What HapaSpace does

HapaSpace is a Ghana-based innovation hub headquartered in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, that delivers entrepreneurship, digital skills, and innovation ecosystem programs for young people, startups, and women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Founded in 2016, the organization runs incubation programs twice annually, an acceleration program once per year, expert mentorship, and a physical makerspace equipped with laptops, 3D printers, 3D scanners, electronics, robotics, and design thinking tools for rapid prototyping. It also delivers outreach through community events, conferences (Tech in Ghana, Ghana Digital Innovation Week), stakeholder workshops, and a radio-based digital adoption campaign (R4DAC) reaching women-led MSMEs via Ultimate FM and Race Course Information Centre.

The company operates a hybrid delivery model combining direct program provision at its Kumasi headquarters with regional hub partnerships across Takoradi (Duapa Werkspace), Sunyani (Wan-Hive), and additional partners including KCIH, Agrico Hub, PHG, and Innovators Up. Its core technology offering is the makerspace infrastructure and associated training curriculum rather than a software product. HapaSpace does not maintain a public mobile app, API, or SDK, and its website serves primarily as a content and lead-generation channel alongside its "Ecosystem Filla" blog.

HapaSpace generates revenue almost entirely through grants and program implementation contracts with international development partners, including the European Commission (AfriConEU/SEADE/UNIHUBS/UNVEIL), GIZ (SmartWoman-Digiworks, R4DAC, DTEG), Mastercard Foundation and UNDP (Youth Innovation Circles), the World Bank Group (Thrive), and other donors. The organization has executed more than 15 major projects over 4 years, impacted 10,000+ participants, incubated 50+ startups, and reached women entrepreneurs, returnees, persons with disabilities, and higher education institutions across Ghana and increasingly across Sub-Saharan Africa. Pricing is not publicly disclosed as services are delivered through funded programs. CEO Gideon Brefo leads the organization, which is privately held with no disclosed parent, subsidiaries, or institutional investment rounds.

Name

HapaSpace

Legal name

HapaSpace

Website

https://hapaspace.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

HapaSpace is a Kumasi, Ghana-based innovation hub that delivers incubation, acceleration, digital skills training, and makerspace services to youth, startups, and women-led MSMEs, funded primarily through grants from the European Commission, GIZ, Mastercard Foundation, UNDP, and World Bank.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Startup Incubation and Entrepreneurship Services

NAICS

Computer Training (611420), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

akta.pro primary industry

Makerspace, Innovation Lab & Fab Lab Operations (Tools, Safety, Programming) (EDAEAGAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

IoT, Sensors & Embedded Systems (Arduino/Raspberry Pi) Programs (EDAMADAI), 3D Printing, CAD & Digital Fabrication Programs (EDAMADAH), Digital Learning Content Development (eLearning, Labs, Simulations) (BPAEANAD)

Keywords

• Startup incubation services
• Entrepreneurship support programs
• Maker space access
• Digital skills training
• Innovation hub programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Kumasi

HQ country

Ghana

HQ region

Africa

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Grant Funding: HapaSpace operates primarily through donor-funded projects supported by organizations including European Commission, GIZ, Mastercard Foundation, UNDP, World Bank Group, and other development partners.
2. Program Implementation Services: HapaSpace implements projects for government agencies, development organizations, and international donors, providing digital skills training, incubation, acceleration, and ecosystem support services.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

