Fostering youth entrepreneurship through organized innovation spaces in the global south: Insights from Afrilabs

Youth entrepreneurship is emerging as a crucial avenue for addressing the challenges of unemployment and under-employment, particularly in developing countries where over 95% of young workers are engaged in the informal economy.

While capacity building and skills training are essential components, fostering a sustainable entrepreneurial culture requires specialized environments such as Science and Technology Parks (STPs) and Accelerators of Innovation (AOIs). These environments play a pivotal role in nurturing a culture of creation, innovation, and entrepreneurship among the youth.

This paper explores the significance of organized innovation spaces, drawing insights from the initiatives undertaken by AfriLabs, a dynamic innovation-focused organization operating across various African countries since 2011. AfriLabs has successfully established a network of innovation hubs that serve as crucial pillars in supporting and empowering the youth to become successful entrepreneurs.