Southern Africa Innovation Support

What Southern Africa Innovation Support does

The Southern Africa Innovation Support Programme (SAIS 2) was a regional development initiative supporting innovation and entrepreneurship across five Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries: Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia. The programme was funded by Finland's Ministry for Foreign Affairs through intergovernmental agreements with each country's ministry responsible for Science, Technology and Innovation, and operated in partnership with the SADC Secretariat. SAIS 2 was not a commercial entity and generated no revenue; it functioned as a donor-funded grant-making and capacity-building programme hosted by the National Commission of Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) in Windhoek, Namibia, where its Programme Management Office was based.

The programme's core offerings comprised six interlocking components: (1) the SAIS 2 Innovation Fund, a competitive grant mechanism operating through three thematic windows — Stronger Ecosystems, Scaling Enterprises, and Inclusive Innovation — with individual awards in the EUR 30,000-50,000 range; (2) BOOST UP, a three-phase startup development series (Set Up coaching, Stand Up pitching competitions, Scale Up incubation) culminating in participation at the Slush conference in Helsinki; (3) the Connected Hubs network of 19+ innovation support organisations enabling cross-border peer learning; (4) the Annual Southern Africa Innovation Forum (ASAIF) as flagship convening; (5) capacity-building training including Inclusive Innovation, Foresight methodology, and Mentor-Driven Capital; and (6) the RE:innovation Challenge for resilience-focused proposals. The programme reported reaching 700+ aspiring entrepreneurs across its BOOST UP series, attracting 176 concept notes in its second call, and supporting 18 startups in BOOST UP Scale Up 2020 with AWS Activate.

The SAIS 2 Programme Management Office announced in 2024 that the programme had formally concluded after almost five years of operation. The programme did not develop proprietary technology products and had no AI/ML capabilities; its underlying capability was coordination across government ministries, hubs, international partners (including Slush GIA, AWS Activate, VC4A, BoP Innovation Center, and Finnish knowledge institutions), and grant beneficiaries. Continuity is wholly contingent on bilateral donor decisions.

Name

Southern Africa Innovation Support

Legal name

Southern Africa Innovation Support Programme

Website

https://saisprogramme.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Closed

Short description

The Southern Africa Innovation Support Programme (SAIS 2) was a now-concluded regional development initiative funded by Finland's Ministry for Foreign Affairs, supporting innovation ecosystems and early-stage startups across five SADC countries through grants, training, and cross-border networking.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Innovation Ecosystem Development Programme

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132), Other Grantmaking and Giving Services (813219)

SIC

Foreign Governments (8888)

akta.pro primary industry

Economic Growth, Trade & Private Sector Development Programs (BPADABAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Development Finance & Blended Finance Facilities (BPADAOAD), International Grantmaking & Development Foundations (BPAGAKAH), Grantmaking & Philanthropic Funds (Institutional Donors) (BPADAOAB), Country Development Assistance Programs (Bilateral ODA) (BPADABAA)

Keywords

• Innovation ecosystem support
• Startup accelerator programmes
• Grant funding initiatives
• Regional development cooperation
• Entrepreneurship capacity building

Headquarters

HQ city

Windhoek

HQ country

Namibia

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Development Funding (Not Revenue-Generating): SAIS is a donor-funded regional development programme supported by Finland's Ministry for Foreign Affairs. It provides grant funding to innovation support organisations and startups, rather than generating revenue. The programme distributes funds to selected projects through its Innovation Fund across three windows: Stronger Ecosystems, Scaling Enterprises, and Inclusive Innovation.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

SAIS 2 is a regional, donor-funded innovation support programme that distributes grants and delivers capacity-building services to strengthen innovation ecosystems across Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and the broader SADC region. Its core offerings are the Innovation Fund (competitive grants for ecosystem-strengthening, enterprise-scaling, and inclusive innovation projects), the BOOST UP three-phase startup accelerator series, the Connected Hubs peer-learning network, and the Annual Southern Africa Innovation Forum (ASAIF) regional knowledge platform. All offerings are provided at no cost to selected beneficiaries.

