The Deep Tech Revolution in Africa

Welcome to your course on The Deep Tech Revolution in Africa!

Across the continent, scientists, engineers and researchers are turning advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and biotechnology into solutions tailored to African challenges. This is the deep tech revolution, and it is accelerating. Yet many of these ventures struggle to find the support, skills and capital they need to grow.

This course gives policymakers, ecosystem builders and support organisations a clear map of the African deep tech ecosystem. You will meet the key stakeholders, weigh the benefits against the seven documented challenges, study the six focus areas of support that local ventures need, and learn the criteria investors apply before committing capital. It closes with a practical, ungraded project that applies the ideas to your own country and context.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the African deep tech ecosystem and the role of each stakeholder within it.
• Weigh the benefits of deep tech in Africa against the seven documented challenges that limit it.
• Explain the six focus areas of support that local deep tech ventures need to succeed.
• Identify the criteria investors look for before funding a deep tech venture, and plan one area of support for your own context.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for the people who shape the conditions around deep tech startups across Africa. It is highly beneficial for individuals who are:

• Government officials and policymakers shaping innovation and entrepreneurship policy.
• Ecosystem builders, hub managers, and incubator or accelerator staff supporting founders.
• Development partners, funders, educators and researchers connecting universities with the deep tech sector.