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.”