African tech hubs – now more than 1000 across the continent – accelerate digital, social and economic transformation as they support start-ups.  The report examines the COVID-19 impact on tech hubs and offers recommendations for future operations. It surveys 52 tech hubs across Africa and includes interviews with dozens more. It identifies resilient business models that weathered the pandemic.

Navigating New Business Frontiers: A Roadmap for TPOs

WTPO Awards Hub
Celebrating Excellence in Export Development Initiatives

This paper presents updated evidence on the economic impact of Trade Promotion Organizations (TPOs), demonstrating that public investment in trade promotion yields significant returns in both export growth and GDP. Drawing on new research commissioned by Trade Promotion Europe, the findings confirm that TPO interventions not only benefit individual firms but also generate wider macroeconomic gains through strengthened supply chains, increased foreign exchange, and enhanced innovation.

This document offers TPOs a template for a 90-day plan to activate as soon as crisis occurs. It sets out a proposed checklist for the first, second and third periods of 30 days, and incorporates 3 perspectives: business, stakeholders, ecosystem actors as well as the internal operations of the TPO. To deliver on the ambition of this plan in a time of crisis will not be easy. It will take exceptional leadership, well-established credibility and relationships, a shift in resource allocation, and a culture of customer-centricity and risk taking.

BSOs that are on the front line of SME support can step into this breach to provide access to IP information and first-level  guidance that would assist businesses to make the decisions that are important for their success. Accordingly, BSOs need to be aware of the opportunities provided by the IP system and be equipped with the knowledge and the tools and processes to help businesses navigate this environment.