AfriLabs Releases 2024 Impact Report: Over 500 Innovation Hubs, 280,000 Lives Reached, and a $1 Trillion Vision for Africa’s Digital Future 

AfriLabs Releases 2024 Impact Report: Over 500 Innovation Hubs, 280,000 Lives Reached, and a $1 Trillion Vision for Africa’s Digital Future In a year marked by economic headwinds and shrinking global venture funding, AfriLabs expanded its network to an unprecedented 514 innovation hubs across 53 African countries, directly reaching over 280,000 entrepreneurs, startups, and youth through groundbreaking programs. From AI to climate tech, gender inclusion to digital skills, the newly released 2024 AfriLabs Impact Report offers a data-driven, inspiring look at how Africa’s largest innovation network is not only bridging opportunity gaps — but laying the groundwork for a $1 trillion digital economy. This isn’t just a report — it’s a blueprint for Africa’s technological rise.  With programs like RevUp Women, Talent4Startups, UNFPA, and Greenovations Africa, AfriLabs empowered thousands of startups and SMEs with funding, mentorship, and technical skills to solve Africa’s most pressing challenges. Its platforms and initiatives reached beneficiaries in all 53 African countries, driving sustainable development and economic inclusion.  On the global stage, AfriLabs elevated Africa’s innovation voice at major events such as UNGA79, VivaTech, GITEX, and the Global DPI Summit, advocating for inclusive policy, AI ethics, and youth and women empowerment. These engagements not only amplified Africa’s digital priorities but positioned AfriLabs as a leading convener in the global tech ecosystem.  Strategic partnerships with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Digital Africa, Intel, Meta, and the Mastercard Foundation enabled the expansion of initiatives like AfriLabs Connect — now linking over 7,000 ecosystem stakeholders — and the rollout of Amari, an AI-powered learning assistant transforming digital education across the continent.  AfriLabs Executive Director, Anna Ekeledo, stated: “Africa’s brightest minds are not just participating in global innovation — they are leading it. This report is both a celebration of progress and a call to action for partners, policymakers, and investors to co-create a future where no innovator is left behind.”  Looking ahead, the report outlines AfriLabs’ 2025 strategic priorities, including a bold Moonshot Goal of unlocking $1 billion in digital investment, advancing ethical and inclusive AI, expanding policy advocacy, and building future-forward innovation infrastructure.  To explore the full scope of AfriLabs’ achievements and learn how innovation is shaping Africa’s future, Download the full 2024 AfriLabs Impact Report here: https://bit.ly/AfriLabs-Report-2024  About AfriLabs  AfriLabs is the largest pan-African network of technology and innovation hubs, driving inclusive growth and digital transformation across the continent. With a mission to support the development of Africa’s innovation economy, AfriLabs connects hubs and stakeholders to enable collaboration, resource sharing, and knowledge exchange.  For more information about  AfriLabs, visit www.afrilabs.com.  For media inquiries, please contact pr@afrilabs.com & comms@afrilabs.com   

AfriLabs to Spotlight Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Building at Bridge Africa Summit 2025

