AfriLabs launch academy to promote emerging technology across Africa
AfriLabs Academy has been developed by Africans for Africans hubs with the focus firmly on the challenges and realities that currently subsist in Africa.
AfriLabs, an African hubs network has launched the AfriLabs Academy to furnish startup ecosystem enablers with the requisite skills and expertise to support African startups.
AfriLabs is a network organisation supporting over 340 innovation centres across 52 African countries. It was founded with the mission of building a community around the rapidly emerging technology hubs in Africa.
The AfriLabs Academy is part of the AfriLabs Capacity Building Programme. It is designed to equip African hub managers, entrepreneurship support organisations (ESOs) and other startup support structures with the training and management skills needed to improve their ability and capacity. This will help to support the growing number of startups and MSMEs in their communities.
The content on the platform was co-created and certified by Strathmore University, with the platform developed based on a needs assessment undertaken to identify the needs of ESOs and hubs.
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The courses have been developed by Africans for Africans hubs with the focus firmly on the challenges and realities that currently subsist in Africa. In addition to the course content, exercises and quizzes have been provided to ensure optimal interactiveness for better assimilation and engaging learning experiences.
Participants will learn from ecosystem experts across Africa on how to build successful startups and MSMEs. Some of the courses available include management, product evolution, building partnerships, fundraising, etc.
“The Needs Assessment report established a need for a comprehensive harmonised ESOs curriculum framework that addresses the skills and business development gaps as well as their financial sustainability. The AfriLabs Academy addresses the skills and knowledge gap,” said Nanko Madu, Director of Programmes at AfriLabs.
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Commenting on the academy, Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director at AfriLabs said, “The AfriLabs Academy is a knowledge repository for innovation hubs and other stakeholders across Africa designed to equip startup ecosystem enablers with the needed skills and training to support African startups. I am proud of the team, partners, and community for making this happen.”
Learn more about the Academy here.
