Following on from the event in Nairobi in November, ENRICH in Africa is working with the European Commission, African Union, Republic of South Africa, and EU Delegation to South Africa, to deliver the AU-EU Innovation Festival takes place on 15th June 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa, offering the chance for European and African startups to pitch their innovations to new potential partners, funders and clients. Please spread the word to your startups!

Interested parties have only until 7 May to apply, so be sure to share the link below that will take you to the Expression of Interest form!

https://xms7xbeapet.typeform.com/to/uh4zRwHF

This same event will feature the final event of our Open Innovation Challenges, which will comprise the finalist pitching session culminating in an award ceremony dinner where our corporate partners- Paris Saint Germain, United.b, Sanofi, EDF, and Sothema- will reveal the overall winners.

Startups can still apply to these Challenges through our ENRICH in Africa OIC platform here: Enrich in Africa - List of challenges (agorize.com). Deadlines are fast approaching so startups need to act quickly to be considered!

More about the event: The AU-EU Innovation Festival will feature pitching sessions and exhibitions of innovations from both Africa and Europe (including the Innovation Fair, with projects’ roll-ups, booths, and real-life demonstrations). This first edition will focus on discussions on success stories and bottlenecks on the pathways of women- and youth-led innovations.

The event will be hosted by the European Union, the African Union, and Republic of South Africa, and will be attended by representatives from public sector, NGOs and Civil Society, investors, corporations, and innovation actors from across Africa and Europe.

AU-EU Innovation Festival

02 May 2023 | Dakar, Senegal. The ENRICH in Africa project partners will head to Senegal to participate in a week full of Innovation events. On the 22nd of May, the ENRICH in Africa Learning Expedition, held by Bond’innov, will kick start our journey, which will include the AfricArena Dakar Summit, VC UnConference, and the ASIP Accelerator Demo Day by Startupbootcamp AfriTech.

Learning Expedition, 24th to 26th of May, discovering the Senegalese market opportunities for international entrepreneurs, with Bond’innov

The ENRICH in Africa Learning Expedition in Dakar is organized by EiA partner Bond’innov and will offer around 15 foreign entrepreneurs and SMEs the opportunity to discover the Senegalese market, create lasting partnerships, and launch their economic activities in the region. The Learning Expedition offers a unique opportunity to meet local facilitators and potential business partners, providing participants with valuable market intelligence in key areas of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including the local business environment, and best practices to tackle the local market.

AfricArena Dakar Summit, 24th and 25th of May

The AfricArena Dakar FinTech, Mobility & Logistics Summit is a premier tech conference that will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate executives from around the world to explore the latest trends and innovations in the African tech ecosystem. The event, which has an overarching focus on Fintech, Mobility & Logistics will be happening at the Museum of Black Civilizations and will feature keynote speakers, panels, and pitch sessions, as well as networking opportunities for attendees.

ENRICH in Africa will participate in the Summit with an informative booth, giving the various stakeholders the opportunity to get to know the different opportunities offered by the project and the ENRICH in Africa Centre.

Register for the AfricArena Dakar Summit here.

The ASIP Demo Day, which will take place during the AfricArena Dakar Summit on the 25th of May, will showcase the most promising startups from the ASIP Accelerator Program, providing a platform for them to pitch their innovative ideas and products to investors and potential partners. This will be a unique opportunity for investors to discover and connect with some of the most disruptive startups in the African tech industry.

The ASIP Program is also supported by the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO), DER/FJ, AWS, Google, and ENRICH in Africa.

Open Innovation & Corporate VC Unconference 26th to 28th of May

After the Summit, AfricArena, in partnership with Startupbootcamp AfriTech, will be running an Open Innovation & Corporate VC UnConference to take place from Friday 26th May to Sunday 28th May at the Rhino Resort Hotel and Spa in Saly, Senegal.

The goal of this event is to enable key players in the corporate community, with a stake in or planning to tap into tech innovation in Africa, to participate in an exchange of best practices and knowledge around how to successfully operate on the continent and how to develop new products and services in partnership with startups.

Register for the Open Innovation& Corporate VC Unconference here.

Dakar, one of Africa’s leading startup ecosystems attracts investors

Senegal’s positioning as the window into Francophone Africa has been solidified through the country’s continued success in the technology startup and innovation space. Dakar has a rapidly growing startup ecosystem that is proving attractive to investors. According to the StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2022, 93% of Senegal’s startups are based in Dakar’s vibrant startup ecosystem which ranks 4th in Africa.

In 2019, the country became the second African country to pass a Startup Act and, subsequently, President Macky Sall established The General Delegation for the Rapid Entrepreneurship of Women and Youth (DER/FJ), which has partnered with AfricArena, Startupbootcamp AfriTech, and ENRICH in Africa in various capacities.

The ENRICH in Africa project partners will head to Senegal to participate in a week full of Innovation events. 

The ENRICH in Africa Project heads to Senegal

Building Networks Between Africa and Europe

Imagine a world without technology. Our ability to communicate and make timely, strategic connections, where time is of essence, would be severely hampered.

This is why building communication, networking and innovation bridges between nations and continents is critical, to keep the gateways open for business so economies continue to thrive and effectively tackle present and future challenges. While there are no physical bridges or submarine tunnels that connect Africa to Europe, there certainly are bridges of mutual understanding, respect, coordination and collaboration. These bridges don’t emerge overnight, as it takes time to create, build, nurture and strengthen them.

This is exactly what the newly inaugurated ENRICH in Africa Center aims to do, building network nodes in the African and European innovation ecosystems, in ways that bring European and African changemakers and entrepreneurs together across different thematic areas: from green transition to health, from innovation and technology to education and training.

