Intel AI Programme Propels African DeepTech Ecosystem Forward: A Collaborative Success
Intel AI Programme Propels African DeepTech Ecosystem Forward: A Collaborative Success The Fraser Suites in Abuja, Nigeria, witnessed an exciting convergence of Africa’s brightest minds and innovative spirit as Intel and AfriLabs successfully concluded the Intel AI Programme for African DeepTech Startups & Ecosystem Stakeholders. From March 5th to 7th, 2024, attendees immersed themselves in a three-day journey of enlightenment, collaboration, and empowerment. The event, organized by AfriLabs in collaboration with Intel, aimed to propel growth and innovation in Nigeria’s DeepTech ecosystem. Participants from diverse backgrounds including government officials, industry experts, startups, developers, and ecosystem stakeholders convened to explore the challenges, opportunities, and prospects of DeepTech in Africa. The event commenced with opening remarks from esteemed government officials and representatives from Intel and AfriLabs. Dr. Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo, Director of Government Affairs Africa and IGA CTO Liaison at Intel set the stage with an insightful presentation on the socio-economic and policy implications of DeepTech in Africa. This was followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring high-level representatives from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Intel, and other industry partners, moderated by Jennifer Okeke-Ojiudu, Senior Ecosystem Engagements Manager at AfriLabs. The session provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the DeepTech ecosystem in Africa. Finally, day one culminated with a High-Level Roundtable Discussion on AI Policy, facilitated by Dr. Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo of Intel, engaging the Director-General of the National Centre for Technology Management, other Government Officials and AI Ecosystem Stakeholders. Day two of the event focused on empowering startups, developers, and innovation hubs with the tools and resources needed to thrive in the AI landscape. Highlights included an introduction to the Intel® Liftoff for AI Startups Program, presentations on the Intel Developer Cloud and OneAPI initiative, and valuable lessons learned from industry experts. The day concluded with presentations from leading innovation hubs, further enriching the discourse on DeepTech entrepreneurship and innovation in Nigeria. The final day of the event centered on building vibrant startup communities and fostering collaboration among ecosystem stakeholders. Keynote addresses by notable figures such as Ajibola Odukoya, Chief Operating Officer at AfriLabs, and Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of NITDA, set the tone for engaging discussions on the role of government in driving innovation in Africa. Presentations from various innovation hubs underscored the importance of community-building and collaboration in nurturing Africa’s burgeoning DeepTech ecosystem. Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of NITDA, emphasized the importance of collaboration and shared vision in his address: “When I learned of the aims and objectives of this workshop, my enthusiasm for our ecosystem was truly ignited. At NITDA, we firmly believe that no single entity can navigate this landscape alone; collective effort is imperative. Our vision for Nigeria is one of digital empowerment, innovation-driven prosperity, and inclusive economic growth fostered by technology. The global AI race has commenced, and the nation’s leading it will shape the future. Africa, with its abundant talent and youthful population, is poised to play a significant role. In Nigeria, our path is clear: AI is our journey, our goals are defined, and our determination is unwavering.” Reflecting on the event’s success, Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director at AfriLabs, remarked, “This collaboration has provided a platform for meaningful engagement, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration, laying the groundwork for future innovation and growth across Africa.” As the curtains close on the Intel AI Programme for African DeepTech Startups & Ecosystem Stakeholders, the legacy of collaboration, innovation, and empowerment lives on. Looking ahead, the journey continues as Africa’s DeepTech community embarks on a path of growth, resilience, and boundless possibilities. To learn more about the program and AfriLabs’ participation, contact Jonathan at jonathan@afrilabs.com. For general information about AfriLabs, visit www.afrilabs.com. For media inquiries, please contact pr@afrilabs.com & comms@afrilabs.com.
