2023 AfriLabs Annual Report

Network Growth 62 new hubs added, from cities to rural area

AfriLabs Connect Digital platform uniting 7,000+ Pan-African ecosystem stakeholders

RevUP Women Supports early-stage women-led startups with over $1 million in resources and mentorship

AfriLabs Connect Deal Room (ACDR) Facilitates series-type funding for African scaleups with a $2.55 billion investor pool

$2.55 billion, ACDR opens scaleups to post seed to series-type funding, operating from an Africa- centric business model that de-risks investment on the continent while providing a world-class pipeline of business support organizations, startups, and investor networks. Our presence at global events like UNGA, GITEX, GSA, and the Transform Africa Summit has further highlighted Africa’s growing role in the global tech landscape. These platforms have allowed us to showcase the incredible talent and innovation in Africa, fostering vital connections with international partners. It’s in these moments that I see the tangible benefits of our work—how a hub in Lagos can connect with investors in Silicon Valley or collaborate with developers in Nairobi. However, our journey is not without challenges. Funding remains a significant hurdle for many of our MoonShot initiatives targeted at generating $1 billion in the next decade, which prioritize Africans across the ecosystem and industrial value chain. We tackle these challenges head- on, continuously creating value for the continent. Our advocacy work, which has resulted in nine Startup Acts, is a crucial part of our efforts, pushing for policies that create a more supportive environment for innovation. We understand that for Africa’s innovation ecosystem to truly flourish, it needs a foundation built on sound policies, an inclusive approach, and access to information through our reports and Policy Pathway whitepapers for African leaders.

through Africa is creating unprecedented possibilities. From the surge in mobile technology to the growing interest in AI and renewable energy, the potential for growth and development is infinite. At AfriLabs, we are not just observers of these trends; we are active participants, working with partners like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Intel Corporation, and Digital Africa to advance AI innovations and address the skills gap in the tech sector. Looking to the future, I am filled with optimism. The resilience and creativity of African innovators are unparalleled, and the explosion of barrier- breaking technology like AI will only highlight this. We are not just keeping pace with global trends; in many cases, we are starting to set them. AfriLabs will continue to be a catalyst in this ecosystem, helping to shape a future where technology and entrepreneurship are at the forefront of Africa’s growth story. Our story is one of hope and transformation. It’s about a continent rising to meet its potential, driven by a young, dynamic population eager to make its mark on the world. At AfriLabs, we are proud to be part of this journey, and we are committed to continuing our work, empowering the next generation of African entrepreneurs. This is just the beginning, and the possibilities are limitless. Ajibola Odukoya Chief Operating Officer AfriLabs

Amidst these challenges lie immense opportunities. The digital revolution sweeping

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