Nyheder
Experienced Key Employee Becomes CEO
Henrik Anker-Ladefoged, a long-time key employee of the network organization Access2innovation, is appointed CEO at a time of increased focus on collaboration between Danish businesses and Africa. Henrik Anker-Ladefoged, who has been part of Access2innovation for more than 10 years, will step in as the new CEO on September 1, 2024, in the Danish platform for innovative, sustainable, commercial solutions to the African growth markets. Access2innovation offers Danish businesses access to...
“You cannot collaborate with someone you don’t know exists”
Caritas Denmark, a member of Access2innovation, recently upgraded its status from a networking member to a strategic member. This is because it is “an excellent network that delivers concrete results and includes tailor-made, advisory support directly to Caritas on top of it” says program coordinator Lars Møller. "We started in A2i a few years ago on a cheap membership to access the network. It worked out well. We made good contacts with exciting companies that have made a difference in our...
Next stop Zambia
Already now, you can save the date for our next delegation tour, which will be January 27–31, 2025. The tour goes to Zambia and is arranged in cooperation with the Danish Agriculture & Food Council like our last tour - which by the way was a huge success. "Zambia is a politically stable, multi-party democracy, rich in natural resources and with a growing economy. So now our members have a chance to visit a new exciting country with emerging markets,” says Karin Elisabeth Lind, CEO...
Welcome to three new members
Three new stars now twinkle in the network of Access2innovation. Say hello to: Toxi-Scrub Nournous Holding Eferio Communications We look forward to meeting you all in real life as a part of our vibrant network.
Doing it the right way
During June, A2i conducted Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) and Business Administration training for cooperative leaders and individual entrepreneurs in the grain value chain. The cooperative leaders are now able to develop sound and viable business cases and can make investment decisions from an informed perspective to increase their chance of success as well as their chance of securing finance for development of their businesses. RBC is also a core element of our project partners...
A2i Contribution to the Danish government’s future Africa Strategy
“We have great ambitions. Of stronger engagement. More partnership. A stronger role for the Global South in our common institutions. A stronger role for the African countries and for the African Union.” These were the words of the Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, in March 2024 when she kicked off the work on a new Africa strategy for the Danish government. Over the coming months, the government will focus on how Denmark's and the EU’s engagement with African partners can be...
Breaking gender stereotypes but not traffic rules
Green Hub East Africa Ltd's first 13 female electric boda riders have graduated and are ready to take on the roads of Kampala. Just one month ago, none of them had ever ridden a motorcycle before and some not even a bicycle. Today, they are confidently riding their electric motorcycles in Kampala; a city with some of the most chaotic traffic in the world. They are so confident, that for a start, even the Ugandan minister Monica Musenero took an e-ride with one of the women. “The saying...
Welcome to our new members
A warm welcome to our new network members of Access2innovation: NjordFrey, which provides high-yield aquaponic farming solutions to smallholder developing farmers in Rwanda to significantly increase income. Nexus Green, which accelerates and supports green growth and sustainability in East Africa, driven by a commitment to reduce carbon emissions and provide affordable, cleaner energy solutions that empower nations to thrive. DTU Skylab, where the convergence of technologies and talent...
Meet our Board 2024
During the General Assembly 2024, a new, competent board of Access2innovation was elected, representing our members, including NGOs, private companies and research institutions. The new board reflects both continuous commitment from previous board members as well as the opportunity to welcome new members. The board constituted itself according to the statutes of the organization, and we are hereby very happy to introduce them: Henrik Wollesen (Engsko), chairperson Lars Møller...
New Strategy for A2i
Access2innovation’s new strategy is emphasizing the organization’s commitment to foster partnerships for inclusive growth in Africa. The new strategy focuses on four strategic priority areas. With a clear vision, mission, and values, Access2innovation is now poised to make meaningful contributions to inclusive, green growth and sustainable development in Africa, as the Danish platform for innovative, sustainable, commercial solutions to African markets. Click here to read the new strategy of...
Sharing Danish Success Stories from the African Markets
Fostering Collaborative Solutions for Sustainable Growth Access2innovation hosted its much-anticipated Partnership Day 2024, a dynamic event aimed at fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among stakeholders committed to driving innovative, sustainable, commercial solutions to African markets. Held on April 24, 2024, the event featured an engaging program designed to inspire, inform, and facilitate meaningful partnerships. The event kicked off with a warm welcome and introduction by...