The EiA Center has been developed within the framework of the “ENRICH in Africa (EiA)” project funded by the EU’s “Framework Programme” Horizon 2020, predecessor to the current “Horizon Europe” Framework Programme, the largest funding initiative for Research and Innovation in the world.


The EiA Center was officially inaugurated on 14 June 2023 at an event attended by European Union and African Union dignitaries, innovation ecosystem builders, startups, corporations and policy makers. Hosted by ENRICH in Africa Center directors Eduardo Herrmann (Head of Department: Smart Manufacturing and Sustainability at Steinbeis Europa Zentrum, Germany), Christophe Viarnaud (CEO of Methys Group, South Africa) and Philip Kiracofe (CEO of Startupbootcamp AfriTech, South Africa); the inauguration ceremony took place at the French South African Tech Labs (FSAT Labs) in Century City in Cape Town. The event was officiated by (European Commission’s Director for Global Approach and International Cooperation in Research & Innovation), Ms Maria Cristina Russo; South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation’s Deputy Director-General for International Cooperation and Resources, Mr Daan Du Toit; the EU Ambassador to South Africa, H.E. Ms Sandra Kramer, and the Principal Scientific Officer at the African Union Commission’s Department of

Education, Science and Technology, Dr Monica Ebele Idinoba. Together, they unveiled the new ENRICH in Africa Center plaque and simultaneously cut a symbolic red ribbon in front of it and officially declared the Center open.

Building Bridges for African and European Collaboration

The Center’s founding partners include key innovation players from both Africa and Europe, coordinated by the Germany company Steinbeis 2i, coordinator of the EiA project. Our key mission is to strengthen the EU-Africa tech and innovation ecosystems, supporting innovators collaboration, connecting incubators and accelerators, investors, corporates and policymakers, with the aim of enabling positive social impact and green business.

During the event, Christophe Viarnaud, welcomed the audience and said “together with 12 partners and the support of the EU Commission, we have worked relentlessly over the past two and a half years to scale the ENRICH in Africa project into a Center to increase collaboration and partnerships between key stakeholders in the European and African tech and innovation ecosystems.”

The 12 partners who are part of the EiA Center are: Steinbeis Europa Zentrum (Germany); Methys;, Startupbootcamp AfriTech (South Africa); Bpifrance (France); Sociedade Portuguesa de Inovação (SPI, Portugal); Bond’innov (France); iHub (Kenya); Impact Hub (Austria); Co-Creation Hub (Nigeria); Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Research Organization (Tanzania); European Business and Innovation Centre Network (Belgium) and Agorize (France).

Viarnaud also introduced Ms Zandile Ntuli, the newly appointed EiA Center manager, who has a Bachelor in Engineering and is currently a Masters in Business Administration candidate. A South African citizen with a passion for innovation and technology, Ntuli has extensive experience in the petroleum industry where she worked for different companies such as BP and Astron Energy before entering the venture capital landscape. Previously the Entrepreneur in Residence at Savant Venture Fund and Technology Incubator, Ntuli said her mission is to grow the EiA Center network in order to foster growth between African and European innovators.

In the opening address, European Commission Director for Global Approach and International Cooperation in Research & Innovation, Ms Maria Cristina Russo highlighted “how important it is for European and African innovators to collaborate to find new, common solutions to solve difficult challenges that the world is facing, which have no borders. The new-born EiA Center provides for an unprecedented, tangible opportunity to do so and majorly contribute to the upcoming implementation of the brand-new AU-EU Innovation Agenda”.

Deputy Director-General for International Cooperation and Resources at the South African Department of Science and Innovation, Mr Daan Du Toit said “partnerships cannot be taken for granted as the right partnerships play a critical role in paving the way for people in different regions to come together and create solutions to different challenges.”

The EU Ambassador to South Africa, H.E. Ms Sandra Kramer spoke about the “importance of forging powerful connections between Europe and Africa that advances each region's ability to build bridges in mutually beneficial ways.”

Principal Scientific Officer at the African Union Commission’s Department of Education, Science and Technology, Dr Monica Ebele Idinoba shared her insights on how European and African innovation stakeholders can together advance each region's fast growing tech ecosystems.

Philip Kiracofe spoke then about the incredible opportunity that tech poses to Africa’s growth. “We have an incredible opportunity to change the world as Africa is experiencing a huge jump in population growth and is positioned to become the youngest continent with the world’s largest workforce by 2030. That makes us the perfect place for new growth and innovations.”

Eduardo Herrmann spoke about the importance of building and maintaining both diplomatic and multi-stakeholder community relations between Africa and Europe. He said, “The ENRICH in Africa Center is a hub providing services to entrepreneurs and innovators. These services include access to the EiA community, access to investors, networking opportunities, innovation financing and advisory support services.”

Creating Networks for Women in Tech Innovators

The institutional inauguration of the Center was followed by a “Meet and Greet” session, featuring presentations of ten women-led and woman-owned Research & Innovation initiatives from South Africa. Women entrepreneurs and researchers engaging in the session were: Michelle Rachman (IQPay), Bronwyn Laird (Arable Grow), Serisha Barrat (Go Agro & Lawyered Up), Kelley Rowe (Brownie Points), Tebogo Mokwena (Akiba Digital), Nicky Swartz (Spoon Money), Chantelle ten Napel Wilson (Virtual Drive SA), Kirsten Laaks (Everflo), Dr Thilona Arumurgam (L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Laureate), and Boitumelo Mabakachaba (L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Laureate).

This “Meet and greet” session showcased the vibrancy of the South African innovation ecosystem and  the EiA Center’s ability to connect African and European tech innovators to one another and to key role players through its innovative, strategic collaborative network-approach that build bridges between Africa and Europe and create real value.

