On April 23, 2025, Georgetown University will host the inaugural Startup Africa Summit, a groundbreaking event designed to spotlight Africa’s burgeoning startup ecosystem. Organized by the Georgetown African Business Alliance (GABA) in collaboration with Georgetown Entrepreneurship, the African Studies Program, and other student-led organizations, this summit promises to be a dynamic platform for innovation and collaboration. The event will be held at the McDonough School of Business, strategically timed alongside the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings to maximize global engagement.

A Visionary Partnership: GABA and Dr. Eleni Gabre-Madhin

The summit is bolstered by the involvement of Dr. Eleni Gabre-Madhin, Georgetown McDonough’s Executive-in-Residence and a globally recognized leader in African entrepreneurship. Dr. Gabre-Madhin brings decades of experience as an economist, entrepreneur, and policy innovator. Her notable achievements include founding the Ethiopia Commodity Exchange (ECX), which revolutionized agricultural markets in Africa by facilitating $1.2 billion in annual trading within three years, positively impacting over 15 million small farmers.

Dr. Gabre-Madhin has also launched initiatives like Timbuktoo Africa, a $1 billion public-private partnership that supports tech startups across the continent. Her expertise and passion for fostering innovation make her an invaluable contributor to the summit.

What to Expect at the Summit

The Startup Africa Summit aims to provide attendees with insights into Africa’s rapidly evolving startup landscape. Key highlights include:

• Panel Discussions: Featuring tech founders, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem builders who will share their experiences and strategies for scaling innovation in Africa.

• Networking Opportunities: A chance for students, entrepreneurs, and professionals to connect with influential leaders from across Africa’s business ecosystem.

• Showcasing Emerging Trends: From fintech to agritech, the summit will explore how technology is transforming industries across the continent.

The Role of GABA

As the driving force behind this initiative, GABA exemplifies Georgetown University’s commitment to fostering economic growth and innovation in Africa. The alliance serves as a hub for students and alumni passionate about driving impactful change on the continent. Through events like the Startup Africa Summit, GABA continues to strengthen its mission of uniting Georgetown’s global community to support African development.

Why This Matters

Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies and a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Events like the Startup Africa Summit not only celebrate these achievements but also create opportunities for collaboration between global stakeholders and African innovators. By hosting this summit, Georgetown University positions itself as a key player in advancing dialogue and action around African entrepreneurship.

Join the Movement

The Startup Africa Summit is more than just an event; it is a call to action for students, policymakers, and business leaders to engage with Africa’s transformative potential. With Dr. Eleni Gabre-Madhin’s visionary leadership and GABA’s commitment to fostering innovation, this summit is poised to make a lasting impact on how African startups are perceived and supported globally.

Mark your calendars for April 23, 2025—this is one event you won’t want to miss!