Startups & Entrepreneurship Committee
Backing African Makers and Founders
The Startups & Entrepreneurship Committee of Make in Africa works to build a strong ecosystem for African founders who make things. Its members are founders, investors and mentors from across the continent, with real experience of what it takes to build and scale a business in African markets. Through access to resources, mentorship and introductions, the committee helps entrepreneurs turn ideas into ventures that add value in Africa.
Our Vision
Building a Maker-Led Economy
To make Make in Africa the home for startups and entrepreneurs who build, process and manufacture in Africa, driving innovation, growth and collaboration across the continent.
Our Mission
Enabling Success for Startups
- Facilitate Funding: Introduce startups to investors and venture funds that back African builders.
- Support Business Innovation: Guide founders on business models and on entering markets across the AfCFTA area.
- Promote Collaboration: Work with accelerators, incubators and industry experts to create a supportive ecosystem.
- Advocate for Policy Reform: Work with governments to make doing business easier for startups.
What We Do?
Supporting Entrepreneurs Every Step
- Mentorship Programmes: Connect startups with experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts for practical guidance.
- Workshops and Webinars: Offer learning on fundraising, market strategy and operational discipline.
- Networking Events: Build connections with investors, mentors, buyers and other startups.
- Advocacy Efforts: Work with governments to address startup barriers and push for reform.
Focus Areas: Accelerating Startup Growth
- Fundraising and Investment Access: Bridge the gap between startups and investors who will back African production.
- Business Model Innovation: Guide entrepreneurs in designing scalable, sustainable business strategies.
- Ecosystem Partnerships: Build links with accelerators, incubators and industry leaders.
- Policy Advocacy: Press for startup-friendly policy, lighter regulatory burdens and better access to resources.
Why Join the Startups & Entrepreneurship Committee?
- Access Resources: Draw on tools, mentorship and funding introductions to grow your startup.
- Learn from Experts: Gain insight from entrepreneurs and business leaders who have built in Africa.
- Influence Change: Help shape a supportive regulatory environment for startups.
Turn Your Idea into Industry
Join the Startups & Entrepreneurship Committee and become part of a network building African industry from the ground up. Become a Member to speed up your journey and make a lasting impact.
Stay Updated with Us
Global Trade Council Partnerships
- Australia China Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry
- Australia India Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry
- Australia India Seafood Industry Council (AISIC)
- Australia India Free Trade and Seafood Industry Advisory Group (AIFTSIAG)
- Australia Qatar Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry
- Australia Saudi Arabia Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry
- Australia Turkiye Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry
- Australia UAE Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry
- Australia USA Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry
- Australia Singapore Chamber of Trade, Commerce, and Industry
Economic Forum 2026
Membership
Policies
- Semiconductor Fabless Policy 2027-2035
- Data Centre Policy 2027-2035
- Information Technology Policy 2027-2035
- Multimodal Logistics Policy 2027-2035
- BPO and Global Capability Centre (GCC) Policy 2027-2035
- New and Renewable Energy Policy 2027-2035
- Biotechnology Policy 2027-2035
- Pharmaceuticals Policy 2027-2035
- DeepTech, AI, and Data Centre Policy 2027-2035
- Electronics Policy 2027-2035
- Export Development Policy 2027-2035
- MedTech Policy 2027-2035
- Film and Media Policy 2027-2035
- FinTech Policy 2027-2035
- EdTech Policy 2027-2035
- Events and Tourism Policy 2027-2035
- Apparel and Technical Textiles Policy 2027-2035
- Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing Policy 2027-2035
- Fisheries Policy 2027-2035
- Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Policy 2027-2035
- MIAGS Startup Policy 2027-2035
- MIAGS Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Manufacturing Policy 2027-2035
Advocacy
Resources & News
Contact Us
Governing Councils
- Business Compliance and Regulatory Affairs Council
- Digital Transformation and Innovation Council
- Export and International Trade Council
- Finance and Investment Council
- Infrastructure and Real Estate Development Council
- Intellectual Property and Innovation Council
- Logistics and Supply Chain Optimization Council
- Sustainability and Climate Action Council
- Transport and Connectivity Council
- Urban Infrastructure and Housing Council
- Workforce Development and Skilling Council
- Public Utilities and Civic Services Council
- Governance and Transparency Council
- Agriculture and Food Processing Expert Committee
- Banking, Financial Services & Insurance Committee
- Mediation, Arbitration and Conciliation Committee
- Climate Change and Disaster Resilience Committee
- Corporate Governance Committee
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee
- Digitalisation Committee
- Direct Tax Committee
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee
- Economic Policy, Research & Development Committee
- EdTech and Skill Development Committee
- Energy and Infrastructure Committee
- Human Resources Management Committee
- Indirect Tax Committee
- International Trade & Commerce Committee
- Legal Affairs & Intellectual Property Rights Committee
- Media, Entertainment, and Content Creation Committee
- MSME Growth and Advocacy Forum
- Private Equity & Venture Capital Committee
- Renewable Energy and Green Technology Committee
- Shipping & Logistics Committee
- Startups & Entrepreneurship Committee
- Sustainability & ESG Committee
- Tourism, Hospitality, and Events Committee
- Women in Business & Leadership Committee
- Young Leaders Forum
- Healthcare and Wellness Committee
- Government Relations and Development Advocacy Committee
About
The Make In Africa Global Summit (MIAGS) is a global platform connecting leaders, businesses, investors, institutions and policymakers shaping the next era of economic growth across the Global South and Africa.
MIAGS advances South–South cooperation, trade, investment, industrialization, technology, infrastructure and economic resilience, creating platforms for dialogue, strategic partnerships and cross-border opportunities.
Our mission is to strengthen the Global South and Africa’s role in the global economy by connecting capital with opportunity, innovation with markets and economic priorities with action—while fostering a more connected, productive and influential economic future.