The African Incubator Network currently boasts more than 300 active members. The recent meeting supported by infoDev was an opportunity for the network to examine the activities and impact of this growing network, and finalize the AIN Action Plan for 2008-2009. Countries representing the AIN's sub-regions at the meeting were Angola, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia & Uganda. InfoDev was represented by infoDev's Program Manager, Ms. Valerie D'Costa, Regional Facilitator for Africa, Mr. Steve Giddings, and Operations Officer, Ms. Ellen Olafsen.

During the meetings, AIN also had the opportunity to present African incubation models and achievements to the Directorate of the African Union. 

Highlights of the 2008-2009 action plan include:

• Capacity building and training for incubator managers and staff;
• Creating more linkages to promote incubation across Africa;
• Identifying all the incubation activities on the continent and encouraging them to join the network;
• Promoting the impact of incubation on economic growth to other stakeholders, incl. a meeting with the African Union;
• Research on incubation initiatives across Africa to find out what our key challenges and successes are.

The African Incubator Network is continuing to evolve into a network that promotes knowledge sharing across the African regions and to the iDISC Global Network of Business Incubators. Business incubation practitioners and experts in Africa are invited to get involved - we look forward to your participation!

For further information about AIN activities and to become a member of the network, please contact infoDev's Regional Facilitator for Africa, Mr. Steve Giddings by e-mail at sgiddings(at)worldbank.org.