African youth-led innovations secure funding to transform adolescent mental and reproductive health at Youth Connekt Africa Summit 2023
African youth-led innovations secure funding to transform adolescent mental and reproductive health at Youth Connekt Africa Summit 2023 Nairobi, Kenya 11th Dec 2023: AfriLabs, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), participated at the Youth Connekt Africa (YCA) Summit 2023, held from December 8th to 12th in Nairobi, Kenya. The annual summit centered around the theme “Youth Innovating a Borderless African Renaissance” offered a platform for policy discussions, storytelling, networking, and entrepreneur-focused programs, including a marketplace and investor meetings. In pushing for the advocacy on Mental Health and Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR), Afrilabs and UNFPA launched a project in July 2024 that seeks to address the interconnected challenges of mental health and ASRHR. Afrilabs organised a pitch competition event at the YCA summit and thus showcasing the two winners and overall outcomes of the hacklab at the Summit. Ten finalists drawn from Malawi, Namibia, Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda competed for the top prize at the pitch event held on the sidelines of the Youth Connekt Africa Summit 2023. The innovative solutions presented at the Summit stemmed from a 3-day online bootcamp organized by Afrilabs in October. Two Remarkable solutions emerged from young innovators across the continent, proposing novel approaches to positively impact the lives of adolescents and youth in the fields of mental health and reproductive health. A rigorous evaluation process, led by a jury featuring representatives from AfriLabs’ network of experts, culminated in the selection of two winning solutions. These outstanding projects not only secured $20,000 each in scale funding but also earned exclusive business incubation support that will be facilitated by Afrilabs through their extensive network of innovation hubs. Standing at the forefront of empowerment through digital media, Selma Ndasilohenda Iyambo from Namibia claimed the top spot with her groundbreaking youth podcast. Delving into the realms of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and mental health, the podcast also serves as a powerful tool for uplifting young mothers and fostering community impact. On the heels of this achievement, Tilitonse Concept, led by Tapiwa Penama from Malawi, emerged as the second-place winner. Functioning as a comprehensive hub, it empowers the youth residing in Malawi’s Dzaleka camp with valuable insights into mental health and crucial Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (#SRHR) choices. Together, these innovative solutions embody a vision for positive change, demonstrating the transformative potential inherent in forward-thinking initiatives. In closing, the Youth Connekt Africa Summit 2023 has not only been a gathering of minds but a testament to the resilience and creativity of Africa’s youth. Afrilabs, in partnership with UNFPA, has spearheaded initiatives that address critical aspects of adolescent health, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of innovation. The winning solutions, forged through collaboration and determination, pave the way for positive change, echoing the potential of technology and creativity to transform lives. As we reflect on this summit, let it be a reminder that the journey towards a brighter, healthier future is powered by the ingenuity and passion of the continent’s youth, whose ideas continue to shape the trajectory of Africa’s progress. Over the last 2 years of collaboration between AfriLabs and UNFPA over 200k USD has been given to over 9 innovators turned startups to scale their efforts in fighting against harmful practices through establishment of social impact businesses. For more information on our participation at the Youth Connekt Africa Summit 2023 – Mental Health and ASRHR Hacklab Final Pitching please contact baluku(@)afrilabs.com.
