"This is a critical moment to showcase the vision of the initiative and share ideas on how we can double our collective investment in young African talent and innovation to revolutionize development solutions that are tech-enabled and responsive to the needs of Africa and the world," said Dr. Matthias Naab, Director of the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa, at the Second Regional Partners Forum.

Building on the success of the inaugural Regional Partners Forum in March 2024, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Service Centre hosted the second edition of the Regional Partners Forum on February 13, 2025, on the margins of the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union. This high-level event focused on advancing the transformative timbuktoo initiative, aimed at supportting startups, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and driving sustainable growth across the African continent.

The forum convened development partners to explore new opportunities for collaboration, deepen engagements, and exchange insights on on the timbuktoo initiative. Launched at the World Economic Forum in January 2024, timbuktoo is UNDP’s flagship program leveraging thematic Hubs, University Innovation Pods (UniPods), and policy harmonization to invest in young African talent and drive sustainable development.

Dr. Matthias Naab emphasized the urgency of intensifying collective efforts and investment in Africa’s young talent and innovators to drive development solutions that are tech-enabled and responsive to the continent’s needs, as well as the world.

Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa, outlined the vision and strategic objectives of timbuktoo. "timbuktoo is igniting the creativity, value, and superpowers of young Africans to transform the continent," she stated.

Following this, Ms. Joan Manda, Global Lead of timbuktoo, presented an update on the initiative’s progress, key milestones, challenges, and next steps.

Partners shared their perspectives on potential areas for further collaboration, including technical assistance, funding, and knowledge-sharing and set the stage actionable steps for its continued success.

About timbuktoo: timbuktoo is the world’s largest initiative supporting Africa's innovation ecosystem. With ten thematic hubs across the continent, timbuktoo provides resources, expertise, and funding to young entrepreneurs to accelerate their impact. Guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), timbuktoo’s vision is to empower Africa’s youth to lead the next wave of global innovation in sectors such as HealthTech, MineTech, Agritech, Fintech, ClimateTech, ManuTech, and more. For more information, visit timbuktoo Africa.  

About UNDP:  UNDP works in nearly 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. In Africa, UNDP supports 46 countries in accelerating the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Guided by the principle that Africa is not homogenous, UNDP's Renewed Strategic Offer in Africa is a premier ENABLER and INTEGRATOR for the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the African Union's Agenda 2063. For more information, visit https://www.undp.org/africa.   

Media contacts: 

Ngele Ali, Regional Communications Advisor, 

ngele.ali@undp.org, +251901000962 UNDP Africa

Oluwagbemisola Fagbemi, Communications and Liaison Officer

oluwagbemisola.fagbemi@undp.org