@iLabAfrica

What @iLabAfrica does

@iLabAfrica is the Centre of Excellence in ICT Innovation and Development at Strathmore University in Nairobi, Kenya, operating as a non-profit research and innovation centre with 120 employees. It runs interdisciplinary applied research and capacity-building programs across Data Science, Cybersecurity, Internet of Things, eHealth, Digital Learning, Cloud Computing, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (including parahydrogen hyperpolarization). Core activities include professional and executive education (certificates in data analytics, full-stack software development, digital marketing, the $12,000 CIO Leadership Programme), applied AI/ML research projects (melanoma detection, agricultural chatbots, credit scoring, accessibility tooling), startup incubation through the @iBizAfrica subsidiary (800+ startups over 12+ years, USD 250,000+ raised by alumni), and policy research via CIGAP on internet governance.

The centre earns revenue through three primary streams: professional and executive education tuition (individual enrollment with 40–50% Strathmore student discounts and M-Pesa/bank payment options), research grants and partnerships with entities such as the African Telecommunications Union, Standard Chartered Foundation (KES 22.5 million Women in Cyber investment), Save the Children, and Huawei/ITU, and corporate training and consulting delivered through the IT Outsourcing and Consulting Unit to clients including Standard Chartered, Absa Bank, and Kenya Airways. GTM is hybrid: community-led through hackathons and innovation challenges (ATU Africa Innovation Challenge, Green Tech Hackathon, NMG Hackathon, DataSprint), event-driven through summits and CIO forums, and sales-led for enterprise executive education and corporate upskilling contracts. Strategic customers span financial services, healthcare, agriculture, aviation, government, and media, with a continental reach anchored in East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania) and expanding executive education modules into Europe (Estonia, Poland) and research collaborations with Italy.

Name

@iLabAfrica

Legal name

@iLabAfrica - Research and Innovation Centre

Website

https://ilabafrica.strathmore.edu

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

@iLabAfrica is Strathmore University's Centre of Excellence in ICT Innovation and Development in Nairobi, delivering applied ICT research, professional and executive education, startup incubation, and AI capability programs across East Africa.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Technology Education and Research Services

NAICS

Computer Training (611420), Professional and Management Development Training (61143), Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371), Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Information Technology & Software (EDAAAPAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Data, Analytics & AI Training (BI, Data Engineering, ML/GenAI) (BPAEANAH), Digital Learning Content Development (eLearning, Labs, Simulations) (BPAEANAD), Data Engineering, Integration & ETL/ELT Services (BPAEAHAB), Education Access & EdTech for Equity (Low-cost Learning, Skills Platforms) (BPAGALAH)

Keywords

• ICT research and innovation
• Executive technology education
• Cybersecurity training programs
• Startup incubation services
• Applied data science

Headquarters

HQ city

Nairobi

HQ country

Kenya

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

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. Professional and Executive Education: Revenue from professional certification courses, executive education programs, and academic certificates offered to individuals and corporate clients. Programs include Software Development, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Business Intelligence, and CIO Leadership Programme.
2. Research Grants and Partnerships: Funding from government agencies, international organizations, and foundations for research projects, innovation challenges, and capacity-building initiatives. Sources include African Telecommunications Union, Standard Chartered Foundation, Save the Children, and various research grants.
3. Corporate Training and Consulting: IT outsourcing, consulting services, and customized corporate training programs delivered through the IT Outsourcing and Consulting Unit to organizations seeking digital transformation and skills development.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

@iLabAfrica is a university research and innovation centre that delivers professional certificate programs, executive education, and corporate training in ICT domains including software development, data science, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and IoT, alongside applied research in eHealth, IoT, AI, cloud computing, and NMR technology. It operates a startup incubation programme (@iBizAfrica) and offers IT outsourcing and consulting services to organizations seeking digital transformation support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• @iBizAfrica Incubation Centre: Business incubator focused on nurturing innovation and entrepreneurial skills, operating for over 12 years and having scaled over 800 startups
• CIGAP
• Women in Cyber Programme
• Neurodivergent in Tech Programme
• I-UMEME Electrical Safety Programme

