BIC Africa was proud to take part in the EBN Congress 2025, held from 18 to 20 June in Barakaldo, Spain. This year’s congress held under the theme: “Innovation for a Sustainable and Resilient Future” co-organised by EBN – European Business & Innovation Centre Network and EU|BIC BIC BIZKAIA EZKERRALDEA.
As part of the three-day programme, Krisztina Dax, BIC Africa Project Manager and Robert Sanders, BIC Africa Team Leader participated in the congress where they could exchange on best practices and strengthening global networks. They had the opportunity to connect with peers and stakeholders from the EU|BIC community, speakers and other participants. They engaged in insightful exchanges on innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, and the role of business incubation in advancing sustainable development in Africa. The congress featured a range of keynote addresses, interactive sessions, and startups pitching, matchmaking opportunities focused on green energy transition, digital innovation, AI, green innovation, and sustainable mobility including innovation opportunities for ecosystems & startups in hydrogen & EV.
BIC Africa had a booth, and the congress participants had the opportunity to connect directly with Krisztina and Robert, to learn more about the project activities, regional partnerships, and impact across the five target countries. BIC Africa’s participation and support to this year’s congress, alongside other sponsors, underscored our ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships between African and European innovation ecosystems. We are grateful for the chance to engage with innovators, partners, and changemakers driving impact across Europe and Africa.
As a regional initiative supporting business incubators and entrepreneurs across Africa with special focus on youth and women, the EBN congress was a unique opportunity for us to connect with ecosystem builders, development partners, innovation agencies, and entrepreneurship support organisations.
EBN Congress is the largest gathering of European incubators, accelerators, innovation centres, and innovation supporters of all kinds. This year’s congress brought together over 200 innovation leaders, business support organisations, incubators, accelerators, and policy makers representing over 40 countries from across Europe, Africa and beyond to exchange knowledge and strengthen global networks supporting entrepreneurship and innovation.
The event was filled with valuable insights and inspiring conversations – a strong reminder that collaboration is essential to scaling meaningful, sustainable impact.
BIC Africa extends its appreciation to EBN, and all partners involved in organising this important a high impact event, and we are looking forward to continued collaboration by bridging the two continents’ ecosystems and advancing inclusive innovation and entrepreneurship.
Mark your calendars and stay tuned! For the BIC Africa Annual Gathering 2025 (#BICAfrica2025) on the 23rd of October in Luanda, Angola.