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A Growing Legacy of Change

Before we talk about where we are going, let’s look at how far we’ve come.

Since its launch in 2022, ASEB has become the leading platform for ecosystem builders across Africa—the incubators, accelerators, mentors, policymakers, and investors who create the environments where startups thrive.

📌 8,500+ Nominations recognizing ecosystem builders from 44 African countries.
📌 1,500+ Startup Enablers Engaged – Including incubators, accelerators, policymakers, and investors.
📌 800+ Attendees at ASEB Summits – Strengthening cross-border collaboration.
📌 70+ International Speakers, 50+ Workshops & Panel Discussions – Driving real conversations about ecosystem growth.
📌 140+ Recognized Ecosystem Builders, including LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS presented to Tomi Davies, Rebecca Enonchong, and Tervern Jaftha.

🔥 From Johannesburg to Nairobi to Accra, ASEB has built a movement. Now, we take the next bold step—into Addis Ababa – Ethiopia. Be part of this milestone moment.

Why ASEB? Why Now More Than Ever?

Africa is experiencing a startup revolution. Entrepreneurs are launching game-changing businesses, but 80% fail within three years due to:

🔴 Lack of access to funding – Only 1% of global VC investment reaches African startups.
🔴 Fragmented ecosystems – Incubators, accelerators, and policymakers work in silos instead of collaborating.
🔴 Insufficient infrastructure – Many startups don’t have access to co-working spaces, innovation hubs, and digital tools.
🔴 Limited mentorship & training – Founders often navigate business challenges alone.
🔴 Weak policy frameworks – Many African governments lack startup-friendly regulations.
🔴 Lack of credible data – Investors, policymakers, and ecosystem enablers struggle to make informed decisions.

💡 The solution? Strengthening the ecosystem enablers who support startups.

That’s why ASEB exists—to empower those who empower entrepreneurs.

🔗 Join the Movement 

📖 The ASEB Journey: A Story of Growth & Impact

ASEB didn’t begin as just another conference—it was born out of a realization, a challenge, and a vision for change.

In 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we witnessed both the struggles and resilience of Africa’s ecosystem builders. As businesses shut down and uncertainty loomed, incubators, accelerators, investors, policymakers, and startup enablers refused to stand by. Instead, they rose to the challenge, finding creative, adaptive, and innovative ways to keep entrepreneurs afloat.

💡 We saw the gaps. We saw the determination. And we knew—Africa’s startup ecosystem needed more than just survival. It needed a movement to strengthen those who build and sustain it.

This realization led to the birth of ASEB—a platform dedicated to empowering, connecting, and celebrating Africa’s ecosystem builders.

Overview Of 2025 Topics & Sessions

Transform Your Understanding of African Startup Ecosystems

Join 500+ ecosystem builders for three days of groundbreaking conversations, practical workshops, and actionable solutions. No more surface-level panels – just real talk about real problems with real solutions.

The Day We Stop Pretending

Opening Keynote | Day 1 Finally, someone says what we’re all thinking. We’ve turned African founders into martyrs and called it inspiration. We applaud them for surviving what shouldn’t exist, for building despite obstacles we refuse to remove. Today, we admit the truth: Every “resilient founder” story is an ecosystem failure story. It’s time to stop admiring problems and start removing obstacles.

Opening Panel: The Ecosystem Reality Check

The Uncomfortable Truth: How Africa’s Ecosystem Failed Its Innovators

The Hidden Taxes That Kill Founders

“Calculating the Real Cost of Building in Africa”

 Fixing the Unfixable (Parallel Workshops):

  • The Education Tax: Teaching your market to exist 
  • The Infrastructure Tax: Infrastructure Reality Check “First World Dreams, Third World Systems”. Reducing the Infrastructure Tax Through Technology (Partner: AWS)
  • The Trust Tax: Proving you’re not a scam
  • The Regulatory Tax: Dismantling Regulatory Insanity “When Government Becomes the Problem” (Partner: i4policy)
  • The Talent Tax: Solving the Talent Emergency “When ‘Experienced’ Means ‘Heard Of It'”
  • The Pioneer Tax: Nation-building disguised as entrepreneurship

Ethiopia Ecosystem Spotlight (Panel)

Unpacking Ethiopia’s Startup Ecosystem (Partner: Ethiopia Association of Startup Ecosystem) 

Government’s Role in Nurturing the Startup Ecosystem:

Policies, Funding, and Infrastructure (Partner: Entrepreneurship Development Institute(EDI-Ethiopia)

Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Society (ASEB Society) Launch:

“The Support System That Should Have Existed”

Founders & Ecosystem Builders Mixer (Evening Event)

“Meet People Who Get It” (Partner: Cloudplexo)

The $1 Trillion Opportunity: Why Ecosystem Building is Africa’s Game-Changer

Revelation Keynote | Day 2 The McKinsey report said Africa’s economy could reach $5.6 trillion by 2025. They missed something huge. When you stop forcing startups to build 7 companies instead of 1, when you eliminate the ecosystem tax, when 500 million young Africans can innovate instead of survive, the real number isn’t $5.6 trillion. It’s whatever we decide to build. “Fix the ecosystem, unlock the trillion”.