Highlights from A2i General Assembly 2024
Access2innovation’s General Assembly in 2024 marked one more collective moment in the organization and network’s journey, highlighting its commitment to support its members to drive sustainable development through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions. The Access2innovation General Assembly held on the 24th of April 2024 showcased a remarkable year of membership growth, innovation, and strategic development. Led by Chairperson Henrik Wollesen and CEO Karin Elisabeth Lind, the...
State of Green Investor Network starting up
A new Danish network aims to bridge the gap between investors and businesses in developing countries. With the purpose of enhancing the interaction between private investors and projects in Africa, the inaugural State of Green Investor Network meeting was held on March 20th. At the meeting. Program Manager Thomas Augustinus talked about how Access2innovation collaborates with business partners and investors in East Africa. He emphasized that the ability to develop better business opportunities...
Meet a member: Jens Rydder from Shiriki House
Do you need a base in East Africa? Meet A2i in our office in Shiriki House,16 Mackinnon Road, Kampala. Our member, Jens Rydder is the CEO of Shiriki House and a partner in the affiliated companies SustaiNet Group and Vizuri360. They are all incorporated in Kenya and Uganda. Jens has a good offer for you, if you are looking for compliance business support in Uganda or Kenya. Read more below. Jens has a Master in Political Science and Public Administration from University of Aarhus. Jens, what...
Highly successful delegation trip to Uganda
The delegation trip to Uganda organized by Access2innovation, in collaboration with The Danish Agriculture & Food Council and The Danish Embassy, was highly successful. During the trip, the representatives actively engaged in the 3rd Uganda-European Union Business Forum, with the objective of encouraging European investment in Uganda to boost trade, particularly increasing Ugandan exports to the European Union. “We were very happy, that the Danish delegation of seven companies from...
Ready for delegation trip take off
We wish our members and partners a very nice business delegation trip to Uganda in March. Seven companies will join the trip, which gives the delegates an opportunity to meet and explore synergies with agribusiness stakeholders in Uganda and implementing partners of the Danish development programs. The delegates will also participate in the Uganda-EU Business Forum with a joint exhibition together with aBi Development & Finance and the Danish Embassy in Uganda.” “Uganda is one of Africa’s...
Membership of A2i supports more sustainable investments in Africa
In 2023, IFU, the Danish Investment Fund for Developing Countries, became a member of Access2innovation (a2i). The decision reflects IFU’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and economic growth in developing countries, aligning with its core mission of investing in financially viable companies that contribute to the green transition and social development.
Welcome to our new members
A warm welcome to our two new members: Grenaa Motorfabrik and INTERTEC. INTERTEC is a strategic member and offers worldwide services, that range from advanced automation systems in the feed and food industry to assembly and maintenance of complex magnet systems at CERN (BigScience) to advanced electrical installations at airports. Grenaa Motorfabrik designs and manufactures complete gearboxes and ensures well-repair solutions for ships. Since the 1980’s Grenaa Motorfabrik has also been...
Tapping into A2i’s experience towards market entry exploration in Africa
The member of Access2innovation, The BioInnovation Institute (BII), is an international commercial foundation with a non-profit objective that accelerates world-class life science start-up innovation to benefit people and society. Through its three venture building and acceleration programs, called Bio Studio, Venture Lab, and Venture House, BII supports life science start-ups with knowledge, network, infrastructure (state-of-the-art labs and office space), business development, mentoring, and...
The dedication to partnering for business development in Africa promises a great year
Travel letter from our CEO Karin Elisabeth Lind, who was visiting A2i partners in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda in January 24: The dedication to partnering for business development in Africa promises a great year Judging from the engagement of the people I met during my visit to East Africa in January and the dedication to partnering for business development, 2024 promises to be a great year for Access2innovation and its members! The year has started off in full speed. I went on an exciting trip...
A2i Talk: All you want to know about business in Uganda
General Assembly and Partnership Day in April
Put a cross on your calendar for April 24 for Access2innovation Partnership Day and General Assembly. Our network will meet in Aalborg to exchange experiences and ideas. The General Assembly is from 10 am-12 and the Partnership Day is from 01 pm to 3 pm. A more detailed program will follow. See you!