HapaSpace operates as a Ghana-based innovation hub providing structured startup incubation and acceleration programs, expert mentorship and coaching, and a physical Maker Space equipped with 3D printers, 3D scanners, electronics, and robotics tools for prototyping. It also delivers digital skills training and ecosystem programs (e.g., Youth Innovation Circles, SmartWoman-Digiworks, Thrive Acceleration, R4DAC, UNIHUBS, SEADE, UNVEIL, AfriConEU) primarily funded by international development partners including the European Commission, GIZ, Mastercard Foundation, UNDP, and World Bank Group.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Startup Incubation Program A structured startup incubation program offered twice a year for early-stage Ghanaian entrepreneurs, providing business development support, mentorship, and access to maker space tools.
• Startup Acceleration Program An annual acceleration program for startups ready to scale, providing intensive mentorship, investor readiness training, and market access support.
• Maker Space A physical maker space providing access to laptops, 3D printers, 3D scanners, electronics, robotics, and design thinking equipment for rapid prototyping and product development by innovators and startups.
• Mentorship and Coaching Program Expert mentorship and one-on-one coaching services for entrepreneurs, founders, and program participants to elevate their businesses.
• Thrive Acceleration Program A tailored acceleration program implemented from August 2023 to April 2024 that supported 20 early-stage startups in Ghana with mentorship and investor readiness training, with 10 startups securing new markets or partnerships.
• SmartWoman Project-Digiworks A digital skills training initiative implemented under the DigiWorks umbrella with GIZ support to empower women entrepreneurs in agriculture and fashion with digital literacy, smartphone use, and mobile applications, including the Fashion Pal App for fashion designers.
• Youth Innovation Circles (YIC) A grassroots innovation program under the Young Africa Innovates initiative engaging youth innovators aged 18-35 across Ghana's Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, Western, and Ashanti regions, providing peer learning, technical workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and pitch opportunities.
• R4DAC - Radio for Digital Adoption Campaign A two-year radio-based digital adoption campaign targeting women-led MSMEs in Ghana's Ashanti Region, delivering digital learning content through local radio stations (Ultimate FM, Race Course Information Centre), coaching sessions, and field activities, reaching 400+ MSMEs.
• DIGI-REINTEGRATE ASHANTI (DigiAsh) An 8-week entrepreneurship and digital transformation initiative supporting returnees and women in Ashanti Region with business formalization, financial readiness, and digital entrepreneurship training.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 50 startups and businesses incubated, 15+ major projects implemented over 4 years, 75%+ of young innovators adopt technology
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

