ACCELERATING THE FUTURE
In 2024, our team set out with a mission: to bridge ecosystems, support founders where they are, and uncover the real challenges they face on the ground. It wasn’t about ticking boxes or launching one-size-fits-all programs. It was about listening first, and then co-creating solutions that respond to the local pulse of entrepreneurship.
Across 7 African countries, in partnership with local ecosystem builders, investors, and institutions, we delivered hands-on bootcamps designed not just for visibility but for real impact. Alongside our 7 partners, we worked with more than 380 startups, tackled hyper-local startup pain points, and built relationships that go well beyond the pitch deck.
The Structure That Made It Work
This wasn’t just a Flat6Labs effort, it was co-delivered by the people who know their ecosystems best. At each stop, we partnered with a local organization to adapt the format, the curriculum, and the tone.
Here’s what that collective effort produced:
- 7 countries
- 380+ startup applications
- 70+ mentorship sessions
- 40+ expert coaches and mentors
- 7 local partners
- All in one year
Country-by-Country Impact
Rwanda: Setting the Foundation
Partner: Westerwelle Startup Haus Kigali
We began in Kigali with a structured, 3-day bootcamp focused on investment readiness, market expansion, and pitching. Over 20 startups joined, 20% of them led by women. Our first networking event gathered 50+ people, and the tone was set: thoughtful, relevant, and local-first.
Kenya: Tech-Focused Excellence
Partner: ACTS
We then moved to discover Kenya’s vibrant tech ecosystem,. We delivered a focused 3-day bootcamp for tech startups, concentrating on “Investor Readiness” and “Product-Market Fit”.
Working with 10+ startups, 18% of them were women-led, we conducted 10+ intensive coaching sessions that addressed the specific challenges facing Kenya’s rapidly growing tech sector.
Nigeria: Virtual Innovation
Partner: Founders Factory Africa
Our 3rd stop was Nigeria where we co-hosted a 2-day bootcamp on “Product-Market Fit” and “What Investors Look For,” complemented by a virtual panel on “Reaching Early Adopters”.
The hybrid approach proved successful, engaging 20+ startups through 10+ coaching sessions, while our networking event attracted 85+ attendees, our largest turnout of the roadshow.
Tanzania: Women-Led Growth
Partner: Ennovate Ventures
Tanzania stood out for its impressive representation of women entrepreneurs. Our 2-day “Investment Readiness” bootcamp saw 35% women founders in attendance—the highest percentage across all our stops. With 5+ coaching sessions and 40+ networking event attendees, the program demonstrated the strength of Tanzania’s emerging startup scene.
Senegal: Francophone Expansion
Partner: Ignite.E
The 2-day bootcamp in Dakar focused on “Investment Readiness” and “Product-Market Fit”. It brought together 10+ startups, with an impressive 32% women founders participating. The 50+ attendees at our networking event showed the appetite for startup ecosystem development in West Africa’s markets.
Morocco: North African Gateway
Partner: Orange Maroc
In Morocco, we partnered with Orange Maroc for a 2-day “Investment Readiness” bootcamp that attracted 20+ startups including 36% women founders. The networking event brought together 40+ ecosystem stakeholders.
Uganda: Closing Strong
Partner: Innovation Village
Our final stop in Kampala featured a comprehensive 2-day bootcamp covering “Investment Readiness,” “Market Expansion,” and “Pitching.” With 30 startups participating and 80 attendees at our networking event—our largest single-country turnout—Uganda proved to be the perfect finale to our continental journey. While women founder representation was 16%, the overall engagement and quality of startups was exceptional.
Looking Ahead
The 2024 Africa Roadshow proved that startup support works best when it’s delivered locally, by people who understand local challenges, in partnership with organizations that have real community connections.
As we plan for 2025, the question isn’t just where we should go next—it’s how we can continue building on the relationships and momentum we’ve created. The foundations have been laid across seven countries. Now it’s time to build on them.
So, where should we head next?
Flat6Labs