African startups are set to gain easier access to British investors, business networks and international expansion opportunities following the launch of the UK’s first coordinated pan-African founder support programme at London Tech Week.
The initiative, known as the UK–Africa Ecosystem Week, was unveiled by the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) Africa as part of a broader strategy to position Britain as a global launchpad for African technology companies seeking international growth.
Powered by UK–Africa Sandbox and Ventures 54 in collaboration with UK Department for Business & Trade, the initiative introduces a structured support system designed to help African founders navigate the UK market more effectively.
Read also: Africa Finance Corporation unleashes $100m to break foreign grip on African startups
The programme is also supported by London & Partners, Mayor of London’s Office, the UK South Africa Tech Hub and the UK Nigeria Tech Hub.
The move reflects growing competition among global technology hubs to attract African startups, many of which are increasingly seeking foreign capital, international partnerships and market expansion opportunities amid tightening funding conditions at home.
Organisers said the programme will provide African founders with direct exposure to UK venture capital firms, innovation ecosystems, policymakers and commercial partners during London Tech Week, one of the world’s largest technology gatherings.
The annual event attracts more than 100,000 participants across over 500 events, making it one of the biggest global networking platforms for startups, investors and technology leaders.
Under the new initiative, African founders will receive VIP access, concierge-style support, curated meetings, dedicated workspaces and participation in Africa-focused panels and investment sessions throughout the week.
A flagship UK–Africa Ecosystem Day will also bring together investors, ecosystem leaders and market-entry stakeholders to support African companies exploring expansion into the UK.
Anthony William Catt, founder of Ventures 54 and UK-Africa Sandbox, said the programme evolved from years of observing increasing African participation at London Tech Week without coordinated support systems.
“We have seen a clear increase in the number of African founders coming to London Tech Week to explore the UK market. Over the past four years, we’ve been building support around that, starting with a simple mixer, evolving into a full day of programming, and now scaling into a full week of activity,” Catt said.
The founder affirmed that the initiative aims to ensure founders leave London with real business opportunities, strategic connections and clearer pathways into the UK market.
Ben Ainsley, acting his majesty’s trade commissioner for Africa, described the UK as a natural destination for ambitious African startups due to its deep venture capital ecosystem, access to global talent and advanced innovation infrastructure.
Ainsley said the UK government was committed to helping high-growth international companies succeed in Britain by reducing barriers to entry and improving access to support systems.
Industry analysts say the initiative could strengthen London’s position as a preferred international destination for African startups at a time when founders are increasingly exploring expansion opportunities outside the continent.
The programme also highlights the rising global influence of African technology ecosystems, especially in sectors such as fintech, artificial intelligence, digital commerce, logistics and health technology.
Howard Dawber, deputy mayor of London for business and growth, said, “London is a global hub for investment and innovation, and our strength comes from our international connections. Following the Mayor of London’s successful trade mission to Africa last year, we continue to see exciting opportunities to deepen partnerships between London and Africa. Initiatives like this to boost our tech ecosystems, launched at London Tech Week, will help us to do just that as we continue to build a better, more prosperous London for everyone.”
Meanwhile, Janet Coyle, managing director of London & Partners, said the launch reinforces London’s position as Europe’s leading technology hub while strengthening ties with African innovation ecosystems.
“The launch of the UK-Africa Ecosystem Week emphasises the importance of the channel between London and African ecosystems. We are delighted to bring it into the fold of London Tech Week, an event which highlights London’s role as a Europe’s leading tech hub, driving innovation across industries and connecting the brightest minds from around the globe,” Coyle added.
Read also: Africa’s startup exit problem deepens as investors struggle to cash out
The UK–Africa Ecosystem Week will host startup delegations and founders from several African countries including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Algeria and Ghana.
Activities will begin on June 7 with a welcome reception at the Africa Centre and conclude on June 10 with the flagship UK–Africa Ecosystem Day and London Africa Network closing mixer.
Participants will also gain access to market-entry sessions, investment discussions, commercial expansion support and discounted access to selected Africa-focused events around London Tech Week.
Beyond the conference, organisers said the initiative forms part of the broader UK–Africa Sandbox platform, which is evolving into a year-round support structure aimed at helping African startups expand into the UK while also creating pathways for British scale-ups into African markets.
The programme builds on earlier UK-backed tech hub initiatives established in Nigeria and South Africa and signals Britain’s growing long-term interest in Africa’s expanding digital economy.
Interested founders and ecosystem partners can register through the official UK–Africa Sandbox Ecosystem Week portal.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
