Kasi Afrique’s Post

Dive in to discuss reasons to invest in Africa (aswell as some notes on why not). Personally I find the upside more appealing! More potential impact, great startups, great talent pool and a pleasure to do business with African founders.

🌍💡 Unlocking Africa’s Startup Potential: Building Local Investment Ecosystems 💡🌍 The African startup ecosystem faces significant challenges. In the first half of 2024, venture investments declined by 65%, according to the African Private Capital Association (AVCA). Historically, 77% of Africa’s venture funding has come from foreign sources, and the reduced foreign interest is being felt deeply. But here’s the truth: Africa’s future cannot depend solely on foreign investors. We must build a thriving local investment ecosystem. 💼 The Call to Action for Africa’s Wealthy: It’s time for our #African #millionaires and #billionaires to step up and invest in the continent’s innovation and entrepreneurship. Local angel investors and venture funds can drive a new wave of growth by backing startups that address Africa’s pressing needs in sectors like fintech, agritech, healthcare, logistics, and more. 🚀 The Opportunity Ahead: 1️⃣ Developing Early-Stage Companies: Strong local funding ecosystems can nurture startups with clear business models and scalable solutions, making them attractive to larger investors. 2️⃣ Empowering Local Entrepreneurs: African startups must focus on leveraging homegrown capital to create resilient businesses that reflect the continent’s unique needs. 3️⃣ Shifting the Narrative: Investing in startups isn’t just about profit—it’s about transforming economies, creating jobs, and building a sustainable future for Africa. 💬 Let’s Build the Future Together: This is a pivotal moment. By fostering local investment, Africa can reduce reliance on foreign funding and create a sustainable, self-reliant startup ecosystem. To our local investors: What’s stopping you from being part of Africa’s next big success story? #AfricaStartups #AngelInvestors #VentureCapital #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #LocalInvestment #SustainableGrowth 🌱🚀✨

Gone are the days when Africa's narrative was solely about its diverse cultures. 🌍 Today, it's about a groundbreaking shift - the surge of startups transforming the continent's economy. FasterCapital's article, «How African Startups are Changing the Game» casts a spotlight on this vibrant evolution, offering a deep analysis of the burgeoning startup ecosystem that's reshaping Africa. 📄 The article said Africa's rise in the startup world, driven by its dynamic population eager for change, is also supported by its unique market conditions. 🏙 These conditions include infrastructure, social challenges, and a high level of mobile penetration and digital engagement, which opens new avenues for tech-driven solutions. 💻 But the startups face various hurdles. Access to funding, infrastructural challenges, and regulatory complexities test the resilience of these entrepreneurs. In solving these difficulties, Velex Advisory steps in with a suite of consulting services designed to empower startups. 💪 The transformative impact of startups on Africa is impressive and cannot be overstated. Job creation, economic diversification, contributing to tax income, and attraction of foreign investments. 📊 Therefore, it's clear that startups are pivotal in driving the continent's development forward. Velex Advisory knows how to bolster both startups and SMEs throughout Africa. We assist by providing a comprehensive suite of services including business startup roadmap consulting, regulatory compliance, tax and legal affairs, and others. 📑✍️ If you'd like to know more about our services, visit our website velexadvisory.com, or contact us at info@velexadvisory.com 📨 📚 Read the full article "How African Startups are Changing the Game": https://lnkd.in/dmQX6BDB #AfricaStartupEcosystem #InnovationInAfrica #FintechBoom #GlobalInvestors #AfricaTech #StartupFunding #EconomicGrowth #BusinessExpansion #InvestInAfrica #VelexAdvisory #ConsultingServices #ConsultingAfrica #Entrepreneurship #StartupSuccess

