ABAN is working towards doubling the number of investors focused on Climate Smart Agriculture by the first half of 2025 [ABAN 2024 Angel Investment Survey Report, pg. 12]. This goal aligns with our ongoing efforts to collaborate with stakeholders and build a robust, investable pipeline of ventures, driving the sector’s growth. A program like Scaling Digital Agriculture Innovations through Startups (SAIS), powered by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ GmbH) is already providing valuable support to early-stage startups championing climate-smart agricultural practices across the continent.

In line with these efforts, we are thrilled to announce that the ABAN Climate-Smart Agriculture Cohort launch kicked off on 29th January 2025 with 30 passionate participants who will be equipped with context-specific tools, training, and technical support to strengthen their engagement and effectiveness as angel investors in Climate-Smart Agriculture. Throughout the program, participants will also have opportunities to engage in various activities, including training sessions, networking events, venture showcases, and personalized technical assistance.

How will these selected participants drive change and shape the future of sustainable agriculture across Africa? Stay tuned to find out!

INTRODUCING THE ABAN SPORTS AND CREATIVE NETWORK 

This month, we are launching our Sports & Creative Network, designed to accelerate early-stage funding and support for startups in the sports and creative sectors. The network connects investors with high-potential ventures, fostering the growth of innovative ideas, tech, and business models. These will be the strategic focus areas:

1. Sports Innovation: Startups in sports tech, e-sports, fitness tech, and consumer products.
2. Creative Industries: Including entertainment, fashion, VR/AR, gaming, and tourism.

The key activities will be:

1. Educational Programs: Training investors on deal sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio management.
2. Investment Opportunities: Access to promising startups seeking funding.
3. Mentorship & Support: Connecting startups with experienced industry mentors.
4. Networking & Collaboration: Organizing workshops, events, and collaboration sessions.

Our approach is to Inspire, Create, Connect, and Invest. Stay tuned for more updates!

DRIVING FINANCIAL INCLUSION WITH ABAN AT THE 2025 INCLUSIVE FINTECH FORUM

This February, we will actively participate in the Inclusive Fintech Forum in Kigali, a city hailed as Africa’s financial hub. Our key focus during the forum will be on angel investing and startup growth in the continent and these will be the two dynamic sessions we will take part in:

1. A panel discussion on “Kigali – A Leading Financial Hub in Africa”, a conversation that will highlight Kigali’s remarkable transformation into a financial powerhouse, exploring the city’s role in fostering innovation and attracting investment across the continent.
2. “How to Build a Path to IPO for Start-ups in Africa”, is a discussion that will focus on African startups’ strategies, challenges, and opportunities when scaling towards public offerings, with actionable insights for investors and entrepreneurs.

Explore the event’s agenda, and thematic highlights, and secure your spot by visiting the official Inclusive FinTech Forum website here!

INNOVATORS AND STAKEHOLDERS WILL BE UNITING IN NAIROBI AT THE 12TH EDITION OF THE SANKLAP AFRICA SUMMIT!

The Sankalp Africa Summit is Africa’s premier platform for impact entrepreneurship and sustainable development. Breaking down ecosystem silos, the 2025 Summit will convene on February 26–27, 2025, at the Edge Convention Centre, Nairobi, Kenya. Over 1,800 stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and development practitioners, will gather for two days of curated networking, cutting-edge insights, and collaborative opportunities. Experience the vibrancy of Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and join the movement driving sustainable solutions to the continent’s challenges. Secure your ticket here to be part of this event!

ABAN JOINS GITEX 2025 SERIES AS A COMMUNITY PARTNER

STAY ENGAGED WITH US!

Thank you for your ongoing support as we drive innovation and growth in Africa’s investment landscape. Stay connected, inspired, and engaged by following us on social media for the latest updates!