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Africa Tech Festival 2024 reflections   So last week I attended the 2024 Africa Tech festival event/showcase for the very first time at CTICC. Kudos to the events management team for a well run event (including the false evacuation alarm 😊) but I guess they were testing how responsive we will be in case of an emergency.   From the sessions I attended, I was inspired by the various trailblazers both from the African continent and abroad who shared their insights on the various topics, unapologetically and with conviction. Even though I attended a few mixed gender panel sessions, I must admit my bias towards women oriented topics (EQL:Lounge was my targeted space).   My key takeaways are: - AI is here to stay, we need to adapt so we are not left behind - Digital inclusion, meaningful access/connectivity for all is needed as we have a large unconnected and underserved population in Africa - When considering starting new ventures, the best lessons are those found outside your comfort zone - A lot more work needs to be sone to champion female economic empowerment and there are a lot of people doing amazing work in this space - It is important to have diverse networks - Women need to take up their space in areas that affect them including policy development and decision making Definitely looking forward to 2025 event ( 🤞 )

💡 Collaborative African Tech: Part II 🚀 OpenUp (formerly Code for South Africa) are excited to share Part II of our blog series (you can read the scintillating Part I here: https://lnkd.in/d2CP3GB9), which is called: "The insights into opportunities and solutions from our African co-design process." Following our Co-Design Workshop with CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation and Civic Tech Innovation Network, we dive into the opportunities and solutions identified by our community of democracy innovators that gathered Nairobi, Kenya. In this blog, we focus on: * Transforming funding environments * Leveraging peer trust for community opportunities * Building data-driven organisations * Supporting policy and economic drivers of innovation 🌟 Our decade-long experience in driving social impact technology in the region has shown us that community-driven innovation is the key to a more inclusive digital future in Africa. From addressing funding challenges to fostering peer collaboration and enhancing data-driven initiatives, we explore how local insights and shared resources can drive meaningful change, and how many opportunities there are to do so! Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/dJ3DTTS3 #innovation #digitaldemocracy #techforgood #civictech #africainnovation #socialimpact

Few days ago, I interviewed a dreamer girl! She shares valuable advice on creating business models, the need for structured planning, and her vision to build a "Female Silicon Valley" in Africa by 2030. Zulaiha Dobia Abdullah also highlights the challenges women face in tech and how Divaloper is addressing these through mentorship and training programs. Watch now to learn about the career opportunities in tech for young women! Building A Female Silicon Valley" in Africa by 2030 https://lnkd.in/euNCHGJN

RYCO Secretary General, Albert Hani, MSc joined the 33rd Economic Forum in Karpacz, Poland, where over 6,000 participants came together to discuss the major challenges of today and tomorrow. From #innovations and AI to #youthempowerment this year’s forum is packed with debates, panels, and workshops focusing on shaping the future. 🌍 At the panel on #socialactivism among youth, SG Hani emphasized the critical role of young people in driving change and innovation, highlighting how RYCO has empowered thousands across the Western Balkans through education, culture, and social activism. 🫂 Read more in the article below 👇

Katharina Link, CEO of Pulse Africa, participated in a panel discussion at the Africa Startup Festival titled "Driving Digital Transformation in Africa: The Synergy Between Government, Academia, and Industry in Fostering Innovation." She was joined by Ben Okonkwo, Impact Lead at the Tony Elumelu Foundation; Olatubosun Alake, Commissioner for Innovation, Science & Technology; Dr. Roselyn Isimeto PhD, Faculty Member/Researcher at the Department of Computer Sciences, University of Lagos; and Oyinkansola Akintola-Bello, Director of the UK-NG Technology Hub, Foreign Commonwealth Development Office. During the session, Katharina posed a thought-provoking question to Dr. Roselyn Isimeto: "How can academic institutions better align their curricula to meet the practical needs of the startup ecosystem and foster a true culture of entrepreneurship among students?" This sparked a powerful conversation on the role of education in empowering Africa’s next generation of innovators. At Pulse, we are committed to driving conversations that empower young people and inspire innovation to fuel Africa's growth. #WeArePulse

The rise of African tech communities by TechGist Africa The rise of tech communities in Africa represents a dynamic and rapidly growing sector that is transforming the continent’s economy, fostering

Day 1 of the #AWIEF2024 Conference was nothing short of inspiring! The day began with powerful keynotes from Irene Ochem, Founder of Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF), and Dr. Naledi Pandor, former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, South Africa, who set the tone for the transformative conversations ahead. We explored a wide range of topics through insightful panel discussions, including: ✨Boosting women entrepreneurship in sustainable tourism and hospitality (in partnership with the EU). ✨Harnessing data and AI for business growth in the evolving world of technology. ✨Climate change and entrepreneurship, focusing on building inclusive green economies in Africa. ✨Women leading the change in healthcare innovations, highlighting digital health and the power of choice. Networking moments throughout the day sparked connections and collaborations. This is what the future looks like—bold ideas, impactful partnerships, and a shared commitment to growth and equity. Onward to Day 2! 🎥: Motse Collective Impact #AWIEF2024 #futureforall #10yearsofimpact #collaborationforgrowth #entrepreneurship #womenempowerment #day1 #glasshouseprat12 #wetellyourstory

🌟 Spotlight on Iddris Sandu: Africa's Tech Prodigy and Innovator 🌟 Today, we shine a spotlight on Iddris Sandu, a Ghanaian-American tech genius who is redefining the boundaries of technology, design, and social impact. At just 26 years old, Iddris has already established himself as one of the most influential minds in tech, blending creativity with engineering to build solutions that shape the future. 🌍💻 Iddris is passionate about empowering young people, particularly in underserved communities, by making technology more accessible and equitable. His work spans multiple industries, from artificial intelligence to urban planning, and he has collaborated with some of the world’s leading brands and innovators. 🔑 Key Achievements: At age 13, Iddris interned with Google, where he helped improve Google Maps. Developed tech programs and strategies for Uber, Instagram, and Snapchat by the age of 19. Architected the first smart retail store for Nipsey Hussle’s Marathon Clothing, fusing tech with retail in innovative ways. Named one of the most influential young African Americans in tech, Iddris is a fierce advocate for youth in technology, particularly in creating opportunities for underserved communities. Founded HALT LABS, a think tank focused on improving the intersections of technology, design, and cultural advancement. 🌱 His Vision: Iddris Sandu’s mission is to bridge the gap between tech education and communities of color, empowering African and diasporic youth to lead the next wave of technological innovation. His goal is to create an inclusive future where everyone has access to the tools and knowledge needed to disrupt the tech industry. Let’s celebrate Iddris Sandu’s drive to transform the tech landscape through inclusion and innovation. 🚀🌟 #AfricaDisrupters #IddrisSandu #TechProdigy #InnovationInAfrica #YouthInTech #TechForGood #InspiringInnovators #TechLeadership

In the latest episode of #ConversationswithGofaone, Dr. McLean Sibanda delves into the vital connection between innovation and problem-solving, emphasizing how these skills are nurtured within our education systems. He asserts that by equipping the younger generation with the skills needed to foster innovation, we can unlock the potential for a thriving economy in Africa. As the rest of the world ages, Africa’s youthful population is growing, presenting a significant opportunity for innovation across the continent. What’s your take on this topic?

The rise of African tech communities by TechGist Africa The rise of tech communities in Africa represents a dynamic and rapidly growing sector that is transforming the continent’s economy, fostering