AfriLabs signals strategic shift with executive director transition

The pan-African innovation network, which grew from 40 to more than 520 member hubs under her tenure, says the transition is deliberately forward-looking rather than focused on continuity alone.

AfriLabs, the pan-African network of innovation hubs, has announced that it is opening a formal search for a new Executive Director, marking the end of a tenure that oversaw the organisation's expansion into one of the continent's most extensive technology ecosystems.

The outgoing director, Anna Ekeledo, presided over a period in which AfriLabs grew from roughly 40 member hubs to more than 520 across 53 African countries. During that time, the organisation built partnerships with governments, development institutions, and the private sector, while positioning itself as a voice on African innovation at international forums. Ekeledo will remain connected to the organisation through an advisory role, providing institutional continuity during the handover period.

The search is being led by a Transition Committee made up of trustees, current and former board members, and community representatives, working alongside the AfriLabs board. The organisation has described the process as values-driven and structured, with transparency commitments as milestones are reached in the coming weeks.

In framing what it is looking for, AfriLabs has been explicit that the next leader should push the organisation beyond what has already been achieved. The stated priorities include deepening continental impact, expanding global partnerships, and advancing a long-term goal of contributing one trillion dollars to Africa's digital economy, an ambition the organisation refers to internally as its moonshot.

"This transition represents both continuity and renewal," AfriLabs said in a statement. "It is an opportunity to honour what has been built, while inviting the leadership that will carry AfriLabs and Africa's innovation ecosystems into the future."

The recruitment process is expected to begin within weeks.