Catalysing Africa’s Digital Economy: Content Tracks for Collaboration, Policy advocacy, Inclusion, and Sustainability at the AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2023
The global digital landscape is advancing at an unprecedented pace, and with each passing day, new innovations are being introduced to the market. The importance of technology in driving Africa’s economy is becoming increasingly evident. Africans have an opportunity to lead this revolution, solve diverse challenges and take the continent to the next level. All stakeholders must understand the urgency needed to make this change a reality. This starts with having the right conversations, utilizing relevant technologies and having the opportunity to take advantage of this revolution. These are our priorities at this year’s AfriLabs Annual Gathering. The AfriLabs flagship event, AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2023, is scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda from Wednesday, October 11th to Friday, October 13th. The purpose of the event is to accelerate the growth of Africa’s digital economy by bringing together stakeholders from the African technology and innovation ecosystem. The event consists of six content tracks, each with a specific focus. The Investor track will explore funding gaps in the African technology and innovation ecosystem and innovative solutions required to bridge these gaps. The Climate Change and Adaptation track will bring together experts and innovators to explore sustainable approaches to climate action. The Creative and Technology Intersection track will showcase cross-sector collaborations and innovative initiatives that leverage technology for expression and business development. The Policy and Data-Driven Africa track will explore policy-related challenges and data-driven decision-making and governance strategies for inclusive growth in Africa. It will also feature a ministerial roundtable focused on policy harmonisation. The Gender Inclusion track will highlight the importance of gender diversity and equity within the tech and entrepreneurship sectors. Lastly, the Hub Solutions & Sustainability track will examine how African technology and innovation hubs can offer quality support to startups while remaining profitable. Discussions will cover pain points, opportunities, scalability, and innovative financing. The AfriLabs Annual Gathering will provide attendees with access to investor networks and key stakeholder groups, including startups, academics, media partners, developmental organizations, and industry titans. In addition to sessions and masterclasses from industry leaders and key government officials, the gathering will also offer opportunities to launch projects, identify investment opportunities, explore new business models, and develop trends for the next year in technology and innovation in Africa. Rwanda’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Hon Paula Inagbire, stated that “Rwanda is always open to welcome regional and global innovators. Our goal is to empower scalable startups that collectively transform our communities with cutting-edge innovations.” The sentiment perfectly reflects the purpose of AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2023: bringing together individuals from all facets of the technology and innovation ecosystem in Africa to meet, learn, and share.If you want to be a part of shaping Africa’s innovation and technology ecosystem or stay abreast of the latest developments, don’t miss out on AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2023!
Revolutionizing the African Innovation & Technology Ecosystem: Discover the AfriLabs 8th Annual Gathering Track Champions
AfriLabs is revolutionizing the African innovation and technology ecosystem with their 8th Annual Gathering, taking place in Kigali, Rwanda from Wednesday the 11th of October to Friday the 13th of October 2023. This year’s gathering and theme “Accelerating Africa’s digital economy; by the strength of our community” provides attendees with access to investor networks and key stakeholder groups which include high-level startups, academics, media partners, developmental organizations and titans of industry. The event will feature key industry leaders/organizations as track champions who are ready to reshape the future of African innovation. These champions will provide activities such as panel discussions, master classes, workshops, focus group discussions, training, showcase of best practices and co-creation sessions throughout the event. Organizations involved include; VC4A, Smart Africa, GCA, Industry Nite, Office of Global Partnership, Nobody’s Listening, Clintonel, Film Hedge, 360 Creative Hub, Assembly Hub, Plural, Clean Technology Hub, Grid Innovation, NCIC, Digifemmes, Acelera Angola, Fie_Labs, Zixtech, TechQuest Stem, iSpaceGhana, Snake Nation, The Scathcompanies, Atsur and many more. All these reputable organizations and hubs take an interest and specialize in the areas of climate change and climate adaptation, creative and technology intersection, policy and data-driven Africa, gender inclusion, and finally Hubs solutions and sustainability. This is a great chance for stakeholders across different sectors to come together under one roof not only to exchange knowledge but also to witness first-hand how collective action can help shape this continent’s future into a fully digitized Africa by 2030. By providing these opportunities AfriLabs has created an invaluable platform where members can learn from each other regardless of sector or geographical location creating something truly special that gives us insight into what our continent could become if we work together towards achieving common goals: A better connected Africa with more resources available for everyone! So don’t miss out on your chance.
