Connecting researchers, innovators and businesses with global markets is vital to ensure that the fruits of research benefit all of society. The ENRICH in Africa (EiA) Centre developed a sustainable network of innovation incubators and accelerators connecting Europe and Africa.
Launched in 2022 in Cape Town, South Africa, the EiA Centre runs soft-landing programmes to support start-ups actively looking to grow in a new market – linking them with already-established partners.
Start-ups, investors and support organisations across Africa can connect with others and get access to EiA services, including bootcamp training courses, a virtual academy, mentoring support and twinning opportunities.
One initiative led to 10 start-ups from 6 African countries travelling to France for 3 months to find opportunities in the health, food, retail, finance, logistics, cleantech and digital sectors.
All have kick-started projects thanks to the EiA Centre.
Another example is the EiA’s EuroQuity Community, which provides members with a trustworthy infrastructure to network and co-create together. Another programme, supported by the African Development Bank and the Global Center on Adaptation, aims to expand investment and economic opportunities for youth and women in Africa.
The partners behind the EiA Centre include participants from both Europe and Africa,
such as the South Africa-based start-up accelerator Startupbootcamp AfriTech and international innovation group Methys.
In planning the Centre, researchers analysed the innovation landscape in Africa, resulting in a report outlining the African ecosystem, including policy structures, public and private investments, the start-up landscape and data for evaluating key factors for the Centre’s success.
The partners have co-created a model that will ensure a sustainable basis for the EiA Centre going forward, including a strong group of around 50 ‘champions’ who act as ambassadors for the initiative.
The EU established ENRICH centres in Brazil, China, and the United States prior to the EiA Centre in South Africa to deliver such support.