Valentine Okafor
AfriLabs, the largest network of technology and innovation hubs in Africa, has announced the admission of 18 new hubs, expanding its network to 496 hubs across 261 cities in 53 African nations.
AfriLabs which operates in Nigeria, is a network organisation that is committed to driving innovation and entrepreneurship on the continent by bringing together technology hubs, startups, investors, and other key stakeholders in the ecosystem.
In Western Africa, Mswitch in Abuja, Nigeria, joins the network to expand its footprint in the continent’s largest economy.
It has now added 18 new members, taking the size of its network to 496. The expansion further strengthens AfriLabs’ presence in all regions of Africa, including its first hub in a new city – Stellenbosch, South Africa.
That hub is the SU LaunchLab, with Southern Africa also bolstered by the additions of ScaleUp Namibia, OceanHub Africa in Cape Town, and the Graca Machel Trust’s Women Creating Wealth initiative in Johannesburg.
In North Africa, DigiArtLivingLab (DALL) has established its presence in Tunis and Nabeul, Tunisia; alongside Connect’Innov and The Dot, which is the biggest Digital hub in the northern region and affiliated with the Tunisian government, both based in Tunis. Egypt welcomes PTS Investments Holdings and Aria Ventures, both situated in Cairo.
The Eastern Africa sees the addition of AFRICA TECH SPACE in Nakuru, Kenya; Owl Innovation Labs in Nairobi, Kenya; RLabs Tanzania in Iringa, Tanzania; and AfriFORTIFIED HUB in Kisumu, Kenya.
Central Africa welcomes four new hubs – Ovation and KIVUTECH, both French-speaking, in Kinshasa and Bukavu, DRC, respectively; Revival Innovation Hub in Bua, Cameroon; and DIAMBILAY BUSINESS CENTER in Lubumbashi, DR Congo.
“We are truly inspired by the remarkable growth of our network, which showcases Africa’s boundless potential and innovation,” said Mayssa Mrabet, AfriLabs director of community. “Each new hub enriches our community with unique perspectives and opportunities, and we are particularly excited to expand our presence into new regions and cities, including the vibrant city of Stellenbosch in South Africa. Together, we are not just expanding – we are shaping a dynamic and resilient ecosystem that will catalyze transformative change across the continent.”