AfriLabs to Spotlight Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Building at Bridge Africa Summit 2025 AfriLabs, the largest network of innovation and technology hubs across Africa, will participate in the Bridge Africa Summit 2025, hosted by the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Benguerir, Morocco, from July 17–19, 2025. The summit will convene influential voices from across the continent to reimagine innovation, responsibility, and action in shaping Africa’s development future.   As part of the official programme on Friday, July 18, AfriLabs’ Chief Operating Officer, COO, Ajibola Odukoya, will join a high-level panel session titled “Unlocking African Entrepreneurship”, contributing to a strategic dialogue on how to create stronger enabling environments for entrepreneurship across the continent.   The session brings together diverse actors from academia, ecosystem support organizations, and innovation policy to explore the systemic levers that can shift Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape from promise to performance. It will spotlight the roles of universities, government institutions, catalytic programs, and platforms like AfriLabs in building the architecture for scalable, inclusive entrepreneurship.   “Across the continent, entrepreneurs are innovating in high-impact sectors, but without systems to support them, scale remains elusive,” said Ajibola Odukoya, COO of AfriLabs. “This conversation is about unlocking the real value of entrepreneurship through intentional collaboration, aligned investment, and infrastructure that grows with the entrepreneur.”   Drawing from AfriLabs’ work with over 500 hubs in 53 countries, Ajibola will offer practical insights into how innovation ecosystems can: ➜ Facilitate meaningful access to finance and mentorship, ➜ Strengthen collaboration between education institutions and startup communities, ➜ Drive localized policy advocacy that removes systemic barriers to growth,  ➜ Position Africa’s entrepreneurs to compete and lead globally.     AfriLabs’ participation reinforces its mission to create interconnected, resilient ecosystems that support entrepreneurs from ideation to expansion. From capacity building and access to markets to influencing startup-friendly policy, AfriLabs serves as a continental enabler, fostering environments where African innovation can thrive and scale sustainably.     The Bridge Africa Summit’s emphasis on co-creation and innovation aligns with AfriLabs’ vision of entrepreneurship not as an isolated act but as a system-wide effort, involving both public and private actors, local talent, and global partnerships. UM6P’s leadership in convening this dialogue reflects the growing consensus that innovation must be backed by strong research, talent development pipelines, and policy coherence. The university’s presence in global innovation corridors points to a future where African entrepreneurs engage with the world on equal footing.   This critical conversation also builds momentum toward the AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2025, taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, from October 7–9. Under the theme “Africa’s Innovation Future: Policy, Partnerships & Progress,” the Gathering will be a pan-African platform to deepen these discussions and forge the partnerships required to realize them.   “We are no longer asking whether Africa can innovate; we’re showing how it already is. What we now need are the systems that allow innovation to scale across borders, sectors, and generations,” Ajibola added.   The “Unlocking African Entrepreneurship” session is a timely contribution to Africa’s broader development agenda, one that understands that entrepreneurship is not just about opportunity, but about the ecosystems that enable ideas to become industries.   For more on AfriLabs’ work or to connect during the summit, reach out to comms@afrilabs.com or visit www.afrilabs.com.

AfriLabs to Drive Global Collaboration for Africa’s Innovation Ecosystem at the 5th India-Africa Entrepreneurship & Investment Summit in Nairobi 

