Accelerating Innovation and Anchoring Resilience Through Co…

Key Achievements and Outcomes

■ Training and Mentorship for Hub Leaders: The ACBP trained and mentored more than 50 hub leaders and managers, equipping them with the necessary skills to run sustainable and impactful innovation hubs. These leaders were trained in key areas such as fundraising strategies, partner engagement, startup acceleration, and impact measurement. ■ Resource and Knowledge Sharing: In collaboration with partners, the ACBP facilitated a series of knowledge exchange workshops and webinars, enabling innovation hubs to share best practices and learn from each other. These platforms have become valuable spaces for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas, contributing to the overall strengthening of the African innovation ecosystem. ■ Enhanced Hub Capacity: As a result of the programme, 35 innovation hubs across the continent were able to strengthen their operational frameworks and enhance their capacity to support startups. These hubs are now better positioned to provide tailored mentorship, connect entrepreneurs with investors, and foster an ecosystem conducive to startup growth. ■ Improved Support for Startups: The ACBP’s support for innovation hubs has translated into more effective assistance for startups. By strengthening the capacity of hubs, the programme has helped improve the quality and relevance of support services offered to entrepreneurs, from mentorship to access to funding, market linkages, and strategic partnerships. AfriLabs Capacity Building Programme (ACBP) – 2024 Impact

Empowering hubs with training, mentorship & knowledge-sharing Focus Areas: Business Development, Financial Management & Strategic Planning Target Sectors: Tech, Agribusiness & Social Impact

50+ Hub Leaders Trained & Mentored in: Fundraising, Strategic Partner Engagement, Business Acceleration, and Impact Measurement. Knowledge Exchange & Networking Workshops & Webinars enabled hubs to share best practices & collaborate OUTCOMES Innovation hubs in Africa are pivotal in driving entrepreneurial growth, yet many face challenges such as limited funding, lack of technical expertise, and insufficient access to networks that could help them scale. The AfriLabs Capacity Building Programme directly addresses these gaps by offering targeted capacity-building initiatives that help hubs overcome these barriers. The programme’s focus on strengthening hub leadership, building sustainable business models, and creating opportunities for cross-border collaboration has ensured that hubs are not only more efficient in their operations but also more resilient in the face of challenges. This, in turn, enhances their ability to support local entrepreneurs, boosting the overall startup ecosystem and contributing to Africa’s economic development. 35 Innovation Hubs Strengthened Improved operational frameworks to better support startups

Enhanced Startup Support Better mentorship, funding access, & market linkages

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