WAAW Foundation’s Post

What Role Does Policy Play in Moving Africa's Tech Landscape Towards Global Competitiveness? A pivotal avenue for Africa's ascent to prominence in the global technology sphere lies in the realm of policy development. Across the continent, policymakers hold the reins to drive strategic interventions, narrowing the chasm that impedes Africa's seamless integration into global systems and propelling it towards a position of competitiveness. Take a breather to imagine a continent where thoroughly crafted inclusive, robust, responsive regulations empower both nascent startups and established tech giants to innovate with audacity. Envision a landscape where localised solutions are engineered to uplift marginalised communities and bolster the informal sector, turning unique challenges into fertile ground for revolutionary advancements. This is the trajectory we must chart as a collective. During the dynamic "International Technology Panel" Derrydean Dadzie had the privilege to moderate at the recent 3i Africa Summit, a pivotal inquiry directed to Matt Grasser, Co-Founder and Co-Head of Cambridge SupTech Lab, was: "How can Africa's policymakers and regulators collaborate to harmonise and streamline regulations, for a unified digital marketplace?" #3iafricasummit2024 #3iafricasummit #fintech #innovation #impact

The Closing Plenary of CTIF & Jamfest ‘23: #AfrIcaFlows will reflect on the influence of Artificial Intelligence in the work of media and civic tech innovators on the African continent. The panel will tie together key themes and ideas that have come out of the discussions during the conference. Speakers will be encouraged to highlight the creative and dynamic ways Africa is flowing and how this momentum could be carried forward. What types of support do we need in the civic tech and media innovation industry to keep flowing? What are the barriers (existing and future) that may hinder or deflect this flow? In planning for Africa’s digital transformation wave, what is the role of innovation, collaboration, and partnerships? Who will likely be the key stakeholders in this process? Register for the Closing Plenary here: https://t.ly/XnT45 #AfricaFlows #CivicTech #Africa

When technology meets humanity, Africa will start writing a new narrative🌍 Africa's past does not need to determine its future. What happens when technology meets humanity in Africa's future? 🚀 What's the key to rewriting Africa's narrative?💡Nova Ideation is driving a new era of African-led sustainable tech solutions. We identify impactful, established  innovators who are designing Exponential Organizations with new business models, collaborative mindsets and a deep cultural understanding to solve African problems. Any African tech innovators out there we need to know about?  Share your thoughts below! 👇 Christophe Fauconnier Mala Dorasamy Yaw Sarkodie-Mensah Ciarán Whitaker Bontle Modiselle Kantar Innate Motion Kanchana Moodliar Joe Public Evelyne Mbula Nzuki, LL.M, MCIArb #InnovationForImpact #AfricaTechRevolution #AfricanSolutionsforAfricanProblems #TechForHumanity #InnovateAfrica #FutureTechAfrica #TechSolutionsForAll #AfricanInnovationHub #HumanitarianTech #EmpowerTechAfrica

Some have argued that government has no business in business. Reality, I reckon, is a solid counter to this argument. To develop a realistic and effective operations strategy, a business must fully appreciate the place and reach of government as a major determinant of business performance within the broader matrix of business success factors. This was the thrust of one of my arguments as a panelist at the recently concluded Global Tech Africa summit.

BPESA is grateful to Topco Media and the Sentech Africa Tech Week team for the opportunity to support last week's insightful conference and for Digital Lead, Neville Cousins to serve as an awards judge. Congratulations to all the finalists, and category winners! Key takeaways, beyond the fantastic networking and new connections, is the rapid pace of innovation in South Africa and across Africa. Application development, AI, and Data Science are leading many entrepreneurial initiatives, with a significant number being youth-led. It's also exciting to see FinTech creatively addressing many of Africa's financial challenges. Representatives from government highlighted their efforts in tackling infrastructural issues including sustainable energy and internet connectivity in underserved areas. Suggestions that more should and could be done on how to “leap-frog” the rest of the world were made by the audience.  To compete globally, a stronger focus is needed on skills development, internet access, and startup support from both government and enterprises. Digital skills development, starting from a young age in schools, was also emphasized as crucial and robust conversations around these themes were hosted. Overall, it was a well-structured conference with the right focus, and the participation from many African countries which made it truly worthwhile. #BPESA #SentechAfricaSentechWeek #GBS #BPO #Digital #ITO #StrongerTogether

#ICYMI How is Africa leapfrogging over this digital disruption? And what can be done to accelerate the expansion of digital connectivity and innovation? A team of industry leaders breaks down Africa’s achievements in this space and explores what is practically needed to ensure that no African is left behind. Watch the full conversation here⬇️ https://lnkd.in/dCzsESrx Brought to you by Cassava Technologies 

African tech faced significant turmoil in 2023, but practical innovations are paving the way for future growth. In our latest blog, Faith Shaib, Senior Client Executive at Hudson Sandler, reflects on recent challenges facing Africa's tech ecosystem and why it must remember to focus on creating solutions that address the real and present needs of individuals on the continent. Click here to read the full piece: https://lnkd.in/dfGaTT3J #AfricanTech #AfricanVC #HudsonSandler #Blog #Techecosystem

Given the rapid and global impact of technology and innovation shaping the world, ANF investigated how young Africans see African-led innovation and digital tech solutions within the global context. Read the results in ' Africa – innovator or imitator? Exploring narratives around Africa’s technological capabilities.'  https://lnkd.in/dtavhn6e 

Here's a glimpse into the Top 5 Most Innovative Countries on the continent. From groundbreaking tech hubs to transformative solutions, these nations are shaping Africa's future. #technifyafrica #africainnovation

TIA is calling for the submission of funding applications for Information and Communications Technologies Digital Economies Innovations. This call aims to support the develop and stimulate innovations based on the ICT/4IR/AI domain in support of the South African Digital Economy agenda. Solutions supported by this call are expected to stimulate development of local economy through, amongst others, digitisation, service delivery improvement and job creation. Applications are invited from any recognised South African legal entity, including start-up companies, small, medium and micro enterprises, private individuals, science councils and higher education institutions. https://lnkd.in/dcFVaSDw