AfriLabs is pleased to announce the partners for the 2024 AfriLabs Annual Gathering, to be held from November 6th to 8th in Cape Town, South Africa at Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 (CTICC 2). This year’s theme, “Uniting Innovation”, emphasizes the importance of collaboration to drive economic growth and social development through Africa’s innovation ecosystem. 

The event will feature seven key tracks, each focusing on pivotal sectors that are essential for Africa’s future:  

• Makerspaces 

• Green and Blue Economy 

• Gender and Inclusion 

• Investment 

• Hub Solutions 

• Policy, Data, and AI 

• Creative Digital Economy 

These tracks will highlight opportunities and challenges in sectors vital to Africa’s future, showcasing how innovation can foster sustainable growth. 

AfriLabs is proud to collaborate with prominent global organizations, including: 

• RLabs: Our esteemed Host Hub for this year’s AfriLabs Annual Gathering is not just a partner but a cornerstone of the event. With a remarkable history of fostering entrepreneurial spirit and technological advancement, RLabs brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the gathering.  

• NASENI (Nigeria): The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure will showcase its efforts in driving innovation and industrialization across Nigeria. 

• Research & Innovation Systems for Africa Fund (RISA): RISA’s efforts to strengthen the research landscape across Africa complement AfriLabs’ ongoing work to provide insightful, reliable data to innovators and entrepreneurs on the continent. 

• Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA): ERIA brings global expertise in economic integration, digital inclusion, and SME promotion, enhancing collaboration between East Asia and Africa. 

• Cloudmania: Cloudmania, Liquid C2’s award-winning distribution business unit, specializes in delivering cloud and cyber security solutions with operations across the Middle East and Africa. Through its strategic partnership with Microsoft, Cloudmania equips numerous partners with cloud and cyber security services and solutions, including Microsoft 365 and Azure, all within a fully supported ecosystem. 

• Tanzania Hub Network: Dedicated to building a vibrant, interconnected innovation ecosystem in Tanzania, this partner’s work, supported by UNDP’s FUNGUO Innovation Programme, in empowering hubs for socio-economic development resonates with AfriLabs’ pan-African mission.  

• Technology Innovation Agency (TIA): TIA Plays an essential role in bridging the gap between research and commercialization. Their participation in this year’s event underscores the importance of ensuring that Africa’s innovative ideas translate into impactful, market-ready solutions. 

• Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO): DCO is another prominent partner contributing to the development of Africa’s digital economy policies and fostering global strategic partnerships 

• Intel: As a long-time partner, Intel will be hosting a roundtable on AI policy, providing a platform for African and global thought leaders to explore the future of AI in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.  

• UNFPA: UNFPA, also a long-standing partner, will lead a panel discussion and workshop on leveraging innovation to enhance sexual and reproductive health programming for African youth. Additionally, UNFPA will host an exhibition booth to showcase SRHR Innovation solutions, offering valuable insights into advancements in sexual and reproductive health across the continent. 

• Google: As a key partner at the AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2024, Google will be participating in activities aligned with its accelerator program, aiming to foster growth in the African startup ecosystem by equipping founders with essential resources and expertise for success both locally and globally. 

Additional partners include Interledger Foundation, Anglo American, ReCha, Comtel, South African Future Trust Foundation, African Intelligent Machines (AIM), ZIto, the French Embassy and the City of Cape Town (CoCT). These partners will contribute to advancing cross-border collaboration, innovation, digital inclusion and local empowerment while supporting a shared commitment to Africa’s innovation-driven future. 

“The support of our partners is not only a testament to the global relevance of Africa’s innovation ecosystem but also to the importance of collaborative efforts in driving sustainable development across the continent.” – Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director of AfriLabs 

“We are excited to partner with AfriLabs, a leading player on the African continent. We look forward to scaling up our activities in digital inclusion and green innovations to connect ecosystem builders, innovators, and start-ups across Asia and Africa.” – Dr. Giulia Ajmone Marsan, Head of Startups and Inclusion, ERIA Digital Innovation and Sustainable Economy Center 

With an impressive lineup of partners, the AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2024 promises to be a revolutionary event, uniting visionaries and innovators committed to shaping Africa’s future. 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. 

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. 

For media inquiries, please contact pr@afrilabs.com& comms@afrilabs.com