GrowthAfrica - Growth Frontiers

GrowthAfrica - Growth Frontiers We support impactful African entrepreneurs in growing startups, scaling ventures and expanding SMEs industry know-how, and insights.

ACCELERATING AFRICAN ENTREPRENEURS

We are passionate about entrepreneurs and dedicated to supporting their business growth and impact. GrowthAfrica Foundation is founded on the desire and mission to proactively contribute to the social and economic growth of African economies through strengthening of local enterprises. It is a love story to Africa, its people, and its vast opportunities. We are

here to grow Africa through entrepreneurship, innovation, and business. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Nairobi, GrowthAfrica is a leading Pan-African accelerator and entrepreneur support organisation (ESO) with offices in Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, and Zambia. Our activities extend to Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Mozambique. Since its inception, GrowthAfrica has worked with 2,000+ growing African businesses, accelerated 350+ post-revenue ventures and supported 1,000+ entrepreneurs through activities and events. OUR ACTIVITY FOCUS

To grow and scale ambitious and scalable African startups, post-revenue ventures and SMEs into successful and impactful enterprises through startup incubation, business acceleration, strategic advice, and access to investments. To assist funders, investors, (I)NGOs and corporates support the growth of high-potential entrepreneurs and ventures across Africa through well-designed and executed projects and programmes based on our experience. Convene and support the development of collaborative and sustainable ecosystems strengthening associations and entrepreneur support organisations’ resources and capacity to support entrepreneurs effectively. LET´S WORK TOGETHER:

We would love to hear from you and discuss how we can assist or work together. Our network is a core asset across our activities. How can we make you a part of our network?

+ Entrepreneurs: How can we help grow your venture?

+ Funders: How can we innovate and scale our impact?

+ Investors: Interested in an investment-ready pipeline?

10/06/2026

SCALING BEYOND SILOS.
"For the longest time, we've been building alone."

That reflection captured a reality familiar to many circular economy innovators across Africa.

At the launch of the Circular Economy & Social Impact Programme 2026, ecosystem builders, incubators, and innovation leaders came together to explore how stronger collaboration can unlock the next wave of circular economy innovation.

COLLABORATION MATTERS
Through peer learning, ecosystem mapping, and consortium building, participants identified new opportunities to work together and strengthen support for circular economy ventures.

BUILDING BETTER ECOSYSTEMS
Key discussions focused on:
✔️ Designing specialised support for circular economy startups
✔️ Creating stronger validation spaces for early-stage innovators
✔️ Preparing ventures for acceleration and investment readiness

As circular economy solutions continue to gain momentum, the opportunity extends beyond environmental impact to job creation, livelihoods, and economic growth.

Because scalable innovation rarely happens in isolation.

💡 What do you think is the biggest missing link in Africa's circular economy ecosystem today?

The Circular Economy & Social Impact Programme 2026, under the Circular Economy Innovation Cluster (CEIC), is implemented by Climate KIC, GrowthAfrica and SecondMuse, with funding from the IKEA Foundation.

“PUT & TAKE” CONCEPT ​What happens when investment ecosystems prioritise extraction over regeneration?​In this bold and ...
09/06/2026

“PUT & TAKE” CONCEPT ​
What happens when investment ecosystems prioritise extraction over regeneration?​

In this bold and thought-provoking article, Johnni Kjelsgaard challenges the current state of venture capital in Africa, comparing parts of the investment landscape to bottom trawlers that extract value while weakening the very ecosystems they depend on.​

He argues for a radical but necessary shift: a “Put & Take” model where investors contribute directly to rebuilding entrepreneurial ecosystems, not just funding the ventures that emerge from them.​

From ecosystem sustainability to investor accountability, this piece raises difficult but timely questions about the future of entrepreneurship
support in Africa.​

A necessary read for investors, founders, accelerators, policymakers, and anyone shaping Africa’s innovation economy.

Read full article: https://bit.ly/4fzNZ1O

💼JOB OPPORTUNITY · 3 ROLES ACROSS EAST & WEST AFRICA We are building the team that will support women entrepreneurs to g...
08/06/2026

💼JOB OPPORTUNITY · 3 ROLES ACROSS EAST & WEST AFRICA
We are building the team that will support women entrepreneurs to grow businesses that last across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Ghana.
GrowthAfrica is hiring for three roles as part of our expansion across four countries.

THESE ROLES ARE FOR YOU IF YOU:
🔹Have real, hands-on experience in programme delivery.
🔹Are deeply rooted in your local ecosystem and know it from the inside.
🔹Want to create meaningful impact for women entrepreneurs across Africa.

