UVU Africa

16/06/2026

Fifty years ago, young South Africans changed the course of history. Today is a moment to honour that.

It's also a moment that resonates beyond South Africa's borders, because the question at the heart of Youth Day is one the whole continent is still answering: how do we build economies where young people don't just survive, but fully participate?

Africa has never lacked young people with something to offer. The gap is in the pathways, systems and conditions that let that potential land somewhere real.

That gap doesn't close itself.

12/06/2026

Technology opens doors. Opportunity changes lives.

We're grateful to ACI Worldwide for donating laptops to CAPACITI, helping us equip more young people with the tools they need to learn, grow and participate in South Africa's digital economy.

Access to technology remains one of the biggest barriers to entering the tech sector. These devices will support our training programmes by providing learners with the resources needed to build digital skills, complete practical projects and prepare for employment opportunities in the industry.

The handover took place during ACI's annual Potjie Competition, where teams came together for a day of friendly competition, community and connection. CAPACITI team members Colleen Cockrell and Ehrin Manuel had the honour of joining the judging panel and helping crown this year's potjie champions.

Thank you, ACI, for investing in the future of South Africa's digital talent.

12/06/2026

Creative businesses in the Western Cape looking to strengthen their foundations and prepare for growth should take a look at this opportunity from CAPACITI.
Applications are now open for the Creative Industries Business Development Programme. Click the post below.
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Your creative business has survived the start-up stage. What comes next?

The DEDAT Creative Industries Business Development Programme is designed to help established creative businesses strengthen their foundations and prepare for growth.

If you're ready to take the next step, now is the time to apply.

Apply now: https://forms.zohopublic.com/uvuafrica1/form/DEDATApplicationFormCreativeProgramme/formperma/7Z9Ha3u-SIQ6Z1yhlchkrT0dE93QnZpvA0EX64mb0fo

05/06/2026

Cape Town Secures Third Place in Africa’s Startup Ecosystem Rankings

Cape Town continues to build momentum as a leading innovation hub, moving up 24 places in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2026 and recording 39% year on year growth. These gains reinforce its position as the continent’s third ranked startup ecosystem.

We're happy to be recognised among the ecosystem enablers helping sustain the region's innovation pipeline through entrepreneurship, skills development and innovation-focused programmes. This is what turning African innovation into livelihoods looks like in practice.

Congratulations to all the founders, partners, investors, organisations, ecosystem builders, with special recognition to Wesgro, for contributing to Cape Town’s continued rise as a destination for innovation.

Thank you to Cape Town ETC for highlighting the collective effort behind this achievement.

Cape Town has re-established itself as South Africa’s leading startup ecosystem, according to the recently released Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2026 by StartupBlink:

26/05/2026

Africa is entering a decisive economic moment. The innovation exists. The question is whether opportunity keeps pace. On Africa Day, we celebrate the continent’s extraordinary momentum and recommit to the systems work that turns it into sustained livelihoods, across every region we work in. Let’s build the conditions where innovation becomes livelihoods.

25/05/2026

15/05/2026

You are invited to UVU Bio’s Open Access Lab Open Day

UVU Bio's Open Access Lab Open Day is happening on 21 May 2026 in Cape Town. Doors are open to anyone serious about biotech innovation in Africa.

Whether you’re a researcher, founder, or innovator in the bio-based space, this is your invitation to connect, explore, and engage with the environment shaping Africa’s biotech future.

From guided lab tours and equipment demonstrations to founder insights and ecosystem networking, the event offers an opportunity to explore the infrastructure supporting biotech innovation in Africa.

Register to attend: https://web.cvent.com/event/c0f594a7-da2c-4036-a233-cfdfc82a56cf/register

On 21 May 2026, UVU Bio Labs in Cape Town is opening its doors for an Open Access Lab Open Day. We invite biotech founders, researchers, scientists, and early-stage innovators to experience the lab environment supporting biotech innovation.

Join us to explore the infrastructure, tools, and ecosystem designed to help innovators move from research and experimentation to product development. Come and see what's possible when the infrastructure is already there and the only thing you need to bring is your idea.

On the day, you’ll experience:

– Guided lab tours and equipment demos

– Insights from founders and current tenants

– A virtual walkthrough of our Kigali lab

– Networking with others building in the bioeconomy

Lab tours will run in small groups throughout the event, and space is limited.

Register to attend: https: https://web.cvent.com/event/c0f594a7-da2c-4036-a233-cfdfc82a56cf/register

13/05/2026

The right people, the right moment. Africa Tech Week, Cape Town.

Africa’s tech economy doesn’t grow itself - it needs talent pipelines, real employer demand, and the infrastructure to connect them. That’s what we’re here to talk about.

Two days of conversations and connections with the people actually shaping this continent’s digital future.

Find us at the Invest Cape Town stand alongside CAPACITI. Come say hi, ask questions, or just explore what we’re working on.

Africa Tech Week

16/04/2026

Real support. Real pathways. Real opportunity.

That’s what UVU Bio is driving through the Indigenous Knowledge Innovation Support Programme, enabling innovators take Indigenous Knowledge into new markets.

The Indigenous Knowledge Innovation Support Programme is designed to empower innovators take their ideas further, from early-stage concepts to market-ready solutions.

If you are working with Indigenous Knowledge, we encourage you to apply and take the next step in your innovation journey:

In collaboration with Regional Innovation Networking Platform (RINP) CSIR and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), UVU Bio, invites innovators, entrepreneurs, community innovators, traditional knowledge holders, and small enterprises working on products or services related to...

10/04/2026

🎨 Here’s a sneak peek into the colourful world of Création Africa finalist, Ananta Design Studio. Expect to be inspired by their fresh perspective and modern take on collectable decor, lighting, and furniture that’s empowering the craft community.

📹 WATCH THE FULL STORY of co-founders and sisters, Viveka and Rucita Vassen, on IQOQO: https://iqoqo.org/ca-top-12/ananta-design-studio/

UVU Africa French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs INSTITUT FRANÇAIS IQOQO Bpifrance