For more information about the ENRICH in Africa Center, please contact Zandile Ntuli, the ENRICH in Africa Center Manager at: z.ntuli@enrichinafrica.com

More Information about Enrich in Africa Center

The ENRICH in Africa Center is a network connecting European and African innovation ecosystems as an outcome of the ENRICH in Africa project, of which the Center itself has become a third party.

ENRICH in Africa has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101004709.

File Name: ENRICH in Africa Center Inauguration Ceremony

Caption: (L-R) Principal Scientific Officer at the African Union Commission’s Department of Education, Science and Technology, Dr Monica Ebele Idinoba; EU Ambassador to South Africa, H.E. Ms Sandra Kramer; Deputy Director-General for International Cooperation and Resources at the South African Department of Science and Innovation, Mr Daan Du Toit and European Commission Director for Global Approach and International Cooperation in Research & Innovation, Ms Maria Cristina Russo simultaneously cut the red ribbon at the ENRICH in Africa Center Inauguration Ceremony and declare the Center open.

Official launch of the ENRICH in Africa Center

EU and AU representatives inaugurated the ENRICH in Africa Center in Cape Town to build and strengthen bridges between European and African innovation ecosystems

The final of the ENRICH in Africa Open Innovation Challenges took place during the AU-EU Innovation Festival, an event organised by the European Commission, the African Union, the Republic of South Africa, and the EU Delegation to South Africa on 15th June 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa.

It comprised the finalist pitching session culminating in an award ceremony where our corporate partners-, United.b, Sanofi, EDF, L’oreal and Sothema- announced the winners of their challenges.

Zuri Health is an innovative healthcare provider offering universally accessible solutions through multiple channels, including a mobile app, a web platform, an AI-powered chatbot called Vera and an SMS service.

Its comprehensive approach ensures that healthcare services are available to people who don't have a smartphone, and to people living in rural or underserved areas. Zuri Health bridges the gap in access to healthcare, enabling people from all walks of life to receive the care they need.

Sanofi, one of the world's leading healthcare companies, is driven by a single goal: to achieve scientific breakthroughs that improve the lives of people around the globe. With a dedicated team spread across the globe, Sanofi is working to revolutionize the field of medicine, transforming what was once considered impossible into tangible solutions for patients.

United.b’s Circular Electronics Challenge

OneGRID Energies is a pioneering company that has developed a remarkable solution in the form of a $0.7 low-cost lantern. This innovative lantern is crafted from upcycled e-waste lithium-ion batteries and waste plastic bottles. Not only does it provide an affordable lighting option, but it also generates employment opportunities for rural women, people with disabilities, and youths. Replacing traditional sources of lighting such as kerosene lamps and candles, this solution plays a significant role in eliminating pollution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. OneGRID Energies is making a positive impact on both the environment and the lives of communities in need.

United.b is a dynamic business platform made up of seven interconnected and complementary brands, all united by a common vision. With a focus on reimagining lifestyles, United.b recognizes the potential of technology to address today's challenges and shape innovative solutions. This collective effort aims to make United.b a leading force in circular and cultural practices in Europe. With a passionate team of 15,000 employees driven by a love of innovation and technology, United.b is dedicated to improving everyday life and building a better future for all.

L’Oréal’s Green Sciences for Cosmetics Challenge

Skin Creamery, an established natural cosmetics range, has joined forces with BAOM, a biotech start-up, to revolutionize cosmetics packaging. BAOM's innovative approach involves the use of compostable biofilms, paving the way for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions. Both companies, founded by South African women, are highly committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This collaboration not only showcases their shared dedication to sustainability, it also highlights their passion for creating positive change in the cosmetics industry.

L'Oréal, a beauty powerhouse with a rich heritage of over 100 years, has been dedicated to the pursuit of beauty. With a diverse and complementary portfolio of 36 international brands, the Group achieved impressive sales of 29.87 billion euros in 2019 and employs 88,000 people worldwide. As the global leader in the beauty industry, L'Oréal has a strong presence across various distribution channels including mass market, department stores, pharmacies, drugstores, hair salons, travel retail, branded retail, and e-commerce.

Pylon is a transformative force in the energy management sector, particularly in emerging markets. Their smart metering software is revolutionizing the way energy is managed. With a vast network of over 1 million metering points, Pylon enhances grid efficiency, ensuring optimal energy distribution. Furthermore, their innovative solutions contribute to sustainability by promoting greener practices. Pylon stands out with its unique business models and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, paving the way for a smarter, more environmentally conscious future in the energy industry.

As a key player in energy transition, EDF Group is an integrated energy company active in all businesses: generation, transmission, distribution, energy supply and services, optimisation, and trading. World leader in low-carbon energy, EDF has developed a diversified generation mix based mainly on nuclear power and renewable energies. With an installed net generation capacity of 117.3 GWe in 2021, of which nearly 60% is nuclear, it has generated 523.7 TWh, 91% being carbon-free electricity. EDF is involved in supplying energy and services to 38.5 million customers and is investing in new technologies to support energy transition.

The IR catheter manufacturing Project aims to set up a national production facility for interventional radiology catheters. This initiative emphasizes the benefits of local manufacturing, such as reduced costs and improved accessibility to vital medical devices. By setting up the facility in Morocco, it is intended to improve the availability and affordability of interventional radiology catheters, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare providers in the region.

SOTHEMA has a profound mission: to provide convenient access to vital treatments for the populations of Morocco and Sub-Saharan Africa. Recognizing that accessible healthcare is a cornerstone of sustainable development, SOTHEMA has prioritized the establishment of local production units in Morocco, ensuring the nation's self-sufficiency in medicine manufacturing.

