Ecosystem Build
News & Events
Stories, research and events from the Ecosystem Build and i4Policy community. Each card opens the full article on ecosystem.build.
Voices That Matter: How the Citizen Engagement Platform is supporting dialogue across Africa
How can young people shape the policies that shape their future? This question was at the heart of the 6th SADC Youth Forum in Harare last November. Over 300 young leaders from across Southern Africa gathered not only to speak, but to be heard. Their ideas and insights were captured through a simple but powerful digital tool: the Citizen Engagement Platform (CEP). Imagine a centralized platform that is both African-owned and hosted, specifically designed to empower the African Union (AU) and its agencies to connect directly with citizens. Developed through a collaboration between i4policy, GIZ, and AUDA-NEPAD the CEP is a digital platform designed to support institutions, especially the African Union and its agencies, in engaging directly with citizens. It offers a structured, accessible space to consult communities, gather feedback, and co-create solutions. Supporting Meaningful Engagement Across the African Union, the CEP is helping make engagement processes more inclusive and transparent. One of its most active users has been the Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate (WGYD), which is committed to promoting development and meaningful youth participation. With young people making up most of Africa’s population, their involvement in shaping policies is essential. The Directorate has used the CEP to support this goal; mobilizing youth around key initiatives, making participation easier and more accessible, and ensuring that engagement doesn’t stop at dialogue, but leads to action. During African Youth Month, the platform was used to facilitate registration for training and workshops. For the launch of the AU Innovation Lab on International Youth Day, the CEP helped gather inputs from young participants through surveys and events. During regional gatherings like the SADC Youth Forum, the platform provided a space for capturing ideas and staying connected after the event. “Contributing to the 1 Million Next Level Initiative’s youth empowerment goals, CEP has supported WGYD by developing a comprehensive Youth Organization Database. This platform, which has already registered over 1,500 organizations across Africa, will now serve as a central hub to enhance engagement and visibility for these youth innovations.” — Joshua K. Quaye, Women, Gender & Youth Directorate, African Union Commission As part of the 1 Million Next Level Initiative, the CEP now hosts a Youth Organization Database, a resource designed to enhance visibility and collaboration across the continent. The organizations listed aren’t just names on a page; they are active participants in shaping the future of governance, policy, and development. Yesterday marked a monumental moment as we launched the AU Innovation Lab, the first continental policy lab! The lab seeks to fuel the success of the #1mNextLevel Initiative & advance #Agenda2063 through innovation and new approaches. pic.twitter.com/Ou41hC9asj — African Union Youth Program (@AUYouthProgram) August 20, 2024 A Platform Designed for Co-creation At its core, the CEP is about creating space for honest, structured dialogue. Institutions can host consultations, collect insights through surveys and polls, review documents with stakeholders, and manage public events, whether in person or online. These features are by default guided by the ADDIS Framework, a decision-thinking methodology developed by i4Policy and shaped through collaborations in over 80 countries. The framework helps ensure that engagement processes are intentional, inclusive, and rooted in real community input. Whether it’s used to gather feedback on draft policies, engage youth organizations, or host co-creation workshops, the CEP offers a flexible and evolving set of tools. Key Priorities As the platform continues to grow, two key priorities are guiding its next steps. First, the team behind the CEP is working toward Digital Public Goods (DPG) certification, which would support the platform’s evolution as a trustworthy, open-source solution for public participation. This recognition would also help open doors to new partnerships and long-term support. Second, there is a growing emphasis on community-led development. The platform is being opened up further for local developers, civic tech communities, and citizens to co-create tools that meet their needs. This collaborative approach helps ensure the CEP remains responsive to the diverse contexts and challenges across the continent. These efforts reflect a broader transition, from top-down governance to more adaptive, participatory approaches that center the lived realities of the people affected by policy decisions. Let’s Build Together The Citizen Engagement Platform is still evolving, and its success depends on the people and institutions who use it. Whether you’re working in government, civil society, technology, or community organizing, we welcome your insights and participation. If you’re interested in partnering, contributing, or learning more, we’d love to hear from you. 📧 Contact us at: community@i4policy.org
We need to build entrepreneurship policies that WORK
