Some of Africa’s most innovative start-ups have been invited to take part in a global tech project to take their businesses and ideas to the next level. 

Go Global Africa, a scheme run by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport through its International Tech Hub Network, aims to build links with the UK’s thriving digital sector and pave the way for future economic partnerships.

The successful programme, which first launched in 2019, is currently open to firms from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa developing tech solutions in finance, agriculture, health and clean energy.

The scheme will help firms in the host country make links with UK start-ups in new markets and benefit from the expertise in our booming tech ecosystem, which according to Tech Nation is worth £184 billion to the economy every year.

Africa is home to a rapidly growing tech sector. Its start-ups raised 50 per cent more venture capital in 2017 than in 2016. The majority of this is being invested in South Africa (£130 million), Kenya (£114 million) and Nigeria (£89 million). 

RAPID GROWTH

Nigeria’s tech sector generates more than 10 per cent of the country’s economic output and the sector is projected to create three million jobs and generate £67.4 billion for the economy by 2021. 

Kenya’s technology sector is growing rapidly and is worth more than 11 per cent of the country’s economic output. It is considered one of the most vibrant, advanced and successful in Africa.

And South Africa attracted a record amount of investment in tech in 2017 raising almost £128m.

Research by the World Economic Forum ranks the country as one of the best place to do business in Africa.

RAISING INVESTMENT

According to the World Economic Forum, Africa’s early-stage entrepreneurial activity is 13 per cent higher than the global average. Lagos, Nairobi and Cape Town have emerged as internationally recognised technology centres, hosting thousands of startups and organisations that support them.

Entrepreneurs who have developed products that are ready to go to market and already raised investment are invited to apply.

The launch of Go Global Africa 2020 followed coincided with the start of the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London on Monday (January 20) which brought together businesses, governments and international institutions to promote investment opportunities across Africa. 

Speaking about Go Global Digital Minister Matt Warman said: “Africa is home to a rapidly growing tech sector and it is great to welcome leading figures from across the continent to the UK-Africa Investment summit.

“Through the Go Global Africa project we are giving entrepreneurs the support they need to grow their business and benefit from the UK’s world-leading tech and innovation expertise. This will allow them to continue developing technology to improve lives around the world.

“I encourage all those with the talent and ambition to succeed to apply for a place on this exciting project.”