Welcome to NextAfrica
New horizons
New networks
New business
Our Mission
We connect purpose-driven organisations from Europe and Africa to collaborate, co-create, and build profitable, future-oriented ventures.
NextAfrica is an African–European initiative linking companies and people across both continents to learn, grow, and do business together.
Why
Global dynamics are shifting. While Europe faces structural challenges, many African economies are rapidly growing and digitising.
A young, entrepreneurial population and a rising middle class are driving innovation and redefining business. This creates powerful opportunities for cross-continental collaboration.
What
We turn differences into advantages:
- young, fast-growing markets ↔ mature, experienced economies
- entrepreneurial drive ↔ structured systems
- greenfield innovation ↔ legacy transformation
- relationship-driven systems ↔ institution-driven systems
- tech optimism ↔ cautious attitudes toward automation
These contrasts fuel learning, innovation, and new business models.
NextAfrica’s founders
Maryanne Akoth
based in Nairobi, Kenya. A technology innovation enthusiast who is keen to collaborate in teams to provide real-world technological solutions. Has vast work experience in information and communication technology with international exposure in Sub-Saharan Africa, Finland and Sweden.
Karin Krobath
based in Vienna, Austria. Geographer and consultant. In 2005 she co-founded identifire – the first Austrian agency for Employer Branding and Corporate Culture. She enjoys developing brand environments, giving innovative mindsets a helping hand and bringing about behavioural changes in everyday life. Her work is always about people’s empowerment from Austria to Africa and vice versa. Learning Journeys to African countries for businesspeople emerged from her voluntary work as chair of Light for the World. www.identifire.at
Amollo Ambole
based in Nairobi, Kenya. A design researcher with a passion for sustainability issues. Has a background in product design and experience in development research. She facilitates co-design processes geared towards sustainability in African cities. From 2017 to mid-2019, she led an interdisciplinary research team in Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa to co-design better access to sustainable household energy in urban slums.
Hans Stoisser
based in Vienna, Austria. Entrepreneur, management consultant and author, has been building infrastructures in African countries for many years. Since 1992, he has been managing ECOTEC, which has been active in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Palestine and Brazil, but particularly in African countries. In his book “The Black Tiger” the economist explains why Europe has missed to link up with modern Africa and what could be done instead. More details at www.hansstoisser.com