AfricArena and FMO Collaborate to Boost Africa’s Tech Ecosystem

AfricArena and FMO, the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank, have announced an expanded partnership aimed at supporting the flourishing tech landscape in Africa through the FMO Ventures Program.

After a successful year of collaboration in 2022 during AfricArena’s continental tour, the FMO Ventures Program is once again lending its support to various AfricArena events. These include the AfricArena VC Unconference, the AfricArena Founders’ Bootcamp, the AfricArena Learning Expedition, and the AfricArena Summit, scheduled between August 2023 and December 2024.

Christophe Viarnaud, CEO of AfricArena, expressed enthusiasm about the extended partnership, highlighting its contribution to Africa’s VC industry and the development of investment tools for the tech sector through collaboration with the Digital Collective Africa.

Africa’s tech ecosystem is rapidly expanding, boasting over 640 tech hubs, according to a Statista report. This growth has attracted attention from investors worldwide, including venture capitalists, startups, and corporate funds.

Marieke Roestenberg, FMO Ventures Program Manager, emphasized Africa’s potential as an investment destination, praising the innovative solutions emerging from the continent’s tech startups.

The FMO Ventures Program, backed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and the European Union, focuses on empowering impactful business models. It invests in areas like Fintech, Energy Access, and AgriTech, as well as in generic funds, aiming to foster collaboration and co-investment that benefits underserved communities.

AfricArena, established in 2017, serves as a platform for market access and investment opportunities for founders, investors, and corporates. With events such as the Investor Unconference, Founder’s BootCamp, and the Summit Event, AfricArena has become a pivotal player in the tech startup ecosystem, aiding startups in raising over $500 million in the last six years.