April 2023

We are excited to bring you a host of updates and new offerings through the East, West, and South Africa Chapter newsletters consolidated into one! Through this newsletter, we provide updates from our network, including sector opportunities, news, events and publications. We hope you find this pan-African perspective helpful and informative and welcome any ideas or feedback on how we can further improve it.

Wish to have your content featured in the next one? Submit your event, fellowship, report, initiative, or opportunity via this form.

ANDE Highlights

ANDE London Member Meeting(LMM) 2023 - What it Means for Africa Region
During the just concluded LMM, we welcomed over 50 members many of which have dedicated support programs in Africa. We were excited to see contributions from Osayi Alilie, Executive Board Member from Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation, one of Africa’s leading home-grown foundations based out of Nigeria highlighting the donor trends for small business support; and insights from Rebecca Harris Executive Board Member from African Management Institute based out of Nairobi, Kenya.

One of the major takeaways of the London Members Meeting is the importance of “Localization,” a term that has been making the rounds through the entrepreneurial ecosystem for some time, but what does it really mean for Africa? Join the conversation and share with us through ANDE's LinkedIn and Twitter platforms, what Localization means to you.

ANDE Updates

Call for Applications for the ANDE East Africa Steering Committee
Deadline: 16 May, 2023
ANDE’s East Africa Chapter is seeking nominations from ANDE member organizations to fill open positions in its East Africa Steering Committee. We encourage senior leadership at ANDE member organizations in the region to apply by submitting a profile (either as a CV or a LinkedIn profile link) and a 150-word statement, describing their interest and how their experience would benefit the chapter. This is a great opportunity to get involved in the stewardship of ANDE in East Africa in an advisory capacity. If you are interested in supporting ANDE’s growth in East Africa please send your submission to: EastAfricaChapter.ANDE@aspeninstitute.org. Incoming members will be inducted in June 2023 when they will begin a two and a half year term on the Steering Committee.

ANDE Events

Application is Open for the Ethics 1st Learning Lab Series - Ghana Cohort
Date: 27 April, 2023 | 10am - 11:30am GMT
We are excited to inform you that application for Ghana Cohort of the Ethics 1st Learning Lab Series is now open. In collaboration with CIPE, the learning labs will give participants first hand experience on how to navigate the process of signing up for the Ethics 1st platform; and an opportunity to become Champions for Ethics 1st in the entrepreneurial ecosystem at large. Apply now.

Early Bird Registration Open: Annual Conference 2023
Early Bird Ends 28 April 2023
Conference Date: 12 - 14 September 2023
Location: Accra, Ghana
Early Bird Registration for the ANDE Annual Conference is open until April 28th! This year’s conference is halfway to the 2030 target to achieve the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The theme, “Accelerating Action: Small Business Solutions and the SDGs,” will focus on key progress to date and what is still needed in small and growing business (SGB) ecosystems to help maximize contributions to the SDGs over the next seven years. Learn more and register today!

Session Submission for the ANDE Annual Conference
Deadline: 28, April, 2023
Have an agenda session idea that would be great for the 2023 ANDE Annual Conference? ANDE relies on its members to create a meaningful and engaging agenda. This year’s conference will include workshops, breakouts, micro-talks, and mini roundtables. ANDE members are invited to submit up to two session ideas. Submit your ideas now!

Webinar on Building the Green Economy: Trends and Opportunities for Green Entrepreneurship in Kenya and India
Date: 2 May, 2023
We are thrilled to invite you to an exclusive webinar hosted by ANDE and the IKEA Foundation on May 2nd at 7 am EDT. This exciting event will reveal groundbreaking research findings on green entrepreneurship in Kenya and India, showcasing the trends and opportunities for building a green economy. Supported by the IKEA Foundation, this new research assesses the market potential of green entrepreneurship in both countries, identifies available financial and technical support for SGBs, and highlights key challenges and opportunities facing stakeholders. The reports also offer insights into eleven crucial sectors, including common business models and market potential estimation between 2022 - 2030.
By attending this webinar, you’ll gain invaluable insights into building a prosperous green economy and learn how to take advantage of the exciting trends and opportunities that lie ahead. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from top experts in the field and network with like-minded individuals. So, what are you waiting for? Register now to secure your spot and get a copy of the research snapshots. You’ll also receive the complete research reports ahead of the webinars.

