WFP Innovation Challenge drives home-grown food systems transformation in South Sudan  

WFP Innovation Challenge drives home-grown food systems transformation in South Sudan Juba, SOUTH SUDAN – Eleven ventures in South Sudan have been awarded a total of USD 320,000 in this year’s WFP IGNITE Food Systems Innovation Challenge and an opportunity to contribute towards transforming the country’s food system.   Launched earlier this year, the challenge, supported by the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) and German Development Bank, KfW is the second edition, following its inaugural event in 2021. Winners receive grant funding ranging from USD 15,000 to USD 40,000, alongside access to expert mentorship, business acceleration, and the chance to establish strategic partnerships.  “Building sustainable food systems is the cornerstone of South Sudan’s path to food security, economic sovereignty, and climate resilience,” affirmed Dr. John Ogoto Kanisio, Undersecretary for Agriculture at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. “By investing in young, innovative entrepreneurs, we are not only creating jobs, but we are also unlocking rural potential, driving inclusive agribusiness growth, and cultivating a new generation of leaders who will position South Sudan competitively in regional and global markets. The Ministry is fully committed to this vision, and we call on all partners to join us in empowering youth to lead the transformation of our food systems.”  The top two winners are Africa Cornerstone General Trading and Dream Farm Agribusiness Cooperative. Both companies are proudly women-led and have demonstrated remarkable commitment to environmental sustainability.  Africa Cornerstone General Trading’s innovation centres on bio-degradable and recyclable packaging solutions designed to reduce food waste and lower carbon emissions. Meanwhile, Dream Farm Agribusiness Cooperative has excelled in recycling poultry manure as organic fertiliser, developing sustainable feed solutions, and employing efficient water-saving housing.  “The IGNITE Food Systems Challenge shows the power of homegrown solutions by local entrepreneurs,” said Dr. Björn Niere, German Head of Cooperation.“Sustainable food systems need exactly these innovations. They also require strong partnerships, clear standards, and a safe and free environment for ideas to grow. Germany is proud to work with WFP, DANIDA, and local partners to ensure that promising ventures can thrive and have lasting impact on communities.”  “Lack of access to finance and technical support is suffocating innovations of South Sudanese young entrepreneurs,” said Adham Effendi, WFP’s Acting Country Director in South Sudan. “Through generous support by DANIDA and KFW, we are reaching bright and talented entrepreneurs to unlock their potential and provide solutions to food systems challenges.”  Following a rigorous selection process from over 200 entries received nationwide, the winners represent a diverse range of sectors. These include agri-tech, post-harvest management, livestock production, and sustainable food distribution. The full list of winners is as follows; AgriSmart Farm & Urban Gardens, Golden Farm South Sudan Ltd, Hope and Care for Development, Long Puou Cooperative Society, Lulu Bakes, Mading Chan Young Network Economic Development, Magwi College of Agribusiness & Management Science, National Star Investment Co. Ltd and Tropical Wet Organics Ltd.  “This is more than just a recognition of entrepreneurial excellence – it’s a turning point for inclusive, homegrown innovation in South Sudan,” said Nanko Madu, Director of Programmes at AfriLabs. “By backing visionary local businesses, we are not only fuelling sustainable economic growth but also proving that transformative change can and must come from within. These entrepreneurs are the architects of a more food-secure, climate-resilient future for South Sudan.”  The challenge is a brainchild of the IGNITE Innovation Hub of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and implemented through its partners AfriLabs and Seed Grow South Sudan in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. IGNITE Food Systems Challenge seeks to find and promote locally driven solutions to food systems challenges.    Past winners include Hagana Agro Processing Company, which has since grown into a household brand in South Sudan and competes favourably on regional markets. About WFP:  The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.  Follow us on Twitter @wfp_SouthSudan   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. Learn more: www.afrilabs.com.    For more information, please contact:  For WFP – Tomson Phiri, tomson.phiri@wfp.org,  +211 928 008 037.

