They say the first two weeks of January are like the free trial version of the year—an opportunity to reset, recalibrate, and set intentions. As we step into the “full subscription” phase of 2025, the focus remains on impact: empowering founders, investors, and changemakers to drive innovation that transforms industries and uplifts communities across Africa. Here are some curated insights, opportunities, and resources to get you going: 🔍 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 @AfricaTechSMT Awards 2025 A platform recognising the trailblazers redefining Africa’s tech ecosystem. 🔗 Learn more → bit.ly/4fXIerh ⭐ Sign up or feature your event on the 3rd Edition of the African Tech & Investor Events Watchlist courtesy of @AnthonyWCatt 🔗 Click here → bit.ly/4gSsI0W 👥 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 @AfricaTBD - Africa: The Big Deal, helping investors keep their fingers on the pulse of the continent's ever-growing ecosystem. @africanroundup: Independent insights into the intersection of tech, entrepreneurship, and innovation in Africa. @MTSAfrica_ : Stories of resilience and ingenuity driving Africa’s tech ecosystem. 📖 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 Mapping Startup Support Organisations in Africa: A detailed look at SSOs’ role in driving entrepreneurial success published by @DigitalAfrica__ and Sendemo → bit.ly/3PwkvU3 25 Startups to Watch in 2025 (Featuring our portfolio picks— @CarbinAfrica, @PullusHQ, scale cc @girl_fintech, @tanelhealth, TUNL , Valify Solutions) 🔗 @TechCabal's spotlight → bit.ly/4fQgJzD @bonganis (CEO, 54 Collective) on Redefining Early-Stage VC in Africa 🔗Exclusive interview with @kenyanwalstreet → bit.ly/4g0DlO2 🎥 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 #54Unscripted YouTube Series— 54 Collective team shares their insights, roles, and what it means to #BuildWithoutBoundaries → bit.ly/40w2RX5 @denmusau and Adelaide Muthang’i (Investment Associate, 54 Collective) discuss the growth of climate tech investments in Africa against the backdrop of trends in 2024 → bit.ly/40ei0La This year, we honor the duality of resilience and opportunity, embracing each phase of the year as it comes!

In case you missed it! Catch our #54Unscripted Youtube series, taking you behind the scenes with our team as they support early-stage startups and catalyse growth across Africa. 🚀 In the latest episode, Candice shares her approach to helping African founders create meaningful, user-centered designs that solve real problems, drive impact and value. 💡 “We leverage a design-led approach to build effectively for customers. It’s about having the mindset of serving the customer first,” says Candice Warnasuriya, Design Lead (54 Collective). 📺 Tune in to our Youtube Channel to see how Candice is shaping the future of African startups through thoughtful, impactful design, and learn how 54 Collective’s Venture Success Platform can help your venture succeed: youtu.be/c-u624AZdZE?si=fUbf… #54Unscripted #BuildWithoutBoundaries #DesignForImpact #UserCenteredDesign #54Collective