East Africa Entrepreneurs Association Unlocking Opportunities in the Global Value Chain
The recent conclusion of the Innovation Coach Training program marks a significant milestone for the STARTUP10 Project, a groundbreaking initiative led by CIHEAM Bari, Italy. Dedicated to enhancing entrepreneurial capabilities and fostering sustainable innovation in the “Green” and “Blue” Economy Sectors, this project is poised to make a lasting impact in 10 partner countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan, Lebanon, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Albania, and Bosnia.
From January 29th to February 2nd, 2024, CIHEAM Bari, Italy hosted the intensive Innovation Coach Training program, bringing together 21 participants from local incubators.
These Innovation Coaches, carefully selected based on their roles and training needs, underwent rigorous training conducted by international experts. The program aimed to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to support teams working on challenges and open innovation projects, thereby driving sustainable entrepreneurship in their respective countries. EAEA was represented Mr. Vincent Olema who attended in-person in CIHEAM Bari, Italy.
The overarching goal of the STARTUP10 Project is to promote food security and youth employment across partner countries by strengthening business incubators and supporting local startups. Through initiatives such as management training courses and business coaching programs, the project aims to consolidate 140 local startups operating in the Agri-food sector and the “green” and “blue” economy. By fostering entrepreneurial collaboration and leveraging applied high technology in agriculture, the project seeks to create tangible opportunities for growth and development.
The STARTUP10 Project is a response to the pressing challenges of food insecurity and youth unemployment in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. By aligning with the government perspectives of the “Mattei Plan” and collaborating with Italian entrepreneurship, the project endeavors to foster sustainable innovation and drive economic growth in target regions.
With the successful completion of the Innovation Coach Training, the STARTUP10 Project now moves forward to the next phase: the launch of the STARTUP10 initiative in the 10 partner countries. This phase will involve selecting and supporting 140 local startups through a comprehensive coaching program, culminating in economic support for 21 winning startups.
The completion of the Innovation Coach Training represents a significant step forward for the STARTUP10 Project, signaling its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the Mediterranean and Africa regions. As the project progresses, it is poised to unlock new opportunities, empower local startups, and create a legacy of sustainable growth and development.
