AfriLabs CEO Anna Ekeledo Steps Down After Decade Leading Network of 500+ African Tech Hubs

Anna Ekeledo, who served as executive director of AfriLabs for a decade, has stepped down to focus on building the institution beyond her leadership. AfriLabs, a network of 500+ tech hubs across 53 African countries, grew from 40 hubs during her tenure. Ekeledo emphasized that her departure tests AfriLabs' institutional strength to scale independently. The succession process involves a transition committee selecting a new executive director by Q1 2026, with Ekeledo joining an advisory council to mentor the new leader. AfriLabs supports hubs through funding, policy advocacy, and capacity-building programs, helping hubs diversify revenue beyond donor reliance. Challenges include regulatory fragmentation and funding model sustainability, but Ekeledo expressed optimism about harmonized policies and domestic capital mobilization shaping Africa's startup ecosystem.

SOURCE: https://techcabal.com/2026/03/16/afrilabs-anna-ekeledo/