The historic incorporation of the timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation in Kigali, Rwanda.  timbuktoo, is a bold partnership between UNDP, African governments, and the private sector, aims to be the world’s largest initiative to support the innovation ecosystem in Africa.   

13 African cities as centres for Reseach and Development have university innovation pods (UniPods) offering young innovators space to transform their ideas into minimum viable products and profitable ventures. timbuktoo is also establishing thematic hubs as centres of excellence across Africa to offer a world class one stop shop in ecosystem and venture building support in areas like FinTech, EdTech, MineTech, AgriTech, Creatives, SmartCities, TradeTech, and GreenTech.  In 2024, at least 3 Hubs will come on stream – starting with FinTech in Lagos, HealthTech in Kigali and AgriTech in Accra.  timbuktoo will also offer early-stage risk capital to the ventures of Africa’s youth.  This will be done through the Kigali – based Fund domiciled in the Kigali International Financial Centre, the third best international financial centre in Africa.

timbuktoo has appointed Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Immediate Past Vice President of Nigeria as the Guardian of the Foundation. His role as Guardian is to ensure that the Foundation meets its objectives.