BIC Africa held a successful two-day boot camp on the 24th and 25th of September in Luanda, with 22 participants representing 15 business incubators from across Angola. The boot camp began with welcoming remarks from JOÃO NKOSI, Chairman of INAPEM, and an opening speech by Allan Varela, Director at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of the Republic of Angola.
The boot camp was organized in partnership with IFC Angola, INAPEM and supported by the EU Delegation. It was developed and delivered through a needs assessment training content, co-created and led by experienced incubation experts from the EBN network in Europe. The boot camp aimed at enhancing the business incubators’ strategic positioning and implementation strategies using the business model canvas framework. Through practical exercises, they learned to develop narratives and convert them into actionable results, providing clarity and structure to their business incubation services. These skills will help participants design more effective programmes for entrepreneurs and startups, ensuring their goals align with measurable outcomes.
In addition to the themes of planning, operation, and management of business incubators, the boot camp placed significant emphasis on identifying and analysing different customer segments, value propositions for each segment, key aspects of cost and revenue structures, and developing relationship strategies and effective communication channels to reach target customers and convey value propositions.
Participants explored how to integrate learning into business incubation activities and learned also about the effective organisation of an incubator, with the aim to ensure that their programmes not only meet objectives but also improve service quality. By embedding learning, participants are now equipped to handle complexities in business incubation services and drive long-term change for sustainable incubation services.
I had the privilege of participating in the BIC Africa Angola Boot camp. We delved into key concepts about the role of accelerators, incubators and other partners in the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. It was clear the impact that we can all generate by applying good practices strategically. I had opportunity to meet in person, exchange contacts and benchmark with other players. Interesting partnerships are on the way, with the potential to further strengthen the ecosystem!
Haymée IPérez Cogle, Managing Director, Founder Institute Luanda
The boot camp brought together business incubation representatives from the different provinces of Angola and facilitated meaningful discussions and networking opportunities, contributing to a better future collaboration among the business incubators which helps to strengthen and boost the startup ecosystem in Angola. The boot camp was described as engaging, impactful, and well-received. BIC Africa will continue to work closely with these business incubators and key partners to support and to strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Angola.
I had the honour of representing Academia do Empreendedor de Luanda at the BIC Africa Boot camp. During the two-day event, we had the chance to learn from experienced facilitators and interact with other incubation and acceleration professionals. It was an enriching experience for all of us, fostering valuable and inspiring connections.
Patrick Barros, Professional Training Manager and Consultant, Academia do Empreendedor de Luanda
We sincerely thank the participants for their commitment and for sharing their innovative and valuable ideas, the boot camp experts Sérgio Ferreira Alves from SPI – Sociedade Portuguesa de Inovação and Vitor Ferreira from Startup Leiria for leading the sessions and sharing their knowledge on best business incubation practice. Finally, we thank the IFC Angola and INAPEM team, and the EU Delegation, for their unwavering support.