Welcome to
The Community
Our Story
It started out as dinner party in 2021, a few dozen African tech & investment ecosystem champions taking over Papa L's Kitchen in Piccadilly to share African-fusion food and cocktails to the the back drop of African art work. In this safe and informal setting we connected over our love and passion for Africa's growing startup ecosystem and the opportunities emerging between the UK and Africa.
Three years on, eight events later and over 500 founders, investors, creatives, media, corporate and government leaders involved. The London Africa Network 🇬🇧🌍 has become a community of incredible people wanting to connect, share & learn (over a couple of drinks) around the same mission of growing the UK - Africa tech, startup, investment & creative corridors.
Who
All community members are based either in the UK, on the African continent or between both and working across their ecosystems. Whether as an entrepreneur, investor, tech talent, ecosystem operators, civil servant, member of the media, innovator or creative. The community is for you if you wish to connect, learn from and support fellow ambitious people working in the UK - Africa startup, tech, investment, and creative corridors.
What
For-profit in structure. But 100% of all revenue from membership fees and sponsorships goes back into running events and developing the community. Its day-to-day operations are overseen by the London Africa committee and its Head of Community. All committee involved in running London Africa does so voluntarily and Head of Community is a role paid a nominal fee for running day to day operations.
Where
As a member of our community, you'll have access to our offline events and online community. In joining you'll recognise the power of the collective can drive real change in the UK - Africa startup, tech, investment & creative ecosystems. Whether you're physically attending the quarterly events in London or starting and joining conversations via our online space and sharing or supporting opportunities, the community aims to provide a multitude of ways for you to engage.
Meet The Team
London Africa is a member-led initiative that is facilitated by a volunteer committee who are responsible for making sure the community best serves its members and delivers on its mission. This committee is steered by the Community. Any further roles will be made available to the community, but all members are encouraged to get involved in suggesting and planning activities.
Our Sponsor
The Small Foundation
Small Foundation is a philanthropic foundation based in Ireland that is working to catalyse and scale income-generating opportunities for people living in extreme poverty in rural sub-Saharan Africa. Small Foundation's goal is to collaborate with those creating the environment for micro, small and medium enterprises to succeed and deliver opportunity at scale. In particular, working with intermediaries that increase availability of the finance, social and human capital, knowledge, technology and markets required by a thriving, commercially viable MSME ecosystem. London Africa is delighted to have The Small Foundation as a partner helping scale and sustain our community.
