African Tech Startups are Invited to Join UK-Africa Investment Summit

TechInAfrica — The UK’s Department for Digital Culture, Media and Sport launches a program to develop the next generation of African start-ups:

Application process underway as government ministers and business leaders attend first-ever UK-Africa Investment Summit
Africa has a fast-growing tech sector which is driving growth and creating jobs on the continent

Some of Africa’s most innovative start-ups are invited to take part in a global tech project to take their businesses and ideas to the next level.

Go Global Africa, a scheme run by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport through its International Tech Hub Network, aims to build links with the UK’s thriving digital sector and pave the way for future economic partnerships.

The successful program, which first launched last year, is currently open to startups from Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa developing tech solutions in finance, agriculture, health, and clean energy. Entrepreneurs who have developed products that are ready to go to the market and already raised investment are invited to apply.

Digital Minister, Matt Warman said, “Africa is home to a rapidly growing tech sector and it is great to welcome leading figures from across the continent to the UK-Africa Investment summit.”

“Through the Go Global Africa project, we are giving entrepreneurs the support they need to grow their business and benefit from the UK’s world-leading tech and innovation expertise. This will allow them to continue developing technology to improve lives around the world. I encourage all those with the talent and ambition to succeed to apply for a place on this exciting project.”

Gary Stewart, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of The Nest, which was participated last year also added, “Africa is one of the fastest-growing tech hotspots in the world right now. It is a vibrant and dynamic continent, with talented entrepreneurs creating dynamic solutions for their countries.”

“I participated in Go Global Africa 2019, which was particularly gratifying as a member of the African diaspora, and was blown away by the level of ambition, energy, and innovation. I am certain that 2020 will be even better, and I urge all ambitious entrepreneurs to apply.”

The Digital Access Program aims to boost digital skills and connectivity and build the cybersecurity capacity of partner countries. It will also help create a thriving digital ecosystem that will stimulate innovation to address local development challenges, create skilled jobs, and generate partnerships between the UK and Africa.

The launch of Go Global Africa 2020 coincides with the start of the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London which will bring together businesses, governments, and international institutions to showcase and promote investment opportunities across Africa.

Attendees include the participants of the Africa-UK: Female Tech Founders 2020 program which will see 15 of Africa’s most ambitious women entrepreneurs visit the UK for a three-day program to learn how to grow their business, access world-class mentoring from UK tech leaders and network with investors.

Outline of Go Global Africa 2020

Judges will select the most promising start-ups at events in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa where shortlisted firms will benefit from a 3-day masterclass. Here they will learn key business skills, gain technical expertise and bespoke mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs to help them scale their business.

Winners from the events will then be invited to travel to the UK in March 2020. Start-ups will benefit from a five-day training program designed to improve their business skills, build links with the UK’s thriving digital sector and pave the way for future economic partnerships.

Africa-UK: Female Tech Founders participants

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