AfriLabs to Drive Global Collaboration for Africa’s Innovation Ecosystem at the 5th India-Africa Entrepreneurship & Investment Summit in Nairobi AfriLabs, the largest network of innovation hubs across Africa, will serve as a strategic partner and participant at the upcoming 5th India-Africa Entrepreneurship & Investment Summit, taking place in Nairobi, Kenya from July 17–18, 2025.   The summit will convene key players from across India and Africa, including government leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem builders to explore new pathways for innovation, trade, and inclusive development.  AfriLabs’ involvement reflects its commitment to strengthening cross-continental collaboration and unlocking global opportunities for African innovation hubs. Represented by our Executive Director, Anna Ekeledo, AfriLabs will spotlight Africa’s growing innovation ecosystem while advancing conversations around capital access, digital transformation, and sustainable growth.  On Day 1 of the summit, Thursday 17th July 2025, Anna Ekeledo will speak on a high-level panel titled “Building Scale: How Government, Capital & Networks can enable the Next Generation of High-Impact Ventures,” scheduled from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. She will be speaking alongside Vipul Parekh, Co-Founder of BigBasket, and Dr. Tonny Mwansa, CEO of the Kenya Innovation Agency. The session will be moderated by Anirudh Damani. This conversation will explore the vital roles that networks like AfriLabs, policy frameworks, and investment ecosystems play in scaling transformative ventures across emerging markets.  “This summit connects two dynamic regions shaping the future of innovation,” said Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director of AfriLabs. “Strategic partnerships like these open doors to new resources, connections, and possibilities that are critical for scaling African-led solutions.”  AfriLabs’ engagement at the summit aligns squarely with its strategic vision, one that prioritizes global cooperation, resource mobilization, and innovation diplomacy as central levers for ecosystem growth. The summit provides a powerful platform for:  Fostering bilateral and multilateral investment opportunities for African startups and innovation hubs  Creating partnerships for shared programming, research, and knowledge exchange between Indian and African hubs  Exploring green and digital economy synergies, with an emphasis on climate-smart innovation, digital public infrastructure, and inclusive growth  Showcasing Africa’s innovation potential and the critical role hubs play in nurturing local talent, startups, and solutions  With over 500 member hubs in 53 countries and the diaspora, AfriLabs brings a continent-wide lens to these conversations, ensuring that Africa’s grassroots innovation engines are at the forefront of shaping global development agendas.  This participation also builds momentum toward AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2025, which will take place in Nairobi from October 7–9, 2025. The Annual Gathering is the largest pan-African convening of innovation hubs, development partners, governments, startups, and private sector players. This year’s theme will center on “Africa’s Innovation Future: Policy, Partnerships & Progress.”  Together, these two major events signal Nairobi’s growing importance as a continental and global hub for innovation diplomacy and entrepreneurial exchange.  With AfriLabs participating in the India-Africa Summit in July and convening the Annual Gathering in October, Nairobi stands out as a focal point for Africa’s innovation leadership in 2025. These convenings will catalyze partnerships, unlock investment flows and amplify the voices of Africa’s innovation ecosystem on the global stage,” added Anna  As global challenges become increasingly interconnected, so must solutions. The 5th India-Africa Entrepreneurship & Investment Summit is a powerful demonstration of the potential of South-South cooperation, where shared priorities in digital transformation, youth empowerment, sustainability, and entrepreneurship become catalysts for inclusive growth.  AfriLabs is committed to ensuring that African innovation hubs are in this dialogue but central players, solution architects, and collaborators in shaping a future that works for all.  To learn more about AfriLabs’ work in strengthening Africa’s innovation ecosystem and explore opportunities for collaboration, visit www.afrilabs.com. If you’d like to connect with us during the summit or schedule a meeting, reach out via comms@afrilabs.com,  we’d love to engage with you. 

AfriLabs and Partners Convene Cross-Regional AU-AU Study Visit to Advance Africa’s Clean Energy Agenda 

AfriLabs and Partners Convene Cross-Regional AU-AU Study Visit to Advance Africa’s Clean Energy Agenda AfriLabs, in partnership with leading institutions under the EMERGE Project, funded by the European Union, is set to host the AU-AU Study Visit in Nigeria on July 9, 2025, a strategic knowledge exchange initiative aimed at accelerating Africa’s transition to clean and sustainable energy systems.   This visit brings together energy stakeholders from across the continent to share insights, showcase innovations, and co-create solutions tailored to Africa’s diverse energy landscapes.   As part of the EMERGE Project’s commitment to strengthening African-led responses to climate and energy challenges, the study visit serves as a hands-on, immersive opportunity for pilot project owners, technical experts, and policymakers from Nigeria, Mali, Morocco, and Mozambique to interact directly with successful energy implementations. The goal is not only to observe but also to collaboratively build models that address regional disparities, resource gaps, and policy needs in the pursuit of energy equity and sustainability.   The EMERGE Project itself is centered on equipping Africa’s policymakers, academics, entrepreneurs, and communities with practical tools and knowledge to expand clean energy access while promoting the sustainable use of natural resources. By integrating existing technologies, methodologies, and research into a co-designed toolbox and knowledge base, EMERGE is building strong, context-specific frameworks that reflect the realities of African ecosystems. The AU-AU Study Visit is a major milestone in this process as it seeks to translate theoretical approaches into grounded regionally informed strategies through peer learning and on-site exploration.   The day-long agenda is designed to spark critical conversations around Africa’s energy future. It includes high-level presentations from key institutions such as the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), alongside interactive workshops that will unpack real-time challenges and innovations emerging from the pilot regions. Throughout the visit, participants will explore how Africa can localize clean energy technologies, unlock financing for green infrastructure, and strengthen policy environments that drive inclusive energy transitions.   Crucially, this convening embodies the spirit of African solidarity. By bridging geographies and bringing together varied experiences, the AU-AU Study Visit creates space for mutual learning, trust-building, and the development of actionable strategies that respond to Africa’s urgent energy needs. The connections forged here — between institutions, communities, and countries — will be instrumental in shaping the continent’s clean energy trajectory and ensuring no region is left behind in the global push for sustainability.   As AfriLabs and its partners continue to champion innovation ecosystems across Africa, the AU-AU Study Visit affirms our belief that Africa holds the answers to its own energy future and that those answers grow stronger when we learn, build, and act together.   To learn more about our participation and the EMERGE project please contact Adaora Okolie at adaora@afrilabs.com

