As Africa progresses on its journey of digital transformation, innovation hubs are playing a pivotal role in shaping the continent’s economic future. These hubs function as incubators for startups, platforms for skills development, and launch pads for ideas, thereby enabling communities throughout Africa to prosper in the digital economy. Co-creation HUB (CcHUB), a pan-African innovation leader, has been leading this effort, creating and operationalizing innovation hubs that deliver real impact.
Building Communities, Transforming Economies
At CcHUB, we believe that innovation thrives when it is built with people at its core. This is why our work begins with listening to communities—conducting feasibility studies to understand their needs, challenges, and aspirations. Guided by a human-centered design approach, we develop tailored programs that equip individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses with the skills,resources, and contextually relevant insights they need to succeed.
The impact of these hubs extends far beyond entrepreneurship. They are engines of economic transformation, fostering job creation, promoting gender equity, and driving inclusive development. By creating ecosystems where talent meets opportunity, CcHUB’s innovation hubs empower communities to solve real-world problems, scale impactful solutions, and compete on the global stage.
Djanta Tech Hub: Bridging Francophone and Anglophone Africa
One of the most recent milestones in our ecosystem-building journey is the launch of Djanta Tech Hub in Togo, a partnership with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Transformation (MENTD). Positioned as Africa’s leading bilingual innovation hub, Djanta Tech Hub will design and deliver programmes and initiatives in English and French, fostering collaboration and innovation across linguistic and cultural divides.
The Djanta hub’s strategic foundation is the result of a close partnership between CcHUB and MENTD, with a shared vision of making Togo a digital powerhouse within the region. Given CcHUB’s extensive experience and expertise at activating and catalyzing innovation ecosystem, the Djanta Tech Hub is not just a physical space for innovators, but a catalyst for transformation in Togo and the region.
Togo’s forward-thinking approach to digital innovation is exemplified by MENTD’s Novissi program, a digital cash transfer initiative that supported informal workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. With over 820,000 beneficiaries, 61.4% of whom were women, the program highlights the potential of digital solutions to drive equity and economic empowerment. Djanta Tech Hub builds on this legacy, offering a platform where entrepreneurs, startups, and young people can access the resources and networks they need to bring their ideas to life.
African Tech Hubs: Driving Global Innovations
Innovation hubs like Djanta Tech Hub are not only transforming local economies but are also positioning Africa as a global technology leader. According to the International Trade Centre’s (ITC) 2023 Report, Africa is home to over 1,000 tech hubs that are driving resilient growth by enabling startups to develop business models capable of scaling globally. These hubs provide the essential resources and mentorship needed to foster solutions that address both local and international challenges.
The success of African startups on the global stage is evident in their growing recognition and investment. In 2023, African startups raised $2.4 billion in funding, as highlighted in Disrupt Africa’s Tech Startups Funding Report. This remarkable growth reflects the increasing confidence of investors in the scalability and global relevance of African innovations. From cutting-edge health technologies to transformative fintech solutions, African startups are proving that innovation from the continent can compete on a global scale.
As these hubs continue to foster collaboration and innovation, they serve as powerful engines of change, enabling Africa to not only address local challenges but also contribute meaningfully to solving global ones. The resilience and creativity of African entrepreneurs, combined with the support of tech hubs, are laying the groundwork for a future where the continent is recognized as a global leader in technology and innovation.
Innovation Hubs as Engines of Change
The impact of innovation hubs like Djanta Tech Hub goes beyond individual success stories. These hubs address systemic challenges by equipping communities with tools for lasting change. They provide training in contemporary tech skills, support startups through incubation and acceleration programs, and foster collaborative ecosystems that bring together key stakeholders, including governments, private sector actors, and investors.
By prioritizing operational excellence, inclusivity, and measurable outcomes, CcHUB ensures that every hub it supports becomes a beacon of opportunity. These hubs do more than foster innovation; they generate tangible results—boosting employment, creating opportunities for underserved groups, and driving economic growth at both local and global levels.
A Vision for Africa’s Digital Prosperity
At CcHUB, our mission is to create spaces where ideas turn into impactful realities. From Nigeria, to Kenya, to Rwanda, to Namibia, now Togo, and beyond, we are committed to building innovation hubs that transform communities, unlock economic potential, and strengthen Africa’s position in the global digital economy.
Join Us in Building the Future
As we continue to operationalize and activate innovation hubs across Africa, we invite you to join us in shaping a continent where innovation knows no bounds. Together, we can build a thriving digital economy that empowers communities and transforms lives.