OPEN ROLES:
— Head of Programme (Nairobi)
— Programme Lead (Nairobi, Kampala, Kigali, Accra)
— Programme Associate (Nairobi, Kampala, Kigali, Accra)

We are looking for people who are practical, resourceful, solution-oriented and ready to lead and deliver. We strongly encourage applications from women and from candidates based in Uganda, Rwanda and Ghana.

WHAT WE OFFER:
✔ A meaningful role inside one of Africa's leading entrepreneur support organisations
✔ The chance to shape how women-led businesses scale across the continent
✔ A purpose-driven team operating across four African markets
✔ Exposure to entrepreneurship and ecosystem development at scale

Roles based onsite across Nairobi, Kampala, Kigali and Accra

🗓 Applications close 25 June 2026
🔗 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/ewDjDjiN

Know someone who would be a great fit? We would love an introduction.

CONNECT THE DOTS. "We have shifted from ‘the one who has information has power’ to ‘the one who knows how to use informa...
08/06/2026

CONNECT THE DOTS.
"We have shifted from ‘the one who has information has power’ to ‘the one who knows how to use information has the power.’"

That observation from Mirado Rafenomahenintsoa of Madagascar captured much of the spirit of the Global Data Festival and Kenya Space Expo & Conference 2026.

Held under the theme "Powering Resilience, Innovation, and Partnership through Data and Technology," the event brought together leaders, innovators, policymakers, and ecosystem actors to explore how data, space technologies, and innovation can contribute to a more resilient future.

SPACE MEETS DEVELOPMENT
Opening the event, H.E. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to strengthening innovation and leveraging data as a driver of growth.

Brig. Hillary Kipkosgey highlighted Kenya's growing role as a hub for space-enabled innovation and its potential to accelerate socio-economic transformation.

DATA SOVEREIGNTY
For Jenna Slotin, bringing the Global Data Festival to Africa for the first time reflects the continent's growing role in shaping global conversations around data and technology.

Meanwhile, Ms. Furaha Lydia reminded participants that data should not simply come from communities, but be shaped with communities involved throughout the entire process.

💡 How do we ensure communities remain active participants in shaping the systems behind the data?

📢 CALLING AFRICAN FOUNDERS​Savant is now accepting applications from African deep-tech startups developing innovative ha...
06/06/2026

📢 CALLING AFRICAN FOUNDERS​
Savant is now accepting applications from African deep-tech startups developing innovative hardware solutions with strong commercial and impact potential.​

FOCUS AREAS​
▪ Sustainable energy​
▪ Climate and green economy solutions​
▪ Water technologies​
▪ Waste management and circular economy​
▪ Industrial innovation​
▪ Mobility and infrastructure​

ELIGIBILITY HIGHLIGHTS​
✅ Registered and operating in an African country​
🔬 Developing physical technology or hardware-based solutions​
📊 Pre-seed to seed-stage startup with proof of concept and market traction​
📈 Scalable technology with high-impact potential​
🛠️ Strong intellectual property and innovation advantage preferred​

WHAT’S AVAILABLE​
✔ Potential grant funding of up to EUR 80,000​
✔ Venture-building support and strategic advisory​
✔ Technical and commercial mentorship​
✔ Investor readiness support​
✔ Expert-led masterclasses and tailored growth support​

📅 Application deadline: June 15, 2026​
🔗 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/d4wZTZjJ​

NOTE: This funding opportunity is not administered by GrowthAfrica. Please direct all application-related inquiries to the programme organisers.​

Photo credit: Ecandi

GREEN LIGHT. GO. Climate action is often framed as a future goal. But across Africa, it is already moving. It is carryin...
05/06/2026

GREEN LIGHT. GO.
Climate action is often framed as a future goal. But across Africa, it is already moving. It is carrying passengers, delivering goods, creating jobs, and powering businesses.

This World Environment Day, we celebrate entrepreneurs in the GrowthAfrica ecosystem who are building practical solutions for cleaner, more sustainable mobility.

⚡ Patrick Kimathi - Carbon Zero Mobility
Building electric motorcycles that help reduce emissions and lower transport costs for commercial riders.

⚡ Paul Waweru - Ecomobilus Technologies
Developing locally assembled lithium-ion battery solutions while advancing circular manufacturing through battery innovation.

⚡ Jesse Forrester - Mazi Mobility
Building the charging and battery-swapping infrastructure needed to make electric mobility accessible and scalable.

⚡ Christopher Maara - Kiri EV
Designing and assembling electric motorcycles, scooters, and tuk-tuks while expanding clean mobility infrastructure.

