Innovation Rooted in Africa — Catalyze 2025 Happens Tomorrow 🌍

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In this Edition
  • One Day to Catalyze
  • Mixer Invitation
  • Members Only Events
  • Ecosystem Updates
  • International events relevant to African Founders

The Wait Is Over. Tomorrow We Catalyze.

Catalyze 2025 happens tomorrow, and it already feels like something historic is about to unfold. After months of planning, conversations, and preparation, we’re finally coming together to shine a light on African innovation in its truest form. This is not just another conference. It’s a gathering of visionaries, doers, and dreamers who believe that the solutions to Africa’s biggest challenges are already being built right here, by us.


🎥 Sneak Peek: What’s Waiting for You at Catalyze 2025

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From reimagining energy access to designing self-sufficient health systems to unlocking new models of cross-border funding, tomorrow’s sessions will spotlight the people and ideas that are changing the narrative of what’s possible. These aren’t abstract theories. They’re stories of resilience, creativity, and determination that prove Africa is not just participating in the global future, we are leading it.

We’re excited for you to be part of this moment. To learn, to connect, and to witness the powerful exchange of ideas that only happens when communities across borders come together. Tomorrow, we begin building not just conversations but commitments—toward futures that are African by design.

We can’t wait to share this day with you.


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Catalyze Conference Mixer in Houston!

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Unwind with Us: The Catalyze 2025 Post-Conference Mixer

After an intense day of panels and presentations, —you're going to decompress with good food, drinks and some conversation.

We know you've been to mixers that feel like work. This isn't that. This is where you can:

  • Actually talk to people without someone tapping the microphone or rushing you to the next session.
  • Meet passionate founders
  • Connect with investors and partners in a space that feels more like hanging out than pitching.

Look forward to seeing you at Catalyze 2025 Post-Conference Mixer!


Community

Updates from The Beta Collective Community by Priscilla

Members Only Event 🔐

a woman sitting at a table in front of a window
Photo by Surface / Unsplash

Pitch Tuesdays

Every Tuesday, members of our community get the spotlight to pitch their startups, side projects, or bold ideas. It’s a safe, supportive space to practice your pitch, get feedback, and connect with potential collaborators or mentors. Whether you’re refining your concept or ready to launch, this is your time to shine.

Members only. 🎤

Weekly WhatsApp Discussions

Join our WhatsApp group every week for a focused, real-time conversation around the topic of discussion. It’s a chance to share your take, ask questions, and learn from the lived experiences of others in the community.

Don’t miss out on our members-only event — it’s your chance to connect, pitch, and grow with a community that truly gets it.

Ecosystem

News, Events, and Updates by Jesse

In the News

PayPal commits $100M to scale digital commerce in MENA & Africa

PayPal announced a $100 million fund dedicated to scaling digital commerce across Africa and the Middle East. The initiative will focus on minority investments, strategic acquisitions, and infrastructure that accelerates digital payments adoption. For African startups, this signals stronger global integration and the possibility of more accessible cross-border commerce. With Africa’s digital economy projected to hit $180 billion by 2025, this commitment places the continent firmly in PayPal’s growth strategy.

PayPal commits $100 million to boost digital commerce growth in MENA, Africa
US-based PayPal will deploy $100 million across the Middle East and Africa through minority investments, acquisitions, PayPal…

Acumen Raises $246M for Clean Energy in Africa’s Hardest-to-Reach Communities

Impact investor Acumen has secured $246.5 million in blended finance to scale clean energy in underserved African markets. The fund, unveiled at COP28 and now operational, will support energy startups and projects that face high commercial risk, ensuring communities outside major urban hubs are not left behind in Africa’s energy transition. This comes as demand for off-grid and renewable solutions skyrockets, offering opportunities for local innovators to plug into global climate finance flows.

Acumen’s $246M ‘De-Risking’ Fund Targets Africa’s Energy Frontier - Launch Base Africa
Acumen’s $246M ‘De-Risking’ Fund Targets Africa’s Energy Frontier..Global impact investor Acumen has secured $246.5m

Funding and Resources

Antler – Global Early-Stage VC & Accelerator Open in Africa

Antler, a global early-stage venture capital and accelerator platform, is actively recruiting for new cohorts in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. Founders who join Antler receive initial funding, intensive mentorship, and access to Antler’s worldwide investor and startup community. Antler is open to both solo founders and early-stage teams looking to build scalable businesses.

Antler | The World’s Day Zero Investor
Antler is the world’s day zero investor, enabling exceptional founders to build startups and great companies, from the very beginning.

Events

Africa Tech Festival (Cape Town) – 11–14 November 2025

A major infrastructure and innovation event featuring AfricaCom and AfricaTech under one roof. Expect a mix of telecom operators, regulators, startup pitch stages, and investor lounges.

Africa Tech Festival: Welcome | Africa Tech Festival
Discover Africa Tech Festival, Cape Town’s premier event for innovation, tech trends, and networking with industry leaders from Africa and beyond.

Techne Summit (Alexandria, Egypt) – 4–6 October 2025

A Mediterranean-focused tech event with an expanding African presence. It features startup competitions, high-level panels, and pairing with VC firms and corporates.

Techne Summit 2025
Techne Summit is the flagship event of Egypt Innovation Week—a powerhouse gathering of startups, investors, and industry leaders driving the future of innovation. Happening this October, and after attracting over 45,000 attendees last year, we’re set to make this year’s edition even bigger. Expect bolder ideas, stronger connections, and game-changing opportunities.

AI Expo Africa 2025

📍 Johannesburg, South Africa | 🗓️ 29–31 October 2025
Africa’s largest AI and smart tech trade show, spotlighting generative AI, fintech automation, healthtech, and enterprise AI solutions.

AI Expo Africa - Africa’s Largest Enterprise AI Trade Show and Conference
Africa’s largest B2B 4IR trade show and conference - Uniting 1000s of Enterprise AI, RPA and Smart Tech buyers and suppliers across Africa

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