Introducing our new Boda Boda Project
Introducing our new project 'Green Hub Kampala – E-mobility ecosystem for climate change mitigation and improved livelihoods' Access2innovation is excited to present our new project, 'Green Hub Kampala – E-mobility ecosystem for climate change mitigation and improved livelihoods', developed together with KJAER GROUP, and Nexus Green Ltd and funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Danida Green Business Partnerships (DGBP) program. In Uganda, where the transport...
Welcome to our new colleague, Howard Piwang
A warm welcome to our new project manager, Howard Piwang. Having expertise in research and development, project management, training and capacity building and not least e-mobility, Howard will be a perfect match as our new e-mobility solutions project coordinator based in Kampala, Uganda. ”I am particularly excited about contributing to the e-mobility space, fostering positive impacts, creating green jobs, and boosting boda-boda riders' income while gaining valuable skills in coordinating this...
2023 – A good year for A2i
Dear Members and Partners of Access2innovation, 2023 has been a very exciting year – for me personally and for the organization. I got the privilege of joining Access2innovation at the beginning of the year and have been met by a professional secretariat and a committed board and been fortunate to work with and learn from a number of our members and partners over the year – thank you! We have made significant progress in connecting Danish business and innovation with African markets during the...
2000 sustainable houses for Sierra Leone
Meet a new A2i-member: Vibeke Munk Petersen, Team Leader in the Sierra Leone – Denmark Houses and Community Partnership Program. “Our goal is together with our partnership organizations in Sierra Leone to provide 2,000 new homes, The homes must be affordable, safe, and sustainable. Also, our project must include a job creation module, where focus is on using local successful entrepreneurs to create local jobs – to ensure long-term economic stability, so people will be able to pay a rent, send...
Business Delegation to Uganda March 2024
The Danish Embassy in Uganda, Access2Innovation and DAFC are pleased to invite your company to participate in an agro-business delegation to Uganda. Why Uganda? Uganda is one of Africa’s most stable and open countries with ambitious growth targets and an agri-business sector full of opportunities. This delegation visit will enable Danish companies to meet local key partners and potential customers, display their products and services, and gain first-hand knowledge about the Ugandan...
“Impact on a scale where it matters”
Now you can enjoy a small, but touching new film about A2i-members Pesitho and Caritas Denmark. They have entered into a collaboration, that combines a business potential with sustainable development. Together, Pesitho and Caritas Denmark implement solar-powered mini-kitchens in the Bidi Bidi refugee settlement in Uganda. The project benefits biodiversity and strengthens the safety of the women in the camp. The film is made by Cathrine Bianca Christensen from Climate Partnerships with support...
Responsible Business Conduct Workshops in Uganda
In November 2023, Access2innovation had the pleasure of facilitating two workshops in Uganda on Responsible Business Conduct. The workshops were based on the principles outlined in UN Global Compact Guidelines and focused on topics related to human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption. These types of trainings are mandatory for projects supported by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.More than 30 people from 17 local organizations, companies, and cooperatives participated in the...
Five intense days in Kenya and Uganda finalising two new projects
Access2innovation’s CEO, Karin Elisabeth Lind, and program manager, Inge Myrthue, just got back from five intense days in Kenya and Uganda. They travelled to meet with project partners and other stakeholders of importance to access2innovation and to the success of two new projects expected to start in January 2024. The projects will be financed by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Danida Green Business Partnerships. In Kenya, Inge and Karin facilitated a workshop to finalize the...
Job posting: Project coordinator in Kampala, Uganda
Are you an experienced and driven project coordinator – with a business mindset focusing on the end market and a passion to advance e-mobility solutions in Kampala? As the project coordinator, you will play a critical role in facilitating the execution of a time-sensitive emobility project ‘Green Hub Kampala’ to be implemented by access2innovation together with companies Kjaer Group (MOTORCARE Uganda) and Nexus Green Ltd. Access2innovation is a Danish organization with offices in Denmark and...
2000 sustainable houses for Sierra Leone
Meet a new A2i-member: Vibeke Munk Petersen, Team Leader in the Sierra Leone – Denmark Houses and Community Partnership Program. “Our goal is together with our partnership organizations in Sierra Leone to provide 2,000 new homes, The homes must be affordable, safe, and sustainable. Also, our project must include a job creation module, where focus is on using local successful entrepreneurs to create local jobs - to ensure long-term economic stability, so people will be able to pay a rent, send...
