By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
The African Business Angel Network (ABAN) and StartupSouth Enterprise Development LTD/GTE have joined forces to host the African Startup Investment Roundtable on September 30, 2025, in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
This strategic partnership aims to boost local investment participation across Africa, focusing on Nigeria’s South-East region.
The objectives are to: attract local and diaspora investment for high-growth African startups, Introduce the Imo Business Angel Network to foster entrepreneurship, Highlight investment-ready startups from South-East Nigeria and beyond, Encourage partnerships among investors and ecosystem leaders, Establish Imo as a model for innovation-led development.
UcheAniche, Convener of #StartupSouth, expressed excitement about the partnership, saying that it signifies the growing maturity of Africa’s startup ecosystem. UcheAniche said, “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.”
Yemi Keri, President of ABAN said, “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.”
FadilahTchoumba, CEO of ABAN also said, “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.”
At the event, there will be: Exhibitions of innovative startups, Discussions between investors and startup founders, Conversations among ecosystem leaders and stakeholders, Launch of the Imo Business Angel Network framework.
The roundtable’s outcomes will contribute to the main ABAN Congress 2025 in Lagos.