Together, these founders are proving that climate action is not just about protecting the environment.

It is about creating jobs, strengthening local manufacturing, lowering operating costs, and building businesses that can thrive in a low-carbon future.

The transition is already underway.

💡 How do we help more climate innovators move from promising solutions to continent-wide scale?

Happy World Environment Day 2026.

THINK GLOBAL. BUILD LOCAL. The most impactful innovations often emerge far from traditional innovation centres, within c...
04/06/2026

THINK GLOBAL. BUILD LOCAL.
The most impactful innovations often emerge far from traditional innovation centres, within communities that understand local challenges best.

At the Global Innovation Gathering (GIG) 2026 in Berlin, innovators, makers, ecosystem builders, universities, and startup support organisations from around the world came together to explore how community-driven innovation can create sustainable solutions with lasting impact.

Key themes from the gathering included:
🔹 Community-led innovation as a driver of sustainable development
🔹 Circular economy, repair, and reuse practices for resilient communities
🔹 Technology and open innovation for social impact
🔹 Stronger collaboration between innovation hubs, universities, businesses, and ecosystem actors
🔹 The power of peer learning, experimentation, and knowledge exchange

A particular highlight was the opportunity to showcase Ethiopia’s growing startup ecosystem and the organisations working to support entrepreneurs, strengthen innovation capacity, and create new pathways for inclusive economic growth.

As innovation ecosystems continue to evolve, one question remains: How can global innovation networks better support locally driven solutions that create lasting impact within communities?

AFRICA-EUROPE INNOVATION COOPERATION Innovation partnerships create value when they move beyond conversations and into a...
03/06/2026

AFRICA-EUROPE INNOVATION COOPERATION
Innovation partnerships create value when they move beyond conversations and into action.

This week, GrowthAfrica met with Jean-Christophe de TAUZIA, CEO of Descartes Développement & Innovation (DDI), to explore practical collaboration opportunities around deeptech, research commercialisation, fablab development, acceleration programmes, and ecosystem strengthening.

The discussions build on connections facilitated through the Africa-Europe Innovation Partnership (AEIP) and reflect a shared commitment to creating stronger links between African and European innovation ecosystems.

Because the future of Africa-Europe cooperation will be shaped not only by dialogue, but by partnerships that support entrepreneurs, strengthen institutions, and turn innovation into impact.

02/06/2026

FROM CONFUSION TO CLARITY
"I was coming from a place where I was confused. I needed to scale my business, and I didn't know the necessary actions and strategies to take."

For Lindsay Adu, Founder and CEO of La Belle Farms, growth started with finding the right support system.

Through the Orange Corners Ghana Acceleration Programme, implemented by GrowthAfrica, Lindsay transformed her business by strengthening operations, improving branding and product positioning, expanding marketing efforts, and building systems for sustainable growth.

The impact:
✔️ Acquired new machinery to increase production
✔️ Expanded the team and launched new products
✔️ Achieved 100% business growth following programme funding
✔️ Increased brand visibility and social media reach
✔️ Built valuable partnerships within and beyond the ecosystem

Today, La Belle Farms continues to grow as a natural wellness brand offering products ranging from date powder and natural syrups to herbal teas and natural cocoa powder.

Because scaling a business is not just about working harder. It is about building the systems, strategy, and confidence to grow sustainably.

CAPACITY ANNOUNCEMENT We are proud to share that GrowthAfrica has been selected as the East African beneficiary of the E...
01/06/2026

CAPACITY ANNOUNCEMENT
We are proud to share that GrowthAfrica has been selected as the East African beneficiary of the EU Circular Economy Resource Centre (EU CERC) Capacity Building Programme.

This recognition marks an important milestone in our journey to strengthen support for entrepreneurs and SMEs building climate-resilient, resource-efficient, and circular business models across Africa.

Through the programme, implemented by Enabel under the EU CERC Business Lab, GrowthAfrica will engage in a tailored capacity-building journey alongside European circular economy experts and ecosystem partners. The collaboration will help strengthen our technical circular economy expertise and organisational capabilities, enabling us to deliver even more relevant, impactful, and scalable support to entrepreneurs.

As Africa continues to navigate climate challenges, resource constraints, and shifting global value chains, strengthening the organisations that support entrepreneurs is critical to building a more sustainable and inclusive future.

We are grateful to the European Union, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Enabel, Sitra, and the wider EU CERC ecosystem for their trust and partnership.

Together, we look forward to advancing circular economy innovation and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs creating sustainable impact across the continent

Address

Nairobi

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

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+254724151924

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