Connect with us
Anglostratits

Business

VC4A connects funders of Africa’s startup success at Africa Early Stage Investor Summit (AESIS2024)

Published

on

VC4A

“Africa is not the biggest problem in the world, it is the biggest opportunity” – Nicola Tyler

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, December 10, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Over 300 Africa-focused delegates converged at the 11th edition of the Africa Early Stage Investor Summit, and filled up the room for the AESIS Deal Morning ready to engage with Africa’s most promising founders. Next to another 15 highly promising startups, VC4A (www.VC4A.com) hosted eight female entrepreneurs from IFC’s She Wins Africa program, who took the AESIS2024 stage to pitch their solutions after completing an intensive technical residency in Cape Town. The energy was palpable, reflecting the increasing investor appetite for ventures that not only deliver commercial success but also drive meaningful impact across the continent.

In the opening remarks of AESIS – which took place from the 28th to the 29th of November with the theme “Pioneering Pathways: Innovating Investment Mobilization in Africa” – VC4A CEO Vincent Hoogduijn set the tone for the two-day event. “Why does VC4A organize AESIS every year? The answer is simple – we are here to unite the African early stage investment ecosystem”.

The conversations, panels, pitches and ‘investor experiences’ resonated deeply with the theme, as a strong call for collaboration not only within the investor community but also from hubs and accelerators, angel groups and venture studios as well as entrepreneurs themselves.

Summing up what was a momentous event, here are the key highlights:

Day 1:

  1. Deep Dive Sessions: The discussions focused on the shifting dynamics of the African ecosystem, particularly around capital market policies, collaborations, and pipeline building. A key takeaway was the need for cross-border collaborations and the role of tech-driven platforms in streamlining the investment process. As Fridah Ntarangwi of Zidi Circle highlighted in the Collaborations and Partnerships panel, “Having functional tech-driven platforms to simplify the investment process, powered by AI and blockchain technology, is key for the ecosystem.”
  2. Investor Experiences: An exclusive series of partner-hosted events to close Day 1 of AESIS2024, provided unique and casual style networking opportunities, to promote connections between investors, entrepreneurs, and leaders of industry. Partners include IFC, GIZ-SAIS, FMO Ventures, Lofty Inc Capital, TLCom Capital, Crypto Asset Investment Fund (CAIF), Digital Africa, ENZA Capital, Disraptors and Breega. The relaxed atmosphere facilitated meaningful conversations, affording the opportunity for long-term partnerships and friendships to be built.

Persistence, resilience and adaptability will be key ingredients to see the ecosystem thrive – go fast alone, go far together

Day 2:

  1. Deal Morning: 23 promising portfolio companies (https://apo-opa.co/3ZLzcIY) from 6 organizations – DEG Impulse: develoPPP Ventures, Digital Africa: Fuzé, Ennovate Ventures: TheNextFund, IFC: She Wins Africa, Open Startup and GIZ: SAIS program, pitched their innovative solutions to an audience of investors. The high caliber of startups and the strategic insights shared by the judges created a launchpad moment for the future of the African startup ecosystem, showcasing innovative and impactful solutions to real problems
  2. The Partner Series: Keeping momentum of the power-packed first day, the partner series held segments on Capital Mobilization, Gender Lens and Impact. Taking an apt quote from closing remarks by Thomas van Halen, Director of Investor Services at VC4A “The evolution of the African startup ecosystem reflects the growing maturity of the market, but also highlights the need for innovative and flexible exit mechanisms to meet the diverse needs of founders, investors, and funds.”

Inspiring quotes from AESIS2024

“Entrepreneurs are the architects of Africa’s success” said Phuti Mahanyele-Dabengwa, the South Africa CEO, Naspers, and the AESIS2024 Guest of Honour who delivered the moving keynote on Day 1.

Anne Kabugi, Regional Gender Lead at IFC, opening the Venture Showcase – She Wins Africa pitches, tasked the delegates with a question, a food for thought: “What if I told you that Africa’s food crisis is going to be solved by women?”

Nicola Tyler of The Thinking Company delivered a welcome on Day 2’s Deal Morning, charging the audience with a stand out statement: “Africa is not the biggest problem in the world, it is the biggest opportunity”.

Kenza Lahlou of Outlierz Ventures shared on the Global Development Funding Panel “The role of DFIs is not to be there forever but to provide the investments that work and exit.”

