UK Initiative Enhances Access for African Founders to UK Markets
London, UK – May 19, 2026. The UK-Africa Department for Commerce and Industry has announced the launch of UK-Africa Ecosystem Week, a landmark support program aimed at improving access for African founders to the UK market during London Tech Week. This initiative, spearheaded by Ventures54 in collaboration with the UK-Africa Sandbox, the UK Department of Business and Trade, the UK-South Africa Tech Hub, the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub, London & Partners, and the Mayor’s Office, signifies a significant advancement in the UK’s role as a launchpad for African technology enterprises.
UK-Africa Ecosystem Week presents a comprehensive approach to engaging with London Tech Week, one of the globe’s premier technology events attracting over 100,000 attendees across 500 activities. The week is designed to offer founders a series of curated experiences aimed at helping them navigate opportunities and drive business growth effectively.
The initiative features a tiered support system throughout the week, including customized sessions, concierge assistance, designated workspaces, and a pivotal UK-Africa Ecosystem Day. This flagship event aims to unite crucial stakeholders and the broader technology ecosystems in both the UK and Africa, providing robust support to African founders and delegations participating in the week’s events.
During the week, and with backing from London & Partners, the Mayor of London’s Office, and various ecosystem partners, UK-Africa Ecosystem Week builds on previous engagements during London Tech Week. Originating as an informal gathering within the London Africa Network, the initiative has now matured into a structured program, having evolved from last year’s successful UK-Africa Ecosystem Day into a full week of activities aimed at optimizing the pathways for African founders entering the UK market.
Anthony William Catt, founder of Ventures54 and the UK-Africa Sandbox, highlighted the increasing interest from African founders in London Tech Week, emphasizing a marked shift from simple networking events to a comprehensive week of structured support designed to leverage the opportunities the UK market presents.
Ben Ainslie, Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa, remarked on UK’s advantageous position as a global technology hub with unparalleled access to venture capital and talent. He reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to aiding African businesses in establishing a foothold in the UK, highlighting initiatives such as the UK-Africa Sandbox as pivotal in enhancing support for African founders.
Howard Dover, London’s Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth, pointed to London’s international connections as a facilitator for investment and innovation. He cited the successful outcomes from past trade missions to Africa and expressed optimism about forging deeper ties, particularly through initiatives like UK-Africa Ecosystem Week, which will drive forward the technology ecosystem synergy between London and Africa.
Janet Coyle CBE, Managing Director of London & Partners, underscored the significance of the newly launched UK-Africa Ecosystem Week in strengthening the link between London and the African tech landscape. The week’s activities will engage high-growth founders and delegates from various African nations, including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Algeria, and Ghana, with events designed to foster collaboration and growth.
The week kicks off with a welcome reception at the Africa Center on June 7 and culminates in the flagship UK-Africa Ecosystem Day on June 10. Attendees will gain access to a dedicated Africa Lounge, Africa-oriented panels and roundtables, and bespoke support for navigating UK market entry and investment opportunities. Additionally, exclusive access and discounts for selected Africa-focused events during London Tech Week will be available.
In line with these efforts, the UK-Africa Sandbox aims to offer year-round support to African founders while facilitating UK engagement within the African ecosystem. Building on prior initiatives from the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office, the UK-South Africa Tech Hub, and the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub, the sandbox has grown to encompass broader pan-African partnerships and a dedicated UK-Africa Corridor platform offering tailored support tracks.
African founders and delegation leaders looking to benefit from UK-Africa Ecosystem Week can register at www.ukafricasandbox.com/ecosystem-week. Organizations and ecosystem partners interested in connecting with founders, exploring partnerships, or providing support during the week are also encouraged to visit the website for more information.
