et qu’ils bénéficient d’un soutien adéquat pour leur croissance. Comme nous le savons, ces hubs jouent un rôle primordial dans la croissance économique et le développement de leurs différents pays. Il y a dix ans, nous avons pris l’engagement de promouvoir et de soutenir l’innovation à travers le continent. Cela implique la création d’une communauté qui fournit des solutions pour résoudre des problèmes de vie réelle pour les Africains et la résolution de ces problèmes affecte le reste du monde en général, et c’est toujours notre objectif. “Nous sommes toujours enthousiastes lorsque nous admettons de nouveaux membres dans notre réseau. Un voyage qui a commencé depuis 10 ans, nous restons toujours fidèles à nos valeurs fondamentales de construire et de soutenir une communauté qui stimule l’innovation en Afrique.” Anna Ekeledo, Directrice Exécutive de AfriLabs a déclaré à propos de la dernière admission de membres dans le réseau. “L’avenir est plein d’opportunités pour l’Ecosystème Africaine de la Technologie grâce à des communautés comme la nôtre, et nos bras sont toujours ouverts aux hubs d’innovation qui veulent faire partie de notre réseau !”. Parmi les pays d’Afrique Occidentale qui nous rejoignent, il y a Ilorin Innovation Hub, Unimak Workflow Innovation Hub, Duapa Werkspace, 8thGear Hub, Cirkle Labs, Equilibrium Zone, Fobespace Hub, The Hub, GoGlobal Hub, Dare to Innovate, Vision Incubation Hub, Noni Hub, Impact Cove et Le Hague Institute for Innovation of Law Innovation Hubs. En Afrique Orientale, nous avons l’Institute of Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (SIMAD University), Muni University Business Incubation Centre (Muni University), SNDBX International, WITU Hub, DICOS Incubator LLP, Com’Work, Nakuru Box Innovation Center et Le Hague Institute for Innovation of Law Innovation Hubs. En provenance d’Afrique centrale, WETECH, Youth Business Cameroun (YBC), Startup Factory Djibouti, Kum’lab, Akewa Accelerateur ont rejoint la famille AfriLabs Nous accueillons également Innovation Co-Lab Durban, The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law Innovation Hubs d’Afrique du Sud. 249 startups et le Hague Institute for Innovation of Law Innovation Hubs d’Afrique du Nord font partie de nos nouveaux membres. “On ne soulignera jamais assez l’impact de la collaboration dans l’écosystème Africain de la technologie et de l’innovation. C’est agréable pour nous, en tant que réseau, de favoriser davantage la connectivité des hubs à travers l’Afrique et également d’assurer la croissance et la durabilité de notre écosystème grâce à notre expansion constante. Nous sommes heureux d’accueillir des nouveaux membres au sein du réseau AfriLabs, et nous espérons réaliser ensemble une Afrique innovante “, a déclaré Kenechukwu .C. Chukwu, Responsable des Services aux Membres chez AfriLabs, dans son commentaire sur les nouveaux membres. Michael Asante Saforo, Gérant du Hub, Duapa Werkspace, l’un des nouveaux hubs admis, a déclaré que son organisation est extrêmement reconnaissante pour l’opportunité de faire partie du réseau AfriLabs. “En faisant partie de AfriLabs, nous permettons de mieux aider les jeunes entrepreneurs et les startups et nous ne pourrions pas être plus reconnaissants. Nous aspirons à contribuer notre part aux objectifs de AfriLabs et plus encore. La situation de Duapa Werkspace dans la Région Occidentale du Ghana nous place dans une position stratégique pour connecter les jeunes à un grand nombre d’opportunités merveilleuses.” L’année dernière, AfriLabs a donné plus de 250 000 euros à 17 de ses membres pour réaliser des programmes de soutien aux entrepreneurs et aux innovateurs dans leurs communautés, dans le cadre de son Programme de Renforcement des Capacités financé par l’Agence Française de Développement par le biais du Fonds d’Amorçage de Digital Africa. Esther Nansbuga, Responsable des Programmes, Women In Technology Ouganda, également un hub nouvellement admis, a déclaré que son équipe est enthousiaste à l’idée de se connecter avec d’autres hubs à travers l’Afrique pour apprendre d’avantage et partager des connaissances afin d’aider les jeunes femmes et les filles à devenir des innovatrices, des technologistes et des entrepreneurs dans l’économie de la technologie en Afrique.