AfriLabs and ATU Forge Continent‑Wide Pact to Fast‑Track Digital Innovation 

AfriLabs and ATU Forge Continent‑Wide Pact to Fast‑Track Digital Innovation Nairobi, Kenya — 18th July 2025: AfriLabs, the largest pan-African network of innovation hubs, and the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate digital innovation across Africa. This strategic alliance unites ATU’s 52 member states with AfriLabs’ dynamic ecosystem of over 500 innovation hubs across 53 African countries, forging a continent-wide force to drive inclusive technological advancement, empower local solutions, and catalyse transformative economic growth.    The MoU in part addresses the widening gap between Africa’s digital potential and current internet access levels. Despite projections that continent’s internet economy could reach $712 billion by 2050, only 38% of Africans were online in 2024, marking the lowest penetration rate among regions covered by the International Telecommunications Union.   John Omo, Secretary General of ATU, said: “Our entrepreneurs have the ideas and resilience; however, they continue to face challenges such as fragmented regulations and limited continental visibility. This collaboration with AfriLabs seeks to provide a framework that will enable ATU and AfriLabs to address some of these challenges and innovators to concentrate on addressing practical issues rather than bureaucratic hurdles.”    Recognizing the potential growth in mobile internet adoption—forecasted to add nearly a quarter of global new users by 2030 in Sub-Saharan Africa—and anticipating 247 million 5G connections within the same period, ATU and AfriLabs aims to focus their collaboration on nurturing solutions tailored to Africa’s diverse markets so that this surge in connectivity translates into inclusive digital opportunity.  Under the partnership, both organizations will jointly promote Africa’s innovation ecosystem. This is expected to take the form of integrating communications across networks of both organisations such as through the annual ATU Africa Innovation Challenge and AfriLabs’ capacity building programmes which provide mentorship, resources and highlights flagship innovations.    Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director of AfriLabs, said: “Today’s partnership marks a crucial moment in Africa’s digital journey, by aligning our pan-African network of innovation hubs, innovators and entrepreneurs with the regulatory and institutional influence of ATU, we are laying the groundwork for a future where every entrepreneur, regardless of location, can turn bold ideas into scalable solutions. Together, we will dismantle barriers, cultivate local talent, and build an ecosystem that not only accelerates connectivity but also ensures that the breakthroughs born here are protected, celebrated, and competitive on the global stage.”    A significant part of the agreement is the establishment of a joint programme for Intellectual Property (IP) protection and commercialization for African innovators. ATU and AfriLabs will champion policies that strengthen the IP ecosystem and support African startups in protecting their innovations. They will further engage with policymakers, regulators, and other stakeholders to shape a conducive regulatory environment for digital transformation and innovation.  The signing of the MoU was completed at ATU’s headquarters in Nairobi. The agreement is part of a broader continental focus aligned with the African Union’s ambitious goal to elevate internet penetration to 80% by 2030 as accounted for in the AU Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa 2020-2030.    About the African Telecommunications Union (ATU)  An Inter-Governmental Organization (IGO), ATU is the specialised organ of the African Union in the field of Telecommunications/ICTs, and also the International Telecommunications Union’s regional telecommunications organization (RTO) for Africa. The Union represents 52 African countries forming its Member States, and 56 Associate Members comprised of ICT operators in the region. It is an autonomous, membership driven organization whose mission is to promote digital transformation in Africa and ensure the continent is an equal-player in global digital matters. More on the website https://atuuat.africa/    For more information, contact:  Alice Koech, Director Cooperation – ATU  Email: a.koech@atuuat.africa  Phone: +254722510012    About AfriLabs  AfriLabs is a leading pan-African network of over 500 innovation and technology hubs across 53 African countries. Established to support the growth of Africa’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, AfriLabs empowers hubs and their communities by providing capacity-building programs, strategic partnerships, funding opportunities, and advocacy for enabling policy environments.    By fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, governments, the private sector, academia, and development partners, AfriLabs is catalyzing sustainable solutions driven by African talent, technology, and innovation. Through its work, AfriLabs plays a pivotal role in accelerating digital transformation, job creation, and inclusive economic growth across the continent.    Learn more: www.afrilabs.com.     For more information, contact: E: pr@afrilabs.com & comms@afrilabs.com 