AfriLabs’ Latest Expansion Heralds Exciting New Opportunities for Africa’s Digital Economy
We at AfriLabs are thrilled to announce our continued expansion as we work towards building thriving innovation and digital economies throughout Africa. Our latest addition, the Kingdom of Eswatini, as well as the five new cities of Matsapha, Zanzibar, Baidoa, Ota, and Musanze, have joined our community. As the largest pan-African association of innovation enablers, we are excited to increase our reach and impact. We are proud to welcome Novation City in North Africa, Privilege Access and Eureka Geo in Central Africa, Cube Zanzibar, Thousand Hills Hub, Somaliland Innovation Zone (SIZ), Southwest Innovation Hub, and Kabarak University Innovation and Business Incubation Center in East Africa, and Moolu Venture Lab, The Stalwart Hub, Platinum Hub, Ubulu Africa, Hebron Startup Lab, WAN-Hive Ghana, Green Tech Innovation, and Royal Science and Technology Park-Business Incubator (RSTP) in West and South Africa to our association of hubs. These additions will strengthen our efforts to achieve a fully digitalized Africa by 2030, as we continue to connect our hub members to a network of other stakeholders, lead innovation policy advocacy, and increase their capabilities through funding, collaborations, and knowledge sharing. We aim to enhance local African innovation ecosystems and provide better support for creating investment-worthy digital startups and businesses. We are optimistic about the impact our continuous expansion will have on Africa’s innovation and digital sector. As Mayssa Mrabet, our Director of Community, says, “AfriLabs will continue nurturing, supporting, and celebrating innovative ecosystems across the continent.” Our new members are equally excited to be a part of our growing network. Mely Monique, the Founder and CEO of Eureka Geo in Cameroon, states, “Becoming a member of AfriLabs is a unique chance for us to be part of the African digital ecosystem and access numerous opportunities.” Suleiman, Co-founder and Director of Cube Zanzibar, Tanzania, agrees, “This partnership amplifies our impact, aligning our island’s unique strengths with AfriLabs’ vision for a flourishing African innovation landscape.” We are looking forward to celebrating this growing community and plotting the way forward for the continent’s innovation growth at our Annual Gathering in Kigali from October 11-13. This year’s theme aims to accelerate Africa’s digital economy, and with the strength of the AfriLabs community, we invite you to join us. Don’t miss out – learn more and be a part of this year’s Gathering here: https://afrilabsgathering.com.
PRESS STATEMENT: AFRILABS CALLS FOR PEACEFUL RESOLUTION TO ONGOING SITUATION IN NIGER
AfriLabs is closely monitoring the situation in Niger and is deeply concerned by the current developments. We pray all parties involved to find ways to de-escalate the tension and seek a peaceful resolution. Niger has made significant progress in developing its innovation ecosystem, which includes a growing number of innovation hubs and startups. It is important that this progress is not lost due to the current situation. As an organization dedicated to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship across Africa, AfriLabs stands for peace, positive, and impactful development in Niger and across the continent. We believe that Niger has the potential to become a regional hub for innovation, and AfriLabs remains committed to supporting the growth and development of our member hubs in Niger and the technology and innovation ecosystem on the continent. We urge all stakeholders to work together to ensure that Niger can continue to make progress towards this goal. Signed, Moetaz HelmyOn behalf of the AfriLabs Board AfriLabs suit de près la situation au Niger et est profondément préoccupé par les développements actuels. Nous prions toutes les parties concernées de trouver des moyens de désamorcer la tension et de rechercher une solution pacifique. Le Niger a fait des progrès significatifs dans le développement de son écosystème d’innovation, qui comprend un nombre croissant de centres d’innovation et de startups. Il est important que ces progrès ne soient pas perdus en raison de la situation actuelle. En tant qu’organisation dédiée à la promotion de l’innovation et de l’entreprenariat à travers l’Afrique, AfriLabs est en faveur de la paix, d’un développement positif et impactant au Niger et à travers le continent. Nous pensons que le Niger a le potentiel pour devenir un centre régional d’innovation, et AfriLabs reste engagé à soutenir la croissance et le développement de nos Hubs membres au Niger et de l’écosystème de la technologie et de l’innovation sur le continent. Nous exhortons toutes les parties prenantes à travailler ensemble pour s’assurer que le Niger puisse continuer à progresser vers cet objectif. Signé, Moetaz Helmy Au nom du Conseil d’Administration de AfriLabs
