2025 was a milestone year for OVO. We celebrated our 25th anniversary—a moment to look back on a quarter-century of building bridges and to look ahead to the future. One lesson has stood out throughout those 25 years: lasting impact is created when entrepreneurs, companies, NGOs and other partners join forces.
The world is changing rapidly. New economic realities are emerging, and Africa will play an increasingly important role in shaping them.
For OVO, this only reinforces the relevance of our mission: strengthening sustainable entrepreneurship in Africa.
Our approach continues to evolve as well. We work ever more closely with local partners, invest in strong networks and continuously adapt our support to entrepreneurs' needs. Together with our volunteers, members, sponsors and partners, we continue to build lasting impact.
These are three insights we would like to share with you:
Almost one in five people worldwide lives in Africa today. By 2050, the continent's population will have doubled, with more than 60% of Africans under the age of 25.
But this is about more than demographics. Africa is a continent of entrepreneurs, innovation and new business models. It will play a key role in future value chains, critical raw materials, energy and growing consumer markets.
For Europe, the future is not about one-way aid, but about a genuine partnership in which we learn from each other and grow together.
A business is much more than an economic activity. It creates jobs, offers opportunities and strengthens entire communities.
That is why OVO supports entrepreneurs who often operate in challenging environments and face gaps in access to finance and expertise. Through coaching, knowledge-sharing and access to finance, we help them build resilient and sustainable businesses.
Behind every loan, coaching programme or investment is a story of people creating opportunities for themselves and for others.
Above all, OVO is a story of collaboration. In 2025, we could count on more than 150 volunteers, a network of over 50 companies and partners across six African countries. Together, we invested nearly €820,000 in socio-economic projects and launched 27 new coaching programmes.
These figures matter. But what matters even more is what they represent: entrepreneurs growing their businesses, communities becoming stronger, and bridges being built between people, companies and continents.
| Curious about the stories behind these numbers? Discover our full 2025 Annual Report here. |
