AfriLabs Strengthens Africa-Europe Innovation Collaboration Through AEIP
What drew you to the AEIP project, and what does it mean for your organisation?
AfriLabs was drawn to AEIP because it aligns strongly with our core mission to support innovation hubs and their communities in raising high-potential entrepreneurs who drive economic growth and social development across Africa.
As a network of over 500 innovation hubs, our work is centered on strengthening ecosystem enablers and creating pathways for startups to access opportunities, partnerships, and markets. AEIP provides a valuable platform to extend this work beyond the continent by connecting African ecosystems with European counterparts.
For us, AEIP represents an opportunity to move beyond isolated ecosystem support towards structured, cross-continental collaboration. It enables innovation hubs, startups, researchers, and policymakers to engage more intentionally, share knowledge, and co-create solutions that are relevant across both regions.
What has been your most memorable moment or milestone so far?
One of the most memorable milestones has been the first physical meeting of twinned organisations under the AEIP twinning programme, which took place in Nairobi during the AfriLabs Annual Gathering.
We had the opportunity to host five twin organisations, and it was remarkable to see how quickly meaningful connections were formed, not only within each pair but across the entire group. The programme included joint presentations where each organisation introduced their work and ecosystem, as well as curated ecosystem visits and informal networking sessions.
Beyond the structured engagements, shared experiences such as a safari further strengthened relationships and created a sense of trust and camaraderie among participants. This moment clearly demonstrated the power of in-person interaction in accelerating collaboration and transforming introductions into genuine partnerships.
What impact do you hope the platform will have on the Africa-Europe innovation ecosystem?
We hope AEIP becomes a living collaboration space that enables stakeholders across both continents to identify opportunities, build partnerships, co-create solutions, and sustain long-term engagement. The greatest value will come from turning connections into structured activities, such as joint programmes, startup support, research collaborations, policy dialogues, investment linkages, and shared learning.
For Africa, we hope the platform strengthens visibility, access, and opportunity for local innovation ecosystems. For Europe, we hope it provides a deeper and more practical pathway for engaging African innovation actors as equal partners in addressing shared development and market challenges.
Is there anything you’d like the broader community to know about your organisation’s work?
AfriLabs is committed to building strong, inclusive, and sustainable innovation ecosystems across Africa. Through our network of over 500 innovation hubs across 53 African countries, we support entrepreneurs, hubs, ecosystem builders, and institutions through capacity building, policy engagement, startup support, funding facilitation, and cross-border collaboration.
Our work is rooted in the belief that African innovation ecosystems are not only recipients of support, but co-creators of global solutions. Through platforms like AEIP, we are excited to deepen partnerships that connect African talent, ideas, and institutions with global opportunities.
Additionally, please find attached a photo of the AfriLabs programmes team and another featuring the twins for your review.