Building on Transformative Impact, RevUp Women Initiative: Nigeria Edition Launches at Lagos Startup Week 2025 

Building on Transformative Impact, RevUp Women Initiative: Nigeria Edition Launches at Lagos Startup Week 2025 Following the success and impact of its inaugural cohort, the RevUp Women Initiative is proud to announce the official launch of RevUp Women Initiative: Nigeria Edition on July 11 during the 10th year Anniversary of Lagos Startup Week organized by Prime Startups. Launching the program in Nigeria represents a significant milestone in the initiative’s mission to empower women-led businesses through a combination of enterprise development, strategic mentorship, and access to funding.  With it’s first edition now completed, the RevUp Women Initiative has proven that targeted investment in women entrepreneurs yields transformative results. The first edition supported 459 women entrepreneurs from 5 African countries—Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—creating 2,426 jobs and providing access to critical resources, including training on business models, financial management, and digital tools; positioning them for sustained growth and long-term success. Ten participants were awarded  $10,000 each in grants and accessed mentorship from a global community to support their growth.   Building on this achievement, the RevUp Women Initiative: Nigeria Edition will support 150 women-led businesses in Lagos, Abuja, and Abia, with a focus on Agribusiness and E-commerce sectors, which are key industries for economic growth and innovation.  The program’s participants will connect with successful women entrepreneurs, and six outstanding participants will be considered for grant funding, totaling $24,000 and distributed among the selected awardees.   “We’ve seen firsthand how intentional support and access to the right tools and networks can shift the trajectory of women-led businesses, not just helping them survive but thrive. Through tailored capacity building, mentorship, and meaningful partnerships, we’ve watched ideas turn into impactful ventures. With this new phase, we are doubling down on both impact and inclusivity, ensuring that more women across Nigeria have the resources, visibility, and community they need to grow scalable, sustainable businesses and become key players in the innovation ecosystem.”— Nanko Madu, Director of Programs at AfriLabs   “Small businesses represent 90% of all companies, and account for nearly 70% of both jobs and GDP worldwide. With such a large footprint, they are an integral part of our global economy’s fabric and can’t be overlooked,” said Chukwudi Onike, Program Officer, Visa Foundation. “At Visa Foundation, we are focused on empowering SMBs and entrepreneurs with access to capital, digital tools and financial skills to grow and thrive. Our partnership with AfriLabs helps us reach more entrepreneurs in need of support, including women entrepreneurs.”  Applications for the Rev Up Women Initiative: Nigeria Edition will be open from July 11 to August 8, 2025. Interested participants are encouraged to visit the official website at www.revupwomen.com to stay updated and prepare for the application launch.   The RevUp Women Initiative remains committed to supporting Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, with an ambitious long-term goal of supporting 50,000 women-led enterprises and creating over 152,000 jobs. With a strong foundation laid and an enthusiastic cohort of trailblazing women ready to step forward, this next edition promises to push boundaries and unlock even greater impact.  About RevUp Women Initiative  RevUp Women is an initiative dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs across Africa. Through mentorship, training, and access to resources, RevUp Women provides women with the support they need to start and grow successful businesses, driving economic growth and fostering gender equality. Learn more at RevUp Women.    About AfriLabs    AfriLabs is an innovation-focused organization established in 2011 to empower a community of innovation hubs and stakeholders across Africa. Our mission is to support these hubs in nurturing high-potential entrepreneurs, driving economic growth, and fostering social development across the continent. Through capacity building, financing, networking, policy advocacy, and reliable data provision, AfriLabs works to create a thriving innovation economy in Africa. Our goal is to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills and resources for sustainable development within the tech and innovation landscape.      For more information about AfriLabs and the Rev Up Women initiative, visit www.afrilabs.com & RevUp Women     For media inquiries, please contact pr@afrilabs.com  & comms@afrilabs.com       