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is a forward-looking institution dedicated to applied research and innovation, with a particular focus on Africa. The university is actively committed to economic and human development, placing research and innovation at the forefront of African progress. Thanks to its unique partnership approach and emphasis on skills training, UM6P plays an essential role in consolidating Morocco's leading position in these fields, while contributing to Africa's future

Meet the winners of the ENRICH in Africa Open Innovation Challenges, who were awarded by our corporate partners- United.b, Sanofi, EDF, L’oreal and Sothema - during the AU-EU Innovation Festival, 15th June 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa. 

And the Open Innovation challenges winners are…

Save the date for this year’s ENRICH in Africa Congress that will take place in Brussels on the 21st of November.

This third EiA Congress will be bringing the community to Europe and gather senior-level decision-makers, incubation and acceleration experts, business executives, entrepreneurs and innovation experts from Africa and Europe.

Save the date! 21 November 2023 - EiA Congress comes to Brussels

2023 ENRICH in Africa Congress comes to Brussels

The highly anticipated 2023 ENRICH in Africa Congress (EiA Congress) is set to make its debut in Europe, taking place in the vibrant city of Brussels on the 21st of November 2023. It will serve as a pivotal meeting point for influential stakeholders from both the African and European innovation ecosystems, fostering partnership and collaboration to advance innovation and business support on both continents.

The event will also celebrate the completion of ENRICH in Africa as a EU funded project, which built capacity and a solid foundation for the development of collaboration between incubators and accelerators from both continents, into its lasting and self-sustainable form as a Center supporting EU-Africa innovation and growing bonds between both ecosystems into the future.

The third edition brings together an array of senior-level decision-makers, incubation and acceleration experts, business executives, entrepreneurs, and innovation specialists from Africa and Europe. The event will take place in the heart of Brussels at La Tricoterie, making it a central hub for discussions on the future of innovation cooperation.

The #EiACongress2023 will feature a dynamic agenda, exploring the strengthening of ties between European and African innovation ecosystems and giving actionable tips into how innovative companies operate on both continents. Sessions will explore the flow of innovation, the policy driving the creation of innovation value chains between Europe and Africa, intellectual property strategies for companies, and how business support organisations (BSOs - incubators, accelerators, investors and financing institutions) are playing a crucial role in strengthening tech ecosystems. Experts from the European Commission, EUIPO, academia, and practitioners from many BSOs, as well as EiA Champions will be sharing their insights on stage. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with leaders and experts, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaboration opportunities that can shape the future of innovation in both Africa and Europe.

To accommodate a wider audience, the EiA Congress 2023 will also provide online streaming of sessions, allowing participants from around the world to join. This event is not to be missed for anyone interested in the advancement of innovation, business support, entrepreneurship, and collaboration between Africa and Europe. Attendees are encouraged to register for free and secure their spots.

2023 ENRICH in Africa Congress Comes to Brussels, aiming to Foster Innovation Cooperation between Africa and Europe.

2023 ENRICH in Africa Congress to Foster Innovation Cooperation between Africa and Europe.

Marking a turning point and symbolising the transition for the ENRICH in Africa Center to take over the services and activities that the ENRICH in Africa Project has delivered, the third edition of the ENRICH in Africa Congress (#EiACongress2023) took place on the 21st of November at the esteemed La Tricoterie in Brussels.

Bringing together a total of 50 attendees and engaging an additional 170+ participants online, the Congress served as a pivotal convergence for influential stakeholders within the African and European innovation ecosystems. This gathering at La Tricoterie stood as a significant milestone, creating a dynamic platform for fostering partnerships and collaborations between key innovation players from both continents. The event was dedicated to promoting innovation and providing crucial business support, reinforcing the commitment to advancing mutual growth and cooperation, and bringing together a diverse group of decision-makers, incubation and acceleration experts, business executives, entrepreneurs, and innovation specialists from Africa and Europe.

The #EiACongress2023 kicked off with a compelling presentation by Prof. Gianluca Sergi from the University of Nottingham, UK. Prof. Sergi delved into the conceptual foundations of innovation, emphasising its role as a dynamic force underscored by ethical considerations. Following this insightful start, Vincenzo Lorusso, representing the European Commission, took centre stage to provide a comprehensive update on the AU-EU Innovation Agenda's implementation. He highlighted the Commission's commitment to prioritising innovation and fostering stronger ties between African and EU ecosystems. As the event progressed, the stage was graced by Andrea Iori from the European Union Intellectual Property Office who shared invaluable insights into intellectual property in Africa, shedding light on the pivotal role of the Africa IP SME Helpdesk and elucidating the existing protection mechanisms. His presentation outlined the diverse services the Commission offers to safeguard entrepreneurs venturing into new territories.

Then Philip Kiracofe from Startupbootcamp AfriTech and Ninon Duval Farré from Bond'innov, experts in the dynamic African market, discussed the continent's opportunities and growth potential, contributing their unique insights. The spotlight then shifted to the EiA Champions Session, featuring Champions from ENRICH in Africa's EiA Champions Network. These Champions highlighted their success stories and elaborated on how the project played a pivotal role in supporting them. The EiA programme for Champions, dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration, provided crucial services such as training, mentoring, twinning and networking, showcasing its impact on incubators and accelerators in both Africa and the EU.

In the afternoon sessions, the EiA Congress focused on the challenges and successes of partnerships between countries; representatives from projects ΑEDIB|NET, DIGILOGIC, AfriConEU, mAkE Africa and HUBiquitious shared their experience and expertise, upcoming opportunities, how these EU-funded projects are tackling different elements of the inherent challenges in collaboration between both continents, and how they are working to break down barriers. The next session complimented it by highlighting the integral roles of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (ESOs), and Investors in fostering the growth of African tech ecosystems.

