Nyheder

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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.

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...

  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...

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...

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...

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

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’ –...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

Kom med på delegationstur 25.-29. september 2023! Med udgangspunkt i ’One Health’ ses på markedsmuligheder og integrerede løsninger indenfor bæredygtigt landbrug og fødevareproduktion, vand og sanitet, vedvarende energi og grøn omstilling. Overordnet (foreløbigt) program Det endelige program lægges under hensyntagen til de tilmeldte virksomheders ønsker. Mandag den 25. september (formiddag) Møde med Trade Council og Dansk Industri på den danske ambassade i Nairobi. Mandag den 25. september...

Access2innovation is looking for a business-oriented program manager in the field of green transition Do you want to facilitate projects and partnerships between companies, NGOs, universities, investors, and business organizations to develop innovative, commercial solutions for emerging markets in Africa?We are looking for a dynamic person who is business-oriented, has experience from Africa, and is strong in project development and management. Who are we?Access2innovation was established in...

Bidrag til udviklingen af markedsbaserede løsninger til udviklingslande Vil 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’ –...

2022 har været et meget aktivt år for Access2innovation, fortalte forperson Lisbeth Zacho i sin forpersons-beretning på foreningens generalforsamling 2023. Hun fortsatte: ”Vi afsluttede vores næsten syv år lange periode med PIVØ-projekter med en meget flot evaluering fra Cowi. PIVØ-midlerne kom som bekendt fra EU's regionalfond og forkortelsen står for Partnerskabsdreven Innovation til Vækstmarkederne i Østafrika. De 27,1 millioner kroner fra PIVØ er blevet matchet med 30 millioner kroner i...

Velkommen til Lars Møller fra Caritas og Ole Haubro fra Aller Aqua, som begge indtræder i Access2innovations bestyrelse. Tidligere forperson Lisbeth Zacho justerer sit mandat og fortsætter som suppleant i stedet for som tidligere repræsentant for NGO. Denne plads tilfalder nu Lars Møller.

Access2innovation wants to thank the more than 35 members and business partners, who joined our Partnership Day April 27, 2023.  The desire for meeting other members and joining the discussions was great and all we could wish for. After an energetic welcome to – and from – our new CEO, Karin Elisabeth Lind, the floor was open for four interesting views on the business opportunities for Danish companies in Africa.  The visions of the policymakersHead of Department – Green Diplomacy and...

Access2innovation is happy to inform that we have received a grant of DKK two million from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Danida Green Business Partnership together with our partners. The money is for nuts! Or more accurately for an exciting Inclusive CO2 Sequestration in the Kenyan Nut Industry project for the next 18 months. The objectives of the project are many: To validate the reduction of CO2 emissions by a new use of agri-waste, while creating jobs, increasing income,...

Access2innovation Partnership Day: Danish Business Opportunities on the African Markets – What are the Opportunities Now and in the Future? With this partnership day, we zoom in on what it takes to create better opportunities for Danish companies on the African continent. What are the visions of the policy makers? What do companies want? What are the experiences? And what does it take for Danish companies to succeed in the African markets? Register here. Time: 27. April at 09:30-12:00am Venue:...

Access2innovation has opened an office in Copenhagen! Find us at Symbion, Fruebjergvej 3, 2100 Copenhagen. We look forward to seeing you here, in our office in Aalborg or in our office in Kampala, Uganda in Shiriki House.

Karin Elisabeth Lind, our new CEO, was in February visiting Africa, networking and exploring new partnerships with East African and European private companies and government authorities. Here she is at the EU-Kenya Business Forum (Feb 21-22) and the Tanzania-EU Business Forum (Feb 23-24).

Sæt x i kalenderen: Den 27. april holder Access2innovation Partnership Day og  generalforsamling. Arrangementet foregår i København.  Klik her og se program og tilmelding.Access2innovation Generalforsamling Tid:                  27. april kl. 13:00-15:30 Sted:                Symbion, Fruebjergvej 3, 2100 København Ø Deltagere:       Medlemmer der har betalt kontingent for 2023 Program: Velkommen og godkendelse af dagsorden Valg af stemmetællere Valg af dirigent Formandens beretning...

Stedet er fundet. Teknologien er udviklet og tilpasset. Appen er lige på trapperne. Nu mangler der bare den helt rigtige investor, der også har øje for den strålende fremtid for ny stivelsesfabrik i Tanzania. Efter et vellykket og afsluttet PIVØ-projekt og flere rejser til Østafrika sammen med Access2innovation, er Søren Peter Eriksen, Neisig Økologi og SteCaO klar til produktion af stivelse i Tanzania. Den kommende stivelsesfabrik nær Lindi i det sydlige Tanzania skal omdanne den lokale...

Great concentration at the Access2innovation office in Kampala. Here Henrik Anker-Ladefoged, program manager A2i,  Yango Azando, project coordinator, A2i and our representative in Uganda, John Magnay meet representatives from WECRUMA. This organization represents more than 800 private mill owners. Access2innovatin collaborates with WECRUMA about cooperatives that would like to buy equipment from Denmark in connection with our DMDP project. WECRUMA is a trade umbrella representing, promoting...

A2iTalk: Partnership-based business development - the imperfect journey to blended finance solutions See or re-see the talk with Gitte Dyrhagen Husager from DanChurchAid here - where you also can find the rest of our A2i Talks on business development in Africa.

As a special offer to our members, Access2innovation offers a member discount on several consultancy and compliance & business support services that help international organizations starting up operations and projects in East Africa. This is a part of our cooperation with Shiriki House, who houses our new office in Kampala. Shiriki House offers attractive and fully furnished, private offices with free access to common services and spaces such as front office, meeting facilities, café,...

DanChurchAid's head of private sector engagement, Gitte Dyrhagen Husager, will talk about the learnings that DCA has made over the last many years when investing on the operationallzation of partnership-driven business development in poor and fragile countries. She will share some critical reflections about the journey, that DCA has been on for the last five years, when seeking to combine a civil society and business mind-set to develop innovative partnership models that are socially,...

The EU is stressing the potential of Kenya and Tanzania as two key emerging markets in Africa by organizing the first ever EU Business Forums in the two countries.  Together with fellow EU countries, Denmark is supporting this initiative to increase trade and investment. In connection with the forums, Denmark, the Netherlands, and local Kenyan partners are organizing a 1-day Circular Economy Expo showcasing international and local solutions. EU-Kenya Business Forum aims to foster European...

Hvor lang tid tog det dig at få lov til at åbne virksomhed i Ghana?” ”Hvor finder vi finansiering til at blive ved med at udvikle produkter til Østafrika?” ”Oplever I også, at der ikke må være mere end 3 års tilbagebetalingstid i Afrika?” ”Har I hørt om det svenske projekt, der gjorde det på en anden måde?” ”Hvordan sikrer vi fremdrift lokalt?” Spørgsmål og svar fløj over de julepyntede borde, da mere end 30 medlemmer og partnere mødtes til partnerdag 19. december 2022 hos Access2innovation i...

😊Access2innovation gets a new internationally experienced CEO😊 Karin Elisabeth Lind will take over as CEO of Foreningen Access2innovation on 1 February 2023.The new CEO has more than 20 years of experience in building and facilitating partnerships and consortia, most recently from Folkekirkens Nødhjælp (DanChurchAid). Here and elsewhere, she has completed large projects together with such diverse partners as NGOs, companies, public institutions, and networks. In Access2innovation, together...