On Saturday, 15 November 2025, Cape Town will play host to one of Africa’s most dynamic gatherings of entrepreneurial talent: Built in Africa Garage – A Startup Showcase. Now in its 8th edition, this flagship event by African Innovation Initiative (A.I.I.) moves to the Western Cape to spotlight the continent’s most promising founders, scalable ventures, and visionary investors—all united by a shared mission to build impactful, sustainable businesses from Africa to the world.
Held from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the event promises more than just presentations—it offers a curated experience designed for builders, funders, and changemakers who are actively shaping Africa’s innovation economy. Attendees will gain firsthand insight into real ventures making measurable progress, engage in candid discussions about scaling challenges, and forge connections that can accelerate growth.
Celebrating African Innovation in Cape Town
Cape Town has emerged as a powerhouse in Africa’s tech and startup landscape, home to a thriving ecosystem of incubators, accelerators, venture capital firms, and globally competitive startups. For its 2025 iteration, Built in Africa Garage deliberately chose this vibrant city to celebrate the ingenuity, resilience, and creativity that define a new generation of African entrepreneurs. The decision underscores A.I.I.’s commitment to spotlighting regional innovation hubs and connecting local founders with continental and global opportunities.
What to Expect at Built in Africa Garage 2025
Attendees can look forward to a tightly curated agenda blending inspiration, insight, and interaction. The day will open with keynotes from critical voices—thought leaders and practitioners offering fresh perspectives on innovation, digital transformation, and what it truly takes to build enduring companies in Africa.
This will be followed by fluff-free panel discussions featuring operators and founders deep in the trenches of sectors like healthtech, climate resilience, and digital inclusion. These sessions are designed not for theory, but for actionable takeaways that resonate with builders at every stage.
A dedicated segment will showcase A.I.I.’s latest updates, including data-driven insights on startup enablement, impact metrics from past cohorts, and the roadmap for the next phase of innovation acceleration across the continent.
Spotlight on the 2024 Venture Cohort
A centerpiece of the event is the showcase of A.I.I.’s 2024 venture cohort—a handpicked group of early- to growth-stage startups that have undergone intensive mentorship, product refinement, and go-to-market strategy development. These founders will present their progress, vision, and the unique value they bring to African and global markets.
Key Themes: Healthtech, Climate Resilience & Digital Inclusion
Reflecting Africa’s most urgent and promising opportunities, Built in Africa Garage will focus on three high-impact domains:
- Healthtech: Startups leveraging technology to improve access, affordability, and quality of healthcare.
- Climate Resilience: Innovations tackling adaptation, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and circular economies.
- Digital Inclusion: Solutions bridging connectivity, financial access, and digital literacy gaps across underserved communities.
These themes align with both continental development priorities and global investor interest, positioning showcased ventures for strategic partnerships and funding.
Founders Connect Pitch Competition Highlights
One of the day’s most anticipated moments is the Founders Connect Pitch Competition, where select entrepreneurs will present live to a panel of seasoned investors and industry experts. With high stakes and a grand prize reveal, this competition is more than a contest—it’s a launchpad for visibility and investment. Past winners have gone on to secure significant funding and international partnerships.
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Who Should Attend This Must-Join Innovation Event
Built in Africa Garage is tailored for:
- Startup founders seeking mentorship, exposure, and peer learning
- Investors scouting for Africa’s next breakout ventures
- Innovation operators and corporate leaders exploring collaboration
- Policy makers and ecosystem enablers invested in scalable impact
- Students and aspiring entrepreneurs eager to understand the startup journey
Registration is required to access venue details and secure a spot. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a movement that’s redefining what’s possible for African innovation.
Event Registration & Details:
https://luma.com/s2j7wd3r
Cape Town, Western Cape
Saturday, 15 November 2025 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Built in Africa Garage isn’t just an event—it’s a gathering of the builders who are turning vision into reality, one scalable solution at a time. Be there as Africa’s innovation story continues to unfold.
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