NEWS

The SAIS 2 Connected Hubs network, coordinated by the Southern Africa Innovation Support Programme (SAIS 2), is proud to announce that the BOOST UP startup series will open for applications on 8 May 2020.

Finnish Ambassador to Zambia H.E. Pirjo Suomela-Chowdhury presided over the Zambian project's launch.

The second Southern Africa Startup Awards took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 27 and 28 November 2019.

While the SAIS 2 Innovation Fund forms the backbone of SAIS 2’s support activities, the programme also relies on training and education to equip its fund-supported projects with the tools they need to succeed.

The TechTribe Accelerator is searching for tech impact startups to apply for its free online investment readiness cohort.

14 impact startups were selected to travel to Finland for Slush and participate in BOOST UP Bootcamp

The long awaited BOOST UP has been launched, it is a 3-part series of startup events, supported by SAIS 2, the SAIS 2 National Focal Points and the SAIS 2 Connected Hubs network in the five SADC countries of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. The BOOST UP series is geared to take the SADC region by storm with a total of over 20 events targeting over 700 aspiring entrepreneurs and startups taking place in 5 countries as from June to August 2019.

Ilari Lindy, SAIS 2 Lead Expert, offers key points on the role of innovation financing within SADC.

“Building a company is like sailing. You can try and navigate the best you can, but ultimately you are venturing boldly to the unknown.” With these words Moaffak Ahmed, a serial entrepreneur and the Chairman of the Board at The Shortcut introduced the 2-day workshop for impact-driven start-ups in Windhoek, Namibia as School of Startups wrapped up its African tour with Slush GIA in Namibia with the help of Fablab Namibia.

Vincent Van Wyk has had a tremendously successful year. With his PEBL innovation being picked up by international investors and endorsed by government the sky seems to be the limit for him. With a passion for relationships and skills sharing, he offers an overview of what and how he is making his way to the top.

SAIS Connected Hubs and Slush Global Impact Accelerator (Slush GIA) partnered together to support early-stage entrepreneurs in 2018. Calls for early-stage startups solving societal problems were opened in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia, and through pre-coaching events in three countries, 215 aspiring entrepreneurs were coached in pitching and business models.

Tumelo Mapila is a force to be reckoned with in the growing data driven economy of Botswana. Young, vibrant and very energetic, the founder of Focus Survey clocks in on the impact of international exposure and his take on what it takes.