GIIG Africa Building Startup Nations and Shaping Africa’s Innovative Future

Global Innovation Initiative Group (GIIG). Africa, a catalyst for innovation across the African continent, is at the forefront of driving transformative initiatives such as the Global Startup Awards Africa, the GIIG Africa Foundation, and the GIIG Africa Fund. In an interview with EBR, the co-founder of GIIG Africa, Jo Griffiths, shares valuable insights on fostering collaboration between startups, investors, and government stakeholders, shedding light on the journey of GIIG Africa in empowering emerging startup nations and shaping a global Africa driven by innovation. EBR had the privilege of interviewing Jo Griffiths, the co-founder of GIIG Africa, to explore the organization’s impactful initiatives and gain insights into fostering collaboration among startups, investors, and government stakeholders.

As a global strategist focusing on Africa, how do you see the continent’s innovation ecosystem evolving, particularly in the context of the upcoming 2024 GSA Africa Awards?

Africa’s Innovation evolution: As a global strategist focused on Africa, I foresee the continent’s innovation ecosystem evolving rapidly. The 2024 GSA Africa Awards will play a vital role in this transformation. Our collaborative efforts aim to connect stakeholders, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing to propel Africa’s innovation landscape forward.

Empowering African Startups: Our mission revolves around creating innovation- based economies that empower African startups. Through the GSA Africa Awards, we facilitate cross-sector collaboration and nurture vibrant startup ecosystems. We establish academic partnerships, promote knowledge sharing, provide policy support, and offer regulatory guidance to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship to flourish.

Building Startup Nations:

Our commitment lies in building startup nations across Africa, utilizing platforms like the GSA Africa Awards. By providing a common language and forum for dialogue, we encourage participation, engagement, and impact within Africa’s startup ecosystem. We advise African governments on startup-enabling policies and regulations, collaborating with industry stakeholders to advocate for implementation. We aim to unlock Africa’s full potential as a global innovation hub, driving economic growth and social progress continent-wide.

The Global Startup Awards Africa connects African startups to global opportunities. Can you elaborate on the challenges and strategies of building this cross-continental  bridge?

The Global Startup Awards Africa is crucial in connecting African startups to global opportunities but comes with unique challenges. One challenge is navigating diverse startup ecosystems at different stages of development. Our strategy involves building interconnected communities based on trust, expertise, and extensive networks. The Global Innovation Initiative Group (GIIG) provides a trusted platform for cross-border collaboration, connecting stakeholders eff ctively.

Recognizing African innovators’ potential to address local and global challenges through frugal innovation and empathetic entrepreneurship is essential. However, scaling these innovations requires a deep understanding of startup needs, which takes time and commitment. Support from the government and private sectors, particularly in procurement tactics, is crucial to scaling local, national, regional, and global solutions.

Despite the challenges, expanding the Global Startup Awards to 55 African countries and establishing the GIIG Africa Fund demonstrate significant progress. As these initiatives complete successful cycles and showcase their impact, they pave the way for the GIIG Africa Foundation, which will further stimulate new industries, foster cross-border collaboration, and accelerate the growth of start up nations across Africa.

The introduction of the Youth Startup category at GSA Africa 2024 is exciting. How do you see these empowering young African innovators and fostering a strong future generation of entrepreneurs?

The introduction of the Youth Startup category at GSA Africa 2024 is a powerful opportunity to empower young African innovators and foster a strong future generation of entrepreneurs. With 70% of Africa’s population under 30, there is immense potential for harnessing their energy and creativity for development. This category recognizes and celebrates the contributions of young founders under 26, providing a platform for showcasing their talents and catalyzing their growth. Empowering young African innovators

cultivates a culture of entrepreneurship, inspiresothers topursuetheirdreams, and encourages investment and support from the public and private sectors. Ultimately, this initiative playsacrucialroleinshaping astrong futuregeneration of entrepreneurs who will drive economic growth, create jobs, and bring positive change to the continent.

What are the anticipated outcomes of the 2024 GSA Africa Summit in Addis Ababa for promoting collaboration among startups, investors, and government stakeholders?

The 2024 GSA Africa Summit in Addis Ababa aims to foster collaboration between startups, investors, and government stakeholders. It serves as a platform for dialogue, networking, and partnership building, focusing on increasing access to early-stage funding for African startups. The summit also prioritizes curating commercialization support aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and accelerating public-private partnerships. Additionally, it seeks to provide valuable insights and data to inform market strategies and policy advisory. The summit is expected to drive collaboration, innovation, and economic development within the African startup ecosystem while creating significant social impact.

GSA Africa’s alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union Agenda is commendable. Can you share examples of how past winners have addressed these critical challenges through their innovations?

GSA Africa’s alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union Agenda underscore its commitment to addressing critical challenges through innovation. Past winners of the GSA Africa Awards have exemplified this commitment by developing innovative solutions that address critical challenges and contribute to advancing various SDGs.

For instance, Kubik has transformed plastic waste into building blocks, empowering women through employment and childcare while promoting sustainable cities and climate action. Husky has converted coffee waste into energy, reducing deforestation and promoting clean energy generation.

Scarab Tech’s pyrolysis system converts single-use plastics into energy, contributing to responsible consumption and clean energy. Moment utilizes blockchain technology to address energy crises profitably, fostering economic development and affordable clean energy.

In healthcare accessibility, My1Health connects patients with physicians, improving healthcare service delivery and outcomes. Envision it: AI revolutionizes medical imaging diagnosis with AI, advancing healthcare. LIQID Medical pioneers oculo-optic shunting devices to improveglaucomatreatment and enhance eye health.

