Partech, a tech investment firm, has launched “Chapter54”, a support programme for European start-ups wanting to expand into African markets.

On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), KfW Development Bank is supporting Chapter54 with €5m.

Dr. Jan Martin Witte, Director Global Equity and Funds at KfW, said: “Because of its unique positioning in Tech ecosystems in both Europe & Africa, Partech Shaker was an excellent choice to be the sparring-partner of European scale-ups willing to invest in Africa.”

Africa has great potential: a wealth of resources, entrepreneurial spirit, innovative strengths and cultural diversity.

Every second African state now counts as a "middle-income country" - despite some setbacks due to the pandemic.

The population is also growing rapidly: by 2050, Africa's population will double.

Already today, 40% of the population is under 15 years of age - and they are tech-savvy.

By 2035, the continent will have the largest labour force in the world.

The experience of European start-ups already active on the continent shows that a successful start in Africa requires market knowledge, local networks and access to skilled workers on the ground.

Chapter54 offers a curated network of currently around 50 mentors and advisors from the field.

Investors from all sectors are welcome, but they must have business experience, be registered in a European country and active in two European countries, and have a solid financial foundation and regular income.

Interested companies can find out more and get in touch on the "Chapter54" website.

Applications are open from February 7 until March 5.

On March 9, the selected start-ups will be announced and informed. And from April, the eight-month mentoring and advisory programme will begin for the ten selected "doers".

It is planned that there will be another run every year.

Partech was founded in San Francisco and Paris and is one of the most active tech investors in the world, providing capital, operational expertise and strategic support to start-up, venture and growth-stage entrepreneurs.