Gratis kursus: Samarbejde mellem organisationer og virksomheder
Vil du vide mere om, hvordan organisationer og virksomheder bedst kan samarbejde? Om hvad samarbejdet kræver,og hvad, er vigtigt at tage stilling til inden sådanne partnerskaber etableres? Så kom med på vores gratis kursus i samarbejde med CISU. Her får du inspiration til hvorfor og hvordan din organisation bedst kan samarbejde med private virksomheder. Dette vil blive eksemplificeret med erfaringer fra konkrete partnerskaber mellem NGOer og virksomheder. Vi gennemgår forskellige strategier,...
A2i Grain-project in national Ugandan News TV
Meet Henrik Anker-Ladefoged and more of the good people behind out Grain-project in Uganda in this edition of the Uganda UBC News Tonight: Watch it here (starting 48 minutes into the program). The project is supported by Danida Green Business Partnerships / Danida Market Development Partnerships, and also includes BM Silo, ENGSKO A/S, Gl. Buurholt, Opportunity International, AG - PLOUTOS COMPANY LIMITED and Landbrug & Fødevarer.
Celebrating the launch of our DMDP-project in Uganda
On Wednesday October 4, a grand launch was held in Kololo, Kampala, by Access2innovation, BM Silo, Engsko, Gl. Buurholt, Opportunity International and AG Plautos Here, we celebrated our DMDP project ‘Integrated Grain Handling Project for rural communities in Uganda’, which is financed by Danida Market Development Partnerships. Representatives from most of the partners in the project were be present, including the Danish ambassador to Uganda, Signe W. Albjerg. The launch included a field...
Successful Delegation Trip about health and food
Our delegation trip to Kenya and Tanzania in September 2023 is now well completed. Among others, the companies Engsko, Neisig Organics, Gl. Buurholt, Soacha, KIOO Water, and Stein Consulting visited relevant companies, public authorities, and industry organizations. They all bring back hands-on information about local business possibilities. The group also visited the Danish Embassy in Tanzania and had a great afternoon together with the Danish Ambassador to Tanzania, Mette...
Launch of DMDP-project in Kampala
On Wednesday, October 4th, more than 70 people will gather in Protea Hotel in Kampala for the official, local launch of Access2innovation's project 'Integrated Grain Handling Project for rural communities in Uganda', which is financed by Danida Market Development Partnerships. Representatives from most of the partners in the project will be present: AG Ploutos, Opportunity International, BM Silo, Gl. Buurholt, Engsko, and of course Access2innovation. The launch will also include a field trip...
A2i at Grain Summit
We are looking forward to the 10th African Grain Trade Summit (AGTS), October 4-7 in Kampala. Here, the chairperson of the board of Access2innovation, CEO Henrik Wollesen, Engsko A/S, will be one of the speakers. The Summit is an internationally-recognized, high-level, policy conference that attracts high level policymakers, influential industry practitioners and leading researchers in the grain sector from across Africa and beyond for discussions about key grain industry issues and developing...
Welcome to our new members
We are happy to continue expanding our network by welcoming six new members: BioInnovation Institute Fonden Food and Bio Cluster Denmark Investeringsfonden for Udviklingslande Kjaer Group MJ Agromapping Private Business Developer Vest Afrika
Er du vores nye IT-, web- og multimediestudentermedhjælper?
Bidrag til udviklingen af markedsbaserede løsninger til udviklingslandeVil du være med til at hjælpe virksomheder, NGOer, universiteter og erhvervsorganisationer til at udvikle innovative, kommercielle løsninger i partnerskaber, som gør en forskel for befolkninger i udviklingslande? Vi har brug for en person, som kan arbejde med brugerflader på vores hjemmeside, for at sikre en bedre vidensdeling mellem vores medlemmer. Vi skal have opdateret vores hjemmeside og udviklet et online ’heatmap’ –...
Velkommen til vores ny program manager, Inge Myrthue
Første september tiltrådte Inge Myrthue som program manager for Foreningen Access2innovation, den danske platform for innovative, bæredygtige, kommercielle løsninger til de afrikanske vækstmarkeder. Inge Myrthue er uddannet cand. negot med speciale i international økonomi, sprog og kultur. Derudover har hun en MBA fra Aalborg Business School indenfor Top Governance. Inge har mange års erfaring med at opbygge og facilitere partnerskaber og konsortier i Afrika, senest som selvstændig rådgiver i...