Save the Date: Made in West Africa - Creative Industry
Date: 8, June, 2023 | Dakar Senegal
The ANDE West Africa Chapter is proud to announce the second edition of the bilingual event tagged ‘Made in West Africa - Creative Industry’, which will take place in Darkar, Senegal. The event will build on discussions from the first edition of Made in WAF, where actors in the entrepreneurial ecosystem discussed development opportunities for the Ivorian and African private sector. Kindly stay in touch to learn more about the event.

New Member Showcase

Fairtrade is a global movement that addresses the injustices of conventional trade by supporting smallholder farmers and workers to secure better terms of business. Fairtrade Africa, a broader International Fairtrade movement member, represents Fairtrade-certified producers in Africa and the Middle East.

Samawati Capital Partners Limited is an impact-focused investment & advisory firm focused on enabling sustainable growth and development across the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region. They focus on what we believe are the “Big Five” sectors of growth in Africa, namely food & agribusiness, renewable energy, financial inclusion, healthcare, & education, as well as cross-cutting topics such as climate change, WASH, circular economy, gender (lens) approach, tech-enabled business models et al. Their purpose is to direct optimal capacity & capital to the private sector within the Big Five sectors in Africa hence enabling it to become a catalyst for sustainable growth & development

West Africa Updates

ShEquity Business Accelerator 2023 | ShEquity
Deadline: 21 April, 2023
The SHEBA program has executed three (3) cohorts of 30 participants each. The 17-week accelerator provides venture-building and technical support to African female entrepreneurs across the ECOWAS region who are looking to successfully grow their businesses and become investment ready. SHEBA focuses on impactful, innovative, and scalable businesses in agribusiness, climate-smart businesses, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs), healthcare, mobility/logistics, and tech-enabled businesses (fintech, clean tech, ed tech, etc.). Apply here.

Call for Applications - Sahara Impact Fund (SIF) | LEAP Africa & Sahara Foundation
Deadline: 30 April, 2023
SIF was created to empower young African changemakers and social innovators with the right skills, mindset, and tools to build and scale sustainable businesses. The program which is entering its 3rd Cohort will provide seed funding of $5,000 each to outstanding Fellows at the end of the three-month program. Learn more apply today.

Aspen Global Innovators is Launching a New Fellowship
Aspen Global Innovators is officially launching their new Impact West Africa fellowship. Impact West Africa will spotlight 15 fellows from both French and English-speaking West African countries, with the aim of helping them achieve their advocacy goals within local, regional or national policy frameworks, launching a new generation of powerful West African development advocates. Learn more and apply here.

Financial Inclusion Forum | Jeune Chambre Internationale Dakar Alliance
Date: 29 April, 2023 | 8:30 am
Location: Hôtel Ngor Diarama, Dakar - Senegal
This forum, placed under the theme "Financial Inclusion: Entrepreneurial Challenges and Opportunities in the WAEMU", is intended to be a framework for exchanges, experience sharing and a stimulus for the interest of entrepreneurs and the general public on the challenges and opportunities related to financial inclusion. Register here.

Future of Women Conference 2023 | WIA
Date: 6 May, 2023
Location: Tayo Aderinokun Lecture Theatre, Lagos - Nigeria
Future Women Conference is a Pan-African Conference where visionary African women discuss their roles and responsibilities in the future. It is an international platform where ordinary and extraordinary women from over 20 African countries, Europe and North America connect to share ideas and discuss how to turn their challenges and problems into profitable businesses. Learn more and register here.