On February 19, 2025, Belinda Baah, of Innovation for Policy Foundation (i4Policy) had the privilege of joining the ABSA x AGCAE Youth Entrepreneurship Dialogue in Johannesburg, a gathering designed to move beyond discussion and towards action. Hosted by ABSA, one of Africa’s largest banks, and the Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship (AGCAE), an i4Policy partner, the event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem builders from across the continent. Baah was invited to join a panel as the voice of policy in the entrepreneurship space, highlighting the many processes i4Policy has supported in shaping inclusive entrepreneurship policies, as well as advocating for the need for participatory decision-making—because policies are only as effective as the voices included in shaping them. A Pan-African approach to entrepreneurship Though the event took place in South Africa, the conversations reflected a Pan-African vision—recognising that Africa’s entrepreneurial challenges are shared, and so too must be the solutions. ABSA, with its presence in key markets such as South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya, showcased its commitment to empowering entrepreneurs across the continent. Priscilla Yeboah, an ABSA panellist, provided insight into some of the bank’s entrepreneurship initiatives, which supports access to finance and business development. Turning talk into action One of the most refreshing aspects of this dialogue was its focus on action—rather than dwelling on challenges that have been voiced time and again, the emphasis was on shaping solutions. Three “ideathons” were hosted, each structured around a core challenge that repeatedly surfaces in entrepreneurship discussions: “I naturally took part in the policy ideathon, where discussions were raw and real—what truly needs to be done to ensure policy reflects and incorporates the needs of the people it is meant to serve? Instead of just critiquing, we focused on solutions. A report detailing the outcomes of these ideathons will be shared soon.” The day ended on an inspirational note, with South Africa’s 2024 Overall Entrepreneur of the Year Awardee, Sheldon Tatchell, Founder of the Legends Barber, sharing his journey of trials, tribulations, and triumph—a powerful reminder of why we do this work. Our biggest takeaway? Policy needs to do better Entrepreneurs across Africa benefit from discussions like these, but what they need most is action—better policy implementation and real support structures that translate ideas into impact. Messaging around the importance of effective policy must be stronger, and its impact must be shared more widely. At i4Policy, we are committed to ensuring that policy making is not just an intellectual exercise but a process that actively engages those it seeks to serve. That means entrepreneurs must be at the table, not just as participants in discussions but as co-creators of the very policies that shape their futures. Let’s move beyond talk. Let’s build policies that work.
Decision Thinking in Action | Guest Lecture at Utrecht University
On Thursday, February 13, 2025, Aniya Hamilton and Tim Gelissen from the i4Policy team had the pleasure of leading a two-hour Decision Thinking by Doing Decision Thinking guest lecture at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. Invited by Professor Erik Stam, Assistant Professor Maria Greve and lecturer Anne-Sophie Halbertsma, who teach the Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and Economic Development course, they engaged with more than 30 students, introducing a hands-on approach to decision-making in policy development. A lively start We kicked off the session with a Rock, Paper, Scissors tournament where the energy peaked as everyone cheered on the two finalists in the championship round. This lighthearted exercise served as more than just an icebreaker—it set the tone for an interactive session where students were eager to engage with the content. Decision Thinking in Practice The core of our session was the “Decision Thinking by Doing Decision Thinking” training, a hands-on activity where students worked in pairs to design the perfect holiday for their partner. While seemingly playful, this exercise introduced key elements of structured decision-making: By the end of the activity, students saw how structured decision-making models could be applied beyond personal choices—to organisational challenges, policy co-creation, and innovation. From Concept to Real-World Impact Following the hands-on exercise, we transitioned into theory and real-world application, using the Senegal Startup Act as a case study. We walked students through how citizens, entrepreneurs, and policymakers in Senegal co-created a national startup law using a decision-making framework similar to what they had just practiced. The discussion sparked thoughtful questions, such as: We shared insights on inclusivity, transparency, and strategic engagement, which were critical to making the Senegal Startup Act a reality. Lasting Impressions One of the highlights of the session was the level of engagement and curiosity the students exhibited. The energy in the room made it clear that they were eager to apply these concepts in their own work, namely the assignments we crafted for their semester challenge. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Students appreciated the interactive format and the real-world application of decision thinking. One participant noted: “I liked that the lecture was interactive. If we had only listened the entire time, it would have been harder to stay engaged.” Another suggested including more case studies on the challenges entrepreneurs face—a great idea for future workshops. Looking Ahead This lecture was a reminder of the importance of practical learning experiences in shaping future decision-makers. At i4Policy, we are committed to sharing knowledge and creating spaces for collective problem-solving. A big thank you to Utrecht University for the invitation and to the students for their enthusiasm and thought-provoking questions! Further information Find our “Decision Thinking by Doing Decision Thinking” workbook here Read about the application of the ADDIS-process during the development of the Nigeria Startup Bill here More information about the course Entrepreneurial Ecosystems & Economic Development at Utrecht University here Learn about the application of ADDIS in a plethora of African case studies here Written by;Aniya Hamilton and Tim Gelissen
Exploring Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Africa
On Thursday November 28, a diverse group of academics, practitioners, and entrepreneurship enthusiasts came together at Utrecht University (UU) for a workshop on entrepreneurial ecosystems in Africa. Hosted by UU’s Institutions for Open Societies Platform Bottom-up Initiatives for Societal Change and the UU Centre for Global Challenges (UGlobe), Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship (AGCAE), Innovation for Policy Foundation and the American University in Cairo, the hybrid event welcomed participants both in-person and online, with over 120 joining remotely (mainly from Africa). The afternoon started with a warm welcome from Erik Stam (Utrecht University & Stellenbosch University), setting a collaborative tone for the session. The first presentation by Phumlani Nkontwana (AGCAE, Stellenbosch University) introduced the African Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Index (AEEI). This index provides a structured way to evaluate entrepreneurial ecosystems, focusing on seven key dimensions like governance, finance, and human capital. Rigorous methodology and robustness checks provided a solid foundation for comparing entrepreneurial ecosystems across the continent, while there is ample room for improvement in terms of finding alternative and better data sources to capture the nuances of entrepreneurial ecosystems. Milou Derks (RVO & Eindhoven University of Technology) then shed light on the importance of context-specific entrepreneurship support. Her research revealed that many donor-driven programs often fail to account for local nuances, with standardized approaches not always aligning with on-the-ground realities. She shared case studies from countries and regions like Burundi and North Mozambique, which illustrated both the challenges and the potential for more thoughtful interventions. After the coffee break, the workshop resumed with Erik Stam diving into the big picture of entrepreneurship in Africa. He emphasized the need to look beyond just new business activity and consider the full spectrum – from ideation to unicorn status. The data-driven analysis revealed fascinating insights into the entrepreneurial dynamics across different African countries, uncovering opportunities and limitations of the data sets. For example, this approach revealed that different countries excel at different stages of the entrepreneurial process, suggesting that blanket policies for entrepreneurship support may not be effective across the continent. Image credit: Anurag W The workshop’s final discussions brought fresh and inspiring perspectives. Ayman Ismail (American University in Cairo) explored the potential of the MENA region to cultivate indigenous unicorns, emphasizing how entrepreneurial ecosystems need to evolve to support these ambitions. Kenneth Amaeshi (European University Institute) introduced the OKOBI Model, rooted in Nigerian traditions of collective prosperity. This approach builds on local practices, like community cooperatives, to create inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems. It was an inspiring presentation of how culture and local traditions can serve as a foundation for shared growth. Image credit: Anurag W The workshop was a reminder of how much there is to learn about entrepreneurial ecosystem development, entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Africa. The participants—whether in Utrecht or online—left with ideas to reflect on and a sense of responsibility to take these conversations forward. While there are no easy answers, the discussions underscored the importance of collaboration and curiosity in supporting Africa’s entrepreneurial potential. Image credit: Tim Gelissen
From Policy to Practice: The Challenges of Implementing Startup Acts in Francophone Africa
