May 2025 newsletter

Dear ABAN Angels and Partners,

In 2025, the narrative around early-stage investing in Africa is shifting. What was once informal and fragmented is now becoming structured, cross-border, and shaped by smart policy. Angels are asking smarter questions, networks are becoming more sophisticated, and ecosystems are pushing for deeper impact and better exits. Let’s take a look at what’s happening this month:

21 DAYS TO GO TO THE OHADA AND EQUITY INVESTMENT: BUILDING A FOUNDATION OF TRUST IN FRANCOPHONE AFRICA, POWERED BY ABAN

Across Francophone Africa, OHADA law shapes the core of the business and investment ecosystem. Yet many startups and investors still view its legal frameworks as complex, distant, or inaccessible.

Join us for this upcoming ABAN Masterclass as we demystify OHADA law and explore its critical role in enabling trustworthy, transparent, and secure equity investment. Legal experts, investors, and founders will share practical insights on how to navigate shareholder agreements, governance structures, and dispute resolution under OHADA, empowering both startups and investors to build confidence and close more deals in Francophone Africa. What should you expect?

1. Practical use of OHADA law in structuring equity deals
2. Real-life case studies and tools for risk mitigation
3. Guidance on legal preparedness for startups
4. Investor insights on navigating governance and exits
5. A collaborative space for ecosystem players to learn and connect

If you are serious about scaling or investing in Francophone Africa, this is a session you can’t afford to miss. Save your seat now to be part of the session!

JOIN US AT THE TIMBUKTOO SIDE EVENT AT THIS YEAR’S AFRICA CEO FORUM IN ABIDJAN

At the upcoming Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, all eyes will be on a powerhouse panel tackling Africa’s startup financing frontier. Among the voices leading the charge is Fadilah Tchoumba, ABAN CEO. Known for her unwavering advocacy for early-stage investing, Fadilah will highlight the important role of angel networks in catalyzing growth for African ventures.

In two back-to-back panels: “Mobilising Domestic Capital & Integrating Markets” and “Catalytic Capital: Structures that Work”, she will share insights on unlocking local capital, building corporate-startup bridges, and the blended finance models that are de-risking innovation across the continent. Expect practical insights and solutions from one of Africa’s most dynamic investment leaders. Let’s meet at Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire on 13th May 2025 from 8.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m.!

LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS! 

Benefit from the knowledge and experience of leading ABAN Angels through our video series of workshops, webinars, and masterclasses. Watch short clips and expert panels from our archive of recorded sessions featuring ABAN Angels and notable Investment experts here.

JOURNEY TO 12,000!

11,800+  people reached, and counting. Thanks for being part of the journey! Thank you for being an essential part of the ABAN community as we journey towards 12,000+!