Savant’s Post

A good 3-minute read. Is Africa's innovation ecosystem the next magnet for global investors? Find out how investing in research-based technology may boost Africa's economy and provide unusual development opportunities. Read this thought piece by Jude Feranmi Adejuwon, the Practice Lead at HEI_Innovation_at_CcHUB: https://lnkd.in/dxwUWy7F

Explore untapped VC opportunities across Africa! Beyond the "big four," there's robust potential awaiting in other regions ripe for investment and growth. #VentureCapital #Africa #Innovation #EconomicGrowth

This e27 (Optimatic) article points to the role of local seed funds, micro-VCs, angel groups, and corporate investors in catalysing Southeast Asian countries' boosted seed investments. #Vietnam and #Philippines are catching up on #Indonesia! If you are an impact-driven entrepreneur in these 3 ⬆️ active markets and driving change in #Education 📕, #Healthcare 🏥 or #ClimateAction🌱, apply for the UNDP-backed SDG Venture Scaler to leap forward in your business and attract capital. Why join? ⭐ Over $150,000 in credits and benefits ⭐ Facilitation of investments and introductions to investors ⭐ Hands-on mentorship and full business support ⭐ LIVE training on business, impact measurement and management and behavioral insights MORE INFO: https://lnkd.in/d-SZ5YXK UNDP Sustainable Finance Hub Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP) Creatella Impact | Development Organization #SDGVentureScaler #ImpactEntrepreneurs PS. More stats on the Jungle Ventures report here - https://lnkd.in/gPzQprhf

How can the business environment be improved to foster innovation and growth? By Hugo Keji Improving the business environment to foster innovation and growth in Africa involves a multi-faceted approach that addresses existing challenges and leverages opportunities. Enhancing Access to Funding:- Encouraging Investment:

📢𝐔𝐩𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 #𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐋𝐌𝐃) 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬   ❔What are the success factors to consider when developing a sustainable #scaling #strategy? ❔What might some common pitfalls be, and how can they be overcome? 👉Join our webinar on 22nd February - which we’re thrilled to be co-hosting alongside Spring Impact with the support of British International Investment - to explore these questions and uncover some of the approaches #lastmiledistribution companies have adopted to expand their reach and #impact for undeserved consumers.   Come along to hear directly from: ✔Rocio Perez-Ochoa from Bidhaa Sasa on how to scale your business in a new country using LEAN startup principles; ✔Sujatha Ramani from Pollinate Group on how to navigate a successful merger between two LMDs; ✔Shanina Mercedia van Gent from Essmart on how to carry out research and development consultancy for product companies; ✔Dennis Mtonga from LiveWell Zambia on how to partner with the government to reach more people; ✔And our super moderator, Emma Colenbrander, from Spring Impact on what to consider when setting out on your scaling journey, and how to tackle common challenges that impact-driven companies may face.   💥You don’t want to miss this if you’re a last mile distribution or #socialimpact company interested in growing your operations now or in the future!   🔗Register here: https://lnkd.in/gAjMESKw. #inclusivebusiness #businessforgood #businessmodels #energyaccess #offgridsolar

Let’s debunk some myths about angel investing in Africa! Myth: “I’m not rich enough to be an angel investor.” Fact: You don’t need to be wealthy. Africa offers diverse investment opportunities at various levels in sectors like tech, agriculture, and renewable energy. Myth: “Investing in Africa is just for impact, not returns.” Fact: While investments benefit communities, they can also be very profitable. Myth: “I can’t invest in Africa if I don’t live there.” Fact: With 140 million Africans abroad, the diaspora holds significant investment potential. As startup funding globally declines, more angel investors are needed in Africa. Join us in making a difference! Learn more about angel investing in this piece by Rossie E. Turman III, Deangeor Chin, and Waleey Fatai of Lowenstein Sandler, Africa Practice. https://lnkd.in/dicBbH_P

African startups can strategically leverage the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) model alongside Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) by targeting key sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, and healthcare. By showcasing how their ventures can create jobs and address local challenges, these startups can attract vital government support and resources. It’s also important to pursue international investors who are focused on social impact, drawing inspiration from successful practices in the U.S. and Asia. Building strong connections with government officials and ensuring transparency in operations will foster trust and collaboration. Additionally, startups should look to successful tech developments in Asia and the emphasis on health tech and fintech in the U.S. to identify high-growth sectors in Africa that can attract similar investments. To support this, developing training programs for young entrepreneurs in financial literacy, business management, and investment readiness is essential. This approach mirrors initiatives in Asia, where enhancing skills is key to startup success.

VC4A, in partnership with the African Business Angel Network (ABAN), is set to host the 11th iteration of the Africa Early Stage Investor Summit (AESIS) during Africa Investor Week. This key event for investment professionals will take place in Cape Town on November 28-29. The summit stands as the foremost assembly for early-stage investors in Africa, offering a prime opportunity for attendees to network, forge enduring connections, and engage with the wider investment community. This year’s summit is themed “Pioneering Pathways: Innovating Investment Mobilisation in Africa,” reflecting its commitment to equipping investors with the knowledge and tools necessary to back promising enterprises and generate meaningful impact throughout the continent. AESIS 2024 will present a diverse agenda that includes keynote addresses, panel discussions, masterclasses, and networking opportunities. Additionally, the summit will spotlight a handpicked group of high-potential African startups, granting investors privileged and exclusive access to fresh investment prospects. Click the link to read more: https://lnkd.in/d-Frkq3k #innovationvillage #venturecapital #investment #investors #earlystage #businesssummit #businessnetwork #capetown #southafrica #innovation #technology #africabusiness

"Discover the remarkable surge in venture capital investments in Africa and the Middle East! 🚀💰 Despite a global slowdown, these regions are shining bright in the tech ecosystem, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth. #VentureCapital #Innovation #EconomicGrowth"

Africa must leverage its unique strengths and resources to drive its technological advancement and ensure it meets the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achieves inclusive growth. By focusing on building robust local and regional ecosystems for innovation, Africa has the opportunity to enhance its self-reliance by cultivating its internal resources and capabilities in technology development. This approach involves enhancing education systems, investing in local startups, and fostering partnerships among African nations to share knowledge and resources. It's crucial for Africa to assert its agency in technology development to transform to being an active creator of technology solutions tailored to its contexts and needs. #PWSpeaks