Welcome to our new members of A2i
A warm welcome to our two new network members: Caribu SustaiNet Become a network member of Access2innovation for only DKK 500 a year - also "just" as a person (No CVR-number needed). As a networking member, you get: * Monthly newsletters* A2i Talks on business development in East Africa on the first Friday of every month* Seminars and events If you also want sparring and operational support, you can become a strategic member. Contact us at 45 29 68 08 83 to hear more. Læs mere her (in...
Are you a student and interested in Africa?
To improve our insights into the African markets, A2I invites one or two students at master level to conduct a study in collaboration with us, of the business models and strategies that Danish firms have and are using to enter and penetrate African markets. Read more about the project and how you apply under here. Project: Business Models for African Markets – experiences from Danish firms Few firms have African markets as their main markets, and little is known on how to successfully enter...
Exciting new partnership with Afrika Consultancy
We're thrilled to unveil a new collaboration that's set to bring even more opportunities and insights to the business world between Denmark, Southern and Eastern Africa🎉. Afrika Consultancy and Access2innovation have joined forces to create a dynamic synergy that promises to elevate the possibilities for Danish companies with an interest in Southern and Eastern African markets. This partnership is all about leveraging strengths and expertise to create sustainable pathways for growth and...
New members pouring into A2i
A warm welcome to all our new network members: • Afrika Consultancy• Baobab Consult• Bedre Syn til Afrika• Care Danmark• CISU• Dansk Forum for Mikrofinans• Lake Victoria Vanilla• Nounours Holding• Seniorer uden Grænser• Stein Consulting• The Sierra Leone - Denmark Houses and Community Partnership ProgramARKITEKTURVÆRKSTEDET ApS• Unicef Danmark "As a network member, you become part of the Access2innovation community and support the organization at the same time. We are happy to welcome...
Meet a member: Danish tech changes waste into quality bio-fertilizer
Meet an A2i member: BACESS/Rootzone Group “It is such a pity! Imagine how much good bio-fertilizer you can make from the leftovers from an ordinary African market. Piles of leaves, cuts from the vegetables and fruits and all other kinds of organic waste. It is just thrown out or burned. All the produce that is not sold soon degrades in the heat. All this waste we can transform into great bio-fertilizer. Which is just what the African farmer needs. There is a huge lack of good bio-fertilizer in...
New seed dryer soon ready in Uganda
The mechanical and electrical installation of a seed dryer from BM Silo is going well in our DMDP grain project in Uganda. The seed dryer is installed in Kakiri Town in the Buganda Region, North-East of Kampala. It is bought by Wekembe Cooperative Society, which is member-based. "2700 farmers are looking forward to having access to better drying of their harvest," explains Yango Azando, project coordinator for Access2innovation Uganda. The seed dryer is expected ready to be up and running in...
A2i Talk: How to apply for the P4G grants
It is now time to apply for grants from Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 – or in short P4G. P4G is supporting sustainable partnerships in developing countries such as South Africa, Kenya and Ethiopia with aiming at preparing early-stage climate entrepreneurs to become investment ready. P4G was established in 2018 with Denmark as the leading founder and has since supported 75 partnerships. The focus areas are energy, water and food and the program supports partnerships with...
Successful Kick-off in Kenya
In June two workshops were held in Kilifi and Kwale Counties in Kenya for the official launching of our new project Inclusive CO2 Sequestration in the Kenyan Nut Industry, funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Danida Green Business Partnerships (DGBP). The event was organized with great success by our Kenyan commercial partner, Grow Fairly Ltd, who manages the whole value chain from cashew seedling cultivation through quality of production, crop harvesting,...
Congratulations with two DIBE-grants
Two DIBE grants to members Huge congratulations to our two members, Farm Mountain and Soacha/KIOO Water Re-fill Kiosks! Both have just have had grants for financial support accepted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Danida Innovation & Business Explorer scheme (DIBE). Access2innovation has counseled the two members in the process. Per Egede Nielsen from Socha/ KIOO Water Re-fill Kiosks explains:"We are very happy about the financial support from DIBE! Not just because of the...