Closing out at the inaugural Awards Ceremony of the Africa Early Stage Investor Summit, Tomi Davies received a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his decades of commitment to promote angel investing in Africa. He delivered a moving speech with all ears listening raptly as he concluded ”Africa’s youth population is the best source to build Africa’s infrastructure.”

In a statement that perfectly sums up the experience of co-hosting this edition: “AESIS2024 once again pointed out that collaboration is a must,” said Vincent Hoogduijn. “It’s been a tough year and we all need to work together to overcome the challenges ahead. Persistence, resilience and adaptability will be key ingredients to see the ecosystem thrive – go fast alone, go far together”

VC4A is grateful for the opportunity to serve the ecosystem as a platform to connect, inspire, and empower. Looking ahead, the collective efforts of investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers will be essential to unlocking Africa’s full potential and driving its economic growth. VC4A’s commitment is to continue to unite Africa’s startup ecosystems. Together with co-hosts ABAN, VC4A looks forward to reconnecting with old and new friends at AESIS2025 next year.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VC4A.

Business

Afreximbank Backs DOTT Services Limited, Uganda with a US$28 Million Facility for Regional Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Projects

Published

on

The financing will enhance DOTT’s capacity to execute strategic projects across the continent, facilitate intra-African trade in goods and services and strengthen regional value chains

CAIRO, Egypt, November 4, 2026/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has activated and approved a US$28 million dual-tranche facility for DOTT Services Limited, the leading Uganda-based engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, and has begun disbursing funds to support the execution of its EPC projects pipeline, valued at more than US$550 million.

 




 
 

Provided under Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, the facility is designed to strengthen the capacity of African EPC champions to secure and execute large-scale infrastructure projects across the continent. Specifically, the financing will support DOTT Services Limited in executing contracts and pursuing near-term opportunities valued at approximately US$550 million across Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Commenting on the transaction, Mr. Humphrey Nwugo, Director of Regional Operations at Afreximbank’s Eastern Africa office, said:

Through the initiative, the Bank provides support, including financing, twinning and matchmaking

“This facility reflects Afreximbank’s commitment to building strong African EPC champions capable of delivering the infrastructure that underpins Africa’s industrialisation, trade and economic integration. By supporting DOTT Services Ltd, a well-established regional contractor with operations across five African countries, we are addressing a critical financing gap that has historically constrained the ability of African firms to participate meaningfully in large-scale, cross-border infrastructure projects.

The financing will enhance DOTT’s capacity to execute strategic projects across the continent, facilitate intra-African trade in goods and services and strengthen regional value chains. It also advances Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, which seeks to increase African participation in the development and delivery of Africa’s infrastructure.

Through partnerships such as this, we are ensuring that greater value, expertise, employment opportunities and economic benefits are retained within Africa while fostering the emergence of globally competitive African contractors.”

Mr. Nwugo further noted that most local commercial banks lacked the capacity to support intra-African and regional projects because they were poorly placed to absorb the associated cross-border risks, while international banks tended to prioritise non-African contractors. As a result, African entities were often left without adequate financial support.

He said: “Afreximbank’s EPC Initiative was therefore designed to address this challenge by supporting African EPC contractors in securing and executing a greater share of infrastructure contracts across the continent. Through the initiative, the Bank provides support, including financing, twinning and matchmaking, as well as issuing letters of support, among others”, he explained.

DOTT Services Limited presence in Africa spans 28-years, with operations in Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). It also has European offices in Italy and the UK, and a workforce of over 6,000 people. The company procures from, and distributes to, African countries goods such as bitumen, asphalt, steel and spare parts, as well as yellow goods equipment and services, making it a significant player in intra-African trade. Its track record of promoting trade-supporting infrastructure across the continent makes it a natural partner for Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, which seeks to build African EPC champions capable of delivering the infrastructure that underpins intra-African trade.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

 

 




 

Continue Reading

Business

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) invests in Africa’s leadership potential through EDGE

Published

on

Coca-Cola

Developed in partnership with Henley Business School Africa, the programme equips high-potential leaders with the skills, experiences and perspectives needed to drive growth, create value and deliver impact across the business

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 4, 2026/APO Group/ –Thirty-one leaders from across 12 African countries have graduated from Coca-Cola Beverages Africa’s (CCBA) (https://www.CCBAgroup.com) EDGE Senior Leadership Acceleration Programme, marking the completion of the programme’s second generation and the first pan-African EDGE cohort.

 




 
 

Created by CCBA, EDGE is the company’s flagship senior leadership development programme. Building on previous participation from The Coca-Cola Company, the programme was further expanded in 2026 to include leaders from Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, creating a broader pan-African learning experience across the Coca-Cola system.