69 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Erasmus University RotterdamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoordinator of UNIHUBS project (2024-2027), an Erasmus+ initiative connecting Higher Education Institutions with Digital Innovation Hubs across Africa and Europe. HapaSpace serves as consortium partner leading Ghana implementation.
• OVAR FORMAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoordinator of UNVEIL project (Web 4.0 Entrepreneurship), an Erasmus+ Capacity Building for VET initiative across Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, and Tanzania. HapaSpace serves as consortium partner representing Ghana through HapaFoundation.
• Steinbeis Europa ZentrumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject coordinator of SEADE (Strengthening the Europe-Africa Digital Ecosystem) under Horizon Europe. HapaSpace leads Work Package 1 for human-centered research across pilot regions.
• NEIPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme partnership for Thrive Acceleration Program delivery and Ghana Digital Innovation Week collaboration.
• Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (KNUST)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey academic partner in UNIHUBS project, contributing to curriculum modernization and digital innovation ecosystem strengthening in Ghana.
• Kumasi Technical UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in UNIHUBS project supporting higher education and digital innovation ecosystem development in Ghana.
• AfriLabscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPan-African network of innovation hubs, with HapaSpace as member supporting continental collaboration and knowledge sharing among African innovation hubs.
• MESTcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMeltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology partnership supporting Ghana's technology and innovation ecosystem development.
• Ghana Hubs NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational network of innovation hubs in Ghana, collaborating on Ghana Digital Innovation Week and ecosystem coordination.
• Outbox UgandacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAfriConEU consortium partner for East Africa, working on digital innovation hub collaboration between Africa and Europe.
• Buni Innovation HubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAfriConEU consortium partner for Tanzania, supporting digital innovation ecosystem development.
• Emerging Communities AfricacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAfriConEU consortium partner for Nigeria, contributing to transcontinental networking academy connecting African and European DIHs.
• Association of African Universities (AAU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in SEADE Soft-Landing Programme, connecting African innovators with academic networks and providing mentorship through policy-level perspectives.
• ENRICH in Africa CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSEADE project partner supporting connection between research and market, providing access to networks, expert guidance, and practical knowledge for innovators.
• Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment agency partner in R4DAC project, supporting women-led MSMEs in Ashanti Region through digital adoption initiatives.
• Association of Small-Scale Industries (ASSI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry association partner in R4DAC project, providing reach to women entrepreneurs in the small-scale business sector.
• Ultimate FMminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal radio partner for R4DAC campaign in Kumasi, broadcasting digital adoption content to women-led MSMEs.
• Race Course Information CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal radio partner for R4DAC campaign, contributing to community-based digital learning initiatives.
• GFA Consulting GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for user testing and digital adoption support project funded by GIZ, with HapaSpace leading activities in Ashanti Region.
• MNotifycoreTechnology or IntegrationDigital solution provider partner for user testing project, offering Chatbot platform for informal micro-entrepreneurs.
• BuiltcoreTechnology or IntegrationDigital solution provider partner for user testing project, offering Built Lite simplified finance tool for informal micro-entrepreneurs.
• German Sparkassenstiftung Western AfricacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing organization for DIGI-REINTEGRATE ASHANTI project on behalf of Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration and Development.
• Pan-African Savings and LoanscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFinancial partner for DIGI-REINTEGRATE ASHANTI, providing affordable financial products and responsible borrowing opportunities for eligible participants.
• CODE - Coalition for Digital EqualitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Digi-Equal Africa Mentorship Programme, collaborating on women in tech training and mentorship for women-led businesses.
• Stimmuli for Social ChangecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNIHUBS consortium partner from Greece, contributing to higher education and digital innovation ecosystem collaboration.
• Kibabii UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNIHUBS consortium partner in Kenya, supporting higher education curriculum modernization for digital innovation.
• University of NairobicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNIHUBS consortium partner in Kenya, contributing to university-innovation ecosystem collaboration in East Africa.
• COSTECH - Tanzania Commission for Science and TechnologycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNIHUBS and UNVEIL consortium partner in Tanzania, supporting national science and technology innovation agenda.
• HapaFoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent organization and consortium partner in UNVEIL project, implementing activities in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana.
• INOVA+ Innovation Services S.A.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAfriConEU consortium partner leading digital innovation hub networking between Africa and Europe.
• Porto Business SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAfriConEU consortium partner contributing to capacity building and entrepreneurship education.
• Youthmakers HubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAfriConEU consortium partner from Greece supporting youth innovation and entrepreneurship.
• SNV Netherlands Development OrganisationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational development organization supporting sustainable development initiatives, collaborating on innovation ecosystem events.
• British CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK international cultural relations organization supporting innovation and creative economy development in Ghana.
• NBSSIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational Board for Small Scale Industries supporting MSME development and entrepreneurship in Ghana.
• VC4AcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenture Capital for Africa platform supporting startup ecosystem development and investment facilitation.
• YAI - Young Africa InnovatescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInitiative umbrella for Youth Innovation Circles program, supporting youth-driven innovation across Africa.
• UWATminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation ecosystem partner contributing to Ghana's technology and entrepreneurship support network.
• GhanaThinkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGhanaian think tank supporting innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem development.
• SE-GhanaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial Enterprise Ghana supporting sustainable and inclusive business development.
• CavicminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation ecosystem support organization in Ghana.
• eskillsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDigital skills development organization supporting technology capacity building.
• HapawebminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWeb development and technology partner supporting digital innovation initiatives.
• Ministry of Communications and DigitalisationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment ministry leading Ghana Digital Innovation Week (GDIW) with HapaSpace hosting Ashanti Region edition.
• Impact Investing GhanacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational platform leading Ghana Digital Innovation Week (GDIW) coordination.
• Methys ConsultingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSEADE project partner in South Africa, supporting Africa-EU digital ecosystem strengthening.
• Bond'innovcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSEADE project partner in France/Senegal, contributing to cross-continental innovation collaboration.
• European BIC NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSEADE project partner in Belgium, supporting business innovation center network.
• WAZIUPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSEADE project partner in Germany, supporting IoT and digital innovation for Africa.
• Technology Innovation AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSEADE project partner in South Africa, supporting technology innovation ecosystem.
• Kumasi City Incubator Hub (KCIH)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal implementation partner for Youth Innovation Circles (YIC), providing regional hub operations in Kumasi.
• Duapa WerkspacecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional innovation hub partner for YIC program in Takoradi (Western Region), supporting decentralized service delivery.
• Wan-HivecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional innovation hub partner for YIC program in Sunyani (Bono Region), expanding reach to underserved communities.
• Agrico HubcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAgriculture-focused innovation hub partner supporting YIC program's reach to agripreneurs and farming communities.
• PHGcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInnovation hub partner contributing to YIC program's implementation and ecosystem coordination.
• Innovators UpcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInnovation support organization partner for YIC program, contributing to startup ecosystem development.
• Ghana Chamber of Young EntrepreneursminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry body representing young entrepreneurs, participating in GDIW and ecosystem events.
• DpixelcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAfriConEU consortium partner from Italy supporting digital innovation ecosystem development.
• Africa Technology Business Network (ATBN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAfriConEU consortium partner from UK bridging African technology businesses with global markets.
• ITC SloveniacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAfriConEU consortium partner from Slovenia contributing to technology and innovation training.
• Helsinki Business College OYcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNVEIL consortium partner from Finland, supporting vocational education and Web 4.0 skills development.
• Ustanica DantecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNVEIL consortium partner from Croatia, adult education institution supporting vocational training development.
• SyncnifycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNVEIL consortium partner from France contributing to digital innovation and entrepreneurship education.
• IBIS ACAM Bildungs GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNVEIL consortium partner from Austria, supporting vocational education and training development.
• Emerging Communities Tech-Up Organization (ECA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNVEIL consortium partner in Nigeria, implementing Web 4.0 vocational education activities.
• Adanian LabscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNVEIL consortium partner in Kenya, contributing to digital entrepreneurship and Web 4.0 skills training.
• Outbox U LtdcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNVEIL consortium partner in Uganda, supporting vocational education and digital skills development.
• GROW West AfricaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPan-African organization partner in SEADE Soft-Landing Programme, supporting agroecology and sustainable agriculture innovators.
• Otumfuo's PalacecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTraditional authority partnership supporting innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives in Ashanti Region.

