Supporting UNDP Timbuktoo Initiative
THE CUSTOMER: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
THE CHALLENGE
The UNDP embarked on an ambitious initiative, “timbuktoo,” aiming to establish the “Largest Initiative in the world to support the Innovation Ecosystem in Africa.”Despite the UNDP's global reach and 23,000+ employees across 170 countries worldwide, this massive undertaking, involving fundraising $1 billion, impacting 100 million+ livelihoods, and supporting 1,000+ startups over a decade across 8 sectors such as FinTech, AgriTech, HealthTech etc., required specialized external expertise.
The challenge was to find partners who could provide deep sector-specific knowledge and practical project management to ensure the program's success. Africa Ventures Advisory, in a consortium with Greentec Capital Partners (GTC), successfully bid for this role, demonstrating our unique value proposition. GTC and AVA formed a conglomerate, proposed on the tender and won it.
Our Service
Our collaboration with GTC created a powerful synergy across all dimensions of the project. A central element of the work was the rigorous selection of a jurisdiction for the Parent Fund and Host Countries for the various Sector Hubs. The process drew on in-depth statistical research, insights from industry insiders, and direct engagement with UNDP personnel on the ground. Through this we could ensure that every decision rested on a solid, data-driven foundation. We contributed both, extensive experience in fund structuring and a vast network of fund managers and investors across the African continent, as well as structured problem-solving and strategic alignment.
THE RESULT
Our work with GTC helped lay the groundwork for the timbuktoo program. This included contributing to country selection, structuring the fund, engaging with fund managers and investors, and structuring innovation hubs across Africa, working closely with UNDP personnel on the ground. We look back with pride on having played a meaningful role in shaping the early direction of one of Africa's largest innovation initiatives.