Products and services

• Full Stack Software Developer Certificate (AI-Powered Edition) A four-month intensive certificate program covering front-end and back-end development with languages including JavaScript, Python, Java, PHP, and HTML, now offered in an AI-powered edition. Targets aspiring developers and career changers seeking job-ready software engineering skills.
• Business Intelligence with Power BI A professional certificate course in data analytics and visualization using Microsoft Power BI, priced at Kshs 60,000. Targets working professionals and students seeking to develop business intelligence and data visualization skills, with a 40% discount available for Strathmore University students.
• Certificate in Data Analytics and Visualization (CDAV) An academic certificate program in data analytics and visualization with intakes in January and July. Targets individuals seeking career advancement in data analytics, with a 50% discount available for Strathmore University students.
• CIO Leadership Programme A 10-month executive education program priced at $12,000 covering IT strategy, business alignment, governance, and self-leadership for senior technology executives. Includes an international module in Estonia (November 2026) and a new immersion option at Kozminski University in Poland. Offers a 5% Strathmore alumni discount and four-installment payment plan.
• Women in Cyber Mentorship Programme A hybrid mentorship programme for early-career women in cybersecurity across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, offering technical training, mentorship, soft skills development, CPD credits, and networking. Funded by Standard Chartered Foundation with KES 22.5 million investment. Cohort size targets up to 100 mentees.
• Neurodivergent in Tech Programme A specialized training programme for neurodivergent individuals including those with autism, offering technology training in ethical hacking, coding, and tech innovation. Includes assistive technology development such as the Neurosensory Device for neurodivergent children's safety. Partnership with Kenya Airways for internships and Microsoft Global Hackathon for showcasing solutions.
• I-UMEME Electrical Safety Certification Programme An electrical safety certification programme equipping participants with world-class electrical safety skills. Targets electricians and electrical workers in Kenya. Between 2023 and 2025, 68 graduates completed the programme.
• IoT Foundations Course A foundation course in Internet of Things covering IoT principles, sensor networks, and applications. Targets individuals seeking entry-level skills in IoT development and deployment.
• Digital Marketing Masterclass A professional masterclass in digital marketing covering modern marketing strategies, tools, and platforms. Targets professionals and entrepreneurs seeking to build digital marketing competencies.
• Graphic Design and Multimedia Course A professional course covering graphic design and multimedia production skills. Targets creative professionals and individuals seeking entry into digital media careers.
• Sustainable Revenue Enhancement Programme A professional programme focused on sustainable revenue growth strategies for organizations. Targets business leaders and managers seeking to develop revenue optimization capabilities.
• Enterprise Finance Programme for IT Managers A specialized programme equipping IT managers with enterprise finance skills, including budgeting, financial planning, and ROI assessment for technology investments. Targets IT managers and technology leaders.
• AI for Educators A training programme designed to equip educators with AI literacy and practical applications of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning environments. Targets teachers, lecturers, and educational administrators.
• Kids and Teens Coding Bootcamp A coding bootcamp designed for school-age children and teenagers, introducing programming concepts and computational thinking. Targets young learners and parents seeking early STEM education for their children.
• Commercial Bid Writing Masterclass A masterclass in commercial bid writing covering proposal development, pricing strategy, and competitive positioning for tenders and contracts. Targets professionals involved in business development and contract acquisition.
• @iBizAfrica Startup Incubation Programme A business incubation programme operating for 12+ years, having scaled 800+ startups through training, coaching, and mentorship. Has facilitated over USD 250,000 in startup funding across agritech, fintech, and edutech sectors. Notable alumni include PurpInk, Eliteways Travel, SophieBot, MLedger, and Aurora Health Care.
• IT Outsourcing and Consulting Services Customized IT consulting, digital transformation support, and software development services delivered to organizations through the IT Outsourcing and Consulting Unit. Includes bespoke corporate training and technology implementation support.
• AI Readiness Training Programme A week-long intensive AI training program for 10 finalists of the 4th ATU Africa Innovation Challenge, focusing on Responsible AI Development, Ethics, Design Thinking, and practical AI development. Targets African AI innovators and developers.
• Intermediate Certificate in Data Science (ICDS) An intermediate-level professional certificate in data science covering data acquisition, cleaning, analysis, and visualization using industry-standard tools. Targets working professionals and students seeking to advance their data science capabilities.