AfriLabs and Djembe Consultants Partner to Produce Insights Report on Building a Resilient Innovative Africa in a COVID-19 World
Djembe Consultants Named Official Communications Partner for AfriLabs Virtual Annual Gathering AfriLabs, the largest pan-Africa network of 225 technology and innovation centres across 47 countries in Africa has partnered with Djembe Consultants, the award-winning African-focused communications consultancy, to develop a report on the future of African innovation amidst a backdrop of a global pandemic. The Report is themed ‘Building a Resilient Innovative Africa’ in line with the focus of the 5th AfriLabs Virtual Annual Gathering from October 12 to 14, 2020, where highlights from the Report will be unveiled. This year’s Annual Gathering will see a robust dialogue on how to build a resilient innovative Africa. Given COVID-19’s economic impact on our network members, the dialogue around strengthening the innovation ecosystem is so critical for when Africa emerges from this global pandemic. The Report will cover trends and opportunities in technology and enterprise, the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the framing of a regional policy discussion around African innovation – crucial dialogues in the quest towards realizing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the region-wide socio-economic objectives set out in the African Union Agenda 2063 in the post-COVID economy. The three report themes are Scaling Homegrown Innovations Beyond Borders; Driving Innovation Inclusivity – Women, Youth, and Informal Markets; and Strengthening Policy Development to Encourage R&D and Innovation. The Report will bring together powerful perspectives on what it takes to build innovation resilience in Africa across sectors such as agriculture, energy, health, ICT, and manufacturing, as well as other equally fundamental sectors such as education, finance, and services. Commenting on the report, Nekesa Were, Director of Strategy, AfriLabs “AfriLabs is excited to have Africa’s leading communications consultancy, Djembe Consultants, on board as a partner for this year’s AfriLabs Virtual Annual Gathering. This year’s Annual Gathering will see a robust dialogue on how to build a resilient innovative Africa. Given COVID-19’s economic impact on our network members, the dialogue around strengthening the innovation ecosystem is so critical for when Africa emerges from this global pandemic.” Leveraging the innovation DNA of both organizations, the Building a Resilient Innovative Africa Report will feature the perspectives of young African startups and innovators alongside valuable insights from leading public and private sector stakeholders from the continent and beyond including Afreximbank, Honoris United Universities, Mastercard Foundation, Mozilla and the UN Women, amongst others. If you’re an African startup, innovator or entrepreneur, share your perspectives on what it takes to build resilience in the African Innovation Ecosystem by participating in the survey here. Djembe Consultants, CEO, Mitchell Prather said, “Djembe Consultants is pleased to partner with Africa’s largest network of technology and innovation hubs to elevate the dialogue around strengthening African innovation resilience in these unprecedented times. As Official Communications Partner of the AfriLabs Annual Gathering this year, Djembe looks forward to unveiling important insights based on the real-world opinions, experiences, and attitudes of African innovation stakeholders from across the continent. The Insights Report will provide a range of stakeholders, from investors to policymakers, with a uniquely relevant and timely understanding of the opportunities and challenges that African innovators face as we learn to move forward in the new normal of a COVID world.” Previously held in several cities across Africa, this year’s edition of the AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2020 will be virtual with conversations centred around building a resilient innovative Africa by leveraging collaborations, communities and Africa’s innate ability to build. The roles of innovators, corporates, governments and other stakeholders will be examined with discussions on the need to disrupt the status quo, and force innovations to evolve and adapt to the new realities of an Africa in a recovering world. The 3-day Gathering will feature sessions and activities with focused panel discussions on thematic topics, keynote addresses, presentation sessions, multiple parallel workshops, local ecosystem tours/exhibitions, and networking sessions. Registration is currently ongoing. As part of the ongoing partnership, Djembe Consultants will be conducting customised training workshops for AfriLabs community members and partner hubs across the continent. Follow Djembe Consultants on social media for further updates.
