Latest news with #NTFV
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Ghana's innovation hubs move from recovery to resilience
From Accra to outlying areas, Ghana's innovation hubs are showing what's possible when local knowledge meets international support. This is how they're scaling solutions, building networks, and shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs. After the pandemic, many of Ghana's innovation hubs faced significant challenges. Several hubs struggled to deliver services, support startups effectively, or sustain their own business models. Without intervention, the broader ecosystem risked fragmentation. 'We were coming off the back of COVID, and most hubs had been hit hard,' says Yaw Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman of the Ghana Hubs Network. 'Their service and product models had collapsed. They needed to rebuild, and quickly.' From 2022 to 2025, the Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF V) Ghana Tech project supported Ghana's innovation hubs with targeted training and expert guidance. The NTF V project partnered with the Ghana Hubs Network and international trainers to help hubs improve their operations, deliver better support to startups, and play a stronger role in the innovation economy. Investing in foundational skills In 2022, NTF V launched an eight-week training programme for hub staff and leadership. Led by Swiss-based business models and tools expert Nadine Reichenthal, the programme introduced tools such as the business model canvas, empathy mapping, and value proposition design. Additional sessions covered marketing, communication, business planning and startup coaching techniques. 'This training helped hubs gain structure and clarity,' says Adu-Gyamfi. 'It enabled them to rethink how they operate and how best to support the startups in their network.' In 2023, the focus shifted to coaching hub leaders to apply the tools in practice. By 2025, the Ghana Hubs Network had taken full ownership of this process and began delivering training and guidance independently. 'That was a turning point,' he says. 'It meant the ecosystem no longer depended on external facilitation. We were now equipped to sustain and scale the knowledge locally.' Practical application in the field AgricoHub, an rural hub focused on agritech and entrepreneurship, is one of the many hubs that completed the full training cycle. Co-founder David Yeboah joined the first cohort in 2022. 'Before, we supported startups, but not in a structured way,' he says. 'Now, we use tools like the empathy map and value proposition canvas to help founders identify customer needs and refine their offerings.' Yeboah highlights the success of one entrepreneur who manufactures and exports shea butter. 'We worked closely with her using what we'd learned. She's now been accepted into UNICEF's Startup Lab (based in the capital). That's the kind of result we're aiming for.' AgricoHub has since trained over 20 startups, several of which are now part of a Startup Cooperative Credit Union to access funding and peer support. 'We've embedded these tools into our daily work,' Yeboah says. 'They've become part of how we do business.' "The training built my confidence. I now mentor other hub leaders, and we're building a peer-learning platform for startups to share knowledge with one another." David Yeboah, AgricoHub co-founder Strengthening partnerships and access to funding A critical barrier for many hubs was limited access to funding and difficulty meeting grant requirements. In response, NTF V introduced a follow-on programme in 2025 focused on grants, fundraising, and partnership development. This was done in conjunction with the Ecosystems and Institutions division with training led by Tonia Dadwe. Participants learned how to identify funding opportunities, engage with donors, and build sustainable funding strategies. 'This filled a major gap,' says Adu-Gyamfi. 'Hubs were previously unable to position themselves well with funders. The training gave them the tools to meet requirements and communicate their value more effectively.' National reach, local impact Over 50 hubs across Ghana participated in the training, ensuring that all regions had the opportunity to benefit. 'We were deliberate about geographic spread,' says Adu-Gyamfi. 'Hubs in smaller towns and rural areas play a vital role in job creation and problem-solving in their communities. Strengthening them is critical to inclusive economic growth.' He adds that well-equipped hubs often become anchors for local innovation. 'They support MSMEs (small businesses), encourage entrepreneurship, and enable solutions to local challenges. That's how you strengthen the economy from the ground up.' Reaching underserved regions While the formal training under NTF V has ended, both Adu-Gyamfi and Yeboah are clear that this is just the beginning. There is increasing demand for maker spaces in underserved regions, and a growing need for support in agritech, green economy, and digital services. 'There is real appetite for hands-on facilities like maker spaces in rural areas,' says Adu-Gyamfi. 'Many young people have ideas, but no access to tools or prototyping resources. That's something we must address.' AgricoHub's startup cooperative encourages peer learning and reduces overreliance on coaching staff. 'We want startups to take ownership of their development and learn from each other's experience,' says Yeboah. The Ghana Hubs Network is now exploring new partnerships to scale this work. 'We've made significant progress, but there are still more hubs and startups that need support,' says Adu-Gyamfi. 'With the right partners, we can build on what we've started and expand the impact.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
eQUB brings Ethiopia's traditional saving system into the digital age