Biobuu converts food waste into animal feed and fertilizer in sustainable agriculture, promoting a circular economy and sustainable agriculture. Crop2Cash facilitates financial inclusion for farmers, contributing to poverty eradication and zero hunger.

Treepz fosters shared and sustainable transportation options, while Hiryo empowers women with AI-driven safety features, combats gender-based violence, and promotes gender equality.

Float pays helps employees achieve financial wellness by reducing their reliance on debt and promoting financial inclusion. Awabah Nigeria focuses on building wealth and providing financial sustainability to informal sector workers.

These examples illustrate how past winners of the GSA Africa Awards have effectively addressed critical challenges through innovative solutions, aligning with the SDGs and driving positive impact across Africa. Aspiring African entrepreneurs participating in the 2024 GSA Africa Awards have a tremendous opportunity to join this impactful movement and contribute to shaping a brighter future for the continent.

How have the mentorship and access to the Global Startup Awards Alumni Network provided by GIIG Africa influenced the success and reach of previous African startup winners?

The impact of GIIG Africa’s mentorship and access to the Global Startup Awards Alumni Network on past African startup winners has been truly transformative. It has elevated their success and expanded their reach on both local and global stages.

Let’s take the example of Kubik, winner of the African and Global Startup of the Year awards. Through GIIG Africa’s mentorship and networking opportunities, Kubik gained significant exposure within Africa and internationally. This exposure attracted follow-on funding and facilitated partnerships with global organizations. Kubik’s achievements, including recognition on the TIME100 Climate list and media features in renowned publications like the Financial Times and African Leaders Magazine, highlight the impact of GIIG Africa’s support in amplifying their success.

Attending alum events facilitated by the Global Startup Awards in China has benefited other African startup winners, such as Hyrio and Scarabtech. These events provide valuable opportunities for introductions to investors, fostering connections that can catalyze growth and expansion.

Moreover, African winners can showcase their projects and pitch to a global audience of investors at the Global Grand Finale, further amplifying their visibility and attracting investment opportunities. For instance, Envision it Deep AI’s participation in the G20 demonstrates the potential for African startups to gain international recognition and support through platforms facilitated by GIIG Africa and the Global Startup Awards Alumni Network.

To sum it up, GIIG Africa’s mentorship, market access, and the Global Startup Awards Alumni Network have significantly contributed to the success and reach of past African startup winners. This support empowers them to make a lasting impact both locally and globally.

Ethiopia’s role as a host nation for the 2024 GSA Africa Awards is significant. How do you see this contributing to the country’s growing reputation as a centre for tech innovation?

Ethiopia’s selection as the host nation for the 2024 GSA Africa Awards is a significant milestone that will boost its reputation as a centre for tech innovation. Being part of the Global Startup Awards program brings global visibility to Ethiopia. Recent legal reforms announced at the Startup Ethiopia event demonstrate the government’s commitment to fostering growth and innovation. The success of Ethiopian startup Kubik highlights the untapped potential within Ethiopia’s startup ecosystem. Strategic partnerships with organizations like the Entrepreneurship Development Institute and the Ethiopian Development Bank show the government’s support for entrepreneurial ventures. The GSA Africa Awards and the GIIG Africa fund contribute to Ethiopia’s job creation and economic growth. The focus on youth entrepreneurship showcases Ethiopia’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of innovators.

What are your long-term goals for the Global Innovation Initiative Group (GIIG) in empowering African startups and shaping the continent’s future through innovation?

GIIG’s long-term goals for empowering African startups and shaping the continent’s future through innovation focus on raising the visibility of African innovation globally, fostering sustainable businesses, and positioning Africa as a critical player in the tech industry. They aim to achieve this through initiatives like the Global Startup Awards Africa, which provide a platform for emerging technologies aligned with the SDGs. The GIIG Africa Fund supports high-potential startups by investing in profitable, socially responsible businesses, contributing to systemic transformation and sustainable growth. The GIIG Africa Foundation partners with stakeholders to enhance innovation ecosystems generate evidence for global narratives, and shift investment and development agendas towards innovation-driven solutions. Through these efforts, GIIG aims to empower African innovators, nurture talent, and drive positive change for the continent’s prosperity.

What message do you have for aspiring African entrepreneurs considering participating in the 2024 GSA Africa Awards?

My message for aspiring African entrepreneurs considering participating in the 2024 GSA Africa Awards is simple: seize this opportunity to Get Seen, Connected, and Funded.

Applying to the GSA Africa Awards opens doors to national, regional, and global visibility and recognition. Being a regional or African winner means joining the exclusive GSA Alumni Network, an invite-only VIP club that nurtures startup ecosystems worldwide. This network connects you with fellow finalists, winners, jurors, partners, and ambassadors who can become valuable allies in your entrepreneurial journey. They can provide support, guidance, and connections to propel your business forward.

Moreover, the GSA Africa Awards grant you direct access to the GIIG Africa fund, creating opportunities for funding your startup. Additionally, you’ll gain connections to other successful startups, accelerator and incubator programs, and government initiatives. These connections can be instrumental in securing funding, accessing resources, and accelerating the growth of your venture.

Participating in the 2024 GSA Africa Awards can be a game-changer for your entrepreneurial aspirations. It offers a platform to showcase your innovation, connect with influential stakeholders, and access the support and resources necessary to elevate your startup to new heights. Take advantage of this chance to make a lasting impact on your entrepreneurial journey. EBR

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12th Year  May 2024  No. 129