Bridgette Taylor

Pioneered Africa's tech innovation ecosystem through AfriLabs, enabling startups to address continental challenges

Bridgette Taylor is a Nigerian entrepreneur and social innovator renowned for co-founding AfriLabs, a network of technology hubs across Africa. Established in 2010 but gaining significant traction by 2014, AfriLabs has become a cornerstone of Africa's startup ecosystem. Taylor's work focuses on empowering local innovators to tackle issues like agriculture, healthcare, and education through technology. By connecting 80+ innovation centers in 34 countries, she created a platform for knowledge sharing, funding access, and cross-border collaboration. Her initiatives have supported over 10,000 startups, with notable success stories including Konga (Nigeria's leading e-commerce platform) and Kenya's Cellulant. Taylor advocates for policy reforms to foster tech-friendly environments, testifying before the African Union and World Bank. Her TEDx talk "The Future of African Innovation" has been viewed over 2 million times. Recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (2016), her legacy includes the African Innovation Foundation Awards which annually spotlight impactful solutions like solar-powered healthcare systems and mobile banking platforms. Taylor's vision of an Africa-driven tech renaissance continues to inspire global investors and policymakers.