Fintech company eQUB is digitizing Ethiopia's traditional savings culture through its mobile app. With support from the NTF V Tech project in Ethiopia, the business is bringing a trusted community system online to improve financial access, transparency and inclusion. In Ethiopia, informal saving groups known as 'equb' have long helped people access money when formal credit options are limited. It's a system built on trust, and used by friends, neighbours, and families who pool funds and take turns receiving the total contribution. Now, that familiar tradition is being transformed into a digital platform with global potential. With support from the Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF V) Programme at the International Trade Centre (ITC), Ethiopian fintech company eQUB has developed an app that digitises this centuries-old savings model. Users can create and join groups online, manage contributions, automate payments and record-keeping, and access features such as digital withdrawals and customer support. Where the idea came from In 2018, eQUB co-founder and CEO Alexander Abay Hizikias struggled to access funding for his business. 'Banks want collateral that most early-stage entrepreneurs don't have, and microfinance loans are expensive,' he says. 'I ended up joining a traditional equb to get the money I needed, and it made me realize this system could work better if it was digital.' After nearly two years of development, eQUB was officially registered in 2020. The first version of the app was based on assumptions, but user feedback quickly showed the team what needed to change. That led to a much-improved second version, shaped by real user input and behaviour. The eQUB App is now available in English and four local languages. It offers two main options. In private groups, people who already know each other can manage their equb through the app, using features like automatic record-keeping and secure payments. In public groups, individuals can join others with similar savings goals. The app helps match members and handles the draw system fairly. Backed by global support and exposure eQUB's growth has picked up speed since joining the NTF V Ethiopia Tech project. The programme has provided technical training, mentoring, and financial support to help the company take part in international trade shows and startup events. Since then, the number of users has grown from 25,000 to over 110,000. Monthly savings through the platform now exceed eight figures in Ethiopian birr, and eQUB is on track to surpass 100 million birr ($720,000) in total savings processed by 2026. eQUB gained further recognition at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) and 4YFN (Four Years From Now) in Barcelona, two of the world's leading platforms for mobile innovation and startups, where it won the Best FinTech Pitch award in 2024. The company also topped the FinTech category at AfricArena Johannesburg, standing out among strong competitors from across the African continent. These wins attracted interest from global investors, some of whom have since visited eQUB's headquarters in Addis Ababa. At the AfricArise Scale Programme, which included mentorship from experienced founders, cloud infrastructure specialists, and finance professionals, eQUB won $50,000 in Amazon Web Services credits at events in Johannesburg and London. These resources have helped reduce the costs of scaling the platform's technical infrastructure. Local impact, global relevance The company has already identified similar saving systems in other African countries that follow the same model, such as 'susu' in Ghana, 'esusu' in Nigeria and 'stokvels' in South Africa. 'People in these countries are already familiar with community savings,' says Hizikias. 'Instead of introducing unfamiliar digital banking products, we're building on what people already trust and making it more secure and trackable.' To support this, the eQUB App is developing a credit scoring system based on users' savings and payout history. 'Right now, if someone has participated in an equb for 10 years, they have no proof of financial reliability. Our platform creates a digital trail that could help them access formal credit down the line,' he says. Hizikias also has advice for other fintech founders. 'Before you raise money, prove your product works. Start small, find early users, and focus on solving real problems. Then use international platforms to test your idea against global standards. That's where you'll really learn and grow.' As eQUB enters its next phase of growth, the company is actively raising its first seed funding round, which it aims to close by the end of 2025. With a growing user base, international recognition, and deep cultural relevance, eQUB is showing how local innovation, when supported and scaled well, can compete and succeed globally. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
How a volunteer group grew into a Ugandan tech leader
Ten years ago, the ICT Association of Uganda (ICTAU) was a small, volunteer-run organization with limited capacity. It had one staff member, a working board, and little visibility among decision-makers. Uganda's tech sector was expanding, but ICTAU lacked the structure and support needed to keep up. With stronger governance and support from the NTF V FastTrackTech project in Uganda, ICTAU is now shaping policy, supporting start-ups, and building a more inclusive digital economy. A decade ago, coordination among tech companies was weak. Many worked in isolation, unaware of the benefits of joining a larger network. Governance was also a challenge. Without a professional secretariat or strong leadership, the association could not consistently deliver value to its members. Gideon Nkurunungi, who joined ICTAU in 2022 and became CEO the next year, says that early on, the association had little influence. 'We didn't have proper systems in place. Most members weren't active. We weren't running events or engaging in policy discussions. There was potential, but no structure to realise it.' Strategic support sparks change That started to change when ICTAU partnered with the International Trade Centre's Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF V) FastTrackTech project. One of the first areas of support was internal governance. The board expanded to include more diverse expertise, and the organization established a permanent secretariat. This included the creation of the CEO role, which brought in professional leadership for the first time. NTF V FastTrackTech also helped ICTAU develop programmes focused on start-up support, export readiness, and certification. Members received training in agile and lean start-up methods, connected with international buyers, and exhibited at global events. Inclusion was another key focus. NTF V FastTrackTech encouraged ICTAU to increase support for women-led and youth-led businesses. This led to the formation of a Women in Tech chapter and more women joining the board. New spaces for dialogue and networking The changes quickly produced results. ICTAU launched the National ICT Summit and the CIO breakfast series, both of which created new spaces for dialogue and networking. Members could now meet face to face, showcase products, and exchange ideas. These events also increased the association's profile with government, donors, and international partners. ICTAU also began engaging more actively in policy. It hosted roundtables, consulted on draft legislations, and crafted reports on sector trends and challenges. Members had new ways to make their voices heard. Membership growth followed. The association has grown from around 100 members at the start of the NTF V partnership to over 300 today. These include students, startups, non-governmental organizations, professionals, and larger companies. 