The event concluded with the Board of Directors and the Director of the - future self-sustainable - EiA Center gathering on stage to absorb insights from the event. They discussed the future of the Center, explored opportunities, and outlined the Center’s expansion plans to multiple countries.

The ENRICH in Africa Congress 2023 stands as a testament to the commitment of both African and European stakeholders in building a robust and collaborative innovation ecosystem. The success of this event sets the stage for continued dialogue, partnership, and transformative initiatives that will shape the future of innovation on both continents.

The third edition of the ENRICH in Africa Congress (#EiACongress2023) took place on the 21st of November at the esteemed La Tricoterie in Brussels.

2023 ENRICH in Africa Congress: the hand-over to the ENRICH in Africa Center

On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, the Enrich in Africa Center hosted a webinar to extend a warm welcome to champions joining the EiA platform, designed to enhance their visibility.

The EiA platform offers a range of exclusive tools, notably a marketplace where champions can showcase their training, workshops, and programs. This feature opens doors for them to expand their reach beyond African and European borders.

During the webinar, the EiA-C team explained additional platform benefits, like creating  events and resources, and accessing a community of ecosystem players.  Champions can now manage and promote their innovation and startup challenges to a cross-continental audience, fostering collaboration and engagement.

Champions actively participated by sharing valuable feedback and expressing their specific needs for optimal platform utilization. In response, the EiA-C team outlined the next steps, which include personalized one-on-one calls to delve deeper into individual needs and business goals for the year, ensuring tailored support.

Looking ahead, the center unveiled upcoming activities for the year, including a series of educational webinars. These sessions will focus on refining business models, navigating compliance and regulations, mastering grant writing, exploring open tenders and grants, and maximizing their involvement within the ecosystem.

The Center is gearing up to host an engaging networking event during the AfricArena and AVCA Johannesburg summit week scheduled for April 20-24. Participants can anticipate valuable market insights, specifically focusing on funding flows in Africa for ecosystem support organizations—a category that the champions actively contribute to.

Enrich in Africa Center Unveils Dynamic EiA Platform, Hosts Webinar to Welcome Champions, and Announces Exciting Initiatives for 2024

Enrich in Africa Center Welcomes Champions to New EiA Platform

The Enrich in Africa Center made its mark at the 6th Africa Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Forum (ARSTIF) held in Addis Ababa on April 22, 2024. This significant gathering brought together key stakeholders from across the continent to explore innovative solutions for sustainable development and poverty eradication.

Chaired by the Minister of Technology and Innovation of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia, His Excellency Belete Molla, the forum discussions centred around critical aspects of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) performance, focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under review for 2024. With esteemed guests including government officials, representatives from regional and national scientific institutions, UN agencies, and leaders from the private sector, the forum provided a platform for robust discussions and partnerships.

The Enrich in Africa Center participated in a panel discussion titled "Partnerships in Action: Addressing Funding Gaps to Achieve the AU-EU Innovation Agenda," which was co-hosted by the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU).

During the session, moderated by Dr. Laurent Bochereau from the EU Delegation to the African Union, Melanie Mwangi, representing the Enrich in Africa Center, provided insights into the center's mission and initiatives. The Enrich in Africa Center serves as a catalyst for collaboration within the African-European innovation ecosystems, connecting stakeholders such as innovators, incubators, accelerators, investors, corporations, researchers and policymakers.

A highlight of the session was the introduction to the AU-EU Innovation Agenda, a joint framework adopted by both commissions to enhance innovative capacity and performance across both continents. This strategic partnership aims to drive progress in priority areas including public health, green transition, innovation and technology, and science capacity.

One notable resource highlighted during the session was the report "Exploring the Funding Landscape of Africa's Tech Innovation Support," accessible on the Enrich in Africa Center website. This report offers valuable insights into funding dynamics within Africa's tech innovation ecosystem, empowering stakeholders with knowledge to navigate funding challenges and opportunities.

Overall, the ARSTIF forum emphasised the importance of scaling up investments in education, research and development, and technology and innovation to achieve the ambitious goals of the UN 2030 Agenda and AU Agenda 2063. It underscored the significance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions in driving sustainable development across Africa.

The Enrich in Africa Center remains committed to fostering collaboration, facilitating knowledge sharing, and enabling positive social impact within the African-European innovation ecosystems. Through initiatives like its participation in the ARSTIF forum, the center continues to play a pivotal role in advancing innovation and sustainable development across the continent.

The Enrich in Africa Center reiterates its commitment  to fostering collaboration, facilitating knowledge sharing, and enabling positive social impact within the African-European innovation ecosystems at the 6th ARSTIF forum.

Fostering Collaboration at the 6th ARSTIF Forum

Bond'innov joins the shareholders of the ENRICH in Africa Center, an Afri-European structure based in South Africa and signs its commitment on the occasion of Vivatech at 13:30 on May 22d, 2024 in Paris, Europatech area.

Bond'innov joins ENRICH in Africa Center’s capital, spin off of the EU-funded project ENRICH in Africa, alongside Methys (France-South Africa), Start-up Bootcamp AfriTech (South Africa), Steinbeis 2i – Steinbeis Europa Zentrum (Germany) and Sociedade Portuguesa De Inovação, SPI (Portugal).

ENRICH in Africa is among the pioneering projects of the African Union-European Union Agenda for Innovation. Between January 2021 and up to June 2024, the consortium members successfully set up and implemented activities facilitating connections between innovation actors from both continents.

Today, ENRICH in Africa Center’s (EiA-C) mission is to be an innovation aggregator in the EU-AU innovation ecosystem by mobilizing funding opportunities, boosting collaborations, collecting data resources, amplifying market access, and extending internationalization. EiA-C is in line with European and African programs, to open concrete opportunities for its members: incubators, start-ups, research institutions and partners.

