The Duke of York, Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote and former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo have joined forces to launch the African Entrepreneurship Programme (AEP), aimed at developing Africa’s private sector and stimulating innovation across the continent.
The AEP will be a joint initiative of the Duke of York’s Pitch@Palace and The Global African Investment Summit (TGAIS), and will support African entrepreneurs and young businesses in need of capital and mentorship by connecting them with potential investors.
This year’s TGAIS will allow young AEP entrepreneurs and startups to showcase their business ideas to potential investors, with the three most talented entrepreneurs then set to be picked to present their business proposals to an audience of potential investors and mentors at a Pitch@Palace event in London on December 1.
“The programme is greatly honoured for the Duke of York’s commitment to support entrepreneurship in Africa,” said Paul Sinclair, director of TGAIS.
Obasanjo and Dangote will provide ongoing support for young businesses and entrepreneurs selected by the programme.
“Africa is a continent of growth and home to the world’s youngest population. We are very pleased to support Africa’s growth and develop its workforce through the AEP,” said Obasanjo.
TGAIS is run in partnership with five African state houses and brings together the public and private sectors to discuss specific transactions, access to finance, and bankable projects in Sub-Saharan Africa requiring investment and technology transfer.