AfriLabs Secures $150,000 Unrestricted Donation from Airbnb Community Fund 

AfriLabs Secures $150,000 Unrestricted Donation from Airbnb Community Fund AfriLabs, the largest pan-African network of innovation and technology hubs, is pleased to announce its approval for a generous donation of $150,000 from the Airbnb Community Fund.   The Airbnb Community Fund is dedicated to supporting organizations that are making a tangible difference in key areas. These areas include environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, mental health, and the prevention of abuse and exploitation, all of which create meaningful impacts in local communities. By extending this donation to AfriLabs, Airbnb reinforces its belief in the transformative potential of innovation hubs to drive social and economic development on the continent.  This unrestricted donation provides AfriLabs with the flexibility to channel funds where they are most needed, ensuring the organization’s continued ability to adapt to emerging challenges, foster collaboration, and scale its initiatives to support over 500 innovation hubs and thousands of entrepreneurs across 53 African countries.    Anna Ekeledo, the Executive Director of AfriLabs, highlighted the importance of the partnership: “This generous donation from the Airbnb Community Fund is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision. With this funding, we can deepen our efforts to support innovation hubs that nurture entrepreneurs, accelerate solutions to pressing challenges, and drive sustainable impact across communities. Together, we are shaping an inclusive and innovative future for Africa.”  AfriLabs’ partnership with Airbnb’s Community Fund underscores their shared commitment to being transformative forces for impactful change. Together, they serve as platforms for cultivating innovative solutions that address both local and global challenges.  About AfriLabs:  AfriLabs is a Pan-African network of over 500 innovation hubs across 53 African countries designed to drive sustainable economic growth across the continent through investment, innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.  About The Airbnb Community Fund:  Created in 2020, the Airbnb Community Fund is a commitment to serve our stakeholders and give back in the places our Hosts call home. The Community Fund will distribute $100 million USD by the end of 2030 to strengthen communities around the world. We work closely with stakeholders, including Airbnb Hosts, to identify causes that are important to them and support organizations making a difference in those areas. These include issues like environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, mental health, and ending abuse and exploitation.    For media inquiries, please contact pr@afrilabs.com & comms@afrilabs.com.    

AfriLabs and MSwitch Partner to Unlock Global Remote Work Opportunities for African Talent 

AfriLabs and MSwitch Partner to Unlock Global Remote Work Opportunities for African Talent Abuja, Nigeria – March 21, 2025 – In a move to accelerate digital employment opportunities for African talents, AfriLabs and MSwitch Creative Hub have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formalizing their partnership at a press conference in Abuja, Nigeria, on March 21, 2025. Through this partnership, AfriLabs, the largest pan-African network of over 500 technology innovation hubs across 53 African countries and MSwitch Creative Hub, a key player in bridging the gap between African talent and global opportunities, will connect highly skilled African professionals with remote job placements, leveraging technology to ensure sustainable employment and economic empowerment.  Expanding on this mission, AfriLabs has also entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cybersecurity INC USA to enhance recruitment, training, and job placements through their platform, Remoting.Work . In collaboration with MSwitch and Cybersecurity INC USA, the initiative is set to create 2,000 jobs immediately, scaling to 250,000+ jobs in 18 months across industries such as customer service, digital marketing, software development, cybersecurity, healthcare, and more.   Speaking on the partnership, Ajibola Odukoya, Chief Operating Officer of AfriLabs, emphasized the significance of enabling Africans to participate in the global job market while remaining in their home countries:  “Africa holds immense talent, yet many professionals leave the continent in search of opportunities elsewhere. At AfriLabs, we are tackling this challenge by bringing world-class opportunities directly to Africa. By enabling professionals to work remotely for international companies while staying in their local environments, we are fostering homegrown innovation and strengthening local economies. We are thrilled to announce that, in the pilot phase of this initiative, over 200,000 businesses have already signed up, with at least half a million jobs to be filled across the continent. Nigeria, as a leading tech hub, is a crucial starting point, and this is only the beginning—we are scaling across Africa.”  As part of this initiative, MSwitch Creative Hub will take the lead role in providing critical infrastructure and training to ensure African talents are equipped with the necessary skills to excel in the global digital workforce. Fully equipped co-working spaces, 24/7 electricity, high-speed internet, and industry standard tools will be established to maximize productivity for remote professionals.   Zainab Salami, Co-Founder and Executive Director of MSwitch Creative Hub, highlighted the partnership’s impact on tackling youth unemployment and positioning Africa as a global digital powerhouse:  “With over 53% of young Nigerians between 15-24 either unemployed or underemployed, this initiative is a game-changer. By bridging the gap between talent and opportunity, we are not only addressing unemployment but also positioning Nigeria and Africa as a hub for digital and creative excellence. This initiative will attract global employers, provide structured training for African professionals, and create sustainable career pathways, ensuring that our continent remains competitive in the global digital economy.”  The AfriLabs, MSwitch and Cybersecurity INC USA partnership, is redefining Africa’s participation in the digital economy. With international employers increasingly looking to Africa for tech talent, this initiative ensures that African professionals can thrive in remote work roles while contributing to their local economies.  About AfriLabs  AfriLabs is the largest network of technology and innovation hubs across Africa, driving the growth of Africa’s innovation ecosystem. With a mission to support the development of the African technology and innovation ecosystem, AfriLabs connects hubs and other stakeholders to facilitate collaboration, resource sharing, and knowledge transfer.  About MSwitch Creative Hub  MSwitch Creative Hub is a subsidiary of MSwitch Group, dedicated to empowering young creatives and digital professionals by providing world-class training, job placements, and fully equipped co-working spaces. The organization is committed to bridging the gap between African talent and global opportunities through strategic partnerships and industry-driven initiatives. 