By signing this agreement, Bond'innov becomes EiA-C’s fifth partner, holding a 20% stake in the structure based in Cape Town, South Africa. Committed to 13 years in promoting innovation and the dual economic development of both continents, Bond'innov will bring to EiA-C its francophone network and European and African diasporas. Going forward the EiA-C will expand its footprint in Francophone Africa and actively engage African and European Diaspora in building cooperations between both continents.

“We are looking forward to joining the EiA-C alongside our strategic partners. A stimulating opportunity to pursue our mission with a more anglophone and broader vision of Euro-African innovation. The confidence shown by our partners in opening the door to EiA-C under such favourable conditions, and with a high-level international team, is truly encouraging,” said Ninon Duval, Director of Bond'innov.

“We have been working with Bond’innov, via Methys, AfricArena and the ENRICH in Africa consortium for several years. We are pleased to welcome this French structure that is well established in West Africa in the adventure. Sealing this commitment at Viva Technology, where we find all the European and African Tech seemed to us propitious to formalize this agreement prepared for several months”, Christophe Viarnaud, Co-Director and Co-Founder of EiA-C.

About Bond’innov
Bond'innov is a French association created in 2011 and based in Casablanca, Dakar and Paris. Bond'innov is also known for having launched Africinnov, a network of 140 African incubators. www.bondinnov.com

Press Contact: Reyane Gomis, Communications Officer, rgomis@bondinnov.com

About ENRICH in Africa Center, EiA-C
ENRICH in Africa Center (EiA-C) connects the innovation ecosystems of the African Union and the European Union. The EiA-C is a spin-off of the EU-funded project ENRICH in Africa (Horizon 2020, GA 101004709). The ENRICH in Africa Center now participates in two major projects (ENRICH in Africa and SEADE) to bring together key players in European and African innovation ecosystems.

Press Contact : Melanie Mwangi, Center Support Officer, m.mwangi@enrichinafrica.com

About Methys
Methys is an international technology company, founded in 2004, with expertise in the areas of digital, data and acceleration, enabling us to drive business performance for our customers. We are passionate about design, quality and service excellence, and we pride ourselves on constantly innovating.

About Start-up Bootcamp AfriTech
Start-up Bootcamp AfriTech was launched in 2017 as the first multi corporate-backed pan-African startup accelerator. It runs world class accelerator programmes, working with some of the most disruptive startups on the continent.

About Steinbeis 2i – Steinbeis Europa Zentrum
Steinbeis 2i - Steinbeis Europa Zentrum has amassed more than 30 years of innovation consulting experience with a focus on international markets and EU research funding. Steinbeis Europa Zentrum forms a bridge to Europe for companies and industry, research organisations, universities, administrations and policy makers.

About Sociedade Portuguesa De Inovação, SPI
A consulting firm with an excellent understanding of public and private sectors and of how clients can position themselves to foster innovation, be competitive and create prosperity.

#Innovation #EiA-C #Bondinnov #UA-EU #Acceleration #AU-EUinnovationagenda #Enrichinafricacenter #Champions  #Diasporas #Francophonie

 Bond'innov joins ENRICH in Africa Center  as shareholders 

ENRICH In Africa Center (EIA-C) is thrilled to announce its participation in this year's Viva Tech conference, Europe's premier startup and tech event. The conference will take place from May 22nd to 25th in Paris, France, and EIA-C will be showcasing its presence at the Europatech Area.

EIA-C, born out of the EU-funded project ENRICH In Africa, stands at the forefront of fostering collaboration between the innovation ecosystems of the European Union and the African Union. Over the course of its journey from January 2021,  ENRICH In Africa has successfully facilitated connections among innovation actors from both continents, playing a pivotal role in advancing the AU-EU Innovation Agenda.

The EIA-C's mission is to be an innovation aggregator in the EU-AU innovation ecosystem, mobilising funding opportunities, fostering collaborations, collecting data resources, amplifying market access, and extending internationalisation efforts.

At Viva Tech, the ENRICH In Africa Center will showcase its achievements and initiatives, bringing together partners from both the ENRICH in Africa and SEADE project. SEADE, which stands for  “Strengthening the Europe-Africa Digital Ecosystem through Increased R&I Cooperation,” is a new project  focused on fostering AU-EU cooperation for Research and Innovation in Digital (R&IID) sectors.  It is funded by the EU's Horizon Europe programme,  and will run for two years and prioritise  digital transformation and international collaboration.

“I am looking forward to coming to VivaTech to meet and talk to start ups and tech entrepreneurs about their market entry experiences. With SEADE we are investigating the barriers researchers in Ghana, Senegal, Kenya and South Africa face on their route to market. I would love to connect and identify collaboration and mutual learning opportunities with European researchers, startups and entrepreneurs,” said Jan Ertmann, SEADE project coordinator.

Commenting on EIA-C's participation, Center Manager Zandile Ntuli expressed excitement about engaging with a diverse array of stakeholders at Viva Tech. "As the EIA Center, we are thrilled to be part of the Viva Tech Exhibitors. We are eager to connect with innovation influencers, research luminaries, funding change-makers, institutions seeking exchanges between Europe and Africa, corporates interested in partnership for innovation, and ecosystem champions running programs to enhance startup skills. Our goal is to establish connections and potential future collaborations," said Ntuli.

The EIA-C's presence at Viva Tech signifies its commitment to bridging the gap between European and African innovation stakeholders and fostering meaningful collaborations that drive positive impact across both continents.

