African Entrepreneurs Picked to Tour Swiss Startup Ecosystem

SABII, an initiative of the University of Basel, aims to boost entrepreneurial knowledge and give international exposure to university graduates in sub-Saharan Africa. The workshops in Nairobi, Kenya, co-organized by Venturelab and Afrilabs, attracted more than 1,000 applications from 20 countries, from innovative startups in mobile health, biotechnology, finance and digital learning. 

"You rarely see such a huge commitment and enthusiasm from partners to starting and further supporting such a program. Thanks go to the Swiss Ambassador in Nairobi, AfriLabs, East African Community, Kenyan Investment Authority, Nairobi Garage and, of course, VentureLab" said Eric Thaler, professor at University Basel and member of the jury for SABII.

 

During the event entrepreneurs from Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda developed their business plans and hone their customer value analysis. The workshop ended with pitches to an African-Swiss jury.

 

The second part the exchange, supported by the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation, will see the six selected candidates visit Switzerland to workshop and network in the Swiss startup ecosystem from June 3rd to 7th, 2019.

"In Europe and Switzerland, universities are being transformed into so-called entrepreneurial universities, graduate employability beyond classical career paths has come more and more into the focus of university leadership. To learn within a global environment and to constantly expose young science based entrepreneurs to new opportunities and peer partnerships across the globe, we have started the Swiss – sub-Saharan partnership in business development."; also commented M. Thaler.
 

Swiss Sub Sahara business development program continues. @ErichThaler @UniBasel_en shares the next steps of the workshops with participants #SSABDP #AITCamp pic.twitter.com/xELSVBJFTS

— Venturelab (@venturelab_ch) December 11, 2018

Read about the entrepreneurs below: 

 

Accadius Lunyao, University of Nairobi. His company Nairobi-based Til'Data LLC uses 3D computational modelling to develop more efficient fertilizers and crop-vaccines for farmers. www.lunayo.co.nf
 

 

Chisepo Chirwa, studied computer science at ZCAS University in Zambia. His Lusaka, Zambias-based Outsource Now Ltd makes software for businesses, schools and restaurants.www.outsourcenow.us
 

 

David Sayia, University of Eldoret, Kenya. His platform, Paybobby, connects freelancers with those looking to hire digital talent. www.paybobby.com
 

 

Elorm Allavi, University of Ghana. His company mfarmPay uses alternative datasets and algorithms to facilitate loans for farmers. www.mfarmpay.com
 

 

Oladele Bakare, Anglia Ruskin University, U.K. Findworka, his Lagos-based platform outsources software development and digital services. www.findworka.com
 

Ruth Kerubo, Karabak University, Nairobi-based M-shamba Ltd offers a mobile application to help smallholder farmers increase their yield and profit, broadcasting weather forecasts and agronomic advice. www.m-shamba.net/