Key Takeaways from #AESIS2024

The 11th edition of the Africa Early Stage Investor Summit (#AESIS2024), co-hosted by the African Business Angel Network (ABAN) and VC4A, concluded with resounding success, marking a significant step forward in fostering a sustainable investment ecosystem in Africa.

With the theme, “Pioneering Pathways: Innovating Investment Mobilization in Africa,” the summit convened over 300 participants from 42 countries worldwide, representing a diverse mix of investors, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders.

This year’s agenda highlighted innovative approaches to driving capital mobilization for early-stage ventures, focusing on transformative strategies and collaborative solutions and these were some of the key sessions during the summit:

• Capital Providers Dialogue – In this session, the panel focused on how Limited Partners (LPs) and General Partners (GPs) influence Africa’s investment landscape. Moderated by David van Dijk from Boost Africa Technical Assistance Facility, the conversation explored the strategies, perspectives, and impact of LPs and GPs in driving growth across the continent. Catch the session highlights here. 

• State of the Industry – What’s the current pulse of Africa’s early-stage investment ecosystem? The answer lies in the latest data insights on performance and growth, which set the stage for this engaging conversation at the summit. This session went beyond the numbers, unpacking the trends and trajectories shaping the continent’s dynamic investment landscape. This panel weighed the key growth drivers, dissected the pressing challenges, and offered fresh perspectives on unlocking early-stage capital in Africa. Catch the highlights of this session here.

• Resilience Tactics – This session stood out as a key highlight of the just-concluded #AESIS2024. It focused on equipping startups with strategies to attract equity investors during periods of limited funding. Discussions centered on how operational excellence and resource optimization can enhance a company’s appeal to potential investors, even in challenging economic climates. Who were the notable speakers in this session? Find out here!

• Gender-Smart Investing, this honest and impactful discussion unpacked the barriers faced by women-led ventures highlights the critical topic of Gender-Smart investing. It also explored how incorporating gender considerations into investment strategies can drive innovation, enhance returns, and foster equitable economic growth across Africa. Curious to know more about this session? Get the highlights here.

• Pipeline Building and Partnerships –  In Africa’s early-stage investment ecosystem, innovation is driving a shift from providing just capital to delivering intentional, structured support in pipeline development and portfolio growth – all the way to exit! Find out how this session explored innovative approaches to fostering collaboration between diaspora investors and local stakeholders to enhance Africa’s investment landscape here.

What were some of the remarkable achievements for us at the summit?

1. We successfully launched the 2024 Angel Investment Survey Report, sponsored by the Dutch Good Growth Fund, and supported by Biter Bridges and African Angel Academy.
2. We signed an MOU with MsFitnVentures – a collaboration that marks a key moment in strengthening Africa’s investment ecosystem, focused on angel investment and innovative debt financing models to accelerate the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the continent. Check out the key highlights of this moment here.
3. We collaborated with leading global organizations –  emphasizing a collective commitment to early-stage investment in Africa including Scaling Digital Agriculture Innovations through Start-ups (SAIS) powered by GIZ, Dutch Good Growth Fund (DGGF), SheWins Africa (IFC), Timbuktoo, 22 On Sloane, African Angel Academy,  Digital Africa, UK/SA Tech Hub, UK/NG Tech Hub, DEG Impulse, Digital Africa Investments (powered by Kiednel), Enza Capital, Ennovate Ventures, FMO Ventures, GSMA, JICA, Kigali International Financial Center, Madica, OST – Open Startup International, Ocean Hub, Village Capital, Viridian, Ventures 54 and WESGROW.
4. We had five key media partners who showcased our summit: Disrupt Africa, TechCabal, IMA Media, Emerging Brand Africa, Lost in Lagos, and CNBC Africa.
5. We held successful Investor Meetups spanning 32 cities locally and internationally.
6. During #AESIS2024 Deal Morning, African founders from across the continent got a chance to present their high-growth, high-impact ventures in front of top investors responsible for 90% of deal flow on the continent. Read this blog for more details on the founders that shone during this session.
7. The Africa Early Stage Investor Awards celebrated outstanding achievements within the African early-stage investment ecosystem by recognizing 13 winners across 8 categories, attended by 142 participants. The awards highlighted the importance of impactful investment practices that drive sustainable development and African innovation while showcasing exemplary contributions and success stories that encourage the growth of early-stage investing on the continent.

Which leaders and organizations were honored for their impact on Africa’s early-stage investment ecosystem?

The Africa Early Stage Investor Awards recognized exceptional contributions within the investment ecosystem across eight categories, with highlights including:

1. Tomi Davies was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award
2. Joel Nana Kontchou as Angel Investor of the Year
3. Warioba Ventures as Angel Network of the Year
4. LoftyInc Capital as Venture Capital Firm of the Year.
5. Moniepoint Inc. for Deal of the Year
6. Yemi Keri as Female Investor of the Year
7. Olatokunbo Ige received the Rising Star Award.
8. The Big Six Award 2024 celebrated Tomi Davies, Rebecca Enonchong, Ben White, Alexander Fraser, and David Van Dijk, and Chris Campbell

Building on this year’s momentum, #AESIS2024 has paved the way for even greater achievements in 2025. Through continued collaboration, the summit remains at the forefront of mobilizing capital, fostering innovation, and empowering Africa’s early-stage ventures and these were the…………..