For more information about the ENRICH In Africa Center and its initiatives, please visit https://www.enrichinafrica.com/

For media inquiries contact: Melanie Mwangi I ENRICH In Africa Center Support Officer I m.mwangi@enrichinafrica.com

ENRICH In Africa Partners: Steinbeis Europa Zentrum (Germany); Methys Consulting (South Africa); Start-up Bootcamp AfriTech (South Africa); Bpifrance (France); Sociedade Portuguesa de Inovação (SPI, Portugal); Bond’innov (France); iHub (Kenya); Impact Hub (Austria); Co-Creation Hub (Nigeria); Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Research Organization (Tanzania); European Business and Innovation Centre Network (Belgium) and Agorize (France).

SEADE Partners: Steinbeis Europa Zentrum (Germany), Methys Consulting (South Africa), Bondy Innovation (France), European Business and Innovation Centre Network (Belgium), WAZIUP (Germany), Hapa Foundation (Ghana), Technology Innovation Agency (South Africa), Bpifrance (France), Association of African Universities (Ghana), ENRICH in Africa Center (South Africa).

EiA-C Participates at Viva Tech 2024 Edition

The Enrich in Africa Center recently hosted the “Enrich in Africa Night”, where key stakeholders gathered to officially launch the report titled "Exploring the Funding Landscape of Africa's Tech Innovation Support Ecosystem." This event, held on 22nd April 2024, , served as a platform for insightful discussions, engaging presentations, and valuable networking opportunities aimed at advancing innovation ecosystems across Africa.

The event witnessed an impressive turnout, with an estimated 50 attendees gracing the occasion. Among the participants were notable figures such as policymakers, ecosystem influencers, investors, representatives from academic institutions, and various ecosystem support organizations (ESOs). The diverse mix of attendees underscored the widespread interest and commitment towards driving positive change in the African innovation landscape.

Some of attendees included Toto Matshediso, a delegate from the Department of Science and Technology (DSI), Ms. Matsi Modise, the Chairperson of the Board of the Technology Innovation Agency of South Africa, and delegates from UNISA and other institutions.

Catherine Young, founder at Thinkroom Consulting and an SME ecosystem influencer, shared valuable insights into the concentration of funding among select beneficiaries and the challenges faced by emerging ecosystems in accessing funds. Catherine emphasised the importance of collaboration and equitable distribution of resources to support diverse innovation hubs across Africa.

Mark Kleyner, the co-founder and programs director at Dream VC, discussed the rising trend towards specialisation in innovation ecosystems and strategies for aligning funders' priorities with the diverse needs of local communities.

Thuli Montana, an international development researcher and consultant and the Research & Insights Lead at Briter Bridges,  shared her expertise in environmental and development policy. She highlighted the need for more collaborations to amplify the impact of funding and aggregate data, fostering a cohesive innovation support ecosystem in Africa.

Kgosi Motsoane who leads strategic initiatives focused on the implementation of EU-SA Strategic Partnership Agreement on Science, Technology, and Innovation. He discussed the EU's efforts to promote  collaboration between Africa and Europe.

Matthew Emanuel, who leads Startupbootcamp AfriTech's portfolio holding companies emphasised on the importance of bridging the gap between funders, intermediaries, and local ecosystem organisations to create a more cohesive and impactful innovation support ecosystem.

Throughout the evening, several thought-provoking discussions and key messages emerged, highlighting the critical issues and challenges facing the tech innovation support ecosystem in Africa. One overarching theme that resonated strongly was the importance of collaboration. Participants emphasised the need for innovation actors to seek more opportunities to collaborate effectively, leveraging each other's strengths to maximise impact and address common challenges.

Moreover, there was a significant emphasis on the need for greater transparency in funding data sharing by funders. Participants called for a concerted effort to encourage funding institutes to share their funding data publicly, enabling stakeholders to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the funding landscape and ensure equitable distribution of resources.

The discussions also centred around the role of intermediaries, challenges faced by local ecosystem champions, and strategies to empower new entrants in the ecosystem. Participants shared insights, exchanged ideas, and proposed actionable steps to drive positive change and foster greater collaboration within the innovation ecosystem.

Looking ahead, the Enrich in Africa Center reaffirmed its commitment to fostering collaboration, partnerships, and data sharing initiatives to create a more inclusive and impactful innovation ecosystem in Africa. The center intends to publish the report annually, delving deeper into the funding landscape and providing valuable insights for stakeholders.

In closing, the Enrich in Africa Center expressed gratitude to all the participants, panelists, and supporters who contributed to the success of the event. Their collective efforts and commitment are instrumental in driving positive change and advancing innovation ecosystems across Africa.

Enrich in Africa Night, a huge success with many innovation stakeholders calling for more collaborations in Africa and Europe.

Collaboration key at Enrich in Africa Night

From her offices in Cape Town, South Africa, Zandile Ntuli is on a mission to foster stronger links between innovators and investors across Europe and Africa.

Three years ago, the former corporate executive pivoted careers to focus on start-ups. Today, she draws on her corporate skills to enable small businesses from both continents to thrive.

‘We see a huge opportunity for growth by improving the connections and investment between the business communities in Africa and Europe,’ she said.

Research in this article was funded by the EU’s Horizon Programme. The views of the interviewees don’t necessarily reflect those of the European Commission. If you liked this article, please consider sharing it on social media.

Ntuli manages the ENRICH in Africa (EiA) Centre, a spin-off and legacy of an EU-funded project of the same name which ran from 2021 to mid-2024.

The EiA Centre provides a bridge across continents for entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs, connecting them with business incubators and accelerators. Its network of 80 partners spans all EU and African countries.

Via its website, businesses register interest and identify their needs – whether that’s access to new markets, funding or business support. Fledgling companies pitch ideas to investors and are matched with more established business “champions”.

Zandile Ntuli, ENRICH in Africa Centre“We see a huge opportunity for growth by improving the connections and investment between the business communities in Africa and Europe.

