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    World Bank to launch African accelerator programmes

    The World Bank Group is to launch a series of accelerator programmes across Africa, aimed at helping tech startups commercialise and scale innovative digital products.
    Image by 123RF
    Image by 123RF

    The first programme launched by the World Bank in Africa is to be held in partnership with Senegalese hub CTIC Dakar. The Jambar Tech Lab will connect 40 local high-growth startups with the knowledge, capital, and access to markets they need to grow.

    This initial programme will be joined in the coming months by new regional acceleration programmes in eastern and southern Africa, while early next year the World Bank Group will launch the Pan-African Acceleration Programme.

    The pan-African accelerator will see 20 of the best startups from across the continent receive additional coaching, mentorship, and exposure to global investors and funds.

    “The digital economy plays a key role in many African countries, as part of the broader services sector that drives more than half of the economic growth in the continent,” said Ganesh Rasagam, manager for Innovation & Entrepreneurship in the World Bank Group’s Trade & Competitiveness Global Practice.

    The initial Jambar Tech Lab accelerator is supported by the governments of Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Senegal, and will be implemented by CTIC Dakar. It has been launched to equip entrepreneurs with the skills and resources they need to accelerate the development of their businesses, either by entering larger markets or attracting capital from early-stage investors.

    Jambar Tech Lab will offer a six-month programme designed to improve the capacity of local firms to identify market opportunities, develop and test products and services, and access business mentors and appropriate financing.

    Source: Disrupt Africa

    Disrupt Africa is a one-stop-shop for all news, information and commentary pertaining to the continent’s tech startup – and investment – ecosystem. With journalists roaming the continent to find, meet, and interview the most innovative and disruptive tech startups, Disrupt Africa is a true showcase of Africa’s most promising businesses and business ideas.

    Our readers can keep up-to-date with the quirky world of tech hubs and accelerator programmes; and our reporters provide live coverage of the all-important tech and entrepreneurship events across Africa.

    For our startup, entrepreneur, and investor friends alike, our mission is to provide practical information and advice from across Africa’s varied vibrant markets, and to promote engaged and thought-provoking discussion about the exciting ecosystem we belong to.

    Go to: http://disrupt-africa.com/

    About Tom Jackson

    Co-founder @DisruptAfrica. Tech and business journalist in Africa. Passionate about the vibrant tech startups scene in Africa, Tom can usually be found sniffing out the continent's most exciting new companies and entrepreneurs, funding rounds and any other developments within the growing ecosystem.
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