When speaking of Startup Acts, it is fair to say that francophone Africa has been a trailblazer with countries like Tunisia (2018) and Senegal (2019) leading the way. More recently, the Democratic Republic of Congo (2022), Togo (2022), Côte d’Ivoire (2022), Benin (2023), and Mauritania (2024) have followed suit, adopting their own Startup Acts or Labels. These initiatives reflect commendable efforts to prioritize innovation and entrepreneurship. Startup Acts aim to provide a clear legal framework for identifying and supporting startups, often in collaboration with ecosystem stakeholders. These policies typically address key areas such as: If you’d like to learn more about How to Build Your Startup Act, register at https://www.learn.ecosystem.build. Alternatively, explore our StartUp Act Library at https://library.ecosystem.build/ or go to https://ecosystem.build/ to explore other tools and publications. When implemented effectively, these measures can empower entrepreneurs to focus on solving pressing societal challenges without being bogged down by unnecessary barriers. However, passing such legislation is only the first step. Without effective implementation, even the most well-intentioned laws risk becoming “dead letters,” failing to deliver on their promise of economic transformation. What has indeed been observed over the last few years is that the journey from legislation to tangible impact has proven challenging. To address these challenges, the Innovation for Policy Foundation (i4Policy), in partnership with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), hosted an online workshop on November 21, 2024. Hosted by Salma Baghdadi, this event convened policymakers and ecosystem stakeholders from Senegal, Mauritania, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire to exchange ideas and explore practical solutions. Key topics included: The workshop not only facilitated the exchange of best practices but also fostered a sense of shared purpose among participants. Country representatives emphasized the value of learning from each other’s experiences and called for follow-up sessions to track progress and continue peer-to-peer exchanges. This collaborative approach highlights the importance of partnerships in overcoming the implementation gap. The implementation of Startup Acts is a critical step in nurturing Africa’s innovation ecosystems. While challenges remain, the momentum generated by collaborative efforts offers hope for meaningful progress. As more countries adopt these policies, ensuring their practical application will be key to unlocking their transformative potential. Written by;Maeva Kpadonou
Inside the Uganda Startup Policy Journey
The journey toward establishing a robust Startup Policy in Uganda has been marked by collaboration, research, and a commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs. We spoke with two key leaders in the Uganda Startup Ecosystem, Vincent Okettayot and Keneth Twesigye, to gain insights into this significant policy development. Vincent serves as the Deputy Chairman of the Startups Policy Intervention Project Technical Committee at Uganda’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives. Keneth is the Founder & CEO of TechBuzz Hub and the Policy Lead for Startup Uganda. Both have participated in the i4Policy’s Entrepreneurship Policy Learning series, which they credit as crucial in shaping their policy work. A Pivotal Moment The journey began in May 2021 at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, where a much needed policy dialogue was hosted by the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) and funded by the Mastercard Foundation. This high-level meeting highlighted the urgent need for government support for the startup ecosystem. Following this dialogue, a position paper was presented to the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, leading to the formation of a Technical Working Group (TWG). This group, comprising ministry staff and private sector partners, was tasked with developing startup interventions. The TWG’s participation in the i4Policy Entrepreneurship Policy Course provided essential skills in policy design and implementation, which were pivotal for their ongoing efforts. Research and Collaboration Empowered by their training, the TWG conducted comprehensive research, engaging with startup hubs and ecosystem players across the country. They performed a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) to evaluate the potential impacts of the proposed policy. The validated RIA report received approval from the ministry’s top management and the Office of the President, setting the stage for the draft National Startup Policy. This policy represents a collaborative effort among government entities, private sector stakeholders, international partners, and youth startup representatives, promising to foster job creation, economic growth, and innovation in Uganda. Legislative Support In parallel, the Parliamentary Youth Council, led by Hon. Boniface Okot, introduced a private member’s bill, the Startup Bill, in Parliament. This process highlights the collaborative nature of the policy’s development, with support from the TWG and KOICA. The RIA report received approval from the Cabinet Secretariat, recommending the establishment of startup policies and laws. Keneth Twesigye emphasized the importance of workshops and capacity-building sessions for the Technical Working Committee to ensure efficient development of the Startup Act. “I encouraged members of the technical working committee to complete the i4Policy MOOC — a free Entrepreneurship policy course. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive,” said Twesigye. Progress and Challenges Fast forward to May 2024, a 9th Draft Version of the Startup Policy was presented. The evolution from the first to the ninth draft was facilitated by multiple workshops that incorporated stakeholder feedback for continuous improvement. The need for the Startup Policy is particularly pressing given Uganda’s low ranking on the African Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Index (AEEI), where it stands at 28 out of 29 countries, just above Zimbabwe. The ecosystem faces significant challenges, including limited access to finance, bureaucratic registration processes, infrastructural deficits, and a shortage of skilled labor. Vincent Okettayot outlined these challenges and the policy’s intended measures: “Startups struggle with lengthy registration processes and unclear tax regulations. The new policy aims to reduce bureaucracy, provide incentives, improve infrastructure, and cultivate a culture of innovation.” While some resistance emerged from stakeholders, extensive consultations have refined the policy to garner broader support. Looking Ahead Currently, the only significant delay in the policy’s progression is the benchmarking process, which requires funding for both physical and virtual international study visits. Progress has been made, including a successful benchmark study visit to the Tunisian startup ecosystem. Once these findings are integrated into the next draft, the “Final Startup Policy draft” will be prepared for presentation to the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives. The Minister and Permanent Secretary will then defend it in Parliament. We wish Team Uganda success in the final stretch of their Startup Act journey! Resources for Change-Makers For those interested in learning more about entrepreneurial ecosystems, the i4Policy course is now available as a self-guided Entrepreneurship Policy Online Learning Series at www.learn.ecosystem.build. Explore additional resources, including the Library of Startup Acts and the latest Startup Benchmarking Report, at the ecosystem.build repository. Did you know? TechBuzz Hub is a member of two innovation and technology driven associations: Startup Uganda – an association of Innovation hubs and Enterprise Support Organisations in Uganda for concerted efforts policy advocacy, embracing innovation and growth of the startup ecosystem in Uganda. TechBuzz Hub is also a member of AfriLabs – an association of Technology and innovation hubs across the continent with over 480 members across the 53 countries in Africa whose vision is “a thriving innovation economy in Africa driven by its community “. Written by; Belisa Rodrigues
i4Policy awarded “Policy Initiative of the Year” – Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Awards and Summit, Ghana.
This year’s Ghana Digital Innovation Week (GDIW) held from 2-4 October 2024, was a galvanising moment for stakeholders in the tech and entrepreneurship ecosystem to meet, share and convene in Accra, Ghana. The week combined two powerful summits that contributed to a jam-packed innovation week -the Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders (ASEB) and African Summit on Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ASENTI) summits. i4Policy was represented by Blaise Bayuo (Tech Founder and Innovation Specialist), who participated in several sessions. The ASEB awards evening was a highlight for many ecosystem players, including i4Policy who was recognised for a second time this year. Panels and Discussions Before the event kickoff, ASENTI organised a summit for ecosystem players to engage and network ahead of GDIW. ASENTI, aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), presents a valuable opportunity to explore the connections between economic integration, entrepreneurship, innovation, and tourism development. The panels covered topics such as EdTech and AgriTech and discussed how ecosystem players can support inclusive innovation by actively engaging women entrepreneurs, highlighting the vast opportunities in these sectors. On the 2nd October, i4Policy participated in the ASEB Summit, where stakeholders discussed cross-border collaboration and networks to support startup growth. The panellists emphasised the need to operationalise AfCFTA to facilitate business trade and enhance collaboration across borders. i4policy Wins an Award ASEB hosted an awards night at the Ennovate Blck hub in Accra as part of GDIW, to recognise the contributions of various stakeholders to Africa’s startup ecosystem.This year there were 30 award categories, with over 2000 nominations received from 44 countries. i4Policy was again honoured, winning the Policy Initiative of the Year 2024 award, having held the Policy Champion of the Year in 2023. The award is a symbolic representation of i4Policy’s role in connecting individuals, communities, and governments globally to co-create the future by providing tools, processes, and advisory services that foster inclusivity in decision-making and promote positive community outcomes through knowledge sharing and research. A hearty congratulations goes to all the winners at this year’s Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders – Awards and Summit (October 2024, Accra, Ghana)! Special congratulations goes to our longstanding partner Rym Jarou of Smart Africa, who was awarded: Startup Ecosystem Builder Champion of the Year! See winners pictured below: Finally, the GDIW reminds us that “we are stronger together “, and that we need to look for opportunities to continuously partner and engage the ecosystem through policy and research initiatives – it is the only way we can build back better, by doing this together. Interested in knowing more about i4Policy’s activities? Please visit: https://www.i4policy.org Celebrating 5 years of co-creating the future! Written by; Blaise Bayuo & Belisa Rodrigues
The Burundi Policy Hackathon · Entrepreneurs’ Futures Matter