Product overview

The Southern Africa Innovation Support Programme (SAIS 2) is a regional initiative, not a unified software product. It operates as a portfolio of interconnected programmes supporting innovation and entrepreneurship across Southern Africa. The core offerings include the SAIS 2 Innovation Fund (grants for regional innovation projects), the BOOST UP accelerator series (three-phase startup development from coaching through international exposure at Slush), the Connected Hubs networking platform (cross-border ecosystem collaboration), the Annual Southern Africa Innovation Forum (ASAIF) for knowledge sharing, capacity building training initiatives, and the RE:innovation Challenge competition for resilience-focused projects. The programme is supported by Finland's Ministry for Foreign Affairs in partnership with science/technology ministries of five SADC countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BOOST UP: A three-part series of startup events including Set Up coaching, Stand Up pitching competitions, and Scale Up incubation programme culminating in Finland.
• Connected Hubs
• ASAIF

Products and services

• SAIS 2 Innovation Fund Competitive grant mechanism providing matching grants of EUR 30,000 to EUR 50,000 per selected project to innovation support organisations across SADC through three thematic windows: Stronger Ecosystems (institutional capacity building), Scaling Enterprises (startup growth), and Inclusive Innovation (Base of Pyramid and marginalised populations). Recipients are innovators and ecosystem builders rather than commercial buyers.
• BOOST UP Three-phase startup support series comprising Set Up (coaching to package business ideas), Stand Up (national pitching competitions), and Scale Up (online incubation with Finland bootcamp at Slush). Targets technology-driven early-stage impact startups from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia, with over 700 aspiring entrepreneurs and startups reached through the series.
• Connected Hubs Network Network of 19+ Southern African innovation support organisations enabling cross-border collaboration, peer learning, best practice sharing, and ecosystem connectivity among hubs from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and the broader SADC region. Members include Botswana Innovation Hub, mLab Southern Africa, BongoHive, COSTECH, NTBC Zambia, and others.
• Annual Southern Africa Innovation Forum (ASAIF) Flagship annual regional platform facilitating knowledge sharing, networking, and learning around entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems, featuring business, government, donors, NGOs, and community participants. Held annually since 2018 under themes such as Inclusive Innovations.
• Capacity Building Training Training and education initiatives including Inclusive Innovation training (delivered to five Innovation Fund grantees across seven SADC countries), mentorship programmes (Mentor-Driven Capital Programme training 60 business mentors), entrepreneurship skills development, and the Practical Guide to Successful Event Production. Targets fund-supported projects and broader ecosystem actors.
• RE:innovation Challenge Challenge-based call for proposals seeking projects that improve startup ecosystems' resilience to external shocks, providing matching grant funding to selected projects including BeFound Digital Masterclass (Tanzania), DoDigi (South Africa), Edpreneurs (Namibia), Integrated Reforesting for Service Providers (Tanzania), and Strengthening Resilience of Botswana's Innovation Ecosystem.
• Knowledge Products Publications, guides and resources for innovation actors including 'A Practical Guide to Successful Event Production: Creating Vibrant Entrepreneurship Ecosystems' developed by Connected Hubs, and foresight methodology tools developed with Demos Helsinki for City of Windhoek's Youth Entrepreneurship Development Strategy.

Quantifiable outcome

• 18 startups participated in BOOST UP 2020 Scale Up programme
• +5 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

86 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.

• ViridianminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 December 2020Knowledge partner providing market validation training to RE:innovation Challenge selected projects alongside SAIS 2 PMO.
• AWS ActivateminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 November 2020Amazon Web Services programme providing cloud credits, mentoring, and technical support to BOOST UP 2020 Scale Up startups to help grow their businesses.
• City of WindhoekminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 February 2020Municipal authority of Namibia's capital. Supported Living Permaculture Project through Councillor Ananias Niizimba and Economic Development Division collaborating on youth entrepreneurship strategy.
• WECREATE ZambiaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 February 2020Implementing Africa Food360 Accelerator project for women-owned agro-based businesses. Hosted training at Agco Future Farm and leads inclusive innovation transformation in Zambia.
• Brilliant Entrepreneurs (BE) of the NetherlandsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 February 2020Project member of Africa Food360 hosting first accelerator training. Specialises in agricultural enterprise development.
• Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) NamibiaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 February 2020Namibian node of global entrepreneurship network, partner in Africa Food360 project.
• Kapture CreativeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 February 2020South African company hosting digital storytelling training for Africa Food360, providing digital documentation and profiling support.
• TapsnappminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 February 2020Project member of Africa Food360 providing technology solutions for accelerator programme.
• AGCO Future FarmminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 February 2020Agricultural technology farm in Zambia hosting Africa Food360 accelerator training sessions.
• VC4AminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2020Hosts the Mentor-Driven Capital (MDC) Programme in three Southern African countries, training 60 business mentors. SAIS 2 provides funding and programme support.
• Impact AmplifierminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2020Co-implements Mentor-Driven Capital Programme with VC4A. Also implements TechTribe Accelerator for SADC region funded by SAIS 2.
• Botswana Innovation HubcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 February 2020National Focal Point for SAIS in Botswana. Hosts MDC mentor training bootcamps. Mandated to support innovation, technology entrepreneurship, and ecosystem development. Partner in TechTribe Accelerator.
• mLab Southern AfricaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 February 2020Innovation hub in South Africa that is a partner in MDC Programme and Connected Hubs network. Co-organiser of BOOST UP events.
• Jozi AngelsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2020Angel investor network in South Africa partnering in MDC Programme to grow mentor networks and angel investment in the region.
• BongoHiveminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 February 2020Innovation hub in Zambia that is partner in MDC Programme and Connected Hubs network. Hosted TechTribe Accelerator roadshow event.
• Setup A Startup / Southern Africa Startup AwardsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 September 2019Parent organisation of Southern Africa Startup Awards. Coordinator of Startup Regional Connectivity and Global Visibility project funded by SAIS 2 Innovation Fund.
• TechTribe AcceleratorminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 September 2019Online accelerator for SADC-based impact and tech entrepreneurs. Funded by SAIS 2 and implemented by consortium including Impact Amplifier, MHub Malawi, SA Innovation Summit, and NEPAD SANBio.
• MHub MalawiminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 September 2019Malawian innovation hub and consortium partner in TechTribe Accelerator implementing regional business acceleration.
• SA Innovation SummitminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 September 2019South African innovation platform and consortium partner in TechTribe Accelerator. Also partner in Regional Open Innovation Platform project.
• NEPAD Southern African Network for Biosciences (SANBio)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 September 2019NEPAD programme supporting biosciences innovation in SADC. Consortium partner in TechTribe Accelerator and stakeholder workshop co-host with Botswana Innovation Hub.
• 4th SADC Industrialisation Week (SIW)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2019SAIS 2 hosted parallel session on 'Fostering Entrepreneurship for Industrialisation' during 4th SADC Industrialisation Week in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
• Research Institute of Innovation and Sustainability South Africa (RIIS)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 July 2019Johannesburg-based institute coordinating Regional Open Innovation Platform Project. Created digital open innovation platform sourcing solutions for health, education, agriculture and tourism.
• Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 July 2019Provides 3-month incubation programme for selected Regional Open Innovation Platform participants. Contributes design, research and product development expertise.
• Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology of BotswanaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 July 2019Botswanan government ministry collaborating on Regional Open Innovation Platform project.
• SME TradeLinksminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 July 2019Partner in Regional Open Innovation Platform project supporting SME ecosystem development.
• Southern Africa Startup AwardsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 July 2019Regional startup awards platform and partner in Regional Open Innovation Platform. Also coordinator of Startup Regional Connectivity project funded by SAIS 2 Innovation Fund.
• Impact AmplifierminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 July 2019Partner in Regional Open Innovation Platform project supporting startup ecosystem development.
• PolkaDot DigitalminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 July 2019Digital marketing partner in Regional Open Innovation Platform project.
• Brynston CreationsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 July 2019Creative agency partner in Regional Open Innovation Platform project.
• Unicorn AfricaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 July 2019African startup ecosystem platform partner in Regional Open Innovation Platform project.
• BoP Innovation CenterminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 May 2019Independent foundation providing design thinking expertise, market insights and entrepreneurial guidance for inclusive innovation training to SAIS 2 Innovation Fund grantees.
• University of BotswanaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 May 2019Coordinator of Additive Manufacturing Ecosystem project. Contributes industrial design expertise, student involvement, and Faculty of Medicine equipment. Hosted project launch in Gaborone.
• Central University of Technology (CUT)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 May 2019South African university contributing 20 years of additive manufacturing experience including 15 years in medical field to Additive Manufacturing Ecosystem project.
• Cape Innovation & Technology Initiative (CiTi)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2019Cape Town-based initiative implementing OneBio biotech incubator programme for South African and Zimbabwean biotech entrepreneurs. SAIS 2 Innovation Fund supported project.
• The Tech VillageminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2019Zimbabwean partner in OneBio biotech incubator programme implemented by CiTi.
• Centre for Proteomic and Genomic Research (CPGR)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2019South African research organisation supporting OneBio biotech incubator programme with genomics and proteomics expertise.
• FemBioBiz Acceleration ProgrammeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2019Programme addressing gender gap in bioscience leadership, imparting entrepreneurship skills to women bioentrepreneurs. Implemented by Botswana Innovation Hub and SANBio.
• Event Production ManualminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 March 2019SAIS Connected Hubs developed 'A Practical Guide to Successful Event Production: Creating Vibrant Entrepreneurship Ecosystems' incorporating best practices from Slush and SA Innovation Summit.
• Aalto Design FactoryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Finnish knowledge partner supporting BOOST UP startup programme with design thinking and innovation expertise.
• Aalto UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Finnish university providing knowledge partnership and expertise for BOOST UP programme activities.
• Courage VenturesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Knowledge partner contributing to BOOST UP programme with venture development expertise.
• DemolaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Finnish innovation platform contributing expertise to BOOST UP startup support programme.
• FunziminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Mobile learning provider contributing to BOOST UP programme with digital learning content.
• FuturiceminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Finnish software consultancy providing technical expertise to BOOST UP programme.
• Helsinki Think CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Helsinki-based startup community platform supporting BOOST UP programme with entrepreneurial ecosystem connections.
• LeidenschaftminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Knowledge partner for BOOST UP programme providing startup development expertise.
• NostominorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Finnish commerce platform contributing e-commerce expertise to BOOST UP startup support.
• Pitching for LifeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Knowledge partner supporting BOOST UP with pitch development expertise.
• Siili SolutionsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Finnish software consultancy that facilitated workshops for Connected Hubs peer learning session at Botswana Innovation Hub and provided design thinking training.
• SitraminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Finnish Innovation Fund contributing to BOOST UP programme knowledge partnership.
• SlushflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019One of the largest tech conferences in Europe. Provides platform for BOOST UP Final Pitch Competition and African startup showcase at Slush Side Event 'Investing and Partnering with African Innovators'.
• Smart KalasatamaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Finnish smart city initiative contributing expertise to BOOST UP programme.
• The ShortcutminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Finnish platform providing international startup coaching expertise for School of Startups workshops in Southern Africa.
• Troy WoodsonminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Individual expert contributing mentorship and coaching to BOOST UP programme.
• VerticalminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Finnish partner contributing expertise to BOOST UP startup support activities.
• World of InsightsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Knowledge partner providing insights and analytics expertise to BOOST UP programme.
• Zacharia GeorgeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Expert mentor contributing to BOOST UP programme with entrepreneurship and investment expertise.
• ITTHYNKminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Johannesburg-based organisation implementing ITTHYNK Tech Academy, an 18-month programme for ICT skills and entrepreneurship training. SAIS 2 Innovation Fund supported project.
• Apps & GirlsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Dar es Salaam-based organisation partnering with ITTHYNK to deliver ICT training to young women in South Africa and Tanzania. SAIS 2 Innovation Fund supported project.
• Microsoft Interns 4 AfrikaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Microsoft programme providing exam vouchers and remote training support for ITTHYNK Tech Academy students.
• Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2019National Focal Point for SAIS in Tanzania. Manages National STI Competition (MAKISATU) and Research and Innovation Impact Bulletin. Mandated to advise government on STI matters.
• Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Technical institution in Tanzania collaborating with COSTECH on Annual National STI Competition.
• Vocational Training Authority (VETA)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Tanzanian government body collaborating with COSTECH on Annual National STI Competition.
• WECREATE Zambia CentreminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019US government initiative supporting entrepreneurship in Zambia. Co-organiser of 3rd Zambia Entrepreneurship Summit with SAIS 2 support.
• American Chamber of CommerceminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Business association in Zambia co-organising Zambia Entrepreneurship Summit 2019.
• Hivos Southern AfricaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019International development organisation co-organising Zambia Entrepreneurship Summit 2019. Supports entrepreneurship and innovation in Southern Africa.
• Think AfricaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 November 2018Collaborated with SAIS 2 in organising 'Connecting Drivers of Change - Advancing Entrepreneurship in Africa' side event at Slush 2018 in Helsinki.
• BioFISA IIminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 November 2018Finnish-funded programme collaborating with SAIS 2 on the Connecting Drivers of Change networking event at Slush 2018.
• amplaffyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 November 2018Partner in Connecting Drivers of Change event at Slush 2018, supporting entrepreneurship networking between Finnish and African ecosystems.
• New GlobalminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 November 2018International organisation collaborating on Connecting Drivers of Change event at Slush 2018.
• AfrolynkminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 November 2018Partner in Connecting Drivers of Change networking event focused on Africa-Europe entrepreneurship connections.
• Moaffak AhmedminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2018Serial entrepreneur and Chairman of The Shortcut providing business coaching to startups in School of Startups workshop with Slush GIA.
• Michihito MizutaniminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2018Lead service and UX designer from Siili Solutions providing design thinking training in School of Startups workshop.
• Annual Southern Africa Innovation Forum (ASAIF)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 September 2018SAIS flagship annual regional platform to facilitate knowledge, networking and learning. 2018 event held in Cape Town with open innovation crowd-sourcing for speaker nominations via Viima platform.
• FabLab NamibiaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 July 2018Fabrication laboratory in Namibia that collaborated with SAIS on Namibian Start-Up Festival and hosted Slush GIA School of Startups workshops.
• Demos HelsinkiminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2018Finnish think tank facilitating foresight methodology workshops for City of Windhoek's Youth Entrepreneurship Development Strategy. Provided technical support in developing implementation plan.
• Slush Global Impact Accelerator (Slush GIA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 May 2018Partnership bridging Southern African and Finnish ecosystems. Supports BOOST UP startup series, providing international exposure through Slush conference in Helsinki. Organises pitch competitions and bootcamps connecting startups with global innovation networks.
• National Technology Business Centre (NTBC) ZambiacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2018National Focal Point for SAIS in Zambia. Mandated to speed up commercialisation of innovations. Co-implements Bilateral R&D Scale-up Fund with TIA South Africa.
• Ministry of Infrastructure Science and Technology (Botswana)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational ministry responsible for science and technology in Botswana. Serves as one of five SAIS 2 partner country ministries and focal point coordination counterpart.
• Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation (Namibia)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNamibian ministry that signed the intergovernmental agreement with MFA Finland hosting SAIS 2. Key partner in programme governance and implementation.
• Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (Tanzania)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational ministry responsible for science, technology and innovation in Tanzania. COSCOST operates under this ministry and serves as Tanzania's SAIS 2 Focal Point.
• Ministry of Higher Education (Zambia)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational ministry responsible for higher education in Zambia. NTBC operates under this ministry as Zambia's SAIS 2 Focal Point.
• Department of Science and Technology (South Africa)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational department responsible for science and technology in South Africa. Key partner in SAIS 2 governance and implementation.
• SADC SecretariatcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSouthern African Development Community Secretariat is a key programme partner. SAIS 2 works with SADC on industrialisation week events and regional cooperation initiatives.
• National Commission of Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) of NamibiacoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNCRST hosts the SAIS Programme Management Office (PMO) and serves as both Focal Point for Namibia and Fund Manager contracting projects. Developed working agreement outlining roles and responsibilities with SAIS 2 PMO.
• Connected Hubs NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of Southern African innovation support organisations (19+ members) from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and broader SADC. Facilitates peer learning, co-creation, and collaborative programme delivery.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit): German federal development agency operating innovation and entrepreneurship programmes across Africa. Comparable to Finland's MFA as bilateral donor of bilateral development cooperation, though GIZ operates at significantly larger scale across many sectors beyond innovation.
• Swisscontact: Swiss foundation for development cooperation running inclusive economic development programmes including innovation and entrepreneurship support. Comparable to SAIS in being a non-profit bilateral development cooperation entity focused on private sector development.
• infoDev / World Bank Group: World Bank Group programme supporting technology entrepreneurship and innovation hubs in developing countries. Operates globally at much larger scale but shares SAIS's mandate of ecosystem strengthening and innovation fund mechanisms.