7 Thématiques, 1 Avenir : Le AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2025 prépare la Renaissance de l’Innovation Africaine 

7 Thématiques, 1 Avenir : Le AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2025 prépare la Renaissance de l’Innovation Africaine Réservez votre place dès maintenant pour le plus grand événement de l’innovation en Afrique ! La 10e édition de l’AfriLabs Annual Gathering (AAG) se tiendra à Nairobi, au Kenya, du 7 au 9 octobre 2025—célébrant une décennie d’innovation et de croissance de l’écosystème à travers le continent. Placé sous le thème « L’Avenir de l’Innovation en Afrique : Politiques, Partenariats et Progrès », cet événement marquant promet des réflexions de pointe à ne pas manquer.  Bien plus qu’une conférence, l’édition 2025 du Gathering propose une expérience soigneusement conçue pour approfondir les discussions et susciter des actions concrètes à travers sept thématiques clés mettant en lumière les besoins et opportunités les plus urgents du continent en matière d’innovation.  Ces thématiques incluent :  Politiques, Données & IA en Afrique, qui explorera comment l’élaboration de cadres réglementaires adaptatifs et l’innovation en matière de politiques autour des données et de l’intelligence artificielle peuvent stimuler la croissance socio-économique de l’Afrique.  Investisseurs & Investissements, qui facilitera des échanges directs avec des investisseurs mobilisés pour catalyser des capitaux en faveur d’une croissance fondée sur l’innovation, avec un accent particulier sur l’impact local.  Genre et Inclusion, qui traitera de l’innovation inclusive axée sur l’équité, l’accès et la représentation pour tous, indépendamment de leur groupe social.  Solutions pour les Hubs, qui mettra en lumière comment renforcer la résilience des hubs d’innovation en matière d’échelle, de durabilité et de transformation systémique pour maintenir leur impact dans l’écosystème.  Économie Verte et Bleue, qui se concentrera sur l’innovation pour une Afrique résiliente face au climat et régénérative grâce à la ClimateTech et à l’éco-innovation.  Économie Numérique Créative, qui permettra aux participants d’explorer la monétisation de la culture et de la créativité africaines à l’ère numérique, ainsi que les enjeux éthiques de l’utilisation de l’IA dans la création.  Makerspaces, qui mettront en avant l’ingéniosité locale et les façons dont le mouvement de fabrication locale en Afrique peut évoluer des prototypes vers des produits adoptés à l’échelle mondiale.  Au-delà des thématiques, l’AAG 2025 proposera des panels de haut niveau, masterclasses, événements de réseautage et expositions interactives qui ne se contenteront pas de susciter des dialogues, mais jetteront aussi les bases de solutions pratiques. Les participants auront également la primeur d’annonces clés et de partenariats stratégiques visant à mondialiser l’innovation africaine tout en favorisant un développement inclusif et durable.  « Cette édition du Gathering n’est pas qu’une célébration – c’est un engagement renouvelé à façonner l’avenir de l’innovation africaine par la collaboration et l’action », a déclaré Anna Ekeledo, Directrice Exécutive d’AfriLabs. « Chaque thématique représente une lentille à travers laquelle nous analyserons le passé, répondrons aux défis actuels et concevrons des solutions concrètes pour l’avenir. »  Que vous soyez fondateur de startup, décideur politique, partenaire au développement, innovateur en entreprise, universitaire ou acteur de l’écosystème, l’AAG 2025 vous offre une opportunité inégalée de vous connecter, d’apprendre, de co-créer et de guider l’innovation en Afrique.  Rejoignez-nous à Nairobi et participez au prochain chapitre de l’histoire de l’innovation africaine. N’attendez plus – réservez votre place dès maintenant sur : https://afrilabsgathering.com/tickets  À propos d’AfriLabs  AfriLabs est le plus grand réseau de hubs technologiques et d’innovation à travers l’Afrique, engagé à promouvoir une innovation inclusive, l’entrepreneuriat et un développement durable. Grâce à la communauté, au renforcement des capacités et à la collaboration, AfriLabs soutient les hubs locaux pour amplifier leur impact et façonner l’avenir de l’innovation sur le continent.  Pour en savoir plus, visitez : www.afrilabsgathering.com et www.afrilabs.com  Pour les demandes médias : pr@afrilabs.com | comms@afrilabs.com 

