Sandton, South Africa, 18 April 2024 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated start-up ecosystem event in South Africa as part of the innovative "UNDP Meet the Toshikas" initiative implemented in South Africa, Angola, and Zambia. This event aims to foster connections among investors, accelerators, incubators, local corporates, and governmental bodies, all keen on collaborating with start-ups.

Scheduled to take place in South Africa, this event will showcase the culmination of extensive screening and selection processes, with 10 standout start-ups from South Africa set to pitch their ground-breaking ideas. From an initial pool of 254 applicants, these start-ups have emerged as frontrunners, poised to make significant waves in the global start-up landscape.

In addition to the pitch sessions, attendees can look forward to insightful presentations and panel discussions featuring key ecosystem stakeholders and esteemed Japanese investors. These discussions will offer invaluable insights into the dynamic startup ecosystem in South Africa, facilitating a deeper understanding of its intricacies and opportunities.

Moreover, "Meet the Toshikas" will serve as a platform to forge robust business networks between Japanese investors and local stakeholders, including investors, accelerators, incubators, governmental bodies, and corporations. This networking initiative is poised to catalyze collaborations and investment opportunities that drive sustainable growth and innovation.

This event presents a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the vibrant start-up ecosystem of South Africa and witness first-hand the ingenuity and potential of the selected start-ups. Through 'Meet the Toshikas,' we are committed to empowering young entrepreneurs across Africa and fostering an environment conducive to their success.

UNDP's "Meet the Toshikas" initiative is underpinned by a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan (METI), reflecting a shared commitment to unlocking Africa's entrepreneurial potential. Japanese investors play a pivotal role in this endeavour, bringing not only financial support but also invaluable expertise and networks to propel African start-ups to new heights.

As part of its broader objectives, "Meet the Toshikas" seeks to mobilize finance for tech-enabled start-ups aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enhance the competitiveness of young African entrepreneurs, and encourage increased Japanese venture capital investment in African start-ups.

For more information about the event, please visit https://www.undp.org/africa/meet-toshikas

For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:

Ntokozo Mahlangu, Communications Analyst

Ntokozo.mahlangu@undp.org

060 533 6760

About UNDP:

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading global development agency working to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience to crises and shocks. With a presence in over 170 countries and territories, UNDP partners with governments, civil society, and the private sector to help countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improve the quality of life for all.