Multi-regional innovation and startup acceleration platform, Africa Innovation Foundry (AIF), has launched in Abuja with a mission to unlock the continent’s innovation potential and build scalable, impact-driven ventures across all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
AIF is designed to bridge the gap between talent, capital, and opportunities by providing founders with structured support through incubation labs, regional bootcamps, policy dialogues, and investor pitch arenas. The Foundry will empower innovators in high-impact sectors such as health, education, agriculture, fintech, clean energy, and frontier digital technology.
Speaking at the launch, Executive Director of AIF, Deji Garuba noted that the Foundry represents a new era of inclusive innovation development on the continent.
“AIF exists to democratize innovation. Whether you are in Katsina, Sokoto, Maiduguri, or Abuja, you deserve access to the same opportunities that can turn your ideas into global solutions. We’re building a system that develops talent where it is and empowers communities through innovation that truly matters.”
A key highlight of AIF’s model is its region-specific engagement strategy, which tailors programmes to the unique strengths, opportunities, and development needs of each zone making AIF one of the first platforms to adopt a localised, impact-first innovation approach at national scale.
The launch event brought together stakeholders from government, development organisations, the private sector, venture capital, academia, and the tech ecosystem. The program featured a keynote address on driving innovation for economic transformation, an official unveiling of the AIF platform, and a fireside chat exploring the future of Africa’s innovation economy through the lens of policy, capital, and talent.
AIF is set to roll out its full suite of programs in the coming months, with regional activations planned for North-Central, North-West, North-East, South-East, South-South, and South-West. The initiative will also leverage strategic partnerships with ecosystem leaders, donors, investors, and government agencies.