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: JOIN THE TIMBUKTOO MINETECH ACCELERATOR PROGRAMME

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: JOIN THE TIMBUKTOO MINETECH ACCELERATOR PROGRAMME 9th JANUARY 2025, ZAMBIA — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in  partnership with the timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation, and National Institute for Scientific and  Industrial Research (NISIR) are excited to announce the timbuktoo MineTech Accelerator Programme,  a transformative initiative of the timbuktoo MineTech Hub designed to drive innovation in mining  technology, empower start-ups, and scale transformative technologies in the African mining sector.  The timbuktoo MineTech Hub is a first of its kind on the African Continent with a focus on reimagining  the mining industry through the empowerment of youth-led startups. The Accelerator Programme provides access to networks, high tech products, and financial resources. Through the Accelerator  Programme, the timbuktoo initiative aims to foster sustainability and operational efficiency, unlocking  new opportunities for socio-economic development across the continent.    Key Funding and Call for Applications  The timbuktoo MineTech Accelerator Programme aims to identify and support innovative mining-tech  start-ups from across Africa, focusing on tech-enabled solutions that revolutionise the mining industry.  The selected start-ups will receive access to mentorship, funding, and link to global networks,  enabling them to scale and implement cutting-edge solutions that address critical challenges in the  sector. For the second phase of the programme, the selected start-ups will each receive $25,000 in  equity-free funding, enabling them to refine their solutions and scale their businesses.  Applications for this opportunity open from January 9, 2025, and close on February 13, 2025. Startups  across Africa are encouraged to apply and contribute to transforming the mining and technology  landscape.  “The timbuktoo MineTech Accelerator Programme reflects our dedication to addressing critical  challenges in Africa’s mining sector while empowering local talent,” said James Wakiaga, Resident  Representative of UNDP Zambia. “This initiative not only fosters innovation but also provides vital  financial and mentorship support for start-ups that will shape the future of sustainable mining.”  The Chief Executive Officer of NISIR, Dr. Henry Kambafwile, further emphasised the transformative  potential of the MineTech Accelerator programme, noting “This programme is more than just an  opportunity for start-ups—it’s a catalyst for reshaping Africa’s mining sector with technology and  innovation at its core. By empowering Africa’s brightest minds, we are positioning the continent as a  leader in sustainable and ethical mining practices.”    Programme Objectives  The MineTech Accelerator Programme seeks to achieve the following key objectives:  Promote Innovation: Develop cutting-edge technologies that enhance mining  operations.  Support and Scale Startups: Accelerate the growth and investment readiness of  emerging ventures in mining technology.  Enhance Capacity: Equip entrepreneurs with essential skills through targeted  workshops and mentorship. Foster Collaboration: Build partnerships among industry leaders, investors,  regulators, and academia.  Drive Economic Growth: Contribute to regional socio-economic development  through technology-driven advancements.    Programme Scope and Activities  The initiative unfolds in several strategic phases to provide comprehensive support for start-ups:  Recruitment and Bootcamp: Start-ups from across Africa will be selected via outreach,  partnerships, and community engagement. The 4-week bootcamp broken down as 2-weeks  in person and 2-weeks virtual will include:  • Problem definition exercises  • Prototype development and personas  • Business modelling and market validation  • Pitch development workshops    Start-ups will refine problem statements, map target markets, and align their solutions with  industry needs.  Acceleration Phase: After the bootcamp, the selected start-ups will advance to a tailored  acceleration phase, with the opportunity to be awarded $25,000 in equity-free funding.  Participants will gain access to mentorship, market opportunities, product refinement, and  strategic guidance.  Timbuktoo MineTech Hub: The Hub hosted at NISIR will facilitate collaboration with  regulators, mining corporations, and innovation hubs across Africa. Outreach activities will  engage a wide range of stakeholders through webinars, social media campaigns, and curated  events.  Post-Grant Support: The programme will offer post-grant support to ensure start-ups have the  resources and guidance they need to continue growing, scale their solutions, and drive  impact.    Eligibility and Focus Areas  Start-ups applying to the programme must meet the following criteria:  Founders must be nationals of an African Union member state and be domiciled in Africa. Start-ups must address mining industry challenges using technology-based solutions. The programme strongly encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and  marginalised groups.      Focus areas for the MineTech Accelerator include:  Waste management and efficient mineral recovery. Data visualization and interpretation. Drone applications and surveying. Sustainability-focused mining innovations.     Join the Movement  Start-ups in the mining and technology sectors are encouraged to seize this opportunity to redefine  the African mining ecosystem. With substantial funding and support available, the programme promises to nurture transformative innovations and drive sustainable economic growth.    For more information about the timbuktoo MineTech Hub and to submit an application, click this  link.    For more information and media interviews, contact:   Salome Nakazwe, Head of Solutions Mapping for the UNDP Accelerator Labs, salome.nakazwe@undp.org  Dr Kutemba Kapanji, Head of Materials, Engineering and Technical Services,  Kaunakakai@gmail.com/ kkakoma@nisir.org.zm    Mercy Khozi, Communications Analyst, UNDP Zambia, mercy.khozi@undp.org, +260211386200 Oluwagbemisola Fagbemi, Communications and Liaison Officer, UNDP Africa,  oluwagbemisola.fagbemi@undp.org    ABOUT TIMBUKTOO MINETECH HUB    The MineTech Hub is a first-of-its-kind Pan-African innovation and acceleration Hub dedicated to transforming  the mining sector through tech-enabled innovation and sustainability. Located at the National Institute for  Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR), in Lusaka, Zambia, and launched as part of the United Nations  Development Programme’s (UNDP) timbuktoo initiative, the MineTech Hub empowers startups, entrepreneurs,  and researchers to pioneer solutions that enhance operational efficiency, safety, and environmental  responsibility in the mining industry.    By fostering innovation, catalysing investment, and addressing critical challenges in mining, the Hub aims to  position Africa as a leader in tech-enabled, sustainable mining spark Africa’s startup revolution.  For more information, visit: https://www.undp.org/zambia/timbuktoo-minetech-hub     ABOUT TIMBUKTOO  The timbuktoo initiative targets to mobilise and invest USD 1 billion over 10 years to support 10,000 startups,  scale 1000 startups, to impact 100 million livelihoods, and create USD 10 billion value on the African continent.  The moonshot targets innovation on a pan-African scale through strategically selected “Hubs” which will be  sector-specific and engage with startups from across the continent. The thematic Hubs (Accra – AgriTech; Kigali –

