in a continent as vast and varied as Africa is not just about the numbers; it’s about creating real, tangible change that empowers communities. This is why we adopted the ecosystem approach, ensuring that local communities are primary stakeholders, thereby maximizing impact across borders. This approach continues to yield incredible results. 2024: Marked Significant Achievements
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Hubs from 467 to 519 11%
Increase in total Innovation
Countries Represented
Cities Represented 220+
Cities 2
Newly Added
Impact: Expansion into new frontiers, reinforcing innovation ecosystems across Africa.
Reflecting on 2024, it’s clear that we have had yet another landmark year at AfriLabs. Our network has not only grown in size but also in influence, with an impressive expansion from 467 to 519 innovation hubs across 53 countries in over 220 cities. This growth is not just about numbers—it is about extending our impact to new frontiers. Notably, this year saw AfriLabs establish a presence in previously unrepresented cities, including Stellenbosch, South Africa, and Mokhotlong, Lesotho, reinforcing our commitment to fostering innovation in diverse and dynamic ecosystems. Each new hub brings fresh ideas, energy, and opportunities, further strengthening AfriLabs’ role as the backbone of Africa’s innovation landscape. Expanding AfriLabs Connect as a Unified Digital Ecosystem A significant milestone this year was the expansion of AfriLabs Connect, Africa’s premier ecosystem engagement platform. This digital public infrastructure now unites over 7,000 Pan-African ecosystem stakeholders, including governments, hubs, DFIs, academia, startups, and media, breaking physical barriers and fostering a connected innovation ecosystem. This is just the beginning of what we envision as the central hub for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and growth across the continent. To further enhance accessibility and engagement, AfriConnect will be launching its mobile application, improving reach and penetration across the ecosystem. Additionally, the platform will integrate AI capabilities through Amari AI, developed by AfriLabs, the same intelligent assistant that powers AfriLabs Academy. This integration will create a
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