'Members are more involved now. They attend events, ask questions, and share experiences. We've become a proper community, not just a database,' says Nkurunungi. 'Having structure and a clear direction lets us serve more people and deliver better results,' says Nkurunungi. 'The work we're doing now lays the foundation for the next ten years.' Plans for mentorship Uganda is one of East Africa's fastest-growing economies, with a rising wave of fintech, foodtech, software and data startups. Start-ups play a key role in driving economic growth, creating high-value jobs and advancing national development. Building on the FastTrackTech foundation, ICTAU is planning a series of new initiatives. A startup chapter is being developed to offer more targeted support to early-stage companies. A mentorship programme is also in the pipeline, linking local entrepreneurs with experienced mentors from other regions. The association will continue its work on policy engagement and certification, aiming to keep members aligned with global standards. Regular events and published insights will remain key features of ICTAU's work. 'We're not treating FastTrackTech as a one-off project,' says Nkurunungi. 'It has shaped the way we work, and we're keeping that approach.' About the project The Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF) (July 2021 – June 2025) is based on a partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Netherlands and the International Trade Centre. The programme supports MSMEs in the digital technologies and agribusiness sectors. Its ambition is two-fold: to contribute to an inclusive and sustainable transformation of food systems, partially through digital solutions, and drive the internationalization of tech start-ups and export of IT&BPO companies in selected Sub-Saharan African countries. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Training Ethiopia's next wave of freelancers to earn, grow and go global
A digital training initiative is helping young Ethiopians turn freelancing into a viable career, opening up new opportunities for income, independence and access to global work. Ethiopia is emerging as a strong contender in the global freelance economy. With more than 200,000 science graduates each year, expanding internet access, and some of the most competitive labour costs in Africa, the country has the conditions to scale remote work. Supported by digital payment reforms and a national taskforce focused on freelancing, the country is working to turn its digital talent into a driver of economic growth. Until recently, however, few young people had access to structured support or training to help them enter the freelance market. That's starting to change. A recent Digital Freelancing Training Programme trained 353 participants – 186 women and 167 men – in how to build sustainable careers as freelancers and access the global gig economy. The training covered everything from financial planning and personal branding to project management and securing online clients. The training was supported by the Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF V) Ethiopia Tech project at the International Trade Centre (ITC). From employment to independence Nardos Seifu, a design and research strategist based in Addis Ababa, joined the programme after seeing a post on social media. Her work focuses on human-centred design, innovation, and facilitating learning experiences. She had long been interested in consulting but didn't know how to position herself as a freelancer. 'I had the skills, but I didn't know how to offer them as a service,' she said. 'The training explained how freelancing works, including how to price your time, promote yourself, and manage your work professionally.' Since completing the course, she has formalized a tutoring side job and is applying for remote design consulting roles. She credits the financial planning sessions for helping her organise her income and time and is using platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to grow her visibility. 'I've always wanted to open a design studio that trains young people in design thinking. Now I feel like that's possible.' Adapting to local realities The training was delivered online through weekly webinars, practical guides and interactive sessions. Internet access was a challenge for some participants, particularly outside Addis Ababa, so the team used multiple channels, including Telegram, SMS and email, to keep learners engaged. A key resource was the Become a Freelancer Checklist, a step-by-step guide to setting goals, building online profiles, and managing client work. Enquanhone also authored a companion eBook, Become an Online Freelancer, which covers everything from branding and pricing to productivity and digital tools. Turning lessons into action Participants were encouraged to apply what they learnt immediately. For Seifu, that meant tracking tutoring hours, setting a consistent hourly rate, and using scheduling tools to stay on top of her workload. 'We were taught to treat freelancing like a business,' she said. 'That means knowing your value, being organised, and communicating clearly.' The programme also introduced tools for building an online presence. Nardos, previously hesitant about platforms like TikTok, is now using it to share insights and reach new audiences. 