• Founder's Notes 
• Let’s Talk Tracks
• What does #AfricanbyDesign mean to us (vid)
• Members Only Events
• Ecosystem Updates
• International events relevant to African Founders

📮 Founder's Notes

I’ve been thinking a lot about what it really means to support innovation in Africa—not just by amplifying bold ideas, but by helping build the systems around them that allow those ideas to thrive.

That’s what Catalyze has always been about.

This year’s theme, African by Design, is personal. It reflects our belief that solutions built in Africa, by people who understand the context, are not just viable—they’re necessary. We're done waiting for global models to trickle down. We're focused on designing for ourselves, with the resources we already have, and the brilliance that’s always been here.

Each of our three tracks—health systems, energy access, and capital—represents a piece of what needs to work if we’re serious about shifting from survival to sovereignty. They’re not just topics. They’re pressure points. And they’re also opportunities to build together, across sectors, across borders.

If you’re reading this, you’re likely part of the community that's helping shape this future. Whether you're an operator, funder, researcher, or founder—we hope you’ll join us on September 25th.

Let’s get to work.

Ukeme Daniel
Founder, The Beta Collective

🌍 Introducing the Catalyze 2025 Innovation Tracks

Across the continent, innovators are designing solutions that are deeply local, wildly ambitious, and globally relevant. At Catalyze 2025, we’re bringing them into focus.

This year’s theme—African by Design: Building Local Innovations for Impact—centers the people and systems changing how Africa builds for itself. Our three innovation tracks highlight the work being done to move from dependency to self-determination, from extractive to equitable systems.

Catalyze 2025 is almost here, and while you may have already seen the three tracks we’ll be exploring, we want to take you a little deeper this time. Think of this as a closer look behind the curtain at why these tracks matter so much and what you can expect when you join us.

⚡ Track 1: Energy Access and Climate Futures

Energy is more than electricity. It is food storage, it is powering schools and hospitals, it is giving small businesses the ability to grow. For many communities across Africa, energy access is still a daily struggle. At the same time, climate change is placing new pressures on how we think about power and resilience.

In this track, we will dive into how innovators are closing the energy gap and creating solutions that work with Africa’s realities. You will hear about distributed systems that bring power closer to communities, new ways of financing climate adaptation, and how cold-chain infrastructure can transform agriculture and healthcare.

This is not just about turning the lights on. It is about creating a foundation for stronger economies, healthier communities, and a more resilient future.

💊 Track 2: Toward Self-Sufficient Health Systems

What if Africa could make more of its own medicines, build its own health infrastructure, and deliver care in ways that are designed for its people? That is the vision behind this track.

For too long, dependency on imported drugs and systems has held back the potential of healthcare on the continent. Here, we will look at bold ventures that are changing that reality. From regional pharmaceutical manufacturing to community-based care models, we will highlight stories of health systems that are built to last and built to serve.

This track is about turning aspiration into action. It is about reimagining health not as a sector where we are always behind but as one where African-led innovation leads the way.

💰 Track 3: Cross-Border Funding

Money moves the world, but when it comes to African founders, it often moves too slowly or not at all. The third track of Catalyze 2025 will focus on changing that.

We will explore how to unlock global capital by reframing risk, challenging outdated investment narratives, and building bridges that connect African entrepreneurs with the resources they need. You will hear about practical models that investors and operators are testing to get money where it is most needed and most effective.

If you care about seeing African startups scale and succeed, this track is for you. It is a chance to learn what works, share what does not, and be part of building a funding ecosystem that truly supports African innovation.

Why you should be there

Catalyze 2025 is for innovators, investors, policymakers, academics, and allies across the diaspora who believe in African ideas and want to see them grow. It is a place to connect, to be inspired, and to leave with ideas you can act on.

We cannot wait to share this space with you. Get ready for ideas that challenge, conversations that inspire, and a community that is building the future together.

📅 Save the date: 25 September, 2025
📍 Hybrid Event

🤝 How to participate in Catalyze

• Attend. Join the community roundtables
• Showcase. Founders and operators: nominate your venture for a track spotlight.
• Partner. Co-host a session, sponsor a track, or support the research that powers Catalyze.

✨ What does African by Design mean to us?

We asked our team, starting with our founder, Ukeme Daniel. In this short video, she shares her perspective—that being African by Design is about building solutions that fit our local context, rather than importing models that don’t reflect our realities.

Join us at Catalyze 2025 as we take this conversation further and spotlight African-led innovations shaping our future.

Members Only Event 🔐

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.

News

African Startups Reach $2B Funding in 2025, with a Heavy Tilt Toward Debt Financing

By August 2025, African startups had raised over $2 billion, powered by strong first-half momentum. But there’s a twist—45% of that funding came as debt, a notable uptick from 33% in 2024. The equity-to-debt balance raises important questions about risk, flexibility, and the sustainability of growth, even as ecosystem leaders like Egypt and Kenya continue drawing the most capital.

Funding and Resources

Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility (AECF)

Managed by Village Capital, the $4 million AECF is aimed at empowering early-stage, locally-led startups in Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania. Ventures with under $2 million in funding can access locally-oriented capital to help push growth.

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.

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.

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