Tech ventures in Kenya looking to scale up across Africa have a new program to support their ambitions.

The Two Rivers International Finance and Innovation Centre Special Economic Zone (TRIFIC SEZ) has partnered with Chanzo Capital, a venture capital firm, to launch the Chanzo ONESPACE Startup and Scaleup Accelerator (COSSA) program.

This initiative will be based at ONESPACE, a high-end office complex with administrative services located within TRIFIC SEZ.

COSSA will focus on providing resources and guidance to Kenyan tech companies like SaveApp, At Large Innovation (Thryv Capital Partners LLP), and CheckUPS COVA as they prepare to expand into new markets across the continent.

The collaboration between TRIFIC SEZ and Chanzo Capital goes beyond just Kenya.

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The COSSA program is designed to be a pan-African initiative, leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) to foster the creation of regional tech powerhouses.

The program will not only provide funding – secured by Chanzo Capital through the KINGS Fund operating in Kenya, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa – but also offer crucial capacity building for participating companies.

Additionally, COSSA will connect these startups with the business communities in the countries they target for expansion.

“We are delighted to welcome Chanzo Capital to TRIFIC SEZ,” said Brenda Mbathi, CEO of TRIFIC SEZ. “This is a great addition to our portfolio and positions us to be the preferred Special Economic Zone for high-tech firms.”

The program promises to be a win-win for both entrepreneurs and the Kenyan economy. Ian Kabiru, CEO of ONESPACE, highlighted the program’s potential to “empower entrepreneurs and create new job opportunities” by capitalizing on the strategic incentives and supportive environment offered by TRIFIC SEZ.

Kabiru further emphasized that ONESPACE’s experience in housing various African and international businesses positions them well to support the COSSA cohort, allowing participating startups to focus on core business development.

James Mworia, CEO of Centum, echoed the sentiment, stating, “Programs such as COSSA are the reason we created the Innovation Hub at TRIFIC SEZ.”

The launch of COSSA comes ahead of the 11th edition of Chanzo Capital’s annual Angel Fair Africa, scheduled for November 7th and 8th, 2024, in Nairobi.

Participating startups in the COSSA program will have the opportunity to pitch their businesses to a wider pool of investors upon completion of the program.