SLUSH HAUS’s side event, “Africa – Billion User Market You Can’t Afford to Miss,” highlighted the growth potential of Africa’s digital markets

Together with D4D Hub and partners, HAUS Institute of Public Management organized an impressive side event in connection with Slush Helsinki 2025, focusing on the rapidly growing digital markets in Africa and the business opportunities they present. Africa is emerging as a global digital powerhouse, and the event provided concrete insights into how Finnish and European companies can participate in this development.

The event emphasized how a market of a billion users offers unique opportunities for technology and service companies. Panel discussions highlighted the importance of good governance and trust as enablers of sustainable growth. Several examples were given of how European and African actors can jointly build scalable and impactful solutions.

Kirsi Aaltola, Director of Services at HAUS, opened with remarks underlining the combination of technology and humanity.

– “We stand at the intersection of code and compassion. Innovation does not only change markets—it changes the way we work, learn, and thrive,” Aaltola stated, emphasizing the merging of technology and humanity.

– “Human-centered digital innovation is no longer on the margins—it’s a necessity. Examples include health platforms, inclusive educational technology, and artificial intelligence that amplifies marginalized voices,” she continued.

HAUS’s role in the EU’s Global Gateway partnership brings Finland into Africa’s data management reforms and innovation development. HAUS collaborates with ministries, regulatory authorities, and startups to turn data policies into growth-supporting practices. Well-managed data—handled safely, ethically, and transparently—makes startups attractive investment targets. Governance and growth go hand in hand.

The “Think Like an Investor” program, led by HAUS’s Shirin Namiq, has helped ten digital social innovations from seven African countries become investment-ready—all of which were present at Slush.