How we operate

We select, guide, finance and monitor African companies and organizations to help them achieve their goals.

Selecting

The number of projects in Africa is extremely high But not every initiative is sufficiently mature to grow into a healthy company. 

Together with seven recognized NGOs and our other partners, we select projects that show initiative, innovation, motivation and a sustainable approach. 

Coach 

African start-ups, scale-ups and entrepreneurs with African roots with a lot of potential are included in our Sustainable Technology for Africa campaigns. 

During a multi-day bootcamp you will receive coaching and sessions for ten entrepreneurs to make their business model more sustainable. Financial planning, sales and presentation skills are covered. The courses are given by experts from among VITO and Belgian companies. 

Each team is assigned a minimum of 2 coaches, one from Belgium and a local coach. The coaches support the selected project team to make great progress during the 'boostcamp'. Companies that support our operation can suggest employees to act as a coach during a boostcamp. 

The coaching will be continued for the next six months, to prepare projects for investment

Finance

Once our investment committee determines that a project is investment-ready, we search our extensive network for social business angels willing to invest in the project. In addition, 25 to 50% of the loan comes from our own OVO Acceleration Fund. In this way, we try to ensure that the African company receives a tailored social loan. On average, 1 in 3 companies gets such a loan.

The repayment terms and interest are clearly defined in an investment agreement. Once a company has repaid the loan, a new loan can be granted if necessary.

Follow up

Even after the granting of their social loan, African companies receive further in-depth guidance with the start-up or further development of their company. The projects also automatically join the OVO entrepreneurs' club, where knowledge sharing and collaboration are central.