AfriLabs, the premier network of technology and innovation hubs in Africa, has recently announced a significant expansion with the addition of 16 new hubs, which elevates its presence to a robust 478 hubs spread across 260 cities in 53 African nations. This strategic expansion underscores AfriLabs’ ongoing commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaborative development across the continent.
As a network organization, AfriLabs plays a crucial role in catalyzing the growth of the African innovation ecosystem by uniting technology hubs, startups, investors, and other pivotal stakeholders. The inclusion of these 16 new members marks a notable increase in AfriLabs’ capacity to influence and drive technological advancement and entrepreneurial spirit across diverse regions of Africa.
The new members hail from various parts of Africa, each bringing unique perspectives and capabilities to the network. From North Africa, additions include REDSTART TUNISIA, ILEY’COM, Impact Partner, Future Islands, and EgyptInnovate, enhancing the representation from this region and promising to inject fresh dynamism into the collective efforts.
In West Africa, new members such as COUVEUSE PAPRICAI, EarlyFounders Labs, ACity Technology & Entrepreneurship Foundation, ZEBOX West Africa, and OnlineHubNG join the fold. These hubs are well-positioned to contribute to and benefit from the network’s diverse resources, enhancing the entrepreneurial landscape in their local communities.
East Africa sees the integration of C4DLab-Computing for Development Lab, Agri Frontier Growth Hub, and JASIRI, each established with distinct focuses on technological and developmental innovation. Their inclusion will bolster regional initiatives and foster collaborations that cross continental borders.
Moreover, from the southern part of the continent, Silulo Foundation, UWC Future-Innovation Lab, and Entrepreneurial Planning Institute – DigBiz Network, are the new entrants. These South African hubs are known for their impactful work in nurturing entrepreneurship and technology-driven projects, which aligns with AfriLabs’ overarching mission.
“We’re thrilled to extend a warm welcome to our 16 newest members joining the vibrant AfriLabs innovation and technology family. Each new member brings a wealth of knowledge, unique expertise, and innovative approaches that enrich our network,” said Mayssa Mrabet, director of community at AfriLabs. “This expansion not only strengthens our collective capabilities but also enhances our ability to support transformative projects across Africa. It’s an exciting time for AfriLabs as we continue to grow and see the tangible impacts of our collaborative efforts on the continent’s technological and entrepreneurial landscape.”
With this expansion, AfriLabs continues to solidify its position as a key player in shaping the future of Africa’s technological innovation and entrepreneurship. This network’s growth is a testament to the vibrant potential of Africa’s tech ecosystem and its capacity to drive sustainable development across the continent.
