African hubs network, AfriLabs, has launched the AfriLabs Academy which is aimed at equipping startup ecosystem enablers with the necessary skills, training and expertise to support African startups.
The AfriLabs Academy is part of the AfriLabs Capacity Building Programme. In 2020, AfriLabs under this programme undertook a Needs Assessment to identify the needs of Enterprise Support Organisations (ESOs) and hubs. The academy is designed to equip these ESOs with the training and management skills needed to improve their capacity. This will help to support the growing number of startups and MSMEs in their communities.
AfriLabs understand that innovation hubs in the continent possess great potential and are key structures in enabling tech and entrepreneurship in Africa which makes them a valuable tool for providing scalable solutions to Africa’s core economic and social problems. However, these hubs need support to function at their best ability and that is where the AfriLabs Academy come in.
The content on the e-learning platform was co-created and certified by Strathmore University with the courses developed by Africans for African hubs. It is focused firmly on the challenges and realities that currently exist throughout the continent.
Aside from the course contents, the platform also features additional exercises and quizzes necessary to ensure optimal interactiveness for better assimilation and engaging learning experiences.
“The Needs Assessment report established a need for a comprehensive harmonised ESOs curriculum framework that addresses the skills and business development gaps as well as their financial sustainability. The AfriLabs Academy addresses the skills and knowledge gap,” said Nanko Madu, Director of Programmes at AfriLabs.
AfriLabs is a network organisation supporting over 340 innovation centres across 52 African countries. It was founded in 2011 with the mission of building a community around the rapidly emerging technology hubs in Africa.
With the AfriLabs academy, participants will learn from experts in different fields across Africa on how to build successful startups and MSMEs. Some of the courses available include management, product evolution, building partnerships, fundraising, etc.
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