When speaking of Startup Acts, it is fair to say that francophone Africa has been a trailblazer with countries like Tunisia (2018) and Senegal (2019) leading the way. More recently, the Democratic Republic of Congo (2022), Togo (2022), Côte d’Ivoire (2022), Benin (2023), and Mauritania (2024) have followed suit, adopting their own Startup Acts or Labels.
These initiatives reflect commendable efforts to prioritize innovation and entrepreneurship. Startup Acts aim to provide a clear legal framework for identifying and supporting startups, often in collaboration with ecosystem stakeholders. These policies typically address key areas such as:
- Defining what qualifies as a startup, ensuring targeted support;
- Creating pathways for startups to access incentives through selection processes;
- Institutionalizing ecosystem collaboration, building continuity between government and private sector efforts;
- Designing appropriate incentives to encourage innovation and growth.
If you’d like to learn more about How to Build Your Startup Act, register at https://www.learn.ecosystem.build. Alternatively, explore our StartUp Act Library at https://library.ecosystem.build/ or go to https://ecosystem.build/ to explore other tools and publications.
When implemented effectively, these measures can empower entrepreneurs to focus on solving pressing societal challenges without being bogged down by unnecessary barriers. However, passing such legislation is only the first step. Without effective implementation, even the most well-intentioned laws risk becoming “dead letters,” failing to deliver on their promise of economic transformation.
What has indeed been observed over the last few years is that the journey from legislation to tangible impact has proven challenging. To address these challenges, the Innovation for Policy Foundation (i4Policy), in partnership with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), hosted an online workshop on November 21, 2024. Hosted by Salma Baghdadi, this event convened policymakers and ecosystem stakeholders from Senegal, Mauritania, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire to exchange ideas and explore practical solutions. Key topics included:
- Governance and Operational Teams: Establishing clear accountability and well-resourced institutions to oversee implementation.
- Communication Strategies: Designing targeted campaigns to ensure ecosystems are informed about Startup Acts and their benefits.
- Digitization: Creating accessible digital platforms for application processes, tracking progress, and offering real-time support.
- Application Processes and Labeling: Simplifying and standardizing the procedures for startups to qualify for benefits.
The workshop not only facilitated the exchange of best practices but also fostered a sense of shared purpose among participants. Country representatives emphasized the value of learning from each other’s experiences and called for follow-up sessions to track progress and continue peer-to-peer exchanges. This collaborative approach highlights the importance of partnerships in overcoming the implementation gap.
The implementation of Startup Acts is a critical step in nurturing Africa’s innovation ecosystems. While challenges remain, the momentum generated by collaborative efforts offers hope for meaningful progress. As more countries adopt these policies, ensuring their practical application will be key to unlocking their transformative potential.
Written by;
Maeva Kpadonou
