Four African organisations have been selected to join Cohort 7 of the global DEEP Startup Ecosystem Accelerator (DEEPSEA), a development expected to strengthen innovation ecosystems across the continent and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers.
The selected organisations from Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Uganda will take part in a two-year programme designed to help ecosystem builders develop stronger support systems for startups rather than focusing only on individual businesses. Their participation reflects growing international recognition of Africa’s innovation potential and is expected to contribute to stronger regional economies by improving access to funding, partnerships, business support and sustainable innovation.
Unlike traditional startup accelerators that work directly with founders, DEEPSEA supports the organisations that build and strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems. Run by DEEP Ecosystems, the programme brings together incubators, universities, development agencies, corporations and public institutions to create better conditions for innovation and long-term economic growth.
The programme equips participants with structured frameworks, data-driven strategies and access to international partnerships to address challenges that continue to limit the growth of local startup ecosystems.
According to DEEP Ecosystems, the programme’s mission is to empower local community leaders to design, build and fund sustainable, membership-driven innovation hubs. Its broader vision is to make world-class innovation ecosystems accessible beyond traditional technology centres by supporting local entrepreneurs and sustainable funding models.
Four African organisations driving innovation
Africa International Policy Research Center (AIPRC) from Nairobi, Kenya, joins the programme through its Africa Re:Start Climate & Innovation Ecosystem Hub (ARCI-Hub). The initiative serves as a continental platform focused on climate innovation, youth entrepreneurship and sustainable enterprise development. It brings together startups, governments, investors and academic institutions to promote innovation in climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy and the circular economy. Through venture incubation programmes and a regulatory policy sandbox, ARCI-Hub works to attract green investment, support new businesses and create employment while positioning Africa as a leader in climate-resilient economic development.
Divasity, based in Lagos, Nigeria, is building a decentralised marketplace that connects creators and entrepreneurs directly with investors around the world. By removing geographical barriers that often limit access to funding, the platform helps promising businesses secure investment while offering integrated business development support. Its model combines funding infrastructure with growth tools, allowing entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into market-ready businesses and expand their access to global opportunities.
Ethiopian Youth Entrepreneurs Association (EYEA) from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is focused on empowering young entrepreneurs by connecting them with the resources they need to build successful businesses. The organisation provides training, access to finance and networking opportunities that help young innovators overcome challenges such as limited capital, skills shortages and policy barriers. Through its work, EYEA aims to turn young people from job seekers into job creators, contributing to Ethiopia’s long-term economic growth and a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Sankofa Lab, a subsidiary of Future Lab based in Bugolobi, Uganda, is working with the Government of Uganda to establish the country’s first Deep Tech Venture Studio. The initiative identifies and supports startups developing technologies in areas such as artificial intelligence, climate technology and smart agriculture. By offering incubation for early-stage ideas and acceleration for businesses that are ready for the market, Sankofa Lab helps innovators move from concept to commercial success while strengthening Uganda’s growing technology sector.
Building stronger startup ecosystems
The DEEPSEA accelerator runs over two years and is designed for advanced innovation hubs, universities and regional development agencies seeking to build sustainable startup ecosystems. Participants receive mentorship from experienced ecosystem builders who have developed successful innovation programmes across different regions of the world.
The programme also helps organisations analyse their local markets to identify competitive strengths and develop measurable growth strategies. Participants gain access to proven operational models inspired by internationally recognised innovation ecosystems, including Silicon Valley, Estonia, Munich and Chile, while adapting these approaches to local realities.
A key part of the accelerator is helping organisations develop sustainable business models that allow innovation hubs to operate independently over the long term. Participants also receive support in identifying funding opportunities through DEEP Ecosystems’ funding monitoring and partner-search tools, enabling them to pursue major public consortium grants and other financing opportunities.
As startup ecosystems become increasingly important in driving economic growth, programmes such as DEEPSEA are shifting attention towards the institutions that make entrepreneurship possible. By investing in ecosystem builders instead of focusing solely on individual startups, the accelerator is helping create stronger foundations for innovation, investment and job creation.
