Togo startup ecosystem mapping project - A Summary

Uncovering key components for the development of the startup ecosystem in Togo

​We are excited to share with you the journey and key insights from our recently completed project aimed at strengthening Togo’s startup ecosystem. Our efforts focused on assessing the Togolese startups ecosystem and setting the foundations towards a dynamic startup ecosystem mapping to minimize the human manual data collection intervention in order to bring more real-time and accurate understanding of the startup environment in Togo. Here’s a summary of the project.

📊 The Project In Numbers

🔄 The Process

​Taking the Startup Commons Startup Development Phases Framework as the reference model for the project, the main activities of the project were:

1. Identifying Key Ecosystem Stakeholders: entrepreneurs, startups, support organizations, financiers, investors, events, media, corporates, the educational system, and more.
2. Mapping Ecosystem Stakeholder Interactions: we explored how these actors interact, revealing key relationships between entrepreneurs and the supporting organizations and the resources they rely on.
3. Analyzing and Capturing Information: we identified what types of information is captured during interactions, how it is gathered, how accessible and shareable it is and its relevance to tracking ecosystem performance.

🏅 One Differential Deliverable

Beyond identifying the current situation, gaps, and future roadmap for the Togolese startup ecosystem, a key output is the blueprint of the ecosystem information repository​, which will serve as the heart and core of the system. This repository will:

• Aggregate, store, process, and distribute data, ensuring a robust and scalable infrastructure to support the ecosystem’s dynamic needs.
• Provide a unified and comprehensive view of the ecosystem by integrating various data sources, enabling informed decision-making, and fostering growth and development.

💡 Innovating in Consulting

​As part of our commitment to innovation and accessibility, we set up an AI Assistant powered by Digiole that consolidated all the accumulated knowledge from the project—including reports, presentations, recorded calls, and more. This AI Assistant, customised according to the local context, ensures that every stakeholder has 24/7 access to project insights.

With the AI Assistant, the project stakeholders can:

• Ask any question about the project and receive immediate answers on topics ranging from data insights to strategic recommendations.
• Access key information at any time, without waiting for team members to respond.
• Overcome language barriers, as the AI Assistant supports both English and French, providing clear communication for Togo’s stakeholders.
• Track each interaction, including the questions asked and the responses provided, while flagging any questions that weren't properly addressed. This offers us a valuable feedback loop, allowing us to continuously improve the assistant’s knowledge base and ensure that every question receives an accurate and comprehensive reply.

​Additionally, when integrated with the ecosystem information repository, the AI assistant will be able to answer questions not only based on existing information but also on new information as it flows into the repository. Simultaneously, it will capture fresh insights directly from its interactions, all in real time. This transforms the AI assistant into both a source of up-to-date information and a tool for collecting data at the ecosystem level. By deploying 10, 100, or more AI assistants, you can scale this process, enhancing the distribution and collection of information to cover a wider array of use cases and interaction points.

If you’re interested in learning more, initiating a similar study in your territory or collaborating to implement these solutions, please reach out to us.