The first week of October started on a strong note. Over 100 participants joined forces for the Burundi Policy Hackathon, an event that brought together key players from the Burundian entrepreneurial ecosystem. In collaboration with Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and Orange Corners with support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, i4Policy had the privilege of organizing the Hackathon as part of the “Entrepreneurship Policy Strengthening” project whose goal is to identify and address the major challenges faced by startups and SMEs in Burundi to then build an ecosystem that supports their growth. What was the goal?The goal was to assess existing policies and see where improvements could be made or new policies introduced to better support entrepreneurs. By working together, participants identified principal challenges and co-created actionable solutions in the journey to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem. When & Where?This day-long Hackathon took place on October 4 in Bujumbura, Burundi from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM where the energy was high and the room was buzzing with ideas. How did it go?Participants worked together on activities like ecosystem mapping, problem identification, and policy solution generation, guided by our lead facilitators Aniya Hamilton, Ayodélé L. Ognin, and in-country partners Aimé Christophe SHINGIRO and Joris Ngabire. Behind the scenes, Belinda Bahh played a key role in making sure the team had the support they needed. With some fun energizers and interactive sessions, the conversations were so engaging it pained us to have to bring them to a close. Why does this matter?Burundi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem holds tremendous potential to spur economic growth and create jobs. This Hackathon gave the ecosystem actors in the room the chance to put their heads together and co-create recommendations on how existing policies could be improved to better support entrepreneurs. Furthermore, it reinforced the community’s commitment to entrepreneurial development in Burundi. A Fun Highlight! During an energizer activity, Aniya Hamilton asked participants to stand up and then sit down if they spoke more than three languages—and almost everyone sat down! She joked, “In my home country, the U.S., most of us would still be standing.” It was a great reminder of how incredibly diverse and talented our group was—just imagine the creative solutions they came up with! A special thank you to Maeva Kpadanou for all her hard work behind the scenes, and a big thank you to everyone involved. We’re excited to take the next steps in turning these ideas into concrete actions that enable all entrepreneurs to reach their full potential! The Future is Co-Created. Written by; Aniya Hamilton
Building Thriving Innovation & Entrepreneurship Ecosystems across Southern Africa
On the eve of the SA Innovation Summit 2024, “Africa’s premier Innovation and Startup Summit”, i4Policy was invited to an important Regional Experts Meeting of 16 Southern African policymakers and ecosystem leaders. The 18 September event was jointly hosted in Cape Town by the Southern Africa Innovation Collective (SAIC), The Southern African Development Community (SADC), MLab, and supported by the German Agency for International Co-operation (GIZ) through its Make-IT in Africa programme. Leaders from Angola, Botswana, Comoros, DRC, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe were brought together to share opportunities and challenges on each of their national and regional startup ecosystems. To facilitate conversations, English, Portuguese and French translators were on hand to ensure the multilingual group understood one another and aided robust discussions on the day. As part of the day’s proceedings, Belisa Rodrigues, representing i4Policy, was invited onto a panel discussion to discuss the important theme of “Start Up Acts”. The Policy panel discussion included panelists Dr Konanani Rashamuse, Chief Director: Innovation Priorities and Instruments (DSI), representative of SA Startup Act Movement, Adrian Dommisse (Founding Director Dommisse Attorneys), and was moderated by Alexandra Fraser, CEO Viridian. The panel discussion covered topics such as “What is a Start Up?”, “How do you know if your country needs a Startup Act?”, and lessons learnt from the South Africa Startup Act movement. A participant from Angola raised concern about their current lawmaking process, where internally they were not sure whether a Startup Act is needed or current laws amended. Another participant from Zimbabwe raised a challenge in his country around how to get everyone involved and on the same page. Rodrigues responded by offering some participatory methodologies that i4Policy have used in various case studies in Senegal and Nigeria such as policy hackathons, townhall meetings and AI chat bots. It was also highlighted that it is important not to ask who to involve, but rather “Who is missing from this conversation?”. As part of the discussion, Rodrigues shared with the audience relevant tools and resources for policymakers eager to kickstart their entrepreneurship policy journey. She showcased the i4Policy platform called Ecosystem.build, and focused on two (2) relevant products: Although the panel came at the end of a long day, the Southern African audience were engaged and curious to know more. The meeting ended on a high note, with many new Southern African connections forged, going into the Innovation Summit the following day.