AfriConEU Ghana Bootcamp – Empowering African Innovation through Collaboration

Kumasi

The AfriConEU Ghana Bootcamp, hosted at hapaSpace Innovation Hub in Kumasi, was a three-day catalytic experience that brought together a vibrant mix of entrepreneurs, tech hub leaders, digital experts, and youth from across Ghana and beyond. As the Ghanaian partner in the AfriConEU project, hapaSpace convened this regional bootcamp to foster indigenous solutions, encourage cross-border collaboration, and drive inclusive innovation across Africa and Europe.

Day 1: Ideation and Insight

The Bootcamp opened with a compelling call to action—encouraging participants to connect, ideate, and co-create impactful solutions. Inspirational keynote addresses were delivered by Nana Kwakwa Bene Ababio II, Chief of Atwima Wioso, and Mr. Sherif Ghali, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs, both underscoring the importance of entrepreneurship in driving African development.

A lively panel discussion, moderated by Albert Opoku of hapaSpace, explored how African startups can leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to attract investments and scale across borders. Speakers included:

  • Patience Sarpomaa Preko – Communications & Events Consultant, ATBN
  • Yaw Adu-Gyamfi – Director, Centre for Social Innovations
  • Adwoa Fosua – CEO, Women’s Haven Africa
  • Sherif Ghali – CEO, Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs

Participants were grouped into teams and challenged to solve the problem:
“How can startups leverage AfCFTA to seek funding from African investors, diaspora networks, and European investors?”

This collaborative setup set the tone for the innovative solutions that would emerge in the days ahead.

Day 2: Deepening Solutions and Strategic Development

Day 2 focused on equipping participants with practical tools to refine their ideas. Sessions included:

  • Digital Transformation Strategies by Olufemi Adewumi, founder of DIGILOGIC
  • International Market Expansion insights from Laud Anthony W. Basing, founder of Incas Diagnostics
  • Effective Market Research led by Joseph X. F. Ribeiro from Kumasi Technical University

Teams worked with the Business Model Canvas to shape their solutions and prepare for final presentations. The energy was electric as ideas began to solidify into viable business models.

Day 3: Pitching and Recognition

The final day celebrated the creativity and commitment of the participating teams. Pitches were presented, and three standout solutions emerged:

  • Fantastic 8 – TradeWaveAfrica
    An inclusive platform fostering a transcontinental investment ecosystem connecting African businesses with diaspora and European investors.
  • UNIAFRIK – UNIKAFRIK
    A data-driven platform transforming market research for African businesses.
  • Structures & Systems – Yada.ai
    An AI-enabled tool to simplify and visualise due diligence for African startups seeking EU and diaspora funding.

These ideas showcased the innovation potential emerging from cross-border collaboration and strategic facilitation.

hapaSpace’s Role

As the host and local organiser, hapaSpace played a central role in curating the experience—from stakeholder mobilisation and content delivery to logistics and mentorship support. The Bootcamp aligned with hapaSpace’s broader mission of fostering inclusive innovation, capacity building, and youth entrepreneurship in Ghana and the wider region.