Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Society - ASEB Society

Fostering Ecosystem Building as an Economic Development Tool For African Startup Ecosystems

About us

Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Society (ASEB Society)

The Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Society (ASEB Society) is a pan-African “network of networks” uniting ecosystem builders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and organizations dedicated to advancing inclusive and resilient startup ecosystems across the continent

  • Our Mission
  • To advance startup ecosystem building as a strategic approach to economic development, fostering inclusive, sustainable, and thriving startup ecosystems across Africa.

  • Our Vision
  • We envision a future where African economies are more resilient, equitable, and innovative, powered by strong and interconnected startup ecosystems

Background & Origin

ASEB Society emerged from the Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Summit & Awards (ASEB), a movement launched in 2022 to unite Africa’s entrepreneurial leaders. Over three years, ASEB convened 600+ builders from 44 African nations , recognized 400+ pioneers like Tomi Davies, Rebecca Enonchong, Tervern Jaftha and built partnerships with 10 Country Partners to embed ecosystem-building principles locally.

In 2025, ASEB evolved into a formal nonprofit—ASEB Society—to provide year-round support, addressing the need for structured collaboration, capacity building, research, and advocacy. Inspired by global frameworks, ASEB Society is Africa’s answer to advancing ecosystem building as a profession and a pillar of economic development

What We Do

ASEB Society drives systemic change through programs and services that empower, connect, and elevate ecosystem builders while addressing the full spectrum of startup ecosystem development.

Here’s our expanded framework:

ASEB Summit & Awards

Africa’s premier annual gathering celebrating ecosystem builders and fostering cross-border collaboration.

ASEB Academy

A platform offering training, mentorship, and skills development for ecosystem builders.

ASEB Voices Series

A storytelling and knowledge-sharing initiative showcasing the experiences of Africa’s ecosystem leaders.

ASEB Women in Ecosystem Building

A focused initiative that amplifies the voices of women ecosystem builders and ensures gender inclusivity.

Policy Advocacy & Thought Leadership

Engaging governments, investors, and organizations to shape policies that strengthen startup ecosystems.

Join the movement

ASEB Society is built on collaboration and collective action. We invite entrepreneurs, incubators, accelerators, development organizations, policymakers, Universities and corporate partners to join us in shaping the future of Africa’s startup ecosystem.

Become a Member

Be part of a growing network of startup ecosystem builders.

Contribute as a Mentor or Speaker

hare your insights with emerging leaders.

Partner with Us

Collaborate with ASEB Society to create impactful programs and initiatives.

Volunteer

Join our dynamic team working to strengthen Africa’s startup landscape.

Goals

Redefining Pathways for Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

ASEB Society outlines seven transformative objectives to elevate ecosystem building, fostering inclusive, interconnected communities where entrepreneurship thrives. Here’s the reimagined framework:

Diverse Leadership Networks

Amplify underrepresented voices to dismantle inequity. Cultivate leadership from diverse backgrounds to drive equitable access and systemic change.

Key Actions:
Fellowships for marginalized builders, inclusive speaker databases, and resource provider diversity initiatives.

Trust-Driven Partnerships

Bridge divides through collective action. Foster unity across sectors by prioritizing shared resources and transparent collaboration.

Key Actions:
Regional collaboration toolkits, ambassador programs, and culture-building workshops.

Unified Lexicon Development

Align language to accelerate impact. Harmonize terminology and outcomes to streamline cross-field collaboration

Key Actions:
Field-wide mission alignment, dynamic terminology dictionaries, and a universal professional pledge.

Cross-Sector Connectivity

Align language to accelerate impact. Harmonize terminology and outcomes to streamline cross-field collaboration

Key Actions:
Field-wide mission alignment, dynamic terminology dictionaries, and a universal professional pledge.

Impact Measurement Standards

Quantify progress to refine practices. Establish metrics that capture ecosystem complexity and drive innovation.

Key Actions:
Peer learning hubs, case study repositories, and practitioner-researcher conferences.

Global Advocacy Initiatives

Mobilize champions for entrepreneurial ecosystems. Educate policymakers and institutions on entrepreneurship’s societal value.

Key Actions:
Policy playbooks, awareness campaigns, and foundation activation programs.

Professional Ecosystem Frameworks

Empower builders with tools for longevity. Create sustainable career pathways through training, funding, and recognition.

Key Actions:
Certification programs, job boards, and peer mentorship networks.