Venture Labs, Failure, and Startup Success in Africa

Why Africa’s Future Needs Science

In this episode, we explore why science is investable, why it matters more than ever in an age of growing scepticism, and how Africa’s young people can be inspired to see science as a creative and powerful force for solving society’s most urgent challenges. The conversation also highlights the new telescope being built in Namibia as part of Sera Markoff’s BlackHolistic ERC Synergy Grant, and what it represents for African science, global collaboration, and the future of discovery. Our guests are esteemed scientists Sera Markoff, Plumian Professor of Astronomy and Experimental Philosophy at the University of Cambridge and a leading member of the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration, and Tolullah Oni, Clinical Professor of Global Public Health and Sustainable Urban Development at the University of Cambridge and Founder & CEO of UrbanBetter. Together, they offer a thoughtful conversation on science, innovation, data, culture, creativity, and the importance of making science more inclusive, exciting, and relevant to the next generation.

Forced Migration, Climate Change, and the Fight to Stay

In this episode of Afri-CAN, we speak with Rania Sharshr, Director of Climate Action at IOM, about the human story behind climate-driven migration. As climate emergencies become more frequent and more severe, communities around the world are being forced to make impossible choices. But as Rania explains, many people do not want to leave their homes or depend on endless cycles of assistance. They want long-term solutions that allow them to adapt, rebuild, and stay. Together, we explore why climate migration must be understood through people’s lived experiences, not just data. We also discuss the role of local governments, the private sector, and communities themselves in shaping practical, lasting responses to the climate challenges they face.

Feeding Recovery in Rwanda

What if food security is only half the story? In this episode of Afri-CAN, we sit down with Nassir Katuramu, CEO of Solid’Africa, to explore a question that does not get asked enough: if a country can produce enough food, why do so many people still struggle to access the nutrition their bodies actually need? Solid’Africa is a Rwanda-based organisation focused on ending nutrition insecurity, and its work starts with one simple but powerful idea: food should not just fill people up, it should help them heal. We unpack how Solid’Africa identified a major gap in access to nutrient-dense meals, especially for vulnerable hospital patients, and built a one-of-a-kind model around medically tailored meals designed to support recovery. The conversation also looks at how the organisation works across the supply chain and alongside government to make that model possible at scale. It is a thoughtful conversation about food, health, dignity, and what development looks like when we focus not just on feeding people, but nourishing them.

Venture Labs, Failure, and Startup Success in Africa

What does it really take for entrepreneurs in Africa to succeed — and are venture labs part of the answer? In this episode of Afri-CAN, we explore how venture labs can help build stronger startups by giving aspiring founders the space to test ideas, fail fast, learn quickly, and grow with the right support. We also look at what these innovation models still lack, how they compare to accelerators and similar programmes, and what may be holding back deeper, more meaningful innovation across the continent. Joining us are Lyndsay Holley Handler, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Delta40 Venture Studio; Jannek Hagen, Rwanda Country Director at Pharo Foundation and the mind behind Pharo Foundation’s new venture lab set to launch by the end of 2026; and Stephen Khan, a Master’s student at the University of Edinburgh studying entrepreneurship and innovation. Together, they unpack the role of venture labs in Africa’s startup ecosystem and discuss the “3 C’s” they believe are limiting true innovation on the continent.

Can Solar Power Help Feed Africa?

What does climate action look like when it starts on the farm? In this episode of Afri-CAN, we speak with Jon Saunders, COO of SunCulture, about how the company is helping smallholder farmers across Africa through affordable solar-powered technology. SunCulture’s model centres on off-grid solar systems designed to improve access to irrigation and farm productivity, while also making that technology more accessible through financing and support. We explore the story behind SunCulture, the problem they are trying to solve, and why this work matters far beyond agriculture. At the heart of the conversation is a bigger question: how can climate innovation strengthen food security in Africa, and why does that matter not just for the continent, but for global stability too? This is a thoughtful conversation about technology, resilience, and what it takes to build practical solutions that meet people where they are.