The $50B Perception Gap: “What Africa Builds vs. What the World Sees”

How poor ecosystem branding costs us billions, and the visibility revolution that reclaims it

Africa is building $100 billion worth of innovation. The world sees $50B worth of problems. That perception gap isn’t just embarrassing—it’s expensive. Every year, poor ecosystem branding costs us billions in unrealized investment, undervalued exits, and stolen credit. Time to close the gap.

Fireside Chat: “Ecosystem Builder: When Everyone Uses the Title But Nobody Does the Work”

The identity crisis is killing African innovation. 5 builders decode the invisible work that makes everything else possible

Workshops (Concurrent)

  • The Money Talk — 7 Ways to Fund Your Ecosystem
    From ecosystem services to sovereign funds.
  • Campus to Company: The Commercialization Catalyst

 Universities across Africa sit on breakthrough research worth billions. Cures, technologies, &  solutions gathering dust in libraries. Unlocking the billions in innovation sleeping in African academic labs

  • Ecosystem Predators — Spotting Builders Who Kill Startups
    The accelerator that took 20% equity and delivered nothing. The mentor who stole the idea. Time to name names and protect founders.

Panel: “The Silo Tax: How Ecosystem Tribalism Costs Africa Everything”

African ecosystem builders protect their “unique” startup programs like state secrets. Time to calculate what this territorial madness costs.

Founders & Ecosystem Builders Mixer (Evening Event)

“Meet People Who Get It” (Partner: Cloudplexo)

AI, DATA & ECOSYSTEM MAPPING MASTERCLASSES

TRACK A: FROM ACCELERATOR THEATER TO IMPACT EVIDENCE, “Measuring Accelerator Impact That Matters” (Partner: GrowthAfrica)

TRACK B: AI FOR ECOSYSTEM BENCHMARKING, “Building AI That Predicts Ecosystem Success” 

TRACK C: ECOSYSTEM LIFECYCLE MAPPING, “Mapping Your Ecosystem’s Development Journey” (Partner: GrowthAfrica)

DISCOVER ETHIOPIA ECOSYSTEM TOUR & ASEB AWARDS GALA

“From Theory to Reality: Experience Africa’s Rising Tech Hub”

Join us for an exclusive journey through Ethiopia’s vibrant startup ecosystem – witness firsthand how ecosystem builders are fixing what’s broken and creating what’s needed.

STOP 1: Ethiopian Association of Startup Ecosystem (EASE)

“The Coalition That Works: When Ecosystem Builders Unite”

Building ecosystem coalitions that deliver results

STOP 2: Ministry of Innovation & Technology

“From Bureaucracy to Enablement”

When the government becomes a real partner, not a barrier

STOP 3: iceaddis Innovation Hub

“Survival Economics: The Truth About Running Hubs”

Lunch

Location: Traditional Restaurant

STOP 5: blueMoon Ethiopia AgriTech Center

“Rural Reality Check”

STOP 6: Ethiopian Commodity Exchange

“Infrastructure at Scale”

ASEB AWARDS RED CARPET GALA

“Honoring the Fixers: 35 Categories, 175 Finalists, One Movement”

Location:  Addis Ababa-Ethiopia, November 17

Dress Code: Smart African Attire / Business Formal

WHY ATTEND

The Only African Ecosystem Event That Tells the Truth- “THE BRUTAL HONESTY”

This isn’t another “Africa Rising” conference where we celebrate resilience while startups die. This is where we finally admit:

  • The ecosystem is killing our startups
  • We measure lies to impress donors
  • We know who’s failing but don’t intervene
  • We’re managing billion-dollar potential with WhatsApp and prayers

If you’re tired of pretending everything’s fine, this is your summit.

Who Should Attend?