Country in Focus – Cameroon “Africa in Miniature”
To highlight the ever-growing and diversified community of the AfriLabs network, we are pleased to introduce our new series on our community and their impact in their respective countries. As one of the fast-rising innovation communities in Africa, Cameroon has 2 unique systems; the Anglophone and the Francophone Ecosystem – a reflection of Africa’s diversity based on culture and its geographic sphere. In 1998, governing telecommunication in Cameroon enabled the introduction of two private mobile operators (Orange in 1999 and MTN in the year 2000), and within ten years, the first digital service in Cameroon began, thereby creating convenience in communication through mobile telephony which came into existence in Cameroon in 1999 with the advent of Societe Camerounaise des Mobile (mobilis) now called “Orange Cameroun.” Despite the emergence of telecom into the country, access to the internet by Cameroonians was difficult, hence the partnership between Equacomm and Camtel came into play to provide more access to wireless internet, as they believed closing the gap could be reduced through the deployment of Wi-Fi technologies throughout the country, considered less expensive and accessible via mobile telephones, whose penetration rate exceeds 80% in Cameroon. In 2010, there was a challenge as regards licensing of telecommunication companies in Cameroon which affected the service delivery of companies like Créolink, Ringo Sarl, Northwave Sarl (Vodafone), TNT Africa, and Afrikanet Online among others. ART, however, stepped in and began to issue “temporary permits” to operators disregarding regulatory measures which weren’t welcomed by the government. The then Cameroonian Prime Minister, Philémon Yang, signed a decree fixing the procedures for establishing operating networks and providing electronic communication services subject to a licensing scheme, due to the criticism posed by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (Agence de Régulation des Télécommunications – ART), for illegally granting itself the issuance of “temporary permits” to telecom companies subject to licensing. 2010 marked the beginning of hub evolution in Cameroon with ActivSpaces being the first to pivot in the entrepreneurial landscape, alongside Jokkolabs, and EtriLabs. Out of over 25 tech hubs in Cameroon, AfriLabs has a record of 17 which includes; Zixtech Hub, Jongo Hub, NexGen Technology Center, Innova237, among others. ActivSpaces, founded in 2010, was founded to increase the odds of success for young tech entrepreneurs in Cameroon by creating environments that will serve as catalysts permitting their technology innovations to thrive. They have supported over 87 Startups, 1000+ community members, and have organized over 2000 events in partnership with several organizations. Their mission has always been to train, encourage and support young Cameroonian innovators into becoming world-class technology entrepreneurs capable of building successful technology enterprises. Zixtech Hub has been actively engaged in Entrepreneurship. The tech hub focused on tech solutions that solve real problems, with the vision of being the leading hub that turns ideas into enterprises. Being located in Limbe, South West Region of Cameroon, it has launched more than 15 startups with 30 Small businesses that have sprung up from them. The hub has trained more than 1500 Entrepreneurs and supported more than 200 businesses in Cameroon, Africa, and Europe. Jongo Hub since its inception has grown into a community of over 5000 innovators, bringing together creatives, techies, civil society leaders, and engineers. Jongo hub has so far served 180 startups, supported over 300 startups, and also provided to 200 young individuals skills in graphics design, motion graphics, web and mobile app development, photography, Serigraphy, and print technologies. They have trained more than 2000 entrepreneurs in design thinking, Business Development, Business Modelling and Financial Management. Seedstars, Google Developers Groups, and Startupgrind have hosted some key programs and competitions for startups in the thriving ecosystem in Cameroon. There has been tremendous growth with public incubators in the 10 Regional Universities in the country receiving support from the State. Between 2017 to 2020, the number of hubs and incubators has grown more than 20 times, and in the area of startup investments, it has been more of a baby step as some startups have raised funds within the ecosystem while most are still in the infancy stage using the lean methodology. However, the country has notable startups like DroneAfrica, the first-ever Africa-made drone manufacturing company, which is a flagship project of Will & Brothers Consulting, founded by William Elong. This startup reportedly raised a fund of 200,000 USD to facilitate its project and was said to have created a major shift in tech and innovation in Cameroon. Other notable startups include; Giftedmom, Hymo medical, Orion, Ouicare, and many more. A catalyst to the growth of the Cameroon ecosystem is the presence of smaller ecosystems in the regions, the inclusion of this fuels when providing support for enterprises and encouraging collaboration for increased impact. For example, a very vibrant ecosystem of hubs, startups, and other stakeholders often called “Silicon Mountain” based in the English-speaking region thrives based on intensive collaboration and the AfriLabs hub members in that ecosystem have been very active in boosting the enterprises through training and support programs. Over the years, about 5000 ventures have benefitted from these programs which enabled their growth and scalability. 2017 was the explosion point for the ecosystem, with government institutions like APME (Enterprise promotion agency), Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises working actively with local partners and ecosystem experts in building policies to boost the ecosystem. The government launched the business incubation summit to bring experts together to share on how to restructure the ecosystem, thus some networks like Kmertech and CEEN (Cameroon Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Network) were created for a strategic partnership to enable the growth and sustainability of businesses which in turn will aid the development of the country’s economy. It is interesting to note that most founding members of these networks are also members of AfriLabs, which brings into play the actualization of the vision of a thriving innovation economy in Africa driven by the power of our community. Though very young and with a lot of work to be done, the diversity of the Cameroonian Innovation Ecosystem is a beacon of
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.
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
#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. 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 to get to know her better. On her arrival at his office she was interrogated without being informed of the facts she was accused of. #FreeRebecca — TD (@TomiDee) August 12, 2021 Investors and key figures in Africa’s tech scene are petitioning for Rebecca Enonchong's release. @AfriLabs
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.