Quantifiable outcome

• 800+ startups scaled through @iBizAfrica incubation
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability11 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• African Telecommunications Union (ATU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2025Renewable two-year MoU positioning @iLabAfrica as strategic academic partner in ATU's continent-wide digital skills and policy research drive. Includes joint study on internet governance, capacity-building programs, and ATU Africa Innovation Challenge hosting. Joint steering committee co-chaired by ATU and CIGAP meets quarterly.
• Standard Chartered FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2025KES 22.5 million investment funding Women in Cyber Mentorship Programme for East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania). Hybrid program with in-person and virtual sessions offering technical training, mentorship, CPD credits, and networking for up to 100 early-career women.
• Huawei TechnologiescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 April 2025Co-facilitates Africa Innovation Challenge with ATU and ITU, providing AI training program for 10 continent-wide finalists. Huawei sponsors the challenge and provides Huawei MatePad devices to winners. Part of Huawei's broader digital skills initiative.
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 April 2025Co-facilitates 4th ATU Africa Innovation Challenge alongside Huawei and @iLabAfrica. ITU representative Mohamed Ba leads responsible AI ethics training module. Supports Africa's digital transformation and youth innovation ecosystem.
• THiNK (Tech Innovators Network Tank)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 February 2025MoU for ICT for Development combining expertise in IT, research, and entrepreneurship. Focus areas include joint R&D in AI/IoT/blockchain, policy advocacy, industry engagement, and student/professional exchange programs. Emphasizes ethics in AI and responsible tech development.
• Nation Media Group (NMG)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2024Co-hosted inaugural pre-summit hackathon ahead of 3rd Global Data and AI Summit demonstrating AI applications in media creation, distribution, and consumption. 22 teams participated; winning solutions include Geo-Enhanced Nation platform and AI-powered content optimization.
• Next Step FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 September 2024Collaboration supporting neurodivergent students from @iLabAfrica's Neurodivergent in Tech Programme at Microsoft Global Hackathon. Six students showcased Neurosensory Device for neurodivergent children's safety.
• Save the Children International, KenyacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2024MoU leveraging @iLabAfrica's data analysis expertise to understand infant mortality trends from 210+ countries. Collaboration areas include digital child protection, education for underprivileged children, maternal health monitoring, and child mortality reduction.
• Absa Bank KenyaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 September 2023University-industry partnership for cybersecurity resilience training, upskilling Absa employees for the digital age. Part of broader university-industry collaboration trend (46.8% of universities globally have industry links).
• Oracle AcademycoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for Green Tech Hackathon 2025 bringing together student developers, environmentalists, and entrepreneurs to create climate technology solutions. Oracle provides technical expertise and resources for the innovation challenge.
• MicrosoftcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for Microsoft Global Hackathon at Microsoft Garage Nairobi. Provides platform for neurodivergent and other innovators to showcase solutions. @iLabAfrica uses Microsoft technologies across programs.
• Transparency International KenyaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Campaign Finance Watch Tool challenging Kenyan youth to build civic tech solutions for tracking political campaign financing. Winner received Ksh 500,000 prize.
• Taltech University (Estonia)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational module destination for CIO Leadership Programme students. Provides exposure to European technology ecosystem and best practices in digital leadership.
• Kozminski University (Poland)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCIOs in Poland alumni immersion program providing international exposure. Cost of USD 3,000 covers tuition, accommodation, ground travel, company visits, and cultural immersion.
• British CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBritish Council CEO applauded student innovators during ASLIA Showcase at Strathmore University, indicating support for innovation and youth entrepreneurship programs.
• @iBizAfrica Incubation CentrecoreOthersRelated Strathmore University entity focused on startup incubation and entrepreneurship support. Has 12+ years experience scaling 800+ startups including PurpInk, Eliteways Travel, SophieBot, MLedger, and Aurora Health Care.
• East Africa Centre for Internet Governance and Policy Research (CIGAP)coreOthersRelated centre within @iLabAfrica focused on internet governance and policy research. Co-chairs ATU partnership steering committee. Contributes to evidence-led policy research for Africa.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Moringa School: Nairobi-based tech training provider offering software development, data science, and cybersecurity programs to individuals and corporate clients. Directly comparable to @iLabAfrica's professional courses and executive education in the same Kenyan market with similar target segments.
• Co-creation Hub (CcHUB): Africa's largest innovation and incubation hub based in Nigeria with presence across multiple African countries. Directly comparable to @iBizAfrica's incubation activities and @iLabAfrica's broader innovation ecosystem mission, including corporate partnerships and startup support.
• Gebeya: Pan-African tech talent marketplace and training provider headquartered in Ethiopia with operations across Africa. Comparable in training software developers, connecting them to enterprise customers, and continental mission.
• Impact Hub: Global innovation hub network with strong African presence including innovation labs, startup incubation, and skills programs. Comparable to @iLabAfrica's combination of startup incubation, training, and corporate partnership-driven programs.
• Andela: Pan-African technology training and talent marketplace operating across multiple African countries. Directly comparable in mission (training African tech talent), geographic reach, and target customer segments (working professionals and corporate clients seeking skilled developers).
• ALX Africa: African tech training provider offering software engineering, data science, and AI programs across the continent. Directly comparable as a competing tech-skills training destination for African working professionals and youth, with similar continental reach ambition.

Broad incumbents

• African Leadership University: Pan-African higher education institution with campuses in Mauritius and Rwanda offering undergraduate and graduate programs including technology-focused degrees. Comparable as a broader African university alternative competing for the same student and corporate training customers.
• Ashesi University: Ghana-based private university with strong computer science and engineering programs and a focus on ethical leadership. Comparable as a competing African higher education institution with technology programs and industry partnerships.

Emerging players

• Inkomoko: East African business advisory and incubation organization supporting entrepreneurs across Kenya, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. Comparable to @iBizAfrica in incubation mission and East African geographic focus, though more focused on SME support than tech training.

Regional players

• kLab Rwanda: Rwanda-based innovation and technology hub offering incubation, training, and coworking space. Comparable to @iLabAfrica's incubation and training activities, though operating in a different East African country rather than directly competing in Kenya.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/iLabAfrica
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/ilabafrica
• Facebookfacebook.com/iLabAfricaStrathmore
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ilabafrica

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries2 records

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 @iLabAfrica