This week, AfriLabs, a leading network supporting innovation hubs across Africa, is hosting its much-anticipated Annual Gathering in Cape Town, South Africa, from November 6-8. The event, themed “Uniting Innovation”, aims to bring together Africa’s brightest minds in technology and entrepreneurship to foster collaboration, inspire change, and drive economic and social progress across the continent.
AfriLabs, which now boasts a network of 496 hubs in 261 cities across 53 African nations, has consistently championed the role of innovation in addressing Africa’s unique challenges. This year’s gathering places a strong emphasis on collaboration across sectors, underscoring the organization’s belief that teamwork and shared resources are essential for Africa’s growth.
Anna Ekeledo, executive director of AfriLabs, explained the event’s theme: “The support of our partners is not only a testament to the global relevance of Africa’s innovation ecosystem but also to the importance of collaborative efforts in driving sustainable development across the continent.”
A diverse program awaits participants, with seven thematic tracks covering essential topics such as makerspaces, gender and inclusion, investment strategies, and solutions specifically for hubs. These sessions reflect AfriLabs’ commitment to supporting a vibrant ecosystem capable of addressing Africa’s varied needs, from promoting gender equality in tech to strengthening investment channels for African startups.
This year, AfriLabs has partnered with prominent organizations including RLabs, NASENI, the Research & Innovation Systems for Africa Fund (RISA), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), Intel, and UNFPA. Their support reinforces the event’s aim of building a sustainable future by leveraging technology, research, and cross-border partnerships.
The Cape Town gathering is set to be an invaluable opportunity for hubs, startups, investors, and other stakeholders to forge new alliances and share insights. By spotlighting collaboration and Africa’s vast potential for innovation, the event seeks to position the continent as a critical player in the global tech landscape, driven by a united vision for progress.