Scale indicators28 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• MEST Africa: Pan-African entrepreneur training, incubation, and seed-funding program with a long-running Ghana presence (MEST Ghana). Directly comparable in mission, target founders, and accelerator model.
• Outbox Uganda: Ugandan innovation hub focused on youth entrepreneurship and digital skills; consortium partner with HapaSpace on AfriConEU and UNVEIL. Directly comparable model and beneficiary base.
• Nailab: Kenyan accelerator and innovation program operator supporting early-stage African startups. Comparable in focus on incubation/acceleration and donor-funded programming.
• Kumasi City Incubator Hub (KCIH): Innovation hub located in Kumasi that is also a regional implementation partner for HapaSpace programs (YIC). Closest direct local peer serving the same Ashanti entrepreneurs.
• Buni Innovation Hub: Tanzanian innovation hub and AfriConEU consortium partner. Mirrors HapaSpace's hub-and-program structure supporting early-stage startups and digital entrepreneurship.

Broad incumbents

• iHub Nairobi: Established Kenyan innovation hub and incubator offering co-working, mentorship, and programs to startups. Operates in the same digital-innovation-for-youth category with broader geographic reach.
• Co-creation Hub (CcHUB): Nigeria-based pan-African innovation hub that has expanded into multiple countries. Competes for the same donor-led digital innovation programs and serves similar youth/MSME segments at meaningfully larger scale.

Emerging players

• AfriLabs: Pan-African network of over 400 innovation hubs of which HapaSpace is a member. Comparable as ecosystem orchestrator rather than direct operator, but influences the same community and donor pool.

Regional players

• Wan-Hive (Sunyani): Bono Region innovation hub that is a regional delivery partner for HapaSpace's YIC program. Comparable in mission and target beneficiaries, serving a different geographic sub-region.

Others

• Ghana Hubs Network: National network of Ghanaian innovation hubs coordinating initiatives such as Ghana Digital Innovation Week. HapaSpace is an active participant and serves as regional host.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCK7JKTk8pu4bAgX9Sz71qIw
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hapaspace
• Xx.com/hapaspace

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about HapaSpace