Following an inspiring announcement at the recently concluded AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2024 in Cape Town, AfriLabs, the Pan-Afrikan hub network announced TechBuzz CEO and Founder, Keneth Twesigye as a new Member-at-Large on its Board of Directors —succeeding Dr. Itoro Emembolu, Director of Nigeria’s TechQuest STEM Academy.
Member at Large is a special board seat that allows the holder to take on special assignments as may be delegated by the board and oversee full execution. It’s an important position that allows the organization to respond to emerging high-priority interventions to serve better the welfare of Afrilabs members.
Stepping into this influential role, Twesigye will bring strategic acumen, passion, and drive to advance AfriLabs’ vision across Africa and globally. He joins fellow board members in shaping the strategic direction and governance of AfriLabs —this includes attending board meetings, contributing to decision-making, and supporting the engagement of internal and external stakeholders. However, what truly distinguishes this role is its focus on fostering collaboration within AfriLabs’ extensive network, a mission that perfectly aligns with Twesigye’s personal and professional aspirations.
“This position presents an incredible opportunity not only for my professional growth but also for contributing meaningfully to AfriLabs’ success,” Twesigye told PC Tech Magazine in a phone call. “I am thrilled to help build strategic networks that foster collaboration across the continent, propelling Africa’s innovation, technology, and entrepreneurial landscape forward.”
The selection for this prestigious role was highly competitive, with talented candidates from across Africa vying for the seat. Their journey to the board was driven by a deep-rooted passion for advancing technology and innovation across Africa. The nominees were Faten Aissi, Associate Director of Flat6Labs (Tunisia); Tochukwu Chukwueke, CEO of Clintonel Electronic Engineering (Nigeria); Ichraf Jarray, CEO and Founder of Hive12 in Sousse (Tunisia); and Kenneth Twesigye, CEO and Founder of TechBuzz Hub (Uganda).
Twesigye emerged victorious securing the role that will span an initial two-year term, with the possibility of re-election for an additional term.
“It’s a big win for East Africa to have an extra voice in Afrilabs,” David Ogiga; Co-founder of Sote Hub Kenya, and a Board Member for Afrilabs representing East Africa told PC Tech Magazine. “Twesigye is an astute leader who recently won recognition as best co-working space at the Global Startups Awards. With his new energy and vision, Afrilabs will eventually be a winner.”
This role will be performed remotely, with occasional in-person board meetings to strengthen collaboration and ensure strategic alignment. Ogiga noted that they expect Twesigye to bring new ideas and visions and to make AfriLabs more vibrant and impactful.
With a focus on strengthening AfriLabs’ impact, Twesigye’s responsibilities will include advising on policy, expanding strategic opportunities, leading committees, and fostering vital stakeholder relationships. These efforts are all aimed at advancing AfriLabs’ vision: a thriving innovation economy in Africa, supported by a strong, collaborative community.
“Serving AfriLabs aligns with my passion for empowering national startup networks, building capacity, and fostering strategic collaborations,” Twesigye commented. “I look forward to contributing to a future where African innovation is globally recognized and celebrated.”
Twesigye’s experience at TechBuzz has equipped them with a unique perspective that they aim to leverage in contributing to AfriLabs’ growth.
Commenting on Dr. Itoro Emembolu, whom Twesigye succeeded, Ogiga said, “Dr. Itoro played a crucial role, especially in research on key interventions needed and priorities for members.” He added, “It’s from her report that Afrilabs developed Moonshot ambitions to unlock USD$1 billion in funding for programs and projects; therefore, I expect Kenneth to follow in these giant footsteps.”
Jeremy Riro; Founder and Innovations Lead at Fie_Labs Innovation Hub in Kenya, and Board Treasurer at AfriLabs says Twesigye joins the AfriLabs Board at a time that the network that started with only 12 hubs has grown to a network of more than 500 hubs in 53 countries across Africa.
He further told PC Tech Magazine, that AfriLabs now requires experienced and visionary leaders to steer ahead of the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in the continent, and believes Twesigye who is an astute leader will bring his professional experience to the AfriLabs Board.
“With his proven track record in championing hub sustainability and startup ecosystem policies, I look forward to his contributions and leadership in championing the same at the continental level, as the Board Member at Large in AfriLabs,” Riro told PC Tech Magazine.
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AfriLabs with its secretariat in Abuja, Nigeria started in 2011 with NaiLab (Kenya), iHub (Kenya), Hive Colab (Uganda), Banta Labs (Senegal), and ActivSpaces (Cameroon). Today, the Pan-Afrikan hub network has over 500 innovation hubs from 53 African nations.
AfriLabs continues to serve as a driving force for innovation and entrepreneurship across Africa, providing its member hubs with access to resources, capacity-building programs, and networking opportunities to scale their impact.