AfriLabs Partners with Snake Nation to lead the Creative Digital Economy Track at the Annual Gathering 2024 in Cape Town

AfriLabs Partners with Snake Nation to lead the Creative Digital Economy Track at the Annual Gathering 2024 in Cape Town AfriLabs is thrilled to announce its partnership with Snake Nation, a mission-driven culture, content and technology company, to lead the Creative Digital Economy Track at the highly anticipated AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2024. This transformative event will take place from November 6th to 8th at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) under the theme “Uniting Innovation.”    The AfriLabs Annual Gathering is set to bring together Africa’s leading innovators, thought leaders, policymakers, investors, and startups, fostering collaboration and driving meaningful change across the continent. This year’s gathering will feature a  lineup of dynamic tracks, including the Creative Digital Economy Track, which will explore the intersection of cultures, unlock opportunities, and bridge gaps in the digital landscape. Attendees will engage in insightful discussions, interactive workshops, and networking sessions that highlight the importance of creativity and innovation in the digital economy.   “We are excited to collaborate with Snake Nation for the Creative Digital Economy Track at this year’s AfriLabs Annual Gathering,” said Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director of AfriLabs. “We believe that by bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, we can drive meaningful change and create new opportunities in Africa’s digital economy.”   “We’re thrilled to join forces with AfriLabs to champion the Creative Digital Economy track at this year’s Annual Gathering. Our  vision is to inspire and empower the room full of African creatives, through engaging panels and experiential programme curation. We’re activating a global network of the brightest minds and creative souls to lead us into Africa 4.0.” – Karl Carter, CEO at Snake Nation.   The AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2024 promises to be an inspiring and enriching experience for all participants. We invite everyone interested in shaping the future of Africa’s innovation landscape to join us in Cape Town, register today at AfriLabs Annual Gathering and secure your tickets here. About AfriLabs   AfriLabs is the largest network of technology and innovation hubs across Africa, driving the growth of Africa’s innovation ecosystem. With a mission to support the development of the African technology and innovation ecosystem, AfriLabs connects hubs and other stakeholders to facilitate collaboration, resource sharing, and knowledge transfer. About Snake Nation   Snake Nation is a culture content and tech company  powered by creative rebels from around the globe. With a mission to leverage content, community and blockchain technology, Snake Nation aims to create a new platform for multicultural millennials. By empowering diverse creators across Dance, Film, Fashion, Art, Tech, Gaming & Music, to build their audience, distribute their creative products, and create value for their work in the global creative economy, Snake Nation connects them with opportunities, training, and peer-to-peer value exchange. Follow AfriLabs on social media at @afrilabs and visit our website,  www.afrilabsgathering.com and www.afrilabs.com for updates on the event, tracks, and registration. Follow our partner snakenation on social media at @snakenation.co   For media inquiries, please contact pr@afrilabs.com & comms@afrilabs.com

