AfriLabs and UM6P Ventures partner to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa

AfriLabs, an expansive network dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa, has joined forces with UM6P Ventures, an investment entity associated with Morocco’s University Mohammed VI Polytechnic, in a one-year partnership aimed at nurturing African entrepreneurship.

AfriLabs, known for its commitment to propelling innovation across the continent, has recently expanded its reach by welcoming 16 new hubs into its fold. This expansion brings its influence to a total of 478 hubs spread across 260 cities in 53 African countries.

UM6P Ventures operates as the venture capital arm of the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic in Morocco. It was established with the mission to promote entrepreneurship and expedite scientific innovation through early-stage investments in deep technology and digital transformation sectors.

This collaborative venture between AfriLabs and UM6P Ventures is set to launch several pivotal initiatives that will drive scientific innovation and entrepreneurship throughout Africa. The partnership will provide startups within the UM6P ecosystem with a comprehensive support system, including mentorship, essential resources, and access to AfriLabs’ extensive network of over 450 technology innovation hubs across the continent.

In addition, the AfriLabs Connect Deal Room (ACDR) initiative will present UM6P Ventures with a selection of vetted and investment-ready startups from the AfriLabs network, opening doors to new investment prospects. The collaboration will also see the partners undertake co-innovation projects tailored to tackle local and regional challenges, combining UM6P’s research and development expertise with the entrepreneurial spirit of the AfriLabs community.

The partnership is exploring the possibility of introducing UM6P courses specifically designed for participants of the AfriLabs Academy, with the aim of enhancing educational opportunities and skill development across Africa.

Mayssa Mrabet, the Director of Community at AfriLabs, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with UM6P and UM6P Ventures, stating that it is in perfect harmony with AfriLabs’ vision of cultivating a dynamic tech hub community and driving economic advancement through digital innovation.