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.

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

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).

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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).