iHUB: 14 years of revolutionising Africa's tech ecosystem

In the heart of Nairobi’s bustling Lavington area, iHUB has emerged as more than a tech hub.

It is a symbol of Africa’s growing prominence in the global innovation landscape. 

With a new 23,000-square-foot space in the iconic Jahazi Building, iHUB is celebrating 14 years of impact as a driver of technological innovation and social change. 

Under the umbrella of Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), iHUB has taken its mission to foster collaboration and entrepreneurship to unprecedented heights, cementing its place as a pioneer in Africa's technology ecosystem.

Since its founding in March 2010, iHUB has set the standard for tech hubs in emerging markets. 

What began as a modest hackerspace has evolved into a Pan-African innovation powerhouse that connects entrepreneurs, investors, governments, and development partners.

The hub has played a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s thriving startup ecosystem, serving as a model for similar initiatives across Africa.

“At iHUB, we’ve collaborated with key ecosystem players to craft innovative programs that continue to support and build the startup ecosystem in Kenya and across Africa,” said Aidah Ng’ang’a, Head of Community and Ecosystems at iHUB/CcHUB.

“Our entrepreneurs have grown into ambassadors, extending our influence and impact locally and globally.”

A mission beyond technology

iHUB’s work transcends technology—it addresses critical social and economic challenges through collaboration and innovation.

Through programs like the Higher Education Innovation (HEI) project, iHUB has engaged students and universities in Kenya, Nigeria, and Namibia to foster entrepreneurial thinking.

With 30 students from six(6) universities, including Nairobi’s Riara University and the University of Nairobi, the project has successfully registered 18 businesses, with 12 making significant progress.

Despite challenges like logistical issues and difficulties in following up with participants, the HEI initiative exemplifies iHUB’s commitment to nurturing Africa’s next generation of innovators.

By providing US$5,000 in seed funding and extensive mentorship, the programme is creating pathways for young entrepreneurs to turn ideas into scalable businesses.

Bridging gaps in education

One of iHUB’s most impactful areas of focus is education. Through its collaboration with eLimu, a CcHUB EdTech company, iHUB addresses foundational gaps in literacy and numeracy among young learners. eLimu’s digital games for children aged 4–8 combine entertainment with education, offering a subscription service to help children develop critical skills while staying engaged.

“We’re trying to cut the gap of learning for kids who are already digital-savvy, giving them something engaging yet productive,” said Allan Oluoch, a game designer at eLimu.

While challenges like balancing fun with educational value remain, eLimu’s approach is making a tangible impact in strengthening early education.

Beyond this, iHUB and CcHUB’s broader initiatives, including partnerships with startups like Angaza Elimu and Nyansapo, are aimed at addressing competency gaps in Kenya’s education system. 

By working with governments and deploying innovative solutions, these programs strive to ensure that students not only match their grade levels but exceed them.

Empowering Africa’s creative economy

In addition to its focus on technology and education, iHUB is driving growth in Africa’s creative economy through programs like Fashionomics Africa. 

Under CcHUB’s Creative Economy Practice, the programme equips creatives with the tools and connections needed to scale their businesses. From fostering linkages between creatives and tech entrepreneurs to promoting evidence-based policy making, the initiative is redefining Africa’s creative landscape.

“Misinformation about the creative sector remains a challenge,” said Wanjiku Njoroge, Programme Associate at Creative Economy Practice, CcHUB. 

“Our goal is to equip creatives and investors with accurate insights to drive sustainable growth.”

Through its investment readiness programs, iHUB not only connects creatives to funding but also builds their capacity to navigate the often-complex world of technology and innovation.

Infrastructure designed for innovation

Central to iHUB’s success is its commitment to providing innovators with an environment that fosters creativity and collaboration.

The new Jahazi Building space features private offices, coworking areas, meeting rooms, event venues, and design studios, creating a dynamic ecosystem for entrepreneurs. Members enjoy 24/7 access to high-speed Wi-Fi, outdoor terraces, and even showers, ensuring a space designed for both work and comfort.

“Our goal at CcHUB Group remains the same: to be Africa’s leading support system for creative and technology entrepreneurs,” said Ojoma Ochai, Managing Director of CcHUB. 

“We’re helping them create solutions to enhance African prosperity while nurturing the community that started it all.”

Challenges and opportunities

iHUB’s journey has not been without its challenges. From navigating logistical hurdles in projects like HEI to addressing misinformation about Africa’s creative economy, the organisation has consistently adapted to overcome obstacles. 

Startups like Nyansapo, which provides performance assessments tailored to students’ abilities, and Angaza Elimu, with its online platform for educational content, face challenges in distribution, accessibility, and affordability. 

Yet, these hurdles have not deterred iHUB’s mission to drive innovation across industries.

Looking ahead, iHUB plans to work with 36 startups by 2025, building on its current portfolio of 24 ventures. 

Its extensive investor database of nearly 1,000 global investors and a network of 1,200 corporate executives provide a robust foundation for future growth.

The road ahead

As iHUB embarks on this new chapter, its vision remains clear: to create an ecosystem where ideas are nurtured, collaborations are forged, and solutions are scaled to address Africa’s unique challenges.

By leveraging its Pan-African network and partnerships, iHUB continues to inspire hope, opportunity, and innovation in Africa’s tech and creative sectors.

For anyone with a bold idea and the courage to bring it to life, iHUB is more than a workspace; it's the launchpad for transforming dreams into reality.