What happens when a global leader in development teams up with the engine of African innovation? The future gets brighter—and more sustainable.
We’re thrilled to share that at the 10th anniversary of Lagos Startup Week, Prime Startups announced a powerful new collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Together with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and key private sector partners, we’re uniting to scale sustainable innovation across Africa.
This isn’t just another partnership. It’s a shared commitment to back the founders who are building businesses that do good—solving our most pressing challenges while creating lasting prosperity.
Lagos Is Ready, and the World Is Taking Notice
The energy at Lagos Startup Week was a clear signal: Lagos has officially arrived as a global-ready tech hub. This collaboration is backed by tangible commitments:
- The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) is doubling down on entrepreneurs with crucial support like workspace access and startup funding.
- Leading tech companies like Carbon and InDrive are bringing their weight to the table, driving key initiatives in AI adoption and gender inclusion.
This united front shows that when it comes to building a better future, everyone has a role to play.
From a Simple Idea to a Global Movement
It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come. As Olumide Olayinka, our CEO, reflected:
“When we started 10 years ago, the startup ecosystem was in its infancy. Today, we’re building the next decade — one where African founders don’t just participate in the global tech economy, they lead it.”
This partnership with the UNDP, whose Innovation Center has been a pivotal catalyst for sustainable development, is a testament to that vision. It’s about channelling our collective talent and ambition towards solutions that matter.
At Prime Startups, our mission has always been clear: to make the world a more innovative and prosperous place, one community at a time. This collaboration is a giant leap in that direction.
The next wave of African innovation will be both profitable and purposeful. And we can’t wait to see it unfold.