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For the first time ever, future-shapers from all 55 African Union member states now have the chance to participate in the largest independent startup ecosystem-driven competition in the world with the opening of nominations for the Global Startup Awards (GSA) Africa (www.GlobalStartupAwards.com). The Awards give the entire ecosystem value chain visibility, access to valuable global connections and the opportunity to form partnerships across the continent.
According to Partech’s 2020 Africa Tech Venture Capital Report, despite the effects of the global pandemic, more startups in Africa closed rounds in 2020 than in any previous year, something which was not experienced in any other region in the world. This trend is set to continue with over $560 million in funding deals being announced across the continent since January 2021 [1]. “This, coupled with the commencement of the African Continental Free Trade Area, have signalled the start of a monumental year for Africa. We knew that now was the time to place the continent on the global stage by elevating the African innovation brand and showcasing it to the world,” says Caitlin Nash, Co-Founder of the Global Innovation Initiative Group, rights holders of GSA Africa. “In addition to global exposure, startups and the individuals and organisations that support them will gain access to a global network and opportunities for cross-border collaboration.”
The competition recognises and rewards all aspects of a startup ecosystem, from the startups themselves, through to the people behind them, and the organisations that work alongside these visionaries to make great things possible. Below are the categories in this year’s contest:
The GSA Africa mission and categories in this year’s competition are aligned to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 which strives to feed Africa, industrialise Africa, integrate Africa and, ultimately, improve the quality of life for the people of Africa.
GSA Africa Country Partner and leader of Zambia’s Jacaranda Hub, Mara Zhanet concludes by saying: “This is the first year that GSA Africa will reach all 55 member states of the AU - a big step for African innovation. The Awards will bring African innovation to the world and place African innovators on the global stage, helping to connect emerging innovators in Africa to unrivalled opportunities.”
To enter, or nominate a future-shaper from the continent, go to www.GlobalStartupAwards.com/africanstartupawards. Scroll down and click on the appropriate region. Entries close on 31 July 2021.
[1] https://bit.ly/3fQ0K7Z
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Global Startup Awards (GSA).
About the Global Startup Awards (GSA):
GSA is the largest independent startup ecosystem competition with the mission to find, recognise and connect the future-shapers of the digital age from all around the world. Starting in the Nordics, Denmark in 2012, GSA annually selects and awards those within their respective regional tech / web industries that have shown outstanding achievements in business and service to the community. In 2021, GSA will include all 55 African member states in the global network. For more information, go to www.GlobalStartupAwards.com.
About the Global Innovation Initiative Group (GIIG):
GIIG Africa has the largest relationship infrastructure of mission-aligned African innovation stakeholders who work to accelerate the co-creation of future markets and world-changing solutions. The organisation connects like-minded leaders throughout the African innovation ecosystem. GIIG is the exclusive rights holder for GSA Africa. For more information, go to GIIG.africa.
About Loudhailer:
Loudhailer offers a wide range of development services to pioneering organisations in Africa and further afield through exceptional knowledge, relationships and experience to stimulate economic growth. The internationally recognised aggregator of the African innovation ecosystem raises visibility and builds partnerships to grow next gen innovations. It works at the epicentre of the innovation ecosystem, coordinating and supporting policy makers, business leaders, corporates, investors, support and donor organisations, as well as media to identify and scale innovation solutions for market growth and commercialisation in Africa and globally. Loudhailer is the implementation partner for GSA Africa. For more information, go to theLoudhailer.org.
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