“Voices at #AESIS”

1. “Revisiting the Africa Early Stage Investor Summit’s 11th Edition has been a bittersweet moment for me. As we celebrated incredible discussions on resilience, gender-smart investments, collaborations, and partnerships, alongside the launch of the #ABAN2024Survey Report, I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey we have shared as a community. #AESIS2024 has shown how far we have come as a community and the impact of our collaborative efforts is undeniable.” Tomi Davies, ABAN President
2. “#AESIS2024 has not only provided a platform for meaningful dialogue but also ignited the collective will to transform Africa’s early-stage investment landscape. As we look forward, the momentum generated from this summit will be pivotal in driving sustainable growth, fostering innovation, and expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs across the continent. With continued collaboration and commitment, the future of early-stage investment in Africa is brighter than ever, poised to unlock untapped potential and reshape the global investment narrative.” Fadilah Tchoumba, ABAN CEO
3. “Seeing the entire ecosystem come together during #AESIS2024 was truly heartwarming. It once again reminded us that collaboration is essential. 2024 has been a challenging year, and now more than ever, we must unite to overcome both existing and emerging challenges. Persistence, resilience, and adaptability will be the key ingredients to driving early-stage investment and helping the continent thrive. Remember: “Go fast alone, but go far together!” Vincent Hoogdujijn, CEO – VC4A  
4.  “It’s hard to summarise an event like this, but when asked to describe it in one word, I couldn’t resist sneaking in a few more: culmination, connection, and celebration. Culmination because AESIS is the result of a year’s (and a lifetime for some) worth of hard work for all of us in the ecosystem. Connection because this summit truly brings together inspiring founders, investors, and ecosystem builders from across the continent. Celebration because being surrounded by people championing Africa’s entrepreneurial future fills me with pride and hope. A highlight for me? Having the honor of hosting Day 2 of the summit and leading the Deal Morning, where we showcased some of Africa’s brightest ventures.” Jason Delorie, Senior Project Manager – Africa, VC4A
5. “It was a packed week for us at Ennovate Ventures and Serengeti Angels. We joined other Africa-focused investors in Cape Town for #AESIS2024 to celebrate milestones and forge the future of investing in Africa together. We participated in intriguing conversations and some of our portfolio startups took the stage to pitch their ventures to a room full of passionate investors. We go again next year!” Francis Omorojie, Co-founder, Serengeti Angels and Founder, Ennovate Ventures 
6. “When I think of this event, I think it should be bigger because when you look at Africa’s population growth and its future, it’s impossible that there isn’t more interest. This is the continent of the future.” Nicola Tyler, Founder – The Thinking Company
7. “#AESIS2024 wasn’t just about pitching. What inspired me the most was seeing the power of partnerships in action and interacting with other startup founders building amazing solutions for Tanzania and Africa. Startups that began small have grown tremendously by leveraging strategic collaborations. It was a reminder that no one builds greatness alone. One quote from a keynote speaker stayed with me [Today, you may be struggling to secure funding for your startup, but you never know how your company will look tomorrow].” Arnold Shoko,Chief Executive OfficerChief Executive Officer, LIMA
8. “One thing that stood out to me on Day 1 of the summit was the fact that systematic collaboration was mentioned several times by different stakeholders, which shows that the ecosystem is trying to find new ways to continue collaborating.” Yannick Gayama, Managing Director – Head of Programmes, Double Feather Partners
9. “It’s essential that all ecosystem players, especially those in the diaspora, come together because the diaspora networks hold immense potential in mobilizing the capital needed for Africa’s growth.” Fridah Ntarangwi-Kimathi, CEO – Zidi Circle
10. “Reflecting on this milestone, one of my personal highlights took place just recently in Cape Town during the AESIS Conference. Together with 10 of our incredible portfolio companies, we hosted an inspiring residency program—a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. A particular standout moment? Seeing Mélanie Keïta, Daisy Isiaho and Niko Kadjaia take the stage to pitch their solutions in front of a large crowd of investors. It was inspiring to witness their confidence, creativity, and the interest they generated—clear proof of the transformative impact develoPPP Ventures continues to achieve.” Niklas Fischer – Investment Manager, DEG Impulse
    

Thank you to all partners and delegates for making #AESIS2024 memorable!

So, what next?

Stay tuned, as #AESIS2025 promises to unveil surprises that will leave you rethinking the possibilities for Africa’s investment landscape by following us on social media and visiting our website to be part of the conversation shaping Africa’s investment future.

For further information, interviews, or high-resolution images, please contact Amimo Achillah at amimo@abanangels.org