Direct peers

• AfriLabs: Pan-African network of over 400 innovation hubs across the continent. Directly comparable to SAIS's Connected Hubs network in mission and structure of facilitating peer learning and collaboration across African innovation support organisations.
• Tony Elumelu Foundation: Pan-African entrepreneurship programme providing seed capital, training, and mentoring to African entrepreneurs. Highly comparable to SAIS in mission and grant-plus-capacity-building model, though operating at continental rather than regional SADC scale.
• GrowthAfrica: Pan-African accelerator and venture development organization running cohort-based programmes for early-stage African entrepreneurs. Comparable to BOOST UP in delivering structured accelerator support to African startups with international exposure components.
• mLab Southern Africa: Mobile innovation lab serving Southern African entrepreneurs with skills development and incubation. Directly comparable to SAIS's mandate and explicitly part of the Connected Hubs network and MDC programme partnership.
• Anzisha Prize: African Leadership Academy and Mastercard Foundation initiative supporting very young African entrepreneurs (ages 15-22) with prizes and incubation. Comparable to SAIS's focus on early-stage and youth entrepreneurship in Africa, though narrower in age focus.
• Impact Amplifier: South African impact accelerator running programmes like the TechTribe Accelerator. Directly comparable to SAIS's BOOST UP and accelerator offerings in serving Southern African impact-driven startups, and explicitly a SAIS 2 implementation partner.
• VC4A: African startup community platform connecting entrepreneurs with investors, mentors, and training. Highly comparable as SAIS 2 actually partnered with VC4A on the Mentor-Driven Capital Programme, indicating functional overlap in serving Southern African early-stage ventures.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments5 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Southern Africa Innovation Support