🌟 Join the SA Startup Act Movement! 🌟 Support the development of entrepreneurship in South Africa! We are advocating for a Startup Act to empower high-growth entrepreneurs and provide them with the benefits seen in other countries with similar legislation. 📊 Why a Startup Act Matters: Attract Foreign Investments: Create a more attractive environment for international investors. Boost Employment: Increase job opportunities through startup growth. Tax Breaks: Offer financial incentives to help startups thrive. Access to Capital: Simplify the process of obtaining funding. Skilled Labor: Facilitate access to a talented workforce. Mentorship: Provide guidance and support for effective business management. The larger our network of advocates, the stronger our case to convince the government to implement new legislation. By joining the movement, you can help shape a better future for South African startups. 👥 Join the Movement: Strengthen our collective voice and make a real impact. 🔗 https://bit.ly/3kwdQKl #SAStartupAct #JoinTheMovement #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #StartupGrowth #BusinessGrowth #TechStartups #SouthAfrica #SupportStartups Adrian Dommisse Dommisse Attorneys Inc Arnold Sigauque Alison Collier Endeavor Darkies in Tech SiMODiSA Association Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies Southern African Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (SAVCA) Christophe Viarnaud Cleola Kunene JSE Caitlin Nash GIIG Africa Raadhika Sihin Buntu Majaja SA Innovation Summit Sanjay Soni CA(SA) SAFEERA MAYET Aalia Manie Michel Weiss Counder

#SouthAfrica's startup ecosystem is vibrant and rapidly growing, characterized by a dynamic blend of innovation and entrepreneurship. With a strong infrastructure, supportive government policies, and a burgeoning tech scene, the country offers a fertile ground for startups to flourish. Cape Town and Johannesburg are key hubs, attracting talent and investment. Initiatives like the Silicon Cape Initiative and the Startupbootcamp Africa accelerator further bolster the ecosystem. Challenges such as access to funding and skills development persist, but initiatives like the SA SME Fund and the National Development Plan aim to address these gaps. Overall, South Africa's startup ecosystem is poised for significant growth and impact in the coming years. Explore our insightful report for a comprehensive view of this thriving nation. 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄! #SouthAfrica #StartupEcosystem #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #TechScene #SiliconCape #StartupbootcampAfrica #SASMEFund #NationalDevelopmentPlan #FutureIsBright #UKIndia #Election2024 #GlobalTrends #globalelection2024 #politics #news #india #trending #vote #StartupSouthAfrica #entrepreneurship #innovation #venturecapital | Luno | TymeBank | Yoco | Ozow | Clickatell | Carry1st | Prodigy Finance | Peach Payments | VALR | OfferZen | Daily Maverick | NFTfi | #JeremiahNyamaneMamabolo | #JoelSibusisoNdebele | Ministry of External Affairs, India | Parliament of the Republic of South Africa | South African High Commission

Well with the booming African startup ecosystem, have you ever stopped to ask yourself this; How much capacity building do we need in the startup landscape? Well, let's anchor ourselves with a fact: Africa's entrepreneurial rate is one of the highest worldwide. This spirit has led to a surge in startup activities, especially in the tech sector, with total funding growing from less than $190 million in 2015 to over $2 billion in 2021. Yet, to harness this momentum, capacity building is non-negotiable. Here's why: 1. Scalability: A solid foundation is key. With 73.3% of African countries having medium capacity due to implementation issues, there's a clear need for robust systems and processes. 2. Resilience: The African statistical system has seen significant improvements, but high-quality statistics remain a challengchallenge holding capacity ensures we're equipped to tackle these challenges head-on. 3. Innovation: Africa's largest economies present the most competitive startup environments, with numerous startups, incubators, and co-working spaces. Capacity building fosters an environment ripe for innovation. 4. Impact: The greater our capacity, the more profound our impact. We're not just building businesses; we're empowering communities and solving complex problems. So, let's commit to developing the skills, knowledge, and abilities to grow sustainably. Invest in your teams, nurture your networks, and build systems that last. Together, we can create startups that aren't just successful, but also sustainable and impactful. I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences with capacity building. What specific challenges does Africa face in terms of capacity building? #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #CapacityBuilding #GrowthMindset #Collaboration