AfriLabs community clocks 370 hubs across 52 African Countries as 23 new members join
As we approach the AfriLabs Annual Gathering in October, we are excited to announce the admission of 23 new hubs from every African region to the AfriLabs network. We are now 370 member hubs in over 200 cities. The AfriLabs mandate has not changed over the years – building a thriving innovation economy in Africa, powered by our community – and more than ever, we are committed to empowering innovation support structures across the continent. We are always happy to welcome hubs in Africa and the diaspora who share the same dream of building the digital and innovation economy because we believe that the change we want will come when our community is a representation of all African countries and hubs. The new members admitted this quarter include: – TechFarm Hub, Koforidua, Ghana, RFC Foundation (Reach for Change), Accra, Ghana, BRAVE Foundation, Accra, Ghana, STRAT-CORE Plus, Niamey, Niger, Cabinet Hub Zinder, Zinder, Niger, Alpha Blue Foundation, Jos, Nigeria, Vatebra Tech Hub, Lagos, Nigeria, Senator Abiru Innovation Lab (SAIL), Lagos, Nigeria, Application Laboratory, Abuja, Nigeria, Gambia Tech, Banjul, Gambia, MUSODEV, Bamako, Mali, Yeesal Agri Hub, Thies, Senegal (French) and Adei Technology Hub, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. “It is still day one at AfriLabs. This is not because we have not grown over the years but rather because we believe there’s a lot more to accomplish. We welcome these new members to the AfriLabs network. I encourage them to connect with older members and get the collaboration ball rolling!” Ajibola Odukoya, AfriLabs Chief Operating Officer said. “We are thankful for our admission into the AfriLabs network. This will help us rise higher and learn from other similar organizations on the continent. RiseUp Social Enterprise is Ethiopia’s largest rural youth skills development organization and the second biggest hub in the country. We are creating an open ecosystem for young people to build a pathway to a better economy. We are fighting poverty and creating equality for the less privileged ones in our community – those affected by disasters and the impact of climate change. Thank you again for this opportunity. We are excited to work, partner and reach more with the AfriLabs community.” said Usama Mohamed, Executive Director, RiseUp Social Enterprise, Ethiopia, one of the newly admitted members. Other new members include Einstein Rising, Kampala, Uganda, La Plage Factory, Port-Louis, Mauritius, RiseUp Social Enterprise, Jigjiga, Ethiopia, Weirah Digital Technologies Institute WDTI, Garowe, Somalia, Impacc Social Ventures, Nairobi, Kenya, Hub Un Jour Nouveau, Goma, DR. Congo, Wiki Startup, Tunis, Tunisia, Startup Factory, Cairo, Egypt, Synergy Ltd, Lilongwe, Malawi and ZAFY TODY, Antananarivo, Madagascar. Andréa Zafitody LI-SAI CHIMENTO, Founder of Zafy Tody also commented on their expectations as a hub joining the network “As an incubator supporting young Malagasy entrepreneurs in Tech, Zafy Tody is truly excited to be part of the AfriLabs network. We look forward to our incubated startups scaling their venture horizons across Africa, gain more business expertise and financial support.”
Experience the Innovation community in Abuja at the 2021 AfriLabs Annual Gathering
Ubuntu is one of AfriLabs core values and the journey so far has been one that was brought alive by our community. We are excited to announce that at this year’s AfriLabs Annual Gathering in Abuja, Nigeria, there will be an ecosystem tour on the 3rd day of the conference. This will feature 4 innovation and tech hubs which include Enspire Hub, The CANS, Ventures Platform and Seedbuilders. These hubs will host side-events to highlight their roles in improving innovation in Nigeria and Africa at large as well as a general showcase of their facility. The ecosystem tour will provide a unique opportunity for participants of the event to explore the Abuja tech and innovation community by visiting specific innovation centres within the city. It will present an opportunity for guests to learn more about the startups, projects and ideas being executed in these spaces. About the AfriLabs Annual Gathering. The AfriLabs Annual Gathering is AfriLabs’ flagship event which provides a unique opportunity for tech hubs within the AfriLabs network and other stakeholders of the African technology and innovation ecosystem (such as corporates, development agencies, academia, and investors) to convene, network, learn and share knowledge. The 2021 AfriLabs Annual Gathering marks AfriLabs 10th year of existence and the event aims to celebrate and reflect on this milestone, and what the future holds for innovation in Africa. Be a part of the AfriLabs Annual Gathering, to be held 27-29th October 2021 in Abuja, Nigeria as well as virtually. Register here to access the event. If interested in partnership and sponsorship, please send an email to felista@afrilabs.com.