Developed in partnership with Henley Business School Africa, the programme equips high-potential leaders with the skills, experiences and perspectives needed to drive growth, create value and deliver impact across the business.

The 2026 cohort marks an important milestone for EDGE as the programme brought together leaders from across the Coca-Cola system

The graduating cohort represented leaders from multiple countries and business functions. Through classroom learning, business projects, mentoring and coaching, participants gained practical experience in addressing real business opportunities and challenges.

With CCBA serving more than 840,000 customers across Africa, the company requires leaders who can navigate complexity and create value in diverse markets. EDGE helps build these capabilities through practical, business-focused learning.

“People are at the heart of everything we do, and programmes like EDGE demonstrate our commitment to investing in their growth and future success,” said Natasa Prodanovic, Chief People and Culture Officer at CCBA.

“The 2026 cohort marks an important milestone for EDGE as the programme brought together leaders from across the Coca-Cola system. By learning alongside colleagues from The Coca-Cola Company, Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, participants were able to build meaningful connections, share diverse perspectives and strengthen collaboration across our markets.”

The curriculum focused on strategy, value creation, transformation, commercial decision-making, leading self and leading teams. Participants also presented business projects aligned to organisational priorities as part of the programme’s graduation requirements.

EDGE forms part of CCBA’s broader commitment to developing future leaders and building the capabilities needed to drive sustainable growth and impact across Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa.

 

 




 

Continue Reading

Business

Africa and Caribbean trade potential could reach $1.65 billion annually by 2030: International Trade Centre (ITC)-Afreximbank report

Published

on

Afreximbank

The report finds that around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda, November 3, 2026/APO Group/ –Annual trade in goods and services between Africa and the Caribbean could reach up to $1.65 billion by 2030, excluding mineral fuels, according to a new report launched today by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.

 




  

The report, Reshaping Africa-Caribbean Trade: Opportunities for Economic Transformation, (https://apo-opa.co/4eiz62u) finds that while Africa and the Caribbean share deep historical and cultural links, trade between the two regions continues to represent only a small share of each region’s overall trade, despite complementarities across sectors ranging from agribusiness and manufacturing to services and the creative economy.

A look at the numbers

The report finds that around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped, with are significant opportunities for export growth if trade and investment is actively promoted and facilitated.

Africa and the Caribbean must transform a shared history into shared prosperity

Caribbean export potential lies in the services sector, reaching $481 million. The report identifies business opportunities across several priority sectors, including processed food and animal feed, chemicals, minerals and metals, apparel and textiles, leather and footwear, tourism, transport services and creative industries.

These findings – and more – are based on trade and export potential analysis, detailed sector assessments and a survey of 1,175 businesses and business support organizations across Africa and the Caribbean.

Tapping into priority sectors

ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton (https://apo-opa.co/3WHHZMU), in launching the report, said: ‘At a time of major shifts in global trade, countries need to strengthen regional ties and invest in value addition, to build resilience. We know the major trade opportunities between Africa and the Caribbean – and now we can focus on helping businesses take advantage of those opportunities through better market intelligence, improved logistics and greater access to finance.’

Commenting on the report, Denys Denya, Senior Executive Vice President at Afreximbank, said: ‘Africa and the Caribbean must transform a shared history into shared prosperity. With our CARICOM office in Barbados, about $1 billion in approved transactions and a $5 billion regional financing commitment, Afreximbank is advancing this vision through financing, deposit mobilization under CENDEP, business links through the annual Afri-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum, local-currency payments through CAPSS and creative-industry collaboration through CANEX. This report offers a practical roadmap to turn untapped potential into bankable opportunities across agribusiness, manufacturing, tourism and the creative economy. Through targeted financing, stronger transport and logistics links and strategic partnerships, we can build a Global Africa connected by heritage, trade, investment and shared opportunity.’

The report finds that businesses continue to face significant challenges, including high transport costs, limited direct shipping links, regulatory barriers, limited access to finance and difficulties in identifying trusted commercial partners. It highlights that future economic cooperation should extend beyond traditional trade in goods, including through joint investment ventures, digital services, creative industries and tourism. It also calls for targeted action to improve market intelligence and business matchmaking; expand access to trade finance and payment solutions; strengthen transport and logistics connectivity; support sector-specific value chain development; improve regulatory cooperation and market access; and foster stronger partnerships among business support organizations.

Read the full report HERE (https://apo-opa.co/4exHBH9)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

 




 

Continue Reading

Trending