The 10th AfriLabs Annual Gathering opened today at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), bringing together innovators, policymakers, and investors from across the continent to discuss the future of Africa’s innovation landscape.
The three-day event, running from October 13 to 15, has drawn more than 2,000 participants from over 50 countries under the theme “Africa’s Innovation Future: Policy, Partnerships and Progress.”
The gathering marks a decade since AfriLabs, Africa’s largest network of technology and innovation hubs, began convening continental leaders to strengthen collaboration and policy support for startups and innovators.
AfriLabs Executive Director, Anna Ekeledo, said the 10th edition reflects the growth and impact of the African innovation ecosystem over the past decade.
“When AfriLabs launched a decade ago, we dreamed of a continent knitted by innovation where a young entrepreneur in Lagos, Kigali, or Accra could tap into the same networks and policy support as peers in Silicon Valley,” she said.
“What began as a bold idea among hub connectors has grown into a living ecosystem of over 500 innovation hubs across 53 countries.”
Ekeledo added that the gathering would serve as a platform to explore how partnerships, policy reforms, and innovation can address Africa’s development challenges while creating opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Focus on policy and partnerships
A high-level ministerial roundtable opened the event, bringing together government leaders, development partners, and innovation stakeholders to discuss policy frameworks necessary for scaling innovation.
Former Nigerian Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo, who hosted the 2021 edition in Nigeria, returned to the gathering as Guardian of the UNDP-backed Timbuktoo Initiative.
He joined Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Bureau for Africa Director, in discussions on innovation-led growth and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through technology.
The sessions are built around three core pillars:
Policy: Exploring governance and regulatory frameworks that promote innovation while ensuring responsible technology use.
Partnerships: Encouraging collaborations between governments, private sector players, investors, and innovation hubs to create sustainable ecosystems.
Progress: Measuring achievements and developing strategies for inclusive digital transformation across the continent.
Timbuktoo Partnership
One of the highlights of this year’s gathering is the collaboration between AfriLabs and the Timbuktoo initiative, a UNDP-backed project aimed at mobilising private capital for African innovators.
Described as a 10-year vision to strengthen Africa’s innovation ecosystem, Timbuktoo seeks to attract investment, align policies, and retain talent within the continent.
It builds on earlier successes such as the Cape Town creatives hub, which aims to mobilise $1 billion in catalytic and commercial funding for youth-led ventures.
Natalie Jabangwe, Executive Secretary and CEO of the Timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation, and Joan Manda, Global Lead at Timbuktoo, are leading discussions on how this partnership can reshape innovation financing models across Africa.
Diverse participation
The Nairobi gathering has brought together a mix of hub leaders, startup founders, investors, academia, corporates, and media.
Rebecca Enonchong, Chair of the AfriLabs Advisory Board, and Ajibola Odukoya, Chief Operating Officer at AfriLabs, are among those leading sessions on governance, sustainability, and data-driven impact measurement.
Oswald Osaretin Guobadia, Managing Partner at DigitA and architect of Nigeria’s Startup Act, is sharing insights on translating innovation policies into tangible outcomes.
Program highlights
The event features keynote addresses, panel discussions, and masterclasses focusing on scaling innovation, accessing capital, and developing sustainable ventures.
Dedicated innovation tracks include a Health Innovation session led by Villgro Africa, along with startup exhibitions and pitch competitions designed to connect entrepreneurs with investors.
Strategic partners such as Afrexim Bank, Konza Technopolis, UNDP, and Villgro Africa are participating in discussions aimed at linking finance, infrastructure, and innovation.
Nairobi’s role
Hosting the gathering in Nairobi underscores Kenya’s growing influence in Africa’s technology scene. The city, often referred to as Africa’s “Silicon Savannah,” offers a thriving startup ecosystem and is home to major innovation hubs and regional offices for global tech players.
A decade of growth
Since its inception, the AfriLabs Annual Gathering has evolved into a key platform for policy dialogue and partnership-building within Africa’s innovation community.
Past editions have been held in Cape Town, Kigali, and Lagos, each contributing to stronger regional networks and innovation-led development.
Looking ahead, AfriLabs plans to deepen its advocacy for innovation-friendly policies, strengthen partnerships that unlock capital, and promote inclusive innovation that reaches women, youth, and underserved communities.
The organisation also intends to expand its work in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and data systems that can support sustainable development.
Founded in 2011, AfriLabs connects more than 500 hubs in 53 countries, facilitating collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building among innovators across the continent.
The 10th Annual Gathering continues until October 15, with participants expected to develop recommendations and action plans that will guide Africa’s innovation agenda for the next decade.
