AfriLabs partners with Francophone innovation hub network Jokkolabs

AfriLabs — a pan-African network of tech innovation hubs — has announced that it is adding 12 new hubs to its network and extending its reach to nine countries after concluding a partnership with Francophone open innovation organisation Jokkolabs.

The nine countries are Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo, Ivory Coast, France, Gambia, Mali, Morocco and Senegal. The development brings the total number of innovation hubs in the AfriLabs network to 135 centres across 36 African countries.

In a statement announcing the partnership with Jokkolabs last week Friday (2 November), AfriLabs said the two organisations will work together to design programmes for both networks. As part of the deal, Jokkolabs members will now have access to AfriLabs events, programmes and resources.

AfriLabs’ network of innovation hubs now includes 135 centres across 36 African countries

Jokkolabs founder Karim Sy said joining the AfriLabs network is another stage of “building a bridge instead of a wall” between the various initiatives and regions with the profit of entrepreneurs on the continent as the end goal.

AfriLabs executive director Anna Ekeledo commented that the network is “excited” to work with Jokkolabs on programmes that will have an impact on our joint communities.

Ekeledo added that the partnership will contribute to the AfriLabs’ vision of open markets for African startups, regional integration, the promotion of the innovation and technology for social development, as well as economic development on the continent.

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