Over the past few years, Africa’s tech startup ecosystem has experienced an upward growth trajectory. Despite facing numerous challenges ranging from limited access to resources, unfavourable economic conditions, radical political influences, and insufficient support from the governments, the various startup industries have managed to not just survive but thrive.
While this feat could be credited to the resilience of the nascent companies in the ecosystem, other actors such as the VCs, angels, and innovation hubs also played crucial roles in providing much-needed support and encouragement for early-stage startups.
The innovation hubs particularly, served as centres for collaboration, networking, and technological advancement, helping to drive digital transformation across the continent. Here we are spotlighting some of the leading tech hubs making a significant impact in Africa.
Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB)
Founders: Bosun Tijani and Femi Longe
Founded: 2010, Nigeria
CcHUB is a leading innovation centre that has been instrumental in the success of the Nigerian startup industry. The hub primarily focuses on accelerating the application of social capital and technology for economic prosperity among nascent companies.
Since it commenced operations, it has supported more than 100 early-stage ventures across multiple sectors from fintech to agritech and even health tech. Some of its beneficiaries include Lifebank and BudgIT, which it has helped scale and achieve sustainable growth.
With a large community of thousands of people, CcHUB has established itself as a hub for creativity and problem-solving in Nigeria’s tech landscape. Notable programs include the Giving4Good Challenge and the EdTech Fellowship with the Mastercard Foundation, which focuses on fostering social impact through technology.
iHub
Founder: Erik Hersman
Founded: 2010, Kenya
iHub is a renowned innovation hub playing a vital role in East Africa’s thriving tech ecosystem. It provides entrepreneurs with a collaborative environment, mentorship, and resources to help bring their ideas to life.
The company has made a significant impact on Kenya’s startup industry. It has supported numerous startups like M-Pesa, BRCK, and Ushahidi.
In 2019, iHub was acquired by CcHUB, however, it still retains its identity and keeps operating its community of over 16,000 innovators. The hub regularly hosts hackathons, innovation challenges, and networking events that foster a culture of innovation and growth in East Africa. These initiatives has helped it attract attention and partnerships with companies like Google, Microsoft, and Intel.
Silicon Cape Initiative
Founder: Vinny Lingham and Justin Stanford
Founded: 2009, South Africa
Silicon Cape is a tech community movement aimed at growing the Western Cape’s tech ecosystem by connecting stakeholders and promoting collaboration. The hub acts as a bridge between entrepreneurs, investors, and government entities, with the aim of ensuring that the Western Cape remains a top destination for tech-driven businesses.
With a network of over 10,000 stakeholders, Silicon Cape has been instrumental in driving policy advocacy, digital literacy, and startup acceleration in Southern Africa. The hub also organizes regular networking events and workshops that provide essential learning and funding opportunities for emerging tech entrepreneurs in the region.
Impact Hub Africa
Founder: Umuziranenge Blandine and Planté Josué Niyomugenga
Founded: 2014, Ghana
Impact Hub Africa is a global network of over 50 entrepreneurial communities focusing on social entrepreneurship, innovation development, and startup growth in Africa.
The hub focuses on aligning creatives with global development goals to create a community of socially conscious startups. It provides coworking spaces, incubation programs, and funding opportunities to support innovators tackling social and economic challenges.
Over the years, Impact Hub Africa has contributed to the development of a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem in Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal, and Zambia. It has hosted networking events (Deep Dive Africa), training programs, and incubation initiatives (Lafiya Innovators), all of which have helped it become a key player in nurturing businesses that address critical social issues while driving economic growth.
Nailab
Founder: Sam Gichuru
Founded: 2011, Kenya
Nailab is a leading startup incubator that seeks to empower African tech entrepreneurs with knowledge, funding, community, and other resources to develop sustainable businesses. The hub provides networking opportunities for startups and established businesses, serving as a critical platform for business development and technological collaboration.
Nailab’s efforts are focused on supporting businesses with solutions that tackle Africa’s unique challenges. It partners with a range of stakeholders across the continent to equip startups with essential skills and support to thrive and make a lasting impact on local communities.
On Sloane
Founded: 2017,
Location: South Africa
On Sloane is Africa’s largest startup campus. It is a dynamic and innovative hub that offers mentorship, funding access, and growth programs for early-stage ventures. It provides a structured environment for scaling businesses, equipping them with resources, and strategic partnerships.
With a strong focus on innovation and enterprise development, On Sloane connects entrepreneurs with industry leaders, venture capitalists, and policymakers. The hub operates with a goal to nurture an entrepreneurial mindset and contribute to the development of new industries in Africa. Its dynamic approach to startup incubation has made it a crucial hub for tech entrepreneurship in South Africa.
BongoHive Tech and Innovation Hub
Founder: Lukonga Lindunda
Founded: 2011, Zambia
BongoHive is Zambia’s first tech and innovation hub, focusing on startup development, skills training, and business incubation. Essentially, the hub provides a vibrant environment for tech startups with the aim of addressing local challenges through technology and entrepreneurship, creating opportunities for digital transformation.
The hub offers training workshops, mentorship programs, and startup acceleration services that have helped numerous businesses launch and grow. Over the years, BongoHive has served as a catalyst for innovation in Zambia, ensuring that local entrepreneurs have access to the tools and knowledge needed to succeed.
MEST Africa
Founder: Jorn Lyseggen
Founded: 2008, Ghana
MEST Africa founded by Meltwater Foundation is a pan-African training program, seed fund, and incubator dedicated to empowering tech entrepreneurs. The hub provides training in software development, business, and communications, equipping young entrepreneurs with the skills needed to build scalable technology startups.
Through its extensive mentorship network and investment initiatives, MEST Africa has nurtured some of the most promising startups in Africa. With a presence in multiple African countries, it serves as a launchpad for innovative businesses, driving digital transformation and economic development across the continent.
These hubs play a crucial role in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation across Africa. By providing essential resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities, they help startups and entrepreneurs scale their businesses and drive technological advancement on the continent. As Africa’s digital economy continues to expand, these tech hubs will remain instrumental in shaping the future of innovation and economic development.
