Airbus BizLab, GIZ open applications for #Africa4Future programme

Airbus BizLab and GIZ, the German agency for international co-operation, has opened a call for African startups to apply to enter the third edition of #Africa4Future.

The initiative is a joint accelerator programme between Airbus’ global aerospace accelerator, BizLab and Make-IT in Africa.

Applications close on 14 March.

First launched in 2017, the #Africa4Future initiative was created by Airbus BizLab with the objective to encourage and support entrepreneurship in Africa.

GIZ and Airbus BizLab are looking for startups involved in remote-sensing technology to apply for #Africa4Future

Through #Africa4Future, Airbus seeks to build bridges between the aerospace industry and the different players in Africa.

For this third edition, the accelerator is open to African startups, service providers, software companies that are actively working on solutions in agriculture and infrastructure sectors that are related to remote-sensing technology.

This includes automation, blockchain, artificial intelligence, data analytics, material composites, manufacturing and more.

Infrastructure refers to transportation or logistics mapping, water monitoring, waste management, real estate, urban development and other related areas.

To foster and promote the inclusion of sustainable Industry innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9); and Food security, nutrition and agriculture (SDG 2); Airbus BizLab together with its partners will consolidate and make their resources available to the startups to support economic development across Africa (SDG 17).

The three-month programme will include virtual coaching sessions, expert sessions with Airbus experts in Europe, connection to industry experts locally, access to Airbus technologies, 250,000 up42 credit, showcase events in Africa and Europe.

At the end of the programme, the startups (either standalone or as a consortium) will have the opportunity to pitch a project to the leadership team at Airbus and GIZ for possible collaboration with both organisations.

The programme is implemented by Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), a Pan-African innovation centre with a track record of accelerating the application of social capital and technology for economic prosperity.

Eligibility criteria

GIZ is looking for startups, solution providers and companies that:

• Create value in the agriculture and infrastructure sectors
• Have the ability to leverage remote sensing technologies
• Have been running operations for at least one year.
• Have an existing product with traction (customers or revenue)
• Have a strong management team
• Have experience leveraging partnerships to create impact

In addition to the above, companies must be registered in Africa and the founder must be a citizen of any country on the continent.

GIZ be hosting information sessions in five countries, namely: Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Senegal and Morocco.

Beyond learning more about the programme, these information sessions will also serve as an opportunity to learn more about some of Airbus’ technology and to network with other entrepreneurs with similar interests.

Register here to get updates on the information sessions.