German Chancellor Angela Merkel paid a visit today to the Impact Hub in Ghana’s capital, Accra, as part of her official visit to Africa. She was joined by German business representatives. Impact Hubs are innovation labs and entrepreneurial centers in Africa that provide networking space for businesses in various branches and phases of development. During the visit, Merkel met with young entrepreneurs whose businesses primarily focus on the digital industry. They discussed chances and risks faced by entrepreneurs as well as possible opportunities for support locally.
Since 2014, Siemens Stiftung’s Africa Seed Program has supported development of the Impact hubs and the creation of makerspaces in African cities, such as in Accra, Ghana. William Senyo, CEO and co-founder of the Impact Hub, introduced the Chancellor to Accra’s innovative makerspace, which provides the infrastructure and technology needed to harness the creativity and ideas of local innovators. This gives social entrepreneurs a simple, no-fuss opportunity to develop, construct, and test prototypes. The first concrete solution in the Waste Management & Recycling sector is a specially-designed composting facility developed at the Impact Hub makerspace in Accra. Solutions in other sectors are currently being developed – in a country with strong economic growth and momentum for reforms.