G.de Padirac, T. K. Zlotoff, A. Kabanda, S. Leedom: Accelerator & Venture Builder l Africa/Week 2025

Quick Overview

The panel discussion at Norrsken Africa/Week 2025 focused on the unique challenges and opportunities in building and funding venture ecosystems in Africa, with speakers emphasizing the need for long-term commitment, tailored support for early-stage companies, and addressing the fragmentation of the ecosystem compared to more mature markets like the US and Europe.

Key Points: Sarah Leedom of Homoco, based in Rwanda, focuses on supporting displaced entrepreneurs in refugee camps across Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Chad. Homoco works with approximately 380 venture accelerators and builders across the continent, investing in early-stage, impact-driven, and locally-based founders. A key challenge discussed is that African accelerators often lack the long-term capital commitment (e.g., 10-year fund cycles) common in Western ecosystems. Ali Kabanda from Jeesiri, based in Rwanda, noted that Jeesiri supports entrepreneurs at different stages, from ideation to market entry, and has supported over 20 accelerators/incubators. Greg de Padirac of Digital Africa stated that Digital Africa invests in early-stage African tech ecosystems, not as an accelerator itself, but to provide support and unlock the road to VC funding. A major pain point identified is the lack of institutional support for early-stage companies, contrasting with the deep pockets of large corporations and state funding often backing accelerators in the US/Europe. The panel concluded that successful support requires not just capital, but also deep domain expertise, customer obsession, and resilience/grit from founders.

Context: This video captures a panel discussion from the Norrsken Africa/Week 2025 event, featuring investors and venture builders focused on the African technology ecosystem. The discussion centers on the unique aspects of funding, supporting, and scaling ventures across the continent, particularly contrasting the African landscape with established markets in the US and Europe. Key participants included Sarah Leedom (Homoco), Aline Kabanda (Jeesiri), Greg de Padirac (Digital Africa), and Tyler (Delta 40).