Consolidating Angel Investing Across Africa and the Diaspora

As the founding President of the Africa Business Angel Network (ABAN), I’ve witnessed firsthand the remarkable transformation of Africa’s digital economy, fueled by innovation and entrepreneurship. ABAN plays a pivotal role in fostering this vibrant ecosystem, but our mission goes beyond mere finance. We empower, mentor, and nurture entrepreneurial dreams into tangible successes.

Our 2024 theme, “Consolidating Angel Investing Across Africa and the Diaspora,” is more than a strategic focus, it’s a call to unity and collaboration. It harnesses the collective strengths of Africa and its diaspora, leveraging their expertise, networks, and resources to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit across the continent.

This theme reflects our commitment to unity through diversity to celebrate the rich tapestry of talents and opportunities within Africa and its diaspora, fostering a united front for positive economic and social change. This year’s initiative builds on our strategic partnerships, promotes an investment culture, and empowers entrepreneurs with success tools.

As our angel investors and other ecosystem stakeholders across the continent continue to leverage their expertise and networks to forge strategic partnerships and influence policy that empowers the next generation of African entrepreneurs for a thriving future, we now expect the African diaspora to actively participate in shaping Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape by bringing financial capital, intellectual, and social capital to drive innovation and sustainable growth.

Our focus areas this year are:

• Leveraging the Global Diaspora: We recognize the critical role of the diaspora in Africa’s development. Dedicated platforms facilitate collaboration, investment opportunities, and knowledge sharing.
• Unity Through Diversity: Diversity drives innovation. We bring together individuals from various backgrounds to create a richer, more effective investment community, addressing diverse challenges and opportunities.
• Strategic Alliances and Investment Culture: Collaborations with key stakeholders and fostering a vibrant investment culture are crucial. This provides startups with comprehensive support and enables advocacy for supportive policies.
• Empowering Entrepreneurs and Stakeholder Engagement: Our multifaceted approach goes beyond funding. Mentorship, access to resources, and collaboration with ecosystem stakeholders create a nurturing environment for startups to thrive.
• Influencing Policy for Development: Supportive policies are essential. We advocate for reforms that facilitate angel investing and entrepreneurship, contributing to sustainable development and prosperity.

Our journey to “Consolidating Angel Investing Across Africa and the Diaspora” is not just about individual success stories; it’s about weaving a tapestry of sustainable development for the entire continent. Join us, our angel investors, networks, and ecosystem stakeholders, to:

• Amplify impact: Pool resources, knowledge, and networks to create a ripple effect of economic growth, job creation, and innovation.
• Bridge gaps and foster inclusivity: Through the synergy of local and diaspora angels, ensure the benefits of investments reach the farthest corners of the continent.
• Create the Africa we all want: An Africa where entrepreneurs thrive, innovation flourishes, and every young mind can dream big with the support of a dedicated community.

This is more than an initiative; it’s a movement towards an Africa that thrives on unity, collaboration, and innovation. Together, we can shape a future marked by prosperity, opportunity, and hope, where angel investing plays a central role in Africa’s economic narrative.

Join ABAN in this groundbreaking mission. Together, we can create an Africa characterised by boundless opportunity, innovation, and prosperity for all.

Tomi Davies, ABAN President