AfricArena, the African series of tech events, announced a partnership with FMO Ventures Program, the Rise Open Innovation Challenge, which focuses on accelerating the growth of startups looking to improve the state of Africa and create more sustainable models for positive impact.
On June 14th, 2022, AfricArena turned the startup incubator in the world, Station F, into the stage of African tech entrepreneurship. Over 45+ African startups from seed to growth stage spent the day pitching to foreign markets and 60+ African startups participated in investment speed dating with over 100+ Investors. It was during this event that AfricArena announced its partnership with FMO to support 10 startups through the AfricArise program.
Christophe Viarnaud, Founder, AfricArena and General partner, AfricArise: ”We are thrilled that our long-standing relationship with the Dutch development bank (FMO) is translating into support to the AfricArise program, and in particular its focus on Agritech companies from 3 top African ecosystems. Our team will be working relentlessly to leverage our unique capability to identify, showcase and help connect African tech startups with market access and funding opportunities.”
The FMO Sustainable Tech Open Innovation Challenge will support several agritech, fintech, and energy access businesses focused in Ghana, Morocco, and Tanzania, These ventures will compete in pitch competitions at AfricArena’s North Africa and East Africa regional summits with the winners to be showcased at the AfricArena Grand Summit early November 2022.
Marieke Roestenberg, Program Manager, FMO Ventures: ”Our partnership with AfricArena is part of our journey to promote and support the flourishing sustainable tech ecosystem, including agritech, fintech and energy access business models especially in newer tech hubs across Africa. We look forward to supporting AfricArena and collaborating with the broader consortium to accelerate startups in these sectors.”
