As the continent experiences a technological revolution, new startups keep emerging in Africa, in every sector.  AfricArena, in this context, plays a vital role as a catalyst for technological innovation and entrepreneurship on the continent.

Based in Cape Town, South Africa, AfricArena is a startup accelerator founded in 2017 by entrepreneur and investor Christophe Viarnaud, who also serves as its CEO. The startup promotes collaboration between the key players in Africa's technological ecosystem and helps startups expand by making them more visible and providing them with funding opportunities.

The accelerator aims to connect African startups with investors, businesses, and potential partners worldwide. Each year, it organizes regional and international summits that bring together all stakeholders in Africa's tech sector, providing a platform for continental startups to showcase their ideas, build valuable connections, and access funding opportunities. The accelerator is set to hold its next regional summit in Nairobi, Kenya, on September 6. AfricArena organizes regional events throughout the year, thus creating opportunities for startups from different African regions to connect with local and international investors.

Since its inception, the accelerator has launched several open innovation challenges for Africa's top tech startups. Whether for businesses specializing in deep tech, logistics, mobility, health tech, artificial intelligence, agritech, edtech, or fintech, these challenges allow founders to demonstrate their entrepreneurial talent and innovative technology to investors, businesses, and the pan-African tech ecosystem.

AfricArena is a staunch advocate of diversity and inclusion in the tech sector. It strives to promote equal opportunities by supporting female entrepreneurs and encouraging the participation of young African talents through initiatives such as the Fem-Tech Startup Innovation Challenge, organized in partnership with Amazon Web Services.

The accelerator collaborates with various national and international institutions, including Bpifrance, Hello Tomorrow, Vinci Energies, Sanofi, energy company Engie, La French Tech, Viva Technology, Air France KLM Group, and Wesgro, and many more.

Melchior Koba