E-learning platform launched by AfriLabs to support innovation across Africa

The AfriLabs Academy was developed by the African hubs network AfriLabs in order to provide startup ecosystem facilitators with the essential skills and training to help African companies.

AfriLabs is a network of over 340 innovation centers in 52 African nations that was formed with the goal of creating a community around Africa’s fast developing technological hotspots.

The AfriLabs Academy is part of the AfriLabs Capacity Building Programme and is designed to provide training and management skills to African hub managers and staff, entrepreneurship support organizations (ESOs), and other startup support structures in order to improve their ability and capacity to support the growing number of startups and MSMEs in their communities.

Strathmore University co-created and approved the platform’s content, and the platform was built based on a requirements assessment to determine the needs of ESOs and hubs.

“The Needs Assessment report established a need for a comprehensive harmonised ESOs curriculum framework that addresses the skills and business development gaps as well as their financial sustainability. The AfriLabs Academy addresses the skills and knowledge gap,” said Nanko Madu, director of programmes at AfriLabs.

“The AfriLabs Academy is a knowledge repository for innovation hubs and other stakeholders across Africa designed to equip startup ecosystem enablers with the needed skills and training to support African startups. I am proud of the team, partners, and community for making this happen,” said Anna Ekeledo, executive director at AfriLabs.