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This is a remote position.

We are seeking a dynamic Solutions Lead: Incubation and Acceleration Programmes to drive the design, development, and implementation of innovative learning and support solutions for startups, SMEs, and scaling enterprises across Africa. The ideal candidate will be a technical specialist in African business growth with experience in incubation, acceleration, or similar business development initiatives. You will be responsible for shaping solutions that drive impact, leveraging agile design, client engagement, and programmatic innovation to ensure relevance and effectiveness.

This role specifically will focus on the development of innovation clusters and the development and management of a “Manufacturing Technology Hub” to incubate the most promising African startups that are leveraging technology in the manufacturing sector to address the continent’s most complex socio-economic opportunities and challenges.

The project

The purpose of the ManufacturingTech Hub is to strengthen the local and regional manufacturing tech ecosystem to spur socio-economic development across Africa. Key components of the hub include, among others:

• Incubation programming, focused on ‘venture-building’ of idea-stage businesses through cohort and 1-1 business growth support
  

• Acceleration programming, focused on growth and financing for high potential businesses that have moved beyond idea/ prototype stage, including cohort-based and 1-1 business growth support, and connection-building relevant to finance access
  

• Managing services within the hub and core programming, including:
  

• Experts-in-residence (including a mentorship offer)
  

• Maker space - equipped with state-of-the-art hardware and equipment for startups to develop solutions across the ManuTech sector.
  

• A dedicated co-working space for startups to work, connect and collaborate with partners, investors, and fellow startups.
  

• Linkages to BD services, finance and other required ecosystem support
  

The role

The Solutions Lead will be responsible for leading the design and coordinating the development of the programming and support for the ManuTech Hub in Addis Ababa over the course of its first year. They will lead the design of bootcamp, incubation, and acceleration programmes, as well as outreach and engagement activities to build core partnerships with government, industry, finance partners and others in support of growth planning for the Hub.

Solution Development & Innovation

• Lead the design of scalable, impactful startup and business growth solutions tailored to African entrepreneurs in the Manufacturing Technology sector. Supporting startups at various growth stages through structured mentorship, training, and business development initiatives.
  

• Apply agile methodologies to test, iterate, and refine programme designs based on user feedback and real-world application.
  

• Develop and integrate blended learning approaches, including digital platforms, coaching, peer learning, and toolkits.
  

Programme Design & Implementation

• Work closely with internal teams to develop structured yet flexible programmatic models that support different business growth stages.
  

• Support the identification and consultation with technical and industry experts to build a relevant design and ecosystem of support for Manufacturing Tech SMEs.
  

• Collaborate with partners, funders, and ecosystem stakeholders to ensure programme alignment with market needs.
  

• Drive continuous improvement and ensure programmes deliver measurable impact on business performance and growth (with specific targets from growing key segments).
  

Client & Partner Engagement

• Foster ecosystem collaboration by connecting ManuTech entrepreneurs with investors, industry experts, and development partners to drive sustainable business growth
  

• Outreach and Engagement Activities: Expanding the Hub’s impact by connecting with entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and stakeholders across Africa.
  

• Manage key relationships with clients, funders, and partners to co-create solutions that build the Hubs strategic importance and deliver solutions to key SME growth needs.
  

Requirements

Who You Are

We are looking for an impact-driven, solutions-oriented leader with a passion for African entrepreneurship.

Required Skills & Experience

• Deep technical expertise in African business growth, acceleration, or incubation.
  

• Proven experience in programme design, solution development, and agile implementation for business support initiatives.
  

• Strong ability to develop practical, scalable, and high-impact interventions for startups and SMEs.
  

• Client management experience, with the ability to engage and co-create with businesses, funders, and partners.
  

• Strong understanding of business development services, learning methodologies, and ecosystem engagement.
  

• Ability to work in fast-paced, high-growth environments, balancing strategic thinking with execution.
  

Desirable:

• Experience working in business consulting, accelerators, venture support organizations, or impact-driven programmes.
  

• Knowledge of digital learning, coaching methodologies, and enterprise capacity building.
  

Benefits

• Be the best: We work really hard, are proud of what we do, and love delighting our clients with quality.
  
• Own it: We step up to the task, never pass the buck and hold ourselves accountable for delivering results.
  
• Push the limits: We ask why, embrace failure and try new things. We never settle.
  
• Do what’s right: We act with integrity, confront dishonesty, treat people fairly and strive to contribute to the greater good
  
• Always care: We don’t have ego – it’s always ‘team before me’. We are kind, we celebrate each other’s success, and we care enough to give honest feedback.
  

• Monthly team social events and bi-annual team buildings
  
• Regular learning and coaching opportunities
  
• A hybrid working model.