We are excited to share some more Africa – Europe innovation news with you! ENRICH in Africa has launched a learning expedition to Nigeria and Rwanda. CcHUB has been granted the incredible opportunity to lead the Learning Expedition to Nigeria, whilst iHub, leads the Learning Expedition to Rwanda.

This is an opportunity open to innovation ecosystem players from Africa and Europe including startups, SMEs, investors, trade agents, individuals, and ecosystem players that are looking to explore and expand into Nigeria and Rwanda with:

• Interest in exploring opportunities in Africa, particularly Nigeria and Rwanda
• Affiliation with a company registered in Africa or Europe (outside Nigeria and Rwanda)
• Ability to cover travel and accommodation expenses for the expeditions
• Proficiency in English

WHY NIGERIA?

Nigeria, with its staggering population of 216 million people, stands as the largest economy on the African continent. This dynamic nation is witnessing the rise of a burgeoning middle class and rapid urbanization. According to the World Bank, Nigeria’s GDP reached $477 billion in 2022. The entrepreneurial spirit in Nigeria has led to the emergence of five of Africa’s seven unicorns such as Interswitch, Flutterwave, Andela, Opay, and Chipper Cash underlining Nigeria’s immense potential for growth and innovation.

We are excited to be leading the exhilarating 1-week learning expedition to Nigeria. Our mission for the program is to create a bridge between African and European innovators and to provide an in-depth immersion into Nigeria’s startup ecosystem, renowned as one of Africa’s ‘Big 4’. With over 12 years of experience in Africa’s innovation ecosystem, CcHUB is uniquely positioned to equip entrepreneurs and ecosystem players with the relevant information and networks needed to navigate and thrive in the Nigerian market.

NIGERIA LEARNING EXPEDITION

Objectives:

• To empower entrepreneurs to explore the Nigerian market for business and market expansion/entry opportunities.
• To provide insight into local business support structures available in Nigeria including facilitating connections between entrepreneurs and organizations that offer business expansion support.
• To foster relationships between entrepreneurs and local innovators, investors, researchers, and corporations.

The expedition includes:

• An introductory session providing an overview of Nigeria’s business landscape, infrastructural capacity, entrepreneurial support organizations, and market opportunities.
• A workshop featuring local experts (corporate lawyers, tax consultants, etc.), covering key areas such as Nigerian business incorporation, understanding the local culture, talent acquisition, securing office space, and developing effective go-to marketing strategies.
• A networking dinner spotlighting the ENRICH in Africa project with local innovators, investors, agencies, and partners.
• A tour of organizations critical to the Nigerian startup and innovation ecosystem, offering the opportunity to meet with key players.
• A visit to a local business trade fair or expo that occurs during the expedition.
• Participants will also receive guidance on logistical considerations, such as visa applications, flights, accommodations, and associated costs.

Timelines:
November 6, 2023 – November 11, 2023

Apply Here
Deadline: 15 September 2023

For more information on the ENRICH Learning Expeditions follow our website: https://enrich-in-africa-project.eu/nigeria-learning-expedition

WHY RWANDA?

Often referred to as the ‘Singapore of Africa,’ Rwanda is experiencing a rapid ascent in its startup ecosystem. This growth is attributed to its business-friendly environment, increasing technological adoption, and thriving entrepreneurial culture. Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to fostering a knowledge-based economy creates fertile ground for startups to flourish and attract investors. As of Q1 2023, Rwanda had 8,433,030 active SIM cards connected to the internet within the last 90 days and 49,577 active fixed internet subscriptions, according to the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), highlighting a budding community of tech enthusiasts ready to adapt to new technologies and innovative products as they emerge.

As of 2022, the World Bank states Rwanda’s GDP at approximately US$13.31 billion with Kigali, its capital city, serving as the nucleus of commerce, economics, and technology. Looking ahead, Rwanda’s Vision 2050 plan is focused on enhancing human capabilities, fostering innovation, and promoting socioeconomic integration whilst establishing effective and accountable governance institutions.

iHUB, the pioneer tech hub in Africa and a member of the CcHUB group will lead the one-week learning expedition to Rwanda to connect African and European innovators with the Rwandan startup ecosystem. iHUB is ideally positioned to equip entrepreneurs and ecosystem players with the networks and knowledge necessary to successfully penetrate the Rwandan market.

RWANDA LEARNING EXPEDITION

Objectives:

• To empower entrepreneurs to explore the Rwanda market for business and market expansion/entry opportunities.
• To provide insight into local business support structures available in Rwanda.
• To facilitate connections between entrepreneurs and organizations that offer business expansion support.
• To foster relationships between entrepreneurs and local innovators, investors, researchers, and corporations.

The expedition includes:

• An introductory session providing an overview of Rwanda’s business landscape, infrastructural capacity, entrepreneurial support organizations, and market opportunities.
• A workshop featuring local experts (corporate lawyers, tax consultants, etc.), covering key areas such as Rwanda business incorporation, understanding the local culture, talent acquisition, securing office space, and developing effective go-to marketing strategies.
• A networking dinner spotlighting the ENRICH in Africa project with local innovators, investors, agencies, and partners.
• A tour of organizations critical to the Rwanda startup and innovation ecosystem, offering the opportunity to meet with key players.
• A visit to a local business trade fair or expo that occurs during the expedition.
• Selected startups will be provided with invitation letters, visa application guidelines, and relevant information on Rwanda.

Eligibility:

We’re looking for innovation ecosystem players in Africa and Europe for the expedition, including startups, SMEs, investors, trade agents, individuals, and ecosystem players that are looking to explore and expand into Rwanda that have:

• Interest in exploring opportunities in Africa, particularly Rwanda.
• Affiliation with a company registered in Africa or Europe (outside Rwanda).
• Ability to cover travel and accommodation expenses for the expedition.
• Proficiency in English.

Timelines:

November 27, 2023 – December 1, 2023
Apply Here
Deadline: 15 September 2023

For more information on the ENRICH Learning Expeditions follow our website: https://enrich-in-africa-project.eu/rwanda-learning-expedition

This program aims to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary information and networks to showcase the immense opportunities within the vibrant Nigerian and Rwandan startup ecosystems.

In a world where innovation knows no bounds, these learning expeditions are poised to be transformative experiences. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an innovator, or someone with a passion for technology and business, these expeditions are your ticket to discovering the vast potential that Africa has to offer.

Join us as we embark on this journey of exploration, learning, and growth to Nigeria and Rwanda as we shape the future of Africa-Europe innovation!