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Could AfriLab’s Capacity Building Programme be the biggest such initiative of its kind in Africa?
Last month, AfriLabs, a pan-African network of tech and innovation hubs, announced the launch of its AfriLabs Capacity Building Programme (ACBP).
The 36-month initiative, which is funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) to the tune of €2-million aims to train hub managers and staff with African-tailored content, models and best practices for hub management and startup support.
AfriLabs executive director Anna Ekeledo (pictured above), commenting in a statement last month, pointed out that never before has a capacity building project of this scale, depth and level of engagement been executed in the African innovation space.
The AfriLabs Capacity Building Programme is a €2-million, 36-month initiative
“We are fully committed to working together as a community to ensure maximum success and impact for hubs and startups within and outside the AfriLabs Community,” added Ekeledo.
Through the initiative, AfriLabs expects to train 600 hub managers across the continent via online and physical workshops.
In addition, AfriLabs expects the programme will engage with at least 3600 young innovators, entrepreneurs, developers and other stakeholders during meetups that will be held across 36 African cities.
The programme will include:
- 30 physical workshops in 15 convening African cities, in partnership with Afric’Innov and African Business Angels Network (ABAN)
- 12 quarterly Hubs Learning Weeks (a series of peer-to-peer virtual capacity building webinars)
- Full hub management certification course in partnership with an as yet to be named major African university
- Hubs-in-Residence at AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2020 and 2021
- Toolkits on business development and investment management
- SDG meetup grants to the tune of €2000 per selected hub
- Capacity building awards worth €5000 per selected hub
- Sponsorship for hubs-in-residence programmes and physical workshops
Read more: AfriLabs appoints new board at 2019 annual gathering
Read more: ABAN, AfriLabs initiative Catalyst aims to match funding by angels in startups
Read more: AfriLabs expands network to 174 hubs with inclusion of 20 new members
Read more: ABAN, AfriLabs initiative Catalyst aims to match funding by angels in startups
Featured image: AfriLabs executive director Anna Ekeledo (Anna Ekeledo via Twitter)
