A Conversation with Lindsay Handler of Delta40
At TechBBQ in Copenhagen
The inaugural Nordic African Startup Summit. Hosted by Tech BBQ and headed by Charles Kinga, the event brought together key players from the Nordic and African startup ecosystems in a vibrant and exciting day of relevant conversations, connections, and collaborations! Aimed at showcasing African innovation, and fostering genuine co-operation between the Nordics and Africa, to leverage their joint potential to solve global problems, this groundbreaking event was well- attended, attracting a diverse range of top- class founders, investors, VCs, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders to connect and collaborate.
Q: Can you share with us some highlights you experienced?
A: We set out to showcase African startups, bring ecosystem leaders and academia to the podium with a concentration on key sectors, namely Agrotech, CleanTech, FinTech, Life Sciences and EduTech. We heard builders in these sectors on how they address various challenges with tech-driven solutions, from food security to digital financial inclusion.
Q: Can you share your experience of having just launched the Nordic African startup Summit as part of TechBBQ?
A: TechBBQ hosted the inaugural Nordic-Africa Startup Summit, becoming the first symposium to run such an event in the Nordics, if not in Europe.
We set out to rebrand Africa’s startup ecosystems in the Nordics as unshaped, untamed, but full of potential and succeeded in bringing on stage many top-of-class founders, investors, policy makers and their ideas.
It was a groundbreaking event that brought together key players from the Nordic and African startup ecosystems. TechBBQ has succeeded in creating a thriving environment for innovation and I am glad that Africa has come squarely into the picture.
Thought Leader Africa / Intro:Africa captured some of the event’s most memorable moments, highlighting the energy and enthusiasm of the participants. The visuals from the summit are a testament to the vibrant and collaborative spirit that defined the event.
Q: How was the attendance? And who attended?
A: A valid TechBBQ 2025 ticket was required to access the Nordic-Africa Startup Summit. The event was a platform for founders, investors, VCs, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders from both regions to connect and collaborate.
The summit was very well attended and packed with important conversations, highlighting the potential for collaboration and exchanges in innovation between these two dynamic regions. I led a small elite team of dedicated Africa enthusiasts and volunteers, who played a crucial role in making this event a success. My heartfelt thanks to you – one and all.
Q: Can you share with us some highlights you experienced?
A: We set out to showcase African startups, bring ecosystem leaders and academia to the podium with a concentration on key sectors, namely Agrotech, CleanTech, FinTech, Life Sciences and EduTech. We heard builders in these sectors on how they address various challenges with tech-driven solutions, from food security to digital financial inclusion.
Even though I did not have much time to sit and listen in, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani’s compelling ministerial / opening address on Nigeria’s digital transformation with focus on advancing pro-startup and pro-innovation policies was very uplifting.
Highlighting the role of the African Diaspora in the Startup Ecosystem in both regions was of particular pride for me cos I am part of the African Diaspora too. So, exploring the role played by the unsung heroes of the African Diaspora in the Nordics as catalysts for future trade and economic growth in Africa was a significant milestone.
Another enlightening session was the book reading by author Florence S. Charamba which captivated the business or transactional environment beyond the typical boardroom briefs and economic forecasts, offering a deep dive into the complexities of Southern Africa.
Q: Any partnerships or collaborations you would like to mention or lift up?
A: We had several notable partners, including the Novo Nordisk Foundation, Bestseller Foundation, Bioinnovation Institute, Danish Industry, Impact Fund Denmark, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Denmark. Our media partner was Intro Africa.
Q: What kind of feedback have you received so far?
A: The feedback has been positive. Both delegates and participants appreciated the opportunity to exchange ideas and innovative approaches, address challenges within startup ecosystems and explore how to capitalize on Africa’s growth.
There was also a shared sense of purpose. Even though the time seemed short, I was many times told by the panelists that they supported the Africa initiative, by all means, even though this was a pilot project. That really touched my heart.
Q: Which outcomes would you like to see coming from this event?
A: We hope to see deeper collaborations that actually strengthen ties with Africa and open doors to new markets, better & more patient private equity and growth opportunities that have impact in focus. We aim to showcase African innovation and the opportunities it presents.
As we speak, several collaborations have come out of this Summit. We cannot reveal them without permission due to confidentiality. The most notable being the signing of a Collaboration Framework between Kenya National Innovation Agency and TechBBQ.
Q: Anything you would do differently?
A: While the event was a great success, there is always room for improvement. For example, more time either networking or the panels. Maybe we will spread the Summit over the two days TechBBQ takes place.
We will continue to gather feedback from delegates and participants and make adjustments to ensure future events are even more focused in relation to placing the Africa agenda centrally in TechBBQ in particular, and in the Nordic countries in general. We want a mutually beneficial collaboration between these regions.
Q: Your vision going forward?
A: Our vision is to continue fostering collaborations and genuine co-operation between the Nordics and Africa. We wish to leverage the potential African startups and ecosystems obviously have; that is, home-made innovations that can be implemented globally and solve problems for bottom-of-pyramid populations.
If it is true that Africa is in a similar position as Asia was some 40 years ago — an emerging market with a large young population and growing access to technology – then Africa is poised to become the most productive continent going forward. I consider lower wages, maturing business ecosystems, relatively lax commercial regulations, lower taxes and competitive currency practices to become drivers for vibrant economies.
