Why AfricArena is Heading to Togo for the First-Ever GRIT Summit
- Mandilakhe Somdle
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
This October, AfricArena will host the first-ever Togo GRIT Summit (29–30 October 2025) in Lomé, marking a milestone not only for Togo but for Francophone Africa at large. The summit represents a bold step in our mission to strengthen Africa’s innovation ecosystem by bridging regions, languages, and markets.
Why Togo, Why Now?
Francophone Africa is one of the fastest-growing yet often overlooked regions for technology and entrepreneurship. Togo, in particular, has emerged as a vibrant hub for digital innovation and policy leadership, driven by strong government backing and forward-looking regulation. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Digital Transformation of Togo, alongside key partners such as BMZ Germany, Luxembourg’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, the European Union, and GIZ Togo, are placing tech and innovation at the center of the country’s growth agenda.
For AfricArena, choosing Lomé was a natural decision. Our mandate has always been to catalyze connections between startups, investors, and ecosystem enablers across Africa. By hosting in Togo, we are shining a spotlight on the Francophone innovation ecosystem while creating a space for convergence with Anglophone Africa, helping founders tap into broader markets, and giving investors a front-row seat to new opportunities.
Togo’s Startups on the Rise
Togo is home to a dynamic mix of startups building solutions in:
Fintech – expanding financial inclusion through mobile payments and digital banking.
AgriTech – modernizing agriculture with tools for productivity, sustainability, and access to markets.
Clean Energy – delivering affordable, renewable energy solutions for households and businesses.
EdTech & HealthTech – leveraging digital tools to improve learning outcomes and healthcare access.
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These sectors are not only critical for Togo but also scalable across Africa, making Lomé an ideal stage for early-stage innovators to connect with investors and scale their impact.
A Platform for Convergence
What makes the Togo GRIT Summit particularly exciting is its potential to bridge Francophone and Anglophone Africa. Too often, linguistic and market divides have limited cross-border collaboration. By bringing together founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders from across both regions, the summit creates a true pan-African marketplace for innovation and investment.
AfricArena has been at the heart of this effort since 2017, enabling startups to secure funding, partnerships, and visibility on the global stage. The Togo GRIT Summit builds on this legacy while opening new doors for Francophone Africa to engage more fully in the continental tech ecosystem.
What to Expect at the Summit
The two-day program will feature:
Curated pitch sessions spotlighting startups from pre-seed to scale stage.
Keynotes & panels with thought leaders in business, technology, and investment.
Investor roundtables designed to foster collaboration and deal flow.
Networking opportunities to build bridges across ecosystems and borders.
Why You Should Be There
The Togo GRIT Summit isn’t just another event, it’s an opportunity to be part of a historic moment for Francophone Africa’s innovation journey. Whether you’re an investor seeking high-growth startups, a founder looking to expand into new markets, or an ecosystem enabler building cross-border connections, Lomé is where you need to be this October.
At AfricArena, we believe the future of Africa’s tech ecosystem lies in its diversity and collaboration. Hosting our flagship in Togo is a step toward unlocking the full potential of Africa’s fragmented markets, together.
Join us in Lomé, 29–30 October 2025, and be part of shaping Africa’s innovation future.
Read more about the GRIT Summit and the programme during the summit week on the Africarena website.Â