Young Africans often wonder how to turn their ideas into successful, sustainable businesses. In Cameroon, Ecolia Labs, through its programs and activities, offers a solution to those worries.
Cameroonian incubator Ecolia Labs is empowering young entrepreneurs to create high-potential, financially viable businesses through digital innovation. Founded in 2014 by Yves Cedric Ntsama, the incubator wants to “build the future generation of tech social entrepreneurs that Cameroon and Central Africa need to meet its sustainable development challenges,” according to its website.
Ecolia Labs provides training in digital skills and entrepreneurship, with courses covering digitization, artificial intelligence, big data, robotics, the Internet of Things, cybersecurity, e-commerce, and web and mobile development. The incubator also offers training in innovative entrepreneurship and a project launch program.
It provides a range of opportunities for entrepreneurs, including pre-incubation, incubation, and financing. The pre-incubation program, lasting one month, allows young innovators to launch their ideas based on market needs. The incubation program, lasting up to 12 months, assists in validating a business model and acquiring initial customers.
Ecolia Labs also provides entrepreneurs with a fully-equipped co-working space, complete with a fiber-optic Wi-Fi connection, to foster collaboration. Additional resources include a manufacturing laboratory and a library.
In addition to its incubation services, Ecolia Labs assists businesses in their digital transformation. It hosts various events, such as the Women Digital Class, which trains women in professional digital skills to enhance their employability.
To date, Ecolia Labs has trained over 10,000 young people, supported more than 300 startups, and received over 20 awards and accolades. As a member of the AfriLabs network, it receives support from Orange, Afric’Innov, Bolloré Transport & Logistics, Ennova, Facebook, the African Union, and Innovation Edge, among others.
Melchior Koba
