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INDUSTRY

FastTrackTech Africa

astTrackTech is intended for all the digital start-ups in
operation in Benin, Ethiopia, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Rwanda,
Tanzania and Zambia. We kicked off the project in
Zambia in December 2019. For the next two years,
Fthe UN’s International Trade Centre, based in Geneva,
is committed to supporting 2,000 digital entrepreneurs who
aspire to international growth. Thanks to a targeted coaching
and training project, FastTrackTech will bring start-ups closer to
investors, help to develop their customer base and supports in
establishing new partnerships.
An ambitious support programme
We all have in mind the success story of a start-up that will
shake up digital Africa. It all begins with a good idea that
changes our lives. But to make their mark as a giant of Africa
Tech, the entrepreneur must demonstrate audacity and
perseverance. Surrounding oneself with investors, diversifying
the customer base, conquering new markets and managing
regulations, is not so easily done. To go the distance, a helping
hand can prove invaluable. Among the numerous support
programmes for entrepreneurs, FastTrackTech highlights some
significant advantages. “The purpose of our initiative is resolutely
international. Investors worldwide are likely to take a chance on
African digital innovation. We aim to facilitate contacts”, explains
Martin Labbé, programme coordinator. Another strong point: the
implication of public authorities in initiatives for access to markets and
training sessions. “The project is counting on full cooperation between
private players and governmental bodies. The Ministries in charge of
Innovation, digital and trade are stakeholders in the actions undertaken
by FastTrackTech”. Funded by Canada, Denmark, Finland, Ireland,
Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands Trust Fund IV, the FastTrackTech
programme is run by the United Nations. “It’s the assurance of impartial
advice and of access to a vast network of actors”, underlines Martin
Labbé.
A door to the 4YFN event
Organised in conjunction with the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona,
the 4 years from now event, is one of the most influential international
trade fairs. Bringing together tech start-ups, investors and principal
players, the event attracts more than 25,000 visitors. Pitch contests,
conferences, workshops and B2B encounters are organised over a
period of 3 days, in a hive of productive activity. A significant advantage
– thanks to the FastTrackTech programme – is that a selection of
start-ups will be sponsored to hold a stand. One start-up per country is
selected, BroadPay (Sparco) being the selected Zambian start-up.

FastTrackTech

49 The Africa We Want