We are delighted to unveil the finalists for the highly anticipated 2023 African Startup Ecosystem Builders (ASEB) Awards. Heartfelt congratulations to all the finalists!

The ASEB Awards, scheduled from December 6th to 8th, 2023, in the dynamic city of Nairobi, Kenya, are set to recognize exceptional individuals and organizations that have made substantial contributions to the progress and prosperity of the African startup ecosystem. This prestigious event will be hosted at the renowned United States International University (USIU) in Nairobi, spanning two days and featuring an impressive lineup of speakers from across the continent. Notably, we are thrilled to announce that over 30 distinguished speakers will share their valuable insights and expertise.

Theme: Advancing Ecosystem Building – A Fresh Approach to Promoting Economic Development in Africa

The ASEB Summit will revolve around this transformative theme, offering a new perspective on how ecosystem building can drive economic development throughout the African continent.

Why Attend ASEB 2023?

ASEB 2023 offers more than just an awards ceremony; attendees can expect an engaging program filled with insightful discussions and workshops aimed at advancing innovation ecosystems in Africa. Some highlights include:

Pan-African Roundtable: A dynamic discussion uniting stakeholders from across Africa to strengthen partnerships for more inclusive innovation ecosystems.

The “Rationale Behind ‘The Startup Act'” Panel: This critical exploration delves into the motivations, goals, and principles behind the groundbreaking policy initiative known as “The Startup Act.” The session aims to deepen understanding of why such legislation is crucial for Africa’s economic and technological future.

Kenyan Ecosystem Spotlight: Gain valuable insights into the intricacies of the Kenyan startup landscape, exploring its unique features and opportunities.

Advancing Ecosystem Building: Discover fresh approaches to fostering economic development in Africa through innovative ecosystem building strategies.

Decoding Ecosystem Building: Delve into the core concepts, strategies, and best practices of ecosystem building, providing actionable knowledge for positive change.

Government’s Role in Nurturing the Startup Ecosystem: Understand the vital role governments play in nurturing startup ecosystems, including policies, funding mechanisms, and infrastructure development.

The Role of AI and Big Data: Explore how AI and Big Data are shaping Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape, offering insights into their role in driving competitiveness.

Fostering Entrepreneurial Mindsets: Recognize the pivotal role of EdTech in fostering entrepreneurial mindsets, empowering individuals to drive innovation and growth.

Workshop: Empowering Ecosystem Builders: Equip yourself with valuable tools and techniques to empower ecosystem builders in their mission to create thriving innovation ecosystems.

Women and the Challenges for an Inclusive Ecosystem:Examine the challenges faced by women in entrepreneurship and innovation, discussing strategies for building more inclusive ecosystems that empower women entrepreneurs.

Discover Nairobi and Ecosystem Tour: Immerse yourself in Nairobi’s rich culture with visits to cultural sites, markets, hubs, and landmarks.

Who Can Attend ASEB 2023?

ASEB 2023 welcomes a diverse audience passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship across Africa. The event is open to:

Entrepreneurs: Whether you’re a startup founder, seasoned entrepreneur, or aspiring business leader, ASEB 2023 provides valuable insights and networking opportunities to enhance your entrepreneurial journey.

Investors: Venture capitalists, angel investors, and those seeking investment opportunities in African startups can connect with promising ventures and industry experts.

Government Representatives: Policymakers and officials interested in advancing startup ecosystems and economic development in Africa will find valuable discussions and best practices to shape effective policies.

Academics and Researchers: Scholars, educators, and researchers focused on innovation and entrepreneurship can gain insights and contribute to the academic discourse on the subject.

Tech Enthusiasts: Individuals interested in the latest trends and technologies, particularly in AI, Big Data, and EdTech, can explore their role in shaping Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Ecosystem Builders: Incubators, accelerators, and organizations dedicated to nurturing innovation ecosystems will find actionable strategies and tools to empower their efforts.

Women Entrepreneurs: Specifically, sessions addressing women’s challenges in entrepreneurship offer valuable insights and strategies for empowerment.

Anyone Passionate About African Innovation: If you have a deep interest in the growth of Africa’s startup ecosystem and its role in the continent’s development, ASEB 2023 offers a platform for learning and collaboration.

In essence, ASEB 2023 is an inclusive gathering where diverse perspectives converge to drive innovation and economic development in Africa. We invite individuals from all backgrounds to join us in Nairobi and be a part of this transformative event.

ASEB 2023 promises to be an event that not only provides valuable insights but also fosters collaborative efforts to drive innovation and economic development across the African continent.

The journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. We received an overwhelming response, with over 2100 nominations from across the continent, spanning an impressive 30 categories. The caliber of nominees was outstanding, making the selection process a significant challenge for our esteemed panel of judges. You are all true champions, and we are immensely proud of your accomplishments and dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa.

“ASEB is not just an awards ceremony; it’s a testament to the incredible potential within Africa’s startup ecosystem. Together, we are driving innovation, fostering entrepreneurship, and shaping the future of our continent. I’m immensely proud of the finalists, and I can’t wait to celebrate their remarkable achievements in Nairobi.” – McKevinAyaba, Founder of ASEB

ASEB Acknowledgments:

Before we proceed, we extend our deepest gratitude to our esteemed country partner and co-host, the Association of Startups and SME Enablers of Kenya (ASSEK), as well as our supporting partners, JKUAT, HYBR, IRPAFRICA, and the United States International University. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in making ASEB 2023 a reality.

Next Steps:

Get ready for the voting phase starting on October 31st until November 15th. Twenty percent of the votes will contribute to the overall winner(s) in each category. Official program details, speakers, ticketing, and other exciting programs leading up to the ASEB Awards ceremony will be announced soon.

Once again, congratulations on your remarkable achievements and being named finalists for the 2023 ASEB Awards. Your contributions are shaping the future of African entrepreneurship, and we can’t wait to celebrate your success together in Nairobi.

For sponsorship and collaborations, kindly connect with us, as the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and the same applies to nurturing the ecosystem.

For additional details about the ASEB Summit & Awards, please visit our website at www.asebsummit.com. If you have any questions or require assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via email at awards@asebsummit.com or contact us by phone or WhatsApp at +27 81 085 9737.

Wishing you the very best on this remarkable journey.

Warm regards, Team ASEB

ASEB is an initiative of Setup A Startup