Safetrade101, a French financial services platform focused on supporting African SMEs, is one organisation that benefited from this initiative. Through one of EiA’s networking events, it extended its operations to South Africa and subsequently to Cameroon.

Other collaborations are emerging, and the team expect success to be seen both ways with European companies investing in Africa, and African firms also expanding into Europe.

Sandrine Doretto co-ordinated the original EiA project based at Steinbeis Europa Zentrum, Germany. She sees a huge untapped potential that could be accessed through enabling business collaboration in this way.

With a population predicted to grow from over 1.4 billion today to 4.2 billion by 2100, Africa is one of the fastest growing markets and will eventually become one of the biggest.

Doretto sees EiA’s work within the context of the wider African Union (AU)-EU Innovation Agenda, which recognises partnership as critical to achieving the objectives of both Europe and Africa. The AU-EU Innovation Agenda, adopted in July 2023, aims to ensure that support to innovation and research translates into tangible benefits for people in the form of real products, services, businesses and jobs.

‘The idea of the project, and wider AU-EU Innovation Agenda, is to show Africa that Europe is here and wants to work with them,’ she said.

Doretto and Ntuli say Europe can draw inspiration from Africa, and vice versa.

‘It’s hard to do business here and Europe can learn from Africa how to be resilient,’ said Ntuli.

For Ntuli, however, her real motivation comes from wanting to do more to grow new businesses that then go on to provide jobs where they are greatly needed.

‘Africa needs solutions. Anything that adds growth to help make businesses profitable so that they can provide jobs. It’s the only way we can raise our countries out of poverty,’ she said.

Dr Barbara Kieslinger is another researcher hoping to encourage greater European-African partnership. As a senior scientist at the Centre for Social Innovation in Vienna, Austria, she is interested in the social transformation potential of grassroots “makerspaces”.

Makerspaces are large, community-based open-plan offices accessible to local people. They typically provide a range of facilities that allow innovators to explore their ideas further, including expensive digital production tools such as 3D printers or laser cutters.

Kieslinger describes them as modern-day workshops. A wide array of products can and have been developed in these spaces, including anything from medical devices through to space equipment, car parts and computer accessories.

Leonard Shayo, Olspace, Tanzania“It's been incredible to collaborate with amazing scientists who share my passion for innovation.

Kieslinger coordinates the African European Maker Innovation Ecosystem (mAkE) initiative which kicked off in early 2022 and runs until January next year. mAkE received funding from the EU to expand makerspaces in both Europe and Africa.

‘There’s a very strong economic potential as local start-ups often begin in these makerspaces,’ said Kieslinger. ‘But we also want to move away from a globalised, mass manufacturing model towards a decentralised one so we don’t have to always fly everything across the globe.’

Growing awareness of the value of local production has been brought about by the pandemic and challenges in the global supply chain. Kieslinger also believes that the EU’s right-to-repair directive, adopted in May this year, will mean makerspaces become more important in the years ahead.

The new rules aim to strengthen the EU repair market, to lower repair costs and reduce waste, with manufacturers required to provide access to spare parts, tools and repair information.

Makerspaces in both Europe and Africa have proliferated in recent years. Happylab Wien, the largest makerspace in Vienna, offers open access to precision tools and is one example in Europe. MoTIV, an enormous warehouse in Kampala, Uganda, with 80 sewing machines and 50 3D printers is another in Africa.

With 10 official partners (six in Europe and four in Africa) and a membership of over 300, the mAkE team have brought together a network of such makerspaces to share learning, improve business practices and build the capacity to do more in the future.

This has included creating an online map of machinery charting nearly 10 000 makerspaces in Europe and Africa, highlighting where these are and what tools are available in each one. This will make it easier for more people to find and use them.

It has also involved creating a catalogue of business models to help new entrepreneurs to professionalise their operations and business mentoring services. A series of specialised train-the-trainer events has helped community leaders to establish new makerspaces.

Leonard Shayo, a systems engineer from Olspace – Tanzania’s first commercial aerospace and space exploration company – is one beneficiary of the work. Through mAkE, he became a Maker in Residence at mAkE’s European partner FabLab-Barcelona working on designs for a new CubeSat satellite.

‘It’s been incredible to meet and collaborate with amazing scientists who share my passion for innovation. I was able to introduce our satellite project, as well as Olspace’s mission toward advancing Tanzania’s space exploration sector,’ he said.

Kieslinger said that how makerspaces operate in Europe and Africa can differ, but there are opportunities to learn from each other. Whilst European makerspaces can teach African counterparts about regulations and operations, Europe can look to Africa for innovative ideas.

‘We can learn a lot from our African partners – they are using these spaces, these hubs, to support young entrepreneurs, and in many ways are actually much more active,’ she said.

Collaboration between Europe and Africa on support for small business start-ups is heralding in a new era for EU-Africa cooperation on innovation.

Building bridges for business btwn Europe & Africa

ENRICH in Africa Center (EiA-C) is proud to announce its new partnership with Incomedia, an

innovative Italian software company specialising in web development solutions. This

collaboration will provide user-friendly, cost-effective website-building tools to African

entrepreneurs, enabling them to create professional websites and online shops that can

compete in both local and global markets. This partnership is poised to bridge the digital divide

and help African entrepreneurs enhance their brand positioning for expanded market reach.

A Shared Vision of Technological Innovation

Founded in 1998 by brothers Federico and Stefano Ranfagni, Incomedia is rooted in the belief

that technology should exist to serve people. This principle has driven the company's mission to

develop accessible and powerful digital solutions that democratise technology. At the core of

ENRICH in Africa Center and Incomedia Partner to Empower African Entrepreneurs with Easy Website Creation Tools

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