Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Awards

Above all, wouldn’t it be great if we could recognize and honor all of these selfless folks who offer so much yet often get so little acknowledgment for their efforts behind the scenes?

The awards recognize excellence in Africa’s startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem and celebrate unsung heroes in ecosystem building who are individuals, communities, institutions, and organizations that have demonstrated innovation, excellence, outstanding achievement, and impact in advancing African entrepreneurship.

The objectives of the awards are to:

• To highlight and celebrate ecosystem builders across Africa who are building this movement through their daily work
• Increase awareness of the importance of strengthening Africa’s startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem and culture; and,
• Incentivize efforts and elevate the ambitions of the African entrepreneurial community.

Why you should apply?

• The recognition, visibility, and credibility that you or your business receives through this unique platform are truly unparalleled in their reach, growing beyond borders and standing the test of time.
• Extensive media visibility for our finalists and winners on leading media platforms ensures that your exceptional entrepreneurial stories are celebrated by one and all.
• The platform allows finalists and winners to forge new relationships and reap benefits by joining the most exclusive network of the world’s finest entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders.

Prize

Apart from Certificates and Trophies that would be given to the winners, each winner will nominate two startups that they support within their organization to enroll in a twelve-month program on the IRPAFRICA Investment Readiness Program sponsored by IRPAFRICA.

IRPAFRICA is an investment readiness white-label digital platform that supports entrepreneurs, non-financially, in building their business by providing affordable entrepreneur training and personal development support, access to business experts and mentors, and eventually creating an enabling and sustainable ecosystem. It facilitates the investment process for all parties, making it easier for startups to raise investment and for investors to build diverse portfolios.

The timeline

The awards recognize excellence in Africa’s startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem and celebrate unsung heroes in ecosystem building who are individuals, communities, institutions, and organizations that have demonstrated innovation, excellence, outstanding achievement, and impact in advancing African entrepreneurship.

The nomination categories

There are 28 nomination categories, which you can nominate an organization, individual, or yourself to the awards offered under each category, please keep the criteria and description in mind, tell us why the nominee should be considered for the year awards.

Here are some of the awards listed:

– Startup Ecosystem Builder of the Year:

Now more than ever, we need ecosystem builders! They say if entrepreneurship is the lifeblood of the economy, ecosystem builders are the circulatory system, the arteries, and veins that facilitate the flow of ideas, resources, connections, and collaborations in entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Full description & Criteria    |    Nominate now!

– Incubator of the Year

Incubators help startups succeed by providing them with mentorship, guidance, training, strategy, partnerships, working space, R&D, and funding. They’re instrumental in getting startups, especially early-stage ones, off the ground.

Full description & Criteria    |    Nominate now!

– Accelerator of the Year

Accelerators help startups succeed by providing them with mentorship, guidance, training, strategy, partnerships, working space, R&D, and funding. They’re instrumental in getting startups, especially startups that have moved beyond the earliest stages of getting established, off the ground.

Full description & Criteria    |    Nominate now!

– Startup Coach of the Year

Coaching and developing individuals through ongoing, targeted, and specific one-to-one conversations can have wide-reaching benefits for the organization and individuals. It can develop and retain your critical talent; provide a stabilizing factor during change; facilitate knowledge-sharing and skill transfer; as well as boosting people’s performance and motivation and support their career transition.

Full description & Criteria    |    Nominate now!

– Venture Company of the Year

An increase in funding and the number of startups shows that the African startup ecosystem is more dynamic and robust than ever. It would be impossible to achieve this without the support of venture capitalists, who use their experience, money, and networks to help startups reach new levels.

Full description & Criteria    |    Nominate now!

– Startup Bank of the Year

Lack of access to finance is regarded as the most important constraint to the development of businesses in Africa. Innovations in lending technology and business models can significantly reduce the cost of serving startups.

Full description & Criteria    |    Nominate now!

– Startup Event of the Year

This award recognizes the best startup community event of the year. It was an event that brought the community together, amplified momentum, and was an overall great time. Keeping the criteria in mind, tell us why the nominated event should be considered for the Startup Event of the Year award.

Full description & Criteria    |    Nominate now!

And many more…