The Duke of York, President of Nigeria start African Entrepreneurship Programme

The African Entrepreneurship Programme (AEP) has been created in partnership by the UK’s Pitch@Palace and The Global African Investment Summit (TGAIS). This venture aims to further develop the African private sector while stimulating innovation and technology throughout the continent.

Much like similar entrepreneurship programmes, AEP will allow businesses the opportunity to present and connect with potential investors. This will help open doors to them, which would normally be closed or difficult to open.

A chosen top three entrepreneurs will present their business proposals to an audience of potential investors, mentors and CEOs at the Pitch@Palace event at Central Hell Westminster, London 1 December this year.

Pitch@Palace is founded by Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, and accelerates businesses by connecting them with potential supporters and showcases them to a wider community. “The Programme is greatly honoured for The Duke of York’s commitment to support entrepreneurship in Africa,” says the director of TGAIS, Paul Sinclair.

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The TGAIS allows private and public sectors to discuss transactions, access to finance, and bankable projects. These talks consist of projects in sub-Saharan Africa, which require investment and technology transfer in order to grow.

Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and Aliko Dangote (dubbed Africa’s most successful entrepreneur) aim to provide ongoing support for businesses and entrepreneurs selected by the programme. Obasanjo adds in a press release sent to Ventureburn:

Africa is a continent of growth and home to the world’s youngest population. We are very pleased to support Africa’s growth and develop its workforce through the AEP.

The event will be attended by African presidents, finance ministers, sector-specific ministers, and CEOs from state-owned enterprises.

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This year TGAIS will facilitate a meeting between young AEP entrepreneurs and businesses in order to showcase their business ideas to potential investors.

Last year’s TGAIS attendees attracted US$235-billion worth of managed funds.

Those wishing to enter the programme can do so through the TGAIS website.