7 Tracks, 1 Future: AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2025 Sets the Stage for Africa’s Innovation Renaissance 

7 Tracks, 1 Future: AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2025 Sets the Stage for Africa’s Innovation Renaissance Secure your spot at Africa’s biggest innovation event! The 10th edition of the AfriLabs Annual Gathering (AAG) is heading to Nairobi, Kenya from 7th to 9th October 2025—celebrating a decade of innovation and ecosystem growth across the continent. With the theme “Africa’s Innovation Future: Policy, Partnerships, and Progress,” this milestone event promises cutting-edge insights you won’t want to miss.  More than just a conference, the 2025 Gathering presents a curated experience designed to deepen conversations and spur real action through seven transformative tracks that spotlight the continent’s most urgent innovation needs and opportunities. These include Policy, Data & AI in Africa, which will explore how enabling adaptive regulatory frameworks and policy innovation in data and AI can spur Africa’s socio-economic growth. The Investor & Investment track will facilitate direct engagement with investors focused on catalyzing capital for Africa’s innovation-driven growth with an emphasis on local impact. Gender and Inclusion will explore inclusive innovation which is designed for equity, access, and representation for all irrespective of social group. The Hub Solution track will highlight how future-proofing innovation hubs in terms of scale, sustainability, and systems change can sustain impact in the ecosystem. The Green and Blue Economy track will focus on innovating for a climate-resilient and regenerative Africa through ClimateTech and Eco-Innovation. Through the Creative Digital Economy track participants will explore the monetization of Africa’s culture and creativity in the digital age and ethical questions regarding the use of AI in creativity. Meanwhile, the Makerspaces track will bring local ingenuity to the forefront, addressing ways Africa’s local manufacturing movement can evolve from prototypes to globally embraced products.  Beyond the tracks, AAG 2025 will feature high-level panel discussions, masterclasses, networking events, and interactive exhibitions that not only spark dialogue but seed practical solutions. Participants will also be the first to witness key announcements and partnerships aimed at scaling African innovation globally and fostering inclusive, sustainable development.  “This year’s Gathering is not just a celebration—it’s a recommitment to shaping Africa’s innovation future through collaboration and action,” said Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director at AfriLabs. “Each track is a lens through which we will examine the past, address today’s challenges, and design actionable pathways for the future.”  Whether you’re a startup founder, policymaker, development partner, corporate innovator, academic, or ecosystem builder, AAG 2025 offers an unmatched opportunity to connect, learn, co-create, and lead. Join us in Nairobi and be part of the next chapter in Africa’s innovation story. Don’t wait—secure your spot today at https://afrilabsgathering.com/tickets.  About AfriLabs  AfriLabs is the largest network of technology and innovation hubs across Africa, committed to driving inclusive innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Through community, capacity building, and collaboration, AfriLabs empowers local hubs to scale impact and shape the continent’s innovation future.  For more information, visit www.afrilabsgathering.com and www.afrilabs.com.   For media inquiries, contact: pr@afrilabs.com | comms@afrilabs.com