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

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

Intel and AfriLabs collaborate to support the African Deep Tech Startup Ecosystem

AfriLabs is excited to announce that we have partnered with the global manufacturer of advanced integrated digital technology platforms, Intel to gain a deeper understanding of the African deep-tech startup ecosystem and identify pathways in which Intel can extend their support to deep tech startups on the continent. The startup scene in Africa has experienced incredible growth in recent years, and this is partly a result of several significant interventions by stakeholders to enable entrepreneurship and innovation in local ecosystems. AfriLabs and Intel’s collaboration hopes to sustainably build on the work done and set a framework for future interventions. “To give more impactful support to the startup ecosystem in Africa, we need to consider specialised capacity building. Different kinds of startups need different kinds of support, and the AfriLabs partnership with Intel explores learning more about how we could better support deep tech ventures. I am particularly excited about this collaboration and how it would lay the foundation for deeper interactions between the ecosystem and big global tech players like Intel.”  Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director, AfriLabs said during her opening remarks. At the official partnership agreement signing ceremony on the 24th of May, 2022, Intel was represented by Maurits Tichelman, Vice President SMG & GM EMEA Territory, Intel (virtual), Dr Bienvenu AGBOKPONTO SOGLO, Director, Government Affairs Africa and EMEA CTO Liaison, Intel (onsite), Kate Hach, Head of Program, Intel Ignite’s accelerator (virtual) and the Emerging Markets Director for Government and Education of Intel Corporation, Mr Sven Beckmann (virtual). “As part of our desire to support the African Startups Ecosystem, Intel is looking to learn from and harvest new technology disruptions that will help position Intel’s Business in Africa in areas such as Healthcare, Fintech, Agriculture, E-commerce, Mobility, Hardware/IoT that are enabled by Intel Technologies.” said Maurits Tichelman, Vice President SMG & GM EMEA Territory, Intel during the signing ceremony. “It is in this regard, that we are signing a collaboration agreement with AfriLabs” he continued. Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director of AfriLabs, Daniel Chinagozi, Member of the AfriLabs Board, Ajibola Odukoya, AfriLabs COO, Nekesa Were, Director of Strategy, AfriLabs, Felista Aku, Partnerships Manager at AfriLabs and other members of the AfriLabs team represented the AfriLabs. A cross-section of high-level local and regional innovation ecosystem key players was also present. The partnership will leverage AfriLabs’ pan-African reach to map startups and ecosystem stakeholders and provide recommendations for future modes of collaboration that will ensure continuous deal flow and establish a presence for Intel. Dr Bienvenu AGBOKPONTO SOGLO, Director Government Affairs Africa & EMEA CTO Liaison, Intel also spoke about the organisation’s ambition: “As Intel looks ahead to the next decade, our ambitions and opportunities have never been greater to unleash the power of data and help advance integrated corporate responsibility strategies in which companies use collaborative models to drive increased value creation and societal impact.”   A prominent outcome of this partnership is that African startups in deep-tech will be introduced to Intel programs: Intel Ignite and Intel OneAPI for startups. A hybrid workshop focused on these programs was held after the signing ceremony with several startups from across the continent in attendance.   Stay tuned as we share more about the activities of this partnership and how you can be a part of it. For more information, reach out to Felista Aku at felista@afrilabs.com.

