Estonian development cooperation cultivates innovation in Ukraine and Africa
Estonia's startup ecosystem, built on minimal bureaucracy, a global mindset and strong digital infrastructure, is supporting the growth of startups in Ukraine and Africa.
Accelerators provide tangible impact
Finding focus:
"As is often the case with startups, there were difficulties in establishing focus at the beginning. Today, however, they have found their own niches and are in a more mature stage for raising money," said jury member Priit Uustulnd from Startup Wise Guys.
Reducing bureaucracy:
Olena Bufan, CEO of Vetlyx, a startup that simplifies veterinarians' work in Ukraine, emphasised that Estonia's high level of digitalisation and flexibility taught them how to adapt to global markets.
Building networks:
"You never stop learning how to build networks and present yourself as a business owner," said Kim Phatoli, head of The Expert Coalition, a South African battery technology company.
Ukrainian and Kenyan startups presenting their ideas to the jury at the Latitude59 side event. Photo: Enriko Pedaksalu.
Estonian expertise increases competitiveness of partner countries
Investing in partner countries’ sustainable economic development is an important principle of Estonia's development cooperation. By sharing Estonia's experience building startup ecosystems, partner countries can strengthen their competitiveness in the global digital economy. This also creates opportunities for businesses in both Estonia and partner countries to establishing connections and providing support for entering international markets.
According to Reesi Lepa, ESTDEV’s head of Economic Development and Innovation, Estonia has been highly successful in creating a supportive environment for new and fast-growing companies.
"Our startup landscape is diverse. Companies operate across many sectors and support one another, and their success stories are remarkable. This is valuable experience that we can share with other countries, while also learning from those that are themselves developing very rapidly," said Lepa.
ESTDEV contributes to the growth of digital and green capabilities among businesses in partner countries, the development of startup ecosystems and research and development activities that help address environmental challenges and strengthen societies' resilience to technological and climate-related risks.
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