ABAN and #StartupSouth to Co-Host African Startup Investment Roundtable in Owerri

The African Business Angel Network (ABAN) and StartupSouth Enterprise Development LTD/GTE (#StartupSouth) have entered into a strategic partnership to co-host the African Startup Investment Roundtable on September 30, 2025, in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, a pre-event session of the ABAN Congress 2025, taking place on 17 – 18 October 2025.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the drive to deepen local capital participation in Africa’s innovation ecosystem, particularly across Nigeria’s South-East region.

The event will also be a flagship feature of #StartupSouthX, the 10th convening of the #StartupSouth ecosystem billed for October 2-3, and is expected to bring together a powerful mix of angel investors, founders, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders.

The partnership will catalyse efforts to:

1. Mobilise local and diaspora capital to support high-growth African startups
2. Launch the Imo Business Angel Network (IBAN)
3. Showcase investment-ready ventures from South-East Nigeria and beyond
4. Foster cross-border collaboration among investors and ecosystem enablers
5. Position Imo State as a leading model for sub-national, innovation-led development
6. Contribute critical insights and momentum to the main ABAN Congress on 17 – 18 October 2025

#StartupSouth Convener, Uche Aniche, expressed his excitement in partnering with ABAN in this historic effort to build the investment infrastructure in South-East Nigeria. He emphasised that Owerri is a fitting stage for this gathering, and looks forward to welcoming Africa’s investor community.

“This partnership with ABAN and the hosting of the African Business Angel Investment Roundtable in Imo State represents more than a milestone; it is a clear signal of the growing maturity and strategic depth of Africa’s startup and investment ecosystem.

“By convening this high-level conversation in the South-East, we are elevating the region’s role in shaping the future of innovation and entrepreneurship on the continent.”

“More importantly, it creates a timely platform to catalyze local capital participation and deepen the investment pipeline for founders across the South-East and South-South. It’s a bold and fitting way to commence #StartupSouthX Sessions.”

Speaking on the strategic importance of regional engagement and inclusive capital mobilisation, Yemi Keri, President of ABAN, emphasized the importance of this partnership:

“This partnership with #StartupSouth is a clear demonstration of ABAN’s commitment to deepening local capital participation across all regions of Africa. By co-hosting this roundtable in Owerri, we’re not only expanding the reach of angel investing but also celebrating the innovation potential of Nigeria’s South-East. It is essential that every founder, no matter where they are based, has access to smart capital and supportive networks.”

Also speaking on the significance of the partnership and its alignment with the broader goals of ABAN Congress 2025, Fadilah Tchoumba, CEO of ABAN, stated:

“ABAN is committed to amplifying early-stage capital mobilisation across the continent. Our partnership with #StartupSouth is a strategic step towards democratizing access and ensuring that angel investment reaches founders and regions often overlooked.”

“The Owerri roundtable sets the tone for ABAN Congress 2025, where we will reflect on a decade of impact and activate bold, Africa-led capital solutions for the next. We are excited to build with partners who share our vision.”

The event will feature curated startup showcases, investor-founder dialogues, ecosystem conversations, and the unveiling of the IBAN Framework. Outputs from the roundtable will feed into the main ABAN Congress 2025, taking place in Lagos, this October 2025.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to building stronger sub-national investment ecosystems and ensuring that insights from regional innovation hubs help shape continent-wide investment strategies.

For partnership opportunities and general inquiries, please contact secretariat@abanangels.org

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