Launch of West Africa Deal Summit and Ghana Impact Summit | IIGH, Nigeria Nigeria NABII & Task Forces in Burkina Faso and Senegal
Date: 16-17 May, 2023
Over two exciting days, West Africa’s impact investing community will convene in Accra, Ghana, and online to engage with global catalytic capital providers to take action on initiatives that can move the capital to transform the region and contribute to economic recovery. This flagship event will focus on action to move catalytic capital to fill the SME financing gap and contribute to economic recovery in Ghana and West Africa. Learn more and register here.

Lagos Startup Expo 2023 | TechPoint
Date: 20 May, 2023
Location: Landmark Centre, Victoria Island Lagos - Nigeria
The Lagos Startup Expo is the premier event for entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts. By attending, you will be given the opportunity to network with top startups, see innovative products and learn about the latest industry trends. Register to attend.

Congratulations to FATE Foundation as they Celebrate their 23rd Anniversary!
FATE Foundation is Nigeria’s foremost business incubator and accelerator program with a goal to enabling aspiring and emerging Nigerian entrepreneurs to start, grow and scale their businesses. They were founded in 2000 by Fola Adeola to harness the high potential entrepreneurship culture of Nigerians to spur job creation, economic development and social impact. Today, they have undergone significant growth, evolution, and expansion into other areas of interest, such as The FATE Institute, The FATE Giving, and The FATE School, which have allowed them to achieve a more quantifiable impact.

Energy Catalyst Round 10 | Innovate UK KTN
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, will work with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to invest up to £10 million in innovation projects. This funding is part of the Ayrton Fund.
The aim of this competition is to accelerate the innovations needed to create new or improved clean energy access in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia or Indo-Pacific regions. Creating a just and inclusive energy transition, and extending the benefits of clean energy to all to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 13. Learn more and apply here.

Southern Africa Updates

Apply for the 2023 Fellowship Programme | Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
Deadline: 28 April, 2023
The Fellowship Programme focuses on cultivating entrepreneurship in Candidate Fellows by ensuring that by the end of the Fellowship Programme they desire to create value through responsible entrepreneurship, see entrepreneurship as a viable career path, are able to take an idea and develop it into a viable opportunity, understand the value proposition of the Foundation and E2, as well as value the culture of community and collaboration. Furthermore, their entrepreneurial mindset development curriculum is disseminated via the AGOF Online Campus. Learn more.

Applications for the Africa Online Safety Fund are still open | Impact Amplifier
Deadline: 30 April, 2023
With support from Google.org, Impact Amplifier is accepting funding applications from social-impact organisations in Africa who are working to solve problems in the online safety sphere. This opportunity is geared towards impact-focused social entrepreneurs and organisations with high-potential, innovative solutions to the complex challenges related to online safety in Africa. Learn more.

Early bird registration now open: SA Innovation Summit
Date: 27 - 28 September, 2023
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
The most exceptional gathering of innovators in the continent – the SA Innovation Summit is back in Cape Town this September. This year's theme will be centered around celebrating, enabling and investing in Africa's Innovation Frontier' - a new era of innovation, collaboration, and co-creation in the African start-up ecosystem. Secure your tickets here.

Call for applications: Botswana Open Innovation Program |Make-IT in Africa
Deadline: 19 May, 2023
The Botswana University and Make-IT in Africa have are accepting applications for the Botswana Open Innovation Program. All those with smart communities OR greentech innovations & solutions are encouraged to apply. Areas of applications include: alternative energy & waste management, smart transport/mobility, smart waste management, green infrastructure, smart & sustainable agriculture, to name a few. Register here.

East Africa Updates

Nairobi startup summit |Nairobi
Date: 21 April, 2023
The Nairobi Startup Summit is an information-rich convention for starting and established Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to establish important contacts and learn about the newest trends in the industry matters entrepreneurship and innovation. The Summit is designed as a step-by-step guide to getting startup ventures off the ground exploring available local and global resources business structuring leveraging technology and innovation marketing and executable ideas for managing daily operations and improving your profit potential. The summit aims to promote forward thinking beyond sustainability – creating trends in regenerative innovative and socially responsible ventures to the over 500 guests attending in-person and many others that will be impacted post the event. Click here for more information.