YOU BELONG HERE IF:

You’re an Ecosystem Builder Who:

  • Watches startups die from preventable causes
  • Answers the same questions 100 times a week
  • Knows your programs aren’t working but can’t prove why
  • Wants to 10x impact without burning out

You’re a Government Official Who:

  • Writes policies that nobody implements
  • Funds programs with no real impact
  • Wants to actually enable innovation, not control it
  • Is tired of startup acts that are just PR

You’re an Investor Who:

  • Can’t find quality deal flow
  • Watches portfolio companies die from ecosystem failure
  • Wants to invest in solutions, not problems
  • Believes in building markets, not extracting value

You’re a Founder Who:

  • Is building 7 companies instead of 1
  • Pays the ecosystem tax daily
  • Wants to help fix what’s broken
  • Survived and wants others to as well

You’re a Corporate Leader Who:

  • Runs innovation theater instead of real programs
  • Wants genuine startup partnerships
  • Seeks new growth through ecosystem engagement
  • Is ready to be part of the solution

WHAT MAKES ASEB DIFFERENT?

WE NAME THE ELEPHANTS IN THE ROOM

  • Why the diaspora isn’t coming to save us
  • How donor dependence is killing innovation
  • Why ecosystem competition hurts everyone
  • The mental health crisis nobody discusses

SOLUTIONS, NOT INSPIRATION PORN

  • Build AI that prevents startup death
  • Create maps showing where money really goes
  • Measure what matters, not what sounds good
  • Launch the ASEB Society for year-round support

REAL EXPERTS, NOT THEORISTS

  • Founders who’ve built despite the odds
  • Ecosystem builders with 10+ years in the trenches
  • Data scientists mapping what actually happens
  • Officials who changed policies that matter

IMMEDIATE IMPLEMENTATION

  • Deploy your first AI bot during the summit
  • Leave with working dashboards
  • Sign real partnerships, not MOUs
  • Join accountability groups that deliver

THE ASEB PROMISES

YOU’LL FINALLY SEE THE TRUTH

  • Where your ecosystem is really broken
  • Why your startups actually fail
  • Which programs waste money
  • Who helps and who hinders

YOU’LL BUILD REAL SOLUTIONS

  • AI tools that save 20 hours/week
  • Dashboards that can’t lie
  • Networks that actually connect
  • Systems that prevent failure

YOU’LL FIND YOUR TRIBE

  • 500+ people who get it
  • No more fighting alone
  • Accountability partners
  • Lifelong connections

 YOU’LL LEAVE WITH TOOLS

  • Complete AI toolkit
  • Ecosystem intelligence system
  • 90-day implementation plan
  • Ongoing support network

Testimonials: Stories of Triumph and Inspiration from ASEB Winners, Sponsors and Attendees

“When McKevin Ayaba, the Founder, first approached us with the concept of ASEB, his passion was contagious. He articulated a vision for solving one of the greatest challenges faced by African entrepreneurs: the need for a supportive and thriving ecosystem where their ideas can grow and flourish. We believed in that vision, and from its inception, Brand South Africa has proudly stood by ASEB as a founding supporter. Three years later, ASEB has surpassed all expectations. It has become a transformative force in Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape, a platform that unites ecosystem builders, empowers entrepreneurs, and celebrates the unsung heroes working behind the scenes. ASEB is not just an event; it is a movement reshaping the future of startups and ecosystems across the continent.

Our partnership with ASEB has been one of our most impactful commitments. We’ve watched it inspire collaboration, spark innovation, and create meaningful change. Now, as we look ahead to ASEB 2025, we remain fully committed to this incredible journey.

We invite other sponsors and partners to join us in supporting ASEB. This is more than a sponsorship opportunity; it’s an investment in Africa’s future. Together, we can build ecosystems that empower entrepreneurs, drive inclusive growth, and unlock the continent’s immense potential. ASEB is proof that when we work together, we can achieve extraordinary things.” Jimmy Ranamane, Global Markets GM, Brand South Africa

“ASEB 2024 in Accra was a transformative experience for me and the delegation from Mayotte. As a French territory often overlooked in discussions about Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystems, it was both surprising and exciting to learn that about 98% of the delegates at the event had never heard of Mayotte. ASEB provided a powerful platform to change that and to introduce Mayotte as a territory with immense potential and a desire to collaborate with Africa.

The fireside chat was a defining moment for me. It allowed me to share Mayotte’s story, who we are as a country, and why building a vibrant and collaborative ecosystem is so important for our growth. I emphasized the unique position of Mayotte, as a French territory closer to Africa geographically and culturally, and why forging connections with Africa’s innovation hubs is essential for our future.

