In a move aimed at developing Africa’s private sector and stimulating innovation across Africa, former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote are teaming up with the Duke of York to launch the African Entrepreneurship Programme (AEP).
AEP is a joint initiative of the Duke of York’s Pitch@Palace and The Global African Investment Summit (TGAIS). The programme will support African entrepreneurs and young businesses who need capital and mentorship. It will achieve this purpose by connecting the entrepreneurs with potential investors.
At this year’s TGAIS, young AEP entrepreneurs and startups will be able to showcase their business ideas to potential investors, and the three most talented entrepreneurs will be selected and will present their business proposals to an audience of potential investors and mentors at a Pitch@Palace event in London on December 1.
“The programme is greatly honoured for the Duke of York’s commitment to support entrepreneurship in Africa,” said Paul Sinclair, director of TGAIS.
The roles of Obasanjo and Dangote will be to provide ongoing support for young businesses and entrepreneurs selected by the programme.
“Africa is a continent of growth and home to the world’s youngest population. We are very pleased to support Africa’s growth and develop its workforce through the AEP,” said Obasanjo.
TGAIS is run in partnership with five African state houses and brings together the public and private sectors to discuss specific transactions, access to finance, and bankable projects in Sub-Saharan Africa requiring investment and technology transfer.
