The Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Summit and Awards (ASEB) 2023, a seminal event held at USIU-Africa in Nairobi from December 6-8, 2023, concluded on a high note, celebrating the invaluable contributions of over 200 startup ecosystem builders. These individuals and organizations, selected from a robust pool of more than 2100 nominees, were honored under the auspicious summit theme, “Advancing Ecosystem Building as a Fresh Approach to Africa’s Economic Development,” and the awards theme, “Celebrating Unsung Heroes: Spotlights on Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders.”
McKevin Ayaba, the visionary Founder of ASEB, an initiative of Setup A Startup, encapsulated the essence of the summit: “ASEB 2023 marked a significant stride in redefining and advancing the role of ecosystem builders in Africa’s economic landscape. We gathered to not only recognize the outstanding contributions of our unsung heroes but also to forge a path forward in ecosystem building as a novel approach to economic development in Africa.”
The summit featured over 24 speakers from across Africa and beyond, participating in a series of over 12 sessions, including engaging workshops and insightful breakaway sessions. These interactions fostered a deeper understanding of the diverse challenges and opportunities within the African startup ecosystem.
Highlighting the event’s significance, Ayaba added, “ASEB 2023 was a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in shaping Africa’s economic future. We celebrated those at the forefront of this transformation under our theme of recognizing the unsung heroes who are the bedrock of our startup ecosystems.”
The event was graced with the presentation of two distinguished awards. The Lifetime Achievement Awards in Innovation & Entrepreneurship were bestowed upon luminaries such as Tomi Davies, Rebecca Enonchong, and Tervern Jaftha, acknowledging their enduring impact on the African startup scene. “Their legacies continue to inspire and lead the way for future generations of African entrepreneurs,” Ayaba noted.
The Leadership Achievement Awards honored Bernard Chiira and Rym Baouendi for their strategic and forward-thinking contributions to the ecosystem. Ayaba commended their efforts, stating, “Their innovative leadership is instrumental in fostering transformative changes within our startup ecosystems.”
Tomi Davies, a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, shared his thoughts: “Receiving this award is a profound honor. My congratulations go out to all ASEB Summit awardees and participants. Together, we are crafting a robust and impactful startup ecosystem in Africa.”
Prof. Martin Njoroge, Dean of School of Humanities and Social Sciences at USIU-Africa, reflected on the summit’s synergy with educational goals: “ASEB 2023 aligned perfectly with our strategic focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, highlighting the summit’s significant role in job creation and economic empowerment in Africa.”
In closing, McKevin Ayaba emphasized, “The ASEB Awards stand as a beacon of hope and inspiration, showcasing the resilience, creativity, and visionary spirit crucial for Africa’s economic growth and technological advancement. We eagerly anticipate the continued growth and achievements of the African startup ecosystem.”
The full list of over 200 startup ecosystem builders recognized at the ASEB 2023 Awards can be found Here.
Special thanks to all our partners, particularly Brand South Africa, Digital Africa, The United States International University-Africa (USIU) and the Southern Africa Innovation Collective (SAIC), as well as the speakers, attendees, and everyone who contributed to ASEB 2023’s success.
Looking towards 2024 and beyond, we are looking for country Partners, ambassadors, sponsors, and strategic partners. Reach out to the Founder, McKevin Ayaba, at awards@asebsummit.com or through WhatsApp at +27810859737 for collaboration opportunities and inquiries.
For more information about ASEB and to stay connected with the African startup ecosystem, please visit https://asebsummit.com/
For media inquiries, please contact Lwazi Nongauza at lwazi@dreamafrika.co.za or +27 74 461 9084
