Incubation for the future global Economics. Africa’s time is NOW

Africa is witnessing a surge in innovative incubation models that focus on localised and sector-specific models while leveraging digital and Artificial Intelligence for incubation informal sector integration. With rapid growth in start-ups and innovation hubs, Africa is said to be shifting from being a consumer of technology to an innovation producer, cementing its role in global incubation. The observation was made by Prof Alex Ariho-a professor of business incubation and Chief Executive Officer of the African Agriculture Incubation Network (AAIN) and member of world advisory board of incubators representing Africa, at the launch of the China-Africa Industrial Incubation Alliance, last week in Beijing, China.

The conference running under the ‘2025 ZGC Forum’ and held under the theme “Innovation and Development,” brought together top professionals from incubation institutions, renowned industry experts, and executives from global enterprises. AAIN has grown over the past decade -with membership of incubators, accelerators, into a premier global platform for high-end science and technology innovation operating in 55 member states as technical partners of the African Union. Discussions at the conference focused on deep-tech entrepreneurship models, future development trends, and the role of leading incubators.

Some of the AAIN products and services include incubation skills development and systems, technology and innovations commercialisation, structured financial services-among others. Professor Ariho indicated that Africa boasts of the world’s youngest and fastest growing population and one that can fuel economic expansion with immense opportunities. “Business incubators play a critical role in nurturing start-ups, provide access to funding, mentorship and infrastructure,” he noted.

Over the years, ZGC forum has facilitated connections between 1,600+ Chinese technology business incubators and tens of thousands of business accelerators and university-affiliated science parks worldwide, driving impactful innovation and collaboration.

In an increasingly interconnected world, the collaboration between continents plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. China and Africa, as two dynamic regions with rapidly growing economies, share a mutual interest in leveraging each other’s strengths to drive sustainable development. Recognizing the critical importance of such collaboration, the African Agribusiness Incubators Network (AAIN) is honored to enter into a close partnership and collaboration with the World Intelligent Incubation Network (WIIN) under the leadership of Prof. Yan Zhenjun, the founding director and a member of the world advisory board of incubators. Prof. Yan Zhenjun is the founder of the World Intelligent Incubation Network (WIIN) and serves as the Executive Director of the Capital Institute of Science and Technology Development Strategy (CISTDS). A distinguished expert in business incubation, he is a Professor at Beijing Normal University and the author of China’s first doctoral thesis on incubation

Prof Ariho said “Bridging Continents for Innovation: Strengthening Sino-African Collaboration in Incubation and Entrepreneurship,” is aimed at exploring and deepening the partnership between Africa and China in the realms of business incubation, acceleration, and enterprise development. By bringing together key stakeholders from both continents, the platforms developed by AAIN and WIIN will serve as a catalyst for developing tailored programs that address the unique challenges and opportunities within Africa’s incubation and acceleration ecosystem. AAIN participation and representation of Africa at world leading incubators forum was an opportunity to align efforts, share knowledge, and build a sustainable platform for continuous exchange and cooperation, ultimately fostering innovation and economic growth across borders.

The World Intelligent Incubation Network (WIIN) was initiated by the Capital Institute of Science & Technology Development Strategy (CISTDS) in Beijing, China, connects China’s dynamic entrepreneurship and incubation ecosystem with global counterparts. Supported by the Chinese government and major corporations, WIIN links thousands of Chinese incubators and millions of start-ups with international incubators, accelerators, companies, and investors. WIIN provides a platform for global collaboration, offering access to resources, financing, and networking opportunities. Members, including start-ups, incubators, big companies, and investors, benefit
from services like industry research, smart matching, and training, fostering a robust global innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The collaboration between AAIN and WIIN is a strategic move that aligns with our shared vision of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship on a global scale. By leveraging the strengths of both networks, we can create a more robust and interconnected incubation ecosystem that supports sustainable development, job creation, and wealth generation in Africa and beyond said Ms. Angela Yu, Chief Executive Officer, World Intelligent Incubators Network (WIIN)’s. She emphasized that the visit to China by delegates from African countries including Uganda, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Ghana was a crucial step in building this collaboration, providing an opportunity to align our strategies, identify synergies, and establish a strong foundation for future joint initiatives. The delegates included among others Included Prof Alex Ariho, Mr. James Natweta Baguma, Dr. Epezagne Assamala Ingrid Ruth, Prof. Meshack Amos Obonyo, Ms. Sara worku, Ms. Uzoamaka Joe-Nkamuke, Dr Nuwagaba Geoffrey and Kofi Adin Joseph

About AAIN:
AAIN is an Africa led, and Africa owned membership organization that brings together Incubators,
Accelerators, and Enterprise Support Organizations (ESOs) across Africa and beyond reaching 8000+ members. It collaborates with various institutions based on their membership status, ensuring a vibrant and interconnected ecosystem that fosters incubation, acceleration, innovation and entrepreneurship through business incubation and innovation ecosystem building.