The Application for the International Tech Hub Network program – Go Global Africa 2020 is now ongoing. This opportunity is open to innovative startups in FinTech, AgriTech, HealthTech and Clean Energy industries, in Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria.
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The program first began in 2019 in Africa (March – April) then India (October – December 2019). It was established with the aim to provide the tools needed to expand globally for innovative startups using technology to tackle local challenges. Also, to help tech startups build links with the UK’s thriving digital sector and pave the way for future economic partnerships.
As noted, the tech industry is rapidly growing in Africa. For instance, in Nigeria, the sector generated more than 10% of the country’s economic output last year. In kenya, the sector is considered one of the most vibrant, advanced and successful in Africa. Also, South African tech industries is said to have attracted a certain amount of investment and raised almost $168 million in 2017. Moreover, the World Economic Forum ranked South Africa as the best place to do business in Africa.
These three African countries has what it takes to drive the tech ecosystem in Africa. So, tech founders in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa get ready!
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About Go Global Africa 2020
The Go Global Africa is one of the UK Government’s Prosperity Fund Digital Access Programme. It is led by the Department for International Development and delivered in partnership with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
The aim is to give Kenya, Nigeria and South African entrepreneurs who have developed products that are ready to go to the market necessary tools to build their businesses.
At the end, 15 most promising startups as determined by in-country pitch events will then go for UK Master Class in March 2020. Over there, they will benefit from a 5-day training program designed to improve business skills and capability, build links with the UK’s thriving tech sector, and work with UK experts to grow their business.
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Eligibility Status
- This opportunity is solely for Tech Startups in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa in the following categories; AgriTech, FinTech, HealthTech or Clean Energy.
- In Post-MVP stage, and fully operating in the market.
- Can show a clear business model with evidence of customer traction.
- Looking to raise their first round of funding
- Can demonstrate clear social impact potential.
- Can exercise commitment to strengthen the local ecosystem by passing on learning to other startups.
- Who have an ambition to expand internationally in the future.
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How To Apply For Go Global Africa 2020
To apply, do a video pitch of not more than 60 seconds to be hosted on Youtube. (please note, any other formats or links to shared folders will not be accepted).
In your video,
- Explain your product and value proposition.
- Explain how you will use the opportunity to benefit your startup and wider community.
- Make a camera-facing video, not narrated.
- It must feature the representative who would travel to the UK if successful
- Then, you upload the video on Youtube and include the link to the video when completing the form.
Your submission must meet the above criteria.
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What To Expect
The successful African startup will be the Go Global champions and share the skills they have learned with other firms across the continent. In turn, this will help spread digital skills, digital capability and increase entrepreneurial spirit, creating jobs and prosperity. It will also help firms in the host country make links with UK startups in new markets and benefit from the expertise in ITHN tech ecosystem worth £184 billion to the economy every year.
Also, flights, accommodation and meals for the in-country masterclass and the Uk programme will be covered by the ITHN. The Network will also support and pay for participant visa, while the participant organise the application with sufficient time.
The pitch finals will come up between 25-28th February in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya respectively. After this, there will be in-country masterclass series in each of the countries on specified dates in March with the final program in Uk between March 23-27 2020.
Currently, the application is on and will close at 5pm (GMT) on 3 February after which shortlisted applicants will be informed on 7 February. At the end, fifteen successful founders from each of the countries will be selected to join the delegation to the UK in March 2020.
To apply and get more information, click here.