UNDP Accelerator Labs and AfriLabs Announce Powerful Partnership to Advance Innovation Policy in Africa

Abuja, Nigeria & New York, United States, 10 November 2021 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Accelerator Labs and AfriLabs held a hybrid live and virtual event hosted by AfriLabs as part of their 2021 Annual Gathering on 29 October 2021 to formally announce their partnership and path forward.  Anna Ekeledo, AfriLabs Executive Director and William Tsuma, Senior Advisor and UNDP Nigeria Accelerator Lab Focal Point attended the in-person event at the ImpactCove Hub in Abuja, Nigeria. Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa and Gina Lucarelli, UNDP Accelerator Labs Team Leader joined virtually. This partnership between two well-established actors in the African innovation ecosystem will focus on harnessing the knowledge of local innovators across the continent to close the gap towards the Sustainable Development Global Goals (SDGs). To date, Africa is only on track for Goal 14 (life below water), with a regression on Goals such as 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions), which is why we urgently need to mobilize the collective intelligence of more than 1 billion Africans to accelerate progress toward these Goals.  While Africa is fueled by an incredibly innovative community of grassroots innovators, youth and members of the informal sector, governments do not yet fully utilize this incredible potential. With this partnership the UNDP Accelerator Lab Network and AfriLabs bet on the African innovation ecosystem to increase its contribution to solving the continent’s most pressing development challenges and advance innovation policy in Africa. Both partners’ scale and networks across the continent make them uniquely positioned to achieve that. The UNDP Accelerator Lab Network comprises 91 labs covering 115 countries among which 35 are located in Africa, and AfriLabs is the largest pan-African network, comprising 320 technology and innovation hubs across 51 African countries and the diaspora.  “With our youth population projected to be over 500 million over the next 5 years, the importance of job creation cannot be understated, and innovation hubs act as a platform that build systems and businesses that create these jobs. We see this partnership as a powerful collaboration that can multiply the effect of our goals and we look forward to recording measurable impact tailored to revolutionize the innovation ecosystem in Africa,” Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director of AfriLabs said about the partnership. “Together, AfriLabs and the 35 UNDP Accelerator Labs in Africa will draw lessons from existing policies and develop a framework which will be shared as input for African leaders,” said Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa. “This can shape inclusive innovation policies that will better address the complexity of current development challenges.” “Bottom-up innovation plays a critical role if we want to accelerate progress towards the Goals,” shared Gina Lucarelli, UNDP Accelerator Labs Team Leader. “We know there is power in the homegrown innovation happening across the continent and this partnership will help us tap into this potential. I am particularly excited about the upcoming national innovation policy dialogues we are co-organizing to surface what kind of innovation policies can unleash and enable all that power.”  The signing ceremony has officially kickstarted this knowledge partnership for the African innovation and development ecosystem. Next up, the partners are organizing a panel series called the “Africa Innovation Policy Dialogues” which will take place in 2021 and 2022, starting in Nigeria and Kenya in November 2021, and will discuss how local innovations can contribute to accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals even, and especially, in times of COVID-19.    About AfriLabs AfriLabs was founded in 2011 to build a community around rapidly emerging tech hubs―innovation spaces that serve as meeting points and communities for developers, entrepreneurs, and investors. They believe that supporting the development of the African technology and innovation ecosystem enables Africa to participate in the global knowledge and innovation market place thereby stimulating economic growth. Currently 320 member hubs strong across 51 African countries and the diaspora, AfriLabs vision is to build a thriving innovation economy in Africa, powered by their community. To learn more, visit afrilabs.com or follow @AfriLabs on social media.   About UNDP Accelerator Labs The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Accelerator Lab is the world’s largest and fastest learning network on wicked sustainable development challenges. Co-built as a joint-venture with the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany and the Qatar Fund for Development, the Network covers 115 countries, and taps into local innovations to create actionable insights and reimagine sustainable development for the 21st century.   Learn more at acceleratorlabs.undp.org or follow us at @UNDPAccLabs   For more information or media inquiries, please contact: Joshua Omena A., AfriLabs Communications, +234 7051243829, joshua@afrilabs.com  Erika Antoine, UNDP Communications, +1 929 406 5348, erika.antoine@undp.org