'There are a lot of tools out there. The programme helped me figure out which ones matter and how to use them.' Following the training, many participants began applying their new skills immediately. A total of 148 entrepreneurs – including 63 women and 137 young people – have enhanced their ability to work as freelancers as a result of gaining practical tools to manage clients, projects and income streams. Of those trained, 87 participants (35 women and 81 youth) secured new jobs, demonstrating the programme's early success in improving employability and access to income-generating opportunities. Growing a freelance community Participants came from diverse sectors – including marketing, development, and tech – and peer learning was a core part of the experience. 'We were learning from each other,' said Seifu. 'We talked about our goals and shared what was working.' Still, Ethiopia's freelance ecosystem is young. Seifu noted the lack of local networks or co-working spaces for freelancers. A Telegram group created through the programme helps alumni stay in touch and share opportunities, but participants see the need for more structured, long-term support. A model for future growth The early results are promising. Graduates are putting their new skills into practice and exploring new income streams. But to sustain progress, Ethiopia will need to invest in ongoing mentorship, stronger digital infrastructure and formal recognition of the freelance sector. 'This training was a starting point,' said Enquanhone. 'Now we need to expand access, build networks and make freelancing a respected path to employment.' With the right support, Ethiopia's freelancers could help shape the country's digital economy and become a model for others across the continent. A model for future growth The early results are promising. Graduates are putting their new skills into practice and exploring new income streams. But to sustain progress, Ethiopia will need to invest in ongoing mentorship, stronger digital infrastructure and formal recognition of the freelance sector. 'This training was a starting point,' said Enquanhone. 'Now we need to expand access, build networks and make freelancing a respected path to employment.' With the right support, Ethiopia's freelancers could help shape the country's digital economy and become a model for others across the continent. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
Zawya
09-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Senegalese companies see accessibility as good business
As Senegal aims to become a digital leader in Africa, shared growth requires inclusive approaches. Start-ups working with the NTF V project at the International Trade Centre (ITC) gained a better understanding of standards that open technologies to all. Senegal's digital accessibility challenge Senegal has launched a Technological New Deal, setting out to become a digital leader in Africa by 2050. As artificial intelligence and digital innovation open up new prospects for growth, inclusivity is becoming a crucial issue. How can we build a more prosperous society without offering all its citizens fair access to information and communication technologies? For over 10 years, this issue has been the driving force behind the commitment of Amath Ndiaye, co-founder of Bakhtech. In France as in Senegal, Bakhtech combines technology and solidarity to improve the daily lives of people with physical, sensory or mental disabilities. 'According to the WTO, 16% of the world's population is affected by a disabling health problem. And this proportion is higher in developing countries. So we need to do more. Bakhtech's ambition is to make technology perceptible, usable and understandable to everyone,' he said. Countries in the South are all too often unaware of international standards for digital accessibility. This has serious consequences for people with disabilities, since digital technology increasingly shapes our relationship with the world around us. 'The challenge is to preserve the autonomy, freedom and employability of people with disabilities. Did you know that the professions of physiotherapist and computer scientist are the most popular among visually impaired people? Yet I remember a blind physiotherapist who, from one day to the next, was no longer able to practice because his business software had been updated and was no longer accessible to him. Digital technology should not be a threat to employment, but an opportunity,' Ndiaye said. Marieme Soda Sall is director of SAMRES Sénégal, a call center offering mobility services to Swedish users with disabilities. 'Living with a disability in Senegal means living on the margins of society,' she said. 'Technology should be more at the service of people. SAMRES Senegal shows that this is possible. Thanks to digital tools, our operators can overcome geographical distance, language and cultural barriers. Based in Dakar, our teams deliver quality services every day to Swedish customers with disabilities.' Turning digital accessibility into a growth opportunity SAMRES Senegal takes a keen interest in the technological developments that are shaking up the work environment. 'Accessibility principles often lead to clearer design, more logical navigation and better organization of content, which benefits not only our customers but all our users,' Sall said. 'For us, it's a question of being more efficient, but also of facilitating collaboration with our international partners, for whom these standards are not an option.' As trainer, Amath Ndiaye led the webinar on 25 March. Individual coaching sessions are scheduled for companies wishing to go further. 'Bachtech has developed a solution based on artificial intelligence, capable of automatically detecting accessibility errors on any site,' Ndiaye said. 'Adopting universal accessibility standards is not just a question of social responsibility or ethics. It's also a way of reinforcing your brand image by making a strong social commitment.' He is delighted with the positive response he's received from companies that have taken the training. 'My hope is that Senegal will become a model of digital inclusion in West Africa, and even on the international stage. To achieve this, we need to get everyone on board with the issue of disability. And while there's still a long way to go, companies are beginning to understand that they can be agents of change and contribute to the emergence of an inclusive digital ecosystem.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
