**Anna Ekeledo Leaves AfriLabs, Paving Way for New Chapter in Africa's Tech Ecosystem** After a decade of pioneering work, Anna Ekeledo has stepped down as the Executive Director of AfriLabs, a network of 500 tech hubs across 53 African countries. Her exit marks the beginning of a new chapter for the organization, which has grown exponentially under her leadership. As AfriLabs embarks on a new journey, the challenges ahead will be a true test of the organization's strength and resilience. AfriLabs was founded in 2011 with a simple goal: to connect five hubs in four countries. Today, it has become a powerful network that supports over 1,000 tech hubs across Africa, with a reach that spans almost every country on the continent. Under Ekeledo's leadership, AfriLabs has disbursed over $2.7 million to hubs and startups, providing essential support and funding to the next generation of entrepreneurs. But the journey has not been without its challenges. Many of the hubs that AfriLabs supports face similar capital and sustainability constraints as the startups they serve. The reliance on grant- and donor-reliant funding models has meant that hubs have struggled to survive in a post-zero interest rate phenomenon (ZIRP) era where global funding for African tech has been reduced. Despite these challenges, Ekeledo remains optimistic about the future of Africa's tech ecosystem. "Even if I run AfriLabs for the next 10, 20, or 30 years, I will still have to step down at some point," she said. "For us, this is a true test of how strong AfriLabs can grow, sustain, and scale beyond me." As AfriLabs welcomes a new leader, the organization will need to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving tech landscape. The new Executive Director will have to build on Ekeledo's legacy, advocating for the interests of hubs and startups, creating cross-border collaborations, and finding innovative solutions to the capital and sustainability challenges that have plagued the sector. The success of AfriLabs will have far-reaching implications for Africa's tech ecosystem, which has the potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve living standards. As the continent continues to grapple with the challenges of infrastructure, connectivity, and access to funding, organizations like AfriLabs will play a critical role in bridging the gap and empowering entrepreneurs to drive innovation and growth. In Nigeria, where the tech ecosystem is rapidly evolving, the work of AfriLabs and organizations like it will be crucial in supporting the growth of hubs and startups. As the new leader takes the helm, the opportunity to build on Ekeledo's legacy and take AfriLabs to the next level is immense. The future of Africa's tech ecosystem is bright, and AfriLabs is poised to play a leading role in shaping its trajectory.