The Africa Business Angel Network (ABAN) has launched two new thematic angel networks aimed at supporting startups that are building solutions in the smart cities and digital trade sectors on the continent.
Established in 2015, ABAN is the largest pan-African organisation of angel investors, representing more than 65 business angel groups with a combined 1,400 across 35 African countries as well as the diaspora.
The Smart Cities and Digital Trade angel networks will focus on curtailing issues faced by urban cities in Africa by investing into startups offering opportunities to resolve these issues.
These networks make up the final two of four thematic networks announced by ABAN in partnership with AEDIB|Net last year, which include the Climate Smart Agriculture and Clean Technology angel networks.
Angel investor and founder of OneCart Lynton Peters will champion the Digital Trade Angel Network while founding Board Member of Cameroon Angels Network Serge Ntamack will be heading the Smart Cities Angel Network. Both initiatives are supported by ABAN president Tomi Davies and ABAN secretary general Fadilah Tchoumba.
“ABAN would like to commend its angel investor networks for the work they are doing on strengthening the African startup ecosystem. Our network acknowledges all the catalytic contributions as mentors and angel investors in supporting startups across Africa. Our champions’ commitment to driving angel investment into African startups has made them leaders in Digital Trade and Smart Cities,” Tchoumba said.