UK launches first pan-African founder support programme during London Tech Week

The UK government has launched its first coordinated pan-African founder support programme during London Tech Week, marking a major step in strengthening technology and investment ties between the UK and Africa.

The initiative, known as the UK–Africa Ecosystem Week, is backed by the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) Africa and delivered by the UK–Africa Sandbox and Ventures 54 in partnership with the UK Department for Business and Trade, the UK South Africa Tech Hub, the UK Nigeria Tech Hub, London & Partners and the Mayor of London’s office.

Organisers say the programme signals a new phase in the UK’s position as a global launchpad for African technology companies seeking international growth and investment opportunities.

London Tech Week, one of the world’s largest annual technology gatherings, attracts more than 100,000 participants across over 500 events. The new initiative introduces a structured support system aimed at helping African founders navigate the event more effectively and connect with investors, partners and expansion opportunities in the UK market.

The programme will provide curated sessions, concierge-style support, dedicated workspaces and a flagship UK–Africa Ecosystem Day designed to connect African founders with key stakeholders across the UK innovation ecosystem.

Supported by London & Partners, the Mayor of London’s office and London Tech Week organisers, the initiative builds on years of informal ecosystem engagement through the London Africa Network. What began as community networking events has now evolved into a full-scale week-long programme focused on supporting African startups entering the UK market.

Anthony William Catt, founder of Ventures 54 and UK-Africa Sandbox, said the initiative reflects growing interest from African entrepreneurs looking to scale globally through the UK.

“We’ve seen a clear increase in the number of African founders coming to London Tech Week to explore the UK market. Over the past four years, we’ve been building support around that, starting with a simple mixer, evolving into full day of programming, and now scaling into a full week of activity. This is about putting the right structure in place, so African founders have a dedicated support track to get the most out of the week and access the best of what the UK has to offer.”

Ben Ainsley, Acting His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa, said the UK remains an attractive destination for high-growth African startups.

“As home to one of the world’s largest and fastest growing tech ecosystems, a deep VC pool and unrivalled access to global talent, the UK is a natural next step for ambitious African founders looking to scale internationally. The UK Government is committed to supporting high-growth international companies succeed in the UK and initiatives like the UK–Africa Sandbox demonstrate our focus on making it easier for African founders to access support and fully engage with the UK’s world-class innovation ecosystem.”

Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth, Howard Dawber, highlighted the importance of closer commercial ties between London and African markets.

“London is a global hub for investment and innovation, and our strength comes from our international connections. Following the Mayor of London's successful trade mission to Africa last year, we continue to see exciting opportunities to deepen partnerships between London and Africa. Initiatives like this to boost our tech ecosystems, launched at London Tech Week, will help us to do just that as we continue to build a better, more prosperous London for everyone.”

Janet Coyle CBE, Managing Director of London & Partners, said the programme reinforces London’s role as a leading global technology centre.

"The launch of the UK-Africa Ecosystem Week emphasises the importance of the channel between London and African ecosystems. We are delighted to bring it into the fold of London Tech Week, an event which highlights London’s role as a Europe’s leading tech hub, driving innovation across industries and connecting the brightest minds from around the globe.”

The UK–Africa Ecosystem Week will host founders and delegations from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Algeria and Ghana. Activities will begin on 7 June with a welcome reception at Africa Centre and conclude on 10 June with the flagship UK–Africa Ecosystem Day and London Africa Network closing mixer.

Participants will receive VIP access and tailored support throughout the week, including access to an Africa Lounge for meetings, Africa-focused panel sessions and roundtables, as well as practical guidance on UK market entry, investment opportunities and commercial expansion.

Organisers said the programme forms part of the broader UK–Africa Sandbox, a year-round pan-African platform aimed at supporting African founders entering the UK market while also creating opportunities for UK scale-ups to expand into African markets.

The platform builds on earlier initiatives developed through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the UK South Africa Tech Hub and the UK Nigeria Tech Hub, with expanded support tracks now planned across multiple African markets.