Being in Helsinki reminded us of a simple truth: Africa’s digital market is large, young, and moving fast. The opportunities for meaningful collaboration with Europe are stronger than ever. 🌍🫱🏾🫲🏾
Throughout the ThinkLikeanInvestor Final Bootcamp week, our 10-startup delegation engaged deeply with Finland’s innovation ecosystem. From visits to Maria 01, Aalto Factory and HAUS, to hands-on workshops and a dedicated investor roundtable, the programme created space for genuine learning and partnership-building.🎓
Attending Slush, the world’s most founder-focused startup event, amplified this momentum. Between the main event, a packed side event, and countless conversations, the founders were able to connect with investors, operators, and European counterparts eager to understand and engage with Africa’s growing digital economy.
What emerged consistently across the week:
💡Trusted and well-governed data is now central to investor confidence.
💡Finland offers a credible entry point for African ventures expanding into Europe.
💡Soft-landing pathways significantly reduce friction around market entry strategies.
💡Partnerships built early with corporates, institutions, and peers create an easier integration while scaling.
From structured sessions to spontaneous hallway discussions, the connections made this week reflected one clear message: the bridge between Europe and Africa’s digital ecosystems is strengthening, and the appetite to build together is only growing.🌱