Despite challenges similar to those faced by other continents, Africa remains a prime investment hub that shouldn't be ignored. For VCs looking to tap into the dynamic market of African startups? Let’s talk to engineer a connection. Why Invest in African Startups? Rapid Economic Growth: Africa is home to some of the fastest-growing economies in the world, offering a fertile ground for innovative businesses. Untapped Market Potential: With a young and growing population, Africa presents a vast and largely untapped market for new products and services. Diverse Opportunities: From fintech, mobility, and agritech to healthtech and edtech, African startups are at the forefront of solving unique local and global challenges. High Returns: With lower initial investment requirements and significant growth potential, African startups offer attractive returns on investment. If you want to have this conversation, send an email let's start the conversation contact@cjbenjamin.com #Startups #VentureCapital #Vc #Funding #Africa #FundAfrica #Connection #Conversation #Antler #YC #Capital #Sequoia #GoogleVentures #KhosiVentures #IndexVentures #Blackrock #AndreessenHarowitz #NewEnterpriseAssociates #LightspeedVentures #Accel #Bessemer #BatteryVentures #TigerGkobal #FounderFund #GreylockPartners #CanaanPartners #FirstRound #500Global #Benchmark #InsightPartners

Some accelerators in the South African economy include: 1. _Technology and innovation hubs_: Places like Silicon Cape, JoziHub, and mLab Southern Africa support startups and innovation. 2. _Government initiatives_: Programs like the National Empowerment Fund, Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) incentives promote entrepreneurship and economic growth. 3. _Incubators and accelerators_: Organizations like Yoco, Startupbootcamp, and Grindstone Accelerator provide resources and support to startups. 4. _Private sector investment_: Companies like Naspers, MTN, and Vodacom invest in startups and innovation. 5. _Education and skills development_: Institutions like Universities and TVET colleges equip people with skills for the modern economy. 6. _Infrastructure development_: Investments in transportation, energy, and communication infrastructure enhance business operations. 7. _Trade agreements and partnerships_: Agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and partnerships with other countries facilitate trade and investment. 8. _Entrepreneurial culture_: A growing culture of entrepreneurship, encouraged by events like Startup Weekends and entrepreneurship awards. 9. _Access to funding_: Initiatives like crowdfunding, angel investing, and venture capital provide funding opportunities. 10. _Policy reforms_: Reforms aimed at simplifying regulations, reducing bureaucracy, and increasing ease of doing business. These accelerators contribute to South Africa's economic growth, innovation, and job creation.

𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 $𝟮.𝟱𝗠 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽𝘀. Innovate Africa has launched with an initial $2.5 million to support early-stage startups across Africa. Co-founded by Kristin H. Wilson and Christian Idiodi, the sector-agnostic fund aims to empower entrepreneurs solving complex problems like insecurity, unemployment, and poverty through innovative technology. Innovate Africa's mission is to accelerate startups' journey from Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to Product-Market Fit (PMF) by providing insight-driven capital and access to a comprehensive ecosystem of resources. The fund plans to support up to 20 startups in its first year, offering an average investment of $50,000 per company. In addition to financial backing, Innovate Africa will provide expert guidance in finance, governance, public relations, and strategy, as well as access to its Product Leadership Accelerator program. Entrepreneurs interested in applying for funding can visit https://lnkd.in/dj7r98iT to submit their applications. The fund is looking for founders who meet six key criteria: Character, Credibility, Capacity, Courage, Competence, and Context Photo: Innovate AfricaCo-founders Kristin H. Wilson and Christian Idiodi | Courtesy.

🌍Africa's Hidden Market Potential. Did you know? Less than 0.5% of Africa's population lives above $50 per day. The real opportunity in Africa lies not just in serving existing markets but in creating new ones. In a recent discussion, Kola A. of Ventures Platform Fund delves into the transformative potential of addressing this gap. He emphasizes the importance of building businesses that not only cater to existing consumers but also actively engage and uplift non-consumers. "What we need to get right as an ecosystem of investors and founders is to ensure that we are building the right kinds of businesses that are able to bridge the gap between consumption and non-consumption." What are your thoughts? How we can foster innovation that unlocks consumer potential in Africa. #VentureCapital #BusinessInnovation #EconomicDevelopment #ImpactInvesting #Entrepreneurship Content source: Startup Caps EP1: Understanding the investment landscape for African startups (CNBC Africa) https://lnkd.in/df_bPcMQ