East Africa Social Business Forum on Youth Entrepreneurship 2023 | YY Ventures
Date: 10 May, 2023
We are partnering with YY Ventures on the East Africa Social Business Forum on Youth Entrepreneurship 2023, to be held on May 8, 2023, at Tangaza University College in Nairobi, Kenya. Members are requested to nominate one person who will represent the organization as the first 15 will be accepted On 10th May, Members will have the great opportunity to meet and interact with Professor Muhammad Yunus, 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate and Founder, Grameen Bank. The reception will be a great time to network, share, and learn more about social business focusing on youth entrepreneurship. Register here.

Women CEOs Forum| Nairobi
Date: 12 May, 2023
The Women CEOs Forum is a convention of like-minded women entrepreneurs, enterprise leaders and support organizations from various industries across Africa. The participants will come together to discuss their ambitions goals and challenges in the business environment. The event will take place on May 12th 2023 from 7.30am- 3.30pm.Under the theme ‘Driving Social Change and Sustainability in Business the Women CEOs Forum will focus on how women leaders can capitalize on their authority and expertise to create a sustainable and socially responsible entrepreneurial culture. Click here to register.

Enviu Launches New Venturing-As-a-Service Proposition, Kicking off with One Acre Fund in Rwanda
Impact venture studio Enviu has extended its business with an as-a-service innovation agency, called Powered by Enviu. It helps organizations to build circular and inclusive business models and ventures, using Enviu’s 19 years of experience and methodology. Powered by Enviu has kicked off its new offering by teaming up with One Acre Fund and Wageningen University to build a nature-positive plant-based meat business and value chain in Rwanda. Click for more info about Powered by Enviu and the Rwanda project.

Sector Events and Opportunities

Circular Economy Water Solutions for Africa webinar | African Circular Economy Network (ACEN)
Date: 20 April, 2023 | 14:00 - 16:00 CAT
Africa is quickly running out of water, largely due to climate change, but also on account of institutional failings, governance and the lack of planning infrastructure. During this session, participants will explore how the circular economy can be used as a sustainable water management framework to minimize waste and increase resource efficiency in businesses. Register here.

African Women in Regional & International Agri-food Trade | AGRA
Date: 20 April 2023 | 4pm – 5pm
Venue: Online
AGRA will host a #VALUE4HER TalkCorner to explore innovative solutions for scaling women’s inclusion in regional and international agri-food trade. This edition of the TalkCorner will bring together women executives championing gender-inclusive trade and women business leaders trading regionally and exporting beyond the continent to share lessons and insights from their respective journeys. Register for this interactive session as they highlight solutions for gender-inclusive regional and international agri-food trade. Register here.

Greenovations Africa - 2023 Call for Applications | United Nations University
Deadline: 23 April, 2023
Applications are open for Greenovations Africa 2023. The incubation and mentoring program is part of the Greenovations project’s strategy to build capacities of young and women African innovators and entrepreneurs in the green sector with tailor-made support, mentorship, and seed grant funding to bring their innovations to market and scale in the green sector. Learn more and apply here.

Blended Incubation and Mentorship Support for Green Entrepreneurs | Greenovations – Africa
Deadline: 24 April, 2023
Are you a business with an innovative solution in Africa that tackles existing challenges in one of the following green sectors: Smart agriculture, Renewable energy, Waste management, Water management, Climate action? Apply to this program to receive tailor-made support, mentorship, as well as a seed grant funding to bring your innovation to market and scale. Apply here.

19th Annual AVCA Conference & VC Summit | African Private Equity and Venture Capital Association
Date: 1-5 May, 2023
Location: Egypt
Leveraging insights from the fluctuations we witnessed in Africa’s private capital industry over the last few years, the 19th Annual AVCA Conference & VC Summit in Cairo, Egypt, will focus on unlocking lasting, transformative change in Africa through private capital. The objective of the conference is to think ambitiously about how private capital can build and contribute to a prosperous African future. Register here.