Bringing a delegation of five, including startups, to ASEB was a significant step in creating those connections. The event’s  rich  networking  opportunities,  insightful  panel discussions, and the ecosystem tour gave us invaluable exposure to Ghana’s thriving entrepreneurial scene. ASEB was not just an event—it was a movement that reinforced the   importance     of    collaboration      in   building    stronger ecosystems.

I left Accra inspired, empowered, and committed to ensuring Mayotte becomes an integral part of Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape. ASEB has given us the visibility,tools, and relationships to make that vision a reality.” Haouthani Massoundi – Managing Director, Mayotte In Tech

“GrowthWheel SA has been a proud partner of ASEB since its inception in 2022. ASEB addresses a critical need in Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape: creating a conducive environment where businesses can not only survive but thrive. Without such an environment, building sustainable businesses remains a challenge. ASEB is championing this cause by uniting ecosystem builders, facilitating collaborations, and recognizing the unsung heroes who are vital to entrepreneurial success.

For GrowthWheel SA, supporting ASEB is not just a commitment—it’s a shared mission. The platform’s focus on empowering startups and strengthening ecosystems aligns perfectly with our values. Seeing ASEB grow and impact so many lives across the continent reaffirms the importance of this initiative.

As ASEB continues to expand its reach and influence, I encourage others to join this movement. Together, we can lay the foundation for stronger ecosystems and ensure that Africa’s entrepreneurs have the environment they need to succeed. Supporting ASEB is more than an investment in an event—it’s an investment in the future of Africa’s entrepreneurial success.” Hilton Theunissen, Managing Director, GrowthWheel SA

“Dear McKevin, thank you and the ASEB team for an incredible four days in Accra. The guidance and support you provided were remarkable, and I feel extremely proud, honored, and grateful to have been recognized as the Africa Ecosystem Builder Champion of the Year.

There were so many highlights from my experience at ASEB: the amazing networking opportunities, the high-quality content and discussions, and the ecosystem tour, which was particularly impactful for me as it was my first time in Ghana. The connections you facilitated through the program were invaluable, offering me a deeper understanding of the vibrant innovation landscape and its inspiring stakeholders.

ASEB provided a platform that not only celebrated our efforts but also gave us tools and connections to strengthen our ecosystems further.

I am very much willing to support ASEB as an event and between events as much as needed” Rym Jarou from Smart Africa– 2024 ASEB Ecosystem Builder Champion of the Year

“From the moment I was introduced to ASEB, I was captivated by its purpose. Having worked with entrepreneurs for over 20 years, I deeply understand the importance of creating a conducive environment for growth, fostering collaboration, and ensuring inclusion. I’ve witnessed firsthand the critical role ecosystem builders’ play in shaping entrepreneurial success—often without recognition. ASEB has stepped in to change that narrative.

Every year, ASEB continues to blow my mind. The caliber of individuals and organizations it brings together, the meaningful conversations it sparks, and the solutions it inspires are nothing short of extraordinary. The platform has become a catalyst for collaboration and innovation, celebrating the unsung heroes of ecosystem building and amplifying their impact.

As both a Board Member of ASEB and a representative of UVU Africa, I am honored to be part of this movement. The purpose of ASEB aligns seamlessly with that of UVU Africa, which is why we have remained so committed to supporting it. Winning the ASEB Award in 2023 further affirmed the importance of our shared mission to build thriving, inclusive ecosystems.

Being part of ASEB has been a privilege, and I look forward to continuing this journey of collaboration, innovation, and purpose” Marietjie Engelbrecht, Chief of Staff, UVU Africa & Board Member, ASEB

“At Fetola, we’ve always admired ASEB and its dedication to empowering ecosystem builders across Africa. Over the years, some of the programs we support have been recognized at ASEB, but winning the Entrepreneur Support Organization of the Year award in 2024 was an incredible milestone for us. It’s a testament to the impactful work we do in nurturing entrepreneurs and strengthening ecosystems.

Attending ASEB 2024 in Accra was a truly enriching experience. It gave us the chance to witness the remarkable work ASEB is doing across the continent—work that goes beyond awards to creating real, lasting change. The energy, connections, and commitment to collaboration were palpable throughout the event. Experiencing this firsthand made it clear that ASEB is much more than a summit; it’s a movement driving meaningful progress for Africa’s startup ecosystem.

We are excited to explore how Fetola can continue to be part of ASEB in 2025 and beyond. Being involved in ASEB has shown us the power of collective effort in building thriving entrepreneurial communities, and we look forward to contributing to this important mission.”

Lisa Ngcolomba, COO, Fetola

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