Afric’innov is marking its 10th anniversary with plans to rethink how business incubators and accelerators support African entrepreneurs, as artificial intelligence (AI) challenges their traditional role and many struggle to secure sustainable funding.
Founded in 2016 with support from the French Development Agency (AFD), Afric’innov brings together more than 130 entrepreneurship support organizations across 26 African countries. Its anniversary summit officially opened on November 6 at the Sarakawa Hotel in Lomé, drawing 200 participants from Togo and 17 other countries.
The three-day gathering, running from November 5 to 7, is expected to conclude on Saturday with the presentation of the Lomé Manifesto, following four months of discussions on service quality, financing, AI and public policy.
AI Raises Questions About the Value of Business Incubators
Entrepreneurs can now access AI-powered assistants directly from their smartphones, raising questions about what additional value incubators and accelerators can offer, according to Afric’innov President Christian Jekinnou.
"We asked ourselves what business support organizations can still offer when everyone has access to a coach in their pocket," he said.
Jekinnou said the growing use of AI had prompted the network to reassess how incubators, accelerators and other support organizations could remain relevant to entrepreneurs and businesses. That debate shaped the theme of this year's summit, which focuses on supporting entrepreneurs in the age of artificial intelligence.
"We cannot simply claim that we add value. We have to prove it," he said at the opening ceremony.
Jekinnou wants incubators and accelerators to help businesses develop AI skills and build AI agents, much as business support organizations have previously helped companies adopt digital technologies.
He said Afric’innov's mission is to strengthen the organizations that work directly with entrepreneurs, helping them improve the quality and effectiveness of their services.
Funding Exists, but Often Fails to Reach Those Who Need It
In Togo, 73% of people starting businesses rely on their own savings, while 21% turn to family and friends. Only 5% secure formal financing, according to World Bank data from 2021.
"Funding is available. The problem is that it is not always available where it is needed," Jekinnou said.
Investors typically favor larger investments than most small businesses need. Jekinnou called on governments to take greater risks in financing smaller projects to help close that gap.
Incubators and accelerators also face financial difficulties because the startups they serve often cannot afford to pay for their services. Jekinnou called for a mix of public funding and revenue earned through services, without prescribing a single business model.
Togo Outlines AI Plans and Startup Support Measures
Romaric Agbagla, director of the Togo AI Lab, represented Minister Cina Lawson at the summit and outlined the country's Digital and AI Compact for 2026-2031, which is being finalized.
Togo reports nearly 99% 4G network coverage and expects to have a national supercomputer in place during the first half of 2027. A program scheduled to begin in 2028 will give around 30 companies access to computing resources. The government aims to increase the information and communications technology sector's contribution to GDP to 6% by 2031.
Agbagla said business support organizations provide a vital link between government policies, financing and technology on one hand, and entrepreneurs working in places such as Lomé's Hédzranawoé market or workshops in Kara on the other.
The Djanta Tech Hub, launched in May, is expected to support approximately 72 startups by July 2027.
The Lomé Manifesto is scheduled to be presented after the network's general assembly. Afric’innov will then develop an action plan covering pilot projects, the AIready initiative, updates to its quality certification program and a system for tracking progress.
A white paper detailing the discussions and their conclusions will be published at a later date.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi