We build globally competitive African innovators.
We empower African innovators and entrepreneurs to thrive through resources, training, and a strong network of mentors and investors, bridging the gap between vision and execution.
We empower African innovators and entrepreneurs to thrive through resources, training, and a strong network of mentors and investors, bridging the gap between vision and execution.
Our values
Our values guide everything we do, from how we build partnerships to how we empower innovators and entrepreneurs. They define our culture, our actions, and our commitment to Africa’s growth.
Innovation
We embrace creativity and forward thinking, constantly seeking new ways to solve challenges and drive progress across Africa.
Excellence
We hold ourselves to the highest standards, ensuring that every program, project, partnership, and outcome reflects best practices, highest quality and professionalism.
Results
We focus on impact, turning ideas into measurable outcomes that create value for innovator, entrepreneurs, communities, and the society.
Collaboration
We believe success is built together. By fostering partnerships and teamwork, we amplify innovation and shared growth across the continent.
Who We Are
The African Innovation Academy (AIA) is a pan-African institution that trains, incubates, and accelerates innovators and startups using industry-led curricula, mentorship, hackathons, and corporate innovation programs.
AIA focuses on building human capacity for scalable, tech-enabled solutions in sector verticals and equips African founders, entrepreneurs, and innovators with practical skills and market connections to turn ideas into scalable businesses. We deliver blended learning (online + live), and aim to be the go-to gateway for global organizations seeking validated African startups and market entry.
OUR MISSION
To empower African innovators and entrepreneurs to build world-class, scalable solutions that transform local economies and connect African talent to global markets.
Vision
A pan-African platform cultivating a pipeline of world-class innovators who create tech-enabled, locally relevant solutions.
Goal
To be the go-to innovation & entrepreneurship platform for organizations seeking validated African startups, local market access, and co-creation partners.
Who We Serve
- Early-stage startups seeking to have MVPs & build traction
- Entrepreneurs & innovators seeking validation and scale.
- Corporates seeking open innovation, pilot partners, and market entry.
- Investors & DFIs seeking vetted deal flow and local partnerships.
Core Programs
Our Startup Entrepreneurs Benefit:
1. Pre-Incubation, Ideation & Incubation
Idea validation, MVP building, and product-market fit support.
2. Acceleration
Growth support, revenue optimization, investor readiness, scaling playbook.
3. Modular Short Courses
Product-Market Fit in Africa; AI & Digital Skills; Entrepreneurship Strategy; Regulatory Navigation; Investor Readiness; Design Thinking & Product Development; Innovation Leadership.
4. Executive & Corporate Programs
Innovation sprints, localized curriculum delivery, co-hosted training for corporates (market entry & transformation focus).
The Faculty
The faculty is made up of industry leaders, investors, and academic experts. They are
Seasoned Entrepreneurs
IP/Legal Experts
Finance & Investment Professionals
Product Managers
Corporate Transformation Leaders
We also have guest lecturers, including professionals from innovation ecosystems in the US, Europe, Israel, and Africa.
What Makes AIA Different
Sector-focused cohort model that attracts domain partners and investors.
Exportable micro-credentials and digital badges that employers and partners can trust.
Blended delivery of live mentorship + self-paced modules + pitch sessions.
Strong global strategic collaborations and alumni network connecting learners to investors and exchange programs (and a partner-centric marketplace and sustainability).
Our Partners
Techtrends Blog
Want to be updated with the latest happenings in Technology, Innovation, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, AI, and many others?
Visit our Tech Blog at Techtrends Africa.
Contact Us & Let’s Collaborate!
Contact Details
Office: 47, Isaac John Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
Phone: +234(0)08051403056, +234(0)8145839629, +234(0)8166349134
Email: [email protected]