Africa’s Business Heroes Competition 2023 | The Jack Ma’s Foundation & Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH)
Deadline: 12 May, 2023
ABH aims to identify, support, and inspire the next generation of African entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their local communities, working to solve the most pressing problems, and building a more sustainable and inclusive economy for the future. The initiative aims to be as inclusive as possible. Applications are open in English and French to entrepreneurs from all African countries, all sectors, and all ages who operate businesses formally registered and headquartered in an African country, and that have a 3-year track record. Apply here.

The Youth Solidarity Fund (YSF)| UNAOC
Deadline: 14 May, 2023
YSF supports youth-led organizations that foster peaceful and inclusive societies. Seed funding is given to projects, for and by young people that demonstrate innovative and effective approaches to intercultural or interfaith dialogue. UNAOC additionally offers capacity-building support to help youth-led organizations strengthen the implementation of their projects. Learn more and register here.

Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the African Development Bank Group | African Development Bank Group
Date: 22-26 May, 2023
Location: Sharm El Sheikh International Conference Center, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
The theme of the 2023 Annual Meetings is Mobilizing Private Sector Financing for Climate and Green Growth in Africa. It provides a framework for Bank Group Governors to share their experiences with galvanizing private financing domestically and internationally and harnessing natural capital to bridge the climate financing gap and promote the transition to green growth in Africa. Particularly, the theme offers an opportunity for the Governors to discuss Africa's challenges in attracting private sector financing in low-carbon investments and practical policies that governments can deploy to address these bottlenecks. Learn more.

African Cities Lab Summit 2023 | African Cities Lab
Deadline: 23-24 May, 2023
Format: Hybrid
The African Cities Lab 2023 SUMMIT aims to create a truly collective, international and intergenerational platform, connected and open to the world, where ALL urban development actors will think about digital and smart cities as new models for African cities. If you are a researcher or entrepreneur in one of the following fields: Intelligent Data Collection, Remote Sensing and Smart GIS, Emerging Urban Technologies, Urban Mobility and Transportation, Digital Citizen and Digital Governance; this event is for you. Learn more.

Call for Projects African Cities Lab Summit 2023 | African Cities Lab
Deadline: 23-24 May
Format: Hybrid
If you are a researcher or entrepreneur in any of the following fields: Intelligent Data Collection, Remote Sensing and Smart GIS, Emerging Urban Technologies, Urban Mobility and Transportation, Digital Citizen and Digital Governance this event is for you. Please fill in this form so that your work can be exhibited in the virtual showroom and you can interact with the different institutions and partner companies.

Registration for I4C 2023 is Now Open | World Bank
Date: 23 - 25 May 2023
Location: Bilbao, Spain
Innovate4Climate (I4C) is the World Bank Group’s annual global conference on climate finance, carbon markets, and investment. Back in person for its seventh edition, I4C 2023 will convene the private and public sectors on May 23-25 at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre in Spain to turn up the volume on innovative climate solutions with a focus on markets, finance, policy, and technology. Learn more and register here.

GSG Global Impact Summit 2023 | The Global Steering Group for Impact Investment (GSG)
Date: 2 - 3 October 2023
Location: Malaga, Spain
Registration is now open for the GSG Global Impact Summit in Malaga, Spain, on 2 - 3 October in partnership with SpainNAB. The Summit is the premier global event of the impact movement, bringing together 1000+ practitioners and leaders from the worlds of finance, entrepreneurship, big business, policymaking, and philanthropy, from across the globe. Learn more and register here.

Sector Resources

What Ugandan ESOs Can Teach The World | Village Capital
Embedding Circularity in SGB Support Services - A Practical Toolkit | Impact Hub
Foundations of Positive Leadership Course | Amani Institute
Funding Climate Action: A Pathway to Climate Philanthropy | Aspen Institute

Career Opportunities

The Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) is a global network of organizations that propel entrepreneurship in developing economies. ANDE members provide critical financial, educational, and business support services to small and growing businesses (SGBs) based on the conviction that SGBs create